OUR SALUTE: We can identify those youths in Smethport who
saluted during the playing of taps at a recent military
funeral.

Kim Young of Smethport tells us they were her grandchildren,
Devin and Sarah Young and Jacob Stauffer.

Our salute to them for showing the rest of us that, yes, some
children still do respect things that matter. A reader last week
had told us he was moved when these youngsters actually interrupted
their playing to salute during taps.

BEECH BOUNTY: William “Gus” Gocella of Crossville, Tenn., tells
us another positive factor about the beech tree: mushrooms.

“This species of hardwood, in addition to what the article
referenced, is one of the long-time primary food sources for
wildlife and humans once the tree dies or is harvested.

“Stump mushrooms, the edible kind, come from the beech trees and
have for hundreds of years. When our forests are harvested and
within the harvest there are beech and maple trees, those of us who
are ‘stump mushroomers’ follow the logged areas for 7-10 years
after the harvest is completed and enjoy the stump mushrooms for
many more years.

“One will find abundant deer population in areas where once
stood a stand of beech/maple, as they, too, enjoy one of nature’s
finest vegetables.

“First/second generation Italian families who have lived in the
Bradford area have picked these staple foods, cold packed/froze
them. Mushrooms complemented many pork chop, steak and sausage
dinners for many cold winter days.”

ONE MORE: We ran out of room the other day when passing along
some tips from Elaine Harris of Oswayo, Pa., on saving money.

Elaine had one more: “Laundry. Appliances which heat use a lot
of electricity or gas. Avoid using the dryer as much as possible by
hanging the laundry on a clothesline outside, in a basement or on
clothes bars or racks. Clothing hung to dry on hangers lose most
wrinkles. When laundry is slightly damp, use the dryer, if desired,
for fluffing them, using low heat for 5-10 minutes.”

Young people today probably don’t know what a clothesline
is!

Elaine also tells us she has some recipes which are economical –
ones which require no eggs; or jam which requires no Sure-Jel or
Certo. They are yours for the asking by writing to Elaine Harris,
41 Maple St., Oswayo, Pa. 16915.