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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the JUNE 2015 | ISSN 2330-6629
Rediscover Our Westmoreland Heritage The Little House, South Broadway Manor, Summer Destinations Shop Demo Depot, Aboard Nuclear Submarines, How Hot Is Too Hot, Food Logging, Community Calendar 1 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013
COVER IMAGE: Compass Inn Museum – Laughlintown, PA
2 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Our Own Backyard As a member of the Westmoreland Heritage Partners group which meets quarterly to discuss the latest news and events of the county’s historical and cultural sites, I take a lot of notes to use in upcoming issues of the Laurel Mountain Post. However, I have not visited many of these places since I was an elementary student on class field trips. This summer my husband, Greg, suggested that we spend our free weekends touring the various historical sites around southwestern Pennsylavnia. Starting with Westmoreland County, our first stop was Opening Day (May 2) at Historic Hanna’s Town for a special afternoon tea and tour. It is located within 20 minutes of our home, and yet we had never visited this fabulous place! Hanna's Town, founded in 1773 and named for its founder Robert Hanna, acted as the first Seat of Westmoreland County and the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains. The town was an oasis for travelers, settlers and those seeking justice and order in the often chaotic environment of the western Pennsylvania colonial frontier. The town and its inhabitants played a major role in the armed conflict between Pennsylvania and Virginia for control of the area now recognized as southwestern Pennsylvania. World history happened here! Hanna's Town was active in various issues associated with the Revolutionary War. The Hanna's Town Resolves were written and signed here in May, 1775. This document is one of the most direct challenges to British authority preceding the Declaration of Independence. Before most other colonial communities took a stand, Westmoreland County residents proclaimed their willingness to take drastic measures to maintain and defend their rights against British oppression. Hanna's Town was an important center for the recruitment of militia for the western campaigns against the British in Detroit and their Native Americans allies. In one of the final battles of the war, Hanna's Town was attacked and burned on July 13, 1782 by a raiding party of Indians and their British allies. The town never recovered, and the county seat was moved to Greensburg in 1786. The town site's subsequent conversion to farmland in the early 1800's preserved it as an archaeological time capsule of 1770 frontier life during the waning British colonial period and the emerging American republic, and it remains an almost unique archaeological resource in this area. The village consists of the reconstructed Hanna Tavern/ Courthouse and three vintage late 18th century log houses, a reconstructed Revolutionary era fort and blockhouse and a wagon shed that houses an authentic late 18th century wagon. The Westmoreland County Historical Society and Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation have formed a partnership to administer and maintain Historic Hanna's Town. It’s just one of the many historic sites we drive past every day as natives of Westmoreland County–taking for granted their existence, but hardly ever stopping for a closer look. Every Story Begins At Home.
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the LAUREL MOUNTAIN
POST
Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County and neighbors since 2004.
The Laurel Mountain Post is an independent, monthly publication produced at Fairview Farm in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any format must be obtained in writing from the publisher. This publication is registered with the US Library of Congress, ISSN 2330-6629.
Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher editor@laurelmountainpost.com
Megan Fuller, Web & Calendar Editor megan@laurelmountainpost.com
Nancy A. Clark, Contributing Editor nancy@laurelmountainpost.com
Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation Manager Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.
Phone: 724-537-6845 Fax: 724-558-9548 editor@laurelmountainpost.com
Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627
www.LaurelMountainPost.com “The Voice of Pennsylvania” – BBC News, 2006
We are proud to devote Laurel Mountain Post pages to the re-discovery of our local history this summer. Borrowing material researched and written by staff and volunteers over the last several years, we invite you to learn more for yourself ... in person, online at their beautiful new websites, or through other fresh materials brought together and promoted year-round by the work of Louise Tilzey-Bates at Westmoreland Heritage. You can tune into her monthly radio program “Heritage Happenings” on 1480 WCNS radio every 3rd Saturday at 9 am for the latest news and events. Spend some time re-living history in your own backyard this summer. Post pics to Facebook or tweet about it! We look forward to sharing our local adventures with you! – Cathi Gerhard
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June 2015 Table of Contents
5
Rediscover Our Westmoreland Heritage with Louise Tilzey-Bates
6
Westmoreland Heritage Map and Destination Guide
12 “Frank Zappa” “That’s What They Say” by Rev. Marjorie Rivera
18 Food Logging: A Powerful Weight Loss Tool “What’s Cooking in Fitness” by Mark Rullo,
MS, CSCS, MES
19 Duckling Update “Down on the Farm” by Cathi Gerhard & Gregory Susa
20 Westmoreland Natives Serve Aboard Nuclear Attack Submarines By MC1 James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
22 Health Hazards from Wood Smoke by Earth Talk
23 GLLV Neighborhood VIC Traffic Continues to Increase by Mike Dudurich
12 Keystone State Park Summer Beach House Schedule
25 Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center Hosts Shop Demo Depot
14 How Hot Is Too Hot? by Hayley Chemski-Horwat
26 The Secret Agent
15 South Broadway Manor: Scottdale Mansion Has Preserved A Bygone Era by Carol Whelan
“Kids Corner” by Genevieve LaFosse
28 Stopping the Junk Mail Deluge by Earth Talk 29 Ligonier Country Market Weekly Features 30 Muddy Mayhem, part 2 by Drew Williams 33 The Little House by Nancy A. Clark 34 June-July Community Calendar 44 Distribution Guide Where You Can Find Your Copy of the Laurel Mountain Post!
46 Gather Moments While You May “End Notes” by Cathi Gerhard
On the Diamond
ANTIQUES Multi-Dealer Shop
110 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-2226
4 - June 2015
Mary Jo Culbertson Proprietor (724) 238-0497
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Our Westmoreland Heritage About:
Reading List:
Westmoreland Heritage is a non-profit organization focused on promoting heritage and cultural tourism in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. We are a county wide partnership of organizations, businesses and individuals committed to two goals; expanding cultural & heritage tourism in our area and supporting efforts to educate county residents about their remarkable history. Based at the Westmoreland County Historical Society in Greensburg, it is a private non-profit advocacy group that sees economic potential in the development and marketing of our historical and cultural assets. Westmoreland Heritage grew out of the Greensburg Bicentennial celebration in 1999 when community leaders decided to consider ways, in which the area's rich history could be made more understandable and appealing to both residents and visitors. Westmoreland Heritage collaborates but does not compete with historic sites, cultural centers, historical societies, educators, businesses, local and state government officials, and the Laurel Highland Visitors Bureau. Today, our Westmoreland Heritage Community Partners number more than forty individuals and organizations, from all areas of the county working together to stimulate interest in Westmoreland County heritage and culture and to encourage tourism to the county.
Whether you want to discover more about your Westmoreland County heritage or need to research a topic for class, check out some titles from our suggested reading list and delve into the past ...
Contact Us: www.westmorelandheritage.org Phone: 724.532.1936 X 211 Fax: 724.532.1938 info@westmorelandheritage.org
Every Story Begins At Home.
Crucible of War by Fred Anderson From Publishers Weekly: From 1756 to 1763, the Ohio Valley was the site of a historic contest between the French and the English, both of whom wanted to add this fertile soil to their colonial holdings. In this elegant new account of the Seven Years' War, University of Colorado historian Anderson demonstrates that the conflict was more than just a peripheral squabble that anticipated the American Revolution. Not only did the war decisively alter relations among the French, the English and the Native American allies of the two powers, who for decades had played the English and French off one another to their own advantage, but just as critical, argues Anderson, the war also changed the character of British imperialism, with the mother country trying to reshape the terms of empire and the colonists' place in it. (It was the British victory of 1763, for example, that led the British to post a permanent, peacetime army in America and to support those troops with new taxes.) Indeed, Anderson shows that familiar events of the mid1760s, like the Stamp Act and Tea Act crises, are better understood as postwar rather than prewar events: they did not “reflect a movement toward revolution so much as an effort to define the imperial relationship.� This volume, then, will be of interest not just to Seven Years' War buffs, but also to those interested in the entire Revo-
lutionary era. Anderson's magisterial study--like his earlier book, A People's Army--is essential reading on an often ignored war. 90 illus. and 9 maps. The Battle for North America by Francis Parkman Originally published in 1889 in 13 volumes, this brilliant, unequalled work by the most famous American historian of the age has now been skillfully edited into a single edition. The wonderfully readable result retains its sharp focus and wonderfully graceful style, while eliminating repetitions and archaic phrases. Playing out in the dramatic account is the struggle for a continent, and the brilliant men who dominated the conflict: Champlain, La Salle, Washington, Howe, and others. By ousting the French from the land, the British unwittingly set the stage for their own later defeat. Struggle for a Continent by Betsy & Gulio Maestro This book in The American Story Series for children explains The French and Indian Wars-1689-1763. This illustrated book provides information in a format which allows elementary age children to understand the conflicts between England, France, and Native Americans from the earliest settlements on this continent through the end of The French and Indian War in 1763. Discover: Our brand new, updated guide map to Westmoreland County Historical and Cultural attractions is coming soon. Use the sneak preview on the following pages or pick up your copy at any one of our heritage sites!
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6 - June 2015
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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Summer Heritage Destinations The French & Indian War The French and Indian War was a seven-year war between England and the American colonies, against the French and some of the Indians in North America. When the war ended, France was no longer in control of Canada. The Indians that had been threatening the American colonists were defeated. This war had become a world war. Great Britain spent a great deal of money fighting the war and colonists fully participated in this war. Both these facts were to have a profound effect on the future of the colonies. LOCATIONS: Bushy Run Battlefield, Ft. Ligonier, Braddock’s Rd, Forbes Rd. A Taste of History at Fort Ligonier June 19th, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Fort Ligonier, 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 Join Fort Ligonier for a 'Taste of History'! A casual evening with friends at the Fort! Enjoy bread-baking demonstrations with Ed Tutino, great music and refreshments. Held outside in the lower Fort area. Cost: $8.00/members of the Fort Ligonier Association; $12.00/non-members. Reservations are helpful–call: 724-238-9701. Westmoreland Symphony at the Fort June 27th, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Fort Ligonier, 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, PA 15658 A FREE concert by the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra on the grounds of historic Fort Ligonier. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, relax on the hillside, and enjoy this outstanding summer concert. Doors open at 6 PM.
Colonial Period
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Colonial America brought tremendous changes to North America with the onset of European settlements, the battle for control resulting in the French & Indian War, the Revolutionary War and the foundations of a new nation, the United States of America. LOCATIONS: Historic Hanna’s Town, Lochry Block House in Latrobe.
PM on Saturday and at 2 PM on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors/children and includes a site tour in addition to court. Historic Hanna's Town is located at 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield Township, 15601. For additional information, call 724-532-1935.
Early Republic Colonial Court Days at Historic Hanna's Town June 27th, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Historic Hanna's Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 Explore what it was like living on the western frontier in the late 1770's at Historic Hanna's Town, the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains... Step back in time to when the Revolutionary War-era village of Hanna's Town served as the seat of government for Westmoreland County and held the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains. Sessions of Colonial Court, featuring actual cases heard at Hanna's Town between 1773 and 1786, will be presented outside the tavern in Historic Hanna's Town. Along with hearings for disorderly conduct and selling liquor without a license, cases will be presented against an "alleged" horse thief and an indentured servant girl accused of stealing clothing. Charges of treason will be heard. See how those who were convicted of crimes paid their debt to society in the 18th century. Historic Hanna's Town volunteers and members of the Independent Battalion Westmoreland County Pennsylvania will reenact selected cases. Hanna's Town was attacked and burned on July 13, 1782 by a raiding party of Native Americans and their British allies while court was in session. The town never recovered and ceased being the county seat in 1786 when it was moved to Greensburg. Court will be held at 11 AM and 2
The Early Republic period in America is a time of transition and hope. Americans greet the age of industrialization and build businesses, schools and towns bolstering the new nation's economy and standing in the world. Visit the Distillery Museum at West Overton Museums or the Coaching Inn at Compass Inn Museum and see for yourself the ideals and changes in the early 19th century America. LOCATIONS: Compass Inn Museum, Fulton House, Harrolds No.8 Schoolhouse, St. Vincent Gristmill, West Overton Village & Museums. An Evening of Music With . . . . StringTyme Saturday, June 6th, 6:30 pm This FREE concert featuring the vocals, music and humor of Amy Clarke and Jeff Bell will be held on the beautiful historic grounds of the Compass Inn Museum. Arrive early, bring your own tasty treats and libations, and select a spot to set up your chairs or blanket to enjoy the music. The acoustic music duo "String Tyme" features a wide array of musical styles, two voices, and a LOT of strings. Based in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, "StringTyme" was born in the fall of 2014 when award-winning singer/ autoharp player Amy Clarke moved back to her hometown and teamed up with local guitar/banjo/ukulele player Jeff Bell to perform at a few local venues. In addition to their common background playing bluegrass music, Amy and Jeff quickly found a shared LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
interest in exploring other styles of music including folk, country, swing, Tin Pan Alley, novelty, and western music. A typical "StringTyme" show now spans all these genres and features Amy's powerful vocals and rhythmic autoharp and guitar playing (plus some mean "pizza box percussion"), coupled with Jeff's instrumental accompaniment and crowd-pleasing humorous novelty tunes. The songs are both old and new, familiar and obscure, and there's often plenty of audience interaction, including singalong favorites. More info is available at: www.stringtyme.com For more information about this musical event, please call 724-238-6818 or email lvhistory@compassinn.com.
Transportation Our network of transport has seen many changes over the years. Indian tracks were followed by the British to build the first roads, like Forbes Road, and these evolved into the highways we use today. Just like the Lincoln Highway, (Route 30) which celebrated it's 100th Anniversary in 2013. One hundred years of motoring from East coast, (Times Square, New York) to West coast (San Francisco)! Take a road trip today and discover the past.... LOCATIONS: Bell’s Mills Covered Bridge, Braddock’s Road, Compass Inn, Forbes Road, Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum, Lincoln Highway Experience. Bells Mills Covered Bridge Built in 1850, the Bells Mill Bridge is a burr arch truss design, 13 feet wide and 104 feet long. This is the only remaining covered bridge in Westmoreland County and is in daily use connecting South Huntingdon and Sewickley Townships. The bridge was designed by Daniel McCain who was also the contractor. It is located on Bells Mill Road where it crosses Sewickley creek. Bells Mill Road intersects PA Route
What is the Lincoln Highway SupperMarket? It is an opportunity for families to savor the summer flavors from several area restaurants every Wednesday during June, July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. Our first day this season will be Wednesday, June 3, 2015, weather permitting! A $2.00 per car fee will be collected upon entrance. As a courtesy to attendees, no smoking or pets permitted in food preparation or dining area. Attendees will enjoy a variety of ‘singing and strumming’ musicians each week. Cancellation notice will be posted on the homepage at 1:30 p.m. each Wednesday if foul weather is predicted. Several select vendors will prepare their finest ingredients on the premise and offer a la carte entrees; one bakery will serve a variety of desserts. In addition, a coffee roastery will be on hand to offer iced and hot coffees. Other cold beverages will be provided by the Lincoln Highway Experience. Supper can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables, or pick up a ‘take out’ for home. It is best to bring cash, as vendors do not have credit/debit capabilities. Listed below are our 2015 Vendors: Connections Cafe, 109 S. Market Street, Ligonier Chef Mark's Palate, 1032 Latrobe 30 Plaza, Latrobe Chef Dato's Table, 645 PA Avenue-Route 217 N, Latrobe Aroma Italiano, 2220 Ligonier Street, Latrobe Grateful Smoke BBQ, gratefulsmokebbq2013@gmail.com Batter Up! Cakes, 110 N. Fairfield Street, Ligonier Old Linn Run Coffee Bean Roastery, 1686 Old Linn Run Road, Rector Sun Dawg Cafe, 41 N. Main Street, Greensburg ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP Wednesday, June 3 - Gashouse Annie Wednesday, June 10 - Tim Bush Wednesday, June 17 - Jessica Saenz Wednesday, June 24 - Chris and Lauren Wednesday, July 1 - Gashouse Annie Wednesday, July 8 - Marty Zundel Wednesday, July 15 - Tim Bush Wednesday, July 22 - Chris and Lauren Wednesday, July 29 - InSight (Gary Soltys and Debra Spatola) Wednesday, August 5 - Gashouse Annie Wednesday, August 12 - Detention (Jane and Mandi) Wednesday, August 19 - Tim Bush Wednesday, August 26 - Chris and Lauren CONTACT: office@LHHC.org or call 724-879-4241 The Lincoln Highway SupperMarket is held on Wednesdays during the summer at the Lincoln Highway Experience, 3435 State Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650. The Lincoln Highway Experience is the 200-year old stone structure on Route 30 East, midway between Latrobe and Ligonier, near the Kingston Dam.
Directions to Lincoln Highway SupperMarket: • If coming from the west (Latrobe): Drive approximately 0.9 mile after Route 30 splits into a one-way eastbound lane. At the flashing yellow light, flip on your RIGHT turn signal and slow down. • If coming from the east (Ligonier area): Continue west at the Route 30/217 traffic light intersection for 0.8 mile. Turn left at the BP/7 Eleven store and circle back onto Route 30 East for 0.9 mile to the Lincoln Highway Experience. At the flashing yellow light, flip on your RIGHT turn signal and slow down.
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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136 approximately 3.5 miles East of West Newton or 3.5 miles West of Madison. This bridge was placed on the National Register in 1979.
Local History & Geneology Trying to trace your family tree? Or want to find out more information about the old building down the street? Whatever your needs, the historical societies in Westmoreland County can help. They have an abundance of archives, libraries and collections. For a complete list, visit http:// westmorelandheritage.org/historic-sites/ historical-societies/ or the Westmoreland County Historical Society office, located at 362 Sandhill Rd., Suite 1 (Beatty Crossroads). 724-532-1935
Museums Westmoreland County is steeped in history, from the earliest settlers in the mid 1700's... to the arrival of the in-
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Bells Mills Covered Bridge, 1939
dustrial revolution and the coal and steel industry. Visit Fort Ligonier Museum and discover how the French & Indian War impacted the area or spend an afternoon learning the history of the Ligonier Valley Railroad. LOCATIONS: Antiochan Heritage, Bushy Run Battlefield History Center, Compass Inn, Ft. Ligonier, Greater Monessen Heritage, Greensburg Volunteer Fire Dept. Museum, Ligonier
Valley Railroad, Mt. Pleasant Glass, Southern Alleghenies Art, Victorian Vandergrift, West Overton Museum and Distillery, Westmoreland Museum of American Art. The Bryce Family and the Mount Pleasant Factory: The Exhibit Through August 22. Mount Pleasant Glass Museum, 402
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Every Story Begins At Home.
Misty Hegan OFFICE: 724.238.7600
|
CELL: 724.972.8418
mistyhegan@thepreferredrealty.com • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 15658
CO NT ING EN T
East Main Street, Mount Pleasant, PA. Museum Hours: Wed thru Sat 11-3. Admission: $3.00 The speaker event about the Bryce family was so successful we expanded it to celebrate the family and the factory in an exhibit running for three months from May 23 to August 22. The exhibit will present an indepth view of family, factory, and town. Six sons and grandsons of James Bryce ran Bryce Brothers from 1898 to 1952: Andrew, James McDonald, Frank, S Allen, Gerard, and Kirk Bryce. Each made their mark on the factory which was visible in the designs created, the control of the factory line, the attitude of the workers, and the progress made. Andrew and James McDonald, called Donald, brought Bryce Brothers from Pittsburgh to Mount Pleasant via Hammondville. They built their factory along the railroad tracks over what once was the Hazlett Mine coke ovens. It was the era of etched glass and Bryce was heavily involved. By 1905 the plant had been electrified. They were the only factory in the United States using the pantograph for etching in 1906. Andrew died in 1909 and Donald took over the helm. Bryce was a part of the yearly Pittsburgh Exposition, established a New York City showroom, and set up a school for the children working at the factory. During World War I Bryce, like many factories, suffered from embargos placed on transportation. They participated in War Bond Saving Stamp drives, and members of their family served in the armed forces. They hired women to fill the ranks of missing men who were off to war, while keeping the men’s insurances and positions until they returned from battle. Donald died in 1919. Frank Bryce was the next president. He only held the position for three years: 1919-1922. He continued the Pittsburgh shows and began to develop new products as the call for etched products was on the wane. Among the products introduced at this time were a satin-finish lustre glass, a crystal crackle ware, and a Chinese willow pattern. In addition to the New York showroom Bryce expanded to
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OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418
new offices in Boston and, just after Frank’s death, exhibit rooms in Chicago. It was under S Allen Bryce that the factory began looking toward producing bar ware for major hotels and public facilities in the country and the world. Their design department under Elmer Bell grew in stature as new designs received patents. By this time the company had established a ball team, created a ball park on their
grounds, created Brush Run Camp for the enjoyment of their employees, and had a chorus. Allen held the reins from 1923-1936. By the time Gerard Bryce took control of the company (1936-1943) there were 500 employees in the factory. In 1937 Bryce Brothers voluntarily gave the men a 10% pay increase. Once continued on page 13
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THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations by Rev. Marjorie Rivera
“A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.” – Frank Zappa Minds and hearts have the ability to be open or closed. How your mind (or heart) is at any given moment, is really a choice. You are the one who gets to decide how you want to proceed. I hear people say all the time that they got hurt, so they had to build a wall around their heart so no one could hurt them again; funny thing is that walls don’t know the difference between good stuff and bad stuff. Walls blocks out “everything” and walls will never stop protecting you from “everything” too. Building a wall around your heart or mind, is the same thing as resisting change, therefore entering stagnancy. To be alive is to be caught up in constant change, you can make the choice to be open to change. When we resist change, by walling ourselves off, we enter into stagnancy.
I do realize that when your mind (or heart) is open, you stand the chance of getting hurt. To quote my favorite poem “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer: I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain. I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it. Choosing to stay open in the face of pain or suffering is not easy. Our
natural instinct is to move, to fix it, to cover it, or stop whatever we perceive is causing the pain. There is something amazingly courageous about someone who has faced whatever pain threatened to close them up for good— whether it be a loss, a rejection, a defeat, the list could go on and on. Standing in defiance to our instinct to close up and wall ourselves off seems the most radical and innovative way to handle disappointment and suffering. I suggest adopting an attitude of flagrant acceptance. Actually go as far as to love whatever you think is going to hurt you. Try to remain open when you think you can’t. Challenging yourself to remain present and kind and loving, no matter what. Even if it hurts and sometimes things hurt. Sometimes, if we can learn to sit through the discomfort, we can learn
Keystone State Park
Summer Schedule for the Beach House Bring the kids out for some fun at Keystone State Park again this year. Kids, bring your parents and compete this summer! Come out and meet Miss Carol from with other kids and their parents in Hula Hoop contests Home Depot. Miss Carol has crafts from Home Depot and races. Family Fun Day is sponsored by Keystone for the kids; there are only a number of crafts. Also this State Park, Bureau of Forestry and Sam’s Club. Dates year we will have Snapology from Johnstown/Indiana and times for these events are as following. with us. They will have an awesome collection of Legos to build with and create your own memories. Be ready June 6 Family Fun Days 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm to build, build and build with Snapology and our staff. June 13 Home Depot 11:00 am – 1:00 pm If you like to play with LEGOS you will love to play with June 20 Crafts 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Snapology!! Come out and meet Alicia and Brandon June 27 Family Fun Day 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm who will be doing face painting this year at the beach July 4 Crafts 1:00 am – 4:00 pm Connect: house. Also at the beach house we still have Craft Days. July 11 Home Depot 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Parents welcome• totwitter.com/PGHmedium assist their children with making July 18 Family Fun Day 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Crafts. The crafts sponsored by Beach House July 25 Scavenger Bingo 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm • are facebook.com/PGHmedium) Volunteer and Keystone State Park. At the beach house Aug 1 Snapology 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm • pinterest.com/aPGHmedium we will also have• Scavenger Bingo. Parents welcome Aug 8 Home Depot 11:00 am – 1:00 pm newsletter at PittsburghMedium.com to assist their children with playing Bingo. Our Bingo Aug 15 Family Fun Day 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm is sponsored by Sam’s Club, Bureau of Forestry and Aug 22 Face Painting 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm Keystone State Park. We will have Family Fun Day Aug 29 Crafts 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Sept 5 Family Fun Days 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
12 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
to stay centered. We may even have a breakthrough instead of a breakdown. Breakthroughs happen when we start asking ourselves an important question, “What has this come here to teach me?” and begin to listen for an answer. These answers may surprise you! If you need help getting started, call me! Suggested Reading: • Outrageous Openness, Letting the Divine Take the Lead by Tosha Silver and Christianne Northrup • The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer Connect with me: Tweet tweet = https://twitter.com/PGHmedium Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGHmedium Pin with me: http://www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/ Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com
Every Story Begins At Home.
continued from page 11
again many new patents were received. All of the Bryce men were active in the community. From helping to found the Pike Run Country Club, to being on the Board of Directors of local churches, to serving in the military, a Bryce was there. Gerard was a Major in the 110th Infantry and served in Mexico and World War I. Kirk Bryce was the last of the Bryce men to run the factory (1943-1952). By that time most of the employees had unionized and during Kirk’s tenure the production men organized. A gas shortage forced the company to shut down during the bad winter of 1948. Under Kirk several of the most famous Bryce patterns were developed: Colonnade, Aquarius, and Lido. They were developed under William Morrison.
The factory continued until 1965. The only other Bryce related president was Robert Holt, the husband of Peggy Bryce. Then the factory was sold to Lenox Crystal. Once again we call upon the public to open up their hearts and their memories and bring us artifacts, photographs, and stories about the family, the factory, and their relation to them. We would especially like to find a picture of Peggy in her yellow convertible with leopard skin seats. There will be a corner of the exhibit called YOU TELL US. You can sit down and write what you want to tell us. You can write it ahead of time and put it in the box on the table. You can give us photos and and we will scan and return them. You can tell us via email: mtpleasantglass museum@gmail.com.
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How Hot Is Too Hot? by Hayley Chemski-Horwat, MSN, CNRA Building Bodeez is located at 154 Pandora Road in Derry Township. 724-739-0105. www.building bodeez.net.
We are blessed to be in the Laurel Highlands, home to the most beautiful landscapes for outdoor recreation (especially this time of year). However, how hot is too hot for safe activity in the “great outdoors”? Can just anyone withstand the “muggy” summer weather? Hyperthermia during exercise is a well-researched topic. For those of us who regularly compete in small or large road races (running/biking) like the 4th of July 5-Miler in Latrobe, walk in the summer evenings at local parks like Keystone, Twin Lakes, or Ethel Lake, take our children hiking on the Derry Ridge, or participate in outdoor workouts at Building Bodeez Fitness Center, we are at risk for hyperthermia despite our athletic nature. Hyperthermia is defined as an abnormally high temperature within the body. Generally our core body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Generally when this condition occurs our body’s safety mechanisms of sweating, panting, and surface dilation are unable to cool, especially in high outdoor/ambient temperatures. Hyperthermia has several notable warning signs or stages, but if unrecognized can end in death (i.e. marathon runners). During “hot” activity the body can reach temperatures in upwards of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. When tempera-
14 - June 2015
tures reach 106 degrees the brain begins to die. At 113 degrees, death is nearly certain. Stage 1 of hyperthermia is indicated by heat cramps or muscle spasms of the large muscles. This is due to the large electrolyte imbalances brought on by heat stroke. Most times however, avid exercises “push through” these sensations. Stage 2 is called heat exhaustion. The body enters a mild stage of shock when bigger blood vessels in the body dilate in order to release heat (as sweating isn’t working well). As these vessels open blood pressure drops and heart rate speeds up (compensating). The body continues to sweat, skin becomes pale and dizziness occurs. Confusion, grouchiness, irritation, or agitation may occur. Stage 2 is the body’s major warning stage telling you to stop, get hydrated, and cool off. Stage 3 is called heat stroke, when the body begins to shut down. Your proverbial engine is overheated, and dumping water on the engine isn’t going to cool it off quick enough to save it from exploding. The body has lost total control of its heat sensing and controlling abilities, and the muscles begin to degrade. Brain damage may occur; statistics show 20-80% mortality rate.
If you are outdoors, consider proper hydration, clothing, and support systems. Monitor intake of alcohol as these drinks dehydrate the body. Stay in the shade, limit activity during the hottest times of day, cover your head, and monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of the 3 stages above. If stage 2 and 3 become apparent, find help. Get to a cooler ambient temperature (shade, indoors, cool water, fan). Use tepid water for drinking and apply cool towels to the face and shoulders. Lie down and elevate the feet to give the heart more blood to pump. Statistics have quoted nearly 1,000 deaths per year in the United States related to heat! Don’t be a statistic, keep it cool! Sources: • Hyperthermia. Gary DeWitt. 2011. Retrieved online http://www.articledashboard.com/Article/ Hyperthermia/1038434 on May 12, 2015. • Hyperthermia. National Institute on Aging. 2015. Retrieved online http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/ publication/hyperthermia on May 13, 2015.
***** Hayley is a Certified Fitness Trainer and the coowner of Building Bodeez Fitness Center, located at 154 Pandora Rd in Derry, PA, as well as a fulltime Nurse Anesthetist with the University of Pittsburgh Physicians, currently based at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Fox Chapel, PA. Hayley offers a wealth of fitness and health knowledge, serving as the Group Fitness Coordinator and Wellness Programs Director at Building Bodeez.
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
South Broadway Manor
Scottdale Mansion Has Preserved A Bygone Era by Carol Whelan
The history of South Broadway Manor is steeped in memories of those that lived, worked, played and entertained within those walls. Built in 1904 by J.P. Brennan, coke and coal industrialist, for his growing family, and restored by its current, and only the 2nd owner on record, Patricia Hill, is so much more than a beautiful mansion, it is a testament to the way life in our region once was. For 28 years Pat worked on her mansion, paying fastidious attention to every detail. Behind the main house is one of the last remaining Carriage Houses in the state of Pennsylvania and remains untouched in its original condition. Relics containing the coachman’s uniform, old letters, business documents and a “character” book written by young Teresa Brennan remain intact. “The Character Book” is what one might consider the face book of their time! While in the process of restoring the property very rare pre-prohibition Old Farm Rye Whiskey distilled in 1912 were discovered hidden behind basement walls in their original cases unopened. Unfortunately and unbelievably, the one time live in caretaker Ms. Hill had on staff helped himself to more than half of the original bottles, indulging his lust for old rye in consuming more than $100,000.00 in this liquid gold! He was charged with drinking 52 bottles of the vintage whiskey.
Every Story Begins At Home.
700 South Broadway Street in Scottdale, PA – built in 1904 by industrialist JP Brennan.
The main floor includes a parlor, living room and dining room. Guests will see everything from original leadcrystal glass in the door to crystal chandeliers. One of the bedrooms, the “Copper Room,” is also on the main floor, it features embossed copper ceilings. Upstairs: the Victorian Room hosts a bath featuring an elongated clawfoot tub with chrome and mother-ofpearl fixtures; the Federal Room, a three-room master suite; and the Crystal Rose Room, which is named after the original crystal chandelier and crystal bath fixtures. Pat has decorated the mansion in an “Early American” style, and features arms and armor used prior to and during the time of its occupants. The Federal Room features a display of fully dressed mannequins in Union blue Civil War and Indian War patterned uniforms circa 1902 worthy of any museum. You will see a “Fire and Blood” flag, motto of the Salvation Army, a 58-caliber Springfield cap and ball rifle model circa 1860 as well
as canteens, bugle and other memorabilia all dating back to the late 1800’s. She has uniforms that range from 1903 Civil War to British officers up to and including West Point Cadets, and iron cross decorated full dress continued on page 16
June 2015 - 15
continued from page 15
British uniforms including capes, cloaks, suspender pants, boots, and medals. She also has a rare collection featuring Sergeant dress uniforms, 1903 Army dress uniform, West Point, Corporal, and even private officers uniforms. In the British military uniform there was discovered a note written on the Titanic White Star Line notepaper in the pocket. The officer obviously walked off the ship before its maiden voyage in 1914! Hat and helmets are of British Royal Guard, Legionnaire, Moroccan, WWI German officers, and WWII army ... and even a bellboy’s Gurkha. You will see an array of antique Colt and Remington “cap and ball” guns and rifles, ammunition, swords, muskets and pistols, even sheriff badges. View the infamous “Peacemaker” original Colt 45 displayed along with Smith & Wesson pistols and Remington revolvers, as well as a Kentucky Long Rifle used in Civil War time among others! The Sword collection ranges from around the world including premier French inlaid swords to Japanese Samurai swords and including Wilkinson and “Dress Sabers” used by decorated officers. The artifacts that currently fill the mansion are amazing, but South Broadway Manor Inn is of a bygone era, the elegance of what life was during a time we are personally all unfamiliar with, but have read and imagined. It is tastefully appointed . with great attention to detail. The restoration process was painstaking and detailed with the help of many local artisans and craftsmen. From cleaning 100 years of coal soot from brick and mortar, replacing the slate roof, repair and replacing of the stained and leaded glass, and replacement of fixtures to the final touches of master painters and decor, this mansion has been restored as closely to original as possible while maintaining its architectural integrity and yet updating it to today’s safety standards and expected quality of life.
16 - June 2015
Picture sipping Brandy in the library before you retire for the evening, sharing tales of the day.
The woodwork alone is breathtaking including tiger oak and mahogany, pocket doors, spacious rooms, working fireplaces throughout, and beautiful grounds This is a property that is impossible to grasp in one visit, for its beauty should be savored and appreciated like the labor of love it took to restore her. South Broadway Manor is perfect as a Bed and Breakfast, but the aura embraces you, and will have your imagination spinning. Picture weddings, anniversaries, showers, birthdays, retirement parties, etc. being celebrated on the back grounds, with
guests being invited to stay in the beautifully restored rooms. Stained glass and leaded windows throughout, chandeliers to take your breath away, every detail of this home is to be admired. Someone told Pat Hill that she must be Ella Brennan, the original First Lady of South Broadway, incarnated. For the mansion has been restored so closely to its original state that only Ella herself could have chosen the same window treatments, flooring and other such details. The Fricks, Carnegies, Senators and others have all walked these halls, sat
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on the porches, and shared stories, I can only imagine what secrets and tales those walls must hold!
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Alendronate If you are in the market for a Bed and Breakfast, you are a true lover of architectural perfection, a chef wanting to invest in an amazing venue, or simply a lover of history then this just may be that dream you’ve been searching for. All qualified and fortunate buyers can make an appointment through their realtor or the listing broker Mike Vernon. (See page 38-39 for contact information and other listings) ***** In addition to being the proud mother of three amazing children, Carol Whelan is also a corporate and non-profit event coordinator (relaxedevents.net), and the proprietor of Fairy Godmothers 3, a vaca-tion home concierge service (724-532-0436). Carol resides with her soul mate, Brian, her favorite four-legged child, Gizmo (all the two legged ones have moved out), and two spoiled cats in Latrobe. Email Carol at: carolwhelanevents@aol.com
Every Story Begins At Home.
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WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES
Food Logging: A Powerful Weight Loss Tool You may be surprised by the fact that losing weight is not the main challenge for most people. Keeping it off is much more of a struggle. In fact, only a small percentage of those who lose at least 10 percent of their initial body weight manage to sustain their results.1 The remaining majority regain all of the weight lost within three to five years.2,3 This is likely due to the way many individuals go about losing weight – short-term, or fad diets. The issue with diets is that they tend to be a temporary fix and the eating rules are difficult to sustain. Although you lose weight initially, once you resume your old habits, the weight comes back and often more. It is simply unnatural to cut out whole food groups and drastically cut calories – our bodies will fight it. For you to lose weight and keep it off for good, you’ll have to adjust your food choices and activity level permanently. That means the changes you make should be something you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. And they don’t have to be earth shattering. Perhaps you only have one slice of pizza at lunch instead of two which saves 350 calories that day. And maybe you add a 15 minute walk twice a day and burn 200 more calories, but the bottom line is they’re doable for life. Remember, the only proven method to lose weight is to burn more calories than you take in, and research shows that different eating patterns, whether high-carb, low-carb, low-fat or high-fat, can all yield results as long as you burn more than you take in.4 Only you can determine what works best for you. This is why a safe and effective weight loss program is built around your foods on your terms. So how do you change or adjust your eating and activity habits? You must 18 - June 2015
first be fully aware of your body’s needs and what you’re doing now – and you probably aren’t. Studies show that most people: • Don’t know how much to eat to maintain their current weight • Believe they eat less than they actually do • Have no idea they take in extra calories in different situations • Slowly gain 1-3 pounds a year during adulthood until they are overweight or obese
The solution to becoming aware of your food choices and how much you’re eating is to simply pay attention by tracking everything you consume. When you track what you eat, you can’t help but notice the types of foods you’re eating, the calories in those items, and how your choices affect your weight, appetite and energy levels. Having a personalized program created for you with regular monitoring that shows you the number of calories you should eat daily to reach your goal (based on your metabolism), and by tracking your calories it becomes clear when you need to make an adjustment. Without knowing what and how much you’re eating – it’s difficult to make educated decisions. For example, if your daily calorie intake budget is 1,600 and you eat 1,000 for break-
fast, you know you have 600 left for the rest of the day. At this point it’s clear that you’re probably eating too many calories at breakfast and it’s wise to adjust your food choices. You can adjust the portion size of that meal or choose different foods that have fewer calories and hopefully more nutrients. Again, it’s your decision (Your Food – Your Terms). If you still need a reason to track your calories, here it is – you’ll get twice the results. A large study spanning almost 3 years showed that people who kept tabs of their daily food intake lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t.5 In this day and age where food is everywhere any time of day and in very large quantities, you can’t afford to be unconscious of your choices. By paying attention to portion sizes, calories and nutrients in foods, you become equipped with new knowledge and therefore, new power to reach and maintain your goals. It is true that knowledge is power, but only if you use that knowledge by taking action. Take action and start logging your food today. [1] Wing R, Phelan S. Long-term weight loss maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005. 82(suppl):222S-5S [2] Wadden TA, Phelan S. Behavioral assessment of the obese patient. In: Wadden TA, Stunkard AJ, eds. Handbook of obesity treatment. New York: Guilford Press, 2002;186226. [3] Dansinger ML, Tatsioni A, Wong JB, Chung M, Balk EM. Meta-analysis: the effect of dietary counseling for weight loss. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Jul 3;147(1):41-50. Review. [4] Sacks FM, et. al. Comparison of weight loss diets of different compositions of fat, protein and carbohydrates. N Engl J Med. 2009. Feb 26;360(9):859-73. [5] Svetkey LP. Comparison of strategies for sustaining weight loss: the weight loss maintenance randomized control trial. JAMA. 2008 Mar 12;299(10):1139-48.
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Every Story Begins At Home.
DOWN ON THE FARM by Cathi Gerhard & Greg Susa
Duckling Update Greg and I are now the proud “parents” of 15 little Welsh Harlequin ducklings! If you remember last month’s article, we tried hatching a set of eggs in an incubator. However, none of the eggs developed beyond gooey yolks. According to the charts, we either had way too much humidity inside the box, or they were not viable to begin with. Rather than continue experimenting with “live” subjects, we decided to let the experts handle it and ordered 15 newborn ducklings from a breeder in Missouri, Cackle Hatcheries. They made the trip in two days, but were super thirsty and hungry upon arrival at the Latrobe Post Office! We set them up in a long, cardboard box with heat lamp and bedding on one end and fresh water/starter crumble on the other, just like one would with baby chicks. Soon we discovered a big difference between ducks and chickens – how they handle water. No matter how often we changed the bedding and newspaper lining, the cardboard box quickly became soaked from all their playful drinking and jumping. So off to the farm supply store we fled to get a metal water trough often used for cows and other
livestock. It is perfect! We placed it on casters so we could move them in and out of our workshop for trips to the kiddie pool and protected lawn grazing inside an old tractor tire. One of the ducks is already a champion diver/underwater swimmer. The rest of the flock paddles and looks at her quizzically, but we know everyone will soon figure it out. In a few more weeks, they will be ready for their permanent duck house. We are now deciding between building a new structure or adapting a corner of our bank barn, but their growth spurts are out-pacing us. In the meantime, we are totally enjoying their antics and helping them learn new things. It is fun to try free treats from the garden: worms, clover, dandelions and other edible weeds/flowers. They are starting to trust us more, learning the sounds of our voices and no longer flee from the tall “predators” they first suspected us to be. Our cattle dog, however, sits patiently beside them as they play, still not sure if it’s a herd to manage or a tub full of chew toys that squeak! More from Fairview Farm next month ...
June 2015 - 19
Westmoreland Natives Serve Aboard Nuclear Attack Submarines USS Mississippi PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – A 2007 Greensburg Salem High School graduate and Greensburg, Pa. native is part of a select crew, protecting and defending America aboard the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine USS Mississippi. Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Rice is an electronics technician aboard Mississippi, one of the Virginia-class submarines based at the Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. “The best part of working on the sub are the challenges. Each day is its own challenge,” said Rice. Mississippi, commissioned in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 2012, is longer than a football field at 377 feet and can sail under the waves at more than 30 mph. Mississippi, like all attack submarines in the Navy’s fleet, can carry out an array of missions on the world’s oceans in defense of America. “The Navy’s attack submarines are at the forefront of the nation’s warfighting capabilities,” said Cmdr. Tory Swanson, commanding officer, USS Mississippi. “Our primary missions include hunting enemy submarines and surface ships, launching cruise missiles at enemy targets far inland, and covertly delivering special operations forces to the fight.” Because of the demanding nature of service aboard submarines, sailors like Rice are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation that can last several months. The crews have to be highly motivated, and adapt quickly to changing conditions. “I am responsible for instrumentation and equipment that monitor the reactor, which ensures we are operating safely,” said Rice. In peacetime, our stealth allows us to observe the activities of potential adversaries,” said Swanson. “Nuclear 20 - June 2015
power and the ability to make our own water and oxygen give our submarines unmatched endurance, allowing us to deploy anywhere in the world’s oceans, unseen, and remain there as long as necessary.” The training is demanding, as the crew needs to be ready to respond to any kind of situation that may arise while at sea and endure long periods of time submerged deep below the surface of the ocean. “While Mississippi has some of the most advanced technology in the world, submarining remains a people business at the heart,” said Swanson. “Well-trained, well-disciplined professional Sailors are what bring the ship to life. When we go to sea, each of us entrusts our lives to the actions of every other crewmember. This requires an extraordinary amount of trust in each other. Those who wear the gold and silver dolphins signifying ‘qualified in submarines’ have demonstrated that they embody these high standards of personal integrity, accountability and responsibility. Working with people like this is why I became a submariner in the first place.”
The rigorous nature of submarine service is challenging, but Rice enjoys it and believes it makes the crew tighter. “The best part of being in the Navy is the team dynamic. Each person is here for each other,” said Rice. “I enjoy every aspect of my job. I have a lot of different responsibilities that drive and push me.” Being an attack submarine sailor has meant spending a lot of time away from his friends and family, but Rice believes in the work he is doing. “It is rewarding going to sea on a sub because of how close the crew becomes,” said Rice. USS North Carolina PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – A 2012 South Moreland High School graduate and Scottdale, Pa. native is part of a select crew, protecting and defending America aboard the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered attack submarine USS North Carolina. Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathaniel Bryner is a sonar technician submariner aboard North Carolina, one of the
Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Rice – from Greensburg, PA. LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Virginia-class submarines based at the Navy base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. “I like the fact that each day I learn something new,” said Bryner. North Carolina was commissioned in Wilmington, North Carolina in 2008. Like Mississippi, it is also longer than a football field at 377 feet, can sail under the waves at more than 30 mph, and can carry out an array of missions on the world’s oceans in defense of America. “The North Carolina can deploy to anywhere in the world,” explained Cmdr. Gary Montalvo, commanding officer of North Carolina. “They can execute a multitude of missions from intelligence gathering, surveillance, tracking and hunting enemy submarines, and can even launch cruise missile to engage inland targets hundreds of miles away.” Because of the demanding nature of service aboard submarines, sailors like Bryner are accepted only after rigorous testing and observation that can last several months. The crews have to be highly motivated, and adapt quickly to changing conditions. “I am responsible for the safety of the ship while we are underway,” said Bryner. “The training process to earn the right to wear the gold and silver dolphins, and join the team, requires highly intelligent individuals who are driven and motivated,” said Montalvo. “Each crew member must develop an intimate working knowledge of each system onboard the submarine.” The demanding training readies them to respond to any situation that may arise while at sea during long periods of time submerged deep below the sea surface. “We rely heavily on every one of our shipmates to operate our equipment correctly and save the man next to him in the event of a casualty,” said Montavlo. “The Tarheel Boat, the nickname for the North Carolina, is a formidable asset in the defense of our great nation.” Bryner also enjoys the rigorous training that brings the crew together. “I enjoy the financial stability and the career path the Navy has given me,” Every Story Begins At Home.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathaniel Bryner – from Scottdale, PA.
said Bryner. “I like the responsibility of being the eyes and the ears of the ship. I love the sense of accomplishment and pride I feel when we return from an underway,” said Bryner. Why Being There Matters On our planet, more than 70 percent of which is covered by water, being there means having the ability to act from the sea. The Navy is uniquely positioned to be there; the world's oceans give the Navy the power to protect America's interests anywhere, and at any time. Your Navy protects and
defends America on the world's oceans. Navy ships, submarines, aircraft and, most importantly, tens of thousands of America's finest young men and women are deployed around the world doing just that. They are there now. They will be there when we are sleeping tonight. They will be there every Saturday, Sunday and holiday this year. They are there around the clock, far from our shores, defending America at all times. By MC1 James Green, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
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June 2015 - 21
Now that summer is coming, my neighbors will be firing up their backyard fire pits again, and I’m wondering if the wood smoke drifting in my open windows is a health hazard for my family and if I have any standing to require them to refrain?— Mitch Brasky (Reno, NV) With summer approaching, many of us are eagerly anticipating the first night we can gather with loved ones under the stars around our backyard fire pits. But neighbors might have not-so-warm feelings about wood smoke entering their yards and homes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wood smoke is a complex mixture of gases and microscopic particles, and when these microscopic particles get into your eyes and respiratory system, they can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose, and bronchitis. As part of its “Burn Wise” program, EPA warns that people who have heart or lung disease, such as congestive heart failure, angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma, should especially limit their exposures to wood smoke. If you’re concerned about smoke emitting from a neighbor’s fire pit, speak to your neighbor about the matter. If the smoke remains an issue, contact your local health or fire department to determine further action. If you’re in the market to buy a fire pit and would like to avoid having smoke drift into your neighbor’s yard or home, some models are specially designed to reduce smoke output. The American-made Backyard Firefly fire
pit, for example, utilizes a vertical design that causes the smoke to be combusted in the fire and the remainder to rise vertically, reducing air pollution by over 50 percent from conventional campfires. There are also a multitude of beautifully designed natural gas fire pits currently available. Natural gas fire pits won’t produce smoke, will instantly light and won’t have to be cleaned like woodburning fire pits that accumulate ash and soot residue.
If you already own a wood-burning backyard fire pit, you can replace conventional wood with certain varieties of Duraflame Logs. Duraflame Stax logs are shaped like split wood and burn with the same charred appearance and crackling sounds of a wood fire, but with half the hazardous air pollutants of an equivalent wood
fire. Duraflame Campfire Roasting Logs create hot coals safe for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs or cooking other campfire foods and produce 60 percent less particulate emissions than an equivalent wood fire. No trees are cut down to produce these logs and they are made of 100 percent renewable resources. For those who own a wood-burning fire pit and would like to continue using conventional chopped wood, the EPA Burn Wise program advises to use only properly dried wood, because wet wood can create excessive smoke. To allow wood to properly dry, stack wood away from buildings on rails in a single row with the split side down. Cracked ends on the wood typically means its dry enough to burn, or you can purchase a moisture meter to test the moisture level in the wood. “Moisture meters that allow you to test the moisture level in wood are available in all sizes and can cost as little as $20,” the EPA states. “Properly dried wood should have a reading of 20 percent or less. Dry wood creates a hotter fire. Hotter fires save wood – ultimately saving you time and money.” CONTACTS: epa.gov/burnwise/Backyard www.backyardfirefly.com; Duraflame www.duraflame.com/products/roasting-logs
EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
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22 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD by Mike Dudurich
GLLV Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center Traffic Continues to Increase The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center is many things to many people. It is a bright, shiny tribute to the businesses and people of the area. It’s a showcase for history and memorabilia from the area. The VIC has proven to be ground zero for business transactions between members. And yes, it’s the home of the chamber staff that has constantly created buzz and excitement within the new GLLV organization. “I’ve been in a lot of chambers offices and this one is so unique,” said Unity Township supervisor Mike O’Barto. “I’ve heard nothing but good reaction about it.” The new office officially opened February 2 and has had consistent traffic of local residents, visitors to the area and curiosity seekers. But occasionally, someone comes through the doors and says “Wow, I didn’t know this place was here. This is the bestkept secret around here.” Don Orlando, vice-chairman of the GLLV board of directors and Director of Public Relations at Saint Vincent College, was behind the idea of moving from the office on McKinley Avenue in Latrobe to the present location in Sharkey’s Plaza on Route 30. “Traffic and visibility were two big reasons for the move, and we were fortunate to accomplish that in one year,” he said. “On McKinley Ave., we might have a drive-by count of 12-15 cars a day. On Route 30, the average number of cars, depending on the day, is between 30-50,000. On a normal day, 30,000 cars pass the entrance. That in itself will considerably impact the number of people who are aware of where we are.” Visitors to the center will find anchor displays honoring Arnold Palmer, Fred Rogers and Rolling Rock beer, as well as ever-changing memEvery Story Begins At Home.
orabilia that adorns the walls. And members have offered items from their businesses as the popularity of the VIC grows. The memorabilia sections of the center continue to grow and the chamber just introduced an expanded “Arnold Palmer Corner”... celebrating Mr. Palmer and his hometown.
thing to eat, and I’ve sent them right over to the VIC,” Monzo said. “We also have info about it on our big sign facing Route 30.” Perhaps Orlando said it best. “When you come in, most everything is free. There’s no admission charge, and the advice you get is free. And in this age, that’s pretty remarkable not
“People have dropped in asking if we could use historic items,” said GLLV president David Martin. “We were fortunate to acquire a few items relating to Mr. Palmer, such as a 1961 Sports Illustrated featuring him on the cover, and that is now part of the display”. “When we do see people who come in and say they didn’t know we were here, we always ask them to tell their family and friends about us,” said Dolan Vogle, the chamber’s Ambassador Committee Chair.“Word of mouth is a big thing for us as we try to support our members.” Gabe Monzo, executive director of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, has had a couple of occasions to send airport visitors to the VIC. “People have asked me what there is to do in the area, where to get some-
to have to pay,” he said. “Everybody has been very impressed with what is actually a mini-museum inside those four walls.” With summer approaching, the hours of the center will increase, and Sunday hours will be added. “We want to tell the story of what makes this area, or as we like to say, The Neighborhood ... special and unique,” said Martin. “Why it is a great place to live, work, play and visit and tells the stories of its people and amazing history. You can always find a surprise or unique idea here ... we’re very proud to showcase The Neighborhood.” ***** For more information, contact: David W. Martin, President. Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce; PO Box 463, Latrobe, PA 15650; 724-537-2671.
June 2015 - 23
Indiana Office: 724-349-8500 957 Philadelphia St. Indiana, PA 15701
New Alexandria Office: 724-668-5080 412 W. Main St. New Alexandia, PA 15670
Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200 213 E. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717
New Florence Office: 724-235-3062 213 Ligonier St. New Florence, PA 15944
Marion Center
#1052725 – Very well kept home close to Indiana but in Marion Center School District. Home features 3 bedrooms, 1 3/4 baths, enclosed sunroom, tiered deck with retractable awning and large fenced in back yard. This home has 2 heat sources, electric and gas. Family room in basement has a gas fireplace. Offered at $162,000.
