Laurel Mountain Post :: January-February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania

Ready for Gold at the End of the Rainbow An Interview with Actress Debbie Damp

by Nicole Vitale Smith

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Skiing with the Dinosaurs She Had Me At Hedy Lamarr Plunk Your Magic Twanger, Froggy . . . And Other Vintage Television Memories Crock A Noodle Do! While You Are Sleeping Secure Tonight . . .

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2008: We’re chasing away the winter blues!

Every Story Begins At Home.

FREE

January/February 2008 - 1

Ligonier

Ice Fest

January 26-27, 2008

Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce

Ice artists create masterpieces from blocks of ice located on and within one block of the Diamond area.

• Carving starts at 10 am on Saturday and Noon on Sunday • Graham Grubb Orchestra Free Concert on Saturday at 2pm, Town Hall, sponsored by Commercial Bank & Trust of PA

h more So muc t a s than ju e! or horse st

Equine Chic For Horse, Home & You!

Outback Trading Co. (vests, hats, shirts & jackets) English Riding Supply (full line of riding gear) Jewelry by CJ Sardi & Jane Heart Designs by Lorice (flatware and accessories)

NEW YEAR SPECIAL: 25% off all Winter Merchandise 50% off all Christmas Items (through January 31, 2008)

Sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 120 East Main Street • Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-4200 • www.ligonier.com

106 E. Main Street • Ligonier, PA •Tuesday - Saturday, 10-5 • 724.238.7003

www.EquineChic.com

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Mandisa: 724-205-7033 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123 Managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises.

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Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg 700 Power Line Drive • Greensburg, PA 15601

Host your next successful meeting in one of our state of the art meeting rooms.

Experience the Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Greensburg, the newest and friendliest of Greensburg hotels.

W JAN/FEB 2008

“In nature there’s no blemish but the mind; None can be called deformed but the unkind.”

– William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, 3. 4

elcome . . .

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

(Volume V, Issue 1)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly publication designed to focus on the people, places and events of Westmoreland County and the surrounding areas in the heart of western Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature local merchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; and never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home.

Most of our writers are not professional reporters, but accomplished local practitioners with years of experience in their respective fields who bring credibility and personality to every article. In October 2006, the BBC News quoted us as “the voice of Pennsylvania.”

Laurel Mountain Post P.O. Box 227 Latrobe, PA 15650 advertising: 724-331-3936 editorial: 724-689-6133 Office Hours by Appointment at 137 East Main Street in Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Cathi Gerhard Williams Editor & Publisher editor@laurelmountainpost.com

Briana Dwire Tomack Marketing Director & Business Manager advertising@laurelmountainpost.com Proud members of the Latrobe, Ligonier, and Strongland Chambers of Commerce, The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation, and The Pennsylvania Newspaper Assocation Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

Our distribution of 15,000 reaches beyond Westmoreland County into the neighboring counties of Allegheny, Washington, Armstrong, Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Fayette. In 2006 our web traffic increased by 53% and continues to grow. Every day, more and more readers and advertisers across western Pennsylvania are discovering the Laurel Mountain Post.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Cathi Gerhard Williams

What You Will According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the celebration of Twelfth Night is “the evening of the fifth of January, preceding Twelfth Day, the eve of the Epiphany, formerly the last day of the Christmas festivities and observed as a time of merrymaking.” Around western Pennsylvania, many celebrate the following day (Epiphany) as Russian or Little Christmas. In Shakespeare’s time, Twelfth Night was a day of revelry in which the world seemed to turn upside down.

“The Lord of Misrule” presided over the festivities, and people switched places: masters became the servants, men dressed as women, etc. Topsy turvy was the theme of the day . . . nothing was as it seemed anymore.

But back then, you could count on the fact that all would return to “normal” the next day. In our time that’s increasingly hard to define – there is a lot more grey than black or white, and it’s more than difficult to tell just what anyone or anything really is, let alone should be. Foreign cars are made in America, and American automobiles are put together with foreign parts. Is it more patriotic to buy a Honda made in East Liberty, OH or a Ford built with parts manufactured in China? Do I shop at the big chain store filled with mass-produced imported merchandise so I can get more for my money, or should I visit the local merchant and purchase an expensive handcrafted

item that may or may not have been imported but supports the local economy? Such debatable issues seem endlessly complicated, layered and frustrating.

The Presidential primaries are coming quickly, and it seems that no one knows what or who to believe after the past eight years of misinformation and misrule. It makes us realize that most people wear their disguises every day, pretending to be things they are not and making promises they can never keep. We are let down by second acts and wishes unfulfilled. Yet sometimes we hear what we want to hear, and not what is actually said.

Truth lies somewhere between implication and inference. Our editor@LaurelMountainPost.com

Cathi Gerhard Williams Briana Dwire Tomack advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com

perception is a constantly shifting point on our personal stage of time, and requires a good balance of information and interpretation. What’s logical today can be chaotic tomorrow. Sometimes I write things that seem perfectly clear to me, without room for misinterpretation. But I will always be wrong about that.

sible attitude, and he wanted to discuss my statements. We had a great conversation about many issues – political, economic and environmental – and each left with a better understanding of the other – hopefully!

[Thanks, Keith . . . for reading! For thinking about what I said and taking the time to consider my words.

For believing it is OK to disagree, but not accepting the uncertaintly of the “truth.” And especially for caring enough to talk about it . . . to make sure you knew the real me, and explained the real you.]

You are free to believe what you will – about anything and anyone.

But the best decisions are informed ones. Never stop learning, questioning or caring and take nothing for granted. Knowledge is the power you need to find your way in shifting scenery on a road with many turns when the compass doesn’t always point north. And every once in a while the only way to see clearly is to stand on your head and hope that the rushing blood makes a difference when nothing else can. But it is up to us to turn things upside down and look for what might be hidden underneath.

At my high school reunion last November, a classmate wanted to debate about a column I had published earlier in the year. Apparently what I wrote made him angry or concerned about my ostenJanuary/February 2008 - 3

Ready for Gold at the End of the Rainbow An Interview with Debbie Damp by Nicole Vitale Smith This summer, I had the opportunity to go to New York City with my Mom and three sisters.

We were very excited for our first weekend trip together. We had a wonderful time seeing the sights, eating delicious meals, going to an awesome musical and doing a little shopping!

A special treat for me was to see an old, dear friend. We spent our elementary and secondary school years at Derry….we cheered and sang in the chorus together, and we shared the stage our senior year in the class play Good Morning Miss Dove. I had seen her in April; she was brilliant in a musical I saw at Westminster College. So, on short notice, Debbie Damp (DAHS 1988) met my family and me at Central Park. It was a gorgeous summer day, and Debbie was a great tour guide!! We walked, talked, laughed, and walked some more.

We finished the afternoon with a yummy yogurt from Forty Carrots.

The next day, after mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Debbie invited us to the St. Regis. What a memorable breakfast! The hotel is a beautiful place for Debbie to work while she pursues a career in the Performing Arts.

I feel she is a perfect role model for young people who are interested in music, theater, or dance. I hope you enjoy her insights and learn from her experiences . . .

(LMP): What or who influenced you?

(Ms. Damp): I was deeply influenced by my teachers.

Suzannah Calvo created a high school musical program that I dreamed to be a part of. I had the good fortune in 7th grade to participate in the high school production of The Sound of Music as Brigitta Von Trapp. I was thrilled and knew the moment I stepped on the stage that I was comfortable. I was home.

Movies and tele-vision played a great role influencing me as well in those earlier years. I adored Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and Judy Garland. I remember the first time I saw Ethel Merman . . . she was appearing as a guest on The Lucy Show and she sang “There’s no business like show business.” I was stunned! I wanted to sing like that. I wanted to make people laugh the way Carol and Lucy did. And mostly, I wanted to touch people the way Judy touched me when she so poignantly cried to Auntie Em “There’s no Place like Home.” I was ready to find my gold at the end of the Rainbow . . .

(LMP): What is your training and experience?

(LMP): When did you know that you would like a career in the theater?

(Ms. Damp): I guess it was in the third grade when Cindy Baltzer, my elementary Music teacher, invited me to see her in a production of My Fair Lady.

She played Eliza Doolittle and it sparked my imagination and my curiosity. It was fascinating for me to see my teacher play a character so unlike herself. I immediately had to have the album and started practicing my cockney accent. My hairbrush (microphone) and my mirror (adoring audience) became my best friends. I practiced daily.

4 - January/February 2008

(Ms. Damp): My training consisted of dancing lessons, tap and jazz, from Darlene’s Dance studio. In addition to that, I had piano lessons and sang in the high school choirs and ensembles.

Summer employment included performing as an entertainer at Idlewild Park. We would perform up to six shows daily. I call it paying my dues...but realize that it was invaluable training. I was also involved in National

performed in numerous productions around the U.S. Most memorable roles include Nellie in South Pacific, Louise in Gypsy, and Charity in Sweet Charity. I moved to New York City and began landing roles in National Tours. I toured nationally and internationally in My Fair Lady, Singing in the Rain and Grease. In addition to musical theater, I landed a commercial agent and began working in television commercials and print ads.

I have worked in that capacity for companies such as American Express, Sony, Met Life, Macy’s, Pfizer, and Procter & Gamble. I also had the good fortune to work a bit on the soap operas All My Children and One Life to Live.

I just recently completed the national tour of Wonderful Town in the role that Rosalind Russell created, “Ruth Sherwood. I was fortunate enough to play in Uniontown and was touched by the friends and family that came out to support the show.

(LMP): How is life in NYC?

Forensics League, and Glenn Cavanaugh helped me to polish my skills in humorous and dramatic interpretation. I competed and really began to understand how to perform monologues. Glenn was instrumental in helping me put together material to audition for the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts. As a junior, I was one of the twenty students accepted. I knew upon completion of that summer program that I would major in theater at Penn State University.

I earned my BFA in theater from Penn State and headed for my first professional contract the day after graduation. I was hired by Regency Cruise Lines as an entertainer and toured Alaska, Hawaii, and South America. I continued to work in the theater, mainly summer stock, and

(Ms. Damp): Most actors I know have other jobs to support themselves while pursuing the next gig. I work at The St. Regis Hotel. The steady income helps to pay for all of the classes and the expenses one can incur in this business, not to mention the rent.

(LMP): What are the frustrating aspects of working in the acting field?

(Ms. Damp): Acting is a challenging profession. Our professors at Penn State told us “If there is anything else in the world that you could happily see yourself doing... do IT!” Unfortunately talent only plays a small role in a successful career.

You must have a deep belief in your talent, confidence, and a business and marketing degree wouldn’t hurt either. Convincing others to hire you is a big part of this business. Education is extremely important. I believe LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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that some of the best actors are curious people.

(LMP): What advice do you have for young hopefuls just starting in the business?

(Ms. Damp): To all of the youngsters about to embark on a career in the theater: Take an interest in those around you, become a keen observer of life and most importantly, continue to hone your craft. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

(LMP): What would you like to be doing in 5 years?

(Ms. Damp): In five years . . . I’d like to see my name on a Broadway Marquee. My own sitcom would be fine, but I certainly wouldn’t turn down a movie script starring opposite Diane Keaton or George Clooney.

A girl can dream can’t she . . .

My Mom, sisters and I agree that New York is a fun and fascinating city and are looking forward to returning there for more shopping, eating, and performances! We feel, like

others have commented, that while it is a great place to visit, we would not live there. In contrast, Debbie believes that NYC is the best place to live and work.

She cannot imagine being anywhere else than the Big Apple.

Hopefully, someday, on another visit to NYC, we will see her name on Broadway . . . Break a leg, Deb!!

Local Resources for youth: • Stage Right- view a plethora of classes offered at their websitestagerightgreensburg.com or call 724-832-7464. Productions for 2008 include Forever Plaid and Cats.

• Valley Players of Ligonier at Ligonier Theater, valleyplayers.org or 724-238-6514. Upcoming shows include There Goes th Bride and Foxfire.

• Darlene’s Dance Studio, Loyalhanna, 724-537-2727 • Laurel Valley Academy of Dance, 724-537-6196 • Susan Yadamec Dance Co. of Greensburg, 724-838-7570 • Jean Cooke Dance Studio, Jeannette, 724-468-0050 • Center Stage Dance Co., Latrobe, 724-532-3660 • Laverdierre’s Studio of Dance, Delmont, 724-468-0050.

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January/February 2008 - 5

TAKE IT ON FAITH Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc.

While You Are Sleeping Secure Tonight . . .

Many people will crawl into bed tonight and snuggle in for a good night’s rest. But approximately 744,000 people in the United States will go without such “luxuries.”

Not having access to shelter is an issue for people throughout every community and reaches far beyond the boundaries of socioeconomics, stereotypes, and faith. It is for these reasons that shelters, such as the Union Mission, become such important assets to a community. The Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc. is a Christian organization that provides a temporary haven to men in need and assists them in building inter-dependent relationships. We assist over a hundred men per year, and over the past years have seen how the need for help transcends into every crevice of society. More than just a place to rest their head, we offer refuge, hope, and opportunity to those who truly need help to begin putting the broken pieces of their life back in order.

The supportive services that the Union Mission offers each resident are imperative in this life-rebuilding process. Weekly, professional counseling allows men to begin to rebuild their concepts of themselves; life-skills training educates them

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for practical, real-world application (i.e. balancing a checkbook, budgeting, cooking, etc.); case management provides them with

stabilization needed to maintain their motivation; and the environment of the Mission allows our men to build character, morality, and bonds of friendship and family. Through these mechanisms, we are able to provide a “stepping stone” to the men of the Mission to help them reach their goals and return as productive, respectful members of the community.

Spirituality plays an important role at the Union Mission. The Christian faith is what drives our program and all of those involved. The men we serve are often dealing with faith that has been challenged during the plights of their current situation. Through weekly spiritual discussions, regular prayer, and through modeling we try to help our residents enliven their spirituality and reintroduce hope and love into their lives. We believe we cannot worship, Jesus, a homeless man, on Sunday and ignore one walking our streets on Monday. “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Mat 8:20) Jesus himself faced homelessness during his three years of ministry and has not only lived in the shoes of our men, enduring their suffering, but He has left us His Word to live by; “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Mat 25:35-36) The Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc. took in our first resident in 1987 and since then has

helped over 1800 men. We offer sixty days of residential care, consisting of our supportive services, three meals per day, personal care products, and a bed to sleep in. Of the 113 men we helped in 2006, 26 entered into independent living, 20 returned to family or friends, and 10 moved to other facilities.

We were also able to help 16 transient men on their path to somewhere else.

72/113 or 63.7% of the men were able to reach their goals for housing as they transitioned out of the Mission program.

But more important is the life foundation our program helps residents develop.

We introduce our men to the idea of living an interdependent, selfsufficient lifestyle. We want them to understand that it is acceptable to ask for help from others, but that they will be held accountable for their decisions and actions that also affect others. We offer six months of aftercare counseling to our residents and invite them to return for meals, discussion groups, and casual visits to keep them rooted at the Mission, allowing us the opportunity to continue interacting with them.

It is through community support that we are able to continue as a “stepping stone” for men in need, and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Looking ahead to next year, the Mission needs to raise an additional $14,000 to continue its day-to-day operations. Also, we need continued in-kind support. Items such as towels, wash cloths, underwear, socks, and personal care items are running low.

We are currently working on introducing community service into our program and will need volunteers to make it happen. The Mission will need assistance in securing projects and supervising our men as they go out to do these good works.

As you snuggle into your bed tonight, we hope you take some time to reflect on the men who need your help at the Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc., and we encourage you to reach into your hearts to find the particular, special way you might help.

– Dan Carney, Executive Director

Union Mission of Latrobe

P.O. Box 271 2217 East Harrison Avenue Latrobe, PA 15650 724-539-3550 unionmissionoflatrobe@mail.com www.unionmissionlatrobe.org

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Bill and Louise Cardille sat on stage during the tribute event.

Chilly Billy Celebrates 50 Years on Pittsburgh Radio & Television!

1320 WJAS and WPXI-TV Channel 11 co-hosted an event celebrating Bill Cardille's 50th Anniversary on Pittsburgh Radio and Television on Saturday November 10th at the Byham Theater. 1,000 of Chilly's friends and fans gathered to enjoy music by Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, Harold Betters, The Marcels and about a dozen other local artists and musicians. Interspersed between the acts were great film clips of Bill hosting Chiller Theater, The Money Movie, Dance Party and so many other shows that appeared on Channel 11 through the years.

Among his friends who spoke were former World Wrestling Champion Bruno Sammartino, By Williams, Terminal Stare and Little Stevie from Chiller Theater. WJAS' Mike McGann produced and emceed the tribute, dur-

ing which KDKA-TV news anchor Paul Martino, the current president of AFTRA, announced a new broadcast excellence award in Bill Cardille's name. Following November's gala, Allegheny County Council presented "Chilly Billy" with a proclaimation saluting him for all he's done in the community. And in March 2008, Bill will be presented the Frank A. Santamaria Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame. Bill Cardille is not only a legend and a hometown hero, he is as nice off the air as he is while on WPXI-TV and weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on 1320 WJAS Radio. Bill has done so much charitable work in Pittsburgh that the list is too long to print.

He's best known as the local TV host of the Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon which still airs on WPXI-TV.

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General Motors' Chevrolet Volt is designed to go 40 miles on just its batteries.

It also has an onboard gasoline-powered internal-combustion engine that can recharge it on the fly. (Courtesy General Motors)

EARTH TALK Questions and Answers About Our Environment We’ve all seen the current generation of hybrid cars, but what vehicles do the automakers have coming out that are even greener?

No longer just the domain of the Japanese, greener cars are forthcoming from just about all of the major automakers. Toyota will improve on its hot-selling Prius by adding a plug so owners can juice up the batteries overnight and make it at least six miles before switching over to the car’s gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. Toyota’s president hinted that the plug-in hybrid, though still in the prototype stage, could attain double the fuel efficiency of the current Prius, which gets 46 miles per gallon.

While gas-electric hybrids are all the rage today, carmakers are also looking at other technologies, though none are on the market yet. Mitsubishi’s new concept car, the iMiEV, runs for more than 120 miles exclusively on electricity stored in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and sports small electric motors on each of the front wheels, as well as another propelling both back wheels. Nissan is also getting into electrics with its Mixim concept car, which can reportedly go 155 miles on a single rapid-charge (20-40 minutes only). While Nissan says it has the technology to mass-produce the Mixim today, costs remain too high to make feasible from a marketplace perspective.

General Motors (GM) recently released a prototype of its futuristic Chevrolet Volt. This concept car is designed to go 40 miles on just its batteries, but it has an onboard gasolinepowered internal-combustion engine (not connected to the wheels) that can recharge it on the fly. GM hopes to make the Volt available to consumers within three years, but because of slow lithium-ion battery development, competitors wonder if such a timeline is too ambitious.

On the fuel-cell front, Honda already has a few dozen of its zero-emission hydrogenpowered 2007 FCX sedans on the road, and plans to lease 100 or so more of the sleeker 2008 model. Honda will only lease the vehicles to a few lucky individuals, since each FCX costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to produce.

General Motors is launching a “test” fleet of a 100 fuel-cell powered Chevrolet Equinox SUVs in select cities across the U.S. in 2008.

The company will also set up hydrogen refueling stations in the same locales. The program will last two years and GM engineers hope to glean important information on how to improve its fuel cells to perform better at lower cost.

South Korea’s Hyundai is also getting involved in fuel cells, launching a U.S. test fleet of some 300 of its Tucson SUVs. The company also recently unveiled its i-Blue concept car, a decidedly space-age vehicle that reportedly can cover 372 miles before needing to refuel. The company says that it will put fuel cells into mass production by 2015, if not sooner.

Automakers are responding to growing environmental concerns—and consumer demand—by producing vehicles that our grandparents would not recognize as cars. The dream of futuristic vehicles may just yet become a reality.

CONTACTS: Toyota, www.toyota.com; Mitsubishi, www.mitsubishi.com; Nissan, www.nissanusa.com; General Motors, www.gm.com; Honda, http:// automobiles.honda.com; Hyundai, www.hyundaimotor.com.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk @emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/ archives.php.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Skiing with Dinosaurs

by JB Rossi

As I look all around at the beauty and innocence of all the white snow, I am reminded of another time in history not so far back when beauty and innocence got me into a little bit of trouble. The abundance of this white stuff and the pursuit of beauty caused an unfortunate little incident. Maybe I should start at the beginning.

As a young girl, I grew up in a small town near Gettysburg. For those who are unfamiliar with that part of the state, it is a rather flat and not so snowy area. Although I was the product of two Canadians, there was not much opportunity to experience the winter activities such as snowboarding or downhill skiing. We occupied our time during the cold months with indoor ice skating, cross country snowshoeing, and snuggling by the fire.

Shortly after moving back to this area, I met and fell in love with an exquisite specimen of the male race. A real Charmer! So when this handsome hunk invited me to go skiing with him, my lack of downhill skiing knowledge and experience did not stop me. I enthusiastically accepted the invitation. My mind pictured the two of us snuggled together by the fire, sipping a mug of hot chocolate, and discussing our future together.

At that point I thought about telling him that I did not know how to ski, but the words seemed to get stuck in my throat, especially when another female friend of his walked up, gave him a big friendly hug, and asked if he was heading to the mountain for the weekend. I wasn’t about to let this little snow bunny steal my dream away.I intertwined my arm with his and expressed my enthusiasm about the upcoming skiing weekend we would be spending alone together on the top of the mountain.

When I got home, my roommates were thrilled for me but questioned how I was going to pull off this feat. I shared with them my vision of the weekend snuggling by the fire. “But what if he really does want to ski?” asked one of the girls.

(You know there is always that one person you can count on to burst your bubble.)

I simply reminded her of my theory that half the battle in achieving success in any new sport is having the right equipment.

So we all headed to the ski shop to make my purchases. No, I’m not Every Story Begins At Home.

talking about skis necessarily. I’m talking about the perfect “outfit”.

The only skier that I was familiar with was Suzy Chapstick, the beautiful, tall, slim blonde model who advertised Chapstick brand lip balm. Suzy explained the benefits of her lip balm as she stood on the slopes in an all white snowsuit with pink trim and matching pink accessories. To me, Suzy was the epitome of the ultimate skiing date. So after spending two hours and a lot of money, I came out of the store looking just like “Suzy Chapstick”, or so I hoped. I headed toward the mountain.

When I arrived, I was greeted not only by my date but by about twenty of his friends, both male and female, all dressed in jeans and assorted ski jackets. Not one wore a snowsuit. Everyone had their skis on and was ready to hit the slopes. When questioned as to the location of my skis, I simply made up an excuse about a bad wax job and asked if it was possible to rent the equipment I needed. When they walked me to the rental shop, I realized that these people were actually serious about this skiing thing. I might actually have to do this unfamiliar activity. Maybe now I should fess up about my lack of experience.

I looked around the group and saw at least five great looking, athletic, eager women ready to hit the slopes with my dream date. If they could do it, so could I. After all, I was also young, somewhat athletic, and eager to learn. Besides, how hard could this sport be?

The entire weekend was one disaster followed by another. At the ski rental shop, I was sent to the children’s area to try on boots because my feet were too small to fit into adult-sized boots that were left. How embarrassing! I ended up with bright orange ski boots and a set of very short skis with smiling dinosaurs on them.

After laughing for about ten minutes, my date helped me put on the equipment and we headed toward the lift. Within two steps, I fell three times. This was not exactly the sexy Suzy Chapstick image I was hoping to portray.

Suddenly he grabbed me around the waist, tossed me onto the chair lift, and pulled down the safety bar. During the serenity of the five minute ride, I decided it was time to make my confession.

I explained in detail my background, my lack of skiing experience, and my eagerness to try this new activity if this is something he enjoyed doing.

As we neared the end of the lift, he warned me to “keep my tips up.”

Then he lifted the safety bar, kissed me quick, and pushed me right off the chair!

Thank goodness I had a lot of gymnastic experience. My skis fell off, my poles went flying, and I tumbled down the small incline landing face first into a pile of fresh, wet, cold snow. Boy, was this fun or what!?!

Always a gentleman, he helped me back up and apologized for having to shove me off the lift. He said that because I had talked so much about my lack of experience that he didn’t have time to explain how to get off the lift.

The next hour went very smoothly I thought. He explained his technique to me and I listened very intently. I learned about making pizzas and stem christie brinkleys with my skis. But every time I tried to put the theory into practice, I landed either face-down in the snow or flat on my back with two smiling dinosaurs staring back at me. He was patient, supportive, and extremely bored. I finally suggested that he go on ahead of me and leave me to practice on the top of the slope. I would then rendezvous with him back at the lodge within the hour. Although he protested somewhat, he decided that that was a good plan.

Off he went.

Two hours later, as I sat on the top of the mountain about 200 feet from where he left me, I decided that I needed help. So I flagged down a young man with a Ski Patrol vest on. I explained my situation to him and he was kind enough to ski down to the lodge to let my date know that I was still on the slopes and was ready to get helped down.

Thinking that my date would come back up and join me, I waited for another hour. By this time it was starting to get a little dark and cold. The lights came on, the snow began to fall, and the wind picked up. Still, I waited. Perhaps the lift line was really long. I continued to wait. No sign of him. Maybe he went to the wrong slope to find me. By now I was really getting cold and wet. But I was sure that he would be up for me anytime now.

Then I saw that young Ski Patrol boy with whom I had sent my message. I flagged him down again.

When he came over, the young man told me that he had indeed relayed my exact message. He told my date that I was still skiing on the slopes and would be down when I was ready. My jaw dropped. Did I look like I was skiing? How could he have gotten my message so wrong? Before I could ask him for help, he was out-of-sight.

I was truly on my own now. It was up to me to get myself out of this mess. I placed the smiling dinosaurs side-by-side, squatted, and started to slide down the hill.

Another hour passed but I had still not made much progress. I was exhausted. My toes and fingers were frozen and aching horribly. I flagged down another ski patrolman.

