State Lecturer

Sharon Kimmel
State Lecturer
1036 Lindenhurst Road
Yardley, PA 19067
(215) 968-3348
(215) 860-6162
cell: (215) 801-6843

Greetings from Yardley!
It’s time for “spring clean-up” (or out!) How does one accumulate so much “stuff” over the winter? Why don’t we just “get rid of” these things right from the start instead of spending hours (or days) separating the “stuff” into different piles annually? I’m sure you know those piles well. The first would be the “I definitely must keep “it” pile” (for posterity or “in case you need it someday.”) Then there is the “I think I’ll store “it” pile” (for the yard, garage or block sale.) This is followed by the “I will donate “it” pile” (to charity or to a friend so he/she can eventually put “it” into their own pile someday.) Don’t forget the “when in doubt throw “it” out pile” (so nobody has to look at it ever again.) Last but not least (and probably the biggest pile of all) is the “let’s set it aside until I make up my mind what to do with “it” pile.” Whew are you tired of “moving things around yet?”

Let’s spend a little time discussing the “throw it out” pile. We have an obligation (as upstanding citizens) to dispose of our “stuff” properly not only for our safety, but for the safety of our neighbors, the general public, domestic animals, wildlife and our environment “Mother Earth.” Before anything is disposed of in the regular trash bin we must ask ourselves, “are these items Hazardous Products?” Read the label if you are unsure of its nature. Hazardous Products will have cautionary words on the container. For example: the words Danger, Caution, Warning, Corrosive, Flammable, Irritant, Explosive, Toxic, Combustible, Use with Adequate Ventilation or even Avoid Inhaling-just to name a few. These words should raise a red flag in our minds and encourage us to look for ways to dispose of these items properly. If there are no words indicating that it is indeed a hazardous product, it probably is not. If you are unsure of what to do with some items or have no idea where to discard them you could call the Pennsylvania HHW Hotline at 800-346-4242. When you speak to a representative of this organization you may want to inquire into the possibility of recycling some of your items.

Most townships have information on disposal options and the locations of several Hazardous Waste Collection Sites available to their residents. Call them and ask. If you are in Bucks County you can contact the Bucks County Planning Commission by calling 215-345-3400 or www.buckscounty.org for those who have access to computers.

These Collection Sites usually accept: Old Computers, Pesticides-DDT, Malathion, Sevin, Rodent Poison etc. Flammables-Oil based paint (NOT LATEX) and thinners, spot removers Kerosene, Gasoline, Gas and Oil Mixtures (like what is used in “weed-whackers,” chainsaws, some lawn mowers, etc, Caustics-Ammonia Based Cleaners, Lye, Oven-Drain and Metal Cleaners, Toxics-Pool Chemicals, Photographic Chemicals and Paint remover, Weed Killer, Mercury, Antifreeze (which kills many animals each year-because of its sweet taste animals readily drink this lethal liquid,) Household Batteries-Lithium, re-chargeable and all button type batteries, Lead-Acid Batteries-Car, Truck, Marine, Motorcycle, Propane Tanks-generally restricted by weight, i.e. under 25 pounds.

There are certain items that Collection Sites do not want. Generally they ask that you not take appliances, asbestos, biological waste, explosives, gas cylinders over a certain weight, alkaline batteries, radioactive waste, tires, latex paint, etc. (Latex paint is NOT toxic and may be thrown in the regular trash after it has been properly prepared. Since it is water based it must be dried before disposed of. Simply leave the lid off and let it air dry or mix it with kitty litter, shredded paper, sawdust, etc. until it solidifies. Then place the container with the dried up liquid in a plastic bag and dispose of it in your regular trash.)

Never dispose of household products that contain toxic chemicals down the sink or storm drain. They can seep into the environment and pollute the air, water and soil.
One of the most common questions that people ask is "What do we do with left-over paint?" The answer is “remember the 3 'R’s'.” REDUCE-(Buy only what you need and return any unopened cans.) REUSE-(leftover paint can be used as an undercoat, second or third coat, touch-ups, projects or crafts. You can also offer it to a friend, neighbor or donate to a community group, school, theater group, sign painter, etc.) RECYCLE-(Latex paints can be blended together to produce a different color. Then, in your spare time, you can repaint your room! Oil based paint can be blended together also and reused but DO NOT blend latex and oil together.)

“Come on people now - smile all together - everybody get together - bring your families to the Battle of Centre Hall.”
“You’ll have a fun time - wear costumes - do craft time - take part in workshops and the bus tours - meet the soldiers of the well known Civil War.”
“Come on Grangers now - who will you vote for - watch the battle on the fairgrounds - take your sides and cheer on the Blue or the Gray.”
“Sing in the choir - take part in bingo - join the contests and the dances - throw some horse shoes - ride the bike paths - have a ball.”

Have I sparked your interest yet with my lyrics? (Can you name that tune?) Please mark your calendars for the fun-filled PA Grange Family Festival at the beautiful Centre Hall Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, PA (near State College.) Put a big circle around Thursday, July 17th to Sunday, July 20th and come join the fun! Remember the theme for this year's Festival is “The Civil War.” We will have Civil War re-enactors that will be camping with us the entire weekend in full costume and ready to answer questions and give us “a taste” of what it was like to live during that era.

To attend this “Civil War family get-together” simply complete the registration form found in The Advocate (page 10) and mail it to Faye Heckman. (HI FAYE!) You can’t miss this form either. It is a full page. Please help Faye by completing one form per person.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET TO BRING AN INEXPENSIVE GIFT, WRAPPED IN PLAIN PAPER FOR THE BINGO PRIZES. WE’LL COLLECT THEM AT THE REGISTRATION TABLE.
Don’t forget to pack your costumes and materials to decorate your camper, trailer or tent. We will continue to hold our contests: Best Civil War Costume, Best Civil War Decorated Camper/Trailer and Best Civil War Decorated Tent. These contests will be judged Friday evening after the Campfire dinner and the winners will be announced during the Bingo Game.
Does anyone know what is so special about the month of April? No, I do not mean “the month of April fools pranks” either! It was Friendship Month! Of course by the time you read this article it will be May but, oh well! Have you hugged a friend lately? Have you many friends? Have you ever lost a friendship because you said something in anger and regret having said it? Everyone has I am sure. I remember Mom reminding me that words hurt and to be careful never to say anything in anger. Her exact words were: “Guard well thy tongue for it is an unruly member that contains deadly poison.” We must keep in mind that once we open our mouths and “let the words out” that they can never be taken back. That being said let me end with a little poem that Mom taught me many years ago:

Friendship is like china
Costly rich and rare
When the china is broken
It can be mended
But the crack is always there.

Keep this in mind the next time you have a conversation with a friend. Good friends who are true blue are worth keeping. So, fellow Grangers, find an old friend and thank them for their friendship. Tell them they mean the world to you. Thanks Mom for all of your wisdom. I will cherish it forever.

Have a great spring!

Fraternally,
Sharon