Rural Valley
#1049718 – Enjoy the view & privacy of this unique home situated on 3.08 acres w/3 bdrms, 2 full baths, full basement, custom library, sunroom & wet bar. Red wood decking, large front yard garden. Multiple sky lights, whole house surround sound. Offered at $325,000.
Derry Township
#1043779 – Well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2 full bath ranch, finished basement. Country setting, 2 private acres. Covered patio/parking. 27’ round pool, woodburner and oil tanks. Close to public parking w/ boating, fishing, camping, swimming. Offered at $169,900.
Blairsville
#1042540– Beautiful move-in condition. Could be 6 br. Large rooms, massive entry. Ceramic floors, 2 working fireplaces, nicely landscaped. Back stairs from kitchen to second fl. Walk-in closet, new roof, exterior painted in 2014. Off-street parking and more! Offered at $159,000.
Armaugh
#1051594 – Investors dream. 14.4 +/- acres in United School District. This home has great room sizes with large mud room, 2 car garage and utility garage. Easy access to Route 22. Property sold as is. Offered at $75,000.
Indiana
#1049118 – Beautiful end unit condo in Country Club Estates. Move in condition with large bedrooms. Master bedroom on first floor. Harwood flooring and granite counter tops. Sun room with small deck. Offered at $209,900.
Tunnelton
#1043394 – Split entry 4 bedroom home in Tunnelton near Saltsburg. Living room with fireplace, eat in kitchen with appliances, carpeted bedrooms with db closets, and full bath on upper level.Lower level features paneled family room, laundry area,.5 bath,storage room, 1car garage, covered porch–more! Offered at $118,000.
Brush Valley
#1042386 – Move in condition--Large Rooms, Eat in Remodeled Kitchen-First floor laundry-newer carpeting. Offered at $59,900.
Blairsville
#1050080 – Charming all brick home, immaculate condition. Hardwood floors, Geo Bush kitchen with storage and peninsula,3 bedrooms all with double closets. Bathroom features new large step in shower and ceramic tile, new sink and lighting. Nice sunroom w/patio doors. Space for family room in basement, utility room. Offered at $149,000
Mt. Pleasant
#1045761 – Well-maintained 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, splitentry in Mount Laurel View subdivision. Master en suite. Hardwoods, wall-to-wall carpet, central air. Custom stained glass. Integral garage. Offered at $205,000.
Stony Creek Twp #1043072 – 3 Bedroom home located in Stoneycreek Twp. Well kept with integral two car garage. Large family room and sun porch. Offered at $68,500.
Marion Center
#1037798 – Beautiful old Farm House on +/- 30 acres. Relaxing views of pond from front porch; stroll through orchard on way spring house. 3-br main housew/traditional farm house first floor. Newer 3-car garage with a 1-br apt above. Older bank barn will need attention. Offered at $395,000.
www.HewittRealEstate.net 24 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center Hosts Shop Demo Depot On June 13, (8:30-noon) Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, located at 113 Innovative Lane in Unity Township, will host Shop Demo Depot, a program of Westmoreland Community Action, at its regularly scheduled monthly collection. Shop Demo Depot will be at the Recycling Center to collect donations of surplus and reusable building supplies such as: cabinets, drywall, windows and doors, plumbing and light fixtures, and more. Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center will be open as usual to recycle electronics, tires, vehicle and household batteries, scrap metal, Freon appliances, used motor oil, cardboard, and all types of paper. This joint collection day will provide everyone a convenient place to properly manage their recyclable or reusable waste. Remodelers, contractors, and retailers, are encouraged to donate unwanted but reusable building materials to Shop Demo Depot where they can find a second life in a new home in the community. Funds raised from the resale and reuse of goods at Shop Demo Depot’s outlet in Mt. Pleasant supports Community Action programs like Head Start and Mothers Making More. If you are planning farm or garden projects this summer, consider a trip to the outlet store in Mt. Pleasant (GPS Accurate Address: 23 West Main Street; Mailing Address: One Cooks Way). Stroll through thousands of square feet loaded with building supplies such as wood, windows, doors, sinks, cabinets, furniture and paint in a great selection of popular shades. You’ll save at least 50% over retail prices! Follow them on Facebook for frequent upcycling project ideas and stock updates. Visit www.westmorelandcleanways.org for a complete list of items accepted for recycling. For more information about Shop Demo Depot, visit shopdemodepot.com or call 724-552-0491.
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***** About Shop Demo Depot: To reduce landfill waste and promote the resale and reuse of goods, while financially supporting Community Action initiatives that help those in need. About Westmoreland Cleanways:Westmoreland Cleanways offers many opportunities for people to help clean up their environment, such as road adoptions, illegal dump cleanups, recycling opportunities, and educational programs for schools and youth groups. For more information about the Recycling Center or other Westmoreland Cleanways programs, please call 724-879-4020.
Every Story Begins At Home.
June 2015 - 25
The Secret Agent Kids Corner by Genevieve LaFosse Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Kate groaned and reached out of her bed toward her black, blaring alarm clock. Beep! Beep! Kate whacked the clock. The beeping ceased. She sat up in bed, rubbed her dark brown eyes and yawned. She stretched her arms out and jumped out of bed. Then she walked out of her bedroom and ran down the hallway into the bathroom to take a shower. After taking a quick shower, Kate, who was twenty-one, pinned up her long, brown hair into a bun on the top of her head, and raced down the stairs. She opened up the cabinet in the kitchen, pulled out a box of cereal, and ate a quick breakfast. After eating, Kate ran outside and jumped into her hover-car. She lived in the city of Teraville, and the city was anything but boring and dull. Hover-cars zipped this way and that. People bustled down the streets. Kate soon arrived at her destination just outside of Teraville: T.A.S.O. (Teraville Action Spy Organization.) Kate was a spy. She went on secret missions as she worked at T.A.S.O. She parked her hover-car and walked toward what looked like a mountain. Kate stepped on a flat stone that was in front of the mountain and a panel in front of the “mountain” opened up. Kate typed in a few numbers on the panel, and she pressed her hand on the screen. Lastly, she put her eye right up to the front of the panel and scanned it. Beep! The panel shut, and a door opened up. Kate walked inside, and the secret door shut behind her. She walked down a hall and stopped at a metal slide door. She entered a passcode on the door, and it shot open. She walked into the office of Mr. Joe Smith, the boss of T.A.S.O. Mr. Smith was sitting behind a desk, typing something on his computer. He looked up at Kate. “Kate, I have an important mission for you. Please take a seat.” Kate sat in a chair in front of Mr. Smith’s desk. 26 - June 2015
“Kate,” he began, “in a run-down part of this city stands a big building that used to belong to Dr. Hintera—before he vanished.” “He vanished?” Kate asked. “How long ago?” “Oh, it’s been about two years,” Mr. Smith replied. “Two years!” Kate exclaimed. “Why-” “Kate!” Mr. Smith interrupted. “I don’t think that you fully understand the situation. Let me explain. Well,” Mr. Smith began, “Dr. Hintera was a good doctor. He was devoted to finding a cure for the disease codajitis.” “Did he?” Kate asked anxiously. “Sadly, no.” Mr. Smith answered. “He was close to finding a cure, but that’s when he vanished. The building that I mentioned before was his lab. One day, his assistant couldn’t find him. That was two years ago. He hasn’t been seen since. “What’s become of the building now?” Kate asked. “Once we heard that he had vanished, we sent some spies to pick up clues of where he went. They found half-finished experiments and a lot of papers. They didn’t find any clues. They left his experiments, papers, and everything else in the building.” Mr. Smith stood up. “Kate, there have been rumors going on that people have seen lights on in that building at night, and worse still, some say they’ve even seen Crabbit McNabbit.” “The dangerous villain?” Kate asked surprised. “Why, nobody has seen him in years!” “Well, that’s what they say,” Mr. Smith returned. “If it is him, my theory is that Crabbit is looking for something in Dr. Hintera’s building. Anyways, I want you, Kate, to go and search the building. But beware! This is a very dangerous mission! If it is truly Crabbit, then I expect the building will be booby-trapped. I want you to search the building for Crabbit and for any clues of where Dr. Hintera may be. I’m trusting you. Kate, you are one
of my best spies.” “Thank you, Mr. Smith. I will be careful.” Kate stood up and exited the room. She walked down the hall and stopped at a door. After typing in the password, the door opened and Kate walked inside. All of the doors in T.A.S.O. had passwords for extra security. This was Kate’s private room. All of the spies in T.A.S.O. had their own private rooms. The rooms contained a television, couch, bed, bathroom, shelves, and a locker in which they kept their black jumpsuits that they wore when they went on missions. Also, along with their jumpsuits, they had a utility belt, filled with all sorts of cool and useful gadgets. All these the spies of T.A.S.O. kept in their private rooms. Kate quickly dressed in her black jumpsuit and strapped her utility belt around her waist. She then proceeded to fill her utility belt with many gadgets that may come in handy on her mission. She left her private room, walked down T.A.S.O.’s hall, and exited T.A.S.O. She jumped into her hover-car and flew to Dr. Hintera’s former lab. Exiting her hover-car, Kate walked toward the huge building. She grasped the handle on the building’s door and turned it. She pulled on it. It was locked. Kate reached into her utility belt and pulled out her lock picker. She stuck it into the lock and turned it. Plink! The door unlocked. Kate cautiously stepped inside the building. Shutting the door behind her, Kate put her lock picker back into her utility belt and looked around. She was in a hallway. She could barely see, since the front windows were boarded up. She pulled a flashlight out of her utility belt and turned it on. To her left was a door. Cautiously, she opened it. It was a little room which was filled with papers tossed here and there. The room was a mess. There was a desk and chair in the middle of the room. To the right, there was a shelf with LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
even more papers on it. To the right, there were curtains, and light was peeking out from behind them. Kate threw open the curtains, and light streamed throughout the room. Kate turned off her flashlight and bent down. She picked up a paper. It was a list of scientific chemical names: Clybostamate, Golabaerus, Maecolaboshina. Kate didn’t know how to pronounce Maecolaboshina. The list went on and on. Kate picked up a second paper. In scrawled handwriting was a list of dates when experiments had been done, and their outcome. Kate looked at a few more papers and found other useless information. As Kate exited the room, she turned her flashlight on. She walked to the end of the dark hallway. In front of her was an elevator. She pressed the “up” button on it and the doors opened. Shining her flashlight inside the elevator, Kate realized that there was no floor! Horrified, Kate backed away from the elevator. There was a door on her right. She quickly opened it, and there was another long hallway with doors everywhere! It would take forever to search all these rooms, Kate thought. Where should she start? Kate had a hunch that she would find something upstairs. Kate frantically searched every hallway for stairs. She found none.
Every Story Begins At Home.
“What building doesn’t have stairs?” Kate asked herself aloud as she trudged back to the elevator. Kate reached into her utility belt and pulled out her headlamp. She strapped it around her head. Kate grabbed her grappling hook. She leaned into the elevator shaft and looked up. She reached her arm up and shot out her grappling hook. Dink! It hooked to the top of the shaft. Kate grabbed ahold of it and started to pull herself up. When she reached the top, she unhooked the grappling hook and jumped out of the shaft. Kate cautiously walked down the hallway. There were many doors on both sides of her. Which one should she go in? Kate stopped dead short in front of one particular door. Kate thought that she heard something coming from inside! Kate slowly opened the door. For a second she thought that she saw something moving around inside. Click! Her headlamp turned off. The battery ran out. Kate quickly turned on her flashlight. She screamed. There standing in front of her was Crabbit McNabbit himself! Clad in a black suit and black boots, Crabbit McNabbit stared down at Kate with an evil smile on his face. “I’ve been waiting for you!” he laughed. “Waiting for me?” Kate questioned. “One of you agents!” He roared. I was expecting you’d be here!” “How? Why?” Kate stammered. “Oh, I know things,” he answered. “What did you do with Dr. Hintera?” Kate demanded. “This is my building now,” Crabbit said. “And if you want Dr. Hintera, then find him yourself!” Crabbit seized Kate by the arm, dragged her to the elevator shaft, and pushed her down it. Quickly thinking, Kate flicked a switch on her boots, and she hovered in mid-air. She floated down to the bottom of the shaft, jumped out, and turned off her hover-boots. She looked around and she realized that she was in the basement. Kate heard knocking coming from a door at the end of the hallway. Kate slowly walked towards the door and unlocked it.
“Don’t hurt me!” Kate heard a man’s voice say. “Who are you? Where are you?” Kate asked. “You’re not Crabbit!” The voice replied. A man jumped up from behind a box. He was very scruffy-looking. A long, brown beard dangled from his chin, and his brown hair reached below his shoulders. He was wearing a white doctor’s coat. The man was none other than Dr. Hintera! “No, I’m not Crabbit.” Kate stated. “You are Dr. Hintera, aren’t you?” “I am,” The man said. “Who are you?” “My name is Kate. I work for…I…I work…for…um…” The words just wouldn’t come. How could Kate tell Dr. Hintera that she was a secret spy agent who worked for T.A.S.O.? Well, it is Dr. Hintera, then I can trust him, Kate thought. “I work for T.A.S.O. I am an agent, and I’m here to rescue you from Crabbit McNabbit!” “Well, then let’s go!” he replied. Kate opened the door. “Not so fast!” Kate looked up. It was Crabbit! Kate reached into her utility belt and pulled out her stun gun. Zap! She zapped Crabbit, who fell over. “Let’s go!” Kate cried. She rushed towards the elevator shaft, pulled out her grappling hook, and shot it up the elevator shaft. “Go, Doctor!” Kate shouted. Dr. Hintera grabbed ahold and was pulled up. Kate turned on her hover boots and flew up after him. Pulling out her phone, Kate called the police. Two hours later, Crabbit McNabbit was safely behind bars, while Kate was being praised by her fellow agents. As for Dr. Hintera, he was busy cleaning up his lab—and calling a repair man for his elevator.
I wrote this piece for the Write Local homeschool workshop. I chose “spies” for the subject of my story because I enjoy detective stories and I like to enact spy games with my siblings. Writing is a fun hobby for me. I especially enjoy writing stories because I like to invent my own characters, settings, and plots. Writing gives me the opportunity to use vocabulary words that I learned in homeschool and practice concepts learned in English. –Genevieve LaFosse, 13 – Latrobe
June 2015 - 27
Stopping the Junk Mail Deluge First of all, you’re probably right! Junk mail has increased to a massive scale in recent years, with the average American receiving 16 pieces each week. While this might not seem like much, it adds up to weigh an estimated 41 pounds each year, according to leading anti-junk mail organization, 41pounds.org. What’s more, 44 percent of it is never opened, though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates only about 40 percent is recycled properly. This enormous waste of paper has triggered the U.S. Postal Service to install over 4,000 postal recycling stations around the country. From a financial perspective, nearly $320 million of local tax money is used to dispose of and recycle of junk mail each year. However, junk mail has environmental repercussions on a larger scale than individual inconvenience or waste of tax money. The paper for these mailings comes from more than 100 million trees each year. Not only does this cause deforestation and other direct problems to the local environment, it also creates an imbalance of the planet’s carbon levels. While forests usually act as “carbon sinks” to maintain constant levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, chopping down these trees and converting them into paper emits this stored carbon prematurely back into the atmosphere. On top of that, according to
41pounds.org, the carbon emissions from junk mailings each year are roughly equivalent to those of nine million cars. ForestEthics.org, another leader in the charge against junk mail, estimates that junk mail produces 51.5 million metric tons of greenhouse
gases each year. Ciara O’Rourke reports in The New York Times that this is roughly the same amount of emissions produced by heating 13 million homes in the winter. ForestEthics’ report, “Climate Change Enclosed,” likens junk mail’s carbon burden to 2.4 million cars idling 24/7 yearround.
Another negative impact of junk mail is the water waste it creates. As drought becomes an increasingly important problem across the country, Americans continue to waste upwards of 28 billion gallons of water on junk mail production and recycling every year. Thankfully, these enormous environmental costs can easily be reduced by taking basic steps to get off mailing lists. By registering at 41pounds.org, junk mailings can be reduced by 8095 percent for $41. Similar to a no-call list for telemarketers, you can also opt out of these mailing lists at catolog choice.org. By contacting dozens of these mailers directly, these organizations aim to eliminate junk mail waste. After five years, 41pounds.org estimates “you’ll conserve 1.7 trees and 700 gallons of water, and prevent global warming emissions—and you’ll gain about 350 hours of free time.” Though readers should note you must re-register every five years, this simple action can make a huge impact in stopping the torrent of junk mail being crammed into your mailbox each week. CONTACTS:41pounds.org, www.41pounds.org; Catalog Choice, www.catalogchoice.org; Forest Ethics’ “Climate Change Enclosed,” donotmail .org/downloads/ClimateReport.pdf. EarthTalk® is produced by Doug Moss & Roddy Scheer and is a registered trademark of Earth Action Network Inc. View past columns at: www.earthtalk.org. Or e-mail us your question: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
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412-884-7788 • pittsburghmedium.com My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death.
28 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Ligonier Country Market Weekly Features Saturday, June 6
Saturday, June 27
Inside Ligonier: A Home Tour Who better to share what the 11th Annual Ligonier Home Tour is all about, than someone who opened his own home to the public years ago for this Tour? Ligonier resident, Mike Krestar, and the Inside Ligonier – A Home Tour Committee, have once again pulled out all the stops for the June 27, 2015 Home Tour. Krestar, as well as other committee members, will be on hand at the Ligonier Country Market on June 6 to share their own experiences about this annual event (co-sponsored by the Ligonier Highway Heritage Corridor, the Ligonier Valley Historical Society, and the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce). The diverse architecture of this year’s homes will inspire and wow attendees! Westmoreland Squares The Westmoreland Squares are a group of 4-H youth from throughout Westmoreland County that gather together to square dance. They range in age from 2 to 21, and are members or alumni of other 4-H clubs. They participate in 4-H projects including llamas, goats, sheep, horses, cows, pet care, poultry, rabbits, scrapbooking, sewing, cooking, knitting, crocheting, travel, citizenship, woodworking, public speaking, robotics, archery, air rifle, and shotgun (to name a few). They are in elementary school, high school, Christian school, home school, cyber school, college or working. For more information, contact the Penn State Extension/ Westmoreland County at 724-837-1402.
Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania Mission Statement: To take all action deemed by the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania to be beneficial to the protection, enjoyment and propagation of the Eastern Bluebird and other native cavity nesting species in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. • Provide and promote educational activities relating to bluebirds, birding, conservation and related subjects. • Monitor and conduct research relating to bluebirds, other cavity nesting birds, food sources, habits, and trails. • Build, maintain,and monitor bluebird boxes and trails. • Provide opportunities for people to become involved in efforts that assist bluebirds and other native bird species. • Provide social opportunities to share information and experiences relating to bluebirds and related conservation topics.
Saturday, June 13 Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival Come listen to some bluegrass and get warmed up for the 13th Annual Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival June 19th20th. For more information, visit: www.laurelhigh landsbluegrass.com.
Saturday, June 20 Wood Bridge Pre-School Stop by with the kids and participate in their planting project, face painting, while learning about the wonderful opportunities available for your child at Wood Bridge PreSchool. Wood Bridge, located at St. Michael’s of the Valley Episcopal Church in Rector, is an independent, nonprofit, interdenominational preschool established in 1975. The program is for children ages 3 to 5, and parents can choose the instructional schedule that best fits their needs. Wood Bridge also offers a Summer Day Camp at the end of June for 3, 4 and 5-year-old children in the community. Stop by to learn more! Every Story Begins At Home.
This advertisement sponsored by The Toy Box and The Twisted Vine of Ligonier
June 2015 - 29
Muddy Mayhem by Drew Williams The following is Part 2 of a three-part short story about one man getting really dirty . . .
“It’s really great that we could get you on the team at the last minute,” Tom Kreiger said, poking his head into my office. It was two days after my first training run and every inch of my body that could be sore was. “Glad I could help,” I replied. “I just hope I don’t let you down.” Tom shook his head and laughed. “No worries about that. All the team needs you to do is finish,’ he said, adding casually. “That shouldn’t be a problem, should it?” I looked up at Tom’s thin, marathon-running frame. Obviously this five mile jaunt through the mud was going to be a breeze for him. I was feeling much less confident. “What if I don’t finish?” I asked. Tom’s smile wavered. “Well, only the fastest three times count toward the team challenge, but all four members have to finish, and” he said, giving the word a little extra emphasis, “all of the obstacles have to be completed.” I gave him a little huff and a dismissive wave. “Piece of cake,” I said, trying to sound convincing. “I just need to get back into shape a little. In fact I’m going to the gym right after work.” “That’s the spirit,” Tom said, his tone not quite as enthusiastic as before. “How long have you been going to the gym?” “A few months now.” The truth of the matter was I had been thinking about using my free gym membership for several months. I hadn’t actually visited the gym, but I figured that this was a moment where a little white lie was in everyone’s best interest. ‘Tonight though, I’m working out with a trainer.” That part was true; a free fitness assessment was part of the thirty day trial membership I had won at the bar for knowing Bonnie Tyler sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. “In
30 - June 2015
fact,” I said. “I better finish up here, so I won’t be late.” “Ok,” Tom said. “I’ll let you get back to it.” After Tom went back to his own office I got the feeling that our little talk hadn’t been as reassuring as he would have liked. I was feeling a bit more pressured than the day before. I knew from looking at the Muddy Mayhem website that only the top three times on each team counted, but I didn’t know the team would be disqualified if all four participants didn’t finish. I had always thought in the back of my mind that if the race proved too difficult, I could just drop out after the half way mark and still maintain some degree of dignity. Three miles would still be a pretty respectable showing for an out of shape last minute replacement like me. “Great,” I muttered as I realized that plan had just flown out the window. “Just great.” ***** “Great, this is fantastic,” Carl said when I introduced myself. “So many times people make appointments for their fitness test and then, for whatever reason, they don’t show. But here you are,” he said, giving my hand a firm and somewhat painful squeeze. “This is great.” Carl was genuinely pleased that I had used my free trial membership at the gym, telling me several times how ‘great’ it was I was there, and how ‘fantastic’ I would feel once I made fitness a regular part of my life. From the look of his bulging muscles beneath his polo jersey, I’m not quite sure if I completely believed the story of his own transformation from a pudgy couch potato to chiseled fitness guru, but I had to admit his enthusiasm was catching. As he extolled the virtues of cardio and weight training and the nearly miraculous effects of juicing, I
was getting excited about hitting the weights and seeing, as he said, how much iron I could sling. “So before we see what kind of shape you are in,” he said. “What are your fitness goals? Are you looking to lose a few pounds? Get stronger? Maybe get back some of the old energy?” I confessed that all of the above sounded good, but my main goal was to get in shape for the mud run in three weeks. “The Muddy Mayhem,” Carl said surprised. His eyes casually drifted to the paunch around my midsection and I could tell he didn’t think the idea was all that fantastic. “That’s a pretty tough run, you know. Have you ever done a race like that?” I told him no and gave him a quick rundown of how I got myself committed to the run. “So as you can see, I’m kind of stuck.” “And how far can you run now?” “Not very,” I confessed. “I can half jog and walk about three miles.” Carl’s lips pursed slightly and he nodded. For a moment I thought he was going to tell me I was crazy and to get out of his gym. Instead he smiled and made a motion for me to follow him out to the weight room. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s go get you started.” ***** “Turns out I’m not in as bad of shape as I thought I was,” I told Sheila later that evening. Over our late dinner of boiled chicken and salad I told her about my experience with Carl at the gym. “The first thing he had me doing was jogging on the treadmill to test my endurance.” “And?” Sheila asked. “I don’t have much,” I said, stuffing a piece of chicken into my mouth. “I could only go for about five minutes, but when he set the pace for a quick walk, I did fine. He said my heart rate was pretty strong and steady and that LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
I should concentrate on walking fast instead of running.” “That’s good,” Sheila replied. “You looked like you were about to have a stroke yesterday when you tried to run.” I ignored the remark and continued. “Then we did some stretching which I completely stunk at, and then some calisthenics. Carl says I should do some pushups and deep knee bends every day.” “Sounds reasonable,” Sheila said. “Did he have you lifting any weights?” I put down my fork and chuckled. “We did a circuit of the weight machines. He said that was the best thing for me to start out with.” What I didn’t tell Sheila was that, at first, I insisted on testing my strength with the free weights. Despite Carl’s objections I laid down to do a bench press where 150 pounds had already been placed. I assured Carl that the weight wouldn’t be a problem, and for the first two seconds I had it poised over my chest, it wasn’t. But when I tried to press upward, my arms wouldn’t budge. Instead, the bar inched downward until it rested on my chest, effectively trapping me on the bench. Rolling his eyes and giving me an obvious I told you so look, Carl effortlessly lifted the bar off my chest and pointed toward the much safer weight machines at the other end of the gym. “We did machines for the chest and back. And then one where I pulled
a bar from my forehead to my waist. I think we did seven different machines. Carl gave me a workout sheet with all the different exercises I’m supposed to do in the circuit and how much I’m supposed to start with.” “How often are you supposed to do these?” “Four times a week,” I said. “Every other day. Plus the stretching and the pushups.” “And the jogging,” Sheila added. “That too, but Carl thinks I should try jogging two minutes then walking two minutes and see how that feels.” Sheila said that sounded like a better system than my run till it hurt approach. “It just still seems like a lot of work. Are you sure you’re up to it?” “I’m fine,” I said, stabbing a second helping of chicken off the plate. “I’m just a little stiff.” The next morning, however, I was anything but fine. Just about every muscle in my body felt as if it had been poked with a sharp stick. From the whimpering noises I made as I tried to push myself out of bed, Sheila knew that I was in pretty rough condition. “How ya feelin’,” she said as she not so gently punched me in the shoulder. “Got a little gym hangover this morning?” “Not funny.” I managed to rise out of bed, but as I did the sound of my back and neck cracking was distinctly audible. Sheila put her hand up to her mouth and giggled. “Still not funny,”
I said which made Sheila laugh even louder. “Why don’t you go get into the shower, and I’ll find you some Motrin. I think you’re going to need it.” Sheila didn’t need to tell me twice. I shuffled into the bathroom, each step a painful reminder of the previous evening’s excursion to the gym. I turned the water on in the shower, and as I waited for it to heat up I glanced in the mirror. “Are you insane?” I asked the face staring back at me. For the past two days I had willingly put myself through what could only be described as a mild form of medieval torture, and I still had three more weeks to go. My back ached, my shoulders hurt, and I couldn’t raise my arms past the level of my chest. Shaking my head at my reflection I cursed Tom Kreiger for getting me into the mess; I cursed out Carl the fitness instructor who insisted I do just one more set of bicep curls. By the time I got to cursing out whoever it was that came up with the idea for the Muddy Mayhem, steam was beginning to fill the bathroom. With no one left to blame for my aches and pains, I stepped into the shower. ***** “Feel better?” Sheila asked when I came down the stairs. She had made breakfast, buttered toast and eggs. Beside my plate was a glass of orange juice and a little bottle of Motrin. I mumbled something about getting hit by a truck and plopped down into my seat. I took the bottle and tapped out two pills. After a moment to reconsider, I tapped out a third and tossed them into my mouth. Taking a quick gulp of OJ, I swallowed the tablets and sighed. “Never better,” I said. Sheila looked at me, a slight frown forming at the corners of her mouth. “Why are you still in your pajamas?” she asked. “Aren’t you going jogging this morning?” I shook my head. To tell the truth, considering how I felt that morning I doubted if I would ever exercise again. “Not today. I’m too sore.” continued on page 32
Every Story Begins At Home.
June 2015 - 31
continued from page 31
Sheila’s frown became full formed as she sat down at the table. It was clear from her expression she had something to say. “What?” I asked. “Look,’ she began. “I know you’re a bit sore right now, and I probably shouldn’t have made fun of you for that, but I know you. If you skip your run today, you’re going to skip it toorrow, and that will be the end of it. You’ll give up, and then you will be letting Tom and the rest of the guys at work down. And that is the last thing you want to do, so go change into your jogging clothes and get out there.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Just a few days earlier Sheila nearly forbad me from doing the Muddy Mayhem, and now she’s telling me
to go out and hurt myself getting ready for it. “What happened to ‘it’s my funeral’?” I asked. “You didn’t seem so thrilled about me doing it the other night.” “I know,” Sheila said. “And a fivemile mud run wouldn’t have been my first choice for you. But in the past few days you’ve actually gone out and jogged. And you used that gym membership that’s been sitting in your chest of drawers for months. This is the most enthused about getting in shape I have ever seen you, and I don’t want you to stop.” This was an unexpected change of attitude. “Really?” “Yes, really,” Sheila said. “I think you need to pace yourself a little better and walk more like your trainer said, but I really do want you to keep this up. I think it’s important that you have
this goal, and it will do you a world of good if you see it through.” “So you think I can finish it?” I asked. “Even with the Wall of Death?” Sheila laughed and rolled her eyes. “Don’t remind me of that. But yeah, I think you can,” she said, quickly adding. “I don’t think it will be pretty, but I think you can finish.” “Okay then,” I said. “I guess I’d better go change my clothes.” Sheila gave me a quick smile as I left the kitchen. At that moment I knew I would have no more thoughts of giving up. How could I? My wife believed in me. ***** Originally from McKeesport, and a graduate of both Slippery Rock (BS and MS) and IUP (PhD), Drew Williams is a Professor of English Literature at North Carolina Central University in Durham. He lives in Fuquay-Varina, NC with his wife, Laura, and their growing collection of dachshunds.
DreamsDoComeTrue!
Equine Chic For Horse, Home & You!
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32 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
The Little House by Nancy A. Clark The living room playhouses my younger sister and I created with bed blankets draped over the backs of strategically-placed chairs were but forerunners to the free standing kid-sized playhouse Dad constructed in our side yard back in the late 1940’s. Our blanket creations drooped and collapsed with our every turn; the lumber-and-nails playhouse Dad built was steady and rock solid. As I recall, our playhouse was the only one of its kind in our small rural southwestern Pennsylvania village. We learned years later that we were the objects of Playhouse Envy. Dad, the architect and labor crewman for this mighty work, hammered every nail into what we dubbed The Little House. Its white clapboard exterior siding matched the siding on our home-house – The Big House. Built on a skid, the eight-by-eight foot structure had asbestos shingles on its gable roof. The entrance door to the single room building was cut into the left front corner of The Little House and faced the kitchen window of The Big House. From that window, Mom monitored our activities when we were en résidence, ready to settle disputes that erupted between one too many little cooks in the kitchen. Mom made red and white gingham curtains for the two single-pane glass windows on the side walls. When the windows were pushed open to the outside, we had enough ventilation to weather the sweltering Dog Days of August and to remain dry during summer’s frequent rain showers. The Little House might have had more curb appeal if pink petunias trailed over the edges of decorative flower boxes attached beneath those windows; but blooms would have attracted ‘pollinators” to our screenless windows. Bees, along with ants and spiders, were critter non gratis in our private domain. Within the walls of our summer enclave, we enjoyed all the creature comforts that did not require elecEvery Story Begins At Home.
tricity, plumbing or heating. The Little House was just the right size for two “little mamas” and their doll families. Sis and I were totally in our element dressed “to the nines” in Mom’s cotton house frocks, hobbling about unsteadily in her chunky-heeled shoes. The formal furniture in The Little House began and ended with a childsize wooden table and two matching chairs, pieces that defined the corner in which we placed them. We served tea (aka Kool Aid) to pretend guests, rolled out dough scraps salvaged from Mom’s daily baking, and ate our lunch at the table in the kitchen corner. Shoved into another corner, the furniture became a teacher’s desk where we took turns leading a class of one. The third corner doubled as a theater and nursery. When turned onto one side, the table top became a “curtain” from behind which we presented puppet shows. Upright, the table served as a diaper changing station. In the nursery our babies slept contentedly on throw pillows fitted into flannel-lined Campbell’s Soup shipping cartons tucked under that table. Dad rescued orange crates from the backroom of Bill Steel’s Grocery Store and dynamite boxes from the salvage pile at the coal yard to fashion storage “cubbies” he hung on the interior walls. We displayed our tin tea set with its English Rose-pattern, and our collection of mix-matched cracked crockery in the kitchen box. Our school supplies and library of Little Golden Books filled the classroom corner box. Doll clothes, bubble-blowing paraphernalia, our dishtowels-folded-intohand puppets and miscellaneous loot were stuffed in the multipurpose corner boxes. And just like in The Big House, a broom, flyswatter, and the feed sack aprons Mom made for us hung on
hooks screwed into the wall nearest the door. Our passion for playing house waned precipitously as we marched through elementary school. Our disinterest ultimately prompted Dad to relocate The Little House to the far end of our property, adjacent to The Outhouse (which he’d also built). There, The Little House was repurposed as a garden shed. The “cubbies” were packed with hand tools, fertilizers, clippers, bulb planters and mayon-
naise jars filled with dried flower seeds. A wheelbarrow, hand cultivator, shovels, rakes and watering cans gobbled up the room, thus shrinking our perception of a larger-than-life playroom. Gone were the red and white gingham curtains; safe were the spiders that spun their webs and the bees that built their hives under the eaves. For a minute in time, two little girls floated through a summers’ place of their own, totally unaware of how they’d one day value the gift deeded to them so long ago. But if memories are indeed riches, we two have to be among the wealthiest people in the world. ***** Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in 50 years of marriage, three children, three grandchildren, and on great-grandchild. She dabbles in freelance and memoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting, reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.
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JUNE-JULY COMMUNITY CALENDAR “If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday.” – Pearl Buck
through 11/5/2015 Bike Night Stone House Restaurant & County Inn 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.8876. stonehouseinn.com Event is held every Thursday from 6-9 pm through late October, weather permitting. We have a great line up of bands and activities set for this year! Prizes given weekly! Great drink specials and fabulous BBQ served! Family Friendly atmosphere! through 8/30/2015 Sunday Evening Summer Band Concerts On the Diamond 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658. 724.238.4200. visitligonier.com Sunday Evening Band Concerts start May 24th and run through August 30th. Concerts start at 7PM on the Diamond. If there is inclement weather, the concerts will take place at the Town Hall Auditorium. through 12/18/2015 Paint and Sip Liz Jones Arts 201 Fairview Ave., Connellsville, PA 15425 724.455.3699 Art and Wine every Friday at 6:30 PM— unlike other Paint and Sip places, each person attending can choose their own project every time, rather than having to all do the same one! Light refreshments are available... BYOB/ $20 person/ All credit cards and cash accepted. through 11/1/2015 Alta E. Schrock Nature Trail Springs Museum & Historical Society 1711 Springs Rd., Springs, PA 15562 814.442.4594 springspa.org Lovely self-guided trail featuring 4/10 mile of easy terrain. Adjacent to the Springs Farmers’ Market. A guide helps identify marked plants and trees. through 9/4/2015 Summer Coverlet Exhibition Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 724.805.2188. mccarlgallery.org Featuring nature themes in coverlets, the work of Rachel Carson, and artwork that explores both flora and fauna, the summer coverlet exhibit is sure to be a hit with lovers of both history and art. Please note, we will be closed July 3rd and 4th in celebration of the holiday. through 8/22/2015 The Bryce Family and the Mount Pleasant Factory: The Exhibit Mount Pleasant Glass Museum 402 E. Main St., Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724.547.5929 The exhibit will present an indepth view of family, factory, and town.
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6/2/2015 to 9/29/2015 Latrobe Farmer’s Market Latrobe Community Revitalization Program Legion Keener Park, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.805.0112 latroberevitalization.org Held each Tuesday, from early June through mid-October at the Legion Keener Park. The Park is located where Chestnut Street meets Irving Street, just west of the downtown. The Latrobe Farmers Market is co-sponsored by 1480 WCNS Radio and continues to grow each year. Farmers, vendors, caterers and other entrepreneurs sell a range of excellent produce and products grown or made by them. No re-selling is allowed. This year’s Market will begin on June 2nd beginning at Noon and running until 4pm. It will conclude on October 21st; running for 20 weeks. Come join us in a beautifully treed setting adjacent to Loyalhanna Creek. To become a vendor, call LCRP at (724) 805 0112 or e-mail trunzo@latroberevitalization.org 6/3/2015 to 8/26/2015 Lincoln HighwaySupperMarket Lincoln Highway Experience 3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.879.4241 lincolnhighwaysuppermarket.org What is the Lincoln Highway SupperMarket? It is an opportunity for families to savor the summer flavors from 8 area restaurants every Wednesday during June, July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. Six select restaurants will be offering prepared (ready-to-eat) a la carte entrees. In addition, one bakery will serve premium desserts! Supper can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables, or pick up a ‘take out’ for home. 6/3/2015 Weeknight Walkabout Laurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd., Somerset, PA 15501. 814.352.8649 Join us for our summer weeknight hiking series. Discover the trails of Laurel Hill State Park. Each session will be a 3 to 5 mile hike. Please meet at the Laurel Hill Visitor Center. 6/4/2015 to 9/10/2015 T.G.I.S. Thank Goodness It’s Summer! The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA. 724.836.1123. thepalacetheatre.org Thursday Free Concert Series 6/5/2015 to 6/7/2015 Alchemist Picnic II: A Mid-Atlantic Metals Retreat Touchstone Center for Crafts 1049 Wharton Furnace Rd., Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.1370 touchstonecrafts.org The Alchemist Picnic is an annual gathering of metalsmiths and jewelers from the mid-Atlantic region and beyond. This weekend event is hosted by Wayne Werner, renowned for his metalsmithing expertise, jewelry design, musical talent, and ebullient personality. He is the perfect emcee for this lively event and Touchstone is the ideal
setting with its beautiful woodland campus and well-equipped metals studios. As Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school, Touchstone’s convenient geography makes it the ideal mid-Atlantic platform for the Alchemist Picnic to take flight. In addition, Touchstone is holding a prize drawing during the Saturday evening auction in which a lucky attendee can win a full tuition certificate* in the Metals Studio. (Tickets $5.00 each for a chance to win! Tickets may be purchased at the event.) 6/5/2015 Honey Tasting Party Summer Smiles Honey Farm 939 Horner Church Rd., Stoystown, PA 15563 814.525.0306 shop.summersmileshoneyfarm.com Learn how to pair our raw honey (vs other honey), with various foods and wine. Local cheese from Van Grouw Farms, Glades Pike Wine, organic foods from Frankferd Farms, and Wild for Salmon products. 6/5/2015 to 6/7/2015 34th Annual Canal Days Downtown Saltsburg. Walk along the historic Mainline Canal and explore local crafters and games. Enter the karaoke contest, watch the fireman’s parade and stay for the fireworks. For more information, call (412) 996-0811 or visit www.visitsaltsburg.com. 6/5/2015 to 8/28/2015 SummerSounds St. Clair Park Greensburg, PA 15601 summersounds.com SummerSounds is a free series of exciting and interesting concerts under the stars in Greensburg’s downtown St. Clair Park. Emphasizing high standards of contemporary musicianship in a family atmosphere, this series has been called “the best outdoor music series in Western PA. 6/5/2015 NWAAS Racing plus Spectator Drags Motordrome Speedway 164 Motordrome Rd., Smithton, PA. 724.872.0203. motordrome.com Motordrome Speedway is a 1/2 mile paved, asphalt track located in Smithton, PA. Motordrome is the only NASCAR Sanctioned Speedway in Southwestern, PA and has over 40 years of a rich, storied HISTORY and tradition. Motordrome runs every Friday Night from late April through early September and is conveniently located directly off of the highly trafficked I-70 just south of Pittsburgh. 6/5/2015 to 6/13/2015 The Full Monty-The Musical Greensburg Garden & Civic Center 951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 spiltstage.com Six unemployed steelworkers, low on cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
club after seeing their wives’ enthusiasm for a Chippendales routine. Jerry declares that their show will be better because they’ll go “the full monty”—take it all off. 6/6/2015 to 6/6/2015 Amish Burlesque Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House 450 Main St., Rockwood, PA. rockwoodmillshoppes.com 6/6/2015 Antiques on the Diamond On the Diamond Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.4200 visitligonier.com Over 50 antique dealers around the Diamond. 6/6/2015 An Evening with String Tyme Compass Inn Museum. 6:30 pm. FREE. 6/6/2015 This Old House Workshop Lincoln Highway Experience 3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650. lhhc.org. 9:30-11:30 am Three home improvement experts will move throughout the inside and outside of the home to share professional tips on remodeling do’s and don’ts, painting, and kitchen makeovers. What’s the best approach to remodel an historic home to fit into today’s active lifestyles, without sacrificing the character and integrity of the structure? Is it possible to replace windows with energy efficient ones that will match the remaining historic windows? What about interior doors? There’s not an HGTV show that doesn’t address “open concept, granite countertops, and stainless appliances.” But, making those changes are tricky when dealing with a small 1940s kitchen. Ten years ago wallpaper was “in” but not so much now. What is the easiest way to prep a papered wall for paint? Can latex paint be used over oilbased paint? What’s trending when it comes to exterior trim colors? Have your questions answered and get inspired to tackle whatever is on your to do list. Pre-registration is required. To register and pay $10 workshop fee for This Old Home, visit www.LHHC.org click Gift Shop, then LHHC Event Ticket. Or, call the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor at 724-879-4241. 6/6/2015 to 8/8/2015 No Boundries Fitness Boot Camp Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. nbfit.net No Boundaries Fitness will be conducting a Boot camp one Saturday each month from June until August starting at 10:30 AM. We will meet at the bulletin board in front of the beach and from there you will have one or more personal trainers take you on a journey that will be a combination of strength, cardio, muscle endurance, flexibility, core and functional movements. Classes will be 1 hour in length and will cost $10 per session. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to class to go over details of the workout being done that day. 6/6/2015 Sssnakes! Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. dcnr.pa.gov
Every Story Begins At Home.
Are there snakes at Keystone? Of course there are! Keystone State park is the perfect habitat for our slitherin’ scaly friends. We will learn all about what makes them so special, how to identify snakes and what to do in the unlikely event of a snakebite. 6/7/2015 to 9/27/2015 Keystone Farmer’s Market Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. dcnr.pa.gov Every Sunday starting June 7 until September 27, 2015 there will be a Farmer’s Market in the beach parking lot at Keystone State Park. The hours are 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Venders are welcome and the cost to set up is $10 per table. 6/7/2015 to 8/9/2015 Open Water Swim Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. nbfit.net No Boundaries Fitness and American Adventure Sports will be conducting an open swim at Keystone State Park every One Sunday of every month. It will be held from May thru August. Safety boats will be in the lake while swimmers are in the water. The swim will last about 1 hour each session starting at 10:00am and at 11:00 am. The swim will start at the beach and go towards the boat rental and back for a 1 mile loop. The cost of the swim is $10 help pay for park fees and boat rentals. Please come ½ hour early before your time slot for a pre-swim meeting that last about 15 minutes. 6/7/2015 Happy 200th Birthday Johnston House! Lincoln Highway Experience, - Lincoln Highway Experience, 3435 State Route 30 East, Latrobe, Pa 15650. 1- 3 pm. The Lincoln Highway Experience Museum cordially invites you to celebrate the 200th birthday of the Johnston House, located at 3435 State Route 30 East Latrobe, Pa 15650, near the Kingston Dam. Join us on Sunday June 7, 2015 from 1-3 p.m. for free cake and ice-cream (sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Real Estate
Company) and guided tours of both levels of the house. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a newly installed Johnston House interpretive exhibit outdoors. A limited edition postcard of the Johnston house is available. Built in 1815, the Johnston House was the boyhood home of Pa. Governor William F. Johnston. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to the Lincoln Highway Experience Museum. 6/7/2015 to 8/2/2015 FREE Summer Concert Series Cedar Creek Park 453 Evergreen Dr., Belle Vernon, PA 15012. www.co.westmoreland.pa.us All concerts start at 4:00pm at the Amphitheater. 6/10/2015 Business After Hours – Four Seasons Brew Pub Sponsored by Frist Commonwealth Bank and the GLLV Chamber of Commerce. Join us at the award-winning micro-brewery, crafting unique and delicious beers sure to please every palate. Their spacious new pub is now open, and we’ll be networking and celebrating summerstyle! Spotlight tables, cool music, cold drinks, food, prizes – and of course, YOU! gllv.org 6/12/2015 to 6/12/2015 Family Story Time Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 . wpnr.org Free family program, for all ages, which includes reading a story together in the barn and ex-ploring the grounds while completing a scavenger hunt. 6/12/2015 Pollinator Day Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. wpnr.org Celebrate pollinators, but especially bees on this special day. Learn about the bee life cycle, honey production and much more! Free for families of all ages. Registration required.
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6/12/2015 Intro to Birding Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. dcnr.pa.gov This program will introduce you to all aspects of birding. From learning how to use binoculars properly to identifying species and calls. This is an introductory program for those not familiar with birding. 6/13/2015 to 6/14/2015 Civil War Reenactment Old Bedford Village, 220 Sawblade Rd in Bedford. Hundreds of troops and horses relive the Civil War. Visit the camps. Battles complete with cannons both days. Spectacular! Hours 9am to 5pm unless stated otherwise. Events and times subject to change. Please call to confirm. Admission charged. 814-623-1156 www.oldbedfordvillage.com 6/13/2015 Ethnic Festival/Spring Craft Show Main Street Irwin, PA 15642 724.863.3093 irwinborough.org Main Street closes between 3rd Street and 5th Street for this event 6/13/2015 Laurel Ballet presents Alice in Wonderland & A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Join Laurel Ballet Performing Company on an enchanted journey through two classic, magical tales. Order online or call The Palace Theatre Box Office at 724-836-8000 beginning April 1. 6/13/2015 to 6/13/2015 Laurel Highlands Ultra Ohiopyle State Park 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470. laurelultra.com Each year the race is held on the second Saturday in June. 2015 will be the thirty-sixth running of the 70.5 mile race and the tenth running of the 50K race. The races will start in Ohiopyle, PA, with the 70.5 mile individual and relay races running the entire length of the trail and the 50K races finishing at the 31 mile point near the intersection of Route 31. All of the races are point-to-point along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail.
Other events include a basket raffle, instant bingo and 50/50 drawing. A DJ will be available to entertain during the festivity. The event will take place rain or shine. The public is invited. To access St. James Church from Latrobe, take State Route 981 to Route 22. Turn left at the stop light. Go straight to State Route 119. Make another left. Go for a short distance until Speal’s Bar is sighted. Turn left again. That is St. James Lane. Follow it to the Church. If one is coming from Crabtree, take State Route 119 almost to Rt. 22. About one-quarter of a mile short of the four-lane highway, look for St James Lane. Make a right and follow it about one-half mile. 6/14/2015 Antiques & Collectibles Market Historic Hanna’s Town 809 Forbes Trail Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.532.1935 westmorelandhistory.org 6/14/2015 Glen Campbell – I’ll Be Me State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave, State College, PA 814-272-0606. www.thestatetheatre.org. 2:30pm From the Producers of Walk the Line. $10 Tickets In 2011, music legend Glen Campbell set out on an unprecedented tour across America. He thought it would last 5 weeks; instead it went for 151 spectacular sold out shows over a triumphant year and a half. What made this tour extraordinary was that Glen had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was told to hang up his guitar and prepare for the inevitable. Instead, Glen and his wife went public with his diagnosis and announced that he and his family would set out on a “Goodbye Tour.” The film documents this amazing journey as he and his family attempt to navigate the wildly unpredict-able nature of Glen’s progressing disease using love, laughter and music as their medicine of choice. Sponsored by: Foxdale Village, Northwest Savings Bank and The State Theatre
6/15/2015 to 6/19/2015 Fort Kids Camp I Fort Ligonier 200 S., Market St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701. fortligonier.org Day camp for kids who have completed grades 1-6 (ages 6-14). Pre-registration required. 6/17/2015 Tiny Wonder Time-”Summer Storms” Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. wpnr.org Nature play hour for children ages 2-4 with an adult. Will include a nature hike or outside activity (weather permitting), two interactive activities or experiments, a craft, and a story. Online Registration Required. 6/17/2015 Weeknight Walkabout Laurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.352.8649 Join us for our summer weeknight hiking series. Discover the trails of Laurel Hill State Park. Each session will be a 3 to 5 mile hike. Please meet at the Laurel Hill Visitor Center. 6/18/2015 Art & Jazz Nite I Irwin Business & Professional Association 412-877-2141. irwinevents.com An Irwin original! The town comes alive with cool jazz. Up and down the strip, some of the best mucicians in the country perform,while you enjoy. Come a bit early and get some shopping in! 6/18/2015 to 6/21/2015 Miner’s Memorial Day Festival Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation Downtown Festival Area, Windber, PA 15963 echf.windberpa.org The Miners’ Day Festival is sponsored by the Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation with assistance from WAVE (Windber Area Visioning
6/14/2015 3rd Annual St. James Car Show & Spaghetti Dinner St. James Church, 306 St. James Lane, New Alexandria. Registration begins at 11 a.m. 724-668-2829. The first 150 cars will receive dash plaques, compliments of P. David Newhouse Funeral Home, New Alexandria. Trophies, sponsored by McNaughton Milling, also from the borough, will be awarded for “Pastor’s Pick,” “Best of Show,” in addition for those who finish “first” to “third” places. A Spaghetti dinner will be served from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the ‘air-conditioned’ Church social hall. In addition to spaghetti, one will receive a salad, bread and butter, beverage and desert. The cost for adults is $7.00 while children 12 and under is $4.00. Food and drink will also be available on the Church grounds. 36 - June 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Experience) and the Windber Hotel staff. It is an annual event to honor the coal miners who worked and died in the mines, growing from a small parade on main street to the current 4day street festival. Visitors from around Southwestern Pa. and beyond come to enjoy events including car, motorcycle, and truck/ATV shows with live entertainment; street dances each night featuring area bands; fireworks; food and craft vendors; children’s petting zoo and games; parade and other fun family activities. 6/18/2015 to 6/20/2015 National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival Fike Lane, Addison, PA 15411 carvingfest.confluencelions.org The festival is held in Addison, PA located on the National Road within the National Road Heritage Corridor in southern Somerset County. There are many nearby attractions that you may want to visit while you are here including the original historic Petersburg Toll House, Frederick Augustine House & Visitor Center, the PetersburgAddison Museum, the Humberson one-room schoolhouse and the Youghiogheny Lake. 6/19/2015 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: Father of the Bride State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA. 724.439.1360. statetheatre.info Play a crazy game at every movie sponsored by The Herald Standard for a chance to win prizes! 6/19/2015 A Taste of History Fort Ligonier 200 S. Market St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701. fortligonier.org A casual evening with friends at the Fort! Enjoy music, refreshments and cooking demonstrations. This event is held outside in the lower Fort area, weather permitting. 6/19/2015 Cash & Cline - A Tribute to Johnny & Patsy The Arcadia Theater 1418 Graham Ave., Windber, PA 15963 814.467.9070. arcadiatheater.net Enjoy the music of the world’s greatest country legends LIVE! Hits like “Ring of Fire” and “Folsom Prison Blues,”by Cash, and songs like “Crazy” and “Walkin’ After Midnight” by Cline! 6/19/2015 Father’s Day Appreciation Motordrome Speedway 164 Motordrome Rd., Smithton, PA 15479 724.872.0203 motordrome.com Father’s Day Appreciation! All fathers get in free! Fathers Tractor Race plus NWAAS Racing. 6/19/2015 to 6/20/2015 Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival 44 Firehall Rd., Ligonier, PA 15658 laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com Clean up the camper, dust off the lawn chairs, and get ready for a great weekend in the Laurel Highlands. It’ll be hard to top last year’s festival (lots of campers, perfect weather, and top-notch music), but we aim to do it. The bands are lined up, the food menus are set, the music workshops and sound company are ready to go, and we’re ready for another great year. Sure hope you can join us!
Every Story Begins At Home.
6/19/2015 Westmoreland Jazz Society Jazz in June in St. Clair Park St. Clair Park Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500 wmuseumaa.org Please note: This is a FREE Friday night concert that will take place in St. Clair Park in Greensburg as part of the SummerSounds concert series. Featured artist/s TBD. 6/20/2015 to 6/21/2015 Children’s Living History Compass Inn Museum 1382 Route 30 East, Laughlintown. 724.238.4983. compassinn.org What Watersheds and History Have in Common 6/20/2015 to 6/21/2015 Westmoreland County Airshow Arnold Palmer Regional Airport 148 Aviation Lane, Latrobe, PA 15650 . $16 for adults at the gate. 6/21/2015 2015 Father Fest Rogers-McFeely Memorial Pool, Latrobe Kids…bring your fathers for a free afternoon of FUN in the sun at the pool! Just tell the pool admissions staff… "We're here for Father Fest!" and City of Latrobe residents get in free! 2 pm. www.latroberecreation.org 6/21/2015 The Temptations The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org The Temptations secured a foundation for musical success early on that has lasted until this day. Precise choreography, rich harmonies, distinctive voices and musical versatility made their songs and performances go without parallel. Setting standards for years to come, The Temptations paved the way for future R&B artists in the turmoil of the late 1960’s. Breaking down barriers of race, gender, and age, The Temptations were one of the first true crossover acts in American pop music. Hits include “My Girl”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, “Ain’t Too Proud Too Beg” and many more. Tickets go on sale now. 6/24/2015 Taj Mahal Trio State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave, State College, PA 814-272-0606. www.thestatetheatre.org. 8pm. Information/Ticketing: http://thestate theatre.org/taj-mahal-trio/ $55 (+6$ ticketing fee) in the Gold Circle $45 (+5$ ticketing fee) in the Orchestra and Balcony VIDEO URL: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?feature=player_embedded&v=k-vo90v5KNA In September 2014, some 50 years after moving to Los Angeles to form the band Rising Sons with fellow blues musician Ry Cooder and Jessie Lee Kincaid, Taj Mahal hightailed it to Nashville to receive an honor he called ”one of the most powerful and wonderful things that could ever happen in my life.” Celebrating decades of recording and touring that have nearly singlehandedly reshaped the definition and scope of the blues via the infusion of exotic sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and South Pacific, the two-time Grammy winning singer, songwriter, film composer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist was
feted with the Lifetime Achievement for Performance Award at the 13th Annual Americana Honors and Awards. http://www.tajblues.com/ 6/24/2015 Wednesdays on the Water Laurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.352.8649. dcnr.pa.gov An evening exploration on Laurel Hill Lake can be the best way to end the day! We will paddle our way through the fascinating flora and fauna of our beautiful mountain lake. You may bring your own boat or register to use one of ours. 6/25/2015 25 Lap Special Event for Super Compacts Motordrome Speedway 164 Motordrome Rd., Smithton, PA. 724.872.0203. motordrome.com Motordrome Speedway is a 1/2 mile paved, asphalt track located in Smithton, PA. Motordrome is the only NASCAR Sanctioned Speedway in Southwestern, PA and has over 40 years of a rich, storied HISTORY and tradition. Motordrome runs every Friday Night from late April through early September and is conveniently located directly off of the highly trafficked I-70 just south of Pittsburgh. 6/25/2015 to 6/28/2015 18th Annual Thunder in the Valley Johnstown Area www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley/ The natural beauty of the Johnstown region is an attraction in and of itself, where its winding back roads lure bikers seeking great rides from spring through autumn or until the snow falls. 6/26/2015 and 7/17/2015 Get Outside Nature Hike Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, (724) 537-5284. 744 Walzer Way. Latrobe, PA 15650. wpnr.org Tag along with Nature Reserve staff as they get some fresh air and hit the trails to see what the outdoors bring that day…we may discover some unique finds. No registration is necessary. 6/26/2015 Wheels & Wings Ebensburg PotatoFest 300 W. High St., Ebensburg, 814.472.8414. ebensburgmainstreet.com Wheels & Wings features a car, motorcycle and bike competition and wing-off! This event takes place the Thursday before Johnstown’s Thunder in the Valley. There is a live music and an award ceremony for class winners. 6/26/2015 WPSU FM and The State Theatre Present: An Evening with Paul Poundstone State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave, State College, PA 814-272-0606. www.thestatetheatre.org. http://thestatetheatre.org/paula-poundstone/ $65 VIP Meet and Greet (front 2rows+ticketing fee) $45 Front section (+ticketing fee) $40 Orchestra and Balcony (+ticketing fee) $5 of every ticket sold goes directly to support WPSU FM broadcasting, State College’s local NPR affiliate. Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me is now the most popular show on NPR, having reached #1 status in 2014. Listeners can test their knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what’s real June 2015 - 37
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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news and what’s made up. Paula quickly goes on record about how much she loves being part of the show saying: “I am a proud member of the endorphin production industry. They allow me to say whatever I want on Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me. While there is no doubt that Poundstone is funny, the thing that separates her from the pack of comics working today and that has made her a legend among comics and audiences alike is her ability to be spontaneous with a crowd. Poundstone says: “No two shows I do are the same. It’s not that I don’t repeat material. I do. My shows, when they’re good, and I like to think they often are, are like a cocktail party.( Paula’s incredible spontaneous humor is the perfect fit for the voracious appetite of the social networks:( Follow her on: Twitter@ twitter.com/ paulapoundstone ( Facebook: facebook.com/ PaulaPoundstone ( And enjoy her website: www.paulapoundstone.com 6/27/2015 Special Day for Special Kids Keystone State Pard 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. dcnr.pa.gov This exciting FREE event is for children and young adults, 21 and under, with special needs. Experience a fun-filled day. Highlights of the day include fishing, pontoon boat rides, a cookout from noon to 2:00pm, puppet shows, clowns, balloon animals, face painting, a nature discovery table, Smokey Bear, and Freddie Fish! This event will be held at park pavilion #1. 6/27/2015 12th Annual Braddock’s Crossing of the Yough Connellsville Area Historicl Society and Museum 7th St and Youghiogheny River 724.628.5344 connellsvillehistoricalsociety.com The Connellsville Area Historical Society will sponsor the re-enactment of the historic crossing of the Youghiogheny River at Stewart’s Crossings (Connellsville). British, French, Colonial and Native American re-enactors were invited to participate in the festivities. Volunteers are always welcome.
6/27/2015 to 6/27/2015 2nd Annual Car Show Glades Pike Winery 2208 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501 814.445.3753. gladespikewinery.com Bring your car or bike and a picnic, or grab some of the vittles we always have available, and camp out for awhile with a bottle of wine. You’re welcome to bring your kids, and/or your leashed pets (provided the weather co-operates and we don’t move things inside), just no outside alcohol. 6/27/2015 Campfire Cookin’ Laurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.352.8649. dcnr.pa.gov Celebrate the Great Backyard Campout by learning to make a new campfire treat. Please meet at Laurel Hill Campground Amphitheater. 6/27/2015 Frosty Mugs of Thunder Brewfest Somerset Historical Center. 10649 Somerset Pike Somerset, PA 15501. (814) 445-6077 Sample some of the finest microbrews being made in the local beer industry. Food entertainment, and multiple varieties to sample. Limited tickets available. $35 per person $32 in advance. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org 6/27/2015 to 6/28/2015 Colonial Court Days Historic Hanna’s Town 809 Forbes Trail Rd., Greensburg, PA. 724.532.1935. hannastown.org Re-enactment of court cases heard at Hanna’s Town during 1773-1786. 6/27/2015 Free Symphony Concert Fort Ligonier 200 S. Market St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701. fortligonier.org We are pleased to welcome back the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, under the artistic direction of Daniel Meyer, for a free outdoor summer concert on the grounds of Historic Fort Ligonier. 6/27/2015 Robby Krieger of The Doors
The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Featuring special guest vocalist Waylon Krieger, an evening of The Doors’ Greatest Hits by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legend. Hits include Light My Fire, Love Me Two Times, Touch Me, Love Her Madly. 6/30/2015 to 7/2/2015 Bug Camp for 5-6 Year olds Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. wpnr.org 5 and 6 years olds (with an adult) will “Go Buggy” along the tall grasses, the trails, around the pond edges as they search for butterflies, spiders, ants, dragonflies, bees, beetles, and more! Hands-on investigations, games, and mini labs will take children on a nature adventure they will never forget! 7/1/2015 to 8/12/2015 Cannonball Club Fort Ligonier 200 S. Market St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701. fortligonier.org Every Wenesday, July 1 through August 12, Cannonball Club Members can meet at the Fort and participate in fun activiteies, such as: crafts, scavenger hunts, games, museum quests, and more! Parents or guardians may register children in advnace or at the door. 7/2/2015 to 7/5/2015 Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival Twin Lakes Park 219 Twin Lakes Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 724.830.3950. artsandheritage.com Enjoy art, music, food and family fun at the Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival! 7/3/2015 Fireworks Johnstown Galleria, 500 Galleria Drive 7/3/2015 Connellsville Fireworks Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce 100 S. Arch St., Connellsville, PA 15425 724.628.5500 greaterconnellsville.org Fourth of July weekend will kick off with the 12th annual Chamber fireworks display on Friday, July 3rd, 2015. Arch Street will be closed in front of City Hall and there will be a food booth, dj, children activities with a small carnival, craft vendors, and fireworks display at dusk. 7/3/2015 Fireworks Extravaganza Motordrome Speedway 164 Motordrome Rd., Smithton. 724.872.0203. motordrome.com Inaugural Late Model 100 Lap All-Star Race! Plus Fireworks Extravaganza and NWAAS Racing.
Dragonfly on Red Flower by Yanika Panfilova, www.123rf.cm 40 - June 2015
7/4/2015 Fish for Free Day Keystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Rd., Derry, PA 15627. dcnr.pa.gov Come out and enjoy the nice weather, enjoy Keystone State Park and try your hand at fishing. It is Fish For Free Day and you don’t need a license to fish no matter of your age. Bring the kids, grandkids, the whole family: teach them to fish and show them what a nice park Keystone is! LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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7/4/2015 4th of July Fireworks Display Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington. 724.329.8555. nemacolin.com Inaugural Late Model 100 Lap All-Star Race! Plus Fireworks Extravaganza and NWAAS Racing. 7/4/2015 Fourth of July Fireworks Idlewild and SoakZone Route 30 East, Ligonier, PA 15658. idlewild.com Enjoy the Holiday with family and friends at Idlewild & SoakZone! Stay for our FIREWORKS display at 9:30 p.m. (Weather Permitting) 7/5/2015 Burger Bar! & Buddy Mac Performs Greendance - The Winery at Sand Hill 306 Deefield Rd., Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724.5477.6500 greendancewinery.com Our friends from Elegant Catering are here preparing a Burger Bar Platter with Dill Potato Salad. 7/6/2015 to 7/10/2015 Fur and Feathers Camp for 6-7-8 Year olds Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650. wpnr.org Curiosity will take flight as students learn about song-birds, birds of prey, and other birds native to our state. They will also learn about mammals that inhabit our region. They will take part in explorations, experiments, games, hikes and more as they explore the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. Every Story Begins At Home.
7/7/2015 to 7/9/2015 Marvel Super-Hero Days Idlewild and SoakZone Route 30 East, Ligonier, PA 15658. idlewild.com Spider-man swings into Idlewild and he’s bringing along his good friend, Captain America. Meet both Marvel Super-heroes daily at the Hillside Theater Stage, July 7, 8, and 9. 7/7/2015 to 7/19/2015 Neil Simon’s Chapter Two Mountain Playhouse 7690 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown, PA 15547 814.629.9201 mountianplayhouse.org Talk about bringing old baggage to a new relationship! The play centers on George Schneider, a successful writer mourning the recent loss of his beloved wife. When George meets a vibrant, recently divorced actress, Jennie, they begin a whirlwind courtship that leads to marriage. But can George put his past behind him and his memories aside? Do they give up or work things out? 7/9/2015 to 7/12/2015 Disney’s Tarzan The Geyer Performing Arts Center 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887 geyerpac.com July 9th-11th at 7:30 & 12th at 2:30 - The timeless story of the King of the Apes told through the music of Phil Collins. 7/10/2015 to 7/26/2015 Johnny Appleseed
Freeport Theatre Festival 2498 White Cloud Rd., Leechburg, PA 15656 724.295.1934 freeporttheatrefestival.org Freeport Theatre Festival will host an Appleseed Revels along with a new play with music Johnny Appleseed, written by Rennick Steele. 7/11/2015 A Taste Through Thyme Somerset Historical Center Visit the many historic structures and receive a taste of history. There will be foods to sample, history to learn, and people to meet as you progress through the grounds. A unique experience with themes food offerings at each stop. Reservations taken for 20 minute intervals starting at 4:30 and the last session starts at 6:10. $20 per person, members 2 for $35 7/11/2015 Friends of Ohiopyle Monthly Volunteer Day Ohiopyle State Park 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470. dcnr.pa.gov Every month, the Friends of Ohiopyle head out for trail work, plantings, invasives attacks and other necessary and rewarding volunteer pursuits. Why not join them? 7/12/2015 11th Annual 5K Bushy Run Trail Run/Walk Bushy Run Battlefield 1253 Bushy Run Rd., Jeannette, PA 15644 724.527.5584 bushyrunbattlefield.com
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Mark your calendars! The 11th Annual 5K Bushy Run Trail Run/Walk will once again take runners and walkers through a hilly, winding 3.1 mile trail.
and raffle tickets for great prizes. Sponsored by the City of Greensburg and Dairy Queen at Lynch Field. Tickets at door – Adults $5, Children $3 – Noon to 4pm
7/12/2015 American Red Cross Ride for Red https://crowdwise.com/ridethesteeltowntrail Join this one-day, 32- or 64-mile cycling trip along the Great Allegheny Passage Rails to Trail between West Newton and Pittsburgh’s South Side in support of the American Red Cross.
7/19/2015 5th Annual Car Cruise at Bushy Run Battlefield Bushy Run Battlefield, 1253 Bushy Run Road, Jeannette, PA 15644. 11 am - 4pm Love sleek classic and custom automobiles? Have a classic or custom vehicle to show off to the public? Now's your chance! Bushy Run Battlefield is once again opening its parking lot to classic and custom cars, trucks, or modified
7/12/2015 Antiques & Collectibles Market Historic Hanna’s Town 809 Forbes Trail Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 westmorelandhistory.org Antiques Historic Hanna’s Town has hosted its popular Antiques & Collectibles sales for 40 years! This longstanding community tradition brings together more than 100 vendors in a quaint and historic setting. A variety of one-ofa-kind items covering a wide price range are featured at each sale. Good buying and selling opportunities abound for lovers of antiques and collectibles and anyone seeking vintage items that are not available at department stores.
vehicles. Enjoy classic cars, live music, food and drink, 50/50 raffle, and more! Call 724-5275584 for more information. Cost: Free Be sure to check out our Museum and Gift Shop. Regular admission rates apply. All proceeds benefit Bushy Run Battlefield.
***** Please send all community calendar listings to: editor@laurelmountainpost.com. We will do our best to consider your event based on available space and editorial review.
7/13/2015 to 7/17/2015 Fort Kids Camp II Fort Ligonier 200 S. Market St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.9701 fortligonier.org Day camp for kids who have completed grades 1-6 (ages 6-14). Pre-registration required. 7/17/2015 26th Annual Golf Classic Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club, sponsored by the GLLV Chamber of Commerce. 10 am Registration. 11:15 am Shotgun Start. 4 pm 19th Hole Happy Houe & Silent Auction. 5 pm Dinner Buffet. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Chamber’s local educational programs and partner foundations. 7/17/2015 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 statetheatre.info Play a crazy game at every movie sponsored by The Herald Standard for a chance to win prizes! 7/18/2015 20th Anniversary ParentWISE Ice Cream Blast Kirk S. Nevin Arena 724.837.5410 x737 fswp.org At the ParentWISE Ice Cream Blast guests receive homemade cake and vote on their favorite Dairy Queen ice cream among 8 sponsored and re-named flavors. Families can visit over 50 booths hosted by community groups & businesses and enjoy free games and crafts. There is exciting entertainment on stage, including a visit this year from an African Penguin with the National Aviary. Guests may also purchase additional donated food items 42 - June 2015
As summer begins, the Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery at Saint Vincent College will opened its newest exhibit, A Sense of Wonder: The Nature Writing of Rachel Carson, on May 29, 2015. This exhibit explores artistic nature themes woven into coverlets and the life and legacy of Rachel Carson, the biologist, writer, and environmentalist originally from the Pittsburgh area. A Sense of Wonder will pair 24 antique coverlets with stories of Rachel Carson’s life and quotes of her writing. Each coverlet on display will feature nature motifs, including a variety of flowers, trees, birds, and rural scenes. Also on exhibit will be early editions of Carson’s books and other artifacts from the libraries of Chatham University and Seton Hill University. To illustrate Carson’s most famous book, Silent Spring (1962), which challenged the chemical pesticide industry, the exhibit will display a collection of vintage pesticide advertisements from the Chemical Heritage Foundation in Philadelphia. The exhibit runs through September 4, 2015. A Sense of Wonder is curated by Pamela Curtin, who graduated from Saint Vincent College with a B.A. in History in 2014. Curtin, also the owner of Stardust Photography, will display a collection of her nature photography to complement imagery in the nature-inspired coverlets. Throughout the summer, the McCarl Coverlet Gallery will partner with a number of organizations to present educational public programs in conjunction with the exhibit. On July 13, from 6-8pm, President of the Rachel Carson Council, Dr. Robert K. Musil, will hold a lecture and book signing for his book Rachel Carson and Her Sisters: Extraordinary Women Who Have Shaped America’s Environment. Other events include a show and tell of Pennsylvania wildlife presented by Powdermill Nature Reserve, family activity days with Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, and a lecture on Fred Rogers and the environment presented by the Fred M. Rogers Center. For details about these events, visit the McCarl Coverlet Gallery’s website, www.mccarlgallery.org, or call at 724-805-2188.
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Rolling Creek Primitives 331 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724)238-2500 • (724)238-2318
Place Ligonier Country Market Ad
Owners: John & Giovanna Byers Primitive Country Items • Re-Purposed Products • Florals • Baked Goods Hand Sewn & Made Items • Candles • Gourds • Wool Art & Raw Wool Items
Ongoing Seasonal Markets through 10/31/2015 4th Street Market Irwin Business & Professional Association PO Box 222, Irwin, PA 15642. irwinborough.org Vendors bring you the freshest produce this side of the farm, along with unique food and treats only found in Irwin. 6/4/2015 – 9/24/2015 Murrysville Farmers Market Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company, 3235 Sardis Road, Murrysville, PA 15668 The lazy, hazy days of summer will bring new sights, sounds and smells as the 2nd annual Murrysville Farmers’ Market, hosted by the Murrysville Recreation Department and Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company, takes place at the Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company field located at 3235 Sardis Road. The Market will feature local growers of fresh produce, home baked goods, pantry items, fresh meats and jerky,dairy products, fresh flowers and plants, honey, herbs, and more! 10 artisan vendors, a Kids’ Club, guest chefs and cooking demonstrations, and featured Murrysville businesses will be new additions to the Market this summer! Proceeds from the Market will benefit the Murrysville Volunteer Fire Company and Murrysville Community Day. Any vendors wishing to participate in the Market and anyone who would like more information should call the Recreation Department at 724-327-2100 ext. 131. Every Thursday. 6/3/2015 to 8/26/2015 Lincoln HighwaySupperMarket Lincoln Highway Experience 3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.879.4241 lincolnhighwaysuppermarket.org What is the Lincoln Highway SupperMarket? It is an opportunity for families to savor the summer flavors from 8 area restaurants every Wednesday during June, July and August from 5 to 8 p.m. Six select restaurants will be offering prepared (ready-to-eat) a la carte entrees. In addition, one bakery will serve premium desserts! Supper can be enjoyed at one of the picnic tables, or pick up a ‘take out’ for home. Every Story Begins At Home.
through 9/29/2015 Latrobe Farmer’s Market Latrobe Community Revitalization Program Legion Keener Park, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.805.0112 latroberevitalization.org Held each Tuesday, from early June through mid-October at the Legion Keener Park. The Park is located where Chestnut Street meets Irving Street, just west of the downtown. The Latrobe Farmers Market is co-sponsored by 1480 WCNS Radio and continues to grow each year. Farmers, vendors, caterers and other entrepreneurs sell a range of excellent produce and products grown or made by them. No re-selling is allowed. This year’s Market will begin on June 3rd beginning at Noon and running until 4pm. It will conclude on October 21st; running for 20 weeks. Come join us in a beautifully treed setting adjacent to Loyalhanna Creek. To become a vendor, call LCRP at (724) 805 0112 or e-mail trunzo@latroberevitalization.org through 10/3/2015 Ligonier Country Market Corner of West Main St. & Springer Rd., Ligonier, PA 15658. ligoniercountrymarket.com The Ligonier Country Market is located on the Loyalhanna Watershed Farm near the intersection of West Main Street and U.S. Route 30 Ligonier, Pennsylvania (click here for map and directions). We are pleased to be affiliated with the Loyalhanna Watershed Association and share their ideals about conservation and sustainability. It is our pleasure to provide a link to thier website http://loyalhannawatershed.org for more information about this organization that we heartily endorse. through 11/21/2015 Somerset County Farmer’s Market 800 Georgian Place Dr., Somerset, PA 15501 somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com The Somerset County Farmers’ Market is a producer only market, with the mission of providing children and adults in the Somerset area with locally-grown foods and farm products. The Market’s goal is to providing a venue for the social, educational, and economic strength of the
Somerset Community. It intends to fulfill this goal by the organization of educational programs for its vendors and for the community in areas of food safety, health and nutrition, basic agricultural production and gardening. Adults and children will benefit from these programs. through 9/7/2015 Central Westmoreland Farmers Markets Greensburg, PA. Tuesday afternoons, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., 516 Donahoe Road (parking lot by the Nature Trail and Red Barn) Saturday mornings, 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Lynch Field Parking, Rt. 119 N. by the Kirk S. Nevin Ice Arena (address: 520 New Alexandria Road.) Sponsored by the Farmers’ Market Association of Central Westmoreland & the City of Greensburg. The Greensburg-Lynchfield Market was established in 1992, a relocation of the old City Hall market. This market features farm direct products and baked goods. Organic products available. The FMACW was established in 1991 and continues to strive to bring to the consumer fresh local,& convenient products. through October 23 Johnstown Farmers Market The Downtown Johnstown Farmer's Market runs from May through October every Friday from 9 am until 2 pm at Central Park on Main and Franklin Streets, and Gazebo Place in Downtown Johnstown. The West End Farmer's Market runs from June through October every Tuesday from 3 until 6 pm Senior Life Parking Lot on Broad Street, Route 56 in Cambria City.
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Laurel Mountain Post Distribution Guide
Pick Up a Copy at Your Favorite Community Location! The new Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Visitor & Information Center, located on Route 30 below Sharky’s Cafe, is the main hub for each new issue release. However, we will continue to distribute copies in your neighborhood at the following 300+locations: Derry Area Action for Animals Allison Chiropractic AmeriServ Financial Barkley's Derry King Building Bodeez Caldwell Library Chef Dato's Derry Medical First Commonwealth Bank Hansen & Torba - Dentists Jean Marie Flowers & Gifts Laundromat Mastrorocco's Market New Derry Municipal Authority Palombo's Restaurant S&T Bank State Farm Insurance Sugar Bears Sunoco Route 22 DELMONT Center for Rehab Svcs Chestnut Ridge Excela Ciggy’s Tobacco Cogo’s Delmont YMCS Execela Health PT Holiday Inn Express Hot Rod Lounge (Spaghetti House) Lamplighter Salem Plaza Laundry SuperCuts Three Rivers Six Pack Shop Wagonwheel Restaurant Watson Chevrolet EXPORT Artisita Salon Choice Gas Station Claire Bridge Memory Care Cozy Inn Murrysville Music Murrysville Rehab Pgh Chiropractic Restella Dance Studio MURRYSVILLE Eye Doc Aluring Designs Salon Chaye Coffee and Tea Dancer’s Closet Dean’s Fitness Dick’s Diner Dr. Abraham/Dr. Gill
Duff Park Info Center Eat n Park En V Salon Focus Hair Design Golden Living Ctr Healing Arts Bldg Hoss’s Walnut Shops Library Borough Building Nature Nails New Horizons Counselors Panera Panther Chiro pt Therapy S&T Bank Scott Medical Sportszone Standard Bank Starbucks SuperCuts UPMC Partners in Health Various Prof Agencies West Historical Society Yoga Flow Donegal/Jones Mills BP/McDonald’s - turnpike Brady’s Dairy Queen Days Inn Donegal Pharmacy Hardware Store Holiday Inn Express Honeybear Tall Cedars The Inn at Ligonier Sarnelli’s Greater Latrobe/Unity Twp Adams Memorial Library Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Barnes House Chestnut Ridge - Bursch Division Chicora's Chris Pakos, CPA Christ UC Church Coffee Bean Commercial Bank - Downtown Commerical Bank - Route 981 D’s Windy Cottage Dainty Pastry Denny's Doggie Divas Dunkin Donuts Eat n Park
Excela Health Quick Draw The Eyeglass Shoppe Fantastic Sam's Four Seasons Brewing Co. Gino's Pizza Gyno Associates Hanna Insurance Dr. Scott Hudimac Jerald Jewelers Joe's Store - Lawson Heights L&L Quik Lube Dr. Patrick Lally Latrobe Animal Clinic Latrobe Art Center Latrobe Hardware Latrobe Hospital & Little Shop Latrobe News Stand - Downtown Latrobe News Stand - Laurel 30 Laurel Highlands Village Latrobe Post Office Lincoln Highway Experience Loyalhanna Care Center McCarl Coverlet Gallery The Medicine Shoppe Drs. Mucci & Campfield, DDS My Fitness Kitchen Neighborhood Visitor & Info Ctr Pizza Siena ProAdjuster Chiropractic Roadman's Country Living Rose Style Shoppe Rusbosin's Furniture S&T Bank Sanctus Spa & Salon Scotty G's Senior Center Shop n Save SpringHill Suites St. Vincent College St. Vincent De Paul St. Vincent Gristmill Store Unity Township Building, Library UPMC Vascular Institute Valley Dairy - downtown Valley Dairy - Route 30 Vasco Federal Credit Union WCNS/Unity Building Westmoreland Federal Westmoreland Historical Society Wigs n More Wingate Greensburg Barnes & Noble
Courtyard by Marriott Café Barista Cellar Door Café Couture Salon DV8 Espresso Bar & Gallery Gateway Convenience Rt. 66 Getty’s Grill Greensburg Library Greensburg News Greensburg YMCA Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Jioio’s, Carbon Mr. Bones Rt. 66 Nature’s Way Old 66 Grill PC Connect Pizza Siena Ramada Inn Senior Life E. G’burg Shop n Save Sun Dawg Café Downtown The Medicine Shoppe Vittone’s Music Westmoreland Athletic Club Westmoreland Hospital White Rabbit Café Ligonier Valley A Touch of Grace Abigail's Coffee Amica BP Insurance Barb's Market - Rector Berkshire Hathway Carol & Dave's Roadhouse Celtic Culture Connections Cafe Darlington Inn Davies Real Estate Diamond Cafe Diamond Hair Cuts Equine Chic Excela Health First Commonwealth Bank Flavors Cafe Fox's Pizza Get Go Giant Eagle Gino's Howard Hanna Real Estate Laughlintown Pie Shoppe Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Market (in season)
Grow Your Business with Word of Mouth Marketing!
Second Chapter Books New and Used Books • Children’s Gifts Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff 139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658
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724-238-7933 fb.com/secondchapterbooks
openchapter of Business NetworkBNI-Laurel Leaders is an official ing International. We meet every week at 11:30 am in the Wingate Hotel on Route 30 in Latrobe. Guests are always welcome! To learn more about growing your business with us, see www.bni-westernpa.com or visit a meeting!
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Ligonier Library Ligonier Outfitters/Newstand Ligonier Tavern Ligonier Valley Railroad Museum Ligonier Vallery Real Estate Loyalhanna Realty Mack M. Darr Main Exhibit Gallery Modern Elegance On the Diamond Antiques The Paper House Ramada Inn Rosalia Jioio's Little Italy Ruthie's Diner Scamp's Toffee Second Chapter Books Subway Thistledown/Bo Peep The Toy Box The Twisted Vine Vernon Realty Services Valley School of Ligonier Wicked Googly YMCA
Orourke Crystal Sandhill Berries Speedy Meedy's Volero Gas West Overton Deli West Overton Quilt Shop YMCA
Laughlintown Compass Inn/Historical Society First Commonwealth Bank Ligonier Country Inn Pie Shoppe Washington Furnace Inn
Cambria County (Johnstown) Comfort Inn & Suites Dancer’s Closet East Hills Family Pharmacy Holiday Inn - Downtown Holiday Inn Express - Richland
New Alexandria BP - 819 crossroads First Commonwealth Grabiak’s Johna’s Hair Salon Kaufman's Chiropractic Keystone Pharmacy Keystone State Park Kids Care Pediatrics Library Quik Stop Sheetz Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival Hardware Store Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic Main Street Wine Bar Mt. Pleasant and Southern Westmoreland County Market The Frick The General Store Kraisinger's Market Lenox Leo's Mericonda Beer Distributor Mount Pleasant Glass Museum Mt. Pleasant Library Nino's
Every Story Begins At Home.
Youngwood Senior Center Youngwood Library Allegheny County Allegheny General Children's Hospital Downtown Hotels Manchester Bidwell Monroeville Library Pleasant Hills Library Strip District merchants Squirrel Hill businesses UPMC Hospitals: Monroeville, Presbyterian, Mercy, Shadyside, Hillman
Fayette County Adrian's - Hopwood Braddocks Inn Restaurant Chalk Hill Flea Market Miller’s Grocery Store Nemacolin Inn - Farmington Ohiopyle Falls Ohiopyle Pub Summit Hotel - Route 40
Hampton Inn Dr. Hilliard & Tarnoff Indiana Chamber of Commerce Indiana County Tourism Bureau Indiana Hospital Lobby Indiana Free Library Indiana University of PA Jimmy Stewart Museum Rustic Lodge Starbucks SALTSBURG exclusively at: Saltsburg Pharmacy
Indiana County BLAIRSVILLE Cokeville Produce Market Comfort Inn Dean's Diner Hampton Inn - Chestnut Ridge Senior Center Sheetz CLARKSBURG Shaulis Convenience Market INDIANA 119 Professional Center The Artist's Hand Book Nook The Coventry Inn Cucina Mia Diamond Drug Downtown Indiana Association
Somerset County JENNERSTOWN Green Gables/Mtn Playhouse Our Coal Miners Cafe Three Rivers Dental SOMERSET AREA Comfort Inn Eat n Park Econo Lodge Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Mountain Craft Days Oakhurst Tea Room Sheetz (route 31) Somerset Family Eye Care Somerset Historical Center Summit Diner Quality Inn
Nature's Habitat - Galleria The Sleep Inn
Subscribe to the Laurel Mountain Post! Complete and return this form, along with payment of $20, to reserve your monthly issue for home delivery! NAME: ______________________________________ PHONE: ____________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________________ EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________ Where Did You Find This Copy of the LMP? _______________________________________ Check or money order payable to: Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627 JUNE 2015
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END NOTES by Cathi Gerhard
“Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” – From the television show The Wonder Years
Gather Moments While You May It is said that nostalgia forms a very hazy image of the past – that we often dull or alter the details to fit our needs in the present. Scholars call it “revisionist history.” Combine that with the distortion of oral storytelling (and the deterioration of memory itself over time), and we are left with sketchy details at best. Written history, film, and the preservation of artifacts has left the modern world with a better understanding of our past through accurate recording. We can touch and see for ourselves assorted pieces of important history now, rather than relying on the varied and often political interpretations of others. Personal memories are even more important – they entertain and comfort us throughout life’s trials. Ruthie Richardson’s Memory Lane column in the Laurel Mountain Post is incredibly popular among our readers, both near and far. The BBC once called our magazine the “voice of Pennsylvania,” but Ruthie has become a voice of her generation, by saving personal artifacts and documenting their role in her life on our pages. Each story fills in the details of a local population’s past chapter. “Everybody needs his memories,” award-winning writer Saul Bellow once said. “They keep the wolf of insignificance from the door.” Our memories make us feel more important and less lonely by proving that we were once a part of something ... that we mattered in some way to a person or a cause. But because the stories can convolute and fade with time, we often need to take another look at the evidence. I am grateful to my parents for keeping various pieces of my early childhood. The bronze baby booties verify 46 - June 2015
that my feet have always been big, though I was born tiny (5 lbs, 4 oz.). But the dated marks on the basement doorframe confirm I was always tall for my age. I have a few boxes of old letters and postcards, filled with love and friendship, and wish I had saved them all.
Street Art on the Door by Laszlo BENEDEK, www.123rf.com
There is another box containing my student council armband from junior high, volleyball knee pads, award medals, and treasured photographs of happier times in varied relationships. A book on my shelf preserves a pressed flower and the shortest, but sweetest note. My jewelry chest guards a plastic bracelet in my favorite color, right next to one from Tiffany’s. And every once in a while, I open a drawer to find some old cassette tapes that still play. Not every object is an intentional keepsake, however. We stumble across things ... movies on TV or songs on the
radio can transport us to another time and place as well. My parents’ first date was a Clint Eastwood western, and the same movie played on my father’s hospice TV as his breathing began to slow the day before he died. Music is, perhaps, the most powerful transporter. Certain songs hold special meanings to many of us. Nat King Cole’s song “Unforgettable” was playing on a Revlon commercial in my hospital room while I held my newborn daughter – that song will forever belong to her. Specific artists can also bring to mind old friends. Every time I hear Rod Stewart, I think of Joell; The Cure belongs to Mark; and Squeeze takes me back to my freshman year of college having adventures with my friend, Greg, who would become my husband 20 years later. Somewhere I have a signed poster from the Squeeze concert at IUP. And I remember that I missed going bowling with them the night before by 15 minutes. My lucky friends who did never appreciated that opportunity. Gather these moments while you may ... Good morning, yesterday You wake up and time has slipped away And suddenly it's hard to find The memories you left behind Remember, do you remember? ("Times Of Your Life" was written by Roger Nichols, Bill Lane.)
My catalog of treasures helps me to remember. These items prove that I have been significant ... that I have been liked, loved, and notable to others. Not every keepsake has survived, lost to temper tantrums or intense spring cleaning, and I regret their loss – missing precious pieces to the jigsaw puzzle of my life. But as time passes, I find less to scrutinize, and more to simply savor. LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Every Story Begins At Home.
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST