Laurel Mountain Post :: December 2014

DECEMBER 2014 | ISSN 2330-6629

FREE LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST

Don’t Fear the Fork!

Is Santa the Only Thing Escaping from Your Chimney?

Echoes of Christmas Past The Night the Christmas Tree Fell Winter Warmer, Holiday Cheer Leaping for Joy

1 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013

2 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST

Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County since 2004.

The LaurelMountainPostisanindependent,monthlypublicationproducedatFairviewFarmin 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 editor@laurelmountainpost.com

Joe Walko, Managing Editor joe@laurelmountainpost.com

Megan Fuller, Web & Calendar Editor megan@laurelmountainpost.com

Nancy A. Clark, Contributing Editor nancy@laurelmountainpost.com

Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation Manager Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.

Phone: 724-537-6845 Fax: 724-558-9548

Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

We’ll be taking a short winter break!

Our next issue of the Laurel Mountain Post will be February 2015: Deadline is January 15.

If You Can’t Say It at Christmas, When Can You, Eh?

My family loves to watch movies – and Christmas movies are the most fun! Last year, we even took a Facebook Quiz to determine which holiday classic best suited our personalities. My husband got “White Christmas;” I got “A Christmas Story;” and my daughter got “A Nightmare Before Christmas.” We usually begin the season over Thanksgving weekend with “Holiday Inn,” and continue through the month of December singing, quoting and laughing all the way. I would like to share some of that merriment with you by offering the following sentimental thoughts: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

– Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

“I'm dreaming of a white christmas, With every christmas card I write May your days be merry and bright, And may all your christmases be white” White Christmas by Irving Berlin The first public performance of the song was by Bing Crosby, on his NBC radio show The Kraft Music Hall on Christmas Day, 1941

“Oh, life is like that. Sometimes, at the height of our revelries, when our joy is at its zenith, when all is most right with the world, the most unthinkable disasters descend upon us.”

A Christmas Story (1983)by Jean Shepherd, based on his book In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash

“Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives.

When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?”

Clarence Odbody, from Frank Capra's 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life, based on the short story The Greatest Gift – written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1939 and self-published in 1945

“Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles.”

Fred Gailey, in defense of Santa Claus – Miracle on 34th Street, a 1947 Christmas film written and directed by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies.

Call the Laurel Mountain Post Editorial Office at 724-537-6845 or visit LaurelMountainPost.com for advertising information.

“Let us ask ourselves what He would wish for most.

And then, let each put in his share, loving kindness, warm hearts, and a stretched out hand of tolerance.

All the shinning gifts that make peace on earth.”

Happy Holidays from our Families to Yours!

The end of the Christmas Eve sermon from The Bishop’s Wife, a Samuel Goldwyn film adapted by Leonardo Bercovici and Robert E. Sherwood from the 1928 novel of the same name by Robert Nathan – Cathi Gerhard & Family

Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2014 - 3

Table of Contents

December 2014 5

Don’t Fear the Fork! by Carol Whelan

6

Visitor & Information Center to Open “There Goes the Neighborhood” by David Martin

7

Is Santa the Only Thing Escaping from Your Chimney?

“Home Study” by Brian Mishler

8

Why Do Our Knees Hurt So Badly?

by Hayley Chemski-Horwat

9

Where Love Abides

MSN, CNRA

by Nancy A. Clark

11 Loyalhanna Creek Nominated

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie Rivera Pittsburgh’s Premiere Psychic & Party Reader 412-884-7788 • pittsburghmedium.com My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death.

12 Echoes of Christmas Past “Memory Lane” by Ruthie Richardson

14 Body Fat’s Worst Enemy “What’s Cooking in Fitness” by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

17 The Night the Christmas Tree Fell

by Joe Potts

18 Winter Warmer, Holiday Cheer “Off Trail” by Joe Walko

20 Leaping for Joy “Three Pennies” by Rev. Cindy Parker

21 Solar Panel Cost-Effectiveness 22 Spotted Lanternfly: New Pest Identified “Down on the Farm” by Cathi Gerhard & Greg Susa

26 Masahide, Japanese Poet “That’s What They Say” by Rev. Marjorie Rivera

27 Community Calendar December 2014 – January 2015

30 Room for One More “End Notes” by Cathi Gerhard

Christmas is not a time or a season but a state of mind.

To cherish peace and good will, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

–Calvin Coolidge, 1927

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4 - December 2014

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Don’t Fear the Fork!

Table Setting Etiquette by Carol Whelan “Mommy there’s too many forks!” my son declared rather indignantly when I took him out for a fancy “mommy and me” dinner. I realized the army of silverware surrounding his plate was rather daunting for this little guy, but then we probably have all felt a moment of panic.

He’s 24 now and doesn’t “fear the ware” as he may have once upon a time (Although all of my children do still “fear the mom,” when it comes to table manners!)

Many of my friends have asked me through the years about “which spoon do I use, or, is that my bread plate or yours, which glass is mine…?” We don’t set our weekly dinner table with all of the extra silver, crystal and china (especially when you’re the one washing them!) but this being the holiday season and social gatherings plentiful, I thought this may be a good time to refresh our memories on exactly what those utensils are there for, taking the panic out of all those forks!

Clarence Thomas said “Good Manners will open doors that the best education cannot.”

My daughter attends a university that actually has a five-star restaurant on campus and uses this as a learning atmosphere.

The importance of learning proper social and dining etiquette as well as being comfortable in a formal dining atmosphere is becoming critical for this generation of young people. More and more interviews are being held over lunch and dinners, so even if they are graduating top of their class if they embarrass their firm, interview over!

place soiled side down to the left of your plate (leaving it on your seat can soil your host/hostesses chair and/or you may end up sitting in crumbs upon your return).

Gently place your napkin to the left of your plate upon the completion of your meal, but only when you are leaving the table.

Don’t fold your napkin back up.

4. Never cut a soft dinner roll, muffin or bread with your knife, gently pull it apart in small pieces, buttering it as you eat.

5. Knives should always have the cutting edge facing the plate.

6. Whenever in doubt follow your host/ hostesses lead.

7. If there is ever a fork to the right of the spoons then think of it as looking a little “fishy” being on the wrong side of the plate.

This will help you remember what it’s for.

(Seafood, oysters, etc.)

8. A sorbet to cleanse the palate is served between the salad and main entrée.

9. Never begin to eat until host/hostess has taken their first bite. They may offer a toast or grace.

10. When eating soup, place your spoon in your bowl pushing it away from you. Don’t draw your spoon from far side of bowl.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Meal should include: First Course: Typically serve Soup, Fruit, or Appetizer Follow with: Salad Entrée and Vegetable Dessert

Formal Dinning Setting and Serving Place setting should include: • Dinner Plate • Soup Bowl on Dinner Plate • Salad Plate to the left just above forks • Bread Plate to the right just above Salad Plate, Butter Knife placed flat on bread plate • Dessert Silverware should be placed center and parallel above the Dinner Plate. Cake fork closest to the plate, coffee/tea spoon above and opposite direction • Name Place Cards above the Dessert Silverware, left of water glass • Dinner Knife to the right of Dinner Plate • Salad or Fish Knife right of Dinner Knife • Spoon right of Salad Knife • Soup Spoon right of Dinner Spoon • Dinner Fork immediately to the left of Dinner Plate • Salad Fork to the left of Dinner Fork • Napkin folded to the left of Salad Fork • Water Glass above center of plate slightly to the right • Wine Glass right of Water Glass slightly lower • Coffee/Tea Cup and Saucer to the right of the spoons but can even be placed after main entrée while waiting for desert so as to not overwhelm table space.

Meal Should Include:

A few important tips to remember: 1. Always start with the silverware farthest from the plate and work your way in.

2. Your drinking glass will always be to your right, bread plate to your left. If there is more than one glass the water glass will be at the highest point above the plate with the wine glass slightly to the right of that.

3. Napkins are put in your lap as soon as you sit down. They stay in your lap the entire meal, smaller napkins are unfolded completely, larger dinner napkins stay folded lengthwise then put in your lap. Never leave anything in your cloth napkin, this is to dab your mouth and fingers with only, not for any other use, ever! Never leave the table during a formal meal, but if you must,

• Salad Fork to the left of the Dinner Fork • Napkin can be placed on the salad plate or directly on dinner plate if no salad

Informal Dining Setting and Serving Place setting should include: • Dinner Plate (center) • Salad Plate (if serving, place on top of dinner plate) • Bread and Butter Plate & Knife (above plate to the left) • Dinner knife (to the right of the plate) • Salad knife (if serving, to the right of the dinner knife) • Water glass to the right above the Dinner Knife • Dinner Fork to the immediate left of the plate

First Course: Appetizer such as shrimp cocktail Second Course: Soup, season-appropriate, chilled or hot Third: Salad Fourth: Entrée Fifth: Dessert, Coffee, Tea Offering an After Dinner Cocktail is a nice way to exit the table

Wishing you the merriest of this holiday season, and remember, in the end ...

“Manners are the sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter what fork you use.” – Emily Post

facebook.com/pages/Relaxed-Events RelaxedEvents.net Carol@Relaxedevents.net

December 2014 - 5

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD

by David Martin, GLLVCCC President

Visitor & Information Center to Open on Route 30 in Latrobe The staff at the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber has been working hard to transition to our new home on Rt. 30 below Sharky’s Café. It is an ideal location that offers great visibility and easy access. Coming soon will be a modern, member-focused Visitor and Information Center (VIC). Many times we have asked ourselves: how do we best tell the story of what an amazing area we have to live, shop, eat, stay, play and work?

Once complete, the new VIC will help us tell those stories and promote local and regional activities, opportunities and area services.

The goal of the Chamber’s VIC is to be a true “hub” of information. The facility will offer information and material from business services, home services and relocation information as well as details on where to have fun, dine out and spend your time. When you consider the tens of thousands who regularly travel Route 30 for

events like the Westmoreland County Airshow, Steelers Training Camp, Fort Ligonier Days, or a day or weekend of fun in the Laurel Highlands, there is an amazing opportunity to promote area businesses and activities and provide people a roadmap for future activities and visits.

Not to mention the thousands each week making their way to Arnold Palmer Regional Airport for daily Spirit flights to Florida, Myrtle Beach or – coming in April – non-stop flights to Las Vegas! The impact on local businesses and our area’s exposure to regional travelers will be considerable. When you consider the amount of business travel and conference activity in Las Vegas, we are expecting the new daily flights to be met with much enthusiasm from the tri-state area and beyond … and introduce many to our great communities, local businesses and regional year-round activities.

The Chamber’s Visitor & Information Center will provide directories and material from menus, maps, flyers, business cards, local coupons and information on area business services and real estate listings. The Center will be staffed to answer questions and provide suggestions. The VIC will also feature area memorabilia, local works-of-art, a history section, unique merchandise and be technology-focused. A new “interactive” 70" HD display will be a focal point of the Center and feature a variety of media promoting our membership and diverse communities.

It will tell the story… your story of what makes our region truly great.

Going into 2015, the new GLLV Chamber will be a resource for promoting and building stronger, sustainable businesses that fuel our region’s continued growth. As a business development organization dedicated to helping our Members profit and grow, we have thoughtfully planned the new VIC to promote, excite and deliver community-focused and profitable results for our membership.

Happy Holidays from the staff at the new Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce. Here’s to a prosperous and exciting 2015!

VIC to Showcase Laurel Mountain Post

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6 - December 2014

The Laurel Mountain Post will continue delivery of each issue to many of your favorite community and regional locations; however, the new Visitors and Information Center will be the main hub for local distribution and promotion. As the Chamber’s new Official Magazine, the LMP will continue to tell original stories written by your friends and neighbors. Our expanded community calendar is a great way for residents and visitors alike to see what’s going on across the Laurel Highlands. So stop in each month to pick up your copy and discover something new about your neighborhood from the new VIC!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

HOME STUDY

by Brian Mishler

Is Santa the Only Thing Escaping From Your Chimney?

Today’s weather forecast: Winter will be awful.

As you read this, we are looking forward to the Christmas season, and have already endured at least our first snowfall of the year. Hopefully, unlike me you were prepared in advance, as I shivered in midthirties temperatures hastily cleaning my gutters, mowing the lawn one last time, and getting a new storm door installed.

The holidays are a happy time at home; for us the kids come to visit, bringing the bustle of holiday jobs, laundry, and time spent indoors as the weather rages on outside.

Many of us will seek refuge in front of our fireplaces, some hoping the fireplace will reduce our dependence on our central heating system. However, modern fireplaces are designed primarily as entertainment-oriented appliances.

From bankrate.com: “In most cases, using the heater is going to be a better choice from a thermal performance point of view, but fireplaces may be desired as an aesthetic choice,” says Max Sherman, a fellow at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or ASHRAE, and a staff senior scientist/group leader at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory.

To be on the safe side, have the chimney inspected once a year. A CSIA-certified chimney sweep might charge $100 to $300 for the inspection; the sweep itself may cost extra, says Ashley Eldridge of the CSIA. To Every Story Begins At Home.

avoid losing more heat through the chimney, remember to close the damper after the fire is completely out, Eldridge says.

Chimneys are designed to “suck” fireplace heat and its associated smoke and other contaminates out of the house. However, the chimney can’t distinguish fire heat from ambient heat. Your chimney is an effective 24-7 year heat removing device, and is capable of making your furnace or central heating system work much harder than it needs to.

If you plan to use your fireplace this season, you should have already had it cleaned and the chimney sweep should have made sure the damper is operational.

The damper is your primary means of reducing unintentional heat loss. A set of glass doors over the fire place opening can also be helpful. If you haven’t had your fireplace and chimney cleaned and inspected, now is the time. If you’re not familiar with the proper operation of your damper, you’re not alone; don’t be embarrassed to ask your chimney sweep how to operate the damper. Many fireplace inspections reveal a damper out of place or jammed open by improper operation. While they are typically a heavy piece of cast iron, they require a gentle touch.

Many homeowners and especially those in older homes whose chimneys are no longer safe to burn only use their fireplaces for

ornamentation. They put flower or candle arrangements inside and dress them up for the holidays. However the chimney has not stopped its heat sucking function. If you’re among the folks who no longer use your fireplace, consider having a chimney sweep seal the damper. There are various materials and methods available, and the best result will be had from either sealing the bottom and installing a cap at the top, or sealing both ends. This function is best done by a professional: most chimneys are “shared;” they have multiple flues serving different appliances. Sealing the wrong flue may, for instance, cause the furnace to shut off or worse – cause carbon monoxide to enter the house.

If you have a chimney that is already sealed, and want to start using it, don’t assume all is well. Have it evaluated by a chimney sweep, and preferably video scanned. Much as it is impossible to see the walls of a tunnel by looking from one end, seeing a chimney by looking down or up prohibits a through view of the liner.

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season next to the fireplace! (or not!) *****

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 (PRO-ASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with prerenovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate-related classes, and has mentored others 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 2014 - 7

Shop Our Four Rooms of Unique Gifts & Home Decor Flags • Kites •Yard Spinners Hot Air Balloons • Windsocks • Slates New Steeler-Penguin-Pirate Items as well as their new heavy flags!

2014 is Rudolph’s 50th Anniversary and Jim Shore has outdone himself!

Please stop in to see his whole line of figurines from one event to another: Wizard of Oz • Mickey Angels • Santas • Snowmen • many more!

You will be pleasantly surprised!

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Why Do Our Knees Hurt So Badly?

by Hayley Chemski-Horwat, MSN, CNRA Building Bodeez is located at 154 Pandora Road in Derry Township. 724-739-0105. www.building bodeez.net.

Wake up. Stand up. Ouch. Get dressed.

Make breakfast. Ouch. A few Advil. Get moving. Pain subsides...or, it doesn't...next day, Repeat.

Anyone else find this to be a common occurrence? Why do our knees hurt so badly? Our knees suffer a great deal of mechanical stress daily. We twist, we turn, we stop, we start, we jog, we walk, we take the stairs, and more! Typically, our knees can withstand the 'pressure' of our daily chores. However, certain habits can create true detriment to our precious joints and leave us suffering with chronic pain, arthritic pain, or worse ... acute injury pain!

Let's review a few risk factors and behaviors, as well as how to correct the pain.

Contributing factors to 'bad knees' include increased body weight, exercise technique, overuse of muscles/joints, body alignment, and proper footwear. As a Nurse Anesthetist I've seen more knee replacements than I could count, and know first hand that joint surgery isn't a "walk in the park" but rather, a last resort.

8 - December 2014

Knees bear the brunt of your body weight and every extra pound can up to three extra pounds of pressure (i.e. 10 pounds of excess weight = 30 pounds of pressure).

Added weight accelerates osteoarthritis by breaking down joint cartilage. By losing 10-20 pounds you could potentially cut your risk of joint pain in half!

At Building Bodeez we understand the great benefits of regular exercise, however, and also understand increased injury risk.

That said, the best idea is to always warm up and cooldown (for 5-10 minutes each).

Avid exercisers should choose variety and incorporate low impact activities such as biking, walking, yoga, swimming, flexibility training, personal training, or even resistance band routines. Ballistic routines such as CrossFit, power-lifting, jumping (Kickboxing), twisting (Zumba), running, and high-impact sports may pose a greater risk to those suffering with knee pain and should be used in divided doses. Repetitive exercises that do not allow the knees to rest overwork the joint and create painful injury; use these formats wisely.

Proper body alignment may also promote joint safety. An excellent analogy is when car tires wear bald. If your tires are not aligned on your vehicle, they will wear improperly. The same principle applies to joint pain. Proper posture and core strength (abdominal strength) will promote proper joint alignment.

Well-fitted footwear promotes alignment, cushioning, and shock absorption.

Irregularly fitted shoes can create over-pronation or supination (turning in or out), can exacerbate planter fasciitis, can increase arch pain and more. This eventually is compensated in the joint and osteoarthritis flares.

If your joint pain cycle persists past 2 weeks and is not treated with pain, relaxation, stretching, and occasional NSAIDs (Advil, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, etc) contact a health care professional for further treatment. Ultimately be aware that you only have 2 knees: they feel each and every step you take. Be nice to your joints, and they will pay you back tenfold. continued on page 15

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Where Love Abides

by Nancy A. Clark Hubby and I were on the road again, his job sending us to wherever a communications equipment installer was needed. In December of 1961, an assignment took us far from our southwestern Pennsylvania homestead to a one-traffic-light farming community in the midwest. There, we would celebrate our first Christmas as young marrieds– my first Christmas away from family.

Our temporary home in the Show Me state was a non-descript room with no view, in a lackluster motel on the outskirts of Brookfield, Missouri. The only hint of homey-ness or holiday in our space was a pile of white, pink and pale green Kleenex tissue “carnations” I’d fabricated to fill a squatty wicker basket we found in the closet. The premise held little promise that this would be A Christmas to Remember.

My 19-year old heart was in turmoil as the holiday approached – torn between the joy of being with my husband in this frozen tundra and being back home where Christmas was happening. Distance magnified memories of aromatic anise pizzelles and baked sweet breads, the serenity of blue lights strung at the front door, of superhyped younger siblings, and of Karen Carpenter’s poignant “Merry Christmas, Darling” lilting over the KDKA-Pittsburgh radio air waves.

I had a case of homesickness and, baby, it was bad.

Bent on easing my despair, hubby suggested we drive into town, sing carols in a candlelight worship service, and then walk the streets to feast on the lights in shop windows – just as if we were back home.

“Something to make you smile again,” he said with hope I didn’t share.

(Perry Como, personally ushering us back to Pennsylvania for some homemade pumpkin pie, would make me smile again, but there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in Heck of that happening.)

“Maybe if we had a Christmas tree…,” I whimpered when my bridegroom asked what it would take to lift my melancholy.

As if a tree was possible. With only two pennies to rub together…well, let’s just say Santa wouldn’t be delivering anything – let alone a Christmas tree – to our motel room that night. The fog of self-pity enveloped me like a shroud.

Below-zero air temperatures outside the church contrasted sharply to the warmth Every Story Begins At Home.

inside, and on that silent night, holy night, we had the streets all to ourselves. Millions of stars danced in the expanse of black velvet over our heads, doing their part to herald the arrival of God’s gift of love; but their sparkle did little to make me smile.

On the drive back to our room, Tom stopped at his job site – said he needed to check on something. Minutes later, he returned to the car with a large, flattened cardboard box tucked under his arm.

“You never know when you might need a piece of cardboard,” was all he offered.

Sleep was a recalcitrant ally that night. In dreams, I toggled between Jimmy Stewart’s It’s a Wonderful Life and my family’s real life 900 miles east. Awake or asleep, I yearned to be a kid again, back home and nestled all snug in my wee little bed.

We awoke on Christmas morning to 50,000 lumens of sunlight bouncing off mounds of fresh snow. The tears on my pillow had dried; but the Norman Rockwell-like image of flying ribbons, crumpled gift wrap and exclamations of “it’s just what I wanted” filling the air back home intensified the ache in my heart.

Then I spied it – something in the corner of the room that wasn’t there the night before. I bolted upright from my warm spot in the bed and focused, hand over mouth to stifle an exclamation of my own.

Propped up on the top of the only chair in the room was a sturdy cardboard, Christmas tree-shaped cutout plastered with pink, pale green and white Kleenex tissue carnations. A handwritten message on the back side of a menu flyer was taped to the base of the tree: Merry Christmas, Darling.

“Something to make you smile, again,” my sleepy Santa murmured, lifting himself up on one elbow.

“But I have nothing for you,” I uttered between heaving waves of sniffles and snuffling.

The magnitude of his precious gift of love overwhelmed me; gratitude overtook the ache in my heart with the reality that Christmas happens were love abides.

As it is with Christmas miracles, the fog my beloved fought to vanquish evaporated with the smile he sought…the only gift he wanted.

In retrospect, it was not only a lovely Christmas; it was A Christmas to Remember.

***** Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in 50 years of marriage, three children and three grandchildren. She dabbles in freelance and memoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting, reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.

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www.chicoras.com December 2014 - 9

Jo Vernon

Westmoreland Financial Services of Pennsylvania Inc. Phone: 724-995-8297

Email: jvernon@westmorelandfinancial.com

Disclosures Licensed by the Department of Banking, NMLS 136138

10 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Loyalhanna Creek Nominated for Pennsylvania’s 2015 River of the Year Vote Online at www.pariveroftheyear.org Harrisburg - The public is invited to vote online for the 2015 Pennsylvania River of the Year, choosing from among five waterways nominated across the state.

Nominated are: Conewango Creek, Lackawanna River, Loyalhanna Creek, Neshaminy Creek and the Ohio River.

“These nominated waterways showcase so many unique natural resources and recreational opportunities,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Ellen Ferretti. “They demonstrate just how blessed Pennsylvanians are with this wealth of major rivers and streams and how so many are willing to support them.

“Entering its fifth year, the online public selection process has become increasingly popular,” Ferretti said. “We know this spirit of good-natured competition rallies community support around our deserving waterways and puts them in the limelight.”

Nominations were based on each waterway’s conservation needs and successes, as well as celebration plans should the nominee be voted 2015 River of the Year. In cooperation with DCNR, selection of public voting choices was overseen by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).

The public can vote for their favorite state waterway through 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15.

The website www.pariveroftheyear.org facilitates voting and offers information on

Every Story Begins At Home.

nominated waterways and the River of the Year program. Voting will be managed through Woobox, an online contest application that restricts voting to one vote per email address.

POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the River of the Year program with funding from DCNR. Presented annually since 1983, this year’s 2014 designation was awarded to the Schuylkill River in southeast Pennsylvania.

“It’s really great to see how engaged people are in campaigning for their local rivers,” said PEC President and CEO Davitt Woodwell.

The Schuylkill River Greenway Association (SRGA) served as the lead organization in presenting the Schuylkill River.

“Having the Schuylkill named River of the Year gave the SRGA the opportunity to reconnect the public with the river,” said SRGA Executive Director Kurt Zwikl. “The honor highlighted the value the Schuylkill has to the region historically, recreationally, and as a beautiful and vital natural resource.”

After a waterway is chosen for the annual honor, local groups implement a yearround slate of activities and events to celebrate the river, including a paddling trip, or sojourn. The organization nominating the winning river will receive a $10,000 leadership grant to help fund their River of the Year activities.

POWR and DCNR also work with local organizations to create a free, commemorative poster celebrating the River of the Year.

The River of the Year sojourn is just one of many paddling trips supported by DCNR and POWR each year. An independent program, the Pennsylvania Sojourn Program, is a unique series of a dozen such trips on the state’s rivers. These water-based journeys for canoeists, kayakers and others raise awareness of the environmental, recreational, tourism and heritage values of rivers. For more information about the sojourns, visit www.pawatersheds.org.

To learn more about DCNR’s Rivers Program, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us (click on “Conserve,” then “Waterways”).

To learn more about the River of the Year program, visit www.pariveroftheyear.org.

December 2014 - 11

MEMORY LANE

by Ruthie Richardson

Macadam is a type of road construction pioneered by Scottish engineer John Loudon McAdam around 1820 – broken stone of even size used in successively compacted layers for surfacing roads and paths, and typically bound with tar or bitumen.

Echoes of Christmas Past I’ve been looking at all the Christmas decorations in the stores: there are aisles and aisles of them, far as the eye can see. There is every possible color or artistic scheme you could ever think up. And they have been available since Halloween, or as I like to think of it, HalloThanksMas. We don’t get even a day or two in between any more.

All those fancy, designer decorations got me to thinking of the simpler little 1950’s Christmases of my childhood, and our decorations, the ones that were stored lovingly, year to year, in cardboard boxes above our garage in West Derry. Mom didn’t add many decorations from year to year; her budget was pretty strict and left little room for frivolities. But one decoration I do remember from year to year was the icicles.

As I recall, the first ones I remember using were made of lead. We were tuff kids in the 50’s. We played with liquid mercury when our thermometers broke, and made tin soldiers out of daddy’s lead solder. Do you think we were scared of a little lead icicle? And although mom asked us to save as many as possible from year to year after the holidays by carefully taking them off.the dead and jaggy pine branches, it was no easy task. They sure did tangle up. And my brother, Keith, liked to ball them up in his fist and fire them at me, like a little Christmas punkin-ball to the head. I can still remember our hands turning grey after handling all that lead.

Come to think of it, this may explain a lot about the behavior of all those hippies from my generation.

Icicles. That word got me to thinking about other words we don’t use so much any more, words that I still sometimes use in my day-to-day conversations. Words that, while making the younger generation look at me quizzically, will make my contemporaries smile and automatically interpret them into today’s vernacular without 12 - December 2014

skipping a beat. For example, last month we swept the last of the leaves off our driveway, and I told Doug I noticed some cracks in the Macadam. He laughed out loud at the word ‘macadam,’ and said it took him back to the good old days. It amuses me to use the old terminology, even when I know the modern version. I guess I am embracing my new found codger status. So without any translation, I will fill this Christmas missive with lots of old time phrases and words. You can translate them as you go along, and smile when you realize your own codgery-ness!

Notice the icicles, hung in poisonous perfection!

When I recall the family’s Christmas trees from my youth, I remember them all being spectacular and HUGE. Probably because our living room in West Derry was pretty small, and so was I. Mom would bundle us up, and Daddy would drive us out to a local tree farm to cut down the perfect one. It seemed that every Christmas was a snowy one from those days long ago.

We didn’t worry too much about those icy, slick roads. The tire chains on Daddy’s recaps made sure we got there safely. Even after the road crews spread cinders, it could get pretty slippy on the back roads.

After we chose the absolutely perfect tree, Daddy would tie it to the top of the car for the ride home. My brother, Keith, and I helped drag it into the living room, leaving a trail of wet snow, dried leaves and pine needles in its wake. Mom would clean up the mess as we helped secure the trunk into the little tree stand, and then with all of our help, up into the corner it would go. My dad added a new tradition to this yearly scenario after the year our fully decorated tree came crashing down in the middle of the night. Daddy wasn’t taking any chances after that. He would wrap a little wire around the trunk, mid way up, and nail the wire to the floor in back of the tree, right through the carpet. This did not amuse my mom but she relented, because she didn’t want to ever have to clean up that horrible mess again.

Our house always seemed so festive at Christmas. Mom let me help arrange our little cardboard Christmas village and train set under the tree with a white sheet and lots of angel hair. Who cares about the little cuts on our hands since that ‘angel’ hair was no more than spun glass? Like I said before, we kids were tuff back in the olden days. My brother and I made yards of red and green construction paper chains for garland, and our two strings of colored lights gave off the perfect glow. Next we added the beautiful and fragile glass balls my mom had collected over the years, and lastly, the all-important placement of the icicles. Mom insisted they be placed one by one so they would all hang perfectly down.

My brother, on the other hand, thought they looked better if he stood five feet away and tossed them by the handful. Needless to say, ‘mommy and me’ were in charge of this last, sparkly adornment.

I remember helping mom wrap gifts for the cousins and grandparents with beautiful tissue paper with glitter on it from the 5 & 10 down street. Other gifts were wrapped LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

with shiny cellophane that was secured with Christmas seals. Next we added nametags and stickers that we had to lick to get them to stay on the paper. Sometimes mom would add bows to a really special gift. She would let me pull the scissors down the length of the ribbon, and I would watch the springy spiral cascade over that special present.

Our holiday activities were always accompanied by the sounds of old Christmas songs emanating from the radio – or even better – the Christmas Carolers who would go door to door through the neighborhood serenading us from the snowy landscape that was our very own Christmas wonderland. There were lots of treats to nibble on, too: ribbon candy, homemade fudge, or the gumdrops on my Grandma Stewart’s little white plastic tree. She displayed it on the ‘mantle’ of her cardboard fireplace that had a little red light bulb and a fan under the cardboard logs. When you plugged it in, it looked like the flames were dancing … at least we thought so! On that tree, Grandma stuck a gumdrop on every single branch, and we could never make up our minds about which color to choose. But nobody ever wanted the purple ones. There were always a few of those left when all the others were gone.

Come Christmas Eve, a very special phone call was traditionally made to our relations in Miami to wish them a Merry Christmas. After dialing “O” and being connected to the long distance operator, she would complete our call, person-to-person with my Grandma Veda. Yes, person-toperson was more expensive, but Daddy couldn’t risk one of the kids answering the phone and eating up those long distance charges. A quick hello and I love you was all we could ever get in. And mom would set the timer, so we knew exactly when to say BYE BYE! Christmas morning was always an explosion of wrapping paper, squeals of delight, and an overwhelming feeling of love and contentment. Mom would be in the kitchen basting the Christmas ham or turkey and taking all her other famous side dishes out of the icebox to warm up in anticipation of complimenting the spectacular repast. I would help set the table with the good dishes. No Melmac for this meal!

The relations would burst through the door, shaking the snow from their coats and sharing happy greetings and kisses under the mistletoe. After finishing up our glorious feast the women would do the dishes, and the men would stretch out on the davenport and complain about having eaten too much. I remember the joy of playing with our new toys, listening to Christmas carols, Every Story Begins At Home.

and the soft laughter and chatting of the grown-ups as they finished their dessert and coffee, fresh from mom’s new percolator, her favorite Christmas gift.

Those memories of Christmas past seem pretty meager when I think back and recall the details. There was not much extra money to spend on high-end designer decorations, gourmet food, or fancy presents, but the things money can’t buy were overly abundant. I hope my mom and daddy knew the value of what they provided for

us, and how much it meant to me. I hope I remembered to tell them, and to thank them. And most of all, I hope they know, even now, that I wouldn’t trade one second of it for all the money in the world.

***** 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, and look for her on Facebook.

The famous 'authentic' cardboard fireplace. We are holding our favorite Christmas presents, Keith with his boy scout knife and me with Mary, my walking doll.

December 2014 - 13

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

Body Fat’s Worst Enemy ...

When we lose weight (fat) where does it go? It doesn’t just literally fall off our body; rather, it is used as fuel when our body is in a caloric intake deficit relative to our caloric intake (eat less than our body needs).

Where exactly does this fuel utilization occur in the body? The muscle tissue is where the body will utilize fat a fuel in the presence of oxygen and thus “burn” off fat.

This is why we educate our clients that muscle is our metabolism and having concern for muscle in your program is paramount to shedding unwanted fat.

How you leverage this information is a process we call “Hierarchy of Fat Loss” here at My Fitness Kitchen. Basically there is a chain of command when it comes to how certain activities are more efficient than others when it comes to losing fat.

First and foremost is Supportive Nutrition. Very few can out-exercise a lousy diet – more particularly a high caloric diet.

There are individuals who eat extremely “healthy” but are also overweight, and then there are individuals who eat mostly junk foods and are at optimal weight. The difference is those who are overweight eat more calories than their body needs and any excess is stored as fat regardless if they are healthy or junk calories.

Second in the chain of command are activities that promote a concern for muscle.

These exercises or workouts not only burn calories, but more importantly, maintain or promote muscles mass and elevate metabolism (e.g., resistance and/or metabolic resistance training).

Last in the chain of command are activities that burn calories but don’t necessarily maintain muscle or elevate metabolism (e.g., interval cardio and steady-state cardio).

For the purpose of this article, I am going to talk about the second point above – activities that burn calories, build muscle and elevate metabolism. What separates this point and makes it superior from all exercises in the chain of command of fat loss is its impact on MUSCLE. This is what we like to refer to as the “other 23+ hours” benefit. Meaning if you exercise for 30 minutes or an hour one day, what is your body, or more particularly, 14 - December 2014

your metabolism doing the rest of the day when you are NOT exercising? Some people don’t realize you actually burn calories all day. This ability to burn calories all day is the key to losing fat. More importantly, the type of exercise you do will greatly impact how much (residual) caloric expenditure you will get at rest after a particular workout.

For simplicity there are two types of exercise; 1. Cardiovascular training, which trains your heart (cardiac) muscle tissue 2. Strength/resistance training, which trains your skeletal muscle tissue.

Your heart (cardiac) muscle is designed to resist fatigue; therefore can be trained every day. Additionally cardio exercise will generate the highest expenditure per unit of time; however this is where the confusion sets in. “If I want to lose weight/fat, why wouldn’t I just do cardio since I will burn more calories per minute than weight training?” When you are exercising, yes cardio exercise will have a greater caloric expenditure per unit of time than weight-training workouts; however the key with weight training exercises is that it takes much longer for your metabolism to get back to resting levels as compared to cardio exercise.

This delay to returning to resting levels is what increases your overall caloric expenditure for the day. This is referred to as EPOC or Exercise Post Oxygen Consumption. EPOC is defined as the recovery of metabolic rate back to pre-exercise or resting levels. This period of time can require several minutes for light steady state cardio to several hours for hard intervals or metabolic resistance training.

It is your skeletal muscles that need rest and recovery. It is during this rest/recovery period of the skeletal musculature that the difference is made with fat loss. However the key to maximizing this “other 23+ hours” is that the muscles must fatigue enough that they breakdown the skeletal muscle tissue so that energy (caloric burn) is spent during the non-working hours to repair damage from the resistance training.

NOTE – do not confuse using muscles or having a weight in your hand as weight

training. For it to have its impact it must be via a progressive overload while finishing at a momentary muscular fatigue for there to be a demand of skeletal muscle repair and increase EPOC. Actually there are studies documenting EPOC being elevated some 38 hours post workout. So if, for example, you did a metabolic resistance training workout at 7AM on Monday, you’re still burning more calories (above resting levels) – without even working out again by the time you go to bed at 10PM on Tuesday. This advantage is why proper resistance training only needs 1 to 3 days per week of 15-20 minutes to be effective, unlike its cardio counterpart that requires 4+ days per week of 30+ minutes to become effective with supporting the weight loss process. For those people who say they don’t have enough time, what do you say about that for effective time management?

In conclusion, this information is not intended for you to abandon all steady-state cardio (walking, jogging, etc.) exercise. If you have all the time in the world, go ahead and do as much steady state cardio as you would like as it is great for your heart and lungs. Just make sure are also having concern for your muscle that cardio activities can’t provide. However, this is for individuals who have been trying to lose weight with steady-state cardio (e.g., walking or jogging on a treadmill or outside) alone and have been frustrated because the results are not happening as fast or as they would like, as well as for people who complain they have no time.

Understanding this chain of command of effectiveness is like selecting a knife to cut a steak: both a butter-knife and steak knife can do the job, the only difference is one is more effective than the other. You can only burn so many calories in an hour from a workout regardless of your fitness level. The difference is how much you are burn-ing the other 23 hours of the day when not able to exercise. We are not the victim of our metabolism; rather, we are the creator of it. To best maximize our metabolism, it comes tdown to how much lean body mass (muscle) you have and how you stimulate it.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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, you will receive $25 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward our no-risk, no obligation, 100% money guarantee 30-Day Weight Loss JUMPSTART program 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.myfitness kitchen.com 724-879-8523. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specializes in weight loss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goals through evidence-based scientific programming.

continued from page 8 Sources: "Are you Killing Your Knees?" Retrieved online November 14, 2014 from www.sharecare.com/health/chronic-pain/article/bad-habits-knees-knee

***** 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.

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www.HewittRealEstate.net 16 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

The Night the Christmas Tree Fell

by Joe Potts Christmas memories capture some of the most cherished moments of our childhood.

We remember warm family gatherings, presents that delighted us, church services celebrating the Infant’s birth. Sometimes, however, our memories include grim tableaus seared into our brains by events gone horribly awry. These recollections are the exclamation points rising above the landscape of periods; they are cymbal clashes in the lush, hushed strings of the soundtrack of our youth. For me, one of the harshest, most discordant cacophonies of my childhood has to be the night the Christmas tree fell.

The evening began as a scene that Norman Rockwell might well have painted. My father had come home from work in a holiday mood, bolstered by a wonderful hot meal prepared by my mother. Middle class meatloaf at a family table before Christmas can surpass filet mignon in satisfying hunger and strengthening spirit. Cups of steaming tea for my parents, and bittersweet hot chocolate for us kids, helped us forget the December winds blustering outside.

Christmas was my mother’s favorite time of year, and I could see the joy of the season in her eyes. The magic day was right around the corner, and my two sisters and I were working ourselves into a frenzy of Yuletide anticipation. Ornaments! Lights!

Presents! No school!

My father had set up the Christmas tree several days prior. The unmistakable aroma of needles and sap permeated the house, promising Christmas as surely as the falling temperatures. Most of the decorating was completed – big red, green, and blue bulbs, glass balls, crocheted trinkets, strings of icicles. Full and plump as a Christmas turkey, the tree stood majestically in the corner of the living room, the black Lionel locomotive chugging around its base. The towering pinnacle of the spruce almost touched the ceiling. Magnificent it was, but just as the newly-christened Titanic had an appointment with an iceberg, so our tree had booked a reservation with doom.

All that remained was to place the angel on the treetop, a maneuver requiring some agility and delicacy. As Dad confidently placed the stepladder beside the tree, my sisters and I knew he was the man for the job. My mother, still wearing her jingle bell and reindeer Christmas apron, had us join hands, and we became my father’s personal cheering section.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Angel in hand, he embarked on his climb with the determination of Sir Edmund Hillary ascending Everest, except Dad didn’t need a Sherpa. One slow, careful step after another, the wooden ladder steps groaning with age, brought him to the summit.

With a bold stroke that would have made Sir Edmund proud, Dad decisively rammed the angel onto the protruding branch at the top. I looked at my sisters and gave them a knowing wink, as they nodded in approval – we knew that angel was there for the duration. My father’s face shone with the satisfaction of a manly task accomplished.

He was once again the conquering provider for his family.

As Dad descended the ladder, fate intruded in a way none of us could have imagined: his foot became entangled in the wire from the tree lights. The wire had furtively wrapped around his leg, with a level of malevolent cruelty that can only be exhibited by inanimate objects. Reaching the lowest step, his leg stretched the wire taut, causing tension on the tree. My father then lost his balance, a victim to the evil wire’s plot, and began to fall backwards. We watched in horror as the tree tipped over, being pulled by my unsuspecting father. It was following him down as faithfully as Santa’s sleigh had ever followed Rudolph.

As the tree made its long descent into family folklore, time slowed, as it often does when cataclysmic events visit the innocent.

Four shocked faces were frozen in disbelief as the tree came down, silent at first, then culminating in a thundering CRASH tinkle tinkle tinkle tinkle... Moments before, a splendid spruce had stood in giddy holiday regalia. Now there lay a pile of green rubble with an occasional ornament and parental limb sticking out. The formerly festive living room looked as if someone had decorated a horrific holiday crash scene.

Our Norman Rockwell night was ending as Norman Bates. It was as if Frank Capra had turned over the director’s reins to Alfred Hitchcock. But the angel was still doggedly clinging to the top of the tree, bless her heavenly heart.

Eerie silence ensued for what seemed like enough time for the Magi to cross the Sahara. I thought we were surely going to get an answer to the question, if a Christmas tree falls in the living room, and the family is stunned out of their skivvies, does anyone hear it?

Then my mother moved more quickly than I had ever seen her, rushing to the wreckage and shrieking, “Joe! Joe! Are you all right? Can you get up?” She tore at the limbs and icicles and ornaments, finally revealing my father’s face. He looked dazed, like he was wondering why he was lying on the floor looking at the ceiling. But at least he appeared to be conscious.

We waited for the epithet sure to come from his lips. Could any kid within earshot not suffer permanent hearing loss, seared eyebrows, and emotional trauma? My father then slowly stirred, groaning like the wind against the shutters outside, but less coherently.

Suddenly, he sprang up, seemingly unfazed, and with a merry laugh and a twinkle in his eyes, exclaimed, “Ho, ho, ho! That certainly was a holly jolly trick on me!”

Sort of. At least, that’s what he’ll say when the Disney movie is made. Memories, of course, often soften with time. I’m sure he was a bit more emphatic, and may have said something to convey “Christmas! Bah, humbug!” But with more salt and vinegar than Dickens ever placed in Scrooge’s mouth.

My father managed to resurrect the tree from its ashes, like a Phoenix from the fire, or, more accurately, a Yuletide zombie from its grave. Dad had suffered only a few scrapes and scratches, the tree a bent limb and some broken glass ornaments (which my mother greatly rued). But the Christmas spirit lived on, Santa still came, and we celebrated the holy miracle of December the twenty-fifth. Life went on.

Many Christmas memories were forged after that fateful season. My mother’s love for the holiday continued to grow with each passing year. My father brought home a fresh tree and erected it in our living room without fail. But never again, for the remainder of my childhood, did I see a stepladder in the same room with our Christmas tree.

December 2014 - 17

OFF TRAIL

by Joe Walko

“But in the heart of winter, you want a warm hot mug with your favorite soothing brew to keep the chill away.” – Vera Nazarian, The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Winter Warmer, Holiday Cheer I love getting outside in the winter, especially when the snow falls. The slate is wiped clean, the world is refreshed, subdued, tucked into its winter hibernation, virgin white again, waiting to be reborn.

Usually there is solitude, too, and space to hear myself think, the crowds mostly chased indoors.

I love making the first tracks through fresh powder, whether in boots or snowshoes or on skies, the perfect winter scene in front of me all mine, the white stuff kicking up around my heels. The crispness of the air is invigorating, the smell of pine boughs is intoxicating, and there is a sense of discovery, even in a familiar place, when the woods have been given their white winter blanket. The stillness is perfect, unbroken for long stretches, the only sounds the crunch of my boots and my own breathing, and maybe an occasional crow calling. When I stop and am still, the minute tinkle of snowflakes can be heard, tumbling through the last of the leaves or off my snow jacket. It’s the sound of peace and calm, one of my favorite winter gifts.

I can’t stand there forever, though, it’s cold, and once I stop moving, it gets even colder, fast! You have to keep moving to keep warm in the winter, and this is where we lose a lot of folks. But modern-day winter clothing can keep you amazingly warm, while moving and after you stop, so there’s no excuse for not to get outside in the winter.

And of course there are other ways of staying warm during the winter, too.

Returning to a ski lodge or a warming hut, with a blazing fire and

18 - December 2014

warm company, quickly takes the chill out of frozen fingers and toes. But the best way to warm up is from the inside, with a hot, steaming beverage.

My preferences depend on the activity, and mostly lean towards adult beverages, though hot, hearty soups are a close second.

After a vigorous cross-country ski or snowshoe outing, with my heart still pounding and breath just now slowing, there’s nothing better than throwing on that comfy down jacket and wrapping a gloved hand around a beer. Not just any yellow beer in the winter, mind you, but something hearty, something with some real body and substance, something dark, something not too chilled. How about a nut-brown ale, maybe a robust porter, or chocolately stout? Or if the winter adventure was epic enough, how about a big Russian imperial stout, guaranteed to take away whatever chill might be trying to sneak up on you.

After a day on the downhill slopes, a steaming hot drink warms cold cockles, gets the blood flowing back to those frozen extremities, and melts the ice from eyebrows. Gather ‘round the roaring fire in the lodge, turning to roast the front and then the back, while frozen digits unthaw wrapped around a hot toddy, an Irish coffee, or a hot buttered rum. Once you’re out of your skiing clothes, is there anything better than a hot mulled wine, complete with fresh oranges, until you are completely thawed?

Spent the day sled riding or snow tubing with the kids? Hot cider and hot chocolate is the classic way to warm up, with extra marshmallows in a big mug. Too many kids, not enough chaperones? Add a little peppermint schnapps to that hot chocolate to keep your good humor and sanity.

And then there is my favorite outdoor winter activity, the overnight winter backpack trip. After a day spent hiking six or eight miles through the hills and snow, gaiters crusted with ice and snow gathering on the bill of my hat, taking off a heavy pack and setting up camp is a relief. Of course camp has to be cozy, the snow tucked around the bottom of the tent fly to keep the wind out, a warm base layer changed in to when the hiking is over, and lots of down clothing on the outside for insulation.

A roaring fire is a requirement, and here is the huge advantage of backpacking the

Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail in winter – in addition to gathering out of the wind and snow in one of the three-sided Adirondackstyle shelters, a wood burning stove sits at the entrance of each shelter, and all the shelter areas along the yellow-blazed trail are stocked with big piles of chopped firewood!

So stoke that fire good, get it roaring, and gather round, metal camping mug in gloved hand. I love to fill my mug with my favorite spirit, straight up, usually a whiskey, rye or maybe a good Kentucky bourbon, or perhaps a fine scotch or brandy for a special occasion. Pick you favorite, sip it slowly, maybe warmed a bit over the fire, and mix with friends and snowflakes and warm conversation. Or maybe make community drinks, one of your favorites from the ski lodge, modified only slightly in camp, using snowmelt and a few ingredients from home (see the easy camp recipes, right.)

Listen to the trees cracking and the coyotes howling, notice that the stars seem brighter on cold nights, and toast to good friends and warm fires. Ahh, what winter chill?

Get outside and enjoy the season’s gifts of snow and skiing and sledding, and even the gift of cold. It makes warming up more appreciated, especially with a little help from holiday cheer.

See you on the trail this winter! Cheers!

“Brew me a cup for a winter’s night.

For the wind howls loud, and the furies fight; Spice it with love and stir it with care, And I’ll toast your bright eyes, my sweetheart fair.”

–Minna Thomas Antrim, “A Night Cap,” A Book of Toasts, 1902

***** Off Trail is a monthly column devoted to exploring our diverse and beautiful natural heritage, especially the the hidden gems and special places off the beaten path.

Joe Walko is a fulltime widowed parent to two beautiful but challenging boys, now unemployed by choice after a 25-year career in corporate finance. He is a writer and blogger searching for his voice, a seeker of his truth, a nature and adventure junkie discovering whole new worlds and beauty in the glorious struggle, in the ordinary, in his own backyard, and mostly, in his heart. Visit his website at joewalko.word press.com and contact him at jwalko1019@ gmail.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Irish Coffee, Camp Style

2 oz Irish whiskey sugar

Backpacker Magazine Top 10 Backcountry

Cocktails

6 oz coffee cream

Melt snow over a campfire or in a camp stove for coffee; instant Starbucks VIA is perfect in the backcountry. Pour the whiskey, coffee, and sugar (to taste) into a camp mug. Stir, top off with a sprinkling of fresh powdered snow.

Mountain Margarita Lemon-Lime Gatorade + tequila + fresh snow

Hot Buttered Dark Rum Cocktails, Camp Style Ingredients 1 oz dark rum 1 tsp brown sugar 1 pat of butter Hot Water Freshly ground nutmeg

Laurel Mountain Post Combine the dark rum and brown sugar in a camp mug. Melt snow over a campfire or in a camp stove, fill the mug with hot water, gently stir. Finish by floating the pat of butter on the top and sprinkle with freshly ground nutmeg to taste.

Watermelon Snowfield Fruit punch sports drink + Bacardi 51 rum + snow + maraschino cherry

Bikini Sunburn Vodka + light rum + cherry sours + juice of half a fresh lemon + sugar

Mountain Storm Cosmo Lime juice + cranberry juice concentrate + triple sec + vodka + lime Kool-Aid powder + hailstones

Snake in the Grass Lemon-Lime Gatorade + vodka + green creme de menthe

Blackberry Margarita Fresh-picked berries + snow + tequila

Citrus Spiced Mulled Wine, Camp Style 1 750 mL bo le red wine

2 oranges, zest and juice

1/4 cup sugar

2 tablespoons orange liqueur

whole spices such as star anise, black peppercorns, coriander seeds, cardamom pods, and cinnamon sticks Peel off strips of orange zest from the oranges, juice the oranges (simple squeezing in the backcountry!) and reserve the juice. Wrap spices in a coffee filter and tie closed with a piece of twine (grape vine twine is plentiful in our woods.) In a camp pan, crush the orange zest and the sugar with a spoon to bring out the flavor. Add the wine, reserved orange juice and spice packet. Cover and simmer over a campfire or camp stove until wine is hot. Remove from heat and let stand for about 30 minutes (don’t let it freeze!) Discard the spice packet and orange zest. Heat the wine again, just until steaming and add the orange liqueur. Serve 4-6 hot in camp mugs.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Backcountry Mai Tai Tang + snow + dark rum

Goodnight Kiss Good Earth tea + scotch

Wilderness White Russian Kahlua + vodka + milk (use dry whole milk powder)

Under the Sleeping Bag Light rum + triple sec + brandy + lemon juice

December 2014 - 19

THREE PENNIES

by Rev. Cindy Parker

Leaping for Joy! In preparation for Advent we do a lot of waiting. Not the passive type of sitting around to wait and see what will happen, but a more active type of waiting – waiting with anticipation. As we wait for the coming of the Christ child, I imagined what it would be like to be in Mary’s shoes. I’ve been thinking about Mary and her mother as we prepare for advent, especially in light of the fact that I have three daughters.

What would I say if my youngest, who is only fourteen, came home and told me she was pregnant by an angel, and it was all part of God’s plan?

I am pregnant. Fourteen years old and pregnant! How am I going to explain this to my mother? I hate to think about it! I know what she’s going to say,“Mary! How could you let this happen? You’re a good girl!

And now you’ve brought such humili-ation on your father and me and our good name!”

And I’ll try and explain, “But mom, this is God’s doing!”

“God’s doing? How could you blame God?” She’ll say.

“Mom, you’ve got to believe me! An angel came and told me. He called me favored one and told me that the Lord was with me. At first I was confused and afraid, but the angel reassured me. I’m not afraid anymore, mama.”

“But Mary,” she’ll scold, “Nazareth is such a small town–what will the neighbors say?

You’ll have to leave town. You can go and stay with our relatives in the south, with Elizabeth and Zachariah, and then you can come back when the baby is born. We’ll tell the neighbors you found him in a basket or something, like Moses.”

“But mama,” I’ll tell her, “I can’t leave, Joseph and I are getting married! And I’m not afraid!”

“Do you think he’ll want to marry you after he finds out what’s happened?”

And so we left that day, taking the route through the mountains. I had never left the house before and everything was new and strange–the trees, the towns, the 20 - December 2014

people. After journeying three long days, we arrived in the barren and sun drenched land of Judea. We were very tired, and we could see Jerusalem in the distance.

My brother dropped me off along the road and continued on to the capital. I have to admit that I was a little scared. After all, I hadn’t seen Elizabeth and Zachariah in a long time! Well, my worry was for nothing.

Elizabeth welcomed me into her home with open arm. She was so delighted to see me, and she even said she was delighted that my mother thought of this! Delighted!

Soon after I arrived she put my hand on her belly and told me to feel her baby moving inside her. She called for her husband, Zechariah. And she told me how the old man was so shocked when he learned he was going to be a father that he lost his speech!

Elizabeth treated me like her own daughter and taught me many things: how to weave and cook with red beans–the very ones Rebekah cooked for Isaac. She gave me a lot of self-confidence, especially the day I was washing the clothes in the patio and tripped.

She wondered about the dizzy spells, and when I tried to blame it on the heat, she sat me down. She looked at me, really looked at me. “You’re pregnant aren’t you? Come,

let’s talk in the shade,” she said, and took me down under the small grove of trees.

I told her everything; I left nothing out.

I explained to her about the angel, and how he spoke to me and told me I had found favor with God. And how I would conceive and bear a son, and name him Jesus; and that he would be great and called the son of the Most High – and that he would reign over the house of Jacob forever!

I told Elizabeth that the angel mentioned her name, and how she was with child, even in her advanced age. She laughed when I told her that! And I told her I’d never forget what he said right before he left, “That nothing was impossible with God!” And then I waited to see what her reaction would be, after all my own mother didn’t believe me. She didn’t say anything at first, she just kind of stared at me.

“Do you believe me, Elizabeth?” I asked.

“Of course I do, dear. Why wouldn’t I? She told me that God was great and does great things ... she should know.

“Look at me,” she said! I was as barren as Abraham’s wife–Zechariah and I were old. There was no hope left.

Nothing. She told me how she spent many sleepless nights praying to God for a child, how she wept and cried and pleaded with God. “Yes, my child,” she said, “God has his own time and moment.” Elizabeth told me that one morning Zachariah got up to go to the temple as usual with the other priests to burn incense. He remained inside for a long time, praying in the temple. And when he returned he couldn’t speak. It wasn’t long after he came home from serving that she conceived. She knew that this was the work of the Lord.

Remember how I told you that she laughed when the angel mentioned her name? She said she knew all this was the Lord’s doing, but it was nice to have it confirmed by God’s messenger.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

I thanked her for sharing her beautiful story with me – and do you know what she told me? She said, “your story will be even more beautiful, Mary, you’ll see.”

The time came, and Elizabeth gave birth to a son. And when the family asked what she would name him, she said, “John.” No one believed her, because there was no one by that name in our family, but she insisted. And when Zechariah was consulted and was given a writing tablet, he too wrote down the name, John.

Well, as soon as the words were written down, Zechariah’s eyes filled with tears; he spoke, and he began to praise God. He praised God for granting him a son of his own, a child who would prepare the way for the Lord.

I’ll never forget that party: everyone toasted to baby John’s good health. They congratulated Elizabeth and John, and we danced and sang and praised God until dawn.

I saw, firsthand, how God blessed Elizabeth just like the angel said. How God took care of everything, and how nothing was or is impossible with God. Yes, God was good to Elizabeth, and so God was with me. God has been very good to me, and I’ll never stop thanking him!

We might not understand the Lord’s ways – his thoughts are not our thoughts – and yet, God brings down the powerful from their throne, while he lifts the humble from their misery. The rich, he sends away empty; and he feeds the hungry.

God gave a child to Elizabeth; and with me, he made the greatest miracle – because he made me see nothing is impossible with God by my side. ***** Cindy Parker came to the United Church of Christ by way of the Presbyterian Church. A life-long 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.

Christ Church 1414 Ligonier Street Latrobe Pa 15650 Phone (724) 537-4901 www.ucclatrobe.org Office Hours Tue-Fri 9 AM-Noon Worship with us Sunday @11AM Sunday School @9:30AM Bible Study Wednesdays @10 AM

Every Story Begins At Home.

Are Solar Panels Actually Cheaper Than the Traditional Power Grid Yet? Rooftop solar panels on have always been the province of well-to-do, eco-friendly folks willing to shell out extra bucks to be green, but that is all starting to change.

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the cost of putting solar panels on a typical American house has fallen by some 70 percent over the last decade and a half. And a recent report from Deutsche Bank shows that solar has already achieved so-called “price parity” with fossil fuel-based grid power in 10 U.S. states. Deutsche Bank goes on to say that solar electricity is on track to be as cheap or cheaper than average electricity-bill prices in all but three states by 2016—assuming,that is, that the federal government maintains the 30 percent solar investment tax credit it currently offers homeowners on installation and equipment costs.

But therein could lie the rub. The federal tax credit for residential solar installations expires in 2016, and it’s anybody’s guess whether and to what extent the Republican-dominated Congress will renew it. Legislative analysts report that while Congress is unlikely to abandon the program entirely, big cutbacks could be on the way. But Deutsche Bank maintains that even if the credit is reduced to 10 percent, solar power would still achieve price parity with conventional electricity in some 36 states by 2016.

Meanwhile, homeowners in states where additional local incentives are available and there’s lots of sunshine—such as across the Southwest—may in fact already be able to power their homes cheaper with the sun than from the grid.

Homeowners looking to go solar should check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency (DSIRE), a free online database of all the different state and local incentives for solar and other forms of renewable energy.

And prices for solar are expected to keep falling as technologies improve and financing becomes more affordable. Solar leasing has helped hundreds of thousands of Americans realize the dream of going solar without breaking the bank. The companies behind such programs—SolarCity, SunRun and others— take care of installation, maintenance and upgrades while the customer ends up paying about as much for clean, green power as for grid power from coal or other fossil fuels.

Of course, solar is still a bit player in the scheme of things in terms of U.S. and global electricity production. But with costs coming down, we can expect to see a lot more solar panels going up on rooftops across the land in the coming decade.

Environmentalists concerned about our changing climate say the sooner the better, as our dependency on coal and other fossil fuels for electricity is a big contributor to global warming.

Congress will definitely be considering whether or not to extend the solar investment tax credit when it reconvenes in 2015. If you’re part of the silent majority of Americans who would like to see the credit extended so that middle class Americans can continue to afford to convert to solar power, be sure to speak up and let your Congressional delegation know.

CONTACTS: Deutsche Bank, www.db.com; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, www.nrel.gov; SolarCity, www.solarcity.com; SunRun, www.sunrun.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com).

Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

December 2014 - 21

DOWN ON THE FARM

by Cathi Gerhard & Gregory Susa

The Spotted Lanternfly:

A New Insect Pest Detected in Pennsylvania UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — People seeing patches of red and black, partially separated and mating and has been found on willow, the spotted lanternfly for the first time are by a white band. The legs and head are maple, aspen and tulip poplar. struck by its sometimes-flashy appearance. black, and the abdomen is yellow with Penn State and Agriculture Department But don’t let its colorful, butterfly-like veneer broad black bands. experts are especially worried about potenfool you, caution entomologists in Penn One of a group of insects sometimes retial damage to plants that help fuel PennState’s College of Agricultural Sciences. ferred to as planthoppers, the lanternfly is sylvania’s agricultural economy. They say This exotic, invasive insect — found for a weak flyer but a strong and quick jumper. this pest poses a significant threat to the the first time in the United States in Berks The insect does not attack fruit or foliage, state’s grape, apple and stone-fruit industries, County in September — poses a potential nor does it appear to spread plant diseases. which have annual production valued at threat to several important agricultural Rather, it uses its piercing-sucking mouthabout $20 million, $134 million and $24 commodities in Pennsylvania, including the parts to feed on the woody parts of plants, million, respectively. Also at risk are $12 billion grape, hardwood, tree fruit, landscape in pine and hardwood lumber sales. and nursery industries. Homeowners Mike Saunders, professor of entoalso could suffer damage to highmology at Penn State, is part of a value ornamentals in their landscape. national working group — led by the “Because this insect is so new to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and United States and Pennsylvania, we consisting of university and USDA don’t know yet what kind of impact it scientists — organized to determine might have if it becomes established,” what is known about this pest and said Greg Hoover, ornamental extenwhat research is needed to develop sion entomologist in the Department control measures and management of Entomology. recommendations.

“At this point, we can only refer to “The group will explore the spotted it as a potential pest,” he said. “We do lanternfly’s host range to see what an know that in its native habitat in emergence map for this species might China, India, Japan, and Vietnam, it The spotted lanternfly, which recently was discovered for the first time in look like in Pennsylvania and beattacks a variety of plants, including the United States in Berks County, poses a threat to many economically yond,” said Saunders, whose research grape, apple, pine, stone fruit, tree of important species of trees and woody ornamentals in Pennsylvania. Image: and extension work focuses largely on Holly Raguza, Pa. Department of Agriculture heaven and many others.” integrated pest management in vineHoover, who specializes in pests of yards. “There will be research on trees and woody ornamentals, is part of a such as the trunk of a tree, where it leaves things like winter mortality and mating team of Penn State researchers and extenwounds that weep with sap. These wounds behavior, and proposed DNA analysis will sion educators who have partnered with can attract other insects, such as wasps, try to pinpoint exactly where this infestation colleagues in the Pennsylvania Department bees, and ants, and may provide a medium originated. Knowledge in areas such as these of Agriculture to contain and, they hope, for fungal growth. Plants with heavy incan help us develop management options.” eradicate the insect before it spreads to other festations may become stressed or die.

Saunders has submitted a proposal for parts of the state and country.

In late fall, adult spotted lanternflies lay research funding under the federal farm bill As part of that effort, the state Departegg masses on trees and nearby smooth to conduct efficacy tests for spotted lanternment of Agriculture has imposed a quaransurfaces, such as stone, outdoor furniture, fly chemical control. He noted that syntine covering five townships and two borvehicles and other structures. Newly laid thetic pyrethroid insecticides appear to oughs in eastern Berks County. The quaregg masses have a gray, pitch-like covering show promise. Hoover also is seeking farm antine regulates or limits the movement of over the eggs. Old egg masses appear as bill funding to develop extension educavarious plants, plant-based materials and rows of 30 to 50 brownish seed-like deposits tional materials for growers, arborists and outdoor household items out of the quaranin four to seven columns, in a mass that is the public. tine area unless certain conditions are met. roughly an inch long.

In the meantime, experts say early detecThe spotted lanternfly is about 1 inch long In Korea, where the spotted lanternfly is tion is vital for protecting the state’s plantand a half inch wide. Adults at rest have an introduced pest, the insect has been based industries and stopping the insect’s grayish wings with black spots, and the found to attack at least 65 plant species, 25 spread. Following are recommendations wing tips are black blocks outlined in gray. of which are known to grow in Pennsylfor growers and homeowners, particularly When startled or flying, the insect will vania. State agriculture officials say it has those in or near the quarantine area in Berks display hind wings that have contrasting been observed in Berks County both feeding County: 22 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

• If you see eggs, scrape them off the surface and place them in a tightly sealed container with 70 percent rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer to kill them.

• Likewise, if you collect an adult or nymph, place the specimen in 70 percent rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer in a leakproof container. Never take a live specimen of the spotted lanternfly from the area under quarantine.

• Complete the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Entomology Program Sample Submission Form and send the adult/nymph specimen or egg mass to the department’s entomology lab for verification at the following address: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Entomology Room-111, 2301 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg, PA 17110.

• To report a sighting, call the toll-free Bad Bug hotline at 866-253-7189 with details of the sighting and your contact information, or send email to badbug@pa.gov.

More information is available at the Penn State Extension spotted lanternfly website at http://extension.psu.edu/pests/spottedlanternfly.

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A female spotted lanternfly lays an egg mass on the bark of a tree. Image: Greg Hoover, Penn State Department of Entomology Too Much Fun for Such a Small Town!

***** 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 heritage garden in the making, managed by several 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.

They continue his tradition as well as research and report on local agriculture and scientific news impacting Pennsylvania farmers and backyard enthusiasts.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Come in from the cold, enjoy a good meal and a hot drink!

DINING HOURS Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Bloody Mary bar every Sunday!

December 2014 - 23

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24 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Every Story Begins At Home.

December 2014 - 25

THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations by Rev. Marjorie Rivera

“Barn’s burnt down… now I can see the moon.”

– Masahide, Japanese poet Who even knew that the barn was in the way? Sometimes we get so used to the things the way they are, that we don’t even realize what may be on the other side of those things is a “possibility”. I love the idea of a possibility being hidden behind something very familiar.

When I was in seminary school, there was a story/joke that went around, so I will share it with you to the best of my ability now: “The joke concerns twin boys of five or six. Worried that the boys had developed extreme personalities – one was a total pessimist, the other a total optimist – their parents took them to a psychiatrist.

First the psychiatrist treated the pessimist. Trying to brighten his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with brand-new toys. But instead of yelping with delight, the little boy burst into tears. ‘What’s the matter?’ the psychiatrist asked, baffled. ‘Don’t you want to play with any of the toys?’ ‘Yes,’ the little boy bawled, ‘but if I did I’d only break them.’ Next the psychiatrist treated the optimist. Trying to dampen his outlook, the psychiatrist took him to a room piled to the ceiling with horse manure. But instead of wrinkling his nose in disgust, the optimist emitted just the yelp of delight the psychiatrist had been hoping to hear from his brother, the pessimist. Then he clambered to the top of the pile, dropped to his knees, and began gleefully digging out scoop after scoop with his bare hands. ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ the psychiatrist asked, just as baffled by the optimist as he had been by the pessimist. ‘With all this manure,’ the little boy replied, beaming, ‘there must be a pony in here somewhere!”

I propose that if one is willing to look beyond the structure of what they already see, ie: the toys or the poop, they can find the possibility within. Sometimes, you just have to look beyond what is right in front of you to see something more grand. Have you ever heard that saying “Can’t see the forest for the trees?” This saying means if someone is too close to a situation, they can’t see other options.

I’d like to share another insight. The “field of infinite possibility” is a metaphysical concept which dictates that dwelling within you, is your “true self”, or your “pure awareness”. The field of infinite possibility is where your inner silence expands into a greater sense of connection to all that exists in the entire universe. When you become willing to look beyond the limited construction of your earthly awareness and begin to engage with this infinite field of possibilities inside of you, then you are moving towards the most truthful expression of who you are. When you are willing to burn down the barn, or what is comfortable, you can begin to see the possibilities. That’s when things get really interesting! Burning down the barn could be a greater metaphor for tearing down the constructs of crystallized habits and behavior patterns so that we can gain new possibilities in life. If you want something different, then try something different.

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Suggested Reading: “The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams,” Deepak Chopra Connect with me: Tweet tweet = https://twitter.com/PGHmedium Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGHmedium Pin with me: http://www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/ Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com 26 - December 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

DECEMBER-JANUARY COMMUNITY CALENDAR ober obertt Kirby “No matter how carefully you stored the lights last year, they will be snarled again this Christmas.” – RRober

12/11/2014 to 12/14/2014 The Nutcracker The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com 12/12/2014 to 12/14/2014 North Pole Express Stage Right! 105 W. Fourth St., Greensburg 724.832.SING. stagerightgreensburg.com 12/13/2014 Breakfast with Santa at the Stone House Historic Stone House Restaurant, 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com Bring the whole family to have breakfast with Santa at the Stone House.Breakfast items will be served as well as activities for the children.

12/13/2014 Buddy the Elf & Friends Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St. 724-537-7011. www.latrobeartcenter.org This year, Buddy and Santa will bring along Mrs. Claus, Katie the Elf, and Miss Gwyn with her Happy Christmas Camper!

The children will paint their own gingerbread house, do an artful scavenger hunt, have a sing-a-long and then end the day with a sweet treat right from Gwyn's Happy Christmas Camper! Stay tuned for more details, but it's definitely a weekend you don't want to miss! (Register early!)

Session 1: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Session 2: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $16 for members; $20 for nonmembers (half off for additional sibling) 12/13/2014 Holiday High Tea Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts, 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683.

724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com With the stress of the season in full swing, take an afternoon to relax with friends and family at our Holiday-themed tea. In addition, each guest will make a keepsake ornament to take home. $16.50/person 12/13/2014 Light Up Night Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center, 15 Sherman St., Ohiopyle, 724.329.1444 ohiopyle-stewart.org 12/11/2014 Community Open House and Health Fair

Every Story Begins At Home.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3695 State Route 31, Donegal, PA 15628 724.593.1881 Attendees will be able to tour the Hotel’s various rooms and amenities as well as participate in numerous healthcare services such as blood pressure screening, diabetes assessment and prevention, bone density and osteoporosis screening and receive an annual flu shot. We hope to see you there!

through 12/20/2014 Snowflake Showcase Greensburgh Art Center/Rowe Gallery 230 Todd School Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.6791. greensburgartcenter.org Shop an exciting selection of hand-made crafts, paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, ornaments, and other type handmade items for your holiday gift list.

12/12/2014 to 12/14/2014 North Pole Express Stage Right! 105 W. Fourth St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.832.SING stagerightgreensburg.com

through 1/1/2015 Overly’s Country Christmas 116 Blue Ribbon Lane 724.423.1400 overlys.com Celebrate the season at Overly’s Country Christmas®, a nonprofit committed to creating holiday memories with a Christmas Village that’s filled with an array of oldfashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols ‘round the bonfire, revel in the model train display, have your picture taken with Santa (in the days before Christmas), take a horse drawn wagon/sleigh ride or shop for gifts in the C. Edgar & Sons General Store plus much, much more as you experience the beauty of this traditional winter wonderland!

This timeless Christmas classic is full of festive songs, memorable music and rhyming verse for a sleigh-full of holiday fun that audiences of all ages will love!

12/13/2014 Breakfast with Santa at the Stone House Historic Stone House Restaurant 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com Bring the whole family to have breakfast with Santa at the Stone House.Breakfast items will be served as well as activities for the children.

12/13/2014 Holiday High Tea Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com With the stress of the season in full swing, take an afternoon to relax with friends and family at our Holiday-themed tea. In addition, each guest will make a keepsake ornament to take home. $16.50/person 12/13/2014 Light Up Night Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center 15 Sherman St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470 724.329.1444. ohiopyle-stewart.org

12/10/2014 Christmas with the Annie Moses Band Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. upjarts.org Experience the beauty of the Christmas season with the Annie Moses Band as the acclaimed classical crossover ensemble performs stunning arrangements of holiday favorites. Strings, harp, and soaring vocals

12/13/2014 to 12/14/2014 The Nutcracker The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Revel in the holiday magic when the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Laurel Ballet, performs Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker for three performances. through 12/14/2014 Candlelight Tours Compass Inn Museum 1382 Route 30 East, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.238.4983 compassinn.com. Saturdays and Sundays, reservations required

December 2014 - 27

take the stage to re-imagine classic melodies and to debut originals that are sure to become classic. From the electrifying rhythm of “Carol of the Bells” to the breathtaking beauty of “O Holy Night”, “Christmas with the Annie Moses Band” is a cinematic journey audiences are sure to love.

12/11/2014 to 12/14/2014 Miracle on 34th Street The Geyer Performing Arts Center 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com 12/12/2014 Ugly Holiday Sweater Party 5-7 pm, Springhill Suites Latrobe.

Join the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Comemrce for our Ribbon Cutting / Photo Op to celebrate New Member, Carly Hall Photography & Design.

Carly is also hosting the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party and Holiday Photo Booth!

Join us for free appetizers and drink specials.Chamber Members are welcome; feel free to bring a guest! (724) 537-2671

12/14/2014 Christmas Brasstacular Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. upjarts.org Yo ho ho! Merry Christmas! Go into Christmas overdrive with your River City Brass! RCBB’s traditional Christmas Brasstacular combines all that’s great in music during this festive season. There will be carols, choirs, Santa and his elves and, of course, their own special brand of humor and fun! Enjoy the world premiere of Symphony of Carols by Drew Fennell performed by choirs from around the region. A merry Christmas is guaranteed!

Sponsored by: Concurrent Technologies Corporation 12/17/2014 Beach Party at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport The Westmoreland County Airport Authority and Latrobe Airline Services, would like to invite all members of The Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber, to a “Beach Party ” and Ribbon Cutting Mixer to celebrate our new service to Tampa and Ft Myers. 6-8 pm.

12/18/2014 A Christmas Carol The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Dickens’ classic fills the stage with veteran Broadway actors, lush costumes, stunning sets, music and dance. Seasonal carols included, A Christmas Carol is an enchanting way to begin the holidays.

12/12/2014 Old-Fashioned Christmas Derry Historical Society, Fulton House in New Derry. derryhistory.org Enjoy refreshments while merrymaking with family, friends and neighbors. The gathering will be warmed by the burning logs in Fulton House's new fireplace, constructed with the generous support of members and wonderful volunteers.

Light refreshments will be provided inside the historic Fulton House, built in 1817 and decorated for the holidays. The event is free and open to the public.

12/14/2014 Sunday Lecture Series: Winter Wonderland Powdermill Nature Reserve 1847 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 724.593.4070 carnegiemnh.org/powdermill The woods in winter may seem desolate.

But they are very much alive! You just need to know where to look. Learn how plants and animals cope with the impending deep freeze. Weather permitting, this lecture will be followed by a brief foray into the field for an interpretive hike.

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12/18/2014 Westmoreland Jazz Society: Erin Burkett & Virgil Walters Seton Hill University 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 wmuseumaa.org Doors open at 6:30 PM. No reserve seating. Tickets are available at the door.

Contact 724-837-1500 ext. 127 or gleiner@wmuseumaa.org for information.

12/19/2014 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: White Christmas State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 statetheatre.info

Play a crazy game at every movie sponsored by The Herald Standard for a chance to win prizes!

12/20/2014 Breakfast with Santa Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center 15 Sherman St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470 724.329.1444. ohiopyle-stewart.org 12/21/2014 Brunch with Mrs. Claus Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.65574 missmarthastearoom.com Bring the family and enjoy our Sunday Brunch with Mrs. Claus and her holiday friends.

12/27/2014 Christmas Open House-Visit & Vespers St. Emma Monastery & Retreat House 1001 Harvey Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.834.3060. stemma.org 12/31/2014 New Year’s Eve Dinner Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.6574. missmarthastearoom.com 12/31/2014 New Year’s Eve Party Historic Stone House Restaurant 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com Join us as we ring in the new year at the Stone House!

12/31/2014 New Year’s Eve The Supper Club at The Greensburg Train Station 101 Ehalt St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.691.0536. supperclubgreensburg.com NEW YEAR’S EVE 3 COURSE PRE-FIXE DINNER 5-10 P.M. Music by “Outside the Box” 8:30 p.m.- 12:30 p.m. Reserv. Reqd.

1/9/2015 Art on Tap 5.2.7 Westmoreland Museum of American Art 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org Experience happy hour and the latest Pop-Up Exhibition at Westmoreland @rt 30 the second Friday of every month! Enjoy

A Christmas Carol Ligonier's local radio station, THE VALLEY, will again be broadcasting the classic radio drama for the season on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: A CHRISTMAS CAROL, starring Lionel Barrymore as Scrooge. The holiday special will air five times.

The radio play be broadcast on December 24th at noon, 8PM and at midnight. On Christmas Day it will air at noon and 6PM. For questions and details: (724) 238-4317 or info@LigonierRadio.com. Listen live at AM 1620 and streaming 24/7 in stereo at www.LigonierRadio.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Second Chapter Books New and Used Books • Children’s Gifts Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff 139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658

724-238-7933 fb.com/secondchapterbooks

music by Gashouse Annie, a scavenger hunt, light bites and drinks including beer from All Saints Brewing Company.

1/10/2015 to 1/31/2015 Winter Warm-Up Glades Pike Winery 2208 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501 814.445.3753 gladespikewinery.com Warm up this winter with Food and Music!

1/17/2015 The Tottie Awards The Geyer Performing Arts Center 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com Come and celebrate our season !

1/24/2015 - 1/25/2015 Ligonier Ice Festival Over 50 ice sculptures! Grab a warm drink and admire the ice masterpieces around town! Chamber of commerce, (724) 238-4200, www.visitligonier.com

1/11/2015 Lecture: Bare Tree I.D. Powdermill Nature Reserve 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 724.593.6105 carnegiemnh.org/powdermill Lecture: :Bare Tree I.D.” Identify leafless winter trees with our helpful tricks.

1/14/2015 Monthly Wine Tasting The Supper Club at The Greensburg Train Station 101 Ehalt St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.691.0536. supperclubgreensburg.com Wine Tasting featuring three wines and three food pairings by Chef Greg Andrews 1/15/2015 Westmoreland Jazz Society Eric Barchiesi Seton Hill University 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 wmuseumaa.org. Doors open at 6:30 PM. No reserve seating. Tickets are available at the door. Contact 724-837-1500 ext. 127 or gleiner@wmuseumaa.org for membership information.

1/16/2015 to 1/18/2015 20th Aunnal Fire& Ice Festival Streets of Uptown Somerset Somerset, PA 814.443.1748. somersetincpa.org “Blast From the Past” ice sculptures, entertainment, contests and fun!

1/16/2015 2014-2015 Classic Film Series Beach Blanket Bingo State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 statetheatre.info

Every Story Begins At Home.

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END NOTES

by Cathi Gerhard

“I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys.” – Charles Dickens

Room for One More Charles Dickens’ famous novella, A Christmas Carol, has never been out of print since it was first published by Chapman & Hall on December 19, 1843. The work has often been credited with restoring a celebratory tradition to Christmas in Britain and America, following a period of Puritan restraint.

Born in Portsmouth, England in 1812, Dickens grew up in poverty with little education. When his father was sentenced to the workhouse (along with his mother and younger siblings), he left school at age 12 to work 10-hour days in a shoe polish factory while boarding with a family friend.

Upon the Dickens family’s release from prison, young Charles’ own mother refused to take him back. His father later rescued him and sent Charles to a day school in London. This sad childhood formed the

foundation for many of his future writings, the most profund autobiographical comment found in the book David Copperfield: “I had no advice, no counsel, no encouragement, no consolation, no assistance, no support, of any kind, from anyone, that I can call to mind, as I hope to go to heaven!”

As Dicken eventually found success as a writer, he became an avid supporter of social reform, children’s rights, education, international copyright, and the abolition of slavery. A Christmas Carol was the first of his successful and popular Christmas books, each one written darker as “a whimsical sort of masque intended to awaken loving and forbearing thoughts.”

Our modern culture loves to celebrate these stories, adapting them to every form of media over and over again. We root for

Bob Cratchit to prosper despite his horrible boss, and cheer for peace-goodwill toward men to reign over Christmas Day and every day yet to come. Perhaps it is the most common theme at any time of the year: for good to overcome evil. Yet so often, it seems, we fail to play our parts in this seasonally-inspired drama.

• Sometimes we rush and fight in traffic without regard for each other. Not everyone is a NASCAR driver: some are students who are just learning, others are trying to be careful, and some simply make mistakes. Where is our patience?

• Many of us rush forward without a real sense of where we are going or where we have been. In the meantime, today’s special moments fall through the cracks of the past and present – lost forever.

• While caught up in the chaos of our own problems, we too often judge the circumstances of the sick and poor instead of simply giving freely and compassionately to help them along.

• We also complain about “all the work and hassle” that comes with Christmas. But instead of finding ways to simplify, we trim the fat to exclude instead of accommodate.

There should always be room for one more in our hearts and at our tables, whether we are serving a full ham and turkey dinner or grilled cheese sandwiches and potato chips. Every budget – of money, time, patience and love – should stretch just a little more, especially this time of year.

I, too, need spirited reminders of forbearance from time to time, slipping easily into self-centered motives and goals. Christmas and the coming New Year are the best times to reflect on such things, and I hope you all may do the same.

The Laurel Mountain Post will return in February 2015 with a renewed community focus, fresh ideas, and new opportunities for both readers and advertisers. To close 2014, I leave you with the following: “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

Mr. Fezziwig’s Ball – frontispiece illustration from the first edition of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

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– A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

MistyHegan OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418| MISTYHEGAN@THEPREFERREDREALTY.COM

mistyhegan@thepreferredrealty.com • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 15658

Calling All Sellers: Are You Ready to Move?

309 Village Ct, Ligonier Boro Open floor plan. Great home for entertaining inside and out with a lovely patio. 2 br upstairs and den on main floor that could be 4th br. All necessities are located on main floor; master and beautiful bath & laundry, 2 car garage. Convenient to town. $245,900

If you've been on the fence about listing your home, now is the time. With interest rates slowly creeping up, buyers are on the move. Ask any agent: we have buyers, we need listings to selll!

Now is the time! Call today for a no-cost market analysisonyourhomeandLISTIT!

305 Ligonier St , Latrobe Charming and full of character, this 2story home features a detached garage, tile, wall-to-wall carpet, hard wood floors, 1 fireplace, Gas,Forced Air heating, and central air. Two bedrooms, and 1 full bath. $99,999

683 E Old Lincoln Highway Ligonier Township Just minutes from the diamond, impeccable condition! This Ranch Style home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Also included are Disposal, Electric Stove, Microwave Oven, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Window Treatments, Wall to Wall Carpet. $149,900

1506 High St, Bradenville Derry Twp Amenities galore! Granite counters, master suite/spa, Jacuzzi cabana, 2 garages, extra lot. 3 bedroomsand 2 full bath. Also included are Automatic Garage door opener, Dish Washer, Electric Stove, Jet Spray Tub, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Wall to Wall Carpet. $147,000

485 Laurel Summit, Ligonier Twp 3br/2ba atop Laurel Mt. Enjoy the peace! Lower level can be full guest quarters. Wrap around deck, oak hardwoods on main, 2 wood-burners, level lot. Great mountain home for entertaining/getaway. Enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, mtn biking, hunting, fishing, ATV ... right outside your front door! $130,000

1526 Broad Street, Greensburg Zoned C1 in S. Greensburg, duplex, office or convert to single resident.

Large lot, great location, exceptionally cared for property. $137,000

1518 Darlington Rd, Ligonier Situated waterfront on Buttermilk Falls, 2br/3ba home full of character on absolutely amazing property, MUST SEE! $125,000

3015 Exeter Rd, Greensburg 2br/1ba ranch, immaculate home, one-level living. Covered patio, nicely landscaped, level lot. $175,000

Buck Run, New Paris/Bedford Enjoy peace & quiet at Buck Run II. Quaint 2br/1ba cabin on 1.17 acres.

Ride quads, hike, fish, hunt!. Beautiful off-the-grid experience! $69,000

Charlotte Drive, Ligonier Vacant lot, great neighborhood, great view, public water/sewage. $28,900

OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418 MISTYHEGAN@THEPREFERREDREALTY.COM

Every Story Begins At Home.

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December 2014 - 31

Valley School ad

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST