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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the FEBRUARY 2015 | ISSN 2330-6629
Internet Cat Celebrities Cole and Marmalade WCNS Radio Goes Worldwide Visitor & Information Center Opens First Mistake in Weight Loss "Hard Days, Hard Nights" Make for Happy Memories 1 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013
Radon Awareness
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2 - February 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the LAUREL MOUNTAIN
POST
Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County and neighbors since 2004.
We Love to Tell the Stories 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
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 editor@laurelmountainpost.com
Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627
www.LaurelMountainPost.com “The Voice of Pennsylvania” – BBNC News, 2006
Every Story Begins At Home.
“We have read the most recent edition at least three times over. It offers so much on each page . . . It’s the perfect companion for those who have lived here, those who just got here, and for those of us who haven’t quite taken the time to look around.” – Derek Baughman, Latrobe
Several years ago, I received one of the best compliments from a local reader (above). He summarized exactly what the Laurel Mountain Post has been all about since our debut issue in 2004. I couldn’t have said it better myself! These are the kinds of comments that keep coming back to me from readers, and they serve to validate our new partnership with the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce as their official magazine. We share the same footprint: the Laurel area valleys and highlands of Westmoreland County (and surrounding areas). We share the same mission: “Connecting Business, Community & Education.” And we both want to tell the stories in our neck of the woods. The new Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center (see story on page 6), will be a great place to make those connections in the center of our region. If you missed the grand opening on February 2, that’s OK – you’re welcome to stop in Monday – Saturday. It’s not just for visitors, but for everyone to learn more about our community. There are so many local stories that we take for granted as residents. Just because we pass people, places and things on the street every day doesn’t mean we know everything about them. Discovering new or in-depth narratives about our friends and neighbors, then sharing it with our readers, is one of our favorite things! We are honored to tell some of those stories in this issue: Take another look at our local AM radio station, 1480 WCNS; go back in time with “Hard Days, Hard Nights” and the glory days of rock and roll concerts in Pttsburgh; re-consider what you thought you knew about the dangers of radon; February is full of holidays and celebrations you never knew; and much more. Browse through our calendar of events and attend something new! There’s so much to discover about Western Pennsylvania – that’s why we can barely fit it all in, month after month, on the pages of the Laurel Mountain Post. – Cathi Gerhard, Editor
February 2015 - 3
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February 2015
4 - February 2015
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Then Comes February ... by Nancy A. Clark Just when I thought the holiday hallelujahs were packed up with the Christmas ornaments and hauled to the attic, along comes February with a suitcase full of new opportunities for celebrating. I’m a card-carrying believer in the theory that merrymaking is the best broom for sweeping away the winter doldrums and the writers of Chase’s Calendar of Events and www.brownie locks.com agree. Their suggestions have filled our datebook to over-flowing. February offers something for every department – from the stalwarts who “buck up” on Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day (February 11) to the intellectuals who honor World Thinking Day (February 22) to the uninhibited, scantily clad Mardi Gras revelers in Rio (February 24). Don’t forget to send your sweetie a box of chocolates for Valentine’s Day (February 14), and consider helping Honest Abe blow out 206 candles on his birthday cake (February 12) and 283 candles for the first George W. to be called Mr. President (February 22). Or, you could kick it up a notch and launch February as National Heart Month, International Hoof Care Month, or Pull Your Sofa Off the Wall Month, with gaiety that’ll give your neighbors something more to talk about than the weather. Switch out your winter garb for a grass skirt and a couple of coconut shells, grab an icy Bahama-style beverage and swivel your hips in the snowy front yard on Hula in the Coola Day (February1). Your mission: convince yourself and the neighbors that it’s a summery day in southwestern PA. If you escape pneumonia or hula skirt itch, thumb your nose at Groundhog Phil on Groundhog Day while you plow through snowy drifts to join a flash mob of “ukulelists” plunking their four strings on Play Your Ukulele Day (February 2). Bubble Gum Day and Girl Scout Cookie Day are neck and neck out of the gate on February 6, but that day I’m putting my money on Working Naked Day to win by a long shot. I don’t have one to dump, so I won’t be dumping on Dump Your Significant Jerk Day, but feel free. I’ll be dipping my spoon that morning with those celebrating Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. If neither of these ideas float your boat on February 7, consider Wave All Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day and settle their debate about your mental state. Every Story Begins At Home.
pion Crab Races Day “… for some high energy competition and entertainment.” (I can’t make this stuff up, folks). The National Crab Racing Association (NCRA), headquartered in Indialantic, FL, will appreciate your support. As for me and my lady pals, we spunky old broads will be kicking up our heels – as high as knees and decorum allow – in celebration of February as Spunky Old Broads Month. Not relegated to just one day, we of-an-age will jubilate for 28 straight days. Oh, if only it were a Leap Year … And you thought February was going to be boring. *****
Few topics or objects escape the notice of the historically astute staff of Chase’s Calendar of Events, the 58-year old publication that salutes anything and everything. So eagle-eyed are they to recognize the value of being recognized that even a humble, but nutritious nut has its day – National Almond Day (February 16). (Goober aficionados will get their day on March 1 – Peanut Lovers Day). Do observe Clean Out Your Computer Day on February 9 because Extraterrestrial Visitor Day follows on the 10th, and one never knows from which planet the next alien hacker will emerge. Not enamored with your given name? Hang loose, goose; Get A Different Name Day awaits you on February 13. Or elect to celebrate that day as Madly In Love With ME Day. Either way, it’s all about you. The folks at www.brownielocks .com must spend one-half of their work day in research and the other half in stitches. Just try to keep a straight face when deciphering Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day (February 18). “Parrot heads” (you know who you are!) can salute National Margarita Day on February 22, raising a salt-rimmed glass with Jimmy Buffet on the warm sands of the Florida Keys. Every dog has his day on National Dog Biscuit Day (February 23 - see story on page 18), but Fido and Fluffy may run for cover on the 24th – Spay Day. If none of the aforementioned is enough to squirt your pickle, consider rubbing elbows with enthusiasts from around the globe who gather on February 17 for Cham-
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.
Better Luck Next Season! Margaret Helen Lauer (age 6 months) proudly shows her support for Mom’s favorite team. “Maggie” is the daughter of Drs. Adam and Ellen Lauer of Bangor, ME, and the granddaughter of Latrobe physicians Howard and Susan Bursch.
February 2015 - 5
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD by Denise Martin, Director of Membership
All Aboard! What’s Your Destination? I really enjoy the beginning of a new year. It allows an opportunity to pause and reflect on the past twelve months – the highs and lows, successes and… well, let’s just say “good attempts” – and then consider what we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. Aside from the normal resolutions like exercising, eating better, cleaning up a cluttered room, etc., it’s a wonderful time to find a unique passion, try something new, take that risk or build fresh relationships. I’m a strong believer that life in the comfort zone feels great, but you’ll only begin to grow and fully enjoy life when you step beyond the “comfort” and take the road less traveled. We did exactly that in the greater part of 2014 here at the GLLV Chamber. Sure there was a “comfort level” of doing the same routine, the same events, the same conversations… people like familiarity, predictability and knowing what to expect. But that didn’t mean WE the Chamber, or YOU the Members were growing and moving forward. Predictability didn’t guarantee success. So what did we do? We pushed out of our “comfort zone” and charted a new course! We knew there was a better way to help our Members: new ideas for success, a greater ability to excite our communities with better events, and there were definitely new conversations and important relationships that could be built. And that meant shaking things up, taking some risks and forging a new path. Were we nervous? Yes. Did we have all the answers? No. Did we believe in our mission and our vision to build a stronger Chamber of Commerce, add more value to Chamber Membership and re-engage with our businesses, schools and communities? 6 - February 2015
You BET we did! So we set a course and got a little “uncomfortable” knowing we could make a difference and build a better Chamber. One of the greatest visions our President David Martin had was to open a Visitor & Information Center. He believed we could create something special, a common place that would welcome residents and visitors alike, with information from our Members about their businesses and area attractions. He wanted to build a resource center to share the stories of where to live, work, eat, stay and play in our great communities, and to also share the history of some of the most remarkable people, organizations and businesses in our area. When you meet someone as forward-thinking and creative as David, you just jump onboard and prepare for the ride. One of our newest Members put it best when he said, “The GLLV Chamber is like a train speeding down the tracks. I knew I could either jump on the train, or get run over by it. So I jumped on board!” What we’re doing IS exciting. We completely changed our look. We completely changed our events. We completely changed locations. We left our comfort zone because we wanted the coming year, 2015, to be BIGGER and BETTER for all our Members – for YOU! Every idea we have, every decision we make, every late night or long weekend is all about YOU! We want our Members to feel the value of membership and to partner with them for their success. We want our schools to benefit from our businessfocused educational programs and our communities to flourish with new faces and visitors and vibrant businesses. We want YOU to feel our commitment, our excitement – knowing
it’s all about YOU – so when you hear that train whistle coming down the tracks you want to jump onboard. If you’re already a Member, you know the excitement I’m talking about. We’ve seen so many familiar faces AND new faces at our monthly events; Networking Breakfasts, Ribbon Cuttings, and our brand new Business After Hours. We had nearly 100 people attend our first BAH in January and we were thrilled! It feels good to know you see the improvements and you LIKE them! If you aren’t a Member, you’ve probably heard about us, read articles about us, or just know of the “buzz” we’ve created in the last few months. Guess what? We’re just getting STARTED! Join us! David’s vision is coming true, and we’re proud to announce The Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center opened on February 2! Our staff spent some long days, nights and weekends to make this dream come true. We already feel the VIC has connected our great communities, built some wonderful relationships and opened the door to endless possibilities for area growth. We are so excited to share the stories of our businesses, restaurants, lodging, attractions and our rich history. So many of our Members have sent us their business cards and media brochures or just stopped by to see The Neighborhood VIC. We’re organizing local memorabilia and art provided by Mr. Arnold Palmer, The McFeelyRogers Foundation, Pittsburgh Steelers, Rolling Rock memorabilia from James Mickinak, Latrobe Art Center and more! This resource center is the FIRST of its kind in our area. Last year at this time it was just a “thought” – perhaps even a New Year’s Resolution – to do LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
something different, take a new risk, take that leap forward and grow. We can check that off our list. Done. Happening. ACHIEVED! Now it’s YOUR turn! What did you want to do last year that just didn’t get done? Did your business grow like you’d hoped? Did you take that risk, find that new passion, and move out of your “comfort zone”? Why not start the New Year in a NEW direction, with us? We’ve already got the train moving forward and we’ve plenty of room for more passengers! GROW with us! Get excited about something different. Attend some new events, build new relationships, network with your “neighbors” and make a whole new group of friends. We’re here to help you make 2015 the BEST YEAR yet! Remember what I said about feeling comfortable? We wiggled through the hard times, making all these changes to create a new Chamber, and as tough as it was…WE FEEL GREAT! We’re VIBRANT and FULLY ALIVE and invite you to jump onboard. Do you have a destination in mind? Let the GLLV Chamber take you there! All aboaaaaard! ***** Denise Martin is the Director of Membership at the GLLV Community Chamber of Commerce. She believes in building strong business relationships and regularly meets with current and prospective Members to understand their business needs and dreams. Denise was part of the outside team in 2014 specializing in the marketing and sales initiative of the new re-brand, and enjoyed the challenge and energy of the “new” Chamber so much, she joined the staff full time in January 2015. If you are interested in Chamber membership, she can be reached at Denise@gllv.org.
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD from the Chamber staff (left ro right): Allen Martello (Director of Marketing & Events), Denise Martin (Director of Membership), David Martin (President), and Dolan Vogle (Ambassador Chair).
VISITOR & INFORMATION CENTER WINTER HOURS: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm; Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Sunday hours will be announced in the spring!
America’s Best Music Now Playing Online Your Link to Music, Sports, Talk Blocks, and All Things Local! Listen from your computer, tablet or smartphone!
Every Story Begins At Home.
February 2015 - 7
Internet Cat Celebrities
Cole & Marmalade News outlets around the world are writing about cats on the internet. My recent search found current articles by Forbes, The Guardian, Huffington Post, PBS, NPR, Slate and the Today Show (to name just a few). Everyone has heard of Grumpy Cat, right? Personally, as a lifelong “cat person,” I have “wasted” countless hours of my time looking at funny cat videos and websites (comedian Kathleen Madigan recommends “Cats Who Look Like Hitler”). My husband gave me a Crazy Cat Lady action figure for Christmas. Over the holidays, while I was scanning You Tube, I stumbled upon a pair of cats who looked much like two of my own: a big, black cat and a small orange tabby named Cole & Marmalade. They have their own YouTube channel, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts, and a webpage on The Animalist. Rachel Ray Nutrish is even one of their sponsors! Not only are their videos creative and fun to watch, they are educational, too! I decided to contact their “dad,” Chris Poole, to find out more about the adorable duo. How did this cat project get started?
My life revolved around cats of the small and large variety! I worked at a sanctuary called Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida for several years. I was an intern there, and they offered me the videographer job in May of 2008. It’s the world’s largest accredited sanctuary dedicated to exotic cats (home to over 100 lions, tigers, leopards and more!). They’ve rescued them from fur farms, circuses, roadside zoos and many are former “pets” that have been abandoned or abused. I’ve always had domestic cats at home in England. My mum’s cat was named Sarah, and she was a very tolerant black cat (see photo at right of the two of us). I’m sure I must have annoyed the heck out of her as a little kid, but we always curled
up on the couch with each other too. It’s probably why I love black cats so much! Fast forward 20+ years when a friend of my wife and me found a tiny black kitten – now called Cole – at a busy Florida intersection in the evening all by himself and texted us a picture. We knew we had to bring him into our lives! He was anemic and covered in fleas, so we had to bathe him and get him checkedout at the vet. He was only around 5-6 weeks old, so he had to be bottle-fed and taught how to go to the bathroom and all that fun stuff! It was great to see him growup, and because we raised him from such a young age, he bonded with us so very closely and loves to snuggle with us! Then, when I learned black cats are least likely to be adopted and most likely to be euthanized in animal shelters, I decided to use my video skills to do some good for domestic cats as I do for the big cats at the sanctuary. That’s when I started my “Cole The Black Cat” YouTube channel and began making videos (such as “10 Reasons to Adopt a Black Cat” ) including ones that promote spay, neuter and adoption. So I started filming Cole, making funny and educational videos and posting them to his YouTube channel. Marmalade, our ginger kitty, was rescued from a friend of a friend. They didn’t want Marmalade, and I feared he’d end up in a shelter or living outside and adding to the feral cat problem. We’d also been thinking about adopting another cat for months, and when she sent us a pic of him, we decided it was fate and we had to adopt him! What is your background in film?
I studied graphc design at university, but all of the video editing skills are self taught. I use Final Cut Pro to edit now, and have a couple of video cameras and a GoPro which I use now. But a couple of years ago, I just had the one $500 camcorder. How did the partnership with Rachel Ray come about?
We are partnered with Animalist and Discovery Digital Networks. Companies approach them with products they would like to advertise online, and then Animalist contacts the appropriate video creators to see if they would be interested. I admire the work Rachael Ray is doing to help shelter ani8 - February 2015
mals, and Nutrish is natural food that the boys enjoy too. You feature a lot of homemade toys and structures in your videos – where do you get the ideas?
My wife and I are very creative, and we’re always thinking of fun stuff to make for the boys to play in– like our epic cat castle and cat-proof christmas tree. It’s just so easy to make that stuff: cardboard, tape, scissors, glue. And it really keeps the cats enriched in their environment. Plus people enjoy watching the videos too.
Sarah and young Chris What cat websites would you recommend to our readers?
The Animal Rescue Site is a great place for everything: articles, videos, shopping, and they do so much to help animals in need. (www.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com) Scholars have written a lot about why we love cats on the internet so much. For example: “They transcend language and culture” (PBS.org). “We are still worshipping cats as gods much like the Egyptians” or “they are a psychological reflection of ourselves.” (Forbes.com). Why do you think cats are universally appealing?
You never know what to expect from them! Has the popularity of the Cole & Marmalade videos changed your life?
It’s really cool, after building up their presence online for a couple of years now, to see the good stuff we are doing. And the good stuff other people are doing after watching our videos or seeing our posts on social sites: people adopting cats, building shelters for feral cats, and educating their friends and family about certain animal LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
welfare issues. Plus, it gives me great pleasure when people enjoy our funny videos that I produce – and then see them getting shared, going viral, and seeing my cats on TV! If you ever doubted their popularity, the success of your fundraising campaign comfirms it: tell us about Marmalade’s battle with cancer.
Well it was a total shock, because Marm is so young (1.5 yrs), but cats can hide things so well… We had just moved to California, and all of our belongings were still on the way. And now Marm was sick, so it was a stressful time… But we really have amazing supporters, and many of them suggested setting up an online FundRazr [.com] so people could contribute towards the emergency surgery costs to remove the tumor. So I set up a page, expecting to raise a few hundred dollars, but ended up raising more then the $4000 surgery costs. And then when Marm needed chemo treatments, I kept it running because people again wanted to help their favorite internet cat. And we ended up raising enough to cover all of Marmalade’s chemo costs as well. Truly amazing; and we’re so lucky to have the support which many others don’t. How is Marmalade doing? I saw on Facebook that he recently received his final chemo treatment.
Yep, a few weeks ago, the sonogram showed that all was clear, and he had a few more treatments after that…. I figured we caught it early on, blasted the cancer away, and
we have him on supplements and a great diet. Now we’re going to be looking at alternative treatments going forward… He’s doing very well, and he hates vet visits. There’s only so much little kitty bodies can take, so I’m very happy with the decision to stop chemo and look at alternatives to make sure he’s around for many more years to come! What’s next?
I’m going to continue producing Cole & Marmalade videos, both fun vids and awareness/educational videos, and continue to help other animal welfare organizations whenever possible. I feel that I can reach a lot of people through my videos and do lots of good. Cole & Marmalade look like a “black and gold” team. Have they ever visited Pittsburgh or considered endorsing the Steelers, Pirates or Penguins?
We’ve never been there, but of course we’d love to visit at some point in the future. Being a Brit and not a fan of sports (does that make me sound bad?!). I don’t really pay attention to much, but I was at the 2009 Super Bowl in Tampa when the Steelers won. BUT I didn’t see any of the game since I was volunteering and selling beer for a big cat sanctuary I worked at back then! ***** Please giggle along with us by watching some of the hilarious Cole & Marmalade videos online. You’ll also find lots of great tips for
Video producer and “Dad,” Chris Poole with Marmalade.
projects to make at home for your own cats, as well as other inspirational topics. My own ginger tabby, Leon, also loves to watch the boys and their antics on the big TV screen (but he has little patience for the commercials in between each video). I think Cole & Marmalade would be an excellent choice as the official team cats in the Steel City, and would love to invite them to make an appearance at the Laurel Mountain Post SteelersFest 2015 tent during Training Camp in Latrobe this summer! Of course, Marmalade needs a lot of time to recover this year, and we wish him the best of luck in his fight against cancer. In the meantime, we’ll stay in touch online – and you can too! Just visit one of the links listed below. – Interview by Cathi Gerhard
http://animalist.com/coletheblackcat/ http://instagram.com/blackcatcole https://twitter.com/coletheblackcat www.youtube.com/user/chrispoole20 www.facebook.com/ColeTheBlackCat
COLE
MARMALADE
Every Story Begins At Home.
February 2015 - 9
“A Steelworker’s Story” Opens at the Heritage Discovery Center (JOHNSTOWN, Pa.) – Steelworkers in Johnstown were part of a colossal undertaking – in fact, the Johnstown mill could produce 2 million tons of steel and steel products annually. As the end of steel production in Johnstown approached, steelworkers often collected souvenirs of their lives in the mill – something to remember the great industry in which they labored. A new exhibition of these souvenirs, “A Steelworker’s Story,” is now open at the Heritage Discovery Center. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on Sun., Feb. 22 at 2:00 pm – it is free to JAHA members or $5 for the general public. JAHA staff will give a special tour of the exhibition. Items in “A Steelworker’s Story” were collected by Tom Leslie, who worked in the mill from 1974-1992. They document all four divisions of the Bethlehem Steel Johnstown Plant – Franklin Works, Gautier Division, Lower Cambria Works, and Rod &Wire Mill. The Conemaugh & Black Lick Railroad division is also included. This exhibition was developed and installed by Leslie and Don Costlow, another former steelworker, in association with the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA). The exhibition is displayed in the Steel Theater of the Heritage Discovery Center, where the multimedia presentation “The Mystery of Steel” is presented as part of the museum experience. Artifacts displayed include a wide variety of mill signs, product samples, and even personal effects like hard hats and lunchboxes.
“Almost all Johnstown natives have a personal connection to the steel mills – if they didn’t work there themselves, a family member did,” said Richard Burkert, JAHA president. “So we think this exhibit will be meaningful to a lot of people.” Entrance to the exhibit is included with admission to the Heritage Discovery Center, and free to JAHA members.
top four steel producing centers in the United States. The Johnstown mill employed some 16,000 workers in 1953 – and late as 1973, 11,800 workers were employed. Johnstown’s Bethlehem Steel Plant was hit hard by the decline of the American steel industry in the 70s and 80s. Bethlehem decided to significantly cut its Johnstown operations for a variety of reasons, including aging facilities, lack of access to transportation, and difficulty in complying with environmental regulations. Damage caused by the 1977 flood didn’t help matters, and by 1982 only 2,100 workers were left. The Johnstown plant of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation was closed in 1992. *****
Steel’s Rich History in Johnstown Beginning in 1854, Johnstown’s Cambria Iron Company was founded to produce iron, and later, steel railroad rails. By the early 20th century, the output of Johnstown’s steel mills expanded to include structural steel, plate steel, rods and wire, railroad wheels and cars, and other products. In 1923, Bethlehem Steel Corporation purchased the Cambria Works. At that time, the Johnstown plant was still one of the
The Johnstown Area Heritage Association is a non-profit, membership-based organization dedicated to preserving and presenting Johnstown’s unique history to the nation through high-quality educational, cultural and recreational experiences. It owns and operates several museums in the Johnstown Discovery Network, including the Johnstown Flood Museum, the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center, WagnerRitter House & Garden, and Johnstown Children’s Museum. JAHA also programs regular workshops and other events for children, cultural presentations for adults, and other special events, including the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival and the Johnstown Film Festival. For more information on JAHA programs, museums and events, visit www.jaha.org; www.facebook.com/theJAHA; www.twitter.com/theJAHA; or call 814-5391889.
Sweet Soire on February 7, 5-8pm with songbird Jane West, appetizers and refreshments.
Find a one-of-a-kind gift for your one-of-a-kind sweetheart!
10 - February 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
With one of the Westmoreland Conservation District’s new compressed natural gas vehicles are (l-r): Greg Phillips, district manager/CEO; Jeffrey Nehr, vice president, Commercial Operations, Peoples Natural Gas; Westmoreland County Commissioner Ted Kopas, district board member; and Barry Kukovich, manager, Communications and Community Affairs, Peoples Natural Gas.
Natural Gas Vehicles Come to Westmoreland The Westmoreland Conservation District, an organization that promotes the wise use of our natural resources, has recently purchased two clean-burning natural gas vehicles and installed a “slow-fill” station on its campus to fuel them, thanks to major financial support from Peoples Natural Gas and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. The vehicles – two Ford F150 pickup trucks – are being used by the conservation district’s technical staff, who travel to farms, forests, and commercial and residential development sites throughout Westmoreland County to ensure that work being done there includes measures to protect our natural resources. “Our staff drive a total of about 18,000 miles every year in the course of our work, and so when we had a chance to reduce the impact of that travel, improve air quality, and reduce dependence on imported fuel – all of which the natural gas vehicles do – we were all for it,” said Greg Phillips, Westmoreland Conservation District manager/CEO. ”Natural gas vehicles are a perfect fit with our mission of protecting the environment and conserving resources.” The vehicles were purchased locally as traditional gasoline-powered pickup trucks and converted to also run on natural gas by Alternative Fuel Solutions of Mehaffey, Pennsylvania at a cost of $9,500 each. Each truck’s natural gas capacity is equivalent to 21.5 gallons of gasoline, which the organization estimates will provide about 450 miles of travel per fill up. “We’ve had the vehicles in operation only a short amount of time, but we anticipate that using compressed natural gas will result in significant fuel cost savings for our organization – perhaps as much as $1,500 a year. We also expect to save on some of the traditional vehicle operating expenses because there is less wear and tear on the engines with compressed natural gas, and less need for preventative maintenance (oil changes and general engine service),” Phillips said. Every Story Begins At Home.
Using compressed natural gas also benefits the environment, avoiding possible fuel spills into waterways and significantly reducing emissions, including a 29% reduction in greenhouse gases compared to comparable gasoline vehicles, and reductions in NOx, volatile organic compounds, and particulates. The new slow-fill natural gas fueling station was installed with the help of the Westmoreland County Public Works Department and Adam Eidemiller, Inc. The station is very compact, about 3 feet by 3 feet by 5 feet, which is the size that a homeowner with a natural gas vehicle might some day have. The station uses a compressor and fills the vehicles over a period of about eight hours. “This is a pioneering effort for us, marking the first slow-fill station that Peoples Natural Gas has donated to an organization in our 18-county service territory,” explained Barry Kukovich, the company’s manager of Communications and Community Affairs. Compressed natural gas fueling stations also made a debut in another part of Westmoreland County just a few weeks before the conservation district acquired its station. In mid November, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission officials unveiled three “fast-fill” compressed natural gas fueling stations at the New Stanton service plaza, making it the first of the turnpike’s 17 plazas to offer the alternative fuel. More than 112,000 vehicles in the U.S. run on compressed natural gas, according to the Department of Energy. ***** The Westmoreland Conservation District was established in 1949, when local farmers, seeking help to conserve their soil and water resources, approached the County Commissioners. As the county has grown and changed in the 65 years since then, the District has responded with new programs to help ensure minimal negative impact on all aspects of the county’s natural wealth – its soils, forests, streams, and open space – as well as its valuable, productive farmland. In addition to its science-based efforts, the District serves as a clearinghouse for conservation information. The District is located in a restored 1880s-era barn now located at 218 Donohoe Road, Greensburg. It maintains a website at www.wcdpa.com.
winter signs snow-flakes linger on the frayed coat of the wind, the vagrant leaves murmur rasping promises, on a hillside stars huddle above a tired barn, a house with frosted windows. by Peter Sullivan
February 2015 - 11
WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES
First Mistake in Weight Loss At some point in time, most people make an attempt to lose weight. The reasons are numerous; look good for swimsuit season, wedding, special event or for health reasons. Unfortunately for most, regardless of the reason to start a weight loss program, their first decision is not always the best decision. For individuals who are ready to embark on a weight loss program and a positive lifestyle change I wanted to share one of the biggest reasons why individuals fail with their weight loss goal as well as provide a suggestion to increase your chance for weight loss success. Biggest Mistake – Joining a Gym You must be thinking I am out my mind. If you are serious about losing weight and have struggled and become frustrated with trying to lose weight in the past, then a gym membership may not be the best solution. Do not get me wrong, exercise plays a role in the process, but is second fiddle to nutrition. As we say at My Fitness Kitchen; “Get fit in the gym, LOSE WEIGHT in the KITCHEN!” Individuals who are not sure what to do, how to fuel their body, struggle with motivation and need accountability having a membership to a place to exercise in hope that it will work more times than not falls short with the targeted weight loss. Can’t expect to out-exercise your fork! Gyms. merely provide access to fitness equipment and exercise classes and more often this access is simply not enough for individuals seeking to lose weight and keep it off. Don’t believe me that GYMS ARE NOT THE SOLUTION FOR WEIGHT LOSS? Just look around, we have more gym membership or workout facilities options available to choose from than ever before from the big box gyms and franchises to the independent gyms, YMCA’s and niche (cross-fit, jazzercise, sport-performance, yoga, etc..) studios. According to IHRSA (International Health Racquet and Sports Club Association) there are more clubs, more members and even greater utilization (workouts)
12 - February 2015
among the members than at any other time in the fitness industry history. Additionally, USA Today recently reported (December 10, 2014 – Jayne O’Donnell) on the America’s Health Rankings that “Americans got fatter last year” that obesity rate increased from 27.6% to 29.4% of adults. Therefore, if belonging to a “Gym” is supposedly the solution to lose weight and we have more “Gyms” to choose from, more individuals (members) belonging to gyms and the most utilization than ever before then WHY as a society are overweight and obesity rates increasing and not decreasing? The answer is simple; gyms are not the answer for weight loss. I could go on and on about how gym memberships are not a solution in the weight loss battle but that isn’t the only point of this article. Actually, if you would like more information on specifics of this point, please feel free to e-mail results@my fitnesskitchen.com and we will be happy to forward a previous article on this topic “Why GYMS make you Fat”. With the information above, I just wanted to make individuals aware so they do not put all the eggs (time, energy and money) into one basket (gym membership) when it comes to seeking a solution for weight loss. Also this is not to discredit the value of “Gyms;” rather, just bring to light that access to exercise isn’t enough for when it comes to weight loss. If joining a “Gym” isn’t the best option to achieve weight loss, what then should someone do to lose weight? For individuals to become successful with weight loss they need a plan of attack. Unfortunately, most individuals have no clue what to do in terms of how much and what food to eat to drop weight and keep it off, yet alone what exercises to incorporate to maximize their metabolism. Having access to exercise or joining a “Gym” can be part of the plan but only after few other variables are understood. The first step of any weight loss program requires personalization and accountability. The number one priority in this personalization process for effective weight loss is having an assessment done to determine
your metabolism and mindset. This one step is the difference between controlling the weight loss process to just hoping for weight loss. If you are serious about wanting to lose weight, take the time to meet with a professional that can help you figure out what your metabolism is and who can explain what activities and behaviors can hurt or help your metabolism. Once you have a better understanding of your metabolism you can start the process of building the strategic plan. The plan should take into consideration how you can manage your metabolism both via nutrition and activity based on your availability of time, limitations (physical, work, family, etc...). Balancing these variables into your plan is critical if there is going to be any chance of winning the weight loss battle as well as making it long-term and livable unlike the quick-fix fad diets. With this information collected, then you can set realistic time frame of when you should reach the desired goal. No program should try to push a square peg in a round hole. You see this with cookie-cutter caloric meal plans made available with bootcamps, gyms and info-commercials; that include foods you would never eat even if you had a gun to you head. I do not care how good and healthy a food is; if you hate a particular food you will not eat it. The nutrition has to be built around the foods you are already consuming while coaching you on how each are different and will fit into your nutritional formula. There has to be customization of the exercise program (frequency, intensity and exercise selection) as well. Yes some exercises are more effective than others; however any exercise performed safely is 100% better than the best exercise not performed. This personalization also requires accountability. Having communication between you and another professional over a period of time (30-60 days minimum) creates the best foundation for success. During this period there should be weekly monitoring to make the necessary adjustments into the program (nutrition and exercise) to fit the goals of the individual while also matching their lifestyle. In addition to the weekly check-ups, daily LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
communication plays a huge role both with accountability and empowerment. This strategic planning period is the perfect jumpstart toward the most safe and fastest weight loss that can last a lifetime. 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.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-8798523. 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.
LARGE AFTER HOLIDAY SALE Perfect time to buy that special someone a Valentine’s Gift!
All Gund Bears 1/2 OFF Regular Price The following items are also on sale: Jim Shore Figurines • Flags for All Seasons Penguins • Steelers • Pirates Hot Air Balloons • Yard Spinners • Leftover Christmas Items
Must See to Believe! February 1 - 28
***** The start of the year combined with New Year Resolutions make it peak season for gym membership sales. What is the top resolution individuals seek to achieve? That’s right – weight loss. According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2014 it reported that weight loss ranked #1 out of the top 10 New Year Resolutions. Even more discouraging is that only 8% who made weight loss their New Year’s Resolution is actually successful. Again, these numbers only validate that if you want to lose weight joining a gym may not be the best solution for you.
Every Story Begins At Home.
Tues-Fri, 10 am - 5 pm, Sat, 10 am - 3 pm Closed on Sun & Mon All Credit Cards Accepted
724-537-5283 745 Lloyd Avenue Extension | Latrobe, PA 15650
February 2015 - 13
“Hard Days, Hard Nights” Makes for Happy Memories! Pat DiCesare: Spotlight on a Local Legend If you grew up anywhere even close to Pittsburgh and listened to the radio, you know the name Pat DiCesare. He’s Pittsburgh’s Music Man. The DiCesare of DiCesare Engler Productions, but long before that, he was the genius that brought The Beatles to Pittsburgh – hence giving birth and building Rock-n-Roll in our region as we know it today! Pat has recently written an award winning book Hard Days, Hard Nights sharing many behind-the-scenes stories about the quirks and antics of some of our favorite artists. The pages are filled with local artists, familiar venues like The Red Rooster (once located on Route 30 between Latrobe and Greensburg), and The Holiday House in Monroeville. Artists you may have never known, or forgotten, were originally from this area. Growing up in Erie, Pitts-burgh is where we had to come for any great concert. Our biggest high school worries were who’s driving, how many tickets can we get, and where are we telling our parents we’ll be? While turning the pages of Hard Days Hard Nights, I smiled at my innocence; it never once dawned on me during those fun years that anything could possibly have gone wrong! Everyone chipped in for gas, our coolers were packed, and we had our lighters to flick when they played our favorite songs. Yep, that’s all it took! I learned of artists showing up late, intoxicated (or worse), demanding contracts, uncooperative management, and a million other things that never crossed my
mind while walking into The National Record Mart to purchase my $10 ticket! (Now my children have to add another “0” to that ticket price!) Remember record stores and DJ’s as they used to be? Now it’s iTunes and (who exactly is) Bob FM!? Much to Pat’s dismay, today, most radio station playlists are dictated by corporations. The listening audience doesn’t have the input we once did, or the impact to help new local artists. If you ever went to a concert between the 50’s and late 90’s in our area, you most likely have Pat DiCesare to thank for that. When you read his book and catch yourself remembering the words to a song he casually mentions, you will find yourself humming along and smiling at the memory. Ever heard of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, Pink Floyd, Chicago, Bette Midler, and The Who? How about Alice Cooper – you may be surprised to learn a little about who the man was, off stage. Whether you are an Al Jarreau kind of fan or more of a Guns-N-Roses listener, the common denominator is the same man. The man who stayed up for days bringing the people of Pittsburgh the music they loved, to every generation, in all kinds of venues. The Civic Arena, Three Rivers Stadium, Stanley Theater (aka Benedum Center), IC Light Amphitheater, The Syria Mosque to name but a few. While packing into our seats, it never entered our thoughts the once taboo reputation that the rock scene carried, or the pioneers that had to break through those barriers to bring it to us.
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14 - February 2015
featuring styles by ... Noble Outfitters Finishing Touch of Kentucky Horse Lady EQ Always Chic
Amongst my Pittsburgh Blessings I think I’ll count Pat twice: once for the memories he gave me in my youth, and then again for having the privilege of calling him a mentor and a friend. Hard Days Hard Nights may be part of the story of Pat’s life, or the history of promoting music in a new way. It may be a walk down memory lane, but what it does– maybe without intention–is, it floods you with memories you placed in a precious time capsule, and that, if for no other reason, makes you want to read this book! Pat didn’t invent music or rock-n-roll; he simply loved it, which is why he wrote it, played it, produced it and promoted it. Promising his wife his promoting days are over he still lives here. Although his office walls could easily be littered with signed photographs of music legends, they aren’t. Pat never wanted photos or autographs; he just wanted the music to play, and the fans to be happy. No, his walls only display what matters most now, his grandsons. Two poster-sized photos of what his legacy really means to him. I asked Pat, for all the places you could have, and did live, why stay in Pittsburgh? You’ve promoted in California, Las Vegas, NY, and even Ohio, but keep coming back. His answer is simple: “It’s the people; its home, and I love it here.” Grab his book, grab your glasses (reading or wine), and grab your phone, for you are going to want to call those old friends you shared the music with. Hard Days Hard Nights can be purchased on Amazon. Check Pat out on Facebook: he posts where he will be for his book signings. He loves the opportunity to hear your favorite concert memories, and would be happy to sign a copy for you.
– Written by Carol Whelan
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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www.chicoras.com Deadline for the March issue of the Laurel Mountain Post: February 15!
Mapping Your Ancestors: Understanding Geography in Genealogy Research
The Westmoreland County Historical Society will hold a workshop, Mapping Your Ancestors: Understanding Geography in Genealogy Research to help researchers understand the changing map of Pennsylvania in the 18th and 19th centuries, and how geography has an impact on their research. The workshop will be held on Monday, February 23rd from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. in the Calvin E. Pollins Library, 362 Sand Hill Road, Suite 1, Greensburg, PA. Genealogical research can be challenging, particularly when the object of the search seems to be playing hide and seek. Our ancestors did move about more than we might suspect, but many researchers don’t realize that often it is the geographical
borders that moved, not the ancestor. Knowing when counties and townships were formed between 1769 - 1879 helps researchers find lost ancestors. Westmoreland County was formed on February 26, 1773, and encompassed all of southwestern Pennsylvania. Prior to our county’s foundation, this region was Cumberland, then Bedford counties between 1769 and 1773. At least eight new counties were created, wholly or in part, from land within the original boundaries of Westmoreland between 1781 and 1803. The townships underwent radical boundary transformation until the late 1870s as well. Another difficulty is that Virginia claimed
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a large portion of southwestern Pennsylvania in the 18th century. That border dispute was not settled until 1784. The presentation will use historic maps and atlases, tax and land records, and online resources to help researchers untangle and interpret this sometimes complicated historic record. Advance registration is required for the Mapping Your Ancestors workshop. Fees include maps and related material; $17 for WCHS members, $23 for others. Please call 724-532-1935x210 to make a reservation. Please visit www.westmore landhistory.org and follow our activities on the Westmoreland County Historical Society Facebook page, and on Twitter @WCHistory.
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February 2015 - 15
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Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200 213 E. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717
New Florence Office: 724-235-3062 213 Ligonier St. New Florence, PA 15944
Marion Center
#1037798 – Beautiful Old Farm House on +/- 30 acres Enjoy relaxing views of small pond from front porch, stroll through fruit orchard to spring house. Main house has 3 bedrooms and traditional farm house 1st floor. Newer 3-car garage with 1-bedroom apt above, with oak flooring and trim. Older bank barn will need some attention. Offered at $395,000
Indiana
#994532– 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath brick home in Brookwood Estates. Home features, living room, dining room, family room, sun room and a finished basement. Laundry is located on main floor and home also includes a large mud room. Enjoy the warmth of the 2 fireplaces, sit on the deck or relax on the back porch. Offered at $275,000
Salem Township
#1025635 – Move-in condition, full basement. Master w/ full bath and garden tub. Fenced rear yard, oversized det garage w/ storage. New windows, newer roof, provate. New furnace, updated electric. Small barn. Must-see property! Offered at $159,900
Blairsville #1003880 – Immaculate 2 story features large living & dining room. 3 bedrooms on second floor, all new bathroom: ceramic tile, modern sink, vanity, tub, dual shower, new tile floor. Huge clean basement with additional bath and shower, plenty of storage also. New roof and furnace. Large two car garage and carport and nice level lot. Offered at $114,000
Blairsville
#1022045 – Country living near Routes 22 and 119, this lovely home offers kitchen w/granite counters/ appliances,beautiful oak woodwork. French doors to 15'x31' covered Vermont slate patio. Heated 5 car garage; Professionally landscaped. Blacktopped circular driveway. Survey in office. 3.4 acres. Offered at $299,900
Derry Township
#1011943 – Country Living! Farmette property with almost 6 acres and no zoning. Features 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, w/ updated kitchen. Hot tub room, pool, barn, garage outbuilding. Lots of room and storage - must see!! Offered at $239,900
Johnstown #1022820 – Threestory brick building: turn-key bar business. Hotel/liquor license and more. 1st fl 2050 sq ft, includes bar and rear fenced deck/patio. 2nd fl has 7 rental rooms, full bath, and 2 smaller rooms. 3rd floor has double rm unit w bar plus 2 rental rooms, and bath. Offered at $139,900.
Blairsville
#1019621 – This well maintained duplex features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, eat-in kitchen, dining and living room. Relaxing front porches, off street parking and good rental history are all included with this property. Each side has 1190 sq.ft. Offered at $99,900
Blairsville
#1030756 – Elegant home in a beautiful setting of mature trees, this large ranch offers sunken living room w/ wood burning fireplace, huge kitchen w/oak cabinets. New paint and all new carpet in 2013. Roof approx. 10 yrs. New AC 2013. Offered at $280,000
Blairsville
#1027319 – Elegant home on Ridgeview Circle offers vaulted ceiling in living room, fireplace with gas logs Custom white kitchen w/ breakfast area and French doors to large covered patio Attached garage with work area. Great landscaping. Offered at $235,000
Blairsville #1035170 – Charming 4bed home on tree lined quiet street, lovely entry foyer, large living rm with bookshelves and fireplace, formal dining rm with built in china cabinet, eat in kitchen, 1st fl laundry, powder room. Large master with decorative fireplace. updated bathroom. Third floor bonus rooms. Offered at $124,000
Blairsville
#1008461 – Remodeled 3 unit near downtown Blairsville features new windows, insulation, drywall, kitchens, lighting, flooring, doors, water tanks-more. One furnace with 3 zones, sep electric/water. Two units rented. Third and largest just completed to rent for $550. Offered at $99,900
www.HewittRealEstate.net 16 - February 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
HOME STUDY by Brian Mishler
The EPA states that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Second only to cigarette smoking. So, it’s the #1 cause among non-smokers.
Radon Awareness January was Radon Action Awareness Month: seems kind of a bummer to ring in the new year talking about radon; but I guess the EPA got last pick of when to have an “awareness month”. If you’ve bought or sold a home in the past 10 years and hopefully longer ago than that, you should have been made aware of having your home tested for radon. Whether or not you did or have, hopefully this article will shed some light on the issue and eliminate some old wives’ tales that have been circulating since the ‘70s. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that comes up from the soil. It is a decay product of uranium, which is what makes it radioactive. It is naturally occurring; and therefore everywhere. What we’re concerned about is when radon builds up to unacceptable levels in our homes. It can sneak into the house through cracks in the basement floor slab, from around the underground pipes in the basement, and other such penetrations. Many older homes were built without plastic under the concrete floor, and radon can make its way straight up through the floor itself. Contrary to popular belief, concrete is neither moisture nor air tight; it just slows them down a whole lot. Newer homes are now built with radon resistant materials and methods, but testing is still necessary to determine if those measures worked. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that 4.0 Picocuries (a measure of radiation) of radon per liter of air poses a health risk. They also state that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Second only to cigarette smoking. So, it’s the #1 cause among non-smokers. You can learn more about the EPA’s position and rules regarding radon by getting a “citizens guide to radon”, available at: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/citguide.html Or if you’ll be buying or selling a home soon, the “home buyers and sellers guide to radon”: http://www.epa.gov/radon/pubs/hmbyguid.html Pennsylvania as it turns out is a “high pressure” area for radon; it is not uncommon to find elevated levels in Pennsylvania homes. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a pretty slick website where you can enter a zip code, and find out how many radon tests have been conducted in that area, the highest and lowest test levels, and the average.* http:// Every Story Begins At Home.
www.depreportingservices.state.pa.us/ReportServer/Pages/ ReportViewer.aspx?%2fRadon%2fRadonZip
Regardless as to the age of your home, if the earth around or under it have settled, etc. the radon levels in your home can change. This is why EPA recommends testing your home every three years, and every other year if you have a mitigation system installed. If your home is newer, it may have been constructed with radon resistant measures, however that does not mean impervious; you still need to test periodically. Some old baloney I’ve encountered since becoming a radon tester in 1996: • “Radon is just a government conspiracy to make money.” No, radon is not a governmental conspiracy to put money in my (the tester’s) pocket. (Don’t you just hate it when the government conspires to make you money? Has that EVER happened?!) • “Canada’s action level is higher than in the U.S.” I’ve never bothered to find out if this is true; I don’t live in Canada, and I’m pretty sure my house has never been there. • “It’s impossible to get radon fixed.” Actually in most cases it’s easy to get radon mitigated; it’s usually a less than 1-day job, and typically costs less than 1% of the home’s value. (Most systems are less than $1,000) • “Ya gotta die of something.” Seriously? Isn’t that an equally compelling argument for not looking before you cross the street? Putting a new deck on the house is fun, and we can see and appreciate where our money has been spent. Testing and fixing radon is kind of like replacing the water heater; it’s necessary, but no fun, and most folks don’t take their friends in the basement to show it off. (“That’s a beautiful water heater Bob, how many people will it shower?”) Getting your home tested is relatively painless, for a professional short term (2 – 89 day) test, the cost is usually between $150 - $200, and isn’t much more for a long term (90 days – 1 year) test. You can also purchase a do-it yourself test kit; and if you choose to go that route, you must follow the instructions on package to the
letter. I cannot count the number of calls I have gotten from folks who got an alarmingly high test result only to find out they had placed the test kit incorrectly. On the flip side, one can only wonder who received false lows due to improper testing procedures.
A short term test is conducted under “closed house conditions” wherein the doors and windows must remain closed except for normal momentary entry and exit, fireplaces cannot be used, and a few other restrictions for 12 hours prior to and for the duration of the test. While the EPA defines a short term test as anything less than 90 days, this is commonly a 2-5 day test. This is the most commonly used testing protocol for real estate transactions. A long term test is EPA-defined as anything over 90 days, and is conducted in “lived in” conditions. The occupants can come and go, open windows, and use the house as they normally would. This is the protocol/testing I recommend for folks who are not planning to move anytime soon. The PA DEP has a list of testers and radon mitigation companies that are currently licensed. Licensee must obtain continuing continued on page 19
*Here is what the search for 15601 (Greensburg / Hempfield) turned up: Zip Code Test Location 15601 Basement 15601 First Floor
No. of Tests 5299 229
Max Result pCi/L 184.7 35.0
Avg Result pCi/L 6.2 4.5
February 2015 - 17
5 Reasons Your Dog Will Love You for Baking Homemade Dog Treats Dogs are very special to us. They accompany us in the best of times and worst of times with a wagging tail and a spring in their step. While I am not lucky enough to have a dog at the moment, I have been thrilled to be around Green Diva Meg’s dog, Gracie, for some time now. Every Tuesday, Gracie sits by the door as I walk in and waits for me to give her a treat. I’m sure many of you readers have dogs that have similar rituals when you come home. I’m writing this post because I got to thinking: we spend so much time being conscious consumers. We look at food labels, we buy locally, human, organic and fair-trade food. So why do we feed our dogs with packaged, processed foods that we so knowingly avoid for ourselves? For this reason, I have researched the health benefits of baking your dog homemade dog treats instead of buying them from a store. You love homemade desserts, right? Why shouldn’t your dog. Anyway, here are some reasons why baking your canine friend homemade cookies is a pretty great idea. 1. Homemade Dog Treats are Safer Have you ever looked at the ingredients list on the back of a box of dog cookies? It’s pretty appalling to see so many ingredients you have never actually heard of. By purchasing homemade dog treats (or making your own), dog owners have more control and options about what to feed their pets and what is actually going into their dog’s snacks. Homemade treats can and should be prepared chemical free. Chemicals and preservatives found in commercialized dog treats can actually harm dogs according to research. Some studies suggest that the chemicals found in many commercial treats, snacks and food products, impede
good behavior, due to the way the chemicals interact with a dog’s delicate brain. In some studies, researchers have also found that chemicals contained in commercialized dog snacks can even cause aggressive behavior. Some of these chemicals and preservatives are not approved for human consumption, so what makes them any better for dogs?
3. Homemade Dog Treats are Cheaper
Some chemicals to watch out for are BHA, BHT, Ethoxyquin, Sodium Metabisulfite and TBHQ. For a complete list, check out this article called ”Killing Me Softly: The Truth Behind Pet Treat Labels” (http:// www.examiner.com/article/killing-them-softlythe-truth-behind-pet-treat-labels). Many of these chemical ingredients are known carcinogens and can also cause liver and kidney problems, loss of consciousness, brain damage, and life-threatening asthma. These chemicals are also used to manufacture rubber and petroleum products, including embalming fluid. Yuck! 2.Homemade Dog Treats are Healthier A lot of different dog treats are full of saturated fats. Homemade treats are made with ingredients that contain less fat than
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.
18 - February 2015
store-bought snacks. Giving your dog fatfree or reduced-fat snacks will not only help your dog have a healthier heart, but will also help decrease the chances of him becoming obese later in his life. Many homemade snacks can also be made with ingredients that help keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Homemade treats can also include ingredients that enhance your dog’s shiny coat. Healthy dog treats also mean fewer clean-ups due to messes and an overall healthier digestive tract.
You save money every week by cooking for yourself instead of going out to eat, right? Baking homemade treats is also an inexpensive option to provide your pet with a little snack. It always saves money to buy ingredients in bulk or use ingredients that are commonly found in your pantry. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at how much money you saved by making your own. 4. Homemade Dog Treats are Tastier These treats are so healthy, you can chow down on them with your pet. Honestly, the fact that they are made from common ingredients around your kitchen makes them all the more accessible. Anything homemade tastes better in general. Which would you prefer? A homemade batch of cookies or some hard and processed store bought cookies? 5. Green Diva Gracie Says, “WOOF”! ***** Originally published on TheGreenDivas .com. Reprinted with permission from The Green Divas, our neighbors from New Jersey who share lowstress ways to live a deeper shade of green through a weekly radio show, podcasts, videos and blog posts… and now the first green and healthy living global radio network, GDGD Radio. Working with the best shows in this category and other talented partners and credible sources, the Green Divas produce and share content on a variety of topics relating to a healthy green lifestyle. Visit The Green Divas website to learn more and tune in to GDGD Radio for 24/7 programming, and get social with The Green Divas on Facebook & Twitter too!
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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Green Diva Gina’s Delicious Dog Treats Serves 42 | Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 55 min
Use these common kitchen ingredients to bake your pet (and yourself) a yummy snack! • • • • • • • • •
2 cups White Whole Wheat Flour or Rice Flour 1 cup rolled oats, regular or quick 1 tablespoon dried parsley or 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 3 Tbsp. almond milk 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 cup natural peanut butter, crunchy or plain (or any nut butter you have) 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon cold water, enough to make a cohesive dough 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
Instructions • Preheat the oven to 300°F. Lightly grease a couple of baking sheets. • Mix together all of the dry ingredients (flour, oats, parsley, salt and flax) • Add the eggs, peanut butter and almond milk, stirring to combine; the mixture will be crumbly. • Add enough water to bring the dough together. depending on the season, you may need to add a bit more (winter), or a bit less (summer). • To make biscuits using a dog-bone cutter, roll the dough about 1/4" thick and cut with a 3 1/2" cutter (or the size of your choice since your dog won’t care haha). Gather and re-roll the scraps, and continue to cut biscuits until you’ve used all the dough. • To make dog “cookies,” drop the dough in walnut-sized balls onto the prepared baking sheets. Flatten them to about 1/4". • Bake the biscuits for about 40 minutes, baking the smaller cookies for a shorter amount of time. When finished, the biscuits will be dark golden brown, and will be dry and crisp all the way through. • Remove the biscuits from the oven, and place on cooling racks to set. – By Green Diva Gina
Every Story Begins At Home.
education and renew their licenses every two years. Before you have your home tested or mitigated, make sure the person doing the work is licensed. You can check at the D.E.P.’s radon service provider website: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/ community/radon_certification/21935/radon_services_directory/ 1924689
If there is any good news about this topic, the level of radon in your home is relative; if it’s 4 or above, no matter how high, it needs fixed, and the fix is typically the same regardless of the number. If it’s 3.9 or less, no matter how low, no repair is necessary. However if you’re right on that cusp, (3-5) I recommend additional (usually long term) testing just to be sure. So take advantage of the long winter months to get your home tested for radon. If nothing else, it will give you the peace of mind in knowing that you and your kids are safe from this nasty gas. ***** 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.
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THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations by Rev. Marjorie Rivera
“No tree has branches so foolish as to fight amongst themselves.” –Ojibwa Indian saying I love this saying on so many levels. Visualize a tree in your mind for a moment as we begin. Picture a summer time image of a green tree covered with leaves with a strong trunk and imagine for a moment that you could see the roots as well. The roots absorbing nutrients and the leaves basking in the sun, everything interconnected and thriving in harmony. There would be sap coursing through the tree providing energy to the highest branch and the lowest root, a perfect microcosm. Each part of the tree depends on the other parts to exist. I have even read that a tree’s root system exists in direct proportion to what we are able to see, under the ground “as above, so below”. Why would a branch of the tree ever cause harm to another branch of the tree? A solitary act of violence could only result in the demise of the whole tree. As a Spiritual Medium, in private sessions with clients, if a loved one comes through with a message for someone, and refers to a tree in some capacity, I know they are referring to a family situation that needs healed. Its a metaphor that I have created in my language with the Spirits. This sort of language allows me to get longer messages downloaded to me in an instant, no muss no fuss! A picture is worth a thousand words after all. A family tree is a very important and iconic symbol to me, and it can represent the nuclear family or the human family. Either way, the tree represents so much more than just a plant.
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Suggested reading: Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American Spirituality by Judie Bopp 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
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20 - February 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
WCNS Radio Goes Worldwide WCNS isn’t just your grandmother’s radio station anymore. Tune into AM 1480, and you’ll hear community radio at its best! Veteran radio man Dow Carnahan is still on board, but has been joined by a new, young group of enthusiastic and talented media professionals. In mid-January, the station launched its online broadcast service at www.wcnsradio .com. Listeners around the world can click on the “Listen Live” button to stream the current broadcast. On screen, artist and track information is displayed with direct links to social media. If you’ve ever impatiently wondered who sang a particular song, your wait is over! The stations plays “America’s Best Music” with experience, enthusiasm, knowledge and class. The playlist features “Memorable Melodies” with “Listenable Lyrics” performed by the world’s classiest recording artists. These include unforgettable favorites and timeless hits from the 50s, 60s and 70s from artists Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, the Carpenters, the Letterman, the Beatles and Temptations. They also include outstanding favorites from the 80s through today from artists such as Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, Michael Buble, James Taylor, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart and Elton John, to name just a few. The 1480 WCNS style has real DJs chatting about the music they know and the lifestyles listeners most enjoy and appreciate. As a Pandora and XMradio subscriber, I often feel disconnected from the outside world throughout my work day. When I started playing WCNS radio more often last fall, not only did I get one of my favorite blends of music, but I found the community connection I was missing and larger Pittsburgh radio stations cannot provide. When former station owner John Longo decided to retire and sell WCNS to Laurel Highlands Total Communications Inc., I was curious about the implications of such a big change. WCNS General Manager Brandon Kail was happy to answer some of my questions in January ... How long has LHTC Media owned the station, and why did the company decide to make the purchase?
LHTC Media is a newly formed subsidiary of Laurel Highland Total Communications, Inc. (LHTC), a company that provides local and long-distance phone, high-speed Internet, and cable television services to customers across 260 square miles of rural Pennsylvania. The first venture of LHTC Media was the purchase of the Latrobe radio station, 1480 WCNS-AM, effective September 1, 2014. Every Story Begins At Home.
The vision of LHTC Media is manifold. First, we want to expand the influence of Laurel Highland Total Communications, Inc., as a complete communication services provider. Also, we aim to advance the overall mission of the Company to be an industry leader in providing rural communities with high-quality technology and communication services accompanied by honest and friendly local customer service. Furthermore, it is our desire to maintain the deep-rooted tradition of community radio in the Greater Latrobe area, which, we believe, is an invaluable asset to the residents throughout the region. In the age of digital media such as satellite radio, Pandora and Spotify, why would local residents tune into WCNS online?
As media and entertainment become more globalized phenomena, we believe there is still a great demand for local content. As the question suggests, digital media has made any genre of music content universally available on-demand. However, what those media outlets lack, and what we can provide, is local programming, i.e., high school sports, local talk shows, local news, etc., that is more pertinent and meaningful to the residents in the local communities. The new WCNS online feature allows us to provide more of this type of content. For example, we added Greater Latrobe High School Wrestling to our broadcast this year. On a few occasions, we have been able to run St. Vincent or Greater Latrobe Basketball on air, while having the Wrestling broadcast online. Additionally, we believe that WCNS online will help us reach groups of listeners who desire to listen to our Station but, because of the limitations of the AM signal, previously could not. These groups would include listeners just beyond our signal range who can now listen to WCNS in crystal-clear sound; people who want to listen to WCNS on their computer at work; those who might have relocated outside of
the area but maintain roots or interests here; people who travel south for the winter but want to stay up-to-date on what is happening locally; parents/grandparents who want to listen to their child’s/grandchild’s game, be it St. Vincent College or Greater Latrobe High School. We feel we can help all of these people connect with what is happening locally, not to mention provide music entertainment that is still in demand but not so prevalent in the Greater Pittsburgh area. There is a musical interlude online while some ads are being broadcast over AM. Why don’t all commercials play on both?
There is some content that we are not able to play online. As our listeners know, we are Westmoreland County’s home for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers. However, both Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Football League (NFL) restrict online broadcasts by local affiliates. Also, some of the commercials do not air due to licensing restrictions. Thus, our online listeners will hear a generic music bed that will play to “blackout” this restricted content. I always hear WCNS playing in downtown Latrobe businesses. I am 45 and love the music! Tell me a little bit about the playlist/DJ service that airs on WCNS. What are your demographics, and do you have any plans to change the current format?
All of our music content and DJ services comes via satellite from Westwood One on what is called the Adult Standards format. Therefore, our “DJs” are not actually in our Studio. This type of broadcast is prevalent throughout the radio industry, even in larger markets. However, we do have onair announcers who provide live, local news, weather, and sports updates at the top of each hour. Additionally, we have both live and pre-recorded talk shows from local continued on next page
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hosts and guests that air every Saturday from 7:00 to noon. We also air three, local church services on Sunday mornings. Our music programming is geared toward listeners age 45 and over, which we know from census data, is representative of the largest demographic in our region. We do not have any plans to change our format currently, but we realize that we always need to remain cognizant of the shifts in our local population and culture.
MEET THE WCNS RADIO STAFF
FRONT: Tegan Veres, Kristin Guynn, Kayla Kuntz. BACK: Brandon Kail, Aaron Anderson, Dow Carnahan Aaron Anderson: High School: Grove City Area College: Waynesburg University. I am a Traffic Manager, Afternoon News Anchor and Play-by-Play announcer for 1480 WCNS. I am 23 years-old and I was a Cross Country and Track runner in high school and college as well as a wrestler in high school. One of my biggest accomplishments was the creation of an internet broadcasting program at Waynesburg University my senior year. I enjoy watching and announcing my favorite sports, wrestling and baseball, and I was a student of former Pirates’ Broadcaster Lanny Frattare. Dow Carnahan: Graduate of Derry Area High School & Westminster College, I am the Operations Manager/Sports Director and oversee the “On Air” Staff. Other duties: Host morning news & sports; Host a weekly Talk Block Show – Carnahan’s Corner; Do Play-byPlay of our Saint Vincent College and Greater Latrobe High School Basketball and football broadcasts. Kristin Guynn: As the General Sales Manager I work with our sales team to generate revenue for the station, devise marketing plans, and help manage our website. I attended Geibel Catholic High School and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg in 2006 with a BA in Communications. I also received an MBA from Point Park University in 2009. I worked in Higher Education for the past 8 years, at Point Park University and Pitt-Greensburg, in public relations, fundraising and website management. I reside in Mt. Pleasant with my husband, Brian, 3 year-old daughter, Gia, and dachshund, Rusty. Brandon Kail: I graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2001. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from California University of PA and spent 8 years teaching in both Baltimore City and Pittsburgh. More recently, I completed a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Geneva College. I began working for Laurel Highland Total Communications, Inc. (LHTC), in July 2014, as a Business Development Specialist. Currently, I am serving a dual role as Executive Assistant for LHTC and General Manager at 1480 WCNS. I have been married for 10 years to my wife, Carrie, and we have seven children, six boys and one girl, with one more on the way in June. Kayla Kuntz: I am a graduate of Greater Latrobe Senior High School ,and graduated from Saint Vincent College magna cum laude in 2013 with a B.A. in Communication. As a recent college graduate, people were surprised to find out that I worked at an AM radio station. However, in my year of work experience I have found that working at a local AM radio station has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I am the Account Manager on staff working in sales, marketing, ad production from copy writing to voice production, and I host my own weekly half hour talk show. I feel grateful to have this opportunity working for my hometown radio station that entertains, informs, and serves my community. Tegan Veres: 1480 WCNS’s Sales Assistant /Receptionist/Marketing/Talk Show Host of Animal Talk with Tegan….from Sodus New York, I live in Stoystown with husband and 4 year old daughter, graduated from Somerset Area High School and then Cambria Rowe Business College. I have a 17-year history in the radio business, and it will always be in my blood!! Peace, love and radio!!!
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You and most of the staff are younger than the station’s “target age.” Now that a new generation has been introduced to this music, do you have any favorite songs or artists from the playlist?
Prior to the acquisition and my reassignment as General Manager in September, I cannot say, honestly, that I was a fan of this music genre. However, I have begun to develop a few favorites over the last several months. I enjoy listening to artists such as Celine Dion, Josh Groban, and Frank Sinatra. How many listeners do you have tuning in to the Saturday morning talk blocks?
One of our challenges is gauging how many listeners we have during any given program. We exist in a non-rated market, meaning that we cannot subscribe to the Arbitron/Nielsen ratings that are available in the larger markets, such as Pittsburgh. Therefore, we have to be creative in gathering information about our listenership. We do this through a variety of methods including surveys, contests, and online tracking. In fact, our new Live Player allows us to track our real-time online listenership, though we know that this is only a small sample of our total listeners. What’s the current marketing research like on radio advertising? Any statistics you can share?
Despite increased competition from a variety of satellite and digital media resources, local radio remains the dominant format among commuters. So, as long as people keep driving, local radio will continue to be relevant. Yet, we also know that younger people are less likely to listen to local radio than their parents. Therefore, we intend to reach this audience by providing local content that peaks their interest and can be accessed via the Internet-enabled mobile devices that they are using. LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
The Saturday Morning Talk Block line-up includes: • High and Wide Outdoors Show Tay Waltenbaugh and Jack Brown Weekly at 7 am • The Wildcat 30 First Saturday each month at 8 am • Better Business Bureau Show Caitlin Driscoll, Public Relations Director Third Saturday each month at 8 am • Taking Action Tay Waltenbaugh Westmoreland Community Action CEO Fourth Saturday each month at 8 am • Carnahan’s Corner Sports with Dow Carnahan Weekly at 8:30 am (8 on 2nd Saturday) • On the Go with Kayla Jo Local Events with Kayla Jo Kuntz Weekly at 9:30 am (8:30 on 2nd Saturday) • Westmoreland Chamber Business Journal Chamber President Chad Amond Second Saturday each month at 9 am • Heritage Happenings Culture & History with Louise Tilzey-Bates Third Saturday each month at 9 am • Faith in Action Live! Spirit of helping others with Jane Kerr Fourth Saturday each month at 9 am • The Tom Bayla Show Retired Westmoreland Cty Commissioner Weekly at 10 am • Steppin’ Out with Tony Marino Local arts and entertainment Weekly at 11 am • Animal Talk with Tegan Animal lover Tegan Veres Weekly at 11:30 am
was a tradition at WCNS before 2014 that we are bringing back to the community, and we will be broadcasting the 2015 Westmoreland County Airshow at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport. Additionally, as a new member of the Greater LatrobeLaurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce (GLLV), in the near future, we will be holding a ribbon-cutting event at WCNS and, later in the year, we expect to partner
with GLLV on events such as Latrobe’s Banana Split Festival and Steelers Fest. These are just some of the events and activities we have planned for the upcoming year. WCNS is nostalgic yet current– the best of both every day. Join the community by tuning in to AM 1480 WCNS radio or stream online – whether you are in Latrobe, Pennsylvania or Latrobe, Australia!
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We intend to be heavily involved with community-oriented events. This winter, we held the Santa’s Party in the Park event, an annual tradition at 1480 WCNS. At this event, we partnered with more than 25 local businesses to provide treats, crafts, and pictures with Santa for more than 200 children in downtown Latrobe. We also volunteered to ring the bell for the Salvation Army during their annual Red Kettle Campaign to help the Latrobe Salvation Army exceed their fundraising goals for 2015. This spring, we are planning to hold a local job fair, a Senior Lifestyle Show, which Every Story Begins At Home.
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Good Morning Greater Latrobe airs monthly on the First Friday of every month at 8 am with host David Martin, President of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce and discusses business, education and community events. What are your upcoming plans in the community?
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February 2015 - 23
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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Every Story Begins At Home.
February 2015 - 25
FEBRUARY-MARCH COMMUNITY CALENDAR “Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.” – Peter Ustinov
2/6/2015 through 5/20/2105 The Coverlet Casualty Curated by Emily Davis. The Foster & Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery. Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650. FREE The Civil War damaged the hand-woven coverlet industry that existed to the point where it would never fully recover. Weavers experienced the war in different ways, some making blankets for soldiers and others fighting in it. Their lives and the coverlets made during this time is a different approach to understanding life during the war. 2/6/2015 to 2/8/2015 Pittsburgh Indoor/Outdoor Home Show Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300. 10times.com This event is a sure surprise for the home lovers who are looking for top quality home ware and kitchen ware products so that they can decorate their home in the most beautiful way possible. 2/7/2015 to 2/28/2015 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! 2/7/2015 WinterFest at Nemacolin Woodlands Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437 866.386.6957. nemacolin.com It’s Nemacolin’s Annual WinterFest Weekend, the Laurel Highlands region’s premier winter adventure event! Compete in activities like our “Nemacolin Polar Bear Classic” Golf Tournament or take a jump into our snow-making pond during the “Polar Bear Plunge.” Something for everyone and a full day of adventure sports, family fun activities, live entertainment, kids’ snow activities and much more! 2/7/2015 Black History Month: Sylviane Diouf Heinz History Center 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.454.6391. heinzhistorycenter.org Diouf will discuss her most recent book, “Slavery’s Exiles: The Story of the American Maroons,” and review common themes from the History Center’s award-winning From Slavery to Freedom exhibition. Her lecture will explore the extent in which enslaved Africans went to seek freedom and independence from slavery and bondage. 2/8/2015 Sunday Lecture Series: Love Is In The Air Powdermill Nature Reserve 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 724.593.6105. carnegiemnh.org/powdermill Join us in the Parker Room for a seasonally relevant nature talk. Weather permitting, each lecture will be followed by a brief foray into the field for an interpretive hike. Despite frigid temperatures, many animals are gearing up for breeding season by Valentine’s Day. 2/11/2015 Marcus Garvey: Look for Me in the Whirlwind Homewood Branch of the Carnegie Library 7101 Hamilton Ave., Pittsburgh. 412.454.6391. 26 - February 2015
Join us for a screening of the film “Marcus Garvey: Look for me in the Whirlwind.” Using a wealth of archival film, photographs, and documents to uncover the story of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican immigrant who, between 1916 and 1921, built the largest black mass movement in world history, the film also features interviews with people who witnessed the Garvey movement firsthand. heinzhistorycenter.org 2/11/2015 Business After Hours - Dino’s Latrobe Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank. 5:05 pm 7pm. RSVP Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce, 724-537-2671 or gllv.org 2/12/2015 A Band Called Honalee The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org A Band Called Honalee is a modern-day folk trio inspired by the music and legacy of Peter, Paul and Mary. Musically accomplished, interactive and energetic, their shows allow audiences to experience this timeless music live onstage once again. 2/13/2015 Art on Tap 5.2.7 Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org Experience happy hour and the latest Pop-Up Exhibition athe second Friday of every month! Enjoy music, a scavenger hunt, light bites and drinks including beer from All Saints Brewing Company. 2/13/2015 Classic Film Series: Moonstruck 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! 2/13/2015 Perfect Wedding Greensburg Garden & Civic Center 951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.3074. ggccevents.org This madcap comedy follows the chaos that ensues when an engaged man wakes up next to a gorgeous naked stranger on the morning of his wedding. Before this mystery woman can even get dressed and leave the bridal suite, the man’s bride-to-be arrives and the crisis quickly reaches nuclear proportions, with the best man, the bride’s parents and half the hotel staff all joining in on the fast-paced hilarity. Staged by Greensburg Civic Theatre, Robin Hawdon’s modern British farce and touching love story is a hit on both sides of the Atlantic. 2/14/2015 The Health Benefits of Chocolate: A Wellness Class Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.6411. nemacolin.com We have all heard in the media that dark chocolate has various health benefits. It can even aid in weightloss and boosts our moods and emotions by giving us the feeling of love; but our favorite reason for eating
dark chocolate is that it’s delicious! Enjoying food is part of living a happy and healthy life. Join Janet McKee, local board certified Holistic Health Counselor, for some of her favorite decadent yet healthy chocolate desserts. This is one class you simply do not want to miss! 2/14/2015 Greenbergs Train & Toy Show Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300. 10times.com The event hosts lot of top most exhibitor’s from all over the world sharing ideas and latest technology related to the Rail services with the upcoming visitor’s. The event offers more than 100 display tables of rail models which catches the attraction of visitor’s from all over the world. Riding in Trains and winning prizes are also some of the other unique features of ththe family-friendly show. 2/15/2015 Sweeney Todd In Concert Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. upjarts.org SWEENEY TODD in Concert will feature Broadway Stars and local talent from the Laurel Highlands. Scott Logsdon will direct; musical direction will be by Matt Thomas. 2/15/2015 Wine & Chocolate Christian W. Klay Winery 412 Fayette Springs Rd., Chalk Hill, PA 15421 724.439.3424. cwklaywinery.com Entertain your valentine with wine and chocolate. Also a fun afternoon for friends or family – anyone who is special in your life. Live music provided by Shelly McCombie. $15/person. 2/17/2015 How to Communicate with Tact and Professionalism Ramada Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center 100 Ramada Inn Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.836.6060. 10times.com Its a premier event in Research & Development industry. Book a stall at 10times.com! 2/18/2015 Josh Turner The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org Latshaw Productions and Ariat present Josh Turner - The Roughstock and Rambler Tour Multiplatinum MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner is one of country music’s most recognizable hitmakers. With a rich, deep voice and distinctive style, Turner has sold more than 12 million units, is a disciple of traditional country music and one of the youngest members of the Grand Ole Opry. From his 2003 Platinum-selling debut “Long Black Train” to his most recent 2012 Billboard No. 1 release “Punching Bag”, Turner has garnered multiple GRAMMY, CMA, and ACM nominations. Turner’s hits include “Your Man,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Fire-cracker,” “Would You Go with Me,” “All Over Me,” and “Time Is Love,” the most played country song of 2012.
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2/18/2015 Allegheny Sport Travel & Outdoor Show Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300. 10times.com Allegheny Sport Travel & Outdoor Show is the most comprehensive & leading indoor event of its kind in the nation of USA. The event will offer outdoor enthusiasts the widest selection of pro-ducts and services from canoes to cruisers, RVs to tents, tourism to hunting and fishing. This is the 30th edition of the session and will attract many visitors & exhibitors.
2/22/2015 Elegance & Taste: Dressing for George Washington's Inaugural Ball Lecture at Fort Ligonier - 2:00 pm Lecture by Erica I. Nuckles, Fort Ligonier's Director of History and Collections. Doors will open at 1:30 PM, lecture at 2:00 PM, followed by Q & A. Suggested donation of $5 per person. Reservations requested, call 724-238-9701 to reserve your seat! Fort Ligonier is located at 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, at the intersection of PA Routes 30 and 711.
2/19/2015 GLLV Chamber Networking Breakfast Ramada in Ligonier. 7:30 - 9 am. Calling all early risers! Need hot coffee, hot food and HOT Networking?! We've got it covered! Bring your business cards, "60-second elevator pitch" and hungry stomach to start your day with us! RSVP 724-537-2671 or gllv.org
2/22/2015 Sonic Valley Guitar Show- 3rd Annual Ramada Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center 100 Ramada Inn Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.6060. sonicvalleyguitar.com BUY - SELL - TRADE! Over 120 tables and 12,000 sq feet of vintage, used and new guitar and musical gear. One day only - Feb 22 from 10am - 5pm. Ramada Conference Center - Greensburg PA.
2/19/2015 Westmoreland Jazz Society-Eric DeFade Seton Hill University 100 Harrison Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org Doors open at 6:30 PM. No reserve seating. Tickets are available at the door. 2/20/2015 to 4/19/2015 Artists of the 21st Century Student Art Exhibition Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6015. sama-art.org SAMA’s annual student art exhibition will return this spring with shows at the Ligonier Valley and Loretto museums. The exhibitions feature hundreds of works created by students in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Museum/School Partnership Program, the exhibition offers children an opportunity to see their artwork professionally hung in a gallery. 2/21/2015 American Masters The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1850. westmorelandsymphony.org The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents American Masters featuring works by Bernstein, Copland and Harris. Featuring the WSO Chamber Singers and narrator Gene A Saraceni. Conducted by Artistic Director Daniel Meyer. 2/22/2015 Pink Floyd Experience The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Pink Floyd Experience: much more than just a flawless recreation of the legendary songs that spanned decades in their appeal. It’s a celebration of the music, the themes and the innovation that this great band brought to fans around the world. It is Pink Floyd, up close and personal without losing the scope and power of their performance. The band’s popularity remains high, having sold nearly a half-million concert tickets in the US since 2006. In a two-hour show, performed live with six musicians and over $2.5 million worth of production equipment on stage, perhaps PFX should come with a warning for potential “retinal damage.” But fans won’t turn their heads away as the massive light show and HD projection brings the show right onto their laps. Even the icons that Pink Floyd have made their own – from the blinking eye to the marching hammers – have all been translated into clever hooks along the ride. Every Story Begins At Home.
2/24/2015 to 2/27/2015 Tri-State Alternative Fueling Expo & Conference Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300 The 2015 Tri-State Alternative Fueling Expo & Conference will be here before you know it! If you enjoyed the great show last year, this year’s promises to be even better! Get your tickets now to attend and hear from alternative energy professionals, meet innovative vendors, and learn how you can get involved in securing America’s energy future. We look forward to working with you towards that goal! 2/26/2015 Legacy & Estate Planning for Landowners Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association will host a program about legacy and estate planning for owners of woodlands from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the J. Roy Huston Conservation Center (the barn behind the Donohoe Center) at 218 Donohoe Rd. in Greensburg. Light refreshments will be served at a social half-hour starting at 6:00 p.m. 2/26/2015 Lunch a l’Art Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier valley One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6015. sama-art.org Lunch and lecture, speaker TBA. Cost is $15 or $12 for members. R.S.V.P. by February 20. 2/26/2015 to 3/1/2015 Into the Woods The Geyer Performing Arts Center 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com An ambivalent Cinderella? A blood-thirsty Little Red Ridinghood? A Prince Charming with a roving eye? A Witch ... who raps? They’re all among the cockeyed characters in Stephen Sondheim’s fractured fairy tale masterpiece musical. 2/27/2015 Shannon and the Merger Ramada Greensburg Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Ramada Inn Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.6060. Prospect Lounge 9:30 2/28/2015 Arts-in-Education Workshop with Jim Donovan Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier valley One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6015. sama-art.org
SAMA presents a Sound Empowerment workshop with musician and educator Jim Donovan. Sound Empowerment is an accessible step-by-step system that shows you how to use rhythm and sound as tools to improve quality of life for yourself and others. The primary focus of this training is on using rhythm and simple vocal techniques to relieve stress, anxiety, sleeplessness, low energy and mind clutter. Cost is $50 per person. R.S.V.P. by February 23. 2/28/2015 Hollywood Party at the Palace The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.1123. westmorelandculturaltrust.org Our black tie optional fundraising event is sure to impress, whether this is your first time or your 10th! Join us as we celebrate the Greatest Hits of Hollywood Party’s past for an evening filled with entertainment, hors d’oeuvres and nostalgia. The celebration begins with a 6 pm pre-party sponsored by Creenan & Baczkowski, PC. This time-honored event will be held on the impressive Palace Theatre stage and feature passed hors d’oeuvres, champagne and entertainment. A professional photographer will capture each pre-party guest as they arrive, with photos displayed in The Palace Theatre outer lobby for the following year. At 7 PM, the festivities move into the outer rooms of the theatre as an impressive display of hors d’oeuvres awaits you in the 1940s inspired Megan’s Suite and in our sexy side of the 50s Mezzanine. Local restaurateurs will proudly offer their delectable specialties. Perhaps you are more drawn to the 70s, no problem! Head on up to the upper Megan’s Suite where desserts and java are jiving in our 1970s inspired coffee house. 2/28/2015 and 3/7/2015 Snowshoe Saturdays: Snowshoeing Basics Forbes State Forest 1291 Route 30, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.259.2201. dcnr.state.pa.us Interested in snowshoeing but new to the activity? Then this program is for you! Meet at the Laurel Summit warming hut to learn some of the basics, then we will gear up in our shoes for a 2-4 mile hike. Please come prepared with warm layers, water, snacks, and snowshoes! *Registration is required. *There is a limited quantity of snowshoes to borrow—please specify if you need to borrow when registering. 2/28/2015 The British Invasion The Arcadia Theater 1418 Graham Ave., Windber, PA 15963 814.467.9070. arcadiatheater.net More than just The Beatles, THE British Invasion Tribute’s performance is three shows in one! First, you may hear classic songs by iconic British groups such as The Zombies, The Moody Blues, Dave Clark Five and Herman’s Hermits, just for starters. 2/28/2015 The Music of ABBA: Arrival from Sweden State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360. statetheatre.info 2/28/2015 to 3/1/2015 Pittsburgh Fire Rescue & EMS Expo Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300. 10times.com An annual trade show which is nation’s largest and well attended trade shows for firefighters, paramedics, EMTs & other emergency services personnel. The event will bring together hundreds of the Nations’s finest companies together in one weekend for all emergency Emergency rescue demonstrations responders. The Expos attract attendees from continued on page 31
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Laurel Mountain Post Distribution Guide
Pick Up a Copy at Your Favorite Community Location! The new Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Visitor & Information Center, located on Route 30 below Sharky’s Cafe, is the main hub for each new issue release. However, we will continue to distribute copies in your neighborhood at the following 300+locations: Derry Area Action for Animals Allison Chiropractic Barkley's Derry King Building Bodeez Caldwell Library Chef Dato's Derry Medical First Commonwealth Bank Hansen & Torba - Dentists Jean Marie Flowers & Gifts Laundromat Mastrorocco's Market New Derry Municipal Authority Palombo's Restaurant S&T Bank State Farm Insurance Sugar Bears Sunoco Route 22 DELMONT Center for Rehab Svcs Chestnut Ridge Excela Ciggy’s Tobacco Cogo’s Delmont YMCS Execela Health PT Holiday Inn Express Hot Rod Lounge (Spaghetti House) Lamplighter Salem Plaza Laundry SuperCuts Three Rivers Six Pack Shop Wagonwheel Restaurant Watson Chevrolet EXPORT Artisita Salon Choice Gas Station Claire Bridge Memory Care Cozy Inn Murrysville Music Murrysville Rehab Pgh Chiropractic Restella Dance Studio MURRYSVILLE Eye Doc Aluring Designs Salon Chaye Coffee and Tea Dancer’s Closet Dean’s Fitness Dick’s Diner Dr. Abraham/Dr. Gill Duff Park Info Center
Eat n Park En V Salon Focus Hair Design Golden Living Ctr Healing Arts Bldg Hoss’s Walnut Shops Library Borough Building Nature Nails New Horizons Counselors Panera Panther Chiro pt Therapy S&T Bank Scott Medical Sportszone Standard Bank Starbucks SuperCuts UPMC Partners in Health Various Prof Agencies West Historical Society Yoga Flow Donegal/Jones Mills BP/McDonald’s - turnpike Brady’s Dairy Queen Days Inn Donegal Pharmacy Hardware Store Holiday Inn Express Honeybear Tall Cedars The Inn at Ligonier Sarnelli’s Schultheis Automation Greater Latrobe/Unity Twp Adams Memorial Library Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Barnes House Chestnut Ridge - Bursch Division Chicora's Chris Pakos, CPA Christ UC Church Coffee Bean Commercial Bank - Downtown Commerical Bank - Route 981 D’s Windy Cottage Dainty Pastry Denny's Doggie Divas Dunkin Donuts Eat n Park
Excela Health Quick Draw The Eyeglass Shoppe Fantastic Sam's Four Seasons Brewing Co. Gino's Pizza Gyno Associates Hanna Insurance Dr. Scott Hudimac Jerald Jewelers Joe's Store - Lawson Heights L&L Quik Lube Dr. Patrick Lally Latrobe Animal Clinic Latrobe Art Center Latrobe Hardware Latrobe Hospital & Little Shop Latrobe News Stand - Downtown Latrobe News Stand - Laurel 30 Laurel Highlands Village Latrobe Post Office Lincoln Highway Experience Loyalhanna Care Center McCarl Coverlet Gallery The Medicine Shoppe Drs. Mucci & Campfield, DDS My Fitness Kitchen Pizza Siena ProAdjuster Chiropractic Roadman's Country Living Rose Style Shoppe Rusbosin's Furniture S&T Bank Sanctus Spa & Salon Scotty G's Senior Center Shop n Save SpringHill Suites St. Vincent College St. Vincent De Paul St. Vincent Gristmill Store Unity Township Building, Library UPMC Vascular Institute Valley Dairy - downtown Valley Dairy - Route 30 Vasco Federal Credit Union Visitor & Information Center WCNS/Unity Building Westmoreland Federal Westmoreland Historical Society Wigs n More Wingate Greensburg Barnes & Noble
Courtyard by Marriott Café Barista Cellar Door Café Couture Salon Deb T S. G’burg Gateway Convenience Rt. 66 Getty’s Grill Greensburg Library Greensburg News Greensburg YMCA GV8 Holiday Inn Jioio’s, Carbon Mr. Bones Rt. 66 Nature’s Way Old 66 Grill PC Connect Pizza Siena Senior Life E. G’burg Sun Dawg Café Downtown The Medicine Shoppe Vittone’s Music Westmoreland Athletic Club Westmoreland Hospital White Rabbit Café Ligonier Valley A Touch of Grace Abigail's Coffee Amica BP Insurance Barb's Market - Rector Berkshire Hathway Carol & Dave's Roadhouse Celtic Culture Connections Cafe Darlington Inn Davies Real Estate Diamond Cafe Diamond Hair Cuts Equine Chic Excela Health First Commonwealth Bank Flavors Cafe Fox's Pizza Get Go Giant Eagle Gino's Howard Hanna Real Estate Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Market (in season) Ligonier Library Ligonier Outfitters/Newstand Ligonier Tavern
Second Chapter Books New and Used Books • Children’s Gifts Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff 139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658
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724-238-7933 fb.com/secondchapterbooks LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum Ligonier Vallery Real Estate Loyalhanna Realty Mack M. Darr Martins Modern Elegance On the Diamond Antiques The Paper House Ramada Inn Rosalia Jioio's Little Italy Ruthie's Diner Scamp's Toffee Second Chapter Books Subway Thistledown/Bo Peep The Toy Box The Twisted Vine Vernon Realty Services Valley School of Ligonier Wicked Googly YMCA Laughlintown Compass Inn/Historical Society First Commonwealth Bank Ligonier Country Inn Pie Shoppe Washington Furnace Inn New Alexandria BP - 819 crossroads First Commonwealth Grabiak’s Johna’s Hair Salon Kaufman's Chiropractic Keystone Pharmacy Keystone State Park Kids Care Pediatrics Library Quik Stop Sheetz Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic Main Street Wine Bar Mt. Pleasant and Southern Westmoreland County Market Crystal Concepts The Frick Fun Services The General Store Herbalicious Kraisinger's Market Lenox Leo's Mericonda Beer Distributor Mount Pleasant Glass Museum Mt. Pleasant Library Nino's Orourke Crystal
Sandhill Berries Speedy Meedy's Vicky's Crossroads Volero Gas West Overton Deli West Overton Quilt Shop YMCA Youngwood - coming soon! Allegheny County Allegheny General Children's Hospital Downtown Hotels Manchester Bidwell Monroeville Library Pleasant Hills Library Strip District merchants Squirrel Hill businesses UPMC Hospitals: Monroeville, Presbyterian, Mercy, Shadyside, Hillman Cambria County (Johnstown) Comfort Inn & Suites Dancer’s Closet East Hills Family Pharmacy Holiday Inn - Downtown Holiday Inn Express - Richland Nature's Habitat - Galleria The Sleep Inn
Fayette County Adrian's - Hopwood Braddocks Inn Restaurant Chalk Hill Flea Market Miller’s Grocery Store Nemacolin Inn - Farmington Ohiopyle Falls Ohiopyle Pub Summit Hotel - Route 40
Indiana Chamber of Commerce Indiana County Tourism Bureau Indiana Hospital Lobby Indiana Free Library Indiana University of PA Jimmy Stewart Museum Rustic Lodge Starbucks Saltsburg exclusively at: Saltsburg Pharmacy
Indiana County BLAIRSVILLE Cokeville Produce Market Comfort Inn The Coventry Inn Dean's Diner Hampton Inn - Chestnut Ridge Senior Center Sheetz CLARKSBURG Shaulis Convenience Market INDIANA 119 Professional Center The Artist's Hand Book Nook Cucina Mia Diamond Drug Downtown Indiana Association Hampton Inn Dr. Hilliard & Tarnoff
Somerset County JENNERSTOWN Green Gables/Mtn Playhouse Our Coal Miners Cafe Three Rivers Dental SOMERSET AREA Comfort Inn Eat n Park Econo Lodge Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Mountain Craft Days Oakhurst Tea Room Sheetz (route 31) Somerset Family Eye Care Somerset Historical Center Summit Diner Quality Inn
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and surrounding states. 3/8/2015 to 3/8/2015 Lecture: “Into the Sugarbush” Powdermill Nature Reserve 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677. 724.593.6105. carnegiemnh.org Explore the process of making maple syrup, including why the sap flows and why some trees are better than others for syrup production. 3/11/2015 to 3/11/2015 Western PA Collegiate Job & Internship Fair Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., 412.373.7300
3/14/2015 to 3/15/2015 2015 Maple Weekend Taste & Tour Somerset County Maple Producers Association, 234 Sugar Cake Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.442.3680 somersetcountymaple.org Tour and tast Somerset County maple products! 3/14/2015 to 3/14/2015 Winter Bark ID Hike Forbes State Forest 1291 Route 30, Laughlintown, PA 15655 .724.259.2201. dcnr.state.pa.us It can be tricky to properly identify (ID) trees during the winter because there are no leaves! Learn how to identify common PA trees by observing other physical characteristics of trees, like the bark! Come prepared for a brisk hike on the Bob Ache trail, behind the Forbes’ district office. No registration is required. through to 5/30/2015 Imagine Nation Open Studio Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org Every Saturday & Sunday from 12:30-5 PM, children of all ages and their favorite adult can stop by the Museum and create their own art in the studio! There is a different art project featured each week. through 12/18/2015 Paint and Sip Liz Jones Arts 201 Fairview Ave., Connellsville, PA 15425 724.455.3699 Art and Wine every Friday at 6:30 PM— unlike other Paint and Sip places, each person attending can choose their own project every time, rather than having to all do the same one! Light refreshments are available... BYOB/ $20 person/ All credit cards and cash accepted. through 4/11/2015 Stone House Idol Kick Off! Historic Stone House Restaurant 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA. 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com Join us for our 2nd Annual Stone House Idol. Every Saturday at the Stone House. Finale will be held on April 11th, 2015 at Jim Shorkey Kia. 30 - February 2015
END NOTES by Megan Fuller
Fear Factor: The Life of Pi by Yann Martel I am going to name my next dog Richard Parker and he will be just as ferocious and loveable as the tiger that accompanies Pi Patel across the Pacific. I tell my kids that we read non-fiction to learn about the outside world and we read fiction to learn about ourselves. The Life of Pi is a veritable potpourri of emotional learning. Like the sea around Pi’s lifeboat, his fears are constantly bobbing up and down. Hope surges through Pi and just as quickly flows away. Along with Pi, we–the readers–fear for him, hope for him; we suffer the loss of his family with him, and experience his desperate thirst. Pi Patel is just 16 when his family decides to pack up their zoo, sell off the animals, and migrate to Canada. The cargo ship on which Pi, his family, and the animals are traveling begins to go down and Pi is not able to get to his family. In the chaos of the sinking ship crew members throw Pi on a lifeboat. Some of the other passengers also find their way on to the lifeboat, unfortunately they are not human passengers. Pi’s fellow passengers include a zebra, orangutan, hyena, and a Bengal tigernamed Richard Parker. After 227 days at sea only Pi and Richard Parker survive and both of them owe that to Pi’s quick wit and tenacity. Yann Martel is masterful in creating a character who is so full of life, so inquisitive, so open to new ideas that readers want to get to know him better. I first read The Life of Pi in 2006 and when I began reading it again I was taken aback. I had no memory of the whole first half of the book; the half in which we get to know and love Pi. We become familiar with his home in Pondicherry and create the mental picture of his serene, zoo-keeping, pious, daily routine. We meet Pi’s family and the people who influence him, learn about the animals in their zoo, and understand his great dedication to higher powers. Because we know Pi, and the lengths he goes to, to maintain his pious devotion to three faiths, readers are not surprised at his persistence for
survival. Many times throughout the narrative I thought, “I think this is where I would have given up.” Pi never does. No matter how impossible his situation becomes, some little thing revitalizes him. Pi credits Richard Parker for giving him the desire to live. Pi decides early on that it is his job to keep the tiger alive, and in turn, keeping the tiger alive makes Pi stay on his toes. Because of Richard Parker, Pi main-
tains a state of alertness that is at times draining–even for the reader. The tension created in this man vs. beast epic caused me headaches and teeth clenching; yet, I did not want to stop reading. I had to devour Pi’s plight like Richard Parker gobbles meerkats. In short, The Life of Pi is absolutely one of the best books that I have ever read and re-read and I am certain to read again. I will be looking for Martel’s other novels (why haven’t I already?) and expect that his narratives will take me on another emotional journey. As Ravi, Pi’s brother, liked to say, “Adventure beckons!” ***** Megan Fuller is an applied cognitive anthropologist with postmodern tendencies who grew up in the exciting Pittsburgh suburb of Pleasant Hills and had the distinct pleasure of earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from IUP. In 1993, Megan moved out West to get a Master’s Degree. She also picked up a husband and hasn’t quite convinced him to move back to Western PA. To maintain her authentic Pittsburgh accent she regularly watches Pittsburgh Dad and engages anyone wearing black and gold sports gear in conversation.
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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