NEAT NUMERALS
Those numbers are in the news.

39

Dog ownership continues to rise.

As of 2007, just under 39 percent of Americans had one or more dogs. One-fourth of dog owners have two or more canines. On average, owners have 1.7 dogs.

34

Just to be fair, we'll report on cat ownership: 34 percent as of 2007. Some 56 percent of cat owners have more than one feline.

175

A Potter County landmark, the First Seventh Day Baptist Church of Hebron, will celebrate the 175th anniversary of its ministry on Saturday. Members of the public are welcome to join the celebration, which includes an 11 am worship service, luncheon at 12:30, followed by a hymn sing at 2 and anniversary celebration program at 3.

Additional information is available from Pastor Jo Anne Kandel at 274-9492.

4,585

A Memorial Day documentary on PBS included a summary of the government's official tally of U.S. war casualties, including the 4,585 who have been lost since 2002 in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Totals are: Civil War, 498,332; World War I, 116,516; World War II, 405,399; Korean War, 54,346; Vietnam War, 58,209; Gulf War, 1,972; Afghanistan, 506; Iraq, 4,079.

1,100

An estimated 1,100 World War II veterans are dying daily. There were once 16 million WWII vets. Now, the total has dropped below 2.5 million, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

500K

Although participation in the Cameron County Relay for Life has waned in recent years, it remains an important fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society.

Relay organizers report that the event has raised more than $500,000 in its first nine years. The tenth annual Relay is June 20-21 and it's not too late to enter a team. For details, call Susan Babik at 1-800-458-3856, extension 3507.

72.7

As the era of $4.00 per gallon gasoline arrived, motorists were cursing as they filled their tanks.

Obviously, the price of has is pegged to the price of crude oil. That accounts for 72.7 percent of the cost. Taxes add another 11.5 percent, while refining accounts for 10 percent of the price and distribution costs total about 4.8 percent.

37

Lifestyle changes have resulted from higher gasoline prices

Some 37 percent report that they have cancelled at least one vacation due to higher gas costs. Another 24 percent say they have opted for a vacation destination closer to home.

Just five percent say they've started car-pooling as result of higher prices.

3

Three educators from western Pennsylvania will embark on a 216-mile journey on foot Thursday. They're walking from Meyersdale to Washington DC to raise awareness of environmentally friendly energy.

Proceeds from the nineday walk will be donated to "Principals for Change," a fund for classroom programs on alternative energy and environmental responsibility.

18

A cornerstone was laid for St. Marks' Catholic Church in Emporium 120 years ago. Two years late, in 1890, the new church was dedicated. It was built at a cost of about $20,000.