Before I could talk him out of it, the young man sent out his distress signal. Within minutes an entire rescue crew arrived via snowmobile. They suggested that I ride down in the medical sled that was attached to the back of the vehicle. It would have just been too embarrassing to ride down with the rescue crew without having some sort of injury. A broken leg would have been too much, so I bribed them into just putting a small splint on my hand. Although reluctant, they finally agreed.

As the rescue crew pulled into the lodge area, my date skied up to greet me. His cheeks were deep red and wind burned. He looked so relieved to have found me.

Apparently, he had been up and down all the slopes looking for me for hours. He threw his skis off, lifted me up out off the rescue sled, and carried me into the lodge.

We spent the rest of the weekend curled up by a warm fire, sipping hot cocoa, and talking about the future. It was amazing how fast my hand healed by the warmth of his.

Twenty-five years later, we still continue to ski together. I do a run on the bunny slope and he skis the black diamond with the kids. When my son was old enough to start skiing, we rented his equipment. You can imagine the look on our faces when he came out of the rental shop with the smiling dinosaur skis! Thank goodness he had better luck with them than I did!

January/February 2008 - 9

FOCUS ON CHILDREN Laura A. Jana, MD

Preventing and Treating Kids’ Stomachaches: Separating the Truths from the Tall Tales As many parents know, the words “my stomach hurts” can mean lots of different things, from sour stomach and acid indigestion to discomfort associated with stress or overeating. Each type of stomach complaint has a host of so-called “remedies” to go with it, but how is a parent to know the difference between the tall tales from the truths? Laura A. Jana, M.D., pediatrician and author, offers her professional advice on preventing and treating children’s tummy aches.

Children cannot get heartburn.

Myth. Children, just like adults, can experience the effects of acid indigestion. More commonly known as heartburn, acid indigestion can be caused by the contents of the stomach backing up into the esophagus. Heartburn in children can be caused by something as simple as lying down after eating. To help prevent this from happening, parents should make sure that their child is eating at least two to three hours before bedtime. Parents should also be aware that certain foods and beverages can result in acid indigestion more often than others and include fried or fatty foods, foods with high acid content, beverages with caffeine and many others.

My child can get an upset stomach from overeating.

Truth. No matter what a child eats – from chicken nuggets and French fries to apples and cheese– overindulgence of any food is a fast way for him or her to get a painful stomachache.

This is especially true with rich foods that are high in sugar and/or fat. They tend to leave the stomach very slowly, resulting in a full, bloated feeling that can often progress to a tummy ache.

My child’s upset stomach is not serious enough to treat with medicine.

Myth. First and foremost, parents should consult with a physician to determine the seriousness of their child’s stomachache. When a child’s stomachache is determined to be caused by acid indigestion from certain foods, stress or emotions, there is a safe, effective, fast acting treatment now available in the form of TUMS® KidsTM. It’s also an excellent source of calcium, so not only can it help kids feel better fast, it’s also good for them. According to the results of a recent survey, half of all children have upset stomach resulting from overindulgence, acid indigestion, sour stomach or the like at least once a month, but approximately two-thirds of parents do not treat these upset stomachs.

Chewing gum after eating may help prevent a stomachache.

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Truth. Chewing gum may seem like a nasty habit, but it can help prevent a child’s stomachache. When chewed after a meal, gum may actually reduce acid reflux and therefore prevent a child’s upset stomach.

Stress can lead to a child’s stomachache.

Truth. Children experience stress and anxiety from a variety of sources. The pressures of doing homework, trying out for a team, fitting in with peers and, more significantly, taking that dreaded math test, are just some of the stresses that children may face. Unfortunately, stress can have a negative impact on a child’s body, affecting everything from hormone production to the nervous system. Stress can also produce excess stomach acid in a child’s stomach, which can result in an upset tummy. Neutralizing the excess acid with an antacid like TUMS Kids can help quickly ease the discomfort. It’s also an excellent source of calcium, so not only does it help kids feel better fast, it can also be nutritionally good for them.

Flat ginger ale helps relieve a stomachache.

Truth. Pure ginger, in the form of candied root, is known for easing stomach pains, which means that other foods and drinks with ginger may also work, including ginger soda, ginger snaps and ginger candy. Not all ginger ale, however, has pure ginger in it so check the label.

If a child eats raw cookie dough and gets a stomachache, it means she has food poisoning.

Myth. Not necessarily. It is true that her stomachache could be a symptom of Salmonella poisoning, because certain uncooked foods, including the eggs in raw cookie dough, may carry the Salmonella bacteria. However, most people experience additional symptoms of Salmonella poisoning that can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours after the contaminated food was eaten, and symptoms usually disappear within four to seven days. If a child eats raw cookie dough, it’s possible that she will develop a stomachache – especially when not associated with other symptoms – simply because of the high sugar intake or because she overindulged.

There are no safe over-the-counter remedies to ease a child’s occasional upset stomach.

Myth. It’s best to treat children with medicines specifically labeled with children’s dosages, and there are several such over-the-counter remedies for easing a child’s upset stomach.

The fact that new TUMS® KidsTM is designed to both safely and quickly neutralize the acid that may cause a child’s upset stomach and serve as an excellent source of calcium means that it helps kids feel better and can also be good for them. Its Cherry Blast flavor and smooth texture also play an important role in making it easier for kids to take.

Constipation can cause mild to severe stomachaches in children.

Truth. A very common cause of ongoing stomachaches that parents often overlook is constipation, which can cause serious discomfort. While it is not necessary for children to move their bowels every day, if stools are hard and infrequent, a child may feel uncomfortable or experience actual stomach pain. Fortunately, parents can usually help prevent and relieve constipation in children by simply making sure the child is eating a well-rounded, high-fiber diet. Too many starchy, low-fiber, constipating foods, such as cheese, milk, bread and pasta are just a few examples of foods that can lead to constipation. If changes to a child’s diets do not continued on page 30

10 - January/February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

American Red Cross and Wendy’s Restaurant Team Up for 2008

Cold

It’s

Outside.

Union Mission of Latrobe P.O. Box 271, 2217 East Harrison Avenue Latrobe, PA 15650 724-539-3550 www.unionmissionlatrobe.org

Many people will crawl into bed tonight and snuggle in for a good night’s rest. But approximately 744,000 people in the United States will go without such “luxuries.”

The Union Mission of Latrobe, Inc. is a Christian organization that provides a temporary haven to local men in need More than just a place to rest their head, we offer refuge, hope, and opportunity to those who truly need help to begin putting the broken pieces of their life back in order.

Reach into your hearts and find a way to help.

LATROBE – Imagine receiving a free Jr. Frosty every time you visit Wendy’s for an entire year. For a small charitable donation, you can have this sweet holiday gift that keeps giving.

Customers can purchase a Frosty Key Tag at participating area Wendy’s for $1, then simply show the tag when ordering at Wendy’s any time through Dec. 31, 2008 and receive a free Jr. Frosty. Proceeds from the purchase of each Frosty Key Tag will benefit the American Red Cross Southwest Pennsylvania Region and The Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division.

“For just $1, you can help support two charitable organizations and receive a free Jr. Frosty every time you visit Wendy’s for an entire year,” said Marlene Petro, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter. “This comes just in time for the holidays; Frosty Key Tags make great stocking stuffers.”

This limited offer is available at the Latrobe Thirty Plaza Wendy’s location. The promotion is not valid with any other offer.

The American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter, serves Latrobe, Ligonier Borough, Ligonier Twp, Derry Borough, Derry Twp, New Alexandria, Unity Twp, Youngstown, Allegheny Twp, Arnold, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, Lower and Upper Burrell, New Kensington, Oklahoma Borough, Washington Twp, and West Leechburg.

The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected. Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest U.S. supplier of blood and blood products. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work.

www.laurelfia.org

The celebration of Groundhog Day began with Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states, “For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day, so far will the snow swirl in May...” Punxsutawney held its first Groundhog Day in the 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was made on February 2, 1887.

Our Mission is to enhance the quality of life for persons 60 years and older who reside in the Greater Latrobe and Ligonier Areas by providing companionship and assistance.

Volunteer caregivers are trained to assist elderly individuals with the following: • Transportation • Errands • Caregiver relief • Friendly visiting and telephone calls • Correspondence • Small household repairs and chores • Yard Work • Link with other community services We are all called to reach out and help our neighbor. Knowing who to help and how to help is sometimes a greater challenge that helping, though. The Laurel Area Faith in Action program makes it easy for all to help.

We ask volunteers to commit just two hours per week and we provide great flexibility — you choose what you want to do and when you can do it. Get involved today!

Every Story Begins At Home.

January/February 2008 - 11

REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill

She Had Me At Hedy Lamarr: “When We Get There” Author Shauna Seliy Having devoured and enjoyed countless classic and modern fictional masterpieces in my lifetime, somewhere along the way I lost my appetite for novels.

Although I continued to spend a fair share of my income on books, less and less of it was spent on invented literary works. Fortunately, there were Christopher Buckley’s spicy satires and the zesty chestnuts of P. G. Wodehouse to brighten my reading hours. But, too often writers of contemporary fiction seemed to be serving up the same tales in more and more tasteless ways. Biographies are what I actually crave – real stories about real people. (I take a pass on most

autobiographies due to authorial editing of the subject matter.)

Shauna Seliy’s When We Get There (Bloomsbury, 2007) is a novel, yet it resonates with realism.

Adolescent Lucas Lessar lives and tries to breathe in mid-1970s Banning, PA – a fictional mining community much like local Yukon where the author spent several of her childhood years. Lucas is dangling between childhood and manhood, struggling with the absence of both parents (his father has died in a mining explosion and 12 - January/February 2008

his mother has gone missing), and dealing with family issues of imperfect life and impending death.

Integrating fibers of Eastern European folklore, food, language and music into her narrative, Ms. Seliy weaves a Croatian-American tapestry that expertly meshes the warp of the vanishing coal and coke industry with the weft of the evolving lives of the village inhabitants.

I was motivated to read this book in part because I am acquainted with relatives of the author. I was also quite taken with and intrigued by the evocative book cover I had seen in advertisements and bookstore displays. When I read on page 5, “My father always thought that my mother looked like Hedy Lamarr,” I almost choked on my morning cup of creamed caffeine. (Hedy and I go way back.

She’s at the very top of my short list of Hollywood Golden Era Beauties and before her death I had toyed with the idea of paying her a social call in an Orlando suburb.)

As I continued to read, I realized that this was a novel with promise.

you fortunate enough to have a research assistant?

*****

SS: When I was first writing the book, I didn’t think about the exact years in which it was set. I was just trying to figure out the story.

But, the more I learned about the

LMP: The name of the artist colony Yaddo is a child’s pronunciation of the word “shadow.” Writers such as Katharine Anne Porter, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, and John Cheever all lived and wrote there at one time or another. Did the “shadows” of the American literary greats loom large when you were in residence?

SS: I didn’t have an assistant, but my dad grew up in a coal mining town and both of his grandfathers were coal miners. Over the years he’s passed a lot of information down to me. I did do research, but I think a lot of what actually ended up in the book came from stories I heard from him.

LMP: Writers often write about what they know best. How “personalized” is your debut novel?

SS: My grandmother lives in Yukon, PA, a small former coal mining town, with a Croatian club and a Slovenian Hall. The town in the book really grew out of my memories of Yukon.

LMP: The story of Lucas Lessar and his family takes place in the mid1970s when you were just a youngster in Yukon. Do you feel you are a person who could (or even should) have lived in another moment in time?

characters the more they seemed at a slight remove from the present. Somewhere in the process I got interested in the time when the big coal and steel industries started to disappear.

They had made the place what it was. When I was a kid driving down to Pittsburgh, I would always look at the flames shooting out of the Jones and Laughlin steel mill.

When the mills started closing down I was still too young to understand really what that meant, but even then I had the uneasy sense that something big was happening.

LMP: Please tell us how the arresting cover image for WWGT (Getty Images) was chosen.

SS: My editor at Bloomsbury suggested that I send some pictures to give the designers an idea about what I thought might make for an interesting cover. I went to the Getty image bank website and searched for things that were in the book - coal, a boy, pears, trees, and at some point this black and white photograph came up of someone holding a pear. I sent it to my editor along with another picture that I liked and I think just a few days later they sent me the cover as it is now.

SS: The main feeling I had at Yaddo was that I’d really lucked out. It’s such a great place to work. I was there in the winter. There were deep drifts of snow everywhere, so it was really quiet and completely beautiful (and a little spooky).

LMP: There was a good deal of coal and coke industry technical knowledge incorporated into the text of When We Get There. Were

Yukon, PA - prototype for the community of Banning in When We Get There.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

featuring the White Swan Tea Room

Ristorante • Catering Service 181 East Brown Street Blairsville, PA 15717 Betti Skirboll, Owner Phone: (724) 459-7145 www.piecucina.com

...because it’s simply wonderful here!

Grandma Irene Seliy and Shauna at the Croatian Club in Yukon.

LMP: Your book began as a short story created for a writing workshop. Why did you choose to make the narrator a 13 year-old boy and not a 13 yearold girl?

SS: What happened was really like a kind of detective story for me. I didn’t initially set out to write a book about a boy. It started with a really short piece I wrote – maybe three pages – about a boy named Lucas who lived with his grandmother. Sometimes he would sleep on the floor in her room and they would listen to baseball games on the radio. In the writing class people asked me, “Well, where are his parents?” I didn’t really know.

I hadn’t thought about it. So then I went back and wrote another story about him, and tried to figure out what had happened to his parents. With each piece I wrote I learned more about him and also more questions would come up, so then I’d write another story. This went on for years.

LMP: I have to ask. What is your favorite Hedy Lamarr movie? (I tend to favor Samson and Delilah. Hedy dressed by Edith Head and adored by Victor Mature – who could ask for anything more?)

SS: To tell the truth I haven’t seen many Hedy Lamarr movies. Although there is a person in my family who I’d heard different people over the years say looked like Hedy Lamarr when she was young. At the time I didn’t really know who Hedy Lamarr was. Then I came across a picture of her in a magazine. I’m not sure what the article was about, but – wow – she was so interesting looking. Of course, she’s one of the great beauties of American cinema. She has a real mysterious look about her – brooding, secret keeping. When I started to Every Story Begins At Home.

write about Lucas’s mother, I thought of her immediately.

LMP: You are obviously attuned to music. You were a Tamburitzan in your younger days and often reference the songs of the Eastern Europeans in your novel. Do you feel this connection accounts for your “linguistic lyricism” when creating dialogue?

SS: I thought about music a lot when I was writing the book, and I listened to a lot of it – all kinds of music – including traditional Croatian Tamburitzan music and the Balkan brass band music that’s referred to in the book. If it comes through in any way in the writing, that’s great.

LMP: I suspect that there was more than a little of Shauna Seliy in the character Helen. Am I correct?

(Helen is a wisecracking young lady a few years older than the protagonist.)

SS: Actually, Helen was a really fun character to write because she’s nothing like me.

LMP: Grandparents steal the show and show the way in WWGT. How

Abandoned mine building in the Yukon area.

significantly did grandparents figure in your life?

SS: Huge. I can’t possibly say enough about them. They were larger than life to me when I was growing up with personalities that I think are really rare – astonishingly tough people that have been through a lot, but at the same time so warm and loving.

LMP: I have read many words of praise for your novel including accomplished, remarkable, and impressive. In a word – how did you feel when you received your first copy of WWGT? SS: I’d wanted to write a book since sometime around third grade, so that was really a good day when I saw the first copy.

The novelist and her parents, Mimi Falbo and Stephen Seliy, at a party for her debut book.

LMP: Would you care to share any particulars about your current or future literary projects?

SS: I have a couple of stories that I’m working on. They are really in amoeba form right now, so there isn’t much to say about them.

LMP: What might possibly lure you back to our area to live once again?

SS: I live in Chicago now and it’s the first time in a long while that I’ve been in a different time zone from PA. I always try to stay close and my imagination seems to have never really left. ***** Shauna Seliy has given us a novel that is lovely to look at, delightful to read and definitely fulfills its promise. A heavenly combination like this could make a “fiction believer” of this reader once again.

Photos by Stephen Seliy

January/February 2008 - 13

Exercise, Anyone?

by Jennifer Smoker LINDA EARNEST MARGARET DIVIRGILIO 646 S. URANIA AVE. GREENSBURG, PA 15601

724-834-2020

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Roses symbolize love, and romance . . .

Red for passion, Yellow for friendship and White for true love and devotion.

Heather & Bob Kuban Owners

14 - January/February 2008

It’s the New Year and like many, each year I resolve to get in shape. When I was a kid it was all so easy. We had neighborhood kick ball games, tag, hopscotch and our bikes to ride. We were always running around doing something! These days, it’s a different kind of running. Between the work schedule, household chores and family, there’s barely enough time to breathe let alone exercise.

So why make the effort? According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise increases stamina, alleviates stress and depression, boosts the immune system, strengthens the heart, reduces the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. (www.maoyclinic.com). In fact, the BBC reports that regular exercise slows the aging process (www.bbc.co.uk). All excellent reasons to jump on the fitness band wagon but I’m just vain enough to admit that my main motivation stems from my absolute refusal to surrender to that next (larger) clothing size. The problem is I start a program with the best of intentions and then (after a few weeks) look for every excuse not to follow through.

So, I posed the question to Rob Phillips, Owner and Certified Martial Arts Instructor at the Shaiolin Tiger Self Defense Studio in Irwin, Why can’t I stick with an exercise routine? Rob explains that in the Shaiolin Philosophy the student starts out formless with no direction, unsure of what to do, gains form as they learn then returns to being formless when no longer required to think about what to do. They just do it. Exercise follows the same process, without a plan you won’t stick with anything.

Okay, the first step is to establish a plan.

Start with a goal. What do you hope to accomplish? (Lose weight? Get healthy?)

Choose activities you enjoy. Variety keeps boredom at bay. Schedule a time into each day and set up a support system (Your friends, family or even an online buddy) Rob also suggests writing down what you do to track your progress. This will not only help you pace yourself but will act as a motivator on those days your tempted to quit.

What are the key components to an effective workout? Before you begin and after you complete your workout it is important to stretch. Stretching for 5 to 10 minutes serves to prepare the body for exercise, promotes flexibility and decreases your chance of injury. Proper breathing also plays an important role. Consciously breathing deeply during exercise oxygenates the body.

Helping the heart to operate efficiently and in turn the muscles. Next, consider the activity itself. The idea is to get moving.

Aerobic exercise, defined as any long duration (about 20 minutes) exercise of low to moderate difficulty using the large muscle

groups of the body, provides optimal fitness. (www.newellness.com) Strength training should also be incorporated into your workout due to the fact that muscle mass diminishes as we age. The American Heart Association and the College of Sports Medicine recommend at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 days a week and 2 days of strength training. When you are just beginning an exercise program its important to start out slowly and build up to the 30 minutes. Also, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any exercise program (www.mayoclinic.com).

Does this mean I can never take a break from my fitness regimen? Rob recommends working through the general soreness associated with exercise but cautions that you need to listen to your body. If you are experiencing actual pain you need to stop.

Otherwise, stay with the program until it becomes a habit. Only take a “vacation” when you are in a positive frame of mind in regards to your routine. You’ll find that you will be more than ready to resume when you return.

As with anything it is always good to seek a second opinion or in this case a different perspective. I recently sat down with Greensburg Native Christine Sumner, a Registered Yoga Instructor Certified by The Himalayan Institute Teacher’s Association and Author of the Children’s book I Can Be: A Child’s Whimsical Introduction to Yoga, to discuss her take on fitness. While in agreement with Rob and my research findings, Christine views Yoga as a nice complement to any exercise program. The practice of Yoga focuses on self-awareness and self-acceptance. The yoga poses help limber the body, build upper body strength, calm the nervous system, promote better sleep and help with balance and coordination.

Christine also believes that exercise/ yoga should be a family activity. She has been doing the various yoga poses with her own son since he was a baby. “Children are such naturals at Yoga.” In her book, she teaches children and their parents the various yoga poses by engaging the imagination, encouraging kids to arch like the cat, buzz like a bee and hug like a bear among others.

It’s just a lot of fun! As it should be.

We should all strive to live up to our greatest potential just by being who we are and letting our light shine. Being fit is part of ensuring that we get the most out of what life has to offer! So, Come On…. Exercise, Everyone!

Find Christine’s book locally at Wisdom and Wellness, LLC Yoga Studio, YWCA and Tommy’s Bookshelf all located in Greensburg, Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and Online at Amazon.com For more information checkout Christine’s web site www.qandjbirdpress.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

You never know what you’re going to get! Mystery Boxes are always a popular fundraiser at the American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter Annual Holiday Gala. Pictured from left are event organizers: Diana Kreiling, Jean Krouse, Dottie Lynch, Barb Fitzmaurice, Marlene Petro (Executive Director).

Red Cross Welcomes A New Year

Get fit and look great in 2008!

Join us for ONE week FREE Classes seven days a week. No contracts.

Call or visit our website for schedules. (offer expires 2/1/08)

LATROBE-DERRY JAZZERCISE Loyalhanna Community Center (Knights of Columbus)

724.244.2869 • latderjazzer@msn.com

With everything from the ambience to the food to the enthusiastic guests donning their best holiday attire, the 17th Annual Holiday Gala hosted by the American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter, was a huge success. It was evident that the volunteers and staff put a great deal of time, talent and energy into making sure every detail was perfect. Their commitment resulted in a record attendance of nearly 240, as well as generating $43,000 in proceeds. Held December 6th at Mt. View Inn, Greensburg, this is the signature event for the Chestnut Ridge Chapter.

“We are thrilled that we exceeded our goal this year, said Marlene Petro, Executive Director. “We were very fortunate to have enlisted the talents of four fantastic committee members, all who dedicated many, many hours to make sure this fundraiser was successful.”

Co-chairs of this event were Dottie Lynch and Jean Krouse.

“We were so pleased with the attendance; we were happy to see some new faces this year. It is our hope that they make attending this event an annual tradition,” said Lynch.

All of the proceeds generated from this fundraiser remain within the Chestnut Ridge service area, which includes: Allegheny Twp, Arnold, Derry Borough, Derry Twp, East Vandergrift, Hyde Park, Latrobe, Ligonier Borough, Ligonier Township, Lower Burrell, New Alexandria, New Kensington, Oklahoma Borough, Upper Burrell, Unity Twp, Youngstown, Washington Twp. and West Leechburg.

“The unique appeal of this fundraiser is that it offers guests many opportunities

to win great prizes through the live and silent auctions, the general and super raffles, and the mystery boxes,” said Krouse. “Everyone loves the mystery boxes – you never know what you are going to get! It really is a lot of fun.”

“It was fun for us to watch everyone having a good time,” commented Barb Fitzmaurice and Diana Kreiling, the remaining committee members.

The Annual Holiday Gala is traditionally held the first Thursday of December.

“The committee and staff are already planning for next year!” said Petro.

The Holiday Gala Committee will have some extra help in planning next year’s event with the addition of a new staff member at Chestnut Ridge. Thanks to the generosity of the community-minded McFeely-Rogers Foundation, Chestnut Ridge was awarded a grant to add the position of Financial Development Director to its already committed staff.

“We are so grateful to the McFeelyRogers Foundation for their commitment to our chapter. This opportunity will enable us to become better financially sound so that we can continue to meet the growing needs of our community,” said Petro. They have been long-time friends of the Red Cross and their support is greatly appreciated.”

Petro said the job opening will be posted on their website at www.redcrosscrc.org. For more information about the American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter, visit their website, or stop in at the Latrobe office at 1816 Lincoln Avenue.

Owner/Instructor Cathy Guerrieri

Every Story Begins At Home.

January/February 2008 - 15

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Miss Maddie’s Gifts & More

Enjoy A Romantic Winter Getaway in Ligonier!

Come stay with us, in our quaint country cottages, nestled in the middle of scenic Laurel Valley – a beautiful setting for a getaway any time of the year!

Ligonier Valley Cottages 75 Lincoln Highway (Route 30) Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-9696 www.ligoniervalley.com

Derry Area High School wins chain reaction competition at Carnegie Science Center Complex machine competition draws more than thirty teams from the region

PITTSBURGH, PA, December 7, 2007 – Today students from 31 regional high schools made their mark on engineering with a convoluted series of pulleys, falling marbles and a lot of ingenuity, competing in Carnegie Science Center’s Chain Reaction Contraption competition. For the past several months, teams have been tinkering away, designing and building a complex machine with one purpose: to draw and erase the letter “X” in the most inefficient manner possible.

The winners are: first place, Derry Area High School from Westmoreland County; second place winner, Belle Vernon Area High School from Westmoreland County; and third place winner, Greater Latrobe Senior High School from Westmoreland County.

Chain Reaction Contraption is part of Carnegie Science Center’s celebration of National Engineers Week.

Built from everyday household items, the students were only lim16 - January/February 2008

ited in their construction by size (no larger than five feet high, three feet wide and two feet long) and a prohibition against the use of plugin electrical equipment or animals. Relying primarily on the general laws of physics to power their machines, and the occasional battery, the machines must include at least 20 steps and take at least 30 seconds to complete the task. Each machine must successfully complete the task at least eight times during the course of the competition.

The 2006 competition, won by Greater Latrobe Senior High School, required students to build a machine to adjust the time of an analog clock back one hour in 20 steps or more.

The Chain Reaction Contraption competition is made possible by the generous support of Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC, and the Engineers Society of Western Pennsylvania.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Crock A Noodle Do! I was recently asked if it were possible to make chicken noodle soup in a crock pot.

My initial answer was, “I generally don’t like noodles that are soggy and have no resiliency when you bite into them, so I wouldn’t recommend it.” A few moments later it occurred to me there’s not much difference in concept between a crock pot and a bain marie (a cylindrical container placed in a hot water bath) most restaurants used to keep their soup warm during service or on a soup & salad bar. The significant difference is the food in a bain marie should be heated to a safe & proper temperature quickly on the stove and then held at a temperature above 140 degrees in the bain marie.

Not many days after I was presented with that question I was doing a dinner party with several courses on the same day that I had a luncheon to take care of as well. Chicken noodle soup was requested for lunch.

Because I only have 4 burners on my stove and I needed all of them most of the day to get ready for the dinner party, I thought I would try finishing the soup in a crock pot to make room on the stove. I am pleased to report the technique worked out beautifully.

Soup, as with most things, is more about a method than a recipe. So I began as I do with virtually every soup: I sautéed the mirepoix (onions, carrots and celery) in the pot, added stock and brought the mixture to a low boil,

then I dropped the chicken breasts into the mix and poached them until they were just cooked through. I removed the chicken to cool before dicing, then added kluski noodles to the mirepoix and stock. When the soup came to a low boil again, I transferred it to the crock pot and added the diced cooked chicken. I let the soup simmer in the crock pot for about an hour before lunch was served.

Because I used thicker noodles they were still resilient to the bite and saturated with the flavor from the stock.

One of the ladies at lunch saw the crock pot and asked me if I had cooked the soup in it.

I told her she was the second person in as many weeks to ask me that question. She told me that she always cooked her soup in a crock pot and had never killed anyone with a foodborne illness. While I do believe her, I still think it’s a good idea to use a crock pot to finish an item than to use it as a replacement for stovetop cooking.

Chicken Noodle Soup 4 large carrots 4 celery stalks 2 large onions 4 T butter 4 chicken breasts 1 gallon chicken stock 1 bag of Kluski noodles 2 T each fresh thyme & parsley Chicken base to flavor instead of adding salt

There Goes The Bride February 1 & 2 and February 8 & 9 at 8:00 PM February 10 at 2:30 PM $12.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors & Students Getting a bride ready for her wedding is always a trying time, but when the bride’s mother is “helped” by interfering relatives, and the bride’s father is in the process of falling in love with a seductive girl that only he can see, the complications that ensue guarantee a wedding to be remembered for everyone involved. There Goes The Bride is a wildly funny farce by the comedy team of Ray Cooney and John Chapman that “has pace, precision, and wit and gets madder and funnier as it goes along.”

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(start with 2 T then adjust to your taste preference)

Ground white pepper to taste Begin by dicing the vegetables into ¼” pieces.

Melt the butter in a large stock pot over medium heat then add the vegetables, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. Then add the stock and bring to a low boil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for approximately 20 minutes or until firm.

Remove chicken breasts and allow to cool for 15 minutes before dicing into ½” pieces.

Add the noodles to the stock and mirepoix, when the soup returns to a low boil add the diced chicken and transfer to preheated crock pot. Taste the broth, add chicken base, white pepper, thyme and parsley. Simmer for at least one hour.

I sincerely hope that you have a glorious new year that’s filled with friends, family and many succulent meals.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Name That Street in Westmoreland County Located along one of the most popularly-named streets in the United States, many locals pass this clock every day . . . do you know where it is? Log on to our website, www.LaurelMountainPost.com, for the answer. (Photo by Beth Caldwell)

January/February 2008 - 17

18 - January/February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THE REC ROOM Jim Kasperik

Take A Hike So I am sure that many of you reading this have heard someone say that to you before.

“Take a hike!” All right, so maybe that someone did not say that to you but rather yelled it at you! But nonetheless many of us have either heard or uttered that phrase. But I would like to discuss it in a much more literal sense.

I am always looking for new ways and quite honestly, more exciting ways to exercise. I thoroughly enjoy running (I know . . . that statement makes no sense to me either, but it is true!!), but sometimes it gets boring. I also enjoy biking, as one of my previous installments has detailed, but when the weather turns in the Laurel Highlands the chance for biking goes significantly downward. So what else is there to do? How about hiking? Not only does the Laurel Highlands area offer some great trails to venture out on, but also if you start to enjoy hiking, that enjoyment can continue almost anywhere in the world.

necessity (especially in the warm months) – water! Once you get out onto the trail, it is blazed approximately every 100 feet (so you will not get lost!) and in addition to that, there are mile markers every mile.

For the serious hikers or people with an adventurous spirit, there are also shelters spread about every 6-10 miles on the trail.

These shelters provide respite for the weary and allow for overnight stays in the great outdoors. If you are planning an overnight hike you must make a reservation with the Park Office to be legal.

The Laurel Highlands Trail There are many trails that people can enjoy in our area, but the one that most are aware of is the Laurel Ridge Hiking Trail. This trail is located in the expansive Laurel Ridge State Park that runs across the Laurel Mountains. The trail itself is a 70-mile trail that runs from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown that is open year round. Yes that’s right…year round! Unlike biking, you can hit the trail any time of the year.

Of course when you hit the trail in the winter, you should be prepared for what Mother Nature brings that time of the year in Western PA!

The Trail has a great deal to offer for novice walkers, the serious hikers and also for a family stroll. The trail is accessible by six different parking lots spread out along the trail and each of these points provides places to load up on a Every Story Begins At Home.

Bridge Over Troubled Water?

A bridge behind the castle on our walk.

View of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.

Hiking All Over the World The great thing about taking up hiking as a sporting activity is that you can continue to participate in it all over the world. In numerous travels for work or fun, I have hiked in many interesting areas. The past year I have taken several trips for recreation and have hiked on trails in such places as Arizona, California and Illinois. One of the best places to hike happens to be quite far away, and that is Germany.

If you know about life in Germany, on Sunday most businesses are closed (except in large cities) and people spend time with family and friends. One of the favorite past times in Germany is taking long walks on the many marked trails that spread across the country.

Not only is it just hiking, but also sometimes it is hiking with a purpose. But what purpose is that? Again, if you know about life in Germany, you are most likely well aware of the national drink of choice! Often groups of friends and family will hike from beer garden to beer garden thus REALLY enjoying a good walk. If golf is a good walk spoiled, hiking in Germany is a good walk made great!

Just recently some friends and I were in Germany and we did some light hiking to go and visit some castles. The scenery is breath-

taking and it makes for a wonderful day. As is the theme many times in my articles, what makes the sporting events I participate in so great is the opportunity it affords me to spend time with friends. Hiking is no different. We spent a day in the German Alps walking, talking and of course stopping to eat and drink the local fare!

An Activity for All Seasons So as we all batten down the hatches and head into the depths of winter in Western PA, keep in mind that there are activities that all of us can participate in year round. One of those activities is hiking and when you begin to enjoy it, you can do it all over the world. So no matter what the weather, get out there and stay active….it will make the winter blues stay away!!!

Jay, Me and Jackson enjoying a quick break in Bavaria.

January/February 2008 - 19

GREEN MEADOWS at Latrobe An Emeritus Assisted Living and Dementia Community

500 Brouwers Drive • Latrobe, PA 15650 724-537-5255 • www.emeritus.com GOD BLESS AMERICA

NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES Brenda Fillmore Perry cell: (724) 396-2001 office: (724) 537-0110 ext. 22 SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! CALL FOR A FREE HOME ANALYSIS On January 3, 1964, Martin Luther King, Jr. appeared on the cover of Time magazine as its Man of the Year.

The State Theatre opened to a packed house in October, 1922. At that time it was hailed as the “largest, finest and most beautiful playhouse in Western Pennsylvania.” The State Theatre was a movie palace and a vaudeville house presenting the finest acts from the B.F. Keith Circuit. It was the hub of Downtown Uniontown; the place to be!

For 85 years The State Theatre Center for the Arts has played a leading role in bringing quality entertainment to Uniontown. Today, the Grand Old Lady of Main Street attracts more than 20,000 patrons annually with a full slate of concerts, Broadway musicals, plays, and community events. As we present the 19th season as a performing arts center, we are honored to bring another great season of shows to this historic and beautiful building. The State is the hub of the new Downtown Uniontown...it is still the place to be!

2008 Season of Shows!

LATE NITE CATECHISM January 12, 2008 8:00 PM $28, $25, $22

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S Classic Films on the Big Screen February 19, 2008

AMISH BURLESQUE January 18-20, 2008, 8:00 PM

THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL March 8, 2008 8:00 PM $28, $25, $22

CITIZEN KANE Classic Films on the Big Screen January 22, 2008 LITTLE WOMEN (THE BROADWAY MUSICAL) February 2, 2008 8:00 PM $30, $27, $24 FIVE BY DESIGN ’S STAY TUNED February 16, 2008 8:00 PM $28, $25, $22

THE MALTESE FALCON Classic Films on the Big Screen March 18, 2008 CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF April 5, 2008 8:00 PM $30, $27, $24 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS Classic Films on the Big Screen April 22, 2008

Classic Films on the Big Screen are shown one Tuesday a month at 2:00 and 7:00 pm. $5 Adults $3 Seniors or children

27 East Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 • 800.397.2554 • www.statetheatre.info 20 - January/February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Southmoreland School District

Stepping Up Smoke-Free Initiatives Southmoreland School District will soon sport 25 “Smoke-Free Zone, Children’s Lungs at Work” signs across the district as it steps up efforts to protect the lungs of children and promote tobacco-free communities. Signs were provided courtesy of Excela Health’s Partners Advocating Total Health (PATH), a collaborative effort between concerned community organizations, individuals and Excela Health that focuses on health promotion in the areas of tobacco cessation, fitness and nutrition and alcohol use. Once the district completes the installation, it will bring PATH’s total contribution of “Smoke-Free Zone” signs to 125 in Westmoreland County.

Southmoreland School District joins the following Westmoreland County organizations in sporting tobacco-free signs: Idlewild Park and Soak Zone, Latrobe Parks and Recreation at Legion Keener Park, Westmoreland County Department of Parks and Recreation, Derry Area Recreation Board, Greensburg Recreation Department, Unity Township Parks and Recreation, the Municipality of Murrysville, YMCA of Laurel Highlands and Trafford Lion’s Club.

Excela Health and PATH hope to encourage kids to be smoke-free.

“Our message to kids is never to start smoking,” commented Norene Auer, Excela Health’s tobacco cessation coordinator and co-chair of PATH’s tobacco cessation subcommittee. “We also want to educate parents and other smokers on the adverse

effects of secondhand smoke to children. We impress on adults that when children are around a smoker, they are actually smoking through no choice of their own.”

Children exposed to secondhand smoke or those who smoke are at risk for developing asthma, upper respiratory infections, ear infections, chronic bronchitis and chronic lung-tissue damage, among other conditions.

PATH will provide “Smoke-Free Zone Signs” free of charge to interested organizations. PATH reserves the right to limit sign quantities.

Requesting organi-zations are responsible for obtaining permission from governing bodies to post the signs and erecting the signs. They are also asked to complete a survey to gauge the effectiveness of the signs.

Beyond the signage, Excela Health also offers tools to help tobacco users kick the habit with “Ready to Quit, Quit Smart” tobacco cessation classes, offered in 12 convenient locations through Excela Health’s service area.

These comprehensive, seven-week classes based on the latest in tobacco cessation strategies give smokers or tobacco users a supportive, professional and caring atmosphere to in which to develop their own coping plan.

Additionally, Excela Health offers a support group – Stay Smart – to help individuals remain tobacco-free.

For more information on tobacco cessation programs, call Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234. Organizations interested in obtaining Smoke-Free Zone signs may call Fred Balzer, Excela Health, 724-542-1959.

KIDS CARE PEDIATRICS Kids Are Our Priority

CHRISTINE C. FLORENDO, MD MELANIE B. SEMELKA, DO 5927 Route 981, Suite 8 • Latrobe, PA 15650 Phone: 724-537-2131 • Fax: 724-537-2153 Hours: Monday–Friday 9 AM to 6 PM

A leap year is a year in which an extra day is added to the calendar in order to synchronize it with the seasons. Since the tropical year is 365.242190 days long, a leap year must be added roughly once every four years . . . at the end of February, giving it 29 instead of the usual 28 days.

Southmoreland Elementary School students (back row left to right) Ben Niemiec, Alexis Perry and Kelsey Kuhn will benefit from the district’s new smoke-free initiative supported by Excela Health and its Partners Advocating Total Health (PATH). The children are pictured on the school playground with Linda Yonkey, elementary school nurse; Noreen Auer, Excela Health’s tobacco cessation coordinator; Vickie Oles, Penn State Extension’s tobacco cessation/prevention specialist; Marvin Stoner, elementary school physical education teacher and Wendy Huffman, Southmoreland Senior High School nurse. Auer and Oles represent PATH, who donated signage to the school district that promotes smoke-free air.

Every Story Begins At Home.

January/February 2008 - 21

Platinum Anniversary Ponderings

My 20 Years with The Young and the Restless by Barbara M. Neill In earlier times I considered soap opera enthusiasts to be individuals seriously in need of a life. I had enough melodrama in my own existence to supply all the major networks with afternoon programming for several seasons.

No extra suds needed. (Before the age of 5 I did watch several 1950s soaps with my mother – The Secret Storm, Love of Life and Search for Tomorrow. I thought my father particularly clever when he asked us after returning from his day’s work if they had “found tomorrow” yet.) But, fate intervened one 1988 summer day in the form of a very tall, distinguished man who approached a friend and me at a theatrical performance in Pittsburgh. I found the question he directed my way quite comical – “Do you watch The Young and the Restless?” I tried not to sound too disdainful or impolite when I replied, “No, sorry. I don’t do soaps.” He responded that I looked like cast member Jill Abbott. After his departure my soapwatching friend laughed knowingly. (Was I just imagining that it was also smugly? After all I was totally clueless here and she had the 411.) Knowing One said there was a resemblance. My new hair style was similar to Jill’s and I was wearing the chunky sort of jewelry she favored. Naturally, I had to see who this Ms. Abbott was the following week. I discovered that while she was far more voluptuous than I, there was a slight likeness.

Even more significant was the incontrovertible fact that I was hooked and reeled to the guides.

When trying to explain how a reasonably intelligent person can become a daytime detergent devotee, there are many facets to consider. Principally, I feel that everyone deserves a little escapism in her or his hectic life, preferably once every weekday for one hour or approximately 43 minutes sans commercials. In the interest of your time, my space and the editor’s patience, I will stop my synopsis short of a novella. In two “episodes” I will attempt to touch on some of the finer points of a 22 - January/February 2008

television legend – The Young and the Restless (referred to hereafter as Y&R).

The creators of Y&R and its spin-off, The Bold and the Beautiful, are the late Bill Bell and his wife, Lee Phillip Bell. The couple is to be commended for advancing much-mocked daytime television immeasurably and for heading the pack in addressing significant social issues. Since its genesis in 1973 the show has confronted numerous thorny topics, including serious physical affliction, poverty, racial discrimination, environmental concerns, and health care.

(They haven’t really gone the gay route yet, unless you want to count a swishy wedding planner who provides occasional and all-tooobvious comic relief.)

Looking at Emmy statuette tallies, the show’s writers must be earning their coin. In January of

2007 the show celebrated 18 Years as the #1 Daytime Drama. You can always tell when a couple of new wits have been hired for the scriptwriting pool. For at least a few weeks the dialogue is priceless.

Having always thought it would be great fun to take part in the creation of the script, I was anxiously anticipating a call during the recent Writers Guild strike. My hopes were dashed when it was rumored that several Y&R peeps crossed the picket line and I might not be needed for my forked tonguein-cheeks after all.

If you are not acquainted with the basic premise of Y&R, it’s scandalously simple. Several wealthy Genoa City, Wisconsin families live, love, laugh and happily intermarry. Suffice it to

say that plots can get crazy. (Not to be confused with those of B&B, which I admit to taping for a few years. You have to be a cardcarrying member of The Flat Earth Society to buy into that sappy serial for very long. The nature-inspired names of Ridge, Thorn, and Brook Forrester nauseate me almost as much as their vacuous and convoluted lives.) Storyline themes often equate with the peaks and valleys of life.

Engagements, Weddings, Marriages & Divorces: Betrothals are innumerable and often broken before an engagement ring can be provided.

Proposal scene overkill is usually a given due to lust or greedinduced euphoria.

Wedding ceremonies are a mixed bridal bag. Out-oftowners include the tawdry Las Vegas chapel variety, a corny Southwestern bar sort, or an exotic locale extravaganza. Hometown nuptials are also quite popular. Among these are the down-the-mansion staircase shindig and the ultra-upscale society soiree. No matter what type of service, it’s all about the bride’s attire.

No news flash there.

Honeymoons are photo op frenzies and lingerie fashion shows.

“To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish ‘till death do us part.” Not so much in Genoa City. This is evidenced by the marital laundry lists of Victor and Nikki Newman. Victor has had wives (legal and illegal) named Julia, Nikki, Ashley, Leanna, Hope and Diane. Nikki began life with the surname Reed and marched onward down the aisles collecting the tags of Foster, Bancroft, DiSalvo, Newman, Abbott, Landers, Newman and Newman.

As in real life, divorces can be amicable or acrimonious with children drawing the short straws.

Luckily, soap kids are like most kids. They adapt far better to

change than the adults in their world.

Conceptions, Pregnancies, Births & Christenings: Children are frequently fathered by men other than their mother’s husband. Prime examples are Abby – Ashley’s child conceived with Victor’s stolen frozen sperm and adopted by former hubby Brad, and Lilly – Drucilla’s child accidentally conceived with brother-in-law Malcolm when she was befuddled by cold medication and raised unknowingly by husband Neil as his own. Did Dru really die when she fell off the cliff at the fashion shoot? (See Funerals below.)

Soap divas seldom have to endure a normal gestation period – 5 or 6 months max. Although swollen ankles are never noticeable in their stilettos, pregnant women do have morning sickness, eat weird food combos and grow abdominally large.

Maternity wardrobes are fabulous and never include pants with visible stretch panels. Babies are frequently miscarried. This is unfortunate, but provides an excellent opportunity for the bereaved mommy to collect a Daytime Emmy if enough emotion is exhibited in a heart-wrenching manner.

Babies are often birthed by unseemly characters with no medical credentials in unlikely places (e.g. Little Kate by her mother’s employer at a mansion and Summer by her mother’s former husband in an elevator).

Not every bundle of joy is baptized, but lovely christening robes and post-chapel appetizer fests are customary in affluent circles.

Deaths, Funerals & Afterlife Visitations: Death, being a part of life, must regrettably be incorporated into Y&R. Incurable diseases occur on soaps, but not often, unless you’re talking General Hospital where it’s all about the infirmities. (Terminal illness defeats the purpose of escapism entirely…or maybe not.)

Accidental deaths are often sudden LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

and violent. The David Kimball demise-by-garbage compactor stands out among these. The number of murders committed in GC is downright disturbing. Times being what they are and soap fans being what they are, I don’t foresee an increased police presence anytime soon. Deaths of longtime and beloved characters can be especially traumatic for viewers and actors alike. I will admit to shedding a few tears during poignant flat line scenes; however, it is said that I cry easily.

Children rarely die. They just age 6 years when they are replaced by an older actor every 2 years. A notable exception was Cassie Newman portrayed by Camryn Grimes, a three-time nominee and one-time recipient of the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Younger Actress in a Drama Series. Upon her onscreen death following an auto accident my previously mentioned friend remarked, “Can you believe they let Cassie die?

They NEVER kill off kids in soaps.”

Cassie will not be replaced. She may have reached “that awkward age” or maybe Camryn was just so talented they decided to retire Cassie’s GC jersey.

Funerals seem to be as organized as a White House reception for Queen Elizabeth II or non-existent.

Eulogies can be weepies or hoots depending on the character of the deceased and the grief quotient of the mourning event speaker.

That’s half the fun of saying goodbye to the dear daytime departed – you just don’t know what to expect. Beware of any memorial service without at least a closed coffin. “No Body/No Death” seems to be the rule.

(Characters miraculously return very much alive or come back to town replaced by another actor with a semi-plausible excuse for his or her absence.)

Otherworldly spirits are becoming quite common. The deceased John Abbott shows up periodically in full business attire to counsel his problematic son, Jack, and even though Terrible Tom tried to comfort his son, Kevin, I wasn’t quite sure where his spirit was headed after that morgue confrontation. Especially effective are ethereal appearances by characters that have been dead for decades (i.e. Phillip Chancellor III and Rex Sterling, aka Brian Romalotti.)

Every Story Begins At Home.

Recurring Bizzarro* Scenarios: Aberrational About Faces – There is always at least one whacko in residence in GC. Sometimes an actor who portrays an unbalanced character strikes a chord with the viewing audience and gets to lose his or her Looney Tune status.

Phyllis (psycho extraordinaire), Michael (workplace sexual harasser) and Kevin (internet predator) have all been born again as audience favorites. Temporary incarceration, counseling, cathartic experiences or the love of a good partner often precipitate these warm and fuzzy personalities. Bad girl in the ‘hood, Jana, seems destined to become a Sweetheart Soap Sister.

Her brain tumor is under control and exoneration for murder seems inevitable. (She’s a sketchy one, that girl, and I wouldn’t trust her.)

Crimes, Trials & Punishments – Who knew crime was so rampant in Wisconsin? Private investigators and police detectives will never lack for job security. Defense attorneys, character witnesses, and bit-part judges get some of their best scenes thanks to the courtroom. However, prosecutor portrayers and guilty parties don’t fare nearly as well. Everyone goes to jail at least once in Soapopoly.

Punishments rarely suit transgressions; convicted criminals either get extended jail time in a maximum lockup for extortion or two weeks of probation and community service for manslaughter.

Extreme Takeovers – The most boring of the reappearing storylines are the business mega-deals.

Corporate coups, mergers, bankruptcies and the board room machinations that accompany them are such a snooze, but they keep the suits busy. Executives have to do something aside from hanging at the coffeehouse and pumping at the athletic club on company time.

Flipped Scripts – Y&R rules when it comes to role reversals. “Trash to Cash” transitions are fairly common (e.g. Nina, Rex, Gloria).

Katherine and Jill, mortal enemies for decades, belatedly discovered that they are mother and daughter.

(Don’t ask. It doesn’t condense well and took some getting used to.)

Even better was the halcyon period when the ruthless, heartless Victor

was replaced by a kinder, gentler and medicated Victor. (I howled for weeks.) Kudos extended to Zapato for an inspired interpretation of megalo”man”iac’s best friend.

Good Twin/Bad Twin Twists – Included here are Katherine/ Marge, a waitress playing “The Duchess”; Blade/Rick, Blade’s evil identical; and Phyllis/Sheila, surgically-altered to resemble Phyllis. (You had to be there for that last one.) And is Sheila really dead?

Shot, but no funeral. The latest in double-take duos are Gloria’s shortlived husband, William, and his malevolent-seeming and annoyingly appealing brother, Jeffrey. Not to fret.

Glo can handle this bro, too.

Hostage Holdouts – Evildoers confine their victims in areas as diverse as cages, cabins, farm-houses, and custom-built replicas of nurseries in warehouses. These nasty incidents occur almost as frequently as they do on national network breaking news updates. Since GC villains have bigger operating budgets than the average American hostagetaker, these scenarios can (and do) go on ad nauseam.

Serial Amnesia – Soap scenarists apparently adore amnesiacs. No soap can be dispensed without at least one case of serious memory loss a year. Did you really think they offed Nick in that suspicious airplane plane crash? NB/ND. Sweeps Week Sagas – An exceptionally dreadful example was the macabre muddle precipitated by Sharon’s indiscreet dalliance with software tycoon sleaze Cameron Kirsten. This led to hideously heavy-handed hauntings, endless corpse snatchings and stashings, romps in a rat-infested sewer, and an unscheduled exit from an air born jet. It is true that Sharon has meager self-esteem due to young unwed mother issues, several rape-related ordeals, the death of her young daughter, and the infidelity of her first husband. As a result, she consistently uses poor judgment in her romantic relationships and gravitates to controlling men. Notwithstanding, this sorry tale was too ghostly and ghastly for even this dedicated Y&R veteran.

To be continued ... *Italian for bizarre.

Every Scarf Is A Warm Hug! Volunteers for Laurel Area Faith in Action knitted and distributed over 350 special gifts of warmth in December to persons 60 years and older who reside in the Greater Latrobe and Ligonier Areas. Each unique scarf was handmade with love, then packed in a festive gift bag along with homemade cookies and an inspirational Christmas letter and delivered to residents of local nursing homes, senior centers and the community. For more information on how you can get involved turning something small into something big an meaningful in your community, contact Laurel Area FIA at 724-539-4357 or visit www.laurelfia.org.

January/February 2008 - 23

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Plunk Your Magic Twanger, Froggy and Other Vintage Television Memories While scanning through my Comcast on screen TV guide, I see that I have 999 channels ....and there’s still nothing on. Some of today’s programming makes me long for the Conalrad test pattern, or the Please Stand By sign. When we were kids and something happened at the studio to disrupt the broadcast, a cartoon drawing of a smiling man would appear. He was holding a big sign telling us to “Please Stand By” until they could figure out what happened and fix it. This sometimes went on for 15 minutes or more.

I remember television being so much better in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, and we only had three channels, KDKA, channel 2; WTAE; channel 4; and WHJB, channel 6. Channel 13 came later, but it had only highbrow programming that we hated. Channel 6 was always pretty snowy, since it originated from Johnstown, so that left us down to basically 2 channels.

We never had the rabbit ear antenna that some households had. My dad installed our antenna on the roof when he bought our first set. A few years later, he bought a roto-tenna. It sat on top of the T.V. and when you turned the dial, it automatically turned the antenna on the roof. I don’t ever remember it working very well.

Our first television was a 21inch Black and White Philco, bought brand new from Edsall’s Appliance Store in downtown Derry. Of course, back then, all televisions were black and white, even when my Grandpap Stewart tried to turn his colorless TV set into a ‘living color’ model by placing a ‘magic’ colored plastic sheet over the screen. It made the weirdest pictures I had ever seen, and trust me, I really wanted it to work.

There was a blue strip across the top, I guess to represent the sky, a green stripe on the bottom, to represent the grass, and a red stripe in the middle, I didn’t know what it was supposed to represent.

During those early years, my brother and I didn’t watch TV after school very often. We were always 24 - January/February 2008

outside playing. Besides, there wasn’t much kids programming during the week. Saturday morning was our time in front of the tube. We would usually wake up pretty early on Saturdays, haul our pillows and blankets down to the living room, where we would camp out and eat huge bowls of Sugar Pops or Frosted Flakes while being entertained. Sometimes the Conalrad Test Pattern would be on early in the morning before the programming started, and we would watch it, mesmerized, just waiting for the cartoons to begin. If I remember correctly, the cartoons would last an hour or so, usually Bugs Bunny, or Sylvester and Tweety. I loved the two magpies, Heckle and Jeckle, and Daffy Duck spitting out the phrase, ‘thuffering

Froggy the Gremlin

thucatash’. The cartoons were followed by the westerns. I loved Hop Along Cassidy, Rin Tin Tin, and The Cisco Kid. The Lone Ranger was a favorite, too. I don’t think we ever realized the amount of classical music we were being exposed to. The background music for most cartoons was classical.

Several Bugs Bunny cartoons were accompanied by the Overture to the Barber of Seville by Rossini, and Ride of the Valkyries by Wagner.

As for the Lone Ranger, he will forever be linked to the William Tell Overture. That song would start and a baritone voice would

announce - “A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty, Hi Ho Silver, away! The Lone Ranger rides again! Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear.”

That, they were - Thrilling Days. Days of learning how to make crafts with Miss Francis on Ding Dong School. She was on every day when I was really little. I also remember her telling us to always help our moms and dads by doing our chores. I remember the thrill of helping Winky Dink out of a jam by connecting the dots on the TV screen and drawing a ladder or bridge to save him. Trouble was, I never sent for the Winky Dink plastic we were supposed to draw on, I just used a crayon and drew right on the TV screen. My mom was not happy. Although I was never a Captain Kangaroo fan, I really liked his segment about Tom Terrific and his wonder dog, The Mighty Manfred. Tom could turn himself into anything, and often did, to fight his nemesis, Crabby Appleton. He was rotten to the core!

Saturday television was the best. I loved my westerns, especially Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. They lived on the Double R Bar Ranch with their horses Trigger and Buttermilk, their dog Bullet and their ranch hand, Pat Brady and his jeep, Nelly Belle. At the end of each week’s story, they would sit atop those beautiful horses and sing to us, and I always sang along, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again....” (I had the original Roy Rogers lunch box and thermos. I hate to think what it’s selling for today on eBay). I couldn’t wait to see what Ramar of the Jungle had in store for us, either. But my favorite show as a child, had to be Andy’s Gang. It starred Andy Devine and his rather frightening sidekick, Froggy the Gremlin, who would continually interrupt everyone’s stories. Froggy lived in a clock, and when Andy shouted, “Plunk your Magic Twanger, Froggy!”, we would see a big puff of smoke, and Froggy would appear,

saying, “Hiya, kids, hiya, hiya” in his raspy deep voice. Froggy was always causing mischief for Andy and his guests. The sponsor of the show was Buster Brown Shoes, and Buster Brown himself would do the commercials, telling us “I’m Buster Brown, and I live in a shoe. That’s my dog Tige and he lives in there, too!” Andy sat in an overstuffed easy chair and would start reading a story to us from a big book, then the movie would unfold. I loved the stories of Gunga Ram and his elephants helping the Maharaja. Andy would end each show by telling us that we were all pals and pals stuck together.

Then he would remind us to go to church and Sunday School. Can you imagine a children’s program host saying that today?

During the week, we watched The Mickey Mouse Club. It came on after school, and every day had a different theme: talent day, guest star day, music day... but my favorite part was the continuing serial, Spin and Marty. It took place at a ranch and starred Tim Considine and Annette Funicello.

They rode horses, went camping, and solved mysteries. Another after school program was Paul Shannon’s Adventure Time. This is where we learned to appreciate the sophisticated and refined humor of Moe, Larry, and Curly. I still search for The Three Stooges marathons in the TV guide and I still laugh just as hard as I used to. I was a Curly fan, and was always disappointed if the episode featured Shemp.

Hank Stohl’s Popeye ‘N Knish was also a favorite. Remember Knish’s uncle, Rodney B. Hakinflash?

Come evening, my brother and I had no input in viewing preference. My dad would choose what we watched. He loved westerns, like we did, but evening programming had more adult themes.

Daddy’s favorite was Gunsmoke, with Marshall Dillon, his deputy Chester Goode, Doc Adams, and the lovely Miss Kitty. I don’t recall exactly what I thought Miss Kitty’s job was. Let’s see, she wore a low cut ruffly dress with a short skirt and could be found sitting at the Long Branch Saloon LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

all day. Hmmmmm, maybe I thought she was a waitress. I do know that in all the years she and Marshall Dillon were sweethearts, they never shared even one onscreen kiss.

Daddy also liked Have Gun Will Travel, and so did I. Paladin was so cool. He spoke several languages, lived in a fancy hotel in San Francisco, dated beautiful socialites and was a gunman with a conscience. His business card was embossed with a chess piece.

Paladin’s Chinese bellhop, Heyboy, would deliver this card, placed on silver platter, when someone needed a gun for hire. My dad also watched a weekly show about two friends who chartered out a fishing boat in Florida. The two friends were Crunch and Des, and I think that was the name of the program.

He also never missed Sea Hunt, starring Lloyd Bridges. My mom was an Alfred Hitchcock fan, and I remember Daddy turning to her at the end of each show and declaring, “That had better not be the end!”

Seems Mr. Hitchcock liked us to decide for ourselves what the ending should be.

Saturdays found us gathered around the old Philco watching Studio Wrestling. Next up was the Lawrence Welk Show, (Wunnerful, Wunnerful!). I always waited for the Lennon Sisters ( Diane, Cathy, Peggy, and Janet) to sing, because they were my favorites. My mom got me the Lennon Sisters cut out dolls with all their fabulous gowns, as well as casual matching outfits.

Another favorite variety show was ‘Your Hit Parade’. It’s sponsor was Lucky Strike cigarettes. “L.S.M.F.T.” Do you remember what it stood for?

Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco.

The singers that I can remember were Snooky Lanson, Dorothy

Collins, and Gisele MacKenzie.

There were also dancers to accompany each song as they performed the Top Ten Countdown.

This program started to lose its luster for me the night Dorothy Collins sang Elvis’ hit, Blue Suede Shoes. It was the most hysterical thing I ever saw. This cute, proper little blonde woman with a lovely gown and perfectly groomed hair was belting out a song we had seen Elvis perform on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Even if we had only seen him from the waist up, we knew something was drastically wrong with the Hit Parade’s version.

As for Studio Wrestling, with it’s host, Bill Cardille, it wasn’t the wrestlers we got the biggest kick out of, it was Ringside Rosey. She was this little old gray haired grandma in a floral dress and a little hat. She was always seated in the front row, and would jump up and give those huge wrestlers a piece of her mind, standing nose to nose if they would let her get that close. I remember Bruno SanMartino as a Pittsburgh hero who always tried to keep the fight fair.

The wrestling villains that I recall were Killer Kowalski, Gorilla Monsoon, Crusher Lisowski, and two Indian’s whose stage names would NOT be tolerated in today’s climate! Chief Jay Strongbow, and Chief Don Eagle, who sported the famous haircut of the same name. There was also Haystacks Calhoune, and Jumping Johnny DeFazio. The sponsor of Studio Wrestling was The American Heating Company, with Pie Traynor as the announcer. Pie was a former

My brother, eating in front of the tube, obviously hypnotized by froggy the gremlin!

Every Story Begins At Home.

Pirate third baseman and would always end the commercial with the famous line, “Who can?

Ameri-can!”

When I reached junior high, my favorite program was American Bandstand. It came on right after we got home from school, and my girlfriends and I never missed an episode. Dick Clark was the host and

It was amazing to see the famous people they coerced into cameos, saying “Sock It To Me!” Those guests included one very out of place Richard Nixon. Laugh In also contributed many other phrases into the lexicon. I can think of several, including, the Fickle Finger of Fate, One Ringy Dingy, Veehdy In-ta-desting, You Bet Your Bippy, and Here Come De Judge. We also loved I Spy, starring Robert Culp and a very young Bill Cosby. I believe this was the first program to have a black performer as one of the stars.

Besides the afternoon hit American Bandstand, we had nighttime dancing and entertainment shows, too, like Shindig and Hullabaloo, where we could watch the famous singers and groups of the day perform their hit songs.

On Saturday nights, at 11.30, my living room usually had a group of friends waiting anxiously for the theme song of one of our all time favorites Chiller Theater. Chilly Billy would greet us in a tuxedo every week, and treat us to the most camp, wacky B movies that you could ever imagine. He specialized in the si/fi-horror genre. Here are a few titles that I’m sure just barely missed that elusive Oscar nod The Attack of the Crab Monsters, The Brain From Planet Arous, The Manster, The Brain Eaters, and last but not least, The Crawling Eye. I have one last television memory, and it’s from what just might be my all time favorite show.

I waited for it every week, and I still smile today, and tune in when I see it listed in the TV Guide. I think this program was a great metaphor for the wondrous experience that our television sets provided. And I think I will allow that mysterious, handsome host to describe it for me. He is someone I grew up with, whose silky voice crept into my living room in West Derry. He was our mentor, our guide, our teacher, and we would wait anxiously for the lesson to start. Through a haze of smoke from his cigarette, he would turn to the camera to prepare us for that lesson. And in that wonderful voice, he would begin . . .” You unlock this door with the key of imagination.

Beyond it is another dimension. A dimension of Sound. A dimension

1 to a 1000!

Come to Indiana County “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World”

Me and the old Philco, 1953

the original show was broadcast from Philadelphia. Due to some sort of network contract with Disney, the Micky Mouse Club was broadcast in the middle of Bandstand’s hour. I remember Dick Clark announcing that the “Mouse” would be coming up next, for a half hour, but to stay tuned, because the second half of Bandstand would resume afterwards.

During the mid sixties, I loved the Soupy Sales Show. His pets were White Fang and Black Tooth, but you never saw them, only their paws. You also never knew what famous person would appear from behind the door of his set, including greats like Tony Curtis, Sammy Davis, Jr., and even Frank Sinatra. They, and Soupy would always end up with a pie in the face. The Steve Allen show was also a favorite of mine. Sometimes Stev-a-rino would get the giggles in the middle of a skit and slap his desk, laughing so hard that tears ran down his cheeks. I loved that.

And he would always ask, “Smock!

Smock! How’s your bird?” which I also found to be very amusing.

During my high school years, Laugh-In was ‘must-see TV’ It was very hip, and ‘politically incorrect’ long before that phrase was coined.

Contact the Indiana County Tourist Bureau at 724-463-7505 or toll free at 1-877-7INDIANA. Email: info@visitindianacountypa.org

continued on page 26

January/February 2008 - 25

SHOPS AROUND THE CORNER Getting To Know Unique Local Businesses and the People Behind Them

Northwood Realty Familiar Faces in a Brand New Location on Route 30 in Latrobe!

Jeannie King, Associate Broker/manager at Northwood Realty welcomes you to their new location: 3387 Route 30 East in Latrobe.

Northwood features Real Estate Services, Buyer Representation, Financing, Title Services, Closing Services, Insurance Services Seller Representation, Free Home Market Analysis, Multi List Services, and Marketing Services (Staging Your Home).

“We conduct business under “one stop shop” for buyers and sellers,” explains King. “We handle all aspects of a real estate transaction from start to finish and provide career opportunities for those individuals dedicated to the real estate profession.”

DERRY REMEMBRANCES continued from page 25

of Sight. A dimension of Mind. You’re moving into a land of both style and substance - of things and ideas. You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.”

Rod Serling made us think. He suggested that we might want to analyze our perceptions of life. Other performers in those days made us laugh, and more importantly, taught us to laugh at ourselves. Some encouraged us to strive to be a better person.

They showed us how to be a loyal friend and always try to do the right thing. We were taught honesty, integrity, and respect for each other. All of this on two crummy little channels.

We never saw anyone eating disgusting things until they threw up on screen. We never saw terrified contestants allowing spiders and snakes to crawl on their faces - for money.

No beautiful young women were encouraged to grovel at the feet of some stranger, just to get a date. Dragnet didn’t show us shirtless, drunk men, cursing, hitting their wives and being dragged into police cars. I don’t remember any 26 - January/February 2008

Latrobe residents have a strong sense of pride in their community and surrounding towns. Northwood provides legendary service to all customers requiring real estate services, and maintains a strong presence in the community. We provide assistance in local organizations when needed. Northwood Realty is a Member of the Latrobe Area Chamber of Commerce (recipient of the Larger Business Groth category award), holds a toy drive every Christmas for needy local children, participates in Relay for Life (American Cancer Society Latrobe Branch) and the 4th of July Parade.

Stop by their new office or call 724-537-0110; www.northwood.com!

girls proudly waiting to find out which of a long list of lucky guys was the father of her child, all for the amusement of a million strangers. I wonder what Dick Clark (so handsome in his suit and tie on Bandstand) thinks when he watches today’s videos. Even some of today’s commercials are unbelievably embarrassing! How does any of this lift up and encourage our society? What exactly is its purpose?

We (and our children and grandchildren) are bombarded with it, 24 hours a day, and every day seems to bring a new low. Way back in the ‘olden days’, our TV’s signed off the air at midnight, saying goodnight with Old Glory waving in the sunset, accompanied by the Star Spangled Banner. 999 channels, huh? Miss Francis, Andy Devine, and our Kemosabe surely could teach them a lesson about programming. Guess I’ll just have to take comfort in my memories of the wonderful, uplifting and positive images that those two little channels gave us. I think I’ll just grab the remote, hit the off button, and read a good book.

Ruth loves to share memories with you.

Email her at: Ruth-Elaine@comcast.net

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Joseph Thomas Flower Shop Present this coupon and receive $5 off any in-store gift purchase of $25 or more (expires 2/29/08 - LMP)

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January/February 2008 - 27

Jan 23

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturdays in January

Sloth Saturdays

National Aviary, Pittsburgh. 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Visitors will get a chance to meet our newest friend, Wookie, a two-toed sloth. Learn facts about sloths, participate in a craft project, and listen to stories read by local celebrities and personalities. Fee: Included with regular admission. 412-313-7235; www.aviary.org Jan 4

Comedian Melanie Maloy Dinner & Show 6:30 PM Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com Jan 4-5

NBC’s Last Comic Standing “Robbie May” 8 PM Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion www.7springs.com

Songs For Our Soldiers An Evening of A Capella To Benefit Our Troops 7 PM Yough Middle School, Ruffsdale Wear Your Red, White & Blue For Tickets go to kjpdep@atlanticbb.net Jan 24-27

7 PM Seton Hill University Center for Family Therapy, Greensburg. Registration required. (877) 771-1234 community@adamslib.org

February 1 & 2 and February 8 & 9 at 8:00 PM February 10 at 2:30 PM $12.00 Adults, $10.00 Seniors & Students Ligonier Theater, 208 West Main Street; 724-2386514, ext. 2; www.valleyplayers.org www.ligoniertheater.com

Community Drum Circle

Jan 25, Feb 29

Gary Latshaw’s Dinner with the Godfathers

Feb 1-2 The Westmoreland Trust Presents

Jan 26

8 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

Jan 26

Streets of uptown Somerset. 814-443-1748

7-11 PM Cecilian Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg; 724-830-1079; www.wswinds.org

Jan 15

Eat Well for Life I

There Goes The Bride

Mountain View Inn, Greensburg.

For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

Jan 11-13

Sponsored by The Aerobic Center, Greensburg, Pre-Registration is Required; 724-834-2153 www.aerobiccenter.org

Stained Glass Workshop

February 1-2, 8-9, 10

1PM Stone Lodge Trail, Keystone State Park, Derry (724) 668-2566 www.dcnr.state.pa.us

Carnegie Science Center & Sports Works “The Body Exhibition” Bus Trip

Jan 31

Jan 25

A writers workshop presented by the Ligonier Valley Writers 2-4 PM. Barnes & Noble, Greensburg www.ligoniervalleywriters.org

Jan 11

4:30-5:15 PM YWCA Mansion, Greensburg Pre-registration is required, 724-834-9390 www.ywcawestmoreland.org

6:30 PM Unity Township Municipal Building Beatty Road, Latrobe. Registration Required 724-537-4331; www.latroberecreation.org

Jan 5

Fire & Ice Festival

Childrens Yoga

Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville; 412-373-7300 www.pghexpomart.com

Pittsburgh Indoor/Outdoor Home Show

“How and Why to Copy/Edit Your Work Before Submitting It”

Making Tracks Hike

Jan 30-March 16

Big Band Dance

Jan 26-27

Ligonier Ice Fest On the Diamond, Ligonier; www.ligonier.com Jan 28-March 3

Kid s Power Karate 5:30-6:30 PM YWCA Mansion, Greensburg 734-301-8646

Excela Health: Latrobe, Greensburg or Mount Pleasant Hospitals; Registration Required (877) 771-1234 community@adamslib.org

The STOMP National Tour

Feb 2

Groundhog Day 7:30 am at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney. Shuttle buses begin at 3:00 am. www.punxsutawneyphil.com Feb 2

WINTERFEST Ohiopyle State Park, 11 am - 7 pm.

Chili cookoff, Snow kayak race, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, horse drawn sleigh rides, kids snowman building contest, ice skating rink (bring your own skates), winter survival intrepretative programming, woodsmen demo, PA dog sled demos, ice cube treasure hunting for kids. 724-329-8591 Feb 2

Comedian Melanie Maloy Dinner & Show 6:30 Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations, 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com Feb 2

Jan 16, Feb 19

Discover Scuba Diving

6:30 Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

Feb 5

(For 10 years old and over) 3:30 Greater Latrobe School District Pool, Latrobe Registration Required, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

A Tribute to Nat King Cole featuring Walt Maddox

Mardi Gras

Jan 17

5:30-8 PM YWCA Mansion, Greensburg 724-834-9390; www.ywcawestmoreland.org

Mt. Top Kennel Boarding & Breeding Grand Opening

Feb 5, 7

5-7 PM 188 Ulery Road, Acme Light refreshments will be served 412-558-9726; www.mttopkennel.com Jan 17

Westmoreland Jazz Society Presents Maureen Budway

Senior Social Jan 29 The Saint Vincent College Concert Presents

Latin Jazz Ensemble Salsamba

2 PM Country Cafe & Video, Pleasant Unity 724-537-433; www.latroberecreation.org Feb 8-10

StrongLand Home Expo

8PM Science Center Amphitheatre Saint Vincent College, Latrobe Registration Required; 724-805-2565

Pittsburgh Mills Mall. 724-845-5426; FREE www.strongland.org

Babysitter’s Training

Jan 29

“The Valentine Murders” Writers Workshop

9 AM-3 PM American Red Cross-Chestnut Ridge Chapter, Latrobe. Pre-Registration & Pre-payment Required 724-537-4331; www.redcross-crc.org

Elko Concerts Presents The Go-Go’s 7:30 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

Jan 19-20

Jan 30

Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg 724-837-1500 ext.27; www.museumaa.org Jan 19

Greenberg’s Train & Toy Show Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville 412-373-7300 ; www.pghexpomart.com Jan 21

Antique Appraisals with John Mickinak 1-4 PM Commissioners Hall Room 2303 Westmoreland Community College, Youngwood By appointment only, 724-925-4213

Feb 9

Presented by The Ligonier Valley Writers, 1-4 PM Greensburg Hempfield Area Library www.ligoniervalleywriters.org Feb 9 Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Presents

“Valentine a la Espana!

8 pm Palace Theatre, Greensburg, 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dr. Vinnie Vegas Dinner Show

Jan 30

Feb 9-10

7 PM Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

12-3 PM The Aerobic Center, Greensburg 724-834-2153; www.aerobiccenter.org

Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville, 412-373-7300 www.pghexpomart.com

28 - January/February 2008

Health Fair

Pittsburgh Bike Expo

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Feb 15

Valentine’s Big Band Dinner Dance with Graham Grubb & His 16-Piece Orchestra 7 PM Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountamviewinn.com Feb 15 Westmorland Cultural Trust Presents

“The David Alien Coe Band”

With Special guests Chris Berardo & The DesBerardos 8 pm Palace Theatre, Greensburg, 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org Feb 16

Babysitting Certification

A Panel of Pulitzer Prize Winning Authors Greensburg Hempfield Area Library www.Ligoniervalleywriters.org Feb 11

Funny Or Die Presents Will Ferrell’s Semi-Pro Comedy Tour Bryce Jordan Center, Penn State University 814-865-5555; www.bjc.psu.edu.

Feb 11

“Literary Responses to the Holocaust” Guest Lecturers Dr. Alan Rosen, Yad Vashem 7:00pm Lynch Lecture Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg; www.setonhill.edu Feb 13

New York, New York: Through Art & Music Featuring Mezzo-Soprano Eva Rainforth 7 PM Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg. Registration Required, 724-837-1500 ext.10 www.wmuseumaa.org Feb 13-17

Allegheny Sport, Travel & Outdoor Show Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville, 412-373-7300 www.pghexpomart.com Feb 14

Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood From “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

Springs Mountain Resort, Champion www.7springs.com Feb 14 Latshaw Productions Presents

“The Temptations”

8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg, 724-853-4050 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Every Story Begins At Home.

“Hollywood Party at The Palace” 7 pm. 724-836-1123. The Palace Theatre, Greensburg www.thepalacetheatre.org Feb 24

Pittsburgh Bridal Showcase 10AM -5PM Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville 412-373-7300; www.pghexpomart.com

Feb 27 Latrobe Area Chamber of Commerce

The Softwinds Mountain View Inn, Greensburg. For Reservations, 724-834-5300; www.mountainviewinn.com

Chamber Bash

5-7 pm. Hosted by the American Red Cross, Chestnut Ridge Chapter - 1816 Lincoln Ave in Latrobe. www.redcross-crc.org; 724-537-3911

Pediatric First Aid

Feb 27

Sponsored by Excela Health 8 AM Latrobe Area Hospital, Latrobe Registration Required, 877-771-1234

Elko Concerts Presents TESLA 7:30 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

Feb 16

Feb 29

Sponsored by Excela Health8:30 PM Latrobe, Greensburg or Mount Pleasant Hospitals Registration Required, 877-771-1234

9AM-1 PM Founders Hall, Westmoreland Community College, Youngwood. Register 724-755-2330 ext. 108 www.wantexpo.org

Feb 16

Feb 29 - March 2

3 PM Greater Latrobe High School Pool, Latrobe Registration Required, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville. 412-373-7300 www.pghexpomart.com

Feb 16 Saint Vincent College Concert Series Presents

The Merry Wives of Windsor

AARP Driver Safety Program (50 and over)

Feb 10 Ligonier Valley Writers Present

Feb 23 Westmoreland Cultural Trust Presents

Feb 16

Feb 16

Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion www.7springs.com

Monroeville Expo-Mart, Monroeville. 412-373-7300 www.pghexpomart.com

Feb 25

7 PM Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

WTAE’S Winterfest

International Gem & Jewelry Show

Sponsored By the American Red Cross 9 AM –3PM YWCA Mansion, Greensburg Pre-Registration is required, 724- 834-9390 www.ywcawestmoreland.org

Dr. Vinnie Vegas Dinner Show

Feb 9-16

Feb 22-24

2008 Scout Day - Earn your swimming badge

Violinist Asmira Woodward-Page

8 PM Science Center Amphitheatre, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe. Registration Required, 724-805-2565

17th Annual WANT Job Fair

Greater Pittsburgh Golf Show

Feb 29 - March 8

Reeves Theatre Seton Hill University, Greensburg 724-838-4241; www.setonhill.edu

Feb 20

Seeing The Industrial City: New York & Pittsburgh (A Brown Bag Lecture) 12 PM Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg. www.wmuseumaa.org February 20

Drinking Water Clinic 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., or 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Donohoe Center, Greensburg. Loyalhanna Watershed Association, Ligonier. This clinic is designed for anyone with a private drinking water system, such as a well or a spring, or anyone interested in the quality of such systems. Registration is required. Contact Dana at 724-837-1402, or def18@ psu.edu by February 16. $5.

Feb 21 Westmoreland Jazz Society Presents

Joshua Bayer Jazz

Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, 724-837-1500 ext.27; www.museumaa.org Feb 21

Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center Bus Trip Sponsored by The Aerobic Center, Greensburg Pre-registration is required, 724-834-2153 www.aerobiccenter.org Feb 22

Phil’s handlers Ben Hughes and John Griffiths, 2007.

(Credit: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club)

The Brass Knukcles Band 7 PM Mountain View Inn, Greensburg For Reservations, 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

To submit your community event to this calendar, please email complete information to:

advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com

January/February 2008 - 29

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STOMACHACHES continued from page 10

relieve the stomachaches and/or constipation, parents should always discuss this with a pediatrician.

If a child is lactose intolerant, it means he is allergic to milk.

Myth. Contrary to what many people think, these two conditions are not

SERVICES AVAILABLE 24-hour nursing care, wound care, hospice, respite, intravenous therapy, respiratory, enteral feedings, beauty and barber services, newspaper delivery, and telephone REHABILITATIVE SERVICES physical, occupational, speech, falls management, and dysphasia ACCOMODATIONS bright and attractive private and semi-private rooms, cable television in every room free of charge WE ACCEPT Medicare, Medicaid, Security Blue, and most insurances

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the same. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, while a milk allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins in milk. Both can cause an upset stomach and oftentimes, diarrhea.

Please consult your doctor regarding your child’s symptoms. The information contained herein is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.

is proud to present . . .

Take your Valentine to hear all your favorite songs February 14th, 15th and 16th – Dinner 6:30 , Show 8:00; February 17th Brunch 1:00, show 2:00 Just $40 per person includes meal and show Greensburg Country Club, Greensburg, PA – For tickets call 724-832-7464 30 - January/February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Celtic Culture

Goods from Ireland and the British Isles 137 East Main St in Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-2420 Every Story Begins At Home.

January/February 2008 - 31

32 - January/February 2008

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST