Laurel Mountain Post December 2013

ISSN 2330-6629

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST

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Westmoreland County Guide to Homes

LAUREL MOUNTAINDecember POST, September2013 2013 - 1

Choose the Medicare plan you want — your way.

But hurry. The deadline for selecting your Medicare Advantage plan with Part D prescription coverage is Dec. 7, 2013. This may be your only chance to change plans for 2014.

UPMC for Life can provide you with personalized help in choosing a Medicare plan today: • Call us at the number below to speak with a trained and knowledgeable representative who can walk you through the Medicare selection process.

• Attend a local informational meeting near you.

• Meet face-to-face with an authorized UPMC for Life representative at your home or the location of your choosing.

• Visit a UPMC Connect Service and Sales Center in a mall near you: Century III Mall, Monroeville Mall, The Mall at Robinson, Ross Park Mall, and South Hills Village Mall.

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Silver and Gold “Ev'ryone wishes for silver and gold How do you measure its worth Just by the pleasure it gives here on Earth” We put up our Christmas Tree over the Thanksgiving holiday, and decided to go with a theme of silver and gold this year. Our blended family owns so many Christmas ornaments, we could fill ten trees or more – so each year we like to do something different.

As my daughter and I started picking out sparkly glass balls and glittery characters, we both started humming the song that Burl Ives, as Sam the Snowman, sang in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer . . . “Silver and Gold” (written by Johnny Marks, 1964). We were smiling and giggling, twirling around the tree, that symbol of the season.

The sentiment of that Christmas song is so simple, yet it never really impacted me before quite like it did during those moments. Silver and

gold celebrates riches, both tangible and aesthetic – the treasures we offer in honor of the holidays and exchange with each other. But more than that, they represent the precious human spirit deep within ourselves and our willingness to share it in the world.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could tap into that well of kindness throughout the year, and not just at Christmas?

Please enjoy this issue of the Laurel Mountain Post, our gift to you in December, filled with the best that we have to offer this season. We are looking forward to the new year with a sparkle in our eyes and a glow in our hearts.

– Merry Christmas!

“Silver and Gold means so much more when I see Silver and Gold decorations on every Christmas tree”

Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2013 - 3

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST The Laurel Mountain Post is an independent, monthly publication produced at Fairview Farm in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any format must be obtained in writing from the publisher. This publication is registered with the US Library of Congress, ISSN 2330-6629.

Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher Megan Fuller, Managing Editor Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher Elizabeth Srsic, Art & Layout Editor Michelle Schultz, Business Manager Jason Ament, Advertising Consultant Media: Joe Jerich, Eric Pensenstadler, Tiffany Jackson.

Circulation: Jason Ament, Nancy Clark, Granny Earth, Gretchen Fuller, Cathi Gerhard, Laurie McGinnis, Victoria Mull, Bob Raho, Doug Richardson, Beverly Struble, Alice Susa, Gregory Susa, Lindsay Turchetta, Robert Williams, and Jack Wilson.

Columnists: please use contact information provided at the end of each article or on our website.

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Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published.

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Laurel Mountain Post-style stories, links and photos EVERY DAY!

Editorial Office 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627

Mailing Address PO Box 332 Ligonier, PA 15658

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4 - December 2013

Every Story Begins At Home LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

The Miracle on Mill Street

by Nancy A. Clark My younger sister and I lay in our shared bed with one eye and both ears open on the Christmas Eve of ‘47, comforting our feverishly-ill dolls and gazing into the night sky for a glimpse of those iconic reindeer. We listened intently for their hoofs to hit our steep slate roof and for Santa’s boots to scrape the bricks as he’d wiggle down our chimney.

It must not have troubled us that our chimney opened into a roaring fire in the coal furnace. We simply trusted that the big fat man in the bright red suit would emerge – unscathed and un-scorched – to find his way to our living room to consume yet another stack of sugar cookies before unloading his bag beneath our Christmas tree. And, as it would be forever more, we slept through the Main Event.

Connie and I probably coveted many items in the North Pole edition of the Sears Wish Book, but Santa delivered mostly practical things to our house on Mill Street. We were admonished to be content and grateful for whatever we received. “A lot of children in Chile won’t get anything,” our map-minded mom preached to stave off any holiday disappointment. But that year, her philosophy didn’t resonate.

My sister and I had whispered only one wish into The Company Store Santa’s ear as we took turns sitting on his boney knee two weeks before Christmas. All I asked for was a little black satchel filled with “doctor things” like those Doc Edison carried on house calls. And if Connie could just have a nurse kit filled with nursing things, our dolls would never again suffer the ravages of whatever maladies we assigned to them.

When all the wrappings and ribbons had been cleared away on Christmas morning, it became painfully apparent that Santa had not harkened to our plea. There were no Every Story Begins At Home.

medical kits left for us. And we probably didn’t exhibit “content” and “grateful” for the items he substituted.

No way could new socks and underwear cure the litany of devastating diseases to which our doll children were prone.

Mom’s furrowed brow reflected our disillusionment. “Maybe Santa lost those presents over Peru,” she

one of two prettily wrapped packages.

“Santa must have dropped these on his way down the chimney,” he said, winking at Mom as he handed the second package to me.

There was no containing our joy when we unwrapped - you guessed it - a white nurse’s kit and a black doctor’s bag. Our parents exhaled deeply and smiled broadly. “See? St.

said, offering comfort in the prospect that two less fortunate children would benefit; but I feared we simply didn’t make Santa’s NICE list.

By New Year’s Day our dolls were in the throes of an undiagnosed ailment that had them teetering on the banks of the River Jordon. My spirit was further deflated when Dad began to de-decorate the Christmas tree that lighted and brightened our home. With every box of ornaments carried to the attic, my feeble hope that the objects of our obsession might magically appear melted like icicles in sunshine.

But childhood hope springs eternal, and miracles do happen. On his last trip from the attic, Dad literally danced his way to where Connie and I were comforting our critically ill dolls. “Look at what I found in the attic,” he sang as he handed Connie

Nick didn’t forget,” Dad said. In retrospect, he seemed overly eager to cover the Big Guy’s butt. (Did I mention that my father’s name was Nick?)

For the next five decades, Mom stuck to the cover-up story she and Dad concocted. “St. Nick really did drop those two packages, you know.”

Only the elf-like twinkle in her eye betrayed the truth behind the Christmas faux pas – that in hiding the gifts from our sight, she and “St. Nick” hid them from their minds.

With the delivery of our respective medical kits, Santa was reinstated to our good graces; the furrows disappeared from our mother’s brow; and our dolls made miraculous recoveries from every illness unknown to man. All because that which was lost was found – and just in the St. Nick of time.

December 2013 - 5

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6 - December 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

I hear there’s a greener form of fracking for natural gas and oil that uses carbon dioxide instead of water to access underground reserves.

Is this really better for the environment?

— Jason Burroughs, Erie, PA Hydraulic fracturing (known as shale formations providing signifiamounts of wastewater produced in “fracking”) is a method of causing cant additional storage. the process.” fissures in underground shale rock Right now CO2-based fracking is He adds that CO2 may also yield formations to facilitate the extraction uncommon, given the abundance of more natural gas and oil than water, of otherwise inaccessible natural gas water in our biggest fracking regions given the dynamics of how it works and oil. In a typical fracking operand the logistical challenges in underground. Also, CO2 used in ation, drillers inject a mixture of prestransporting a compressible gas to fracking can be recovered and used surized water and chemicals underwell sites safely and cheaply. But as repeatedly. And once a well is done ground to fracture the rock and free fracking expands into politically producing, it can be sealed up, up the gas and oil. Not widely sequestering the CO2 underground charged areas, or arid regions where employed in the U.S. until less than a where it can’t add to global warming. water is scarce, waterless fracking decade ago, fracking has quickly Researchers at the University of could become more common. Albecome a major player in the U.S. Virginia estimate that fracked secready, nearly half of the fracked wells energy scene. The resulting influx of drilled across the U.S. in 2011-2012 tions of the Marcellus shale in the cheap domestic natural gas—cleaner eastern U.S. could store over half of are in water-stressed areas, accorburning than the oil and coal it has ding to the sustainability-oriented all U.S. CO2 emissions from power replaced—is at least partly responnon-profit, CERES. And a recent study plants and other stationary sources sible for the fact that the U.S. has from the consulting firm Wood over the next 20 years, with other reduced its greenhouse gas emissions Mackenzie concluded that many of to the lowest levels since 1992. the countries with the greatest Fracking has been good for promise for developing shale oil oil companies, the economy and gas through fracking suffer and even our carbon footprint, from water shortages. but it doesn’t come without Bullis says that one of the environmental cost. A typical largest shale gas resources in the fracking operation pumps some world is in China underneath five million gallons of water and 115,000 square miles of desert. chemicals under-ground to “Piping in water would strain break up the shale. About half already tight supplies,” he says, the water is removed during the but adds that China’s major use oil and gas recovery process, of coal-fired power plants means leaving the other half underthe country has plenty of CO2 it ground where it can contamincould be capturing and using. ate aquifers and degrade soils.

CONTACTS: MIT Technology Review, Enterprising petroleum enwww.technologyreview.com; “Estimating gineers have been hard at work the Carbon Sequestration Capacity of Shale Formations Using Methane Production Rates,” trying to find ways to frack withhttp://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ out water. One promising alteres401221j. native involves using carbon EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy dioxide (CO2) to break up the Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered underground shale instead of trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send water. questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

“Fracking with carbon The Laurel Mountain Post presents these dioxide has a number of potenEarth Talk columns in order to provide tial advantages,” reports Kevin scientific information to the reader. We try to choose topics relevant to western PennsylBullis in the MIT Technology vania, and do not take political stances on Review. “Not only would it these sometimes controversial subjects. eliminate the need for millions A typical fracking operation pumps some five million gallons of water and chemicals Readers are encouraged to review the data of gallons of water per well, it underground to break up the shale. About half the water is removed during the oil presented to aid in forming their own educated opinions. gas recovery process, leaving the other half underground where it can would also eliminate the large and contaminate aquifers and degrade soils. (Credit: Flickr) Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2013 - 7

MEMORY LANE

by Ruthie Richardson

“Gimme’ A Head With Hair, Long Beautiful Hair… ”(The Cowsills)

I saw a girl the other day who had dyed her hair black and streaked it with pink and blue. I watched her walk through the mall, and saw her smile as she received the exact stares and whispers she was looking for when she chose that look.

Hair. Our crowning glory. It remains that one thing that can radically, and temporarily change our appearance, not to mention our attitude. In one afternoon you can go from sweet, innocent and anonymous, to a cutting edge, dangerous looking rebel.

The myriad of textures, colors and styles where hair is concerned is endless. Those manes run the gamut from a big shock of unruly frizz to the poker straight corn silk that defies curling, and every texture in between. We see lengths from the floor- dragging mop made popular by Crystal Gale to the shortest pixie sported by Mary Martin for her role as Peter Pan. Hair, or the lack of it, can also cause anguish for those with a thinning pate and the everspreading chrome dome. And finally, in today’s world more and more folks are exercising their right to just shave it all off, and some of those guys (and gals) look pretty cute with that shiny noggin!

The first thoughts I can recall about my hair were wishing that my mom hadn’t thought about it quite so

much. When I was a little tyke my pale blond hair was pretty poker straight.

My mom, along with most other moms from those long ago days had watched the darling of the big screen, Shirley Temple, and fell in love with her bouncing curls. Alas, that look was not to be found on most little girls. I think I read somewhere that it wasn’t even the natural look of Shirley herself, that she had a staff of hairdressers coaxing that little mop into those perfectly aligned ringlets.

Our moms figured that if the Little Princess, Heidi, could achieve those curls, then so could the rest of America’s little girls. Much to the dismay of those same little girls, the Toni haircare company was in the perfect position to assure that result – by inventing the Tonette.

Tonette – the remedy for all the follically challenged toddlers in the 1950’s. It’s promise was to turn the average first grader into the at home version of Heidi. We learned the price of beauty at a very early age. I can remember handing my mom one little square of tissue at a time, and she would fold it around a strand of my hair before wrapping that strand around the little curler rod. I think the tissue must have served as some sort of insulation that prevented the ammonia solution from completely

frying our hair off while all that luscious curling was taking effect.

I still remember that strong, pungent smell, and how tightly I tried to hold the strip of cotton that was included in the kit across my forehead to keep that caustic mix from running down my face. I worried that even if I survived suffocation from the fumes, I would never be able to hide the burns and scars that the dripping poison would leave on my face. My mom had told me that I was getting a permanent, and after the first 15 minutes I was sure that the most permanent thing was going to be my blindness. Our moms, who were usually so careful about our safety, thought nothing at all about leaning our little heads back into the kitchen sink and pouring toxic chemicals over us. After allowing the Tonette to ‘work its magic’ for a few minutes, they would douse us with the next step, a pitcher full of neutralizer. All the while I would stare at the ceiling, clutching that little cotton strip to my face. Mom would promise me that if I sat still and let her finish, not only would I be beautiful, but, I could also play with the Betsey McCall cut-out dolls that had been thoughtfully included in the Tonette box. This Toni Corporate bribe didn’t quite make up for my traumatizing, near death experience.

Pictured Above: My history of hair don'ts!

1. pincurls, wrapped in a do-rag. 2. sad pincurl results. 3. The day I told mom she could never do my hair again. 4. Loved my pony-tail!

5. Sassooned up. 6. Beehive. 7. My flip, can you smell the Auqa Net? 8. Fro 9. Bo. 8 - December 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

I don’t know why, but my hair didn’t always ‘take’ the permanent wave procedure. After all was said and done, the only lasting result was the telltale ammonia scent that lingered in my wake. Mom was pretty disappointed in the results. Reluctantly she just resumed her old routine of washing my hair with liquid Prell or Halo, mom’s two favorite shampoos. She would finish with a Tame cream rinse to help stop the tangles, and ‘set’ my hair in pin curls to achieve her desired curly-locks look.

It wasn’t long before I rebelled against my mom’s ‘home hairdresser’ methods and pleaded with her to let me do my own hair. The style I chose lasted quite some time- my beloved ponytail! The ponytail was a famous hairstyle back in the 1950’s; it was even immortalized several times in song. The Playmates told us their girl was “5 Feet of Heaven In a Ponytail”.

Jimmy Clanton’s girl was “Venus in Blue Jeans, and Mona Lisa with a ponytail.” There was also Tommy Roe’s “Sweet little Sheila, you know her if you see her, blue eyes and a pony tail.” In 1958 a girl group even named themselves the Poni Tails when they recorded their hit, “Born Too Late.” Needless to say, I was proud to join that crowd, and my ponytail was firmly secured to the back of my head for several years. I even gladly endured the teasing question shouted in my direction on more than one occasion: “Hey, Ruth Elaine, do you know what’s under a pony’s tail?”

Junior high found me looking for a new ‘do.’ My ponytail was loosened, the long locks were trimmed and a whole new era of hairstyling was born: ‘setting’ our hair. The first excursion had us trying out a new little invention called Spoolies. They were little, pink rubber curlers you would wrap a strand of hair around then turn them inside out. The results from this procedure were less than what I had expected … much less.

After brushing out those mounds of curls left behind by the Spoolies, my look was reminiscent of very surprised and frightened Buckwheat, star of the Little Rascals. Next, my girlEvery Story Begins At Home.

friends and I discovered hair rollers that came in all sizes. I can’t, for the life of me remember why, but those rollers/curlers became a fashion statement of their own. I remember going to the swimming pool all summer long, and bringing my ‘curler-caddy’ with me. We would all sit on our towels back by the fence and ‘roll’ our hair. The final fashion statement for this strange look was a little triangle scarf we would wrap over the rollers and tie in the back. It wasn’t like we had big plans in the evenings and wanted our hair to look beautiful, our big plans were at the pool that day, and we spent it in curlers listening to our transistor radios, for which the boys said our heads could have been the antenna! I also remember that as time went by, those rollers got bigger and bigger until we couldn’t find big enough ones in the stores, so we used beer cans.

It’s funny, but during my preteen years, boys’ hair never seemed to change very much. Their hair was always cut pretty short. Sometimes that buzz cut could be modified slightly by having it completely flat on top, with a little curl towards the forehead - the famous ‘flattop.’

Another style that boys liked had them combing their longer hair back into a D.A. You remember what that stood for, don’t you? The strangest look I remember from way back then was the Don Eagle. Today that cut is known as the Mohawk. I wonder when (and why) the name change.

Boys also had hair care products, but the only one I remember on our shelf in the bathroom was Butch Haircut Wax. It would make a crew-cut feel like a wire brush. One of the famous advertising slogans of the day was “Brylcreem, a little dab will do ya’,” but we didn’t have that at our house.

Some boys had longer hair, but only on the top. No hair ever went below their shirt collars. That is until a dangerous and defiant rebel burst into our lives, fresh out of Memphis, and the hairstyles (and much more) began to change. Elvis introduced us to the pompadour and our parents were none too pleased with his appearance OR his music. They also

weren’t very happy with his hips! But after we watched him on T.V. the hair genie was never going back in the bottle!

The next stage of our bold new ‘do’s’ had our hair either climbing towards the ceiling, or flowing towards the floor. We had discovered a new technique that would change everything about our look. It was called teasing, but my mom called it ‘ratting’, probably because she said it resembled a rat’s nest. We could tease that hair into mounds and mounds of ever-higher curls.

Another look was called the beehive.

I loved that look. The hair was just wrapped into what looked exactly like, well, a beehive, and it was perfectly accompanied by a French twist. Our list of hair products continued to grow along with our hair height. The most important musthave for every girl was the big red and black can of Aqua Net. Our lives seemed to revolve in a haze of that stuff. It’s a wonder we weren’t asphyxiated with the amount of it that continued on page 10

December 2013 - 9

continued from page 9

hung in the air around us. And if you wanted your spit curls or bangs to stay put on your cheeks or forehead, you could apply a drop or two of Guiche Glue. It came in a little black and gold bottle about the size of nail polish, with the same kind of brush.

That’s right, we glued our hair to our faces. It was the perfect accessory for that famous angled cut we simply referred to as the Sassoon, after it’s creator, Vidal Sassoon. This style, along with black eyeliner and pale lipstick was the perfect Carnaby Street look that was ushered in during the British Invasion of the 1960’s.

The other ‘look’ from my high school years was the flip. Our long hair was teased on top and just where it brushed our shoulders we coaxed it to turn up a little. It was easy to keep this look all day. Just harden it up with half a can of Aqua Net and you were good to go. The boys ‘do’s’ in the ‘60’s were patterned after the other gift from the British Invasion – The Beatles, and their lengths would continue to grow and grow as well.

Some girls didn’t have long hair, or thick hair, or the ability to do much

10 - December 2013

of anything with their hair. Not to worry, the hair industry had a solution for that – fake hair. And I’m not just talking about wigs, although we all had a few of those. And that’s another thing I still wonder about.

There was a time when all the girls wore wigs. It was a fashion statement, much like wearing hats, I guess. And I don’t mean the fake fur ‘wig-hat’ from the ‘60’s, although they were fun (and mine is likely still in the attic.)

These wigs were the real deal, synthetic hair wigs in all colors, lengths and styles and they looked almost sort of like real hair, kinda. Most girls’ dressers had at least one Styrofoam wig head sitting there. The other types of ‘fake’ hair we wore ranged from the ever-popular ‘fall’, a long straight ponytail-like piece you could fasten to the top of your head. The result was instant Cher hair, or at least a reasonable facsimile thereof. We also had ‘wiglets’. These were little clusters of curls that would give you a fuller look when you attached it to the top of your French twist.

I can remember getting my hair done for the prom. Marie Orvosh, Carol’s mom, was the up-do magician of the day. If you could manage an

appointment with her on those most important occasions you were assured of having the best look of the night. She would tease, swirl, curl, and lacquer us into Barbie doll perfection! And we knew how to keep that look for a two-night engagement.

We wrapped the entire concoction with toilet tissue fastened with bobby pins, to protect it while we slept. Next morning, it was like unwrapping a little present – VIOLA- the perfect beehive, redux!

Soon the big hair was out, and the long straight look was in. I had started out as a little tyke with hair that would have been perfect for this look, but alas, along the way, my hair had become thicker and curlier. It just wouldn’t cooperate with the long Cher-look, no matter how huge my rollers were. I even tried the latest product of the day, Curl Free. It was sort of the anti-Tonette – same chemicals, different procedure. Instead of using the chemicals to curl your hair, you poured them on and combed your hair straight while it processed.

Let’s just say this procedure worked on my hair about as well as the Tonette did. I was not deterred in my quest for poker straight locks, and since the flat iron hadn’t been invented yet, I used the next best thing, an actual iron. My mom just shook her head and tsk tsk’d as she stood at her ironing board, laid newspaper over my long hair and ironed out every wave. It looked great, at least until I ventured out the door and into Pennsylvania weather.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Guys weren’t immune to the hairdo crazes either. Perfect examples are the mullet and the man-perms. I tried out many products throughout the years, like the ‘50’s lemon juice remedy for creating highlights that didn’t work. I remember the spray on Sun-In from the ‘60’s that did work, by turning your hair a damaged, goldish/orange shade. I tried the beer rinse that made me smell a little suspicious to my mom. I used the portable hair dryer you put over your rollers and inflated with hot air from a little blower that you could wear around the house. I experimented with the crimped look that turned out to be reminiscent of corrugated cardboard, I bought the hot rollers, and on and on and on. Although I always come back to my original blond color (even if it is a little ‘enhanced’ now) I have also been a redhead, a brunette, I colored it black one year for Halloween and even rinsed it lavender one summer to match an outfit. Over the years, I have cut and permed it into an Afro, flaunted the Farrah flip, tried the ohso-short pixie, and even had it cornrowed one summer for the beach when Bo Derrick made that look popular.

I wonder if I will ever get to that final stage of hairstyles, the famous blue hair helmet look made popular by the AARP set? So far, my plan is to never actually allow my roots to grow out enough that I’ll have to face how gray I have become. And for that, I thank you, Eric and Donald, my darlings! They keep me the natural blond that I know, deep in my soul, is the real me. That’s right, ‘Only My Hairdresser Knows For Sure!’ Some0day, I may tire of it all and just let the chips fall, let it all grow out and see where I stand. And if that makes me run screaming from the room I will just resolve to get out the blue rinse and maybe, just for old times sake, give that Tonette another try . . . ***** Ruthie grew up in an idyllic and magical place – a 1950's childhood, and she loves to share these memories with you. Stay in touch: email her at: Ruth-Elaine@comcast.net, look for her on Facebook, or join our LMP online community to read her new blog!

Every Story Begins At Home.

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12 - December 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Reversing Roles:

Medication Mishaps

by Gretchen Fuller It’s not always the elderly parent that creates the havoc in your life. Not too long ago I got a call from the Senior Living Center, where my mother is residing, concerning a new medication that the doctor had ordered for her. The wellness nurse told me the pharmacy didn’t have it so she wouldn’t be able to start it until the following day. I asked her at the time what doctor changed her prescription because I hadn’t taken her to the doctors. She said well maybe the doctor stopped in to see her or maybe she had taken the van to see the doctor.

My mother has been there for 16 months and the thought of taking the van anywhere has not crossed her mind. So I said that I really doubted that. I decided that I would call the doctor’s office on Monday morning (because, of course, this happened on a weekend) to check on this change of medication. Monday morning I called the doctor. I told him I didn’t think any changes were necessary because she was doing so well with what she was currently taking. He had no knowledge of changing any of my mother’s medications. He said to tell them at the Senior Living Center not to give her the medication. So the mystery deepened.

When I told the wellness nurse what the doctor said she told me that they couldn’t take my word for it. A staff member would have to speak to the doctor. At this time I also got to see the order that they were talking about. It was not signed by any doctor. Digging further I finally got the real story from the nurse that was on duty in the day time on the Friday when the order came through. It turns out that the woman that lives in the next room to my mother has a very similar name; she also goes to the same doctor and takes many of the same medications. It turns out that when she went to see the doctor on Friday she went in the van and they gave her my mother’s paper work to take, instead of her own. So the order from the doctor’s office was written up with my mother’s name on it instead of the correct name. The order was supposed to have been shredded when the mistake was discovered but got inserted in my mother’s file in error. After finding this out, I talked to the Director in charge of Wellness about having some double check in place to make sure Every Story Begins At Home.

patients went to the doctors with the correct paper work. She said they already had such a check in place, and she tried to place the blame on the doctor’s office. But when I talked to the doctor to tell him exactly what happened, he said they don’t use the paperwork that the center sends, they pull their own records.

So whose fault was it? Both I suppose. The good thing was that no harm was done. But it easily could have been worse. What if the medication was given to my mother, and it was something that she couldn’t tolerate?

The lesson to be learned here is that if something doesn’t sound right keep asking questions until you find out the whole story. ***** Gretchen Fuller is the Real Estate Tax Collector in Pleasant Hills, PA. She came to that job by a very circuitous route: Gretchen spent many years substitute teaching; in the years when she wasn’t substitute teaching she was making the rounds of all the banks in Pittsburgh. She has a Bachelor of Science from IUP and an MBA from Duquesne University. She is looking forward to retirement soon so she can spend more time with her six grandchildren.

December 2013 - 13

Shifting Gears: Local Career Reinventions Series

Batter Up! Ours is the first modern generation (“X”) to see multiple career changes in a lifetime as the norm.

Our parents and grandparents not only held the same occupation all their lives, they typically stayed with the same employer, too – and retired with the gold watch and proclamation for many years of faithful service.

In the current century, those traditions have changed. It began as a way to “climb the corporate ladder,” moving from job to job to achieve advancement in rank and salary. Next came the various economic bubbles and bursts which saw the rise and fall of companies worldwide. Temporary and long-term unemployment became commonplace, and many of us struggled to find another job in our respective fields. The latest necessary trend seems to be to chuck that occupation once and for all and re-invent ourselves with brand new skills.

This series will take a look at some local people who have made interesting career changes along the way. We invite you to share your own stories with us! *****

Mary Carlson (Ligonier Valley High School, 2001) began her professional career in criminal justice while attending college in Maryland. Garrett College did not offer Criminal Justice, which was her major at the time, but there were a lot of juvenile treatment centers in the area. So she began her academic and career path in Juvenile Justice. She found her experiences there life-changing: “I worked with high risk adolescents who have backgrounds with substance abuse, gangs, abuse, and other violent histories – and tried to help them learn positive life skills and coping skills rather than resorting to aggressive behaviors. I kept telling myself over and over that if I impacted at least one of the youth that I worked with, it made it all worthwhile,” she explained.

“Going toe to toe holding my ground and standing firm on what the rules/policies were against teenagers who most times were bigger than me and had violent backgrounds – and sometimes ending in a hands-on situation to prevent the youth from hurting themselves or someone else – helped me gain a respect with my clients and co-workers and aided in my promotion from being direct care to counselor to an Assistant Program Direc14 - December 2013

tor of an adolescent treatment center. This gave me the opportunity to help more clients in need and share my experiences with my staff through training and situational scenarios that gave them a hands-on approach to help them better aid a client in crisis.”

In January of 2013, due to funding, the local program Carlson worked for was forced to close its doors, and she was left unemployed. After a few months, Carlson decided to make her dream of owning a bakery a reality.

“I have worked in various grocery store bakeries since I was in high school, and would always do baking and cake decorating for family and friends. I always had the thought in the back of my mind of owning my own bakery someday, but never really thought it would happen.”

Through working in bakery settings and self-teaching with recipes, web articles,blogs, and cake decorating books, Carlson took the steps to move from hobby baker to professional baker. She began promoting her business, Batter Up! Cakes, in March 2013. She joined a local networking group (BNI-Laurel Leaders) and began attending local vendor shows. Carlson is making desserts for a local restaurant, Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse in Ligonier, and selling items at The Twisted Vine Eclectic Market on Route 30.

“Batter Up! Cakes is currently a special order only (no retail yet) bakery that bakes cakes, cookies, pies, and all other types of baked goods fresh for each customer and made to order. I try to post general menus to give others an idea of what I make and general prices; however, I can make so much more. That is the best part of being a special order baker: the ability to be flexible and really give the customer what they want. If I haven’t made it before, I’ll find out how! I love trying new things and expanding my baking experiences.”

Carlson makes everything fresh and to order, every time. Many places anymore have gone to frozen product to produce more quantity over quality and often times at a higher cost to the consumer. She tries to have fair yet competitive pricing and bake fresh.

“I try to ‘build relationships … one cake at a time’ and treat each customer as though they are an extended part of the family and not just a number,” said Carlson.

What was is like changing careers so drastically? Frustrating at times yet exciting. She likes change and believes it keeps the world moving.

“If it is something you are passionate about, do it. Life is too short to live with regrets. Take every closed continued on page 27

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents its annual Home for the Holidays concert of choral and instrumental holiday music on Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre, Greensburg.

The All-Star Choir of Westmoreland County, directed

by Michael Rozell, joins the Westmoreland Symphony in performing Rutter’s What Sweeter Music, Prentice’s Sing We Now of Christmas and Christmas Sing-Along featuring songs including Joy to the World, the First Noel, and Silent Night. The choir is made up of 60 students from area high schools. The choir will lead the audience in sing-along selections before closing the concert with the popular Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, an annual tradition.

Guest soprano Jasmine Muhammad lends her talents as featured soloist. She will sing O Holy Night and Silent Night. Ms. Muhammad is a second-year Pittsburgh Opera resident artist. During the 2013-2014 season she appears in Verdi’s Aida, Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Muhly’s Dark Sisters and Puccini’s La Boheme.

Ms. Muhammad received a 2012 Metropolitan Opera National Council Encouragement Award and earned degrees from Manhattan School of Music and the Chicago College of Performing Arts.

The concert includes Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, Custer’s It’s Christmastime! a medley that includes such favorites as I’ll be Home for Christmas, Silver Bells and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town. The program also includes and Waldteufel’s Skaters’ Walt,z among other works.

Artistic Director Daniel Meyer will conduct the evening’s performance. As Music Director of the Erie Philharmonic and the Asheville Symphony, Mr. Meyer is recognized as one of the top young conductors of his generation.

Ticket prices range from $39, $27, $26, $19 and $10: calling the WSO Office at 724-837-1850 or purchase online @ www.westmorelandsymphony.org

Every Story Begins At Home.

This advertisement sponsored by The Toy Box of Ligonier and Twisted Vine Ecelectic Market

December 2013 - 15

That’s What They Say Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations by Rev. Majorie Rivera

“What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson? Henry David Thoreau? Henry Stanley Haskins?

This quote has been attributed to many different people over the years and if you do a search for it, you will find conflict regarding the origins. I have a theory about this sort of situation, let me share this with you now. I believe in a collective consciousness. I believe that ideas often come from a larger place outside of our minds, which our spirit connects to. Call this collective consciousness, a muse, angels, God, organized intelligence, call it anything you like. I would like to insinuate that there exists a larger energetic thought form than our individual brains. I would like to further hypothesize that somewhere out “there” are also particles and ideas that are simply genius,

floating around, waiting to be tapped into. That being said, we can often tap into these genius thoughts by allowing them to touch us randomly, or by creating a serene platform inside that may allow them to be cast upon us in some heavenly inspired moment.

Perhaps like a broadcast from some genius radio station somewhere out “there.” My hypothesis is that perhaps if we go within, we can create a space for the magical to alight within us.

Now, on to the quote. Ask yourself what worrying yourself about the past or the future can bring you in this moment? I would say; the inability to focus on the gift that this “present” moment has to offer. Did you ever ask yourself why we call this moment the “present?” I read somewhere it is called the present because

it is A present. A gift that will never come again. If in every moment lies the great potential of a gift, are you open to receive it?? If the universe has a gift for you this moment, and you are so busy worrying about tomorrow, that you cannot receive the genius that may be buried within the “present”?

I implore you, dear reader to cultivate an inner experience of serenity such that the mystical can alight within YOU. Meditation, even in minor increments, would go so far to help you achieve that inner sense of serenity. If you need help, look for a meditation class, or join a meetup group or use YouTube.

Suggested Reading: “Spiritual Solutions” by Deepak Chopra

Help Us Support Our Local Bookmobile: Shop the Laurel Mountain Post Link to Amazon.com If you are interested in purchasing any of the titles we have discussed in the November issue of the Laurel Mountain Post, please visit our website first at: www.LaurelMountainPost.com Click the link to Amazon.com from our homepage, and all purchases will generate a small percentage donation back to us in sponsorship of the Latrobe area Bookmobile!

Books make great gifts, so please consider this opportunity: any Amazon item purchased will qualify for this reward program.

16 - December 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

HOME STUDY

by Brian Mishler

Holiday Safety Tips The holidays are upon us, the kids dreaming of sugar plum fairies, (and a new X-Box!) the adults dreaming of the kids face’s beaming on Christmas morning. It’s a joyous time of year, and here is some information you might find helpful in keeping it that way!

Smoke Detectors: Studies performed over the past decade have provided some valuable feedback and information about smoke detectors and how we interact with them. If you’re a cook like me, you’ve probably gotten pretty adept at getting the battery out of the alarm before it wakes the neighbors. Good cooks are probably unaware that what causes this nuisance alarm is typically an ionization type smoke detector. Not only do these types of smoke detectors go off more from cooking, they tend not to alarm as quickly in a typical smoldering house fire. This is why many associations, including the American Society of Home Inspectors are encouraging people to switch to photoelectric alarms, which alarm more quickly in a smoldering fire but more slowly in a less common flaming fire, and are less prone to nuisance tripping. Don’t know which kind you have? More than likely it’s an ionization type – they’ve been the most popular for decades. Another thing good to know is that a battery operated smoke detector only has a 5 – 10 year service life. If you don’t know how old they are, replace them.

We’ve also learned that a smoke alarm in the hallway often will not wake a person sleeping in a room with a closed door. This is why new homes are required to be built with a smoke detector on each level of the home, with one within 6 feet of each bedroom Every Story Begins At Home.

door, and one in each bed (sleeping) room. They are also required to be hard wired – linked so if one goes off they all do. There are wireless systems available to easily retrofit an existing home.

Another important discovery was that kids typically respond to a recording of mom’s voice better than an alarm. If you have kids, it’s a good idea to record your voice into the alarm in their rooms.

Turkey Fryers: Please read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions; dumping a cold wet bird into hot oil can cause a volcano that can burn everyone standing around!

If that volcano erupts, it can send flammable oil onto the burner below and start a wicked fire in a matter of seconds. Don’t believe me? That’s why there’s You Tube. Do not use these devices in or near the house or other structures, and have a fire extinguisher handy. Don’t have a fire extinguisher? You should. I also learned the hard way that the oil can stain your sidewalk and kill the grass.

Use them in the neighbor’s yard… kidding!

Ladders: Again follow the manufactures instructions, I won’t belabor the point, but make sure it’s on solid footing; no, because it sank in the snow / mud does not mean it won’t slide out. Make sure the ladder is in good condition, and rated for the amount of weight it will be carrying… that means you and the lights! One person on it at a time please. And do not lean over to get that one… last… clip… your belt buckle needs to stay between the vertical rails. If you have to lean, move the ladder. School of hard knocks lesson: If your soles are wet, and you step onto a cold ladder rung, the water on your sole will turn

to ice in an instant, and it will be a quick trip to the bottom of the ladder.

Christmas and other holiday lights: It’s amazing what a person can learn from reading labels.

For instance how many light strings you can link together. You may be surprised to find out how few it is (It depends on the type of light bulbs.) and that it’s a fire hazard to link too many. Try not to use extension cords, and if you must, make sure they are in good condition. Also don’t overload the household circuits; spread the load around. If you don’t know which outlets are on different circuits, it’s a good idea to consult an electrician, who can add more if necessary. I had several outlets installed just for my Christmas lights!

A very safe and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

***** Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., and a 20 year veteran home inspector. He began performing home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convinced him that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president of the Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors (PROASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a non-profit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with pre-renovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate related classes, and has mentored other seeking to become home inspectors.

He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half Carol, their Boston terrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students. When spare time is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hiking in the area. He can be reached at brian@homestudyinc.com.

December 2013 - 17

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Excerpts from the Westmoreland Heritage Blog by Louise Tilzey-Bates Overly’s Country Christmas So what if it was raining and the wind was biting cold, it was THE Opening Night of the 58th season of Overly’s Country Christmas. And I was going to be there. It wasn’t exceptionally busy, but then that was to be expected on a day when the winds were high and the temps were low. But, there is no disputing that Overly’s has a following. A dedicated support network and loyal fan base that despite the weather came out to celebrate the Opening Night. And I was glad to be part of it. Traditionally every year, a blessing is given before the lighting of the Bonfire. Every year, just like the tradition of Yuletide, a final log of last year’s fire is saved and placed on the first fire of this year. We all huddled around the cheerless stacked firework, as kind words and great deeds were spoken of and quietly drifted into the cold, night air. And then the Rector performed the blessing and the fire was lit, within minutes a roaring bonfire was before us.

The Christmas Village looked absolutely wonderful. Not even the rain could dampen my spirits. The wet surfaces only contributed to reflecting the colorful Christmas lights, creating a brilliant ambience.

I caught a glimpse of Santa and Mrs C as they disembarked from the horse and carriage; I had an interesting conversation with Henny Hemlock, (the Talking Christmas Tree for those not familiar with Overly’s). And by the way, Stephanie, Henny wants a new hat for next year, I said I’d put in a good word.

I even watched a tooth dancing to the Christmas music broadcast over the speakers. Yes, you didn’t read that wrong, there was a tooth dancing 18 - December 2013

AND doing air guitar. I kid you not.

Did you know that every year, a dedicated army of helpers work tirelessly for weeks and weeks preparing the site; replacing light bulbs, fixing displays, assembling light fixtures, stocking the shelves, the jobs are endless... It’s very, very labor intensive, can be exceptionally cold and it’s all done by volunteers. In fact, the entire event is run by volunteers. I think that is amazing in itself. Just like so many non-profit organizations that rely heavily on big hearts and helping hands . I applaud you all!

My little contribution really is quite trivial in comparison. After weeks of bringing together the components for the Westmoreland Heritage Sleigh Room I was finally able to view it all together on Opening Night, in all its glory. This is the first time Westmoreland Heritage partners

have had the opportunity to showcase their organizations at Overly’s.

We hope you like the end result. I think it looks pretty fantastic. All in all, we had six partners collaborate on this project including ourselves.

Compass Inn Museum provided a wonderful antique wooden sleigh and Compass Inn sign; Laurel Mountain Post offered up a delightful old type-

writer together with LMP Holiday magazine covers to enter into the Christmas spirit. Historic Hanna’s Town gathered up their two mannequins, aptly named Robert & Lizzie Hanna, from the Hanna’s Tavern, to highlight their historic site and Lincoln Highway Experience have Brian McCall’s unique artwork to promote the Lincoln Highway. The whole ensemble with Overly’s Doctor’s Buggy, swathed in snow blanket and lights looks terrific. But I think you should go and see for yourself!

Best part of the evening for me? The entire atmosphere! Who can resist sparkly bright Christmas lights, sipping hot chocolate by a roaring bonfire with ‘Holly, Jolly Christmas’ rebounding around you. Make it a family tradition. Go to Overly’s Country Christmas. Enjoy.

Christmas Coverlets What do coverlets and Christmas have in common?

Well … take a trip to The Foster & Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery located at St. Vincent’s College, Latrobe.

In November they launched their latest exhibit: ‘Christmas in America,’ a collection of coverlets that embrace the theme of winter 1936and Christmas, which will run until January 10, 2014.

There are 24 coverlets on display in the exhibition, all beautiful woven textiles, all uniquely different; featuring pine trees, snowballs, garlands and snowflakes. Could I pick a favorite? Hmmm, that’s a difficult one, but I DID like the Tyrone coverlet. Dated 1834, it features garlands, stars and snowflakes bordered with trees, and stick figures of women clutching lanterns, standing under the trees. Does it tell a story I wonder? Maybe the woman is waitLAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

ing for her lover to return? Who knows?

I’d like to think so.

Does the Curator have a favorite? Well, yes she does but maybe I should let you discover that for yourself when you visit the gallery. I offer you one clue, it’s the oldest coverlet in the exhibition.

The wonderful thing about these coverlets is that the more you look at them, the more detail you discover. It’s rather like a woven ‘Where’s Waldo?’ without Waldo…

I totally recommend a visit to this charming gallery, especially if you are a textiles or quilts enthusiast. The current 'Christmas in America' exhibit demonstrates the traditions of Christmas and the gallery itself has been adorned with Christmas decorations to get you in the holiday spirit. You will find the gallery on the first floor of

the Fred Rogers Center on the St. Vincent’s campus. Go on, take half an hour out of your busy schedule and

go check out the coverlets, may-be combine your trip with a visit to the Gristmill too!

The exhibition will be closed on Christmas Eve to December 26th.

Westmoreland Heritage is a non-profit organization focused on promoting heritage and cultural tourism in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

We are a county wide partnership of organizations, businesses and individuals committed to two goals; expanding cultural & heritage tourism in our area and supporting efforts to educate county residents about their remarkable history.

Based at the Westmoreland County Historical Society at Greensburg, it is a private nonprofit advocacy group that sees economic potential in the development and marketing of our historical and cultural assets. Westmoreland Heritage grew out of the Greensburg Bicentennial celebration in 1999 when community leaders decided to consider ways, in which the area's rich history could be made more understandable and appealing to both residents and visitors.

Westmoreland Heritage collaborates but not competes with historic sites, cultural centers, historical societies, educators, businesses, local and state government officials, and the Laurel Highland Visitors Bureau. Today, our Westmoreland Heritage Community Partners number more than forty individuals and organizations, from all areas of the county working together to stimulate interest in Westmoreland County heritage and culture and to encourage tourism to the county.

To learn more or check a calendar of upcoming local events, visit westmorelandheritage.org, or call 724-532-1936, x211.

Small Business Saturday® Gives Small Businesses Big Boost to Kick-Off Holiday Season According to NFIB and American Express Research, Consumers Aware of Small Business Saturday Reported Spending $5.7 billion at Small Businesses on Nov 30 as the Holiday Shopping Season Officially Begins In spite of a shorter shopping season and challenging economic environment, Small Business Saturday helped jump start the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the country.

According to the second installment of the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, released today by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express, consumer awareness of Small Business Saturday across the U.S. jumped to 71 percent from 67 percent during the same period a year ago. Of those aware, 46% said they shopped on Small Business Saturday.

With awareness up, the end result was increased spending at small businesses.

This year, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on the day, an increase of 3.6% from a strong $5.5 billion in 2012.

“In an uncertain economy, America’s small businesses have remained a beacon — creating good jobs and supporting the families they employ and the communities around them,” said Every Story Begins At Home.

NFIB CEO Dan Danner. ”We are very pleased that so many Americans sought to give back by shopping small this Small Business Saturday. We hope that support of small firms, retailers, restaurants and other independent businesses continues throughout the holiday season and all year round. Continued support of this vital sector is one important way to ensure our economy fully recovers and a healthy private sector is restored.”

“In just four years, the nation has adopted Small Business Saturday and made it part of the holiday shopping tradition,” said Susan Sobbott, president of American Express OPEN. “On November 30, we saw a continuation of this growing trend as communities around the country came together to celebrate local businesses and helped drive consumers to Shop Small on the day.”

Support Comes From Across the U.S. • Elected officials in all 50 states and Washington, DC – including President Obama and many government officials – championed Small Business Saturday.

• 294 city proclamations in support of Small Business Saturday were issued by

mayors and other elected officials in all 50 states and Washington D.C. • 41 governors issued state proclamations in support of Small Business Saturday.

• 43 U.S. Senators endorsed a resolution recognizing November 30, 2013 as Small Business Saturday and supporting consumers to shop locally and increase awareness of the value of locally owned small businesses and the impact of locally owned small businesses on the economy of the United States.

Communities and Supporters Make Small Business Saturday Even Bigger • More than 1,400 Neighborhood Champions rallied local businesses and created events and activities to drive shopping around the country.

• Premier partners, FedEx, Foursquare, Twitter and the United States Postal Service, banded together with American Express to promote shopping at small businesses for Small Business Saturday.

• In addition, 166 companies signed up to support the day. continued on page 35

December 2013 - 19

“Local Goodness” Brings the Best of All Things Local to You Shop online and support local farmers and artisans all across the country PITTSBURGH (November 25, 2013) –Local Goodness® announces the official launch of its new Local Goodness Marketplace, an online shopping site for all the best of all things localSM. “Across the country there are incredible people who are pursuing their life’s passion by growing, producing and creating amazing local products,” said Rhonda Schuldt, founder and owner. “I originally created Local Goodness to help raise awareness of these people and tell the stories behind their products in media, but there is a far larger problem to be solved.”

The challenge for these talented and time-starved people is to connect them, and their products, with consumers beyond the limited reach of seasonal markets, festivals and specialty shops. On the other hand, a growing number of consumers want to buy unique, locally made products, but they aren’t always easy to find. The Local Goodness Marketplace provides a new and convenient way to make this “local” connection happen – 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Local Goodness Marketplace sells products in three selectively curated categories - food (Eat Local), hand crafted items for house, home and gifts (Live Local) and items in support of charitable organizations that strengthen local communities (Give Local) – all from local farmers and artisans across the country.

“The Internet is full of online garage sales, flea markets and directories; we want to rise above these to ensure consumers truly get the best of all things local,” said Schuldt. Local Goodness has worked with a small group of supplier partners during the pilot phase and will being expanding significantly, but at a deliberate pace to ensure quality and that every item is the product of local farms, small food producers and independent artisans.

Inaugural farmers, producers and artisans on the Local Goodness Marketplace include:

• Alaska Pure Sea Salt, all natural sea salt from pure Alas-

kan seawater - ALASKA • Amber Coppings Designs, Xmittens, creative textile streetwear – PENNSYLVANIA • BBQ Stu’s, award winning barbecue sauces - PENNSYLVANIA. Bbq Stu's was a strong name in the barbecue competition world until 2003 when Stu Wilson suffered a massive stroke. After months of rehabilitation Stu attempted to compete again but realized it would be too much of an effort to regain his position, so through a prophetic message Bbq Stu's barbecue sauces took root and have won numerous Regional, National, and International Awards.

Stu has been a motivational speaker to other stroke victims and has been reviewed in countless media outlets.

He says he gets his motivation from the friends and faith 20 - December 2013

that he surrounds himself with.

BBQ Stu's original, award-winning sauces are fat free, gluten free, lower in both sodium and sugar: Bbq Stu's Original, Bbq Stu's Steel City Blast Furnace, Bbq Stu's Pennsylvania Gold, and Bbq Stu's Steel City Blast Furnace xxtra hot!

• Big Island Coffee Roasters, small plantation coffee from award winning coffee growers and roasters - HAWAII • Caesar’s Designs Fine Jewelry Creations, inspired jewelry in sterling silver – PENNSYLVANIA • Frederick Avenue Hand Weaving, limited edition handwoven linens for table and kitchen –VIRGINIA • Gold Creek Farms, award winning all natural cow’s milk cheeses – UTAH • Horner Pens, hand-turned one-of-a-kind writing instruments – PENNSYLVANIA • La Dorita Dulce de Leche, all natural Argentinean crème caramel – PENNSYLVANIA. La Dorita’s strength lies in its authenticity—it is an Argentine product produced locally with Pennsylvania and US grown products by, Josephine, an Argentine-American who soaked in her Grandma’s love for the kitchen as a child. She has been creating her homemade dulce de leche, using a recipe passed down to her from Grandma Dorita, who lives in La Plata, Argentina, for several years now. Grandma Dorita spent hours in the kitchen. She loved cooking for Josephine and her five brothers and sisters when visiting from Argentina. Josephine loved being in the kitchen with her. Some of her fondest memories are of spending hours kneading dough, rolling out homemade gnocchi, and making homemade cakes and desserts with her. She taught Josephine how to cook, but never allowed her to write down one single recipe. Now she feeds her four boys with the same care and dedication that Grandma Dorita showed Josephine and her family when growing up. Grandma Dorita turned 90 on September 25, 2009. In honor of her birthday, Josephine decided to bottle her up, along with the delicious experiences she has shared with her, and share her Argentine Grandma with families, friends and gourmet connoisseurs who still long to make every meal special. La Dorita dulce de leche offers a simple, daily food alternative made from the freshest local ingredients available that Grandmother Dorita raised her 13 grandchildren on. La Dorita will never compromise quality, which is why our dulce de leche does not contain chemical additives, preservatives, glucose syrup, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), thickeners, flavorings, etc, in its making, unlike the majority of the foreign competitors. We promise you one thing: Our dulce de leche will make you appear to be a gourmet foodie—regardless of your level of skill in the kitchen. La Dorita dulce de leche lends itself to endless recipes, at the breakfast table, lunch table, dinner LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Local Goodness Marketplace Supporting Local Charities: POWER Collection Items by Local Artists Support Women in Recovery

table, dessert table—even at the hors d'oeuvre and cocktail tables! Our dulce de leche constantly challenges us to come up with creative ways to use it. We love hearing from our customers about new recipes and ways to use dulce de leche that they have come up with!

Grandma Dorita always worked with underprivileged children, and would often cook meals in a community kitchen to make sure they received a hot meal each day.

In her honor, we are continuing to give back and fight hunger in our community.

As a "Give Local Goodness" product, La Dorita donates a portion of all Dulce de Leche sales to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

• Laurel Vista Farms, Local Produce in a JarTM – PENNSYLVANIA. Laurel Vista Farms began as a vision developed by Ken & Rick relaxing at their getaway in the Laurel Highlands one winter holiday. At the time, Ken was working as the supervisory electrician for construction jobs and Rick was working as a consultant after a career in state government. Both expressed their love of the Laurel Highlands and their desire to live and work there.

They decided to look for a farm where they could both live and work, and the following weekend were touring Somerset County looking at farms for sale. They found a beautiful farm with a stunning view of the Laurel Ridge and named it on sight: Laurel Vista.

By spring, the deal was closed and Ken and his wife Marian were moved in and operating a farm that grew potatoes for the local potato chip factory. As time went by, in response to increased interest and demand for fresh local produce, Ken & Rick added production of other vegetables and changed focus to consumers rather than processors. The idea of having products available year round was a natural progression in this process and led to their development of "Local Produce in a Jar (tm)."

• Mis’ Rubin’s Magic Seasonings, Mongtomery, Alabama’s legendary all purpose seasonings – ALABAMA/PENNSYLVANIA • Parma Sausage Products, handcrafted charcuterie from Pittsburgh’s historic Strip District – PENNSYLVANIA • Prantl’s Bakery, the original Burnt Almond Torte, a Pittsburgh legend – PENNSYLVANIA. Prantl’s Bakery is a Pittscontinued on page 28

Every Story Begins At Home.

Local Goodness® in support of its recent launch of the Local Goodness Marketplace, an online shopping site for all the best of all things localSM, celebrated its Give Local initiative with the unveiling of the POWER Collection at a special event on Thursday, September 21.

“The notion of going local extends beyond food and shopping small businesses…it is also critical to give to those organizations whose work it is to strengthen our communities in some way. Through the Local Goodness Marketplace we are committed to supporting these charitable organizations,” said Rhonda Schuldt, founder and owner of Local Goodness. “The Local Goodness site has two distinct ways to Give Local. One is through donating to a revolving set of charities and causes at checkout; the other is by purchasing exclusive Give Local products.”

“We are particularly thrilled to have POWER as our first Give Local partner organization and to be able to support this organization and participating artists through the sale of exclusive POWER Collection items,” said Schuldt.

POWER is a Pennsylvania organization that helps women reclaim their lives from the disease of addiction to alcohol and other drugs, and to reduce the incidence of addiction in future generations. “With two-thirds of families in the United States impacted by addiction, we know this is an issue that affects everyone in some way. With the right help, through organizations like POWER, those suffering from addiction have the power to change their lives and once again be an active and healthy member of their family and community,” stated Schuldt.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from all POWER Collection purchases on the Local Goodness Marketplace are donated to POWER. The POWER Collection currently includes items from: • Amber Coppings Designs, Xmittens, creative textile streetwear • Caesar’s Designs Fine Jewelry Creations, inspired sterling silver jewelry • Riverside Design Group, Plates with PurposeTM, glass plates benefitting nonprofit organizations • SCHMIEDLIN, one of a kind paintings and limited edition prints by Keith Schmiedlin continued on page 28

December 2013 - 21

DOWN ON THE FARM

by Cathi Gerhard & Gregory Susa

Friendly Ghosts of Christmas Past I have written and spoken many times about the wonderful childhood my parents provided for me and my sister – especially our many summer adventures. But some of the best memories come from the ghosts of Christmases past down on the farm.

My mother’s favorite story began on Christmas Eve, in 1988. Our family had returned from church services and there in the dark, covered in fresh snow, was a little black dog – a needy stranger at our door. My father, Shelly, took the shivering pup into our warm basement for a good meal and a warm bed. He was a fluffy little mutt with some terrier characteristics, and my father later named him Georgie (my grandfather, George Gerhard, did not appreciate this for some reason).

Georgie was a loving and faithful family pet for several years, but we all reported some strange occurences after he came to live with us that snowy Christmas Eve. Believe it or not, that dog would talk to us – not just on Christmas, and never in front of others – only when it was just Georgie and one of us. Someone would ask a casual question such as “what are you doing?” and the dog was the only suspect (as my sister once reported). He looked right at us, always seeming to have complete understanding of everything human. I am sure that Dad and Georgie had many long conversation out in the barn. If there are angels, I believe the little dog was a special one, sent perhaps to evaluate our kindness or the size of our hearts.

There was a time when I also believed that my parents might be Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus – their generosity and Christmas spirit was well-known, and I had several pieces of compelling evidence: 22 - December 2013

• My mother, Carol, still bakes the best Christmas cookies in the world.

Some children even called her “Carol Cookie” or “Carol Candy” when I was young. Some of their parents still do.

No one has been able to imitate her deliciousness, even with full recipe disclosure. The Ligonier Chef is an envious fan! There must be some holiday magic involved in her baking.

Mr. & Mrs. Claus, Shelly & Carol Gerhard.

• My mother used to set up “Santa’s workshop” in the “room across the hall,” which was the parlor of our Victorian farmhouse. My sister and I used to pretend we were Santa’s elves, making and wrapping presents while playing old 33 Christmas records by Johnny Mathis, Ray Conniff Singers, and Nat King Cole. This was especially fun on snow days. But I suppose it was really just my mother’s way to get some peace and quiet in another room – or

sneak a chance to wrap our Christmas presents.

• Mum also made us elaborate Advent calendars. Each gift was wrapped in red and green tissue paper and attached to a felt-covered board she had created herself. Come my college days, I was the envy of everyone in the dorm.

So she started adding some extra stuff to it for my friends!

• Back home on the farm, I used to think of the cows as Santa’s reindeer.

They were friendly and calm, and my father fed them grain every day – just like Santa and his reindeer. I always wanted to sneak outside and wait for the Christmas miracle in the barn (when legend says the animals could talk), but always fell asleep too soon.

One Christmas Eve, Dad even put out some fresh hay and feed outside the barn door for the reindeer. Afterall, if we were leaving milk and cookies for Santa, it only makes sense that the reindeer might enjoy a snack too! And sure enough, there were dozens of hoof prints left in the snow by that door the next morning. I wonder how that happened . . .

• As kids, we played lots of “Reindeer Games” down on the farm. Our neighbors (two hills over and down in the valley), Dean and Derrick, had a snowmobile, and we used to fly across the fields (without helmets, of course).

I learned to skate a little on their small pond, too. Ours was much too large to fully freeze over, but theirs was just right. We also had the best sledding hill at the front of the farm: it was a perfect half-mile slope from the top of the hill to the township road. My dad would hook a tow rope to our sleds to the back of the tractor and pull us back up the lane for another run. I don’t remember ever feeling too cold on those magical, snowy fields.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

• We never had a sleigh, but my father drove a red pickup truck for many of my early years – that was good enough for me! Dad was actually a professional driver for Penn DOT, a qualified heavy equipment operator and snow removal expert! For years my mother scolded us when we wished for snow on Christmas Eve because it meant Dad would have to go to work. If the roads were clear enough for holiday travel in Westmoreland County on Christmas morning back then, you can thank my Dad and his colleagues. All those snowy Christmas Eves in the 1970’s, I suspected he was really out delivering presents instead.

He would always return in the morning, tired but cheerful, and very hungry for a big Christmas breakfast.

• Another favorite driving story involves the weeks before Christmas – when we would drive around Westmoreland County one town at a time and count houses with Christmas lights. I prided myself on remembering which houses I had already added to the master tally, but my father was the true expert. Just like Santa and his familiarity with all good and bad children, Dad seemed to be “in the know.” He also suggested new routes, where he felt sure there would be new houses to count. This was my FAVORITE game to play when I was young, and I find myself still doing it sometimes as an adult.

All these memories are my own versions of Currier & Ives paintings. Not one single Christmas ever contained all the pieces of perfection, but the sum of my nostalgia does.

These friendly ghosts visit me each year when the season gets going, and are especially dear to me since Dad passed away in 2009.

Each year the hospice unit of Excela Health sends my mother a blank, bell-shaped ornament for us to decorate in his memory. These ornaments are then hung on a special tree in the lobby of the Ramada Greensburg Hotel & Conference Center. We have yet to visit the decorated tree and all its memorial ornaments; it’s still too painful. And Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas without him (my children and Mum agree). I think that’s why these memories are even more important to me now – any why I feel the need to write them down. I don’t want them to fade away.

Maybe one day down the road, if I have some grandchildren, I will be able to recapture and share some of that special Christmas joy that my parents gave to me. Greg and I are working on restoring the farm back to the “glory days” of Santa’s workshop. The past few months, I have started to notice some definite white hair streaking my temples. It will look good peeking out from under that Santa hat as I put together a few Advent calendars and bake cookies the way my mother taught me. *****

Best friends, but never quite college sweethearts, Greg and Cathi finally married 20 years later. Together they own and operate Fairview Farm in Derry Township, now an estate winery and community garden in the making, managed by two black cats, two devoted dogs, and a ridiculously bossy young kitten. “Down on the Farm” is a column originally started by Cathi’s father, Shelly Gerhard, about a day in the life of a family farm in western Pennsylvania.

Every Story Begins At Home.

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December 2013 - 23

Any Property.

Any place.

Ve r n o n Realty Services

Phone: (724) 238-0443 www.vernon-realty.com 305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658 Michael J. Vernon, Broker / Owner

mike@vernon-realty.com • Cell: (724) 331-6858

Vernon Realty Ad Ligonier Twp – MLS 964714

Rector

This sprawling estate boost oversized rooms, hard wood floors, crown moulding, elegant formal living and dining rooms. A beautiful open kitchen with stainless appliances. Lovely breakfast area with a fireplace! Oversized integral 2 car garage and detached 4 car garage. Just bring your tool's or toy's. Great cul-de-sac location.

Absolutely Charming Gentlemen's Horse Farm! This spacious three bed room multi-level brick colonial home is in the quiet neighborhood of Rector but has access to all major highways. Come and see the soon to be finished lower pasture or design it for yourself. You will be amazed with the size of this home.

– MLS 964271

Greensburg

– MLS 963695

Great ranch home with newer kitchen, interior doors and trim, bath and a covered side porch. The Fenced rear yard is great for kids or pets. This home qualifies for 100% financing.

Sold Bolivar – MLS 964032 - Large building could have two store fronts or one large main floor. Could live on the second floor with a 3 bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen or rental income.

Currently rented $350.00 per month. Options: Church, Funeral Home, Day Care, Doctor's Office, Dental Office, Hair Salon, Tanning Salon, Dog Grooming, Store Front, Retail and more.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 964728

Ligonier Boro – MLS # 981422

This stunning split entry boasts large rooms in a great corner lot.

Enjoy sitting by the fire place just in time for the holidays.

This home has three bedrooms and a master bedroom and bath on the main floor. This home will not last long at $109,900.

Hempfield Twp – MLS 985432

Ligonier Boro – MLS 975560

Great business opportunity this 9 building village nested on

This home has many upgrades and is move in ready. The has laminate floors plus newer stainless steel stove. The finished lower level includes a kitchen area living room full bath and two rooms great for a In-Law suite with separate entrances. Huge yard for pets or to play.

Beautiful home on a corner lot in the borough. Large rooms with a finished attic and basement. Great home for a large family of it could be a great B & B as the property is zoned Village Residential

almost three acres has many possibilities. The thriving business "The Mountain Shoppe" Gift Shop and Rustic Furniture is located on RTE 711 in Jones Mills. This location boasts over 3500 average vehicle traffic per day. With 338 foot frontage and traffic heading to Seven Springs year round resort and other great local attractions. Owner willing to sell inventory for cost, consider staying on as to transition to new ownership.

New Agent

Scan here to check out our aerial virtual tour.

Rebecca L. Ridinger Realtor® Ligonier Twp – MLS 985829 Totally redone on the inside Newer Carpet, Newer Flooring, Newer Paint updated kitchen and bath. Large enclosed front porch on almost an acre of land. Enjoy the country but a short drive to the center of Ligonier.

24 - December 2013

Phone: (724) 238-0443 Cell: (724) 771-5335 rebecca@vernon-realty.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Shops Around the Corner The Laurel Mountain Post Recommends . . .

Verizon Wireless Zone Debbie Sanders, Sales Manager LATROBE Since purchasing my first cell phone in the spring of 1998, while pregnant with my son, I have been one of those customers who dreaded going to the phone store. I would always wait much longer than my contract to replace a phone, until it died in my hands, because I hated the experience so much. No matter what the special offers were, I always felt cheated and as if I was signing my life away on the wrong model. Most of the customer service representatives were not only rude, they were unknowledgeable. Not to mention that the lines were always very long, sweaty and filled with other grumpy customers like me.

I was thrilled when the first Wireless Zone store opened in Latrobe – they offered a quicker, easier solution to the cell phone hassle. But I never got to work with the same associate twice. Now that I have met the current manager, Debbie Sanders, I finally feel like I have a trusted friend at Verizon, someone who will look out for my best interests and take the time to do things right. She knows her products, has a mastery of the service plans available, and will do the math required to find the best value for each customer.

Last month I brought my mother and daughter into her store for their phone upgrades, and they were equally impressed. Before my daughter had ever attended a networking meeting, she asked for several of Debbie’s cards so she could refer her each time she heard someone complaining about their cell phone plan or service.

I am actually looking forward to ordering my new iPhone from Debbie and one for my husband (after she advised me against an expensive and Every Story Begins At Home.

troublesome Blackberry for him). My mother is considering home phone service from Verizon, and I now enjoy hearing about their new products and services from Debbie.

She has transformed my cell phone from a necessary enemy into a valuable ally.

asked for Mary’s contact information, I had to make color copy sheets of her business card to pass out as referrals.

Visit Debbie at the Wireless Zone, 2401 Sharky’s Drive in Latrobe next to Aldi or call 724-539-0178. wirelesszone.com/Latrobe

This time in our “Shops Around the Corner” column, I decided to share a few testimonials I had written for members of my BNI (Business Networking International) Group, Laurel Leaders. The premise of the groups (BNI has chapters all over the world, with multiple chapters in some towns: Greensburg has three!) is to share the philosophy of “giver’s gain” in business. We meet each week to learn more about each other’s businesses, share “testimonials” like those above, refer new business, and spread community information. Through this process of sharing, our businesses grow exponentially over time.

What I love most about this economic growth model is its foundation of generosity. It’s easy to go around each day and talk about what we want or need, but it takes a lot more effort to think of just as many things that we like about each other – and then share those thoughts with others, who in turn will hopefully tell even more people.

At Laurel Leaders, we do this every week – and better than some other chapters I have seen. The testimonial portion is my favorite part of the meeting. Each one tells a positive story.

I invite you to not only learn more about BNI Laurel Leaders (see page 43), but to submit your own testimonials about the people and places in your community. We would like to share these local good stories in upcoming issues!

*****

Batter Up! Cakes Mary Carlson, Baker LIGONIER Recently I had planned a weekend party at my home for my daughter and her former college friends in celebration of her 23rd birthday. As the family baker, it was my responsibility to handle the pies, cakes and cookies while my husband focused on the rest of the food. However, ten days before the party I found out I needed to have emergency eye surgery the very day my guests were to arrive. Not wanting to rely on storebought goods, I turned to my BNI network and called Mary Carlson at Batter Up! Cakes in Ligonier.

She was able to handle my order, even adding to it with short notice, and provide for a convenient delivery amid my crazy schedule. It was so nice to have delicious and homemade desserts for the weekend, rather than stamped out food service crusts that come from so many bakeries these days – and my family is picky about crusts! The coconut cream pie was beautifully handcrafted, the pumpkin roll large and cream-filled, and the red devil’s food gobs were a takehome hit. It was everything I had planned and more, all at an extremely affordable price!

My husband took the leftovers into his workplace on Monday, and so many people enthusiastically

Read more about Mary on page 14. Contact her at 724-237-9732, on Facebook or BatterUpCakesand Goodies.com *****

– Cathi Gerhard, editor editor@laurelmountainpost.com

December 2013 - 25

THREE PENNIES

by Rev. Cindy Parker

Angels in Unexpected Places “I believe that there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above, they come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.”

The country group Alabama sings these words, and they have been on my heart and in my mind lately as I write these stories about experiences with angels.

I pulled up to the small gold house with the white shutters and sat in the driveway for a while. “What do I do now?” I thought, as I looked around.

The outside of the house looked sort of sad, neglected in a way, and as I sat in my car I wondered what I was doing here?

What I was doing there was beginning my Clinical Pastoral Education with Family Hospice and Palliative Care. I was part of a group of seven seminary students who met once a week with our mentor. While we were together we talked about our casesthe people we visited with as we attempted to figure out where God was in all of this.

That was how I ended up at the small gold house on the hill. I climbed out of the car and walked up to the front door, walking around the crumbling front steps. I took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. As I stood there I hoped no one would be home. The door finally opened “Yes?” said a woman peering out at me. I introduced myself as the chaplain from Family Hospice and she let me into her home.

We had met the over the phone and so I knew that Dee lived with her husband and took care of her mother and father in her small home. I sat on the couch next to Dee, and I noticed the dark circles under her eyes as she began to fill me in on her parents. Divorced many years ago, Dee had always looked after her mother, who had lived with her. Her father was another story. After her parents’ divorce, he had moved in with his girlfriend and not contacted Dee for 26 - December 2013

many years. Until he received his diagnosis – lung cancer. Apparently his girlfriend wasn’t interested in a sick boyfriend and kicked him out.

So Dee took her father into her own home when he had nowhere else to go and was taking care of him during his last months.

I was there to visit Dee and offer support to her and her father. Dee wasn’t sure if her father would see me, let alone talk to me. So she had asked him before I arrived if he would meet with me. He had surprised her and said yes. He was lying on the bed in his room as Dee walked me in and introduced me. “This is the chaplain, Dad. Be nice!” I smiled as I approached the bed and sat in the chair which was obviously placed there for my benefit.

Dee left the room, and her Dad began to talk. He grew up in the Catholic Church and was abused by the priest.

He didn’t go into details, only told me that he walked away from the church, and he walked away from God. He had

lived his life like that for 70 years, and he wasn’t sure he could change.

We talked for over an hour, and when he asked me to come back I promised him I would. I asked him if I could pray for him, he nodded.

“Thank you,” he whispered after I was finished. “Nobody has ever prayed for me before.”

“You’re welcome,” I answered.

“I promise you it won’t be the last time someone prays for you.”

We talked every two weeks, and I don’t know who looked more forward to the visits – me or Mr. Angelico. A few months later, in November, Dee’s mother, Rose, was diagnosed with cancer as well. I was making the 45minute drive twice a week to give Dee a break and sit with either her mother or her father.

It was while I was sitting with Rose that it happened. Dee left to run some errands, and I crept in to Rose’s room and sat by her bed. Rose seemed uncomfortable, she was tossing and turning and groaning.

“What’s wrong, Rose? Can I get you a drink?” I lifted her glass to her lips when she became still. A smile played on her lips.

“Look there!” she said and pointed to the floor by her bed. I looked but didn’t see anything.

“What, Rose? What do you see?”

Her smile grew as she answered, “two little girls all dressed in white. Do you see them?”

I shook my head, no, I didn’t see anything.

“They’re right there, playing and laughing.” Rose was so calm and serene and at peace. She wasn’t asking for her daughter, as she often did when Dee left.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

“Oh, oh.”

“What Rose?”

“Do you see them?”

“What do you see, Rose?”

“The angels, they’re here.”

“Where?”

“All around.”

Her smile grew wider. I couldn’t see what she could see but I could see the radiance on her face. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any brighter, she smiled the most beautiful smile, “He’s here!”

“Who’s here, Rose?”

“Jesus is here, can’t you see the light?”

I could not. The room looked the same.

“He wants me to come with him.

Should I go?”

She looked so peaceful that I answered, “Yes, Rose, you should go.” Her smile faded, “But who will take care of Dee? I can’t leave Dee.” “Dee will be ok, she has Bill. Bill will take good care of her.”

She was quiet for a few minutes as I stroked her hand, and I thought she fell asleep.

“Where’s Dee?” She asked. “I need Dee.” Fortunately, Dee returned home a few minutes later and came into her mom’s room. She took my place by her bed and held her mother’s hand.

After a while Rose fell asleep, and I filled Dee in on what had happened and the visions her mom saw. She didn’t seem too surprised.

“Do you want me to stay?” I asked Rose.

“No, go home, your family needs you.” I gave Rose a kiss, hugged Dee and drove away wondering if I would see Rose again.

I received the phone call from Dee later that night. Rose had gone to her heavenly home, “surrounded by angels, with a smile on her lips and a look of peace on her face.”

“I told her it was ok to go, Cindy.

I told her to go.”

“That was what she needed to hear, Dee. She knows you love her, she’s at peace.”

I have come to believe that God does indeed send God’s messengers Every Story Begins At Home.

to us- “they come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.”

This is the final installation of my stories on angels. ***** Cindy Parker came to the United Church of Christ by way of the Presbyterian Church. A life-long

continued from page 14

door as an opportunity to open a new one and create a new chapter. No use feeling depressed when life throws you a curve ball. Take it as a challenge and accept it with a positive attitude.”

Highs and Lows of her business: • Highs are getting to work from home when I am doing orders and getting to spend time with my family. Also, to provide a product that I feel is high quality and fresh – and seeing and hearing my customers enjoy it.

• Lows are the fact that since it is still growing, I have to work a couple other part time jobs. Most of the money earned goes right back into supplies and new equipment.

Presbyterian, she jokes that she was “predestined to become UCC!” Currently called as the Pastor and Teacher of Christ Church UCC in Latrobe, PA and St. John’s UCC in Darlington; she, her husband Larry and three daughters enjoy traveling all over the world! Cindy also serves as a Spiritual Director for the Three Rivers Walk to Emmaus retreats and was part of the team that brought the Kairos Outside Ministry to Pennsylvania. Kairos (which means special time in Greek) is a prison ministry for women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration. Cindy completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State and her MDiv. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary along with a year-long internship at Family Hospice and Palliative Care. She enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and photographing her daughters.

• Make everything fresh • Tinker tinker tinker with recipes and find ways to make them your own • Never give out your secrets But the big secret is already out in Ligonier – I’ve never heard so many thrilling testimonials about a member of a networking group before. People everywhere seem to love her delicious pies, cakes, cookies and other goodies. As it has been said in our meetings, BatterUp! Cakes is hitting home runs all over town!

To learn more or contact Carlson, please call 724-237-9732, check out her Facebook page or visit BatterUpCakesandGoodies.com.

Family time is very important to Carlson.

“I have 3 children. Justin (10), Jacob (6), and Holly (4). My major supporter of this venture and assistant – and the one that keeps me going – is my fiancé, David. ” Goals for the future: • Open retail • Partner with a caterer • Work with more restaurants • Develop fundraising plan to help local organizations raise money Tips for amateur bakers: • Keep practicing and never give up learning new techniques

December 2013 - 27

continued from page 21

burgh institution. Its “Burnt Almond Torte” and other sinful sweets have been a tradition for the last 40 years. In fact, there’s been a bakery in continuous operation at the flagship Shadyside store for over 100 years. Henry Prantl conceived of the torte decades ago when we went to California for a bakery trade show. There was an almond glut that year and the Almond Board was trying to get bakers to use almonds in new and inspiring ways. Henry picked up a few ideas and brought them back to Pittsburgh where he refined them into our current recipe for “Burnt Almond Torte”, a unique and addictive dessert combining melt-in-your-mouth cake, vanilla pastry cream, luscious buttercream, and our secret recipe toasted almonds. If you’ve never had one, you really do have to try one. If you have had one, you know what we’re talking about!

• Riverside Design Group, Plates with PurposeTM, specially plates from recycled glass benefitting nonprofit organizations – PENNSYLVANIA. Riverside Design Group is a tabletop design business with a passion for style and a commitment to service. We are dedicated to being innovative, supportive of our community, and sensitive to the environment. Our efforts include operating out of an energy efficient LEED certified building, using recyclable and sustainable materials including glass with recycled content, and using light-weight recycled shipping materials to keep our carbon footprint low. As a part of our commitment to community service and support, we developed Plates With Purpose™, a line of plates that raises funds to support vital non-profit community organizations.

Our Plates With Purpose™ concept was founded by Mary Irwin-Scott. Beginning with a single design by artist Cassandra Ott in 2004 (the Butterfly), the collection has grown to several beautiful designs that raise funding for a diverse group of national and regional non-profits.

• SCHMIEDLIN, one-of-a-kind paintings and limited edition prints by Keith Schmiedlin – PENNSYLVANIA. Pittsburgh based artist Keith Schmiedlin is known for using bold solid colors and gestural line to paint subject matter ranging from flower motifs to WWII fighter war birds.

Schmiedlin attended CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) High School and then went off to get a bachelors degree in Graphic Design at LaRoche College. He currently works fulltime as a fine artist and runs his own business, Schmiedlin Designs. His paintings are in many private collections throughout the country and he is attracting the attention of public outlets in Pittsburgh. He currently has paintings on display at Children’s Hospital, Animal Friends, Vanilla Pastry Studio, MauraMori Cafe’, The Sewickley Gallery & Frame shop, and the Pittsburgh Zoo. About Local Goodness After seven years of promoting and raising awareness of local farmers, small producers and artisans – in television, print and radio – Rhonda Schuldt realized the need to create a solution to help move people from awareness to action and decided it was time for Local Goodness to evolve and bring customers all the best of all things local in one easy and convenient online shop. For more information, please visit: http://localgoodness.com

28 - December 2013

continued from page 21

According to POWER’s Executive Director, Rosa Davis, “POWER is grateful for the opportunity to expand a small social enterprise, the POWER Collection, by adding new artists and becoming part of the Local Goodness Marketplace. We hope to find a new audience for our message that addiction is a treatable disease while raising funds for our work with courageous women and highlighting the work of amazing and talented artists.”

About POWER: POWER has served over 12,000 women throughout its 22 year history. Offering a unique continuum of woman-centered, traumainformed treatment and recovery support services, POWER strives to meet the needs of any woman who wants to build a strong foundation for her recovery from addiction. Together with committed and compassionate staff, many in recovery themselves, each woman works hard to make healthy choices and changes that will lead to a better life for herself, her family, and her community. For more information, please visit: http://localgoodness.com/give/powercollection/

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

POSTMODERN TENDANCIES

by Megan Fuller

Solstice Signs Every once in a while, not very often, practically never – I get to do something really, really awesome and get paid for it. One of these super rare occasions took place last winter. I was working on a property literally littered (love alliteration!) with Hohokam ruins (more information about the Hohokam can be found here: http://www.azmnh.org/arch/ hohokam.aspx). Archaeological excavations on the property back in the 1970s revealed more than 25 human burials and several room blocks were (and still are) unexcavated so there is a good chance additional burials are present. One of my co-workers has a friend who is a spiritual leader within the local indigenous community and thought it would be a good idea to have him visit the property and communicate the nature of the ongoing project with the ancestors’ spirits that remained on-site. In my mind, this was a fantastic idea and I was lucky enough to be invited to join them in a sunrise ceremony. The ceremony was incredible-there was incense and rattles and chanting. The spiritual leader blessed my co-worker and me. We were both moved to tears.

One area of the property with exposed room blocks was fenced by some previous property owners. We had opened the gate to allow the spiritual leader access to the rooms.

At the end of the ceremony, the spiritual leader told my co-worker and me that the ancestors’ spirits did not like being fenced in – he had explained to the ancestors that the fence was supposed to protect them but they still wanted to be allowed some freedom. He also told the ancestors’ spirits that my co-worker and I were going to take care of them. Both of us took this to heart.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Many ancient cultures, including the Hohokam, were astronomers.

Large Hohokam sites often have features that align with solstice sunrise, indicating that solstice was an important day in Hohokam culture. Winter solstice was not long after my experience with the sunrise ceremony, so I asked the first person on-site each morning to please open the fenced Hohokam ruins area before the sun came up on solstice. I thought maybe the ancestors would want to be free to celebrate on such an important day. When I got to the work site that morning, the morning of winter solstice, there was an enormous raven waiting for me in the parking lot. Seriously, this was a huge bird. I took this as a sign; the raven is often believed to be a messenger from the other side. I saw the raven multiple times throughout that day but never again.

Because it seemed the Hohokam ancestors did appreciate the opening of the gates, I made sure to open them fairly regularly, especially on equinox and solstice days. Unfortunately, I am not working on that property this December nor is the co-worker from the sunrise ceremony. I still take my promise to care for the ancestors seriously, and I will do my best to influence the people still on-site to open the gates on solstice. Hopefully, the raven will let me know that the ancestors are enjoying this year’s celebration.

While the Hohokam were aligning architecture to movements of the sun in the Southwest, the Hopewell were living along the Ohio River and its tributaries.

They created large earthworks that appear to be dedicated to both solar and lunar events. The largest group of Hopewellian geometric earthworks is in present day Newark, OH. Studies of these earthworks reveal that sightlines of the earthworks mark out positions of moonrise and moonset repeating every 18.6 years. These are the same orientations found at Stonehenge in England.

Additional earthworks throughout the complex mark summer and winter solstice, as well as the vernal and autumnal equinox.

*****

Megan Fuller is an applied cognitive anthropologist with postmodern tendencies who grew up in the exciting Pittsburgh suburb of Pleasant Hills and had the distinct pleasure of earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from IUP. In 1993, Megan moved out West to get a Master’s Degree. She also picked up a husband and hasn’t quite convinced him to move back to Western PA. To maintain her authentic Pittsburgh accent she regularly watches Pittsburgh Dad and engages anyone wearing black and gold sports gear in conversation.

Reconstruction of the axial moonrise experience, every 18.6 years, and seen from above the Observatory Mound. www.ancientohiotrail.org

December 2013 - 29

[heartattack]

by Hayley Chemski, A heart attack, a “MI”, a “coronary” — however you’d like to refer to the killer that is known in medicine as a “myocardial infarction”...what you must know is how to avoid having one, at all costs. What may seem even more dreadful is the fear of suffering a heart attack, and not realizing it.

“Silent heart attacks” (occuring to 3-4 million Americans) can be the most damaging type of heart attack; two times as many folks will die of a “silent heart attack” than a full blown coronary event coupled with marked chest pain. During any kind of heart attack, the small vessels surrounding the heart (coronaries) are unable to provide blood flow to the heart muscle. As your heart is uniquely supplied by a limited number of coronary arteries, a heart attack is quite scary and can prove deadly.

Heart attacks (ischemia or lack of oxygen to the heart) kill the cardiac muscle quickly, and overtime inhibit the hearts ability to pump effectively.

The electrical unit in the heart that drives the heart beat (autonomic nervous system) can also be affected, leading to issues with a slow, fast, or abberant heart rhythm.

As proven in medical research early treatment of the heart attack is by far the best indicator of survival; therefore, when speaking of a quiet killer, if one is unaware he or she is experiencing a silent heart attack, valuable time drifts by before treatment is sought. Using drugs that unclog arteries, a baby aspirin as an adjunct treatment that protects against damage in the heart tissue, opening the artery with a balloon (angioplasty), slowing the heart beat, or dilating the heart arteries with medicines (nitroglycerin) are treatments of a “MI.” Individuals who suffer from diabetes (“sugar”), have had a known heart attack, are female, overweight, smoke, have elevated cholesterol 30 - December 2013

MSN, CRNA and Certified Fitness Trainer

levels, or are over the age of 65 are at an increased risk of a silent heart attack. Complicating the issue further, diabetes causes neuropathy (or damage to nerve impulses) which in turn limits ones ability to sense chest pain, weakness, or other associated pain and a heart attack goes by unnoticed.

Classic symptoms of a heart attack include chest discomfort (similar to heartburn), crushing chest pain (“elephant sitting on your chest”), jaw pain, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, excessive sweating, feeling clammy, and ongoing fatigue.

Some patients have described a “feeling of doom” which is clinically significant as it foreshadows many catastrophic events in medicine.

Once presented for treatment, an ECG (electrocardiogram that measures heart activity), heart enzymes, and a thorough physical exam and history will occur. The proper treatment can be aligned and prompt restoration of blood flow to your heart muscle will save your life.

Because of the detriment associated with a heart attack, the best way to combat your risk for heart damage is to avoid co-morbidities associated with stress on your heart and coronary arteries. Appropriate stress relief, proper nutrition, regular fitness, treatment of underlying cholesterol issues, and conversations with your primary care physician and/or cardiologist can combat your risk of heart attack. Identifying your cholesterol level(s), analyzing your heart rate and blood pressure, and treating warning

signs through medical support can limit your risk factors. New guidelines released by the American Heart Association call for the use of cholesterol lowering drugs (-statins) for a wider range of patients, as many as 72 million Americans. The risk of heart disease with increased cholesterol levels is exactly why these guidelines are rolling out.

When undertaking a new exercise regime, be sure to alert friends and family if you are exercising alone. If you are at a fitness facility, inquire about the availability of an automated external defibrillator and/or the expertise of staff members (CPR/ Basic Life Support certifications).

Fitness and proper nutrition can prevent major complications of heart disease such as a heart attack.

If you are experiencing signs or symptoms of a heart attack, as subtle as they may seem — seek medical attention. Do not let your pride get in the way of identifying a heart attack. Seek help. You may be your best asset to saving your own life. ** *** Hayley is a Certified Fitness Trainer and the coowner of Building Bodeez Fitness Center, located at 154 Pandora Rd in Derry, PA, as well as a fulltime Nurse Anesthetist with the University of Pittsburgh Physicians, currently based at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Fox Chapel, PA. Hayley offers a wealth of fitness and health knowledge, serving as the Group Fitness Coordinator and Wellness Programs Director at Building Bodeez.

She has developed several programs at Building Bodeez including initiation of the first ZUMBA classes in the area, as well as AerobaDANCE and Yogilates (her unique creations), and the wildly successful Building Better Bodeez weight loss intensive program.

She has also been a nurse for eight years, and obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing Anesthesia in 2008. Hayley has been recognized by the Westmoreland County YWCA as Sportswoman of the Year (2010) for her dedication to women’s’ health, as well as philanthropic work through Building Bodeez. She also recently won the prestigious 2012 Westmoreland County Winners’ Circle Award sponsored by the YWCA for exhibiting early professional success as well as the potential to obtain marked achievement. Hayley recognizes the marriage of fitness with healthy living and disease risk prevention, and offers suggestions for holistic wellbeing through her blog at Laurel MountainPost.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Matt El-Kadi, MD, PhD, FACS, and the staff at Tri-State Neurosurgical Associates– UPMC are pleased to welcome patients to their new office in Monroeville.

Look no further for expert spine care and surgery. Our spine surgery team averages over 1,800 spine procedures in a year. We work with pain management clinic and physical rehabilitation physicians and therapists to provide alternatives and tailor treatment plans.

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Dr. El-Kadi is chief of neurosurgery at UPMC Passavant and vice chairman and clinical professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at UPMC. He specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal and disc disease surgery, spine tumors, image-guided surgery, and complex spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery.

He is board-certified and a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. El-Kadi was selected as one of “The Best Doctors in America,” and named one of Pittsburgh’s “Best Doctors,” by “Pittsburgh Magazine.”

If you have questions, or want to schedule an appointment, please call 877-635-5234. We have offices in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2013 - 31

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

When It Comes to Weight Loss ‘tis the Season NOT to Fight Santa!

Four Easy Steps to Manage Your Weight During the Holidays By the time you get this issue of the Laurel Mountain Post, you should be about half-way through the Bermuda Triangle of the most difficult time to management weight.

For some, the 6- to 7-week stretch between Thanksgivings and New Years Day tend to hold one distraction after another that can sabotage any weight loss program.

There are varying reports on exactly how much the average weight gain is during this period of time. Whether the weight gain is on the low end or the high end, most of us can agree this is a difficult time to stay focused on a weight loss goal.

The truth is there is no reason why you cannot continue your weight loss progress over this challenging stretch of time. At the same time however, the reality is, if your goal is not set in stone with a particular date, such as a special event or particular season, then we also encourage people not make their lives too miserable either. During this stretch, we have a concept here at My Fitness Kitchen® to help make the lifestyle livable, called the “Holiday Hold’em.” This is where we ask our members to just enjoy this time with their family and friends, take a break from their weight loss goals, and look to “HOLD” steady throughout the holidays.

Now not to mislead or confuse anyone, the Hierarchy of Fat Loss principles still are in play during this time. The first rule in the Hierarchy is the law of thermogenesis (calories in versus calories out). We do not want to ignore this first rule in the Hierarchy; rather now can be the time 32 - December 2013

to employ weight management strategies that require a little less dayto-day detail without completely compromising your program. This is a term we call Supportive Nutrition and is comprised of 4 steps.

This simple Supportive Nutrition Strategy will keep you from overeating, while providing proper nourishment to sustain your program.

WATER: Most Americans simply do not drink enough water. Adequate water consumption helps to alleviate water retention, is essential for the conversion of fat to energy, and helps

rid the body of toxins and waste to improve the efficiency of your metabolism.

From a guideline perspective, you should aim for half your body weight in ounces of water. For those extremely active individuals, you could go as high as three-fourths your body weight in ounces. Note: If you are not near those targets, work up to them increasing by 1-2 glasses per week until you are there, otherwise you will be saying my name in vain on multiple trips to the bathroom!

MEAL FREQUENCY: Our body needs energy to run efficiently.

Typically, we should be consuming our targeted daily caloric intake in 56 smaller meals spaced throughout the day to promote a more consistent energy. Eating frequently without exceeding our total daily caloric target allows our blood sugar to remain steady and minimizes the drops in energy that cause us to not want to be as active throughout the day, thus burning less calories.

Additionally, for those who tend to overeat, more frequent eating tends to control over-indulging and can play a role in the third step, PORTION SIZE. PORTION SIZE: How many times have we sat at the kitchen table or at a restaurant and said “I ate way too much”? Unfortunately, this is something that has become somewhat of a trend for our society. Keep in mind, the stomach is a flexible organ and as we gain weight it stretches. Controlling portion size helps train the stomach to basically shrink to its optimal LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

size, so that when you do eat the correct portion size, you will feel satisfied and not over eat.

A few tips to help control portion size are to use small plates and bowls and to slow down the pace you eat. If you need help slowing down, try eating with your less dominate hand.

Also you can simply judge each portion by the size of your fist. If the portion of each item is bigger than your fist, then the portion may be too much. This will help minimize overeating and lower caloric intake.

QUALITY: Finally you want to look at the quality of food you are eating.

A simple strategy here is something we call the “Peace Plan.” Imagine your plate separated like a modified peace sign of 3 equal parts.

When you look to prepare a meal, be sure that while maintaining the portion size as stated above that you have one fibrous carbohydrate, one starchy carbohydrate and one lean protein. In a perfect world, each time you eat it would be like this. However, as we know, there is no perfect world; so if you eat five different times in a day, you should have 5 fibrous carbs, 5 starchy carbs and 5 lean proteins total for the day.

When you are fixing your plate at dinner, always start with a lean protein, followed by a fibrous carb and then, if room, the starchy carb.

When you indulge yourself with empty calories from the homemade cookies and pies or whatever it may be from the holiday season, you will have to subtract those empty calories from one of the 3 sources above.

When this happens, look to cut from the starchy carbs, since the starchy carb is typically higher in total calories than the others. This will help balance the calories when junk food is consumed.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Following these simple steps will begin to promote the proper path toward a lifestyle change with results, as well as provide a less stressful means of managing your intake over the holidays without sabotaging your weight loss plan.

For more information, please feel free to consult with any of the fitness professionals at My Fitness Kitchen®. Additionally as an on-going thank you to Laurel Mountain Post and its readers, mention this article for a FREE, no obligation, personalized, metabolic nutritional formula and fitness program that will leverage the hierarchy of fat loss. If you are serious about achieving a body transformation goal then you need a program, as any goal without a plan is really only a wish!

As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, by mentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article and after meeting with one of My Fitness Kitchen’s Fitness Professionals for a private consult as offered above – you will receive $50 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward any program or service at My Fitness Kitchen® as a courtesy of the Laurel Mountain Post. ***** www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-879-8523 results@myfitnesskitchen.com My Fitness Kitchen® is where weight loss is made simple.

My Fitness Kitchen® is located in Latrobe 30 plaza, Latrobe PA. My Fitness Kitchen® is a weight loss and body transformation center that also happens to have a fitness center connected to it. From the moment you enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your age, fitness level or experience, it’s all about “You.” The supportive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly members combine to create the most unique and comfortable environment for your weight management and fitness success. Whether it is Nutrition, Fitness or both, you can be confident My Fitness Kitchen® is the solution to a healthier and thinner you.

About the Author: Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and owner of My Fitness Kitchen® www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-8798523. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specialize in weight loss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goals through evidence-based scientific programming.

My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death.

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie Rivera Pittsburgh’s Premiere Psychic & Party Reader

412-884-7788 pittsburghmedium.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our Advertisers and Subscribers!

Your generosity throughout the year has made this FREE community publication possible since 2004.

Enjoy this full-color preview of the Laurel Mountain Post, and please consider keeping us in your budgets for 2014.

Sincerely, Staff & Friends

December 2013 - 33

INFORMATION FOR LIFE

by Michael Vernon

Staging Your Home for a Better & Faster Sale Your favorite chair. You’ve had it for years. You have watched countless movies, read books, and viewed some amazing sporting events from the comfort of that chair. You have enjoyed the chair as you have entertained family and friends and it has served you well. Maybe it was even a family heirloom or a hand me down to start with.

There may be a stain here or a tattered seam there. A blanket may even cover the especially tough to hide blemishes.

If this sounds like a chair you have in your house, it may be time to retire it before you begin showing your home to prospective customers.

Now I’m not talking about refurnishing your entire house, just to pack

it all up for your move. What I am talking about is using your best judgment and if you were considering replacing a worn out item, do it now before you begin showing your home. Pick out a piece that will fit in well with your new home and enjoy it now compared to later after you move.

I realize that things like this can be hard to deal with. A move is a major event and you may have grown accustomed to the comfort of certain pieces of furniture, but you need to realize that displaying your house as beautifully as possible is what is needed when selling your home. I will be glad to discuss my opinions regarding certain items in your home. I can always be reached in

my office and please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns.

Look for more of my Information for Life.

Gift Subscriptions Now Available!

Each $30 gift comes in a laser-cut Christmas card with numbered coupon redeemable for subscription. It’s the perfect gift for out of town friends and family who like to keep in touch with western Pennsylvania, or simply for readers who want to make sure they never miss an issue. Once we hit the streets, our 10,000 copies go quickly! Complete and return this form with payment to LMP, PO Box 332, Ligonier, PA 15658, or order online at LaurelMountainPost.com.

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34 - December 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

continued from page 19

NATURAL HEALTH

Healing with Mother Nature’s Weeds

by Granny Earth, ND

Mullein Mullein is an upright biennial. Appearing the first year, it grows a little. The following year it returns, growing tall and producing small yellow flowers. Then it dies off, depending on the millions of tiny black seeds to continue its legacy.

The leaves and flowers are the parts used medicinally.

Traditionally, Mullein’s been used as a cough remedy. Making a cough syrup is easy. You might combine Mullein with Cherry Bark in glycerin- for this.

Mullein is considered to be mucilage with expectorant qualitiescalming with anti-inflammatory properties.

Those little yellow flowers (that grow on the spike) are a challenge.

They don’t bloom all at once, but a few at a time. So, it takes patience to collect them. But, collect them you’ll want to, for they’ll be a treasure if anyone in your family should develop an earache.

After you’ve collected as many flowers as you can, put them in a glass jar that you’ve filled 1/2 full with Virgin olive oil. Put the lid on- sit on a window-sill so the sun can do its job. As the days go by, collect more flowers and add them to the oil, shaking once in a while.

You can leave it there for several weeks, until you think its ‘ready’.

Then strain off and bottle into amber bottles, that have a dropper. If anyone gets an earache- at the first sign, warm up the oil in a pan of hot water and put a few drops in the ear. Do this several times a day till it’s healed. No need for antibi-

otics. No need for a medical doctor (my opinion)!

Added bonus: Dried leaves of Mr. Mullein can be smoked to relieve lung problems, so the story goes. Once I had a friend who had lung problems, so we smoked some mullein. She said it really helped! Added bonus: After 3 pipes full, we were extremely happy- laughing at everything! I later put an herbal tobacco together using Mullein and a few other weeds. I called it: ‘LightenUp’- (Well, you get the point.) No, I no longer make that product.

(Mullein, page 123-124 Do It Yourself Weed Medicine)

www.grannyearth.com grannyearth@zoominternet.net Phone: 724-542-9713 Granny’s monthly Natural Health Newsletter- ‘CONNECTIONS’ is available via- Snail-Mail. 12 pages- All good stuff! $35.00 a year (12 issues).

***** Seventy-some years young, and following my life-long passion, which is natural healing and teaching others about weed medicine, I believe that we each must do what we can to get back to Nature. In making your own weed medicine, you’re going to be going out looking and identifying certain weeds that grow around you- you’ll be outdoors, in the sunshine and fresh air- getting back to Nature. Maybe you’ll start growing your own weeds- turning your backyard into a weed garden!

Granny Earth has a bachelor’s in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania (which she earned at age 59), and both a masters and doctorate from Clayton College of Natural Health. Visit her website or all 724-542-9713, or email grannyearth@zoominternet.net.

‘The two most important days in your life- The day you are born and the day you find out why” - Mark Twain

Every Story Begins At Home.

• Nearly 370 advocacy organizations signed up to support the nationwide initiative.

• More than 346,000 free online tools and materials were accessed by small business owners to help get the word out about Small Business Saturday.

• In November alone, more than 352,000 tweets were sent in support of Small Business Saturday, many using the hashtags #SmallBizSat and #ShopSmall, a 65% increase from the previous year; those Tweets ranged from consumers spreading the word about the national initiative to business owners promoting offers that they created specifically for the day.

• To date, more than 3.3 million Facebook users have “liked” the official Small Business Saturday Facebook page.

About the Survey: The Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey was conducted among a nationally repre-sentative sample of 1000 males and females 18 years of age or older. The sample was collected using an email invitation and an online survey. The study was conducted anonymously by Redshift Research between November 30th and December 1st, 2013. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 5.47%, at the 95% level of confidence.

About Small Business Saturday: November 30 marked the fourth annual Small Business Saturday, a day to support the local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. Small Business Saturday was created in 2010 in response to small business owners’ most pressing need: more customers. Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has become a global phenomenon, spreading to the UK, Australia, Israel, Canada, South Africa and Asia.

About NFIB: National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the nation’s leading small business association, with offices in Washington, D.C., and all 50 states. Founded in 1943 as a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, NFIB gives small and independent business owners a voice in shaping the public policy issues that affect their business. NFIB’s powerful network of grassroots activists sends their views directly to state and federal lawmakers through our unique member-only ballot, thus playing a critical role in supporting America’s free enterprise system. NFIB’s mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. More information about NFIB is available online at www.NFIB.com/newsroom.

December 2013 - 35

Christmas Music Traditions

by Victoria Mull My favorite season for music is Christmas. As far back as I can remember the Christmas holiday was so exciting because the music was only heard for a short time each year.

We learned songs in school and would perform a holiday concert and I would eagerly continue to sing everywhere I went. The carols we sang in church would culminate in a candlelight service Christmas Eve; the choir singing made the experience magical.

As I grew, I was involved in several music groups in school and in the community. We started rehearsing the holiday music early in September. I still have a few videos and cassette recordings of the programs of which I was a part and a lot of that music has remained special to me. I would try to find my own copies of a lot of the music. Many of those gems are out of print, but I have my treasures and I keep them close and play them anytime I feel like it.

While we roll our eyes that the radio stations started playing Christmas music as soon as Halloween ended, many of us in the music field have started this year’s Christmas music on December 26 of last year.

School music programs started teaching it on the first day of the new school year. I use the same book with my violin students and they will continue to use the same book for many years, but each year they are assigned the harder parts while newer students play the easy melodies.

At times I find myself hitting the scan button on the radio as I drive (or playing CD’s,) because I don’t enjoy Christmas music all day and all night. However, there is holiday music that I look forward to that isn’t normally heard on the radio. Often it is music that I can only hear in certain places, for example: the Church Christmas Eve Service, holiday performances by The Westmoreland 36 - December 2013

Symphony, The Westmoreland Choral Society, The Laurel Ballet, or the newer Westmoreland County Community College band, orchestra, and chorus. I also love to hear the Choral and Hand bell music from Seton Hill University and from many other local community bands and groups.

I polled my friends and asked what they’re favorites are. “O Holy Night,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” and “Ave Maria” are sentimental favorites. Who can resist “I’ll Be Home

for Christmas?” Certainly many standards have been updated, but the originals are still the most appreciated. The children I know love “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jolly Old Saint Nicholas,” and “Up on the Housetop.”

When I was a teenager, I first heard “Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer,” and it almost knocked me out.

The first time my mom heard it, I thought she broke the radio trying to shut it off. But the next year she was searching every Christmas book in the stores to find a copy to play.

The pre-Christmas season was especially magical because of Santa Claus. I remember one Christmas when my parents took me shopping and they picked out several things for me and I was certain they were in the car. I rode home the whole way turned around because my mom and dad said they were only helping the elves for Santa Claus. That’s when my mom started her tradition of singing “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” to warn me to be good.

I went to Norwin School District and always performed in the orchestra. I enjoyed the mix of traditional and modern Christmas music, but our Chorus under the direction of Jeannie Close mesmerized me. I didn’t sing until my senior year when Mrs. Close heard me singing along to the music during the rehearsals. If you were a student of Jeannie Close, and she found out you could sing, she would make sure you had chorus in your next semester schedule.

My senior year, Close Harmony sang a song I had never heard before and that I will never spend a holiday without. The song was “Candlelight Carol” by John Rutter. When I graduated from high school and entered Seton Hill University, I was reintroduced to the same piece. One Saturday on Thanksgiving break, my mom and I went to Pittsburgh to do some holiday shopping. I remember Marvin Huls, Professor and Director of Choirs at Seton Hill University recommending that we should listen to Public Radio WQED. That Saturday, it was Listener’s Choice. Driving along, I heard the introduction of the “Candlelight Carol.” I pulled over to enjoy the music and sing along.

When I finally got my own recording, I was delighted in all the tracts on the CD. This wasn’t music I was raised on, but it felt like home.

Over the years, I have had the priviLAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

lege to sing many more songs by Rutter as well as other English Choral Music.

Some of my other memorable Christmas musical traditions include the years I was able to sing in the Chorus for the Westmoreland Choral Society and Westmoreland Symphony at The Palace Theater for their performance of Handel’s “The Messiah.” Another great holiday tradition is the performance of “The Nutcracker” ballet by Tchaikovsky.

The most sentimental tradition I have for Christmas music is the Christmas Eve service. In the church in which I was raised, The First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Irwin, the youth of the church dressed as angels and participated in the service by lighting the four foot candles all over the sanctuary. The adult choir would sing beautiful Christmas music accompanied by the Pipe Organ that was donated by Andrew Carnegie and restored for its 150th anniversary.

After college, I spent several years directing the choirs for the West Hempfield Presbyterian Church in Irwin. I loved our two Christmas Eve services for which the first had the full Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Ringers. The second service was more intimate and would enlist soloists

Every Story Begins At Home.

who would sing, play, or dance. But the best part of the season happened the week before when the children of the church would be part of a Christmas musical. Nothing was ever perfect, but then again, it was always better than we could have hoped. We spent months rehearsing music, reviewing lines, and preparing the footwork for students to dance on a makeshift stage. Parents, kids, teachers, and members of the congregation all pitched in and helped.

I have always believed that we all have talents and those talents are a gift. Music has touched my heart and soul and no matter where I am in life, my music has a way of reminding me that no matter what else I do, I will always have my gift.

My gift has had some wonderful ways of giving back to me. Remember my love for “The Candlelight Carol” and the choral music of John Rutter from England. When I was in college, the Pittsburgh Diocese was having a celebration and the performance was under the direction of John Rutter.

We were given tickets to hear the performance and a few of my classmates and I, dressed as we were, jumped in my car and headed to a church in Pittsburgh.

The performance was outstanding, and I don’t think my feet touched

the floor. Afterwards, there was a receiving line to get an autograph from Mr. Rutter. It was my turn, and I gushed. I was meeting my hero on earth. He looked at me and asked me if I played the violin? How on earth could he know that? He pointed to all the buttons on my coat and each one was a violin. Even so, this was still the most magical experience I had in life up to this point.

I usually had my church choir sing a choral selection of John Rutter every year and for many Christmas Eve Services, we did sing “The Candlelight Carol.” My last year as director was right before I had my son, Matthew.

The words were so significant of the first verse.

How can you capture the wind on the water?

How can you write down the stars in the sky?

How can you measure the love of a mother, or how can you write down, your baby’s first cry? ***** Victoria Mull began teaching private violin/viola lessons while a senior at Norwin Senior High School.

She continued to teach privately while majoring in Music Education at Seton Hill University, and continued graduate studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She continues to teach private lessons at Vittone’s in Greensburg, where students learn to practice, understand music theory, and play in ensembles. Her specialties include: piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar and voice.

December 2013 - 37

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LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

CALLING INVESTORS! $161,000 #964597. Brick 2-unit apartment building, currently leased. Each unit has 2 bedrooms & 1-1/2 baths. Offstreet parking. N. Naugle, Ligonier. LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

HISTORIC COLONIAL $249,900 #946289. Three-bedroom, 2-bath home on 4.72 acres in Ligonier Twp. Refinished wood floors, updated baths, fireplace, built-in bookcases, open staircase, patio, enclosed porch, new roof, & newer garage. Location, charm, privacy! Motivated Seller! JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

UNIQUE PROPERTY & OPPORTUNITY! $155,000 #979959. Three-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath brick ranch in Ligonier Twp. 1/7 interest of shared 33.1 acres w/ inground pool, lake, stream, & woods. LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

LIGONIER BORO $129,000 #969244. LIGONIER BORO 3-bedroom, 2-bath brick Cape Cod in great location. Enclosed side porch off kitchen. Close to playground. 2 blocks from town.

Shows great! JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

ATTRACTIVE RANCH $210,500 #964547. Three-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath brick ranch on Main, Ligonier. Partially-finished lower level. Storage abounds. Central air, fireplace, & 2-car garage. LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

SPACIOUS RAISED RANCH $169,500 #956246. Five bedrooms, 2 baths, central air, cedar-lined master closet, family room w/wet bar, & 1 acre in Ligonier. LISA LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! $299,900 #950576. Grocery, deli, bakery, & building. Everything goes "As is." Successful business for 35 years! Ligonier Twp. JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

MOVE-IN READY! $89,900 #978092. Three-bedroom ranch on 4 city lots at end of street.

Updated & remodeled, large eat-in kitchen, huge pantry, 2011 metal roof, lovely sun room, pool, shed, fire pit, & fenced yard.

LORRAINE/KATHY LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

CHARMING DUPLEX $109,900 #979643. With 2-bay detached garage. Unfinished area above garage would be perfect studio apartment. Separate utility meters. Great investment! Laughlintown. LISA LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

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978092

CHARMING FARM! $569,900 #962314. 46.74 acres w/beautiful 5-bedroom home, large barn, & outbuildings. Very workable farm in Cook Twp., but minutes from Seven Springs. Mostly pastures, some woods. Fabulous location! JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

DECEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR

“Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. ” – Norman Vincent Peale

through 1/12/2014 Plaid Tidings The Cabaret at Theater Square 655 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.325.6769 http://trustarts.org/visit/facilities/cabaret/ through 1/10/2014 Christmas in America Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.805.2188. http://www.mccarlgallery.org/ Join the McCarl Gallery for an exploration of American Christmas Traditions and our beautiful display of decorations and one of a kind coverlet collection.

12/1/2013 to 12/1/2013 Gingerbread House-Family Fun Afternoon Latrobe Art Center and Café 819 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.7011 http://latrobeartcenter.org/ Start off the Christmas season with the kids by making your own decorated gingerbread house. Use the candy provided or bring your own favorites! Children must be accompanied with a parent. Pastry Chef Lisa Brown of Little Lisa’s Pastry Shoppe will bring all materials and show you step-by-step how to make your own unique Gingerbread House. At the end of the day, enjoy gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate from our Neighborhood Cafe.

through 12/21/2013 Snowflake Showcase Greensburg Art Center/Rowe Gallery 230 Todd School Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.6791 http://greensburgartcenter.org/ This annual event features fine and practical crafts, jewelry and ceramics, affordable drawings, paintings, and prints for gift-giving and one-of-a-kind artisan snowflakes. through 12/25/2003 Pick Your Own Christmas Tree Scenic View 118 Scenic View Lane, Rockwood, PA 15557 814.352.7575. www.pennscenicview.com Select and cut the Christmas Tree of your choice or have us cut it for you. Tree wrapping available. Colorado Blue Spruce-Balsam FirFraser Fir-Douglas Fir-Concolor Fir-Norway Spruce. through 2/9/2014 18th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6015. www.sama-art.org The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley will celebrate the work of local artists with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts 18th Annual Regional Juried Art Exhibition. On view from November 22 through February 9, the exhibition features 71 works by 71 individual artists from the 19 southwestern counties of Pennsylvania.

Featured work will span a variety of media, including acrylic, oil, photography, fiber arts, and many others. through 12/15/2013 Christmas Candlelight Tour Compass Inn 1382 Route 30 East, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.238.4983. www.compassinn.com The holiday season features wood fires and the glow of nearly 100 candles. Saturdays and Sundays 3 to 7 pm through 12/20/2013 2 Pianos 4 Hands City Theatre Company 1300 Bingham St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412.431.2489 http://www.citytheatrecompany.org For anyone who ever dreamed big—and then didn’t quite make it, this is the riotous story of Ted and Richard, childhood friends who spent years chasing the same goal: concert pianist stardom. Two actors, two pianos, and dozens of characters grace the stage in this hilarious portrayal of pushy parents, eccentric teachers, and the triumphs and tortures of being extraordinarily good (or failed?) musicians.

Every Story Begins At Home.

12/2/2013 to 12/13/2013 Charles Ives Take Me Home City Theatre Company 1300 Bingham St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 412.431.2489 www.citytheatrecompany.org A father’s love of music and a daughter’s passion for basketball are at odds in this new play about competition, commitment, and craft.

Jessica Dickey (The Amish Project) enlists modernist composer Charles Ives to guide a violinist to an understanding of what it means to be a father—and a fan.

12/4/2013 to 12/4/2013 Christmas with Cash Rockwood Mill Shoppes Opera House 450 Main Street, Rockwood, PA 15557 814.926.4546 http://www.rockwoodmillshoppes.com/ Yes, we all need a little “CASH” for Christmas.

With his striking resemblance and voice similarities to that of legend Johnny Cash, Bill has become one of the region’s most popular Johnny Cash tribute artists. He and the Tribute Band will be performing a variety of music including Johnny Cash hits and your favorite Christmas songs.

12/5/2013 to 12/8/2013 24th Annual Festival of Lights Mount Pleasant Corner of South Church and Walnut Streets, Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724.423.3275. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com Visitors can tour the historic Samuel Warden Victorian-era mansion decorated with dozens of holiday trees. The trees are for sale and we also have a raffle room. There are also door prizes.

12/1/2013 to 1/5/2014 Candlelight Evenings Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.622.6914. http://phipps.conservatory.org/ Winter Flower Show is even more enchanting at night as glowing candles light the walkways and live music fills the air.

12/1/2013 to 1/12/2014 Civil War Era Drawings from the Becker Collection Frick Art & Historical Center 7227 Reynolds St, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412.371.0600 thefrickpittsburgh.org In recognition of the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Gettysburg, this exhibition includes more than 100 drawings by artists working for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper during the Civil War years and immediately following.

These early “embedded” journalists recorded their first-hand impressions of war, daily life during wartime, and other aspects of 19thcentury American culture. The Becker collection is a recently discovered treasure trove of drawings by Joseph Becker and his colleagues. A rich and fascinating glimpse at a decade, these drawings offer a surprisingly intimate look at American life during this volatile decade of war, change, and growth. This era saw the rise of weekly topical illustrated magazines and newspapers and a much more rapid dissemination of news than previous generations had ever experienced.

12/5/2013 to 12/5/2013 The Temptations’ Christmas & Hits Palace Theatre 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 http://www.thepalacetheatre.org/ Latshaw Productions presents The Temptations’ Christmas & Hits. Starts at 8pm!

12/6/2013 to 12/6/2013 Australia Wine Tasting Green Gables Restaurant 7712 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown, PA 15547 814.629.9201 http://www.greengablesrestaurant.com/ The wine tasting series consists of five tasting events each focused on a single Southern Hemisphere country. You will taste six wines at each event that display the quality and variety of wines produced in each. The complete tour will educate you and your palate about Wines from the Southern Hemisphere. The tastings of the series occur from 6 to 9 pm on the first Friday of every month, August through December.

12/6/2013 to 12/22/2013 A Musical Christmas Carol Byham Theater 101 Sixth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.456.6666. www.pittsburghclo.org The holidays would not be the same without Pittsburgh CLO’s A Musical Christmas Carol!

We’ve taken the spirit of the season, wrapped it in your favorite yuletide melodies and tied it with all the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood.Join Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of colorful characters for a remarkable CLO holiday presentation of A Musical Christmas Carol. With dazzling special effects, holiday charm and ticket prices even Scrooge

December 2013 - 39

would approve of, this Charles Dickens classic is a wonderful way to celebrate all the tradition of the season. Please Note: Children under the age of 3 will not be admitted to the theater.

12/7/2013 Nature Scavenger Hunt 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627 Searching for nature in the woods is a tricky but fun endeavor, especially in the colder months of the year! Stroll with us through Keystone State Park, and help us search for fauna, flora, rocks, and more. Please dress for the weather (boots, warm clothing, etc. may be necessary). This program will begin at the visitor center and may include a lesson on snowshoeing if the weather cooperates! Please register at pmcquistia@pa.gov or 724-668-2566 12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Norwin Historical Society Christmas House Tour Norwin Public Library www.westmorelandheritage.org The event runs from 3:30 to 8:30 pm. This is a self-guided tour. Tickets must be purchased in advance at the Norwin Public Library or the Norwin Chamber of Commerce.

12/7/2013 to 12/8/2013 A Ligonier Christmas Ligonier Theatre 208 West Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6514 http://ligoniertheatre.com/ December 7, 2:30 & 7:30 pm, December 8, 2:30 pm 12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Breakfast with Santa Ligonier Country Inn 1376 Route 30 East, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.238.3651 http://www.ligoniercountryinn.com/ If you love our famous breakfast buffet, you will love getting the best of both worlds. Bring the entire family and enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet followed by a visit from the big man himself, Santa Claus! Reservations are required for guaranteed seating. Please call to make a reservation.

12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Falls Light Up Ohiopyle State Park 171 Dinnerbell Road, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 724.329.8591 http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks Experience the falls lit up.

12/7/2013 to 12/10/2013 Festival of Lights Ligonier Town Hall 120 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.4983 http://www.compassinn.com. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm 12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Holly Jolly Christmas Latrobe Art Center and Café 819 Ligonier Street, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.7011 http://latrobeartcenter.org/ Start your holiday off right by spending a holly jolly day in Latrobe. Holiday Open House at the art center will gallery artists displaying and selling their work. This is an excellent time to shop for unique Christmas gifts. Live entertainment and a visit from Santa and Buddy the Elf! 12/7/2013 to 12/8/2013 Holiday Open House Fort Ligonier 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701. http://fortligonier.org/ Museum and Store open from 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Free admission. Outside Fort area will be closed.

12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Santa’s Barnyard Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.5284. www.wpnr.org

40 - December 2013

Children ages 2-9 are invited to attend a story time and visit with Santa and his animal friends.

Holiday crafts and activities will be provided.

Registration Required: $6.00/child Registration Deadline: November 27, 2013 12/7/2013 to 12/22/2013 Breakfast or Lunch with Santa Trax Farms 528 Trax Rd, Finleyville, PA 15332 412.835.3246. www.traxfarms.com Santa Claus is coming to Trax Farms! Every year Santa takes a break from his busy schedule on the last few weekends leading up to Christmas to visit his favorite farm.This year he will be visiting us on Saturdays and Sundays in Dec. 7th to 22nd. Join Santa at Trax for fun for the entire family. Visit Santa, bring your wish list, make a Christmas craft, and recieve a special treat. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Reservations can be made at our customer service desk or over the phone at 412.835.3246.

Seating is limited. Please make your reservations in advance.

12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Ho, Ho, Ho with the WSO! Trinity High School 231 Park Ave, Washington, PA 15301 724.223.9796. www.washsym.org Join the Washington Symphony Orchestra for a great kick-off to the holiday season! Hear familiar selections for Christmas and the upcoming holidays and enjoy a combined All Star Choir of high schoolers from Washington County as they sing with the WSO! A great family event!

12/7/2013 to 12/7/2013 Cookies with Santa Round Hill-Visitor’s Center 651 Round Hill Road, Elizabeth, PA 15037 412.350.2528 www.alleghenycounty.us/parks Holiday Crafts/Musical Entertainment/KDKA “KidKast”/ Cookies & Refreshments/Holiday Movies-10am to 12pm

12/8/2014 Celebrate the Holidays with Ligonier Valley Writers 3 to 5 p.m. at St. Michael’s of the Valley Church in Rector. www.lvwonline.org The event is free, and members of the public are welcome to read aloud from their own writing or just enjoy holiday fare and good conversation. Bring a covered dish or dessert if you like (though it’s not required), as well as any poem, story, essay, or holiday-related piece of writing you’d like to share. You’ll also have a chance to win raffle prizes ranging from holiday decorations to books.

We'll have the last few copies of the Loyalhanna Review, 2013 edition, to give away free at the party. If you can't make it, check out the Review at www.LVWonline.org. The winning stories in LVW’s latest Halloween Flash Fiction contest will also be posted on the website soon.

St. Michael's is located at 2535 Route 381 in Rector (Ligonier Township): (724) 238-9411.

Ligonier Valley Writers is celebrating 26 years of serving writers and readers throughout western Pennsylvania. Check out our new blog at http://ligoniervalleywriters.blogspot.com/ .

If you'd like to get involved in putting together LVW talks, workshops, or publications, leave a note at www.LVWonline.org or contact Judith Gallagher at (724) 593-7294 or jgallagher@ LVWonline.org. We’d love to know what kinds of programs you want to see. For more about LVW events, publications, and writing contests, visit the website. And watch the site for news on the 23rd annual Student Poetry Contest, which begins in January and offers cash prizes to poets in grades 4-12.

12/8/2013 to 12/8/2013 2013 Magical Christmas Express Skating Show Robert Morris University 7600 Grand Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15225 412.397.4454 www.rmuislandsports.org Robert Morris University ~ Island Sports Center’sMagical Christmas Express Ice Skating ShowDecember 8, from 1 - 4 PMTake a Magical Train Ride on the RMU Island Sports Center’s Magical Express as we travel to far-off lands to discover the magic of Christmas and “To Believe!” Skating performances showcasing the talents of the RMU Island Sports Center’s figure skating academy, skating school and synchronized skating teams. Skating show and open skate with Santa and show cast members following the show - for all interested audience members!Advanced tickets for sale: $7.00 general admission Show Day Tickets: $8.00 Children 12 & Under & Senior Citizens, $9.00 AdultsQuestions Call: 412.397.4454 12/9/2013 to 12/9/2013 Christmas in Hawaii Show Ligonier Theatre 208 West Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.853.4050 http://www.latshawproductions.com/ 12/9/2013 to 12/29/2013 The Nutcracker Bendum Center 719 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.456.6666. www.pbt.org The magic of The Nutcracker illuminates the stage with more than 150 performers, hundreds of costumes and choreography that displays the versatility of PBT dancers like no other season production. With more than 20 unique casting combinations and 100 exuberant characters, an aura of excitement surrounds each performance of this timeless holiday tradition for dancers and audiences alike.

12/11/2013 to 12/16/2013 2013 PirateFest David L. Lawrence Convention Center 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.565.6000. http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com Past PirateFests have featured free autographs, Q&A sessions with players, Pirates alumni and broadcasters, and information on the upcoming season ticket packages, youth baseball and softball clinics, games, contests, prizes, and much more.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

12/11/2013 to 12/11/2013 A Christmas Carol Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. http://upjarts.org/ Returning to the Pasquerilla stage this season is A Christmas Carol. Written in 1843, it was destined to become one of the most beloved holiday traditions of all time. Twenty-eight performers bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life with a full array of traditional Christmas woven into the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge. A Christmas Carol remains one of the most powerful and vivid illustrations of the necessity of good will in human conduct. Charles Dickens believed that the ills of a greedy world could be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness. The Nebraska Theatre Caravan brings this principle to life. Show starts at 7:30pm 12/12/2013 to 12/12/2013 “Sound Series”: Nellie McKay The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky St. Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.237.8300. www.warhol.org The Warhol welcomes back the inimitable Verve recording artist Nellie McKay, for a unique solo performance in the Warhol Theater. In contrast to her first appearance at the Museum in 2010 with a full band, performing two sets (Doris Day classics from her Normal As Blueberry Pie album, and original material from her last release, Home Sweet Mobile Home), McKay returns for an intimate performance on piano and ukulele, spanning a range of her material.

tradition. Presented on Saturday, December 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 at 2 p.m. For tickets call the Palace Theatre Box Office 724.836.8000 or visit www.thepalacetheatre.org 12/14/2013 to 12/14/2013 Breakfast with Santa-saurus Carnegie Museum of Natural History 4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.622.3289 carnegiemuseums.org Let your little ones dress up as their favorite dinosaurs and come to the museum for a truly amazing family event! Eat a hearty breakfast while keeping a pterosaur-eye view of your favorite Mesozoic herbivores and carnivores in Dinosaurs in Their Time, and hang out with Santasaurus! At 8:40 a.m., the tables are cleared for very special hands-on activities. Same-day admission is included in the ticket price. It is a family experience your dinosaur-loving child will never forget!

Seating is limited, so be sure to register early!

Member cost: $65 per adult/child pair; $10 per additional guest (up to two per adult/child pair).

Non-Member cost: $80 per adult/child pair; $15 per additional guest (up to two per adult/child pair).

Menu: French toast, egg strata, assorted pastries, yogurt, granola, chunked fresh fruit, and cereal.

12/13/2013 to 12/13/2013 Art on Tap 5.2.7 Westmoreland Museum of American Art 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 http://www.wmuseumaa.org/ Join us for a casual happy hour at The Westmoreland the second Friday of every month! Relax and enjoy music, scavenger hunts, and fun with friends! What a great way to end your work week!

12/13/2013 to 12/13/2013 Christmas with the Celts State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 http://statetheatre.info/ This is the popular PBS show which aired across the U.S. and Ireland on 222 PBS channels in Dec. of 2011. Christmas with The Celts is a production hosted by the world renown Irish music group The Celts with Irish dancers, theatrics, children’s choir, spontaneous Irish humor, and inspirational goose bumps. Described as “Ancient meets Modern” you will hear haunting, heart-stirring, Irish & Scottish Christmas Carols that go back as far as the 12th century combined with the modern drum loops, synth work and vocal pop sensibilities of today. Plus carols that everyone knows with Celtic instrumentation. Christmas with The Celts is a perfect blend of the old and new.

12/14/2013 to 12/14/2013 Be a Superhero Art Class Westmoreland Museum of American Art 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 http://www.wmuseumaa.org/ How do comic book artists come up with superhero names and alter egos? We’ll take a fantastic and fun voyage into the world of superheroes and heroines and brainstorm some fabulous names for our own super alter egos. Then we’ll design and draw our ideas before we create our very own ultimate art superhero alter ego!

12/14/2013 to 12/15/2013 The Nutcracker Ballet Palace Theatre 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1850 http://westmorelandsymphony.org/ Revel in the magic of the Nutcracker as the WSO and Laurel Ballet commemorate their 20th Anniversary production of this delightful holiday

Every Story Begins At Home.

12/14/2013 to 12/14/2013 Cookies with Santa Boyce Park-Four Season’s Lodge 675 Old Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 412.350.2528 www.alleghenycounty.us/parks Holiday Crafts/Musical Entertainment/KDKA “KidKast”/ Cookies & Refreshments/Holiday Movies-10am to 12pm 12/14/2013 to 12/14/2013 Hibernal Stress Reduction Hike Harrison Hills Park-Environmental Learning Center 5200 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 724.224.4102. 1 to 3pm www.friendsofharrisonhills.org 12/17/2013 to 12/17/2013 Alabaster Dinner Show Oakhurst Tea Room 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset, Pa 15501 814.443.2897. http://oakhursttearoom.com Alabaster Productions will be presenting “Christmas Spectacular” on Dec. 17th. A private buffet meal and show will be held in one of our banquet rooms.

For ticket information visit oakhursttearoom.com news section.

12/18/2013 to 12/18/2013 The Lettermen-Christmas Show Arcadia Theater 1418 Graham Avenue, Windber, PA 15963 814.467.9070 http://www.arcadiatheater.net/ The Lettermen are back with their Grammy Award winning hits plus holiday favorites, a perfect gift for fans on your list, or a wonderful night out for yourself this holiday season.

12/21/2013 to 12/21/2013 Christmas Comedy, Mystery and Dinner Ligonier Ramada 216 West Loyalhanna Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9545

http://www.ramadaligonier.com/ “It’s Murder, Charlie Brown!” Enjoy an evening of Comedy, Mystery and Dinner presented by Mystery’s Most Wanted. Includes a buffet dinner, all shows considered PG-13. Call the Ramada Ligonier for details and reservations.

12/21/2013 to 12/21/2013 Home for the Holidays Palace Theatre 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1850 http://westmorelandsymphony.org/ Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays. Starts at 8 pm!

12/21/2013 to 12/21/2013 Cookies with Santa South Park-Home Economics Bldg Buffalo Drive, South Park, PA 15129 412.350.2528 www.alleghenycounty.us/parks Holiday Crafts/Musical Entertainment/KDKA “KidKast”/ Cookies & Refreshments/Holiday Movies-10am to 12pm 12/26/2013 to 12/26/2013 Immigrant Christmas at the Wagner-Ritter House Heritage Discovery Center 201 6th Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 814.539.1889. http://www.jaha.org/ This year, the tour will spotlight Swedish, Carpatho-Rusyn, and German Protestant traditions from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The tour will begin at the Heritage Discovery Center, where guests will be invited to sample Christmas sweets from the ethnicities, before the Wagner-Ritter House tour. 3pm.

12/26/2013 to 12/30/2013 Family Fun Days Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens One Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.622.6914 phipps.conservatory.org During most kids’ holiday break from school, Phipps offers fun and educational family activities, such as crafts and pot-a-plant, at learning stations throughout the Conservatory.

12/28/2013 Village Musicians Orchestra Annual Concert Ligonier Town Hall, 2 pm.

The orchestra is composed primarily of local and visiting teachers, retirees and advanced string students who get together the morning of the program and present a concert to the public in the afternoon.

Every year since 1998, a three-time US Scottish Fiddle Champion (Colyn Fischer, from California) and a professional violinist (Arthur RT Moeller, a Julliard graduate from New York) have performed with the orchestra. Both are concertmasters and have ties to the Ligonier area.

This year’s program will start with a Sousa March and other selections will be by Haydn, Gliere, Romberg, and the robust crowd-pleaser “To Life,” from Fiddler on the Roof. As always, it will end with the “hand-clapping” Radetzsky March by J.S. Strauss, Sr. All donations received have been split with the local food pantry. Mr. Robert E. Benner, Treasurer of the Ligonier Valley Food Pantry, recently made these remarks: “The community looks forward to the concert each year, and we are pleased that you can see fit to honor us as a recipient of your largesse. Keep up the good work bringing a touch of classical music to the community annually.”

12/28/2013 to 12/28/2013 Title Town Soul and Funk Dance Party Shadow Lounge 5972 Baum Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412.363.8277. titletownpgh.com TITLE TOWN soul & funk party goes down monthly at East Liberty’s Shadow Lounge. Inspired by the forgotten sounds of artists like Renaldo Domino and Spanky Wilson, TITLE TOWN revisits 60’s and 70’s soul, deep and classic funk, and old

December 2013 - 41

untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

1/4/2014 to 1/5/2014 Indoor Flea Market Trax Farms 528 Trax Rd, Finleyville, PA 15332 412.835.3246. www.traxfarms.com

9th & Philadelphia Streets

Weekend Matinee Schedule

Saturdays & Sundays at 1 pm, 3rd Floor Through – January 2, 2014 All matiness will feature the annual holiday showings of 1946’s It’s A Wonderful Life.

Closed November 28 for Thanksgiving.

Join us for some great holiday shopping in our gift shop!

www.jimmy.org • 724-349-6112

school rhythm & blues. DJ’s J. Malls (formerly of the Big Throwback) and Gordy G. (formerly of Vipers Soul Club) spin five hours of the finest, rare and classic grooves for the dance floor - strictly on 45 rpm records.

12/31/2013 Highmark First Night Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Cultural District 412.456.6666 trustarts.org The region’s best and biggest New Year’s Eve celebration. Enjoy the grand First Night Parade, plus an eclectic showcase of live music, dance, entertainment and visual arts in the Cultural District. It’s a festive evening for revelers of all ages. The celebration concludes with spectacular fireworks and the trademark finale, The Future of Pittsburgh and Countdown to Midnight.

1/1/2014 First Day Hike 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM,Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627 Make the first of the year a day to get outside and enjoy nature’s beauty! Burn off calories from holiday sweets and let the fresh air revitalize you.

Make this a day of firsts – we will introduce you to a number of nature wonders, so be ready to use your senses to explore and experience this crisp season. Please register at pmcquistia@pa.gov or 724-668-2566.

1/10/2014 to 1/10/2014 ENOUGH Violence: Artists Speak Out Society for Contemporary Craft 2100 Smallman St 412.261.7003 x15 www.contemporarycraft.org Dr. Judy Cheng will give a talk on domestic violence followed by photographer Maria Montano, who will speak about the FACES project, a series of 200 portraits of survivors of sexual assault. An informal community discussion and tours of ENOUGH Violence will follow.

Cosponsored by the University of Pittsburgh.

1/11/2014 Winter Trails Day 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627 Celebrate Winter Trails Day at Keystone State Park with a brisk walk around Keystone Lake. Lakeside Loop is a scenic and easy 2.2 mile trail where we can explore the nature and history of the park. If the weather cooperates and equipment is available, we will hike the trail in snowshoes! Following the hike we will warm up with some shade-grown coffee. Please call 724-668-2566 or email pmcquistia@pa.gov to register.

1/12/2014 to 1/13/2014 Stuck Byham Theater 101 Sixth St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.456.1350. trustarts.org It all began when Floyd got his kite stuck in a tree... He throws his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws his other shoe and that gets stuck along with…the cat, a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale, among other things! Will Floyd get his kite back? With original music and audience participation, this brand new story by Oliver Jeffers has been adapted into an exciting new production by the team behind Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus andThe Way Back Home.

1/17/2014 to 1/19/2014 19th Annual Fire & Ice Festival Somerset 124 North Center Avenue, Suite 203, Somerset, PA 15501 814.443.1748 http://www.somersetincpa.org/ Celebrate the 19th Annual Fire & Ice Festival. Stroll the streets of Somerset to see ice sculptures with a “Wild, Wild West” theme.

1/17/2014 to 1/17/2014 Ladies Night Out Purse & Cash Bash Castle Shannon Firehall 3600 Library Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 412.561.5405 outreachteen.org Each ticket will include food, beer, wine or signature cocktail, plus two chances to win fabulous purses from designers such as Coach, Longchamp (Paris),Michael Kors, Ted Baker (London), and more OR cash. Be sure to join our email list to receive information about the Purse & Cash Bash!

1/18/2014 to 1/19/2014 Indoor Flea Market Trax Farms 528 Trax Rd, Finleyville, PA 15332 412.835.3246. www.traxfarms.com 1/19/2014 to 1/19/2014 Parlor Talk: Whiskey Rebellion and Making Whiskey West Overton Village & Museums 109 West Overton Road, Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.7910 http://www.westovertonvillage.org/home/ Mark Meyer after more than 35 years as an attorney, decided to retire into making whiskey.

Always identifying with underdogs, Meyer empathizes with the naïve confidence of the Pittsburgh whiskey namesake, Wigle, who stood up for his right to keep on making whiskey during the Whiskey Rebellion. In 1794 Phillip Wigle was sentenced to hang for defending his right to distill. His tussle with a tax collector unwittingly sparked a rebellion, which pitted Pennsylvania distillers against George Washington’s troops. Today Wigle Whiskey is working to restore a Pennsylvania tradition championed by these rebellious distillers, making spirits with a copper pot and local ingredients.

Ligonier Ice Fest

Photo Credit: ligonierliving.blogspot.com

1/1/2014 to 1/5/2014 Ghost The Musical Heinz Hall 600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.456.6666. www.trustarts.org GHOST The Musical breathes glorious new life into a timeless love story. The musical features an original pop score from multiple Grammy® Award-winners Dave Stewart, one half of the ‘80s pop duo the Eurythmics, and Glen Ballard, co-writer with Alanis Morissette on the multi-platinum album Jagged Little Pill, among many other notable credits and collaborations. The musical’s tale of everlasting love is thrilling entertainment for audiences of all ages. Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s

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1/25/2014 to 1/25/2014 Get the Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin Palace Theatre 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 http://www.thepalacetheatre.org/ Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Get the Led Out: The American Led Zeppelin 1/25/2014 to 1/26/2014 Ligonier Ice Fest Ligonier 120 East Main Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.4200. http://visitligonier.com/ Enjoy Ligonier Ice Fest with live ice carving, ice sculptures, kettle corn, music and more!

1/26/2014 to 1/26/2014 Hot Club of San Francisco Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. http://upjarts.org/ Hot Club of San Francisco plays the gypsy jazz music of guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli and the original Hot Club de France on January 26. This unique jazz form recalls Paris in the 1930s and offers a swinging beat with a sweet melody. The Hot Club performs many of the original works by Reinhardt and Grappelli and incorporates original works by guitarist Paul Mehling and violinist, Evan Price. Other composers such as Claude Debussy and “Jelly Roll” Morton make appearances as well. An evening with The Hot Club of San Francisco offers a night of unforgettable music.

1/27/2014 to 1/29/2014 Google Analytics Training University of Pittsburgh-University Club 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 ttp://www.lunametrics.com Beginner/Intermediate/Advanced 1/30/2014 to 1/31/2014 Google AdWords Training University of Pittsburgh-University Club 123 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 ttp://www.lunametrics.com Beginner/Intermediate 1/31/2014 to 2/2/2014 Bach, Beethoven, & Brahms Heinz Hall 600 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.392.4900. www.pittsburghsymphony.org Manfred Honeck, conductor Hélène Grimaud, piano Bach (orch. Stokowski): Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV 565 Beethoven: Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Opus 60 Brahms: Concerto No. 1 in D minor for Piano and Orchestra, Opus 15 Originally written for organ, Leopold Stokowski orchestrated Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in 1927. It has since thrilled audiences and was made famous in popular culture by Disney’s Fantasia. With its fiery, rich harmonies and the powerful spirit of this symphony, it is surprising that the fourth is one of Beethoven’s lesser-known works. With playing touted as “superb, tightly controlled and forcefully articulated” by The Los Angeles Times, pianist and wildlife conservationist Hélène Grimaud returns to Heinz Hall with Brahms’ fierce and dramatic first piano concerto.

Submit items for our community calendar: Family-friendly, cultural, and nonprofit events take precedence when print space is a consideration: calendar@laurelmountainpost.com

Laurel Mountain Post Calendar PO Box 332 Ligonier PA 15658 Every Story Begins At Home.

Continue Your

Business Education Every Wednesday with Laurel Leaders (www.BNILaurelLeaders.com) All local business leaders are invited to attend a weekly meeting of BNI (Business Networking International) held each Wednesday* at the Ligonier Country Inn, Laughlintown, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.

Visitors are welcome (no reservations), free of charge, and encouraged to come learn more about important topics:

December 4: Commercial Insurance Scott King, BP Insurance, Inc. 724-238-2148, www.panichelleagency.com

December 11: HVAC Mike Trimboli, Highlands Heating, Plumbing, AC 724-238-6889, www.highlandsheating.com

December 18: Life & Long-Term Care Insurance Jessica Shawley, Estate Assurance, Inc. 724-532-1884

Monday, December 30 (*Special Holiday Schedule): “Telling Your Story in Print” Cathi Gerhard, Laurel Mountain Post 724-537-6845, www.LaurelMountainPost.com

January 8: Blinds & Window Treatments July Blackner, Budget Blinds of Latrobe 866-450-2450, www.budgetblinds.com/Latrobe

January 15: Computer Systems, Automation Jerry Schultheis, Schultheis Automation 724-593-2275, www.schultheisautomation.com

January 22: Civil Engineering & Land Surveying John Cenkner, Cenkner Engineering 724-424-3800, www.cenkner.com For more information, please contact one of the scheduled speakers!

Enhance Your Life With Music piano • violin • viola • cello • guitar • voice • flute • lessons weddings • events

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Where Can I Find A Copy?

Laurel Mountain Post Distribution List Seventy-five percent of our distribution remains within Westmoreland County, while the remaining 25% is circulated throughout key locations in the surrounding counties. The Laurel Mountain Post can be found free of charge at hundreds of local shops, office waiting areas, restaurants, museums, and festivals. We keep up-t0-date location and delivery information on our website: www.laurelmountainpost.com. If your business would like to carry the LMP, please contact us at 724-537-6845 or complete the online distribution form.

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Action for Animals Allison Chiropractic Barkley's Derry King Building Bodeez Caldwell Library Chef Dato's Derry Medical Dr. Scott Morgan First Commonwealth Bank Hansen & Torba - Dentists Jean Marie Flowers & Gifts Laundromat Mastrorocco's Market New Derry Municipal Authority Palombo's Restaurant S&T Bank State Farm Insurance Sugar Bears Sunoco

Adams Memorial Library Barnes House Buchanan Tag Chestnut Ridge - Bursch Division Chicora's Chris Pakos, CPA Christ UC Church Coffee Bean Commercial Bank - Downtown Commerical Bank - Route 981 Dainty Pastry Denny's Doggie Divas Dunkin Donuts Eat n Park Excela Health Quick Draw The Eyeglass Shoppe Fantastic Sam's Four Seasons Brewing Co. Fringe Gino's Pizza Gyno Associates Hanna Insurance Dr. Scott Hudimac Jaffre's/Tin Lizzy, Youngstown Jerald Jewelers Joe's Store - Lawson Heights Kids Care Pediatrics L&L Quik Lube Dr. Patrick Lally Latrobe Animal Clinic Latrobe Art Center Latrobe Athletic Club Latrobe Hardware Latrobe Hospital Latrobe News Stand - Downtown Latrobe News Stand - Laurel 30 Laurel Highlands Village Laurel Nursery Latrobe Post Office Lincoln Highway Experience Little Shop Loyalhanna Care Center Marge’s Hair Salon - Tara Stowers McCarl Coverlet Gallery The Medicine Shoppe Drs. Mucci & Campfield, DDS My Fitness Kitchen Pizza Siena ProAdjuster Chiropractic Roadman's Country Living Rose Style Shoppe Rusbosin's Furniture S&T Bank Scotty G's Senior Center Shop n Save

Delmont, Murrysville, Export Dancer’s Closet Delmont Public Library Eat n Park First Commonwealth Bank Drs. Hilliard & Tarnoff Holiday Inn Express King's Family Restaurant Kunkle's Auto Dr. Matthew Levin Lamplighter Restaurant Manordale Service Center Martello Hair Care Murrysville Library Panera Bread - Murrysville Salem Crossroad Apothecary Shields Chiropractic Teri's Place UPMC Rehab Services Wagon Wheel Restaurant Donegal BP/McDonald’s - turnpike Brady’s Dairy Queen Days Inn Donegal Pharmacy Gerry’s Western Shop (Champion) Holiday Inn Express Honeybear Tall Cedars The Inn at Ligonier Sarnelli’s Schultheis Automation (Jones Mills)

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SpringHill Suites St. Vincent De Paul St. Vincent Gristmill Store Total Service Unity Township Building, Library UPMC Vascular Institute Valley Dairy - downtown Valley Dairy - Route 30 Vasco Federal Credit Union WCNS/Unity Building Westmoreland Federal Westmoreland Historical Society Wigs n More Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve Wingate Greensburg All About Me Boutique Barnes & Noble Berkshire Medical Offices Cafe Barista Courtyard by Marriott Dancer’s Closet Eat n Park Frye Farm Road Medical Offices Greensburg Art Center Greensburg News Greensburg YMCA Hampton Inn Hampton Office Products Jioio's - Carbon Dr. Matthew Levin L&S Machine Nature's Way Market The Palace Theatre Palmer Pavilion - Mt. View ProAdjuster Chiropractic RaggZ Fiber Art Dr. John Ridinger Seton Hill University The Westmoreland @rt 30 University of Pittsburgh Vittone's Music Westmoreland Dermatology Westmoreland Hospital Ligonier Valley A Touch of Grace Abigail's Coffee Amica BP Insurance Barb's Market - Rector Bo Peep Fine Yarns Carol & Dave's Roadhouse Celtic Culture Connections Cafe Darlington Inn

Davies Real Estate Diamond Cafe Diamond Hair Cuts Diamond Rug Gallery Dovecote Equine Chic Excela Health First Commonwealth Bank Flavors Cafe Fox's Pizza G Squared Get Go Giant Eagle Gino's Granny Earth Howard Hanna Real Estate Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Market Ligonier Library Ligonier Outfitters/Newstand Ligonier Tavern Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum Ligonier Vallery Real Estate Loyalhanna Realty Mack M. Darr Martins Modern Elegance Mommy Gear On the Diamond Antiques The Paper House Persnickety Post and Rail Prudential Preferred Realty Ramada Inn Rosalia Jioio's Little Italy Rosary Acres Royal Welsh Winery Rustic Country Treasures Ruthie's Diner Scamp's Toffee Second Chapter Books Song of Sixpence Subway The Strawberry Crow Thistledown at Seger House The Finishing Touch The Toy Box The Twisted Vine Tree House in Ligonier UU Church Vernon Realty Services Valley School of Ligonier Wicked Googly YMCA Laughlintown Compass Inn/Historical Society First Commonwealth Bank

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Ligonier Country Inn Pie Shoppe Washington Furnace Inn New Alexandria First Commonwealth Kaufman's Chiropractic Keystone Pharmacy Keystone State Park Kids Care Pediatrics Library Roadhouse Quik Stop Sheetz Speal's Tavern Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic Main Street Wine Bar Mt. Pleasant and Southern Westmoreland County Market Crystal Concepts The Frick Fun Services The General Store Herbalicious Kraisinger's Market Lenox

Dr. Hilliard Indiana Chamber of Commerce Indiana County Tourism Bureau Indiana Hospital Lobby Indiana Free Library Indiana University of PA Jimmy Stewart Museum Rustic Lodge Starbucks Dr. Tarnoff

Leo's Mericonda Beer Distributor Mount Pleasant Glass Museum Mt. Pleasant Library Nino's Orourke Crystal Sandhill Berries Speedy Meedy's Vicky's Crossroads Volero Gas West Overton Deli West Overton Quilt Shop YMCA

Holiday Inn Express - Richland Nature's Habitat - Galleria The Sleep Inn

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Allegheny General Children's Hospital Downtown Hotels Manchester Bidwell Monroeville Library Pleasant Hills Library Strip District merchants Squirrel Hill businesses UPMC Hospitals: Monroeville, Presbyterian, Mercy, Children's

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Jennerstown Green Gables/Mtn Playhouse Our Coal Miners Cafe Three Rivers Dental

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Fayette County Adrian's - Hopwood Braddocks Inn Restaurant Chalk Hill Flea Market Summit Hotel - Route 40 Nemacolin Inn - Farmington Ohiopyle Falls Ohiopyle Pub

Indiana 119 Professional Center, The Artist's Hand Book Nook Cafe Amadeus Cucina Mia Diamond Drug Downtown Indiana Association Eat n Park Hampton Inn

Saltsburg exclusively at: Saltsburg Pharmacy

Somerset Area Comfort Inn Eat n Park Econo Lodge Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Mountain Craft Days Oakhurst Tea Room Sheetz (route 31) Somerset Family Eye Care Somerset Historical Center Summit Diner Quality Inn

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Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2013 - 45

END NOTES

by Cathi Gerhard

We Need A Little Christmas!

So many more people seemed to decorate for Christmas earlier than ever this year. I realize that Thanksgiving fell on its later date than usual, but lights and garland were popping up right after Halloween. We quickly jump to criticize the commercial aspect of the season – complaining that it’s all about making more and more money. Some would say that the traditional 12 Days of Christmas have almost disappeared because we have less patience. But it seems we just need a little Christmas, right this very minute.

I’ve been talking to lots of people about this holiday “phenomenon,” and I think my friend said it best when she ascertained that “people are seeking a sense of comfort and joy more than ever these days.” Problems of all sorts have been dragging on and on: politics, healthcare changes, jobs, finances, global unrest, energy, weather . . . what else can I name?

We feel disconnected, weary, and somewhat sad. Those glum spirits are lifted by the first sight of a twinkling light display, the first few notes of a favorite carol, or the start of the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie marathon in November!

Lots of people on Facebook are talking about the Hallmark addiction lately, too – especially on weekends. I am totally guilty of immersing myself in these two nonstop months of holiday-themed movies, pausing to watch one whenever I am feeling a bit blue, angry, or anxious. Each one, no matter how cliche, has a small-screen message of peace and goodwill toward men.

Some are better than others, but that 90 minutes or so of Christmas seems to re-center me.

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Whether the setting is a small town or the big city, the message is always the same: Christmas shows us the way – without being overtly religious. For the most part, people are uncomfortable with religion (especially Christianity). The media has made such a circus out of it that we

are afraid to participate for fear of causing an argument. We all know what kinds of wars have been fought over religious disagreements.

The recent “War On Christmas” banter the past few years seeks to admonish the secular celebrations and symbolism as threats to Christ and his followers. I think that’s a pretty illiterate point of view.

Without fairy tales, fables and parables, what kind of stories would we have? Large, emotional thoughts

are tough on us humans. We don’t handle them well. Breaking them down into small, familiar pieces helps us understand and remember, not to mention enjoy the information.

Christmas is the ultimate celebration of faith, one that can be shared across denominations because of these secular symbols and celebrations. These small concepts of comfort, joy and kindness are not unique to Christians.

Christmas is the crowning festival of blended cultures as well: consider German Christmas trees and candy canes, Roman wreaths, British mistletoe, Mexican poinsettias, and the Saint Nicholas (from Turkey). These ethnic symbols have blended together to form a global concept of Christmas, combining legends, traditions, and various faiths – perhaps in western Pennsylvania more than anywhere else. Pittsburgh has long been known as a big “melting pot” of America.

As with anything, people can mix up too much of a good thing – that’s where the commercial criticism comes in. It’s not the presents, decorations, movies or other celebrations that are the “problem,” it’s the excess of them in lieu of their true meaning. I believe it’s important to remember the symbolic origins, and celebrate their enduring messages of faith: peace and good will toward men.

We need a little Christmas – right this very minute – and throughout the year, when we’ve grown a littler older, sadder, colder, and sometimes not so neighborly. I might just keep a candle burning in my window to remind me.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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