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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the MARCH 2015 | ISSN 2330-6629
Sunscreens Get Safer The Palace Theatre:
A Gem in Westmoreland’s Cultural Crown
PA Parks & Forests Fact Sheets Sneezing Through Your Workout I Heal Me Master Your Metabolism Write Local Make the Right Choices Learn Memoir & Geneology Writing Sometimes You Want to Go 1 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013
2 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the LAUREL MOUNTAIN
POST
Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County and neighbors since 2004.
The LaurelMountainPostisanindependent,monthlypublicationproducedatFairviewFarmin Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any format must be obtained in writing from the publisher. This publication is registered with the US Library of Congress, ISSN 2330-6629.
Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher editor@laurelmountainpost.com
Megan Fuller, Web & Calendar Editor megan@laurelmountainpost.com
Nancy A. Clark, Contributing Editor nancy@laurelmountainpost.com
Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation Manager Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.
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Potluck ’O Gold People always ask me how I find so many story ideas for each issue. Others marvel that our region has so much more to offer on our pages than just Steelers Training Camp, the home of Arnold Palmer and Mr. Rogers, the Banana Split, or Rolling Rock beer. Sometimes I set a theme for the month and gather several articles related to that subject. But some of my favorite issues of the Laurel Mountain Post just seem to come together on their own, like an impromptu potluck dinner. Appropriately, the March edition is one of those mixed buffets. Sometimes a blank slate is a curse, and at others, a blessing. Because LMP writers are not professional storytellers, but rather local experts in their fields, they bring an extensive catalog of information and ideas to the magazine ... so much more than I could ever imagine myself. I always enjoy the first few days after the deadline, when I get to see what stories everyone has written and then figure out how to mix it all together. I also enjoy the ads just as much as the articles because they each add their own unique, local flavors. Many readers have said the same thing – they read the LMP cover to cover, and refer to the ads over and over again. Another highly-used section of the magazine is the community calendar. Megan and I spend a lot of time collecting that information, and then deciding what events best fit our reader interests in the space we have available each month. We try to combine the best of all the other calendars out there, and then season it with other interesting events we have discovered. All in all, each issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is a slice of life during a month in the Laurel Highlands and Valleys. We wish we could print enough copies for all 362,000-some Westmoreland County residents and our neighbors in southwestern Pennsylvania. We know you are reading our magazine because we cannot keep enough “in stock” at all of our 300+ drop-off locations. Thank you so much for making the Laurel Mountain Post so popular and “in-demand!” We are working on printing more copies, but in the meantime, please consider reading online at our website: www. LaurelMountainPost.com. A full e-reader copy of the print version is available, and we post individual articles to our online archive. Don’t forget to “like us” on Facebook, where you will receive web updates and links to even LMP-style more content! I hope you enjoy this month’s “Potluck ’O Gold.” – Cathi Gerhard
Photo Courtesy of Mary's Photography – Bradenville, Pa (724-757-0070) Every Story Begins At Home.
March 2015 - 3
Table of Contents
March 2015
5
Sunscreens Get Safer
6
The Palace Theatre: A Gem in Westmoreland’s Cultural Crown
by Earth Talk
by Carol Whelan
7
PA Parks & Forest Fact Sheets
8
Sneezing Through Your Workout by Hayley Chemski Horwat,
9
MSN, CRSA
The Pleasant Hills Arboretum by Gretchen Fuller
10 Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives by Earth Talk
11 I Heal Me by Dr. Tim Allison 12 Master Your Metabolism What’s Cooking in Fitness by Mark Rullo,
MS, CSCS, MES
13 March Workshops by Westmoreland Historical Society
14 New Local Initiative Encourages Creative Thinking in Local Youth by Krista Sarraf
17 New Neighborhood VIC Offers A Glimpse into the Past as well as the Future There Goes the Neighborhood by David Martin
18 Make the Right Choices Home Study by Brian Mishler
20 Learn Memoir Writing & Geneology by Ligonier Valley Writers & Westmoreland Historical Soc.
On the Diamond
ANTIQUES Multi-Dealer Shop
110 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-2226
Mary Jo Culbertson Proprietor (724) 238-0497
21 Ansel Adams That’s What They Say by Rev. Marjorie Rivera
22 Community Calendar
for March and April
28 Distribution Guide 30 Sometimes You Want to Go End Notes by Nancy A. Clark
4 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Every Story Begins At Home.
CONTACT: Environmental Working Group, www.ewg.org. 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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ingredients are already used in sunscreens in Europe and elsewhere. The last sunscreen to get FDA approval was Mexoryl SX, a strong UVA filter, in 2006. Despite its availability in Europe since 1993, Mexoryl SX was approved in the U.S. exclusively for the high-priced La Roche Posay Anthelios SX sunscreen and no other formula. “Many promising sunscreen ingredients have long been used in sunscreen products that are sold in other parts of the world, including the European Union and Canada,” says Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president. “It is about time Americans have access to the same products that others use to protect themselves from the dangers of sun exposure.” He adds that the FDA is expected to make decisions on some of the eight pending sunscreen ingredients within six months.
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Greater awareness about what’s in everyday products and increased interest in healthy living means there has never been a better time to re-evaluate which sunscreens you use. The ingredients in some common chemical-based sunscreens are known to cause allergic reactions for some people and have been linked to reproductive and behavioral problems in animal studies. But luckily for the sun-safe and health conscious among us, there are lots of widely available all-natural, mineral-based sunscreen formulations that won’t cause any health problems on store shelves these days. The most common non-chemical sunscreen ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which offer all-natural broadspectrum UVA/UVB protection that will not sting your eyes or cause a reaction in people with rosacea or dermatitis like chemical sunscreens can. Current mineral sunscreen formulations on the market do have their downsides, though. Powdered mineral sunscreens can be messy to apply, and their transparency can make it hard to tell if you have enough on to protect yourself. Liquid versions can feel thick and greasy compared to chemical varieties, and may also leave a white cast on skin and streaks on clothing or bathing suits. To eliminate the white cast issue, tinted moisturizers and cosmetic foundations with mineral sunscreens are now available in a wide variety of shades. To find the sunscreen that’s best for you, you may want to check out free online databases like the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Guide to Sunscreens or Paula’s Choice Expert Advice on Sun Care. “Many sunscreens offer inadequate protection from the sun and can contain toxic ingredients to boot,” says Sonya Lunder, senior research analyst at EWG. “[The EWG Guide to Sunscreens] offers users much-needed, well-sourced information so they can make the right choices to protect themselves and their families.” As soon as this coming summer, Americans may have access to new active sunscreen ingredients that could offer benefits like stronger UVA protection and longer lasting, more lightweight applications. Last November, President Obama signed the Sunscreen Innovation Act into law, which will push the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make quicker decisions on new sunscreen ingredients awaiting their approval. Eight sunscreen ingredient applications have been pending FDA approval since 2002, though many of these
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Sunscreens Get Safer
March 2015 - 5
The Palace Theatre:
A Gem in Westmoreland’s Cultural Crown by Carol Whelan Whenever traveling we feel inspired to learn; each year. Visitors from 26 countries have vital to fulfilling the Trust’s mission. He about the city, the culture, the people. We enjoyed being entertained here, including wants to motivate people, both locally and are more alert and aware of our sura Doctor who flew from Austria to see Amy from out-of-town, to travel to our shows, roundings for the sights are new and we Grant perform on the Palace stage, and a increasing business for regional hotels, are seeing things almost through the eyes couple from Australia whose bucket list restaurants, retailers, etc. of a child, it’s all new and interesting. Our included the theater and seeing the Steelers Together, Teresa Baughman and Mike eyes are wider our minds not cluttered with play a home game. After seeing Peter Langer – along with the board of directors, the daily litter, so we seem to notice more, Noone perform, and then topping off their staff, litany of volunteers and generous want to learn and take it all in. trip with the pleasure of watching the donors – are helping to build our appreciI’m very guilty of this, it seems I tend to Steelers beat the Ravens, they put two check ation of the arts, our economy and hopeappreciate; dining, theatre, entertainment marks next to their wishes and departed fully the future of The Palace. and the scenery more, whenever I’m away. for home with happy hearts! The Palace Theatre offers incredible Recently I had the opportunity talent, affordable tickets, and free to spend some time with Teresa parking on show evenings and Baughman and Mike Langer at weekends. The surrounding restThe Palace Theatre in Greensaurants have menus that will burg. Teresa is Director of Operrival many of Pittsburgh’s finest. ations, Programming & MarketSo next time you are looking for ing; and Mike has been president a night out, check out The Palace of Westmoreland Cultural Trust Theatre’s website first at the for the past 12 years. I was able palacetheatre.org and take a to completely submerge myself in look at what is happening here in the history and beauty of The our own backyard. If you are Palace with its French Renaisinterested in learning more about sance design, Grecian marble the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, balustrade, Vermont marble becoming a member or volunstaircase and beautiful brass teering check out their website at railings. westmorelandculturaltrust.org. What we know today as The All of the renovations may not Palace Theatre was originally be done yet – there may still be opened in 1926 as Manos Theatre, cosmetic improvements needed – a vaudeville-movie house built at but at 89 years old, she certainly Mike Langer, President of the Westmoreland Cultural Trust, the extravagant sum of $750,000! is breathtaking! and Teresa Baughman, Director of Operations, Programming and Marketing at the Palace Theatre. Through a series of sales and name I introduced my children to the changes (and even a brief closure) theater when they were quite it became The Palace Theatre in young and all of them fell in love: 1977. In 1992 The Westmoreland Trust, Teresa loves the theater; originally a getting dressed up, the sights, sounds, and originally operating under the name theater major, her roots are well planted in the costumes. Phantom of the Opera was Greensburg Garden and Civic Center Inc., The Palace. She has, in her 19 years of the first one I took them to. I remember had taken on the task to turn The Palace affiliation, worked and volunteered in althem sitting up on the edge of their seats, Theatre into a self-supporting performing most every position imaginable from box eyes wide open clamping their programs, arts center. More than $18 million dollars office sales to now, director of operations. and I knew they were hooked! I love the in renovations have been made to the Her vision for this theater and for those theater too. Whenever I’m sitting in my theatre, including the restoration of; two coming to see the entertainment is for more seat and the lights dim, as the performance murals, lighting, sound systems, carpeting, diversity, more eclectic types of perforis about to begin, I feel like I’m being transopera boxes, reupholstering and a courtmances. She is hoping that in educating and formed, taken away from my regular yard where Free concerts are held during exposing the public with more choices, we routine and transplanted into another place the Summer on Thursdays from 6-9:30 pm will all fall in love with the arts. like a traveler open to all that is around me: called TGIS! Megan’s Suite, in memory of Mike likes the fact that Westmoreland open to the music, the words, and the Megan Smith (a Greensburg-Salem graduCounty as a whole is known as a county performers. ate), features seating, concessions and bar with an interest in the arts. He would like The Palace Theatre hosts a diverse lineservice during most performances. This The Palace to be the foundation, the anchor up in March including Jefferson Starship, space is also available for conferences and of that interest. Blue Oyster Cult, Michael Bolton, Trace private parties. The Palace Theatre has an annual ecoAdkins, Celtic, Classical, and Pittsburgh The Palace welcomes more than 65,000 nomic impact of $8.98 million dollars to Ballet presenting Beauty and The Beast. patrons at more than 200 shows and events our local economy, and Mike sees this as 6 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Theatre is good for your soul, your relationships and your mind. Sharing a live performance together is a gift you carry with you always, for you only need to make room in your memory. Make time for yourself and room for memories ... come back to the theater! *****
In addition to being the proud mother of three amazing children, Carol Whelan is also a corporate and non-profit event coordinator (relaxed events.net), and the proprietor of Fairy Godmothers 3, a company that serves to simplify the enjoyment of vacation and second homes (724-5320436). Carol resides with her beau, Brian, her favorite four legged child Gizmo (all the two legged ones have moved out) and two spoiled cats in Latrobe. Feel free to email Carol at: carol whelanevents@aol.com
Every Story Begins At Home.
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Posts Fact Sheets to Encourage You to Get Outside The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) recently posted a series of fact sheets about how to become more active in the outdoors. The fact sheets were written in a cooperative venture between PPFF and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with funding from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. The fact sheets can be found at the Foundation's online library at: http:// www.paparksandforests.org/library.html under Recreation Basics: How-to, Where-to Fact Sheets. “We are excited to have these fact sheets, as there are so many activities that can be done in our state parks and forests. We see the fact sheets as a way to excite people about where they can go and what they can do across the state, at any time of the year,” said PPFF President Marci Mowery. “Current and future visitors to Pennsylvania state parks and forests will benefit from the information contained in the new fact sheets. While answering many frequently asked questions, they also serve to educate and inform visitors about the vast array of passive and active recreational opportunities that are available,” says Terri Kromel, Bureau of State Parks, Chief, Outdoor Programming Services Division. “Each recreation type supports local businesses interests and complements their services, thus building important partnership opportunities between local interests and state parks and forests.” Pennsylvania state parks and forests are open year-found and provide a wide range of recreational opportunities to suit all interests and skills. Winter activities include ice fishing, cross country and alpine skiing, sledding, and snow shoe hiking. Many parks host family events to encourage people of all ages to get adventurous in the outdoors.
March 2015 - 7
Sneezing Through Your Workout by Hayley Chemski-Horwat, MSN, CNRA Building Bodeez is located at 154 Pandora Road in Derry Township. 724-739-0105. www.building bodeez.net.
It’s the season for winter workouts and also for the common cold. Exercise has been proven to ward off the common cold by boosting your immune system and overall health…but should you workout when you’re sick? Sure you have fitness goals you are trying to achieve, but is it best to lay low and rest when sick? Exercise is heralded for many benefits, of which improving your immune system is one of them. Your natural killer cells can increase by 250% with regular exercise. In one study those who exercise 30 minutes daily reported half as many colds as those who did not move regularly. As exercise boosts your natural infection fighters, should you continue to do so when you feel ill? After reviewing research pertaining to this conundrum I confirm that it’s usually safe to exercise with a cold as long as you listen to your body. Light cardiovascular training is best (i.e. walking on the treadmill, mild to moderate elliptical use, jogging).
Exercising when you aren’t fit for activity can prove detrimental. A 2007 study confirms that endurance training can impede the immune system’s response (with prolonged, high-intensity exercise) for up to 24 hours after completion of the activity. Other health professionals suggest using the “neck down” rule of thumb. If you feel poorly from the neck down, consider staying home. If your cold is limited to a “head cold” then exercise may ‘assist’ in your recovery. Ultimately, if you feel poorly due to medications, dehydration, or sinus pressure you may recover quicker by affording your body rest and relaxation. Sinus congestion and bronchitis can lead to poor breathing and increased heart rate which could prove too strenuous given intense cardiovascular exercise. Feeling achy all over can be a sign that a bigger “bug” has taken hold and rest is essential for improvement. Moreover, attending a public gym and exposing other patrons to contagious diseases isn’t the friendliest practice.
As with any health issue or co-morbidity, certainly speak with your doctor before you exercise. If you have a fever, hydration and rest may be best as the added stress of an increased heart rate may prove ‘too much.’ Feel so-so, try a light cardio routine as above. However, if you’re really feeling under the weather, take a few days off and recuperate. ONLINESOURCES: • Health.com (2014). “Best and Worst Exercises to do with a Cold.” • WebMD (2015). “Exercise and the Common Cold.” • Military.com (2013). “Working out with a cold.”
***** 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.
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8 - March 2015
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The Pleasant Hills Arboretum by Gretchen Fuller
Tucked in the two and a half square miles of the Borough of Pleasant Hills in Allegheny County, PA, are the 16 acres of the Pleasant Hills Arboretum. It is one of the few Arboreta in the Western Pennsylvania area and probably the smallest. The property was donated by Andrew W. Robertson, former Chairman of the Board of Westinghouse Electric Corporation. He and his wife Alice, along with several others, set up a non-profit corporation in 1950 to preserve the property that was part of Mr. Robertson’s estate in Pleasant Hills. His intention was to promote educational and cultural use, to resist encroachment and commercialization, and to provide future generations with a typical Western Pennsylvania forest of pioneer days. The Pleasant Hills Arboretum has two distinct areas: the original forest area and a meadow. A census has been done as to the number and species of trees planted in the Arboretum. There are currently more than 67 species. One of them is a Dawn Redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, that was planted in 2013. There was one planted before but it did not survive, hopefully this one will. There are also White Oak, Sassafras, and Slippery Elm, along with numerous others. A cement tree stump on one of the trails has a bronze plaque with a poem written by A. W. Robertson entitled: FALLEN LEAVES
trees through a national program to bring the American Chestnut tree back to America. Currently there is a Chinese Chestnut in the Arboretum but no American Chestnuts. Recently, several of the board members took an online training course to learn to Tree Tender offered by Penn State University. The board now has more expertise to rely on when coaxing our new trees to flourish. Many of the Board of Directors are interested in the bird population of the Arboretum, as well as the tree population. Over the years, records have been kept listing the various birds spotted enjoying the Arboretum. The list is up to 112 species. The current list may be viewed at our website www. pleasant hillsarboretum.org. One of our board members is an ornithologist employed at the National Aviary, Robert Mulvhill. At various times throughout the year Bob will lead an Owl Prowl in the Arboretum. These are usually held in conjunction with the Pleasant Hills Public Library. Participants meet at the library and then proceed to the Arboretum in hopes of spotting an owl or two. This winter a deer management program was sponsored within the Arboretum. Much of the undergrowth has been eaten by the deer population and a lot of the native plants that Mr. Robertson wished to preserve have been lost. The deer hunt was successful in
that the hunters got quite a few deer. However, there are just so many deer that the program hardly made a dent in the total deer population of the community. An option that the Board of Directors has been considering is a deer exclosure. This is a fenced area that would keep the deer out so that the native undergrowth would grow unhampered by grazing deer. Pleasant Hills’ residents have enjoyed walking their dogs and soaking in nature for 64 years in the Pleasant Hills Arboretum. Schools and scouts have used the Arboretum for projects and education. Arbor Day activities have been held there. If you are interested in visiting it is located at 199 West Bruceton Rd, Pleasant Hills, PA. 15236. The residents of Pleasant Hills are grateful to A.W. and Alice Robertson for their generous gift of the tract, to the original incorporators, and to the line of officers and directors who have made the administration of the Arboretum a public and personal trust. ***** Gretchen Fuller is a retired Pleasant Hills tax collector, but still keeping her fingers in community activites by serving as Treasurer for the Pleasant Hills Arboretum Corp., on the uniformed and non-uniformed Pension Boards for the Borough of Pleasant Hills and on the Executive Board of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 712, Pleasant Hills.
The fallen leaf is but reborn A gayer freer thing. Without stem anchor it courts the wind And flies with it No longer coy and Branch-bound. Its green dress gone it wears a rainbow, A wingless bird of paradise. In its new life it speaks With gustful rustle. You may view an extensive list of the trees in the Pleasant Hills Arboretum at our web site www.pleasanthillsarboretum.org. In 2014, the Board of Directors applied for a grant for trees through Tree Vitalize, a partnership program through the Department of Parks and Natural Resources. As a result of that grant, the Arboretum received 18 new trees that were planted in November 2014 with the help of the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and many wonderful volunteers. The board also applied for a grant to obtain American Chestnut
Every Story Begins At Home.
March 2015 - 9
What is the
“Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives?” The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit dedicated to protecting human health and the environment through research, education and advocacy, launched its “Dirty Dozen Guide to Food Additives” in November 2014 to educate consumers about which food additives are associated with health concerns, which are restricted in other countries, and/or which just shouldn’t be in our foods to begin with. EWG hopes the new guide will help consumers avoid unhealthy foods and also influence policymakers to develop more stringent rules for food producers moving forward. According to EWG, more than 10,000 food additives are approved for use in the U.S., despite potential health implications. Some are “direct additives” deliberately formulated into processed food; others are “indirect,” that is, finding their way into food during processing, storage or packaging. Either way, some have been linked to endocrine disruption, heart disease, cancer and a wide range of other health issues. Topping EWG’s list are nitrates and nitrites, both typically added to cured meats (like bacon, salami, sausages and hot dogs) to prolong shelf-life and prevent discoloration. “Nitrites, which can form from nitrates, react with naturally occurring components of protein called amines,” reports EWG. “This reaction can form nitrosamines, which are known cancer-causing compounds.” The group reports links be-
10 - March 2015
That salami on your plate might look scrumptious, but Environmental Working Group warns it may contain nitrates linked to cancers of the stomach, esophagus, brain and thyroid. (Credit: Alpha, Flickr CC)
tween nitrite and nitrate consumption and cancers of the stomach, esophagus, brain and thyroid. The World Health Organization considers nitrites and nitrates to be probable human carcinogens; California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment is now considering a similar designation. Interestingly, some nutritious foods like spinach and other leafy vegetables contain nitrates naturally, but EWG says that “human studies on nitrate intake from vegetables have found either no association with stomach cancer or a decreased risk.” Another troubling but nevertheless common food additive is potassium bromate, used to strengthen bread and cracker dough and help such items rise during baking. But potassium bromate is listed as a known human carcinogen by the state of California
and a possible human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Animal studies have shown that regular exposure to potassium bromate can cause a variety of tumors, is toxic to the kidneys and can even cause permanent DNA damage. Most of the potassium bromate added to foods converts to non-carcinogenic potassium bromide during the process of baking, but small yet still significant unconverted amounts can remain, putting eaters everywhere at risk. EWG would like to see the U.S. government follow Canada’s and the European Union’s lead in banning the use of potassium bromate in foods altogether. Other additives on the Dirty Dozen list include propyl parabens, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), propyl gallate, theobromine, diacetyl, phosphates and aluminum. Many artificial colors can also cause health issues, reports EWG, as can thousands of “secret flavor ingredients” that food makers add to foods without oversight in the name of protecting trade secrets. For more information on these foods and how to avoid them, check out EWG’s free “Dirty Dozen Guide” online. CONTACT: EWG, www.ewg.org/research/ewgs-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/foodadditives-linked-health-risks. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Maga-zine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
I Heal Me Dr. Tim Allison September 18, 1895 was a fateful day for Harvey Lillard, of Davenport, Iowa. Working as a janitor in the Ryan Block Building, he regularly cleaned the infirmary of D.D. Palmer on the second floor. Seventeen years earlier he had bent over while cleaning, felt a pop in his spine, and within moments became almost completely deaf. DD Palmer knew the story of Harvey’s deafness quite well, and so after many discussions, he was finally able to convince Harvey to let him adjust the misplaced bone in his neck. He must have been a very brave man, facing this untried procedure for the first time. Harvey laid down on a bench in DD’s office, and after placing his hands on the misplaced vertebra, DD gave the world’s first chiropractic adjustment to Harvey Lillard. Within 15 minutes Harvey could hear the clop of horse’s hooves coming down the street in front of the building! After all those years his hearing was almost completely restored! Some time later another patient of DD’s came to see him about heart palpitations, and after examining him DD gave a vertebral adjustment and his normal heart rhythm was restored. The world’s second chiropractic adjustment had been given using the same reasoning as the first. Two separate things caused by similar misplacements. DD Palmer had decided to adjust those vertebra back to a normal alignment, and healing was able to take place. Chiropractic was born ... You are born with the power to heal and be healthy because healing is an inborn capacity of every person. You need to have good air, food, water, exercise and rest, hugs, love, proper nerve supply, and so much more. We each need just the right amount; not too much or not too little. Everyone knows you must have nutritious food, pure water, breathable air, and plenty of exercise and rest. No one needs to tell you any of this, because you simply know it to be true. It’s plain old common sense! The more of those pieces you include, the better your chances of being healthy. I mentioned proper nerve supply, something most people either don’t think about, don’t realize the importance of, or take for granted. But it plays one of the most vital roles in your health, and your ability to utilize all of the other pieces about being healthy is dependent upon your nerve system. In medical and science textbooks and dictionaries, your nerve system is defined as the master controller of all other body Every Story Begins At Home.
systems, glands, organs, and tissues. It carries the information from your brain, telling all of your body parts what to do and when to do it. Healing, digestion, immune function, hormone production, blood cell production, and every imaginable thing that your body does is directed by your nerve system. Without your instructions traveling through your nerve system you wouldn’t be you, or be as healthy as you could be. Ever wonder what could keep your body from receiving all of your brain messages and instructions? As your spinal cord leaves your brain it passes through a series of 24 moveable bones in your spine: vertebrae. Your spine must be both strong and flexible. Its job is to protect your nerves and deal with all of the daily stresses of life. Falls, accidents, emotional stresses, chemicals in our food, water, or at work; any of these things can cause a vertebra to misalign. You see, your spinal bones can only be in one of two positions at any time; either protecting your nerves, or not protecting your nerves. Those daily forces can misalign your vertebrae, resulting in a pinch or irritation of your spinal nerves, resulting in what we call symptoms. That pinch or irritation interferes with your vital brain messages that you need to live and be healthy. How would you know if you had a misaligned spinal bone? Well, 10% of your nerve system deals with sensation (hot, cold, pain), while 90% of your nerve system is busy telling all of your body what to do and when to do it (heart beat, insulin release, breathing, etc.)! It’s possible you may have misaligned vertebrae and not feel it at all, but damage and reduced function still happens, robbing you of your health. In either case, whether you have pain and symptoms or not, the only way to find out if you have misalignments is to have your spine checked for misalignments by your chiropractor. If you have any, a gentle adjustment is all that’s needed to remove your nerve stress, and restore an improved line of communication for your brain messages to your body! Naturally, without that nerve stress or interference, your body has a wonderful opportunity to function better. At its highest potential, your body can heal itself, digest food, replace old tissue cells more efficiently, make the right amount of hormones, and maybe reduce your need for medication! All of your body’s millions of functions will take place more efficiently just by relieving
that nerve interference and stress! When your body works better your immune system is perked up, your energy level is higher, your sleep is more sound, illnesses may disappear, and in short you are healthier!! You may be doing many positive things for your health like eating nutritious food, drinking clean water, exercising regularly, and getting good sleep, but remember that without chiropractic as part of your health program your nerve system will never be able to help heal you! Chiropractors are the only health professionals trained to detect, locate, and correct your spinal misalignments that cause nerve interference. Make sure you include chiropractic adjustments so that you can be the best you can be! ***** After nearly 20 years in private practice and as a professor at Sherman College, Dr. Tim Allison is as excited today as when he graduated about helping people achieve better health! It is his pleasure and privilege to be a chiropractor, and his goal is still the same: to help as many people as possible be healthier and live better lives with chiropractic! Allison Chiropractic Center 310 S. Chestnut Street Derry, PA 15627 www.allisonchiro.com 724-694-9700
March 2015 - 11
WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES
Master Your Metabolism You are the creator of your metabolism, NOT the victim of it. One of the biggest complaints I hear when listening to people discuss their struggles with weight loss is that they have a slow metabolism. Many also believe that they are stuck with that metabolism due to age and genetics. This mindset is often what holds individuals back from achieving their weight loss goals. The reality is we have more influence on it than what we think. Although age and genetics may not always be on your side, they definitely do not have the final say in determining your metabolism. More times than not, these factors are just crutches in the mind that hold people back from maximizing their metabolism. Understanding your metabolism is actually quite simple. It is nothing more than the amount of lean body mass (muscle) an individual has and how much the individual moves that mass. Therefore, in order to maximize your metabolism you must have concern for muscle and be vertical. Concern for muscle is a term we use at the “Kitchen” to reinforce the importance of muscle on the metabolism and that muscle should not be ignored in any weight loss program. Having concern for muscle not only. supports the metabolism, it also provides independence to perform activities of daily living and is essentially anti-aging. Aging is nothing more than the loss of muscle mass over our lifespan. Typically aging/ loss of muscle begins in our second decade of life and the rate of loss as we age is directly impacted on the level of concern for muscle we have. However, it should be noted that a person’s age is not a direct variable in metabolism. To illustrate this point, we performed consults on two female friends at the same time to prepare their program. Both had the same scale weight of 172 lbs, one was 52 years young and the other was 63 years young. However, the 52 age female had less muscle than the 63 age individual. In calculating their metabolism for their nutritional 12 - March 2015
and exercise program, the 63 age female on average was estimated to burn 300 more calories than the younger female. Having concern for muscle to maximize metabolism and minimize the aging process can be influenced by: (1) Progressive Overload Weight Training (2) Supportive Nutrition (3) Relaxation / Recuperation
(1)Progressive Overload Weight Training. Unfortunately many individuals fail to grasp the OVERLOAD PRINCIPLE with their weight training program. Many individuals end up doing cardio exercise with their weights NOT actual weight (resistance) training. This happens by going through the motion of completing a targeted number of reps without any true skeletal muscle breakdown.Without overload, you’re just practicing the skill of the movement. Skeletal muscle breakdown occurs when there is overload to reach a stage of momentary muscular fatigue (MMF). MMF can be achieved by reaching an intensity level high enough to prevent you from completing another rep and will force you to take recovery from the movement/ exercise. Depending on the stage of the program, target reps can be 4-15 for any exercise set with rest/recovery ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes between sets based on the intensity. If you are able to perform high volume of reps 20+ with no rest/ recovery, then the workout is more metabolic and less pure strength training. This high volume seen in most boot camps or group exercise classes (Zumba, Jazzercise,
etc...) isn’t actual resistance training even though the participants may use a weight in the workout. The good news is that to create this MMF, it doesn’t only have to occur by increasing the load (aka weight). Eventually everyone will reach a point where they just can’t move anymore weight. This is where having the ability and knowledge to change base of support (stability) or tempo (rate of movement) and in some instances the range of motion to continue with some form of progressive overload to ensure the program has concern for muscle. (2) Supportive Nutrition. Relative to having concern for muscle, supportive nutrition refers to hydration and protein intake. Hydration targets should be ½ your body weight in ounces (3/4 body weight on very intense workouts or extreme environments). Protein target will range 10-35% of total calories. Due to the progressive over-load resistance training, the minimum can be increased from 10% to 20%. With weight loss programs, a caloric deficit is essential regardless your metabolism, however, too large (1000+ daily caloric deficit) can lead to loss of muscle which is counterproductive to the concern for muscle objective. Supplementation can also play a role with supportive nutrition. Specifics of suplementation aren’t the focus of this article. However, if you are going to look into supplements, first rely on a trusted, educated professional to personalize a safe and effective program to compliment your medical history, nutrition and exercise program. (3) Relaxation/Recuperation. Activities such as this will help to restore your body. This can be sleep, active rest, and various kinds of soft-tissue management. It is during this time when the body actually repairs and grows from breakdown of the workout. This is the ingredient that is most often overlooked. You can be doing everything else right, but if you are not allowing your body time to rest and repair you will not function at your best. Getting a good night’s sleep is a great first step. Sleep is when the LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
body goes to work with minimal distractions. Stretching, foam rolling, and massage are also great ways to enhance recovery. Finally, you want to fit active rest into your schedule. Typically active rest is an aerobic activity that will increase your heart rate to circulate blood to working muscles and move our joints. Being vertical compliments our objective of having a concern for muscle by engaging more musculature than when sedentary. Our clients are amazed when they review the data on their metabolism and the difference in the caloric expenditure just by becoming vertical compared to being sedentary. With the understanding that muscle is metabolism and the only place body fat is “burned” (utilized for fuel) is in the muscle cell then it makes metabolic sense to be vertical. Where is most of the muscle mass on your body? Your butt and legs. Again, this is worth repeating, if muscle is metabolism and the only place body fat is burned is in the muscle cell, why in the world would someone put their star player (butt), in terms of metabolism, on the bench by sitting all day or even when they weight train (seen at traditional “gyms”) if they do not have to.
So the next time you want to blame your metabolism, ask yourself what you’re doing to have concern for muscle – and are you maximizing your opportunities to be vertical each day? Effective weight loss programs don’t only look at weight loss on the scale rather the more cutting edge weight loss programs focus on the change in body composition (fat weight and lean body mass). Therefore, one could argue that by following the “hierarchy of fat loss” where the goal is to drop fat weight with minimal impact (loss) on lean body mass that it is also anti-aging. www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-879-8523 results@myfitnesskitchen.com My Fitness Kitchen® is where weight loss is made simple.
For more information, please feel free to consult with any of the fitness professionals at My Fitness Kitchen®. Additionally, as an on-going thank you to Laurel Mountain Post and its readers, mention this article for a FREE, no obligation, personalized, metabolic nutritional formula and fitness program that will leverage the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss.” If you are serious about achieving a body transformation goal, then you need a program, as any goal without a plan is really only a wish!
As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, by mentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article, you will receive $25 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward our no-risk, no obligation, 100% money guarantee 30-Day Weight Loss JUMP START program at My Fitness Kitchen®, as a courtesy of the Laurel Mountain Post. ***** My Fitness Kitchen® is located in Latrobe 30 plaza, Latrobe PA. My Fitness Kitchen® is a weight loss and body transformation center that also happens to have a fitness center connected to it. From the moment you enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your age, fitness level or experience, it’s all about “You.” The supportive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly members combine to create the most unique and comfortable environment for your weight management and fitness success. Whether it is Nutrition, Fitness or both, you can be confident My Fitness Kitchen® is the solution to a healthier and thinner you. Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and owner of My Fitness Kitchen® www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-8798523. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specializes in weight loss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goals through evidence-based scientific programming.
Westmoreland County Historical Society March Workshops Tracing Your Roots in the Emerald Isle: An Irish Genealogy Workshop Date: Monday, March 23, 2015 Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location: Heinz History Center Admission: $25 or $35 RSVP: As space is limited, please register by calling 412-454-6361 or by visiting: www.heinzhistorycenter.org/events/irish-genealogy-workshop Join Irish genealogy experts Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt from the Ulster Historical Foundation in Belfast for an in-depth workshop on the rich genealogical sources found in Ireland. This workshop will benefit beginners and seasoned genealogists alike. The presenters will examine a multitude of historic records and electronic resources that will enrich your Irish genealogy research. This instructional and hands-on workshop will also include helpful tips on using the Detre Library & Archives and the Westmoreland County Historical Society to study your Irish family history. Irish Genealogy Workshop presentations will include: • Intro to Irish and Scotch-Irish Family History Research • Tracing Farming Families in the 18th and 19th Century: Using Landed Estate Records • Solving Your Brick Walls • Genealogical Resources at the Detre Library & Archives and the Westmoreland County Historical Society The event will include a special behind-the-scenes tour of the History Center’s Irish American collection on display within the museum’s fourth floor Special Collections Gallery. Along with experts from the Ulster Historical Foundation and the Detre Library & Archives, representatives from local genealogical societies will also attend the Irish Genealogy Workshop to share best practices and tips with visitors and fellow researchers.
Every Story Begins At Home.
This workshop is a joint program of the Westmoreland County Historical Society and the Senator John Heinz History Center. Please visit www.westmoreland history.org and follow our activities on the Westmoreland County Historical Society Facebook page, and on Twitter @WCHistory.
Cold War Surveillance & Reconnaissance Location: Westmoreland County Historical Society (WCHS) Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Time: 7:00 p.m. Presenter: David G. Assard Reservations: 724-532-1935 x210 Program fee: Free to WCHS members; $7 for non-members. Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. The Cold War is defined as the period of intense political and military tension from the end of WWII through the early 1990s. The hostility was focused between the Eastern Bloc Soviet Union and Warsaw Pact allies and the United States and Western Bloc NATO nations. Historians termed the war as ‘cold’ because there was relatively little full-scale global military engagement between the two sides, although both supported regional conflict in Korea, Vietnam, and Afghanistan. David Assard will discuss world-wide reconnaissance, mostly by aircraft, and hot incidents during the Cold War, including his personal experience. Mr. Assard served on a patrol mission from Kodiak, Alaska that was attacked by two Soviet MIG-15 Fagots on June 22, 1955. The aircraft engines were set afire and the US Navy P2V-5 Neptune crash-landed on the St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Strait. Mr. Assard, a Greensburg resident, is a retired Naval Aviator and business executive. He was President and COO of Cessna Aircraft, Wichita, KS, and President/CEO of Elliott Company, Jeannette, PA. Visit our website www.westmorelandhistory.org and follow our activities on the Westmoreland County Historical Society Facebook page, and on Twitter @WCHistory.
March 2015 - 13
New Literacy Initiative Encourages Creative Thinking in Local Youth by Krista Sarraf It’s the dead of winter. We should be home. Instead, we’re at the café in town, and the place buzzes with energy. Guests warm up with hot chocolate and coffee, and their conversations center on books, writing, painting, and the weekend ahead. Parents and children huddle around the watercolors and acrylics that don the gallery walls. Children hold bright, neon colored notecards and scribble humorous or thoughtful poems about the nearby artwork. The music quiets, and the murmur of conversation reduces first to an excited whisper, and then to silence. All forty of us focus our attention on a wooden podium at the back of the room. We wait in suspense as a young man in a neat, button down shirt takes the microphone, which he can reach only when he stands on his tippy toes. The boy, Stephen (3rd grade), looks out at the crowd. Then, he begins to read. I pull my chair as close as possible to listen. Soon after Stephen begins, his little brother sneaks to the front row to get a better look. A few minutes later, warm applause from the audience congratulates Stephen, and he rejoins his proud family. Stephen is one of five writers who read that evening. Plus, he’s one of 17 budding writers published in Write Local’s literary magazine, Voices.
Stephen Foss reads his short story “Annie’s Wild Trip” at a Write Local event. 14 - March 2015
The first time I met Stephen, we sat in this very room. It was Write Local’s first creative writing event, and I am sure I was far more nervous than the kids were. That day, our small group of five writers in grades 2-4 huddled around a table where we’d create our first stories together. I remember how polite and kind the students were; it takes a great deal of bravery for a student to try a new activity in a new place, but they were fine. That day had a miraculous quality to it; I remember standing with the two other Write Local volunteers, Marcia and Carolyn, in awe as the clock marked the evening’s close – and the writers were still writing. We let them continue until their parents arrived. When they finished, it only took one person to encourage the whole group to read their stories to each other. These creative children burst into laughter at the silly parts of each other’s stories, and they congratulated each other like old friends. It was incredible. Stephen wrote his story, “Annie’s Wild Trip,” during that workshop in a colored composition notebook, his very own Write Local journal. That notebook started Stephen on the path toward the microphone when he read his story to us on that January evening. I can’t wait to see where else that notebook takes Stephen. You see, when Write Local started, our volunteer team would sit around a table and talk about how best to promote literacy. Plus, we each share a passion for Westmoreland County – and we’ve seen the research that connects creativity with innovation and economic growth – so we knew that the program needed to promote literacy while promoting the local region. That’s why you’ve found us at Latrobe Art Center twice already in this article, and that’s why we’ll be back. When an individual creates in a space, something magical happens. I’ve heard writers speak of the spiritual bond they have with the places where they work. The creative act bonds us – in a way – to the place. In fact, place is so important to creativity that when Pixar Studios asked Steve Jobs to redesign the space, he demanded that the entire studio campus should only have two bathrooms. I’m sure not every employee was thrilled to walk sometimes 15 minutes several times a day. However, Jobs knew that when we encourage people to
mix, creative ideas happen. The Write Local concept isn’t all that different. At the end of the school day, school-aged individuals may stick around for a club, but then go home. They won’t head to their local art gallery, that’s for sure, unless we create a reason for them. Write Local’s workshops in donated, community spaces like Latrobe Art Center represent a model that encourages young people to connect with their towns in meaningful, new ways.
Krista Sarraf introduces the Write Local event at the Latrobe Art Center in January.
The challenge, of course, is getting people to come out, especially in the middle of cold, Pennsylvania winters. So, Write Local will also bring its program to your school. Schools, after all, are a magical place to facilitate creative moments. For instance, Christ the Divine Teacher School in Latrobe partners with Latrobe Art Center to bring K-6th graders a free afterschool art club. Usually, the students play with paint and the visual arts; in February, though, students played with words as we brought our Poems & Paintings series into the classroom. “What is a poem?” one bold kindergarten student asked me as I explained the activity of the day. “A painting, but with words,” another responded. An hour and a half later, I asked the 20 or so students if anyone would like to read the poem they’d just written. Immediately, 20 or so eager hands went up. You should have seen the pride on each child’s face. “Aha” moments like this one are the joy of teaching. Write Local’s goal in 2015 is to reach more students. Particularly, we need to reach the students who have yet to find a creative outLAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
let. As Fred Rogers explained, “How great it is when we come to know that times of disappointment can be followed by joy; that guilt over falling short of our ideals can be replaced by pride in doing all that we can; and that anger can be channeled into creative achievements ... and into dreams that we can make come true” (The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember). I think that Mister Rogers was onto something. With STEAM* (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) initiatives, our public schools, too, are exploring ways to use the arts to encourage creative expression amongst students. As I research ways that Write Local can best serve our school districts, I find articles (such as a 2012 collection from the National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development) that use Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood as a template for connecting children with science through art. I am reminded that we come from a place of great innovators and purposeful educators. I am reminded that we’re all in this together – the path toward more, and better, educational opportunities for our town, our children, our neighbors. The next time Write Local gathers, I hope you will join us. Write Local is about bringing people – and ideas – together; not in a far-away bathroom like Steve Jobs did with Pixar, but together in a space where, like Stephen, we can create, play, and grow – as neighbors. *Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math – the STEM subjects – are now combined with Art and Design to form the educational initiative “STEAM.”
***** After working and studying in Virginia for 10 years, Krista Speicher Sarraf, originally from Donegal, PA, now lives in Latrobe where she teaches composition and critical thinking at Seton Hill University and Westmoreland County Community College. Krista is a founder of Write Local, a literacy initiative that inspires young writers to think creatively and innovate locally. Additionally, she writes poems and stories, and is currently working on her first novel.
Annie’s Wild Trip by Stephen Foss
Years ago, my parents got us a dog named Annie. A few years after she died, my brother got a stuffed dog for Easter. Guess what he named her? Bingo. Annie. This is one of her adventures. Annie yawned. She looked around. Why was her dog bed in a car? At least her food bowl was in here. As she tried to remember, the brothers came in. So did their mom and dad. Annie saw Jordan Hall, the dog next door, sleeping behind her. It startled her. What was he doing here? It was a mystery. As Annie thought it all out, she suddenly remembered they were going on a trip. Annie decided to go back to sleep. Annie was awoken by a bump, bump, bump. The car stopped. When she was let out, she was on a farm. The family spent a very happy month on the farm. Annie loved so much about the country. She loved chasing fish in the stream with Jordan Hall. She loved watching the brothers ride horses. She loved laughing at the silly chickens. All too soon, it was time to go home. Annie wished she could stay longer. Something went wrong on the way home. “Are you sure this is the way?” asked the mom. “Yes,” said the dad. A half hour later he changed his mind. “This is not the way home after all,” he said. Everyone was getting worried. Annie let out a whine. She had had too much to drink and had to go. So they stopped the car and Annie and Jordan Hall went into the woods to do their business. They went too far into the woods and they got lost trying to get back to the family. Annie sniffed the air and said, “This is not the way back!” At first she wanted to go back to the farm. “Home is very important to us dogs. We must go home,” Jordan said. He started off. “You won’t survive!” Annie called. “I’m going home,” Jordan said solemnly. Annie considered her options and decided to follow him. The farm was fun but she knew her family would be waiting for her at home. After two days in the wilderness, Annie said, “I’m sure learning a lot about this place!” She was silent for a minute, then said softly, “I also am learning the importance of home. I’m starting to really miss it.” Finally, looking over a tall cliff, there was the town that they lived in. “Come on,” Jordan said. “Let’s go home.” For Annie, no place was as good as home. Annie learned an important lesson on that wild trip. “Now what was that lesson?” I bet you’re thinking. Annie learned that friendship, love, and caring are all in one place. That place is home. ***** Author Stephen Foss is a third grader from Latrobe, PA. His story “Annie’s Wild Trip” was awrded Honorable Mention in the Elementary School Category / Write Local’s 2014 “Home” Contest. The new Kid’s Corner column shares student writing from Write Local’s K-12 programs. Write Local is a non-profit located in Latrobe, Pennsylvania that inspires young writers to think creatively and innovate locally. To see more student writing, please visit writelocal.org.
Every Story Begins At Home.
March 2015 - 15
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#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.
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Blairsville
Brush Valley
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#1039414 – Upper level being used as 3rd bedroom (32x11) good history as rental property–full unfinished basement, large detached garage. Make it your home or makes great investment property. Offered at $79,900.
Blairsville #1037350 – Charming, older two-story home close to schools, pool and shopping waiting for new owner. This home offers cozy sun porch, newer laminate floors, large dining room, first floor bedroom and full bath. Eat in Kitchen includes electric range and refrigerator. Two bedrooms and full bath on second floor. Storage shed and garage in rear. Offered at $79,000.
#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.
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Blairsville
#1035853 – Covered front porch, formal dining room, large eat-in kitchen, lots of cabinetry. Attached 4car garage, decorative fireplaces. Offered at $53,500. #1030756 – Elegant home in a beautiful setting of mature trees, this large ranch offers sunken living room w/ wood burning fireplace, huge kitchen w/oak cabinets. New paint and all new carpet in 2013. Roof approx. 10 yrs. New AC 2013. Offered at $280,000
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www.HewittRealEstate.net 16 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD by David Martin, President (Contributions by Mike Duderich)
New Neighborhood Visitor & Information Center Offers a Glimpse into the Past as well as the Future The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce opened The Neighborhood Visitor and Information Center (VIC) last month as a place to learn more about our membership and to display some of the rich history that makes our communities such amazing and unique places to live, work and visit. We wanted to tell the story of where we came from, where we are and where we’re going. The brightly colored Neighborhood logo on the building welcomes everyone to the new resource center, which features the area’s history in various cases when you enter. A glass display case holds items from Arnold Palmer and features a Ryder Cup Captain’s bag and a set of self-customized Calloway clubs, along with golf shoes, photos, books and a small version of the famous Pennzoil tractor. Thanks to the McFeely-Rogers Foundation and the Latrobe Historical Society, a re-vamped case of Fred Rogers’ memorabilia was unveiled in late-February that tells the story of Latrobe being the television icon’s hometown. We really do live and work in Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood! Across the room is another case filled by Jim Mickinak, owner of J.M. Builders, from his collection of Rolling Rock artifacts, including a guitar from the Rolling Rock Town Fair music festivals, taps, buckets and sports balls all marked with the beer brand brewed in Latrobe until 2006. You can walk into bars in just about anywhere in the country and be able to
order a Rolling Rock Beer. That’s quite a tribute to the former locally-manufactured product, and it’s also behind the 20-year quest that has made a Latrobe resident a special collector in all things Rolling Rock.
When we first met with Jim, he stated, “I have 98 percent of all the Rolling Rock memorabilia there is,” Jim Mickinak said. “And that is the biggest Rolling Rock collection in the world.” When you visit the
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new VIC on Route 30 in Unity Twp., you’ll see a pair of display cases filled with a fraction of Mickinak’s collection. It’s been a labor of love for the 69-year-old Mickinak, who has put together the collection over the span of 20 years. All along we wanted to tell the story of what makes our great communities special and unique. What do people think of when they hear the word Latrobe? Arnold Palmer and the famous Pennzoil Tractor, the Steelers and St. Vincent College, Fred Rogers’ hometown … and, Rolling Rock Beer. You will find all of that and more, at the new Neighborhood VIC. For sale are local history books, pottery, jewelry, works from local artists and the Latrobe Art Center, Fred Rogers items, historic images of our communities and much more. And of course, you will find information about the Chamber’s incredible membership. From where to eat, shop and have fun, to healthcare, local services, attractions, real estate, contractors, non-profits, local events and much, much more! I remember being asked at the end of 2013: what makes a chamber of commerce “special?” I replied that a chamber should be the ultimate “storyteller” when it comes to its membership and the communities it serves. It should promote, educate and shout from-the-rooftops all that is distinctive about its members, partners and neighborhoods. The new Neighborhood VIC does just that. Stop by soon and discover all that is special in “The Neighborhood.”
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March 2015 - 17
HOME STUDY by Brian Mishler
Make the Right Choices The real estate gurus have predicted a record year for home sales, and particularly first time home buyers in Western PA. February made a believer out of me; HomeStudy set a new February sales / inspection record by the 20th! Not such an easy feat for a 21year-old company. Spring and the end of hibernation always bring a rush of folks looking to change their nest; leave the parents, downsize after the flock has left the roost, upsize to accommodate a growing brood. But this year will be special; in addition to the annual spring optimism, economic optimism will bring additional folks out looking at homes. Which is a great thing; our economy is rebounding, people’s outlook is brighter, and our region is (finally!) seeing an influx of younger people settling in our area, bringing with them a vibrancy only youth can provide. With the uptick in home sales, there will inevitably be an uptick in work, and therefore people entering the fields servicing real estate, home inspectors, handymen, Realtors®, etc. As people enter into a new business they often gain a foothold in the industry by setting their prices lower than the existing market; they don’t have experience to offer, so they provide a discount. Which can be a good thing – it keeps inflation at bay, and prices in check. Consumers often jump at the chance to save money – who doesn’t? We work hard for the things we have and want to keep as much as we can in our pocket. The funny thing about saving money isn’t about why we do it but how. Have you ever driven past a gas station with empty pumps and later another one that’s full – with a higher price – and wondered what’s up with that? Gasoline, electricity, even groceries to some extent are commodities; wherever we buy them quality is consistent; and price is the dominant factor in our purchase decis18 - March 2015
ion. As it should be; gas is gas. So why the higher price at one vs. another gas station? Convenience and / or location. People are readily willing to pay more for the convenience of not having to go out of their way. Professionals, however, are not such a commodity; they have a finite amount of time in their working lives, and other things in life competing for that time: family,
friends, events, leisure, other clients, etc. It strikes me funny that people rarely price shop lawyers and doctors, but don’t hesitate to shop Realtors®, home inspectors, contractors, etc. Of course, it’s a good practice to “interview” professionals who will be working on your behalf, but it’s foolish to base that hiring decision solely on price. So why do we do it? Money is tangible; I know the value of a dollar, but have no idea the value of experience; especially in a field that I am unfamiliar with. I know full well that there are some doctors that are better than others, but have no idea how to tell one from the other. But for a moment, let’s take a look into the field of real estate. Most of the folks you’ll encounter on the journey to purchase a home are either self-employed or working on a commission. Our first instinct as consumers is to ask if there is a discount avail-
able, or some other way to save what is tangible to us – money. Now let’s change seats – you walk into your job – and you’re “boss” has just come to you and asked you to take a pay cut - do the same work you’ve been doing for less money. Why? Because the boss doesn’t value your time, or perhaps because the boss knows you make too much money anyway, and he’s not about to pay for your exorbitant lifestyle. What the boss doesn’t know is that your (commission) pay doesn’t go straight into your pocket. You have to share it, in the case of Realtors® it gets split with other agents and the broker at least. And that is only if the sale actually happens. Agents can put thousands of miles on their car, spend countless hours with a client, and lose that client (and the time and money invested) with no pay! Home inspectors have to share their pay with their franchise, insurance company, reporting software, and office staff to name a few. We, however, have the good fortune of almost always getting our fee. So if not that tangible – money, what then are we to base our hiring decision on when buying or selling a home? The answer is “it depends.” It depends on who you are, and where you are in life. If you’re an experienced home buyer with monetary assets, you probably can use a less experienced home inspector; you already know the basic workings of a home, finances and the like. If something goes wrong, you have the experience and money to correct the issue; a $3000 furnace is less of a concern to a person with a large bank account compared to someone purchasing their first home who may be putting their entire nest egg into a down payment. Perhaps you want to look for an inspector experienced with baby boomers or aging in place; one who can make recommendations for improvements to the home that can accommodate walkers or other assisting devices. LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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If you’re a first time homebuyer you want to interview your home inspector and make sure they will take the time to explain to you not only the issues found, but how your “new” house works: where the main water shutoff is, how the circuit breakers work, where and how often to change the furnace filters, and most importantly will they be available after the inspection to answer these types of questions now and in the long-term future? Having a professional take that kind of time and provide long term assistance is invaluable; they can help you navigate home ownership in the long term; when repairs are necessary or even if you decide to do home improvements. These are unbiased professionals – (home inspectors don’t (or at least should not) provide contracting or repair services. They can consult – help you chose contractors and help avoid pitfalls. How long has that inspector been in business? Ninety percent of home inspection companies go out of business within 10 years of startup. Will your inspector still be there when you need them?
Every Story Begins At Home.
Ask your Realtor® for a recommendation for a home inspector, and also ask friends and family. But don’t stop there, make yourself familiar with the Pennsylvania Home Inspection Law, and make sure the inspector you hire is compliant. http://phic.info/docs.htm has the law summary and what is required of us. Also, you can go to www.ashi.org, and see a virtual home inspection, what we do and how we do it. Lastly, but certainly not least, when you hire a professional, be it a Realtor®, Home Inspector, Mortgage broker, etc., LISTEN TO THEM! I can’t count the number of times my advice has been ignored to the peril of my clients, and the number of times I’ve seen a client ignore the advice of their agent and later have difficulty. We do what we do because we love doing it. We spend our time doing what we do to support our families. We’re not in this business to rip people off, but to build relationships; if I can help my client, even years after an inspection, perhaps they will help me by referring a friend.
Do you have home repair, maintenance or real estate questions that you would like to see addressed in Brian’s column? If so, please send them to the Laurel Mountain Post, either by email (editor@laurelmountainpost.com) or post mail to: Laurel Mountain Post, 189 Fairview Lane, Derry PA 15627.
***** Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., and a 20-year veteran home inspector. He began performing home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convinced him that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president of the Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors (PRO-ASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with prerenovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate-related classes, and has mentored others seeking to become home inspectors. He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half, Carol, their Boston terrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students. When spare time is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hiking in the area. He can be reached at brian@homestudyinc.com.
March 2015 - 19
Learn Memoir Writing & Genealogy: A Joint LVW/WCHS Workshop Ligonier Valley Writers and Westmoreland County Historical Society will present an all-day workshop on recapturing the past through memoir writing and genealogy on Saturday, March 14, at the Calvin E. Pollins Library of the Westmoreland County Historical Society (Suite 1 at 362 Sand Hill Road, Greensburg). In the morning session (10:00 a.m. to noon), Marge Burke will teach participants how to write a memoir. In the afternoon (1:00 to 3:00 p.m.), Joanna Moyar will introduce attendees to genealogy and genealogical resources. Registration and welcoming remarks begin at 9:30 a.m. Morning refreshments and a box lunch will be provided. The cost is $35 for LVW and WCHS members and $40 for nonmembers. The registration deadline is Monday, March 9. You can download the form from www.lvwonline.org or get it at the Book Nook at Craftique Collections or at WCHS. Make your check payable to Ligonier Valley Writers. Send your check and registration form to Ligonier Valley Writers, c/o Mary Ann Mogus, PO Box 594, Greensburg, PA 15601. For more information, or if you have dietary restrictions, call Mary Ann at (724) 836-1099 or email jaguar263@verizon.net. In ”Writing Your Memoir” (10:00 a.m. to noon), Marge Burke will present exercises and prompts to help you recall incidents long forgotten and tap into formative events in your past. Journey to days that have been filed away for years but need only a small tug to break free. Exercises will include building a string of memories from one specific thought and making use of all five senses. Come prepared to map out your childhood neighborhood, paint mind pictures, and discover how events you have nearly forgotten shaped you into who you are today. Marge is the author of Letters to Mary, a historical novel based on an ancestor’s Civil War letters. She has been published in the Albion News, Small Town Life, the Laurel Mountain Post, Pennsylvania magazine and the Tribune-Review’s Focus. Marge is a graduate of Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program and a site interpreter for Historic Hanna’s Town. Genealogy for Beginners will be presented from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Joanna Moyar will give participants the basics for beginning research and discuss the specific resources available in Westmoreland County. Writers may find inspiration and compelling subject matter in their own family histories. Joanna is education coordinator of WCHS and on the editorial board of Westmoreland History, the society’s magazine.
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Ligonier Valley Writers serves writers and readers throughout western Pennsylvania. It offers numerous events, including the student poetry contest (going on right now, with cash prizes for poets in grades 4-12), the flash fiction contest, and several workshops and talks throughout the year. For more about any LVW events, publications, and contests, visit www.LVWonline.org. For more about the Westmoreland County Historical Society, visit www.westmorelandhistory.org.
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20 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations by Rev. Marjorie Rivera
“In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” – Ansel Adams
Thanks for reading! This month I will share a personal story. I have had a fascination with Ansel Adams and his body of work for many years. My personal favorite piece is a photo of the Taos Pueblo Church in Taos, New Mexico. I bought a copy of the print nearly 5 years before I took my first trip to Taos in 1998. Let me share some experiences with you about that trip. I went with a friend; we flew into Santa Fe and drove approximately 2 hours north towards Taos. As we got closer, I could feel some strange sort of “memory” kicking in. The fact that I had never been to that part of the country before did not escape me. (I am pretty sure this could have been my first past-life recall ... ever) It was very late and pitch black on the mountain roads as we climbed our way into the “Enchanted Circle”. Taos sits within a range of mountains called the “Sangre de Cristo,” which means the blood of Christ. If you were ever there at sunset you would understand the reference fully. I didn’t research much about Taos before the trip; I just knew I wanted to go see the pueblo and the church, taospueblo.com: Taos Pueblo is the only LIVING Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark. The multistoried adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.
The day after we arrived in Taos, was the first day they opened to the public after a month or so of private ceremonies. The first thing I did upon waking up the next morning was head over to the pueblo to find the exact spot for my pose in the same archway as the Ansel Adams photo. There were amazing synchronicities that happened during my entire stay. I never needed to read a map while I was in Taos, I just intuitively knew where everything was and which way to go. I met people who helped me and people to help every day. There was the ashram curator, who carried her little pot of peppers and apples around with her and snacked the whole day long in her gauze dress, who needed rides to certain places. Just for the record, I was Every Story Begins At Home.
thrilled to pieces to be able to jitney everyone around in the huge SUV that the car rental place gave me as a free upgrade without even asking. There was this little old Native American woman who let us drink from the sacred Blue River. She invited us to take sips from her gourd as she was pulling it from the crisp little stream, while we were walking past. My heart leapt with pure
My exploration, lead to experience. My experiences have lead to wisdom, and wisdom to divine wisdom, and the ability to be of service to others in need. I accept each experience as a lesson, a gateway to higher awareness that I know will help someone to whom I am connected. I feel as though we are all learning and growing to help each other, as we are all connected even in the tiniest (and grandest) of ways. Since our growth and healing is all interconnected, get out there and explore, will ya?!?! Hit the road, see what experiences will touch you ... If you ever make it to Taos, go see the earthships. Seriously! For more inspirations on this topic, please visit the pinterest board I have dedicated to Taos: www.pinterest.com/ aPGHmedium/taos-nm/
unadulterated joy. Then there was Soluntra, (yes, it sounds like the herb cilantro a bit) who had been travelling the world to heal the crystal grids within the earth. I didn’t understand everything she was doing but boy, was she fascinating! I am sure she is off climbing some ancient Mayan ruins or swimming with whales, or doing Javanese divination somewhere. If you would like to see her artwork her website is here: evenstarcreations.com These people were a bit kooky and a bit awesome. The best part of Taos, hands down was energy there, I don’t know why, but it was like a magnetic force. The energy was soft and nurturing and womb-like. I am also not surprised to have been invited to several sweatlodge ceremonies while I was there, which seemed fitting. My adventure to Taos was amazing in every sense of the word. I have never been the same since my journey there. Taos changed me so much so, that after I returned home, I started my company called TAOS Co. (Transformation And Other Services Co.) I still operate under the business name to this day. So why this long personal story you ask? I go back to our original quote from Ansel Adams; “In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” Experience is a form of exploration, a wonderful thought indeed.
Suggested Reading: My Spiritual Journey by Dalai Lama Connect with me: twitter.com/PGHmedium www.facebook.com/PGHmedium www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/ Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com
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MARCH-APRIL COMMUNITY CALENDAR “The only sure thing about luck is that it will change.”
3/1/2015 to 3/1/2015 The En Garde Epee Championship Series: March Murphy’s En Garde Fencing Club 352 Butler St., Etna, PA 15223 Open Mixed Epee capped at 25 fencers. Open to competitive or non-competitive USFA Members. This is the last event in a 4 tournament series. Points will be award at each event. The fencer with the highest cumulative total will be declared the champion! 3/2/2015 Read Across America Day Storytime Barnes & Noble Booksellers 301 South Hills Village, Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412.835.0379 3/3/2015 to 3/3/2015 Rhythm of the Dance: National Dance Company of Ireland Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200, upjarts.org This incredible live show celebrates both the rich history of Ireland as well as the art of Irish dance. Rhythm of the Dance has heralded a new era in Irish entertainment, featuring thirty dancers, a traditional live full Irish band and the dashing and handsome Young Irish Tenors. Internationally rated as one of the most popular and successful Irish step dance shows on tour, millions of fans have hailed this as a ‘Must See’. The National Dance Company of Ireland’s performers are not only an assemblage of beautiful Irish lassies, and handsome Irish lads, sporting colorful Celtic-themed costumes, tapping and stomping out century-old beats - they are also a special collection of incredible young Irish dancers, singers, and musicians. Sponsored by: 1st Summit Bank 3/6/2015 Jefferson Starship The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Elko Concerts presents Jefferson Starship performs & celebrates the music of JEFFERSON AIRPLANE 50TH ANNIVERSARY Paul Kantner founded JEFFERSON AIRPLANE in 1965. THE AIRPLANE were the biggest rock group in America during the 1960s and the first San Francisco band to sign a major record deal, paving the way for other legends like GRATEFUL DEAD & JANIS JOPLIN. They headlined the original WOODSTOCK FESTIVAL in 1969 and like THE BEATLES with whom they are critically compared, lasted a mere 7 years ... though their influence and impact on rock music continues well into the 21st century. In 1974, Mr. KANTNER created JEFFERSON STARSHIP and again enjoyed chart-topping success. PAUL & JEFFERSON AIRPLANE were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, the same year as PINK FLOYD. 3/7/2015 Celtic Connections The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org River City Brass presents Celtic Connections In March, all Pittsburgh goes green. It’s St. Paddy’s day, so if you’re Irish, don’t come into the parlor! Come hear your River City Brass in “Riverdance”,
22 - March 2015
– Wilson Mizner
“When Irish Eyes are Smiling”, “Danny Boy” and more. But what about those other Celtic nations: Scotland, Wales and…Kentucky? They will be well served with “Scotland the Brave”, “Men of Harlech” and “Bluegrass”! With kilts, Irish dancers and bagpipers, this show is sure to be spectacular! 3/7/2015, 3/14/2015, and 3/21/205 The Basics of Fictional Worldbuilding: Wands, Wookies, & Wardrobes, Oh My! Write Local at Latrobe Art Center . 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. 724.691.4864, writelocal.org Learn the secrets of famous fantasy writers and create a fictional world of your own. Have fun as you try your hand at story writing alongside like-minded 11-18 year olds. R.S.V.P by March 6. 3/7/2015 Snowshoe Saturdays: Schafer Run Snowshoe Hike Forbes State Forest 1291 Route 30, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.259.2201, dcnr.state.pa.us Meet at the Schafer Run Road parking lot to shuttle to the Schafer Run warming hut. We will be hiking roughly 4 miles, along Mountain V iew Trail. Please come prepared with warm layers, water, snacks, and snowshoes! *Registration is required. *There is a limited quantity of snowshoes to borrow—please specify if you need to borrow when registering for program. 3/7/2015 Kidapalooza Family Festival & KDKA Health Fair Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146 A Festival of Fun for the Entire Family! Tickets available at the door between 9:30 am and 3 pm. 3/8/2015 Lecture: “Into the Sugarbush” Powdermill Nature Reserve 1795 Route 381, Rector, PA 15677 724.593.6105, carnegiemnh.org Powdermill Nature Reserve Sunday Lecture, “Into the Sugarbush”. Explore the process of making maple syrup, including why the sap flows and why some trees are better than others for syrup production. 3/10/2015 After the Storms: How to Repair & Maintain Gravel Roads Loyalhanna Watershed Association 110 Andi Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.7560 loyalhannawatershed.org. admission $5 3/10/2015 Backyard Composting Workshop Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.879.4020 westmorelandcleanways.org Attendees learn how to compost yard waste and what kitchen wastes are safe to compost. $10 per person.
Elko Concerts presents Abba Mania ‘ABBA MANIA’ has been delighting audiences of all ages since it’s formation in 1999, selling out UK theatres nationally. In 2002 it played 18 weeks in the Strand Theatre London re-creating the Abba phenomenon for fans from all over the world. Since that time ABBA MANIA has conquered other parts of the world, with concerts in Demark, Sweden, Russia, France, Luxembourg and South America. Featuring a special concert presentation, which celebrates the music and style of Abba in a respectful and enjoyable way, ABBA MANIA revives special memories of when ‘Abba’ ruled the airwaves. Their songs are timeless and will last forever. Join in and enjoy all of your favorites including: Mamma Mia, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen, Winner Takes It All, Super Trouper and many more. 3/13/2015 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: The Quiet Man 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! 3/13/2015 Art on Tap 5.2.7 Westmoreland Museum of American Art@rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500, wmuseumaa.org Experience happy hour and the latest Pop-Up Exhibition at Westmoreland @rt 30 the second Friday of every month! Enjoy music, a scavenger hunt, light bites and drinks including beer from All Saints Brewing Company. 3/14/2015 Beethoven’s Eroica The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1850. thepalacetheatre.org The Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 “Eroica” and works by Don Jamison, Mendelssohn featuring guest violinist and conductor Andrés Cárdenes. 3/14/2015 Fusion…and All That Jazz Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200 upjarts.org A great evening for an exciting fusion of the Classics and Jazz. We are proud to invite Johnstown’s popular “Jazz in Your Face” to re-create the era of the Big Bands. A truly toe-tapping evening!
3/11/2015 Western PA Collegiate Job & Internship Fair Monroeville Convention Center 209 Mall Plaza Blvd., Monroeville, PA 412.373.7300
3/14/2015 Winter Bark ID Hike Forbes State Forest 1291 Route 30, Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.259.2201. dcnr.state.pa.us It can be tricky to properly identify (ID) trees during the winter because there are no leaves! Learn how to identify common PA trees by observing other physical characteristics of trees, like the bark! Come prepared for a brisk hike on the Bob Ache trail, behind the Forbes’ district office. No registration is required.
3/12/2015 ABBA Mania The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org
3/14/2015 to 3/15/2015 2015 Maple Weekend Taste & Tour Somerset County Maple Producers Association 234 Sugar Cake Rd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.442.3680
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
somersetcountymaple.org Tour and tast Somerset County maple products! 3/15/2015 St. Patty’s Party Chirstian W. Klay Winery 412 Fayette Springs Rd., Chalk Hill, PA 15421 724.439.3424. cwklaywinery.com Celebrate St. Patty’s Day with us! We will have lively entertainment, light fare, wine tasting ... 3/20/2015 to 3/22/2015 16th Annual Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival Monroeville Convention Center Monroeville, PA 15146. 724.863.4577. familyfestivals.com Enjoy a unique day of shopping! $6 for adults, discounts for seniors and children 12 and under
3/21/2015 Introdution to snowshoeing and cross country skiing Ohiopyle State Park 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, PA 15470 724.329.0986. dcnr.state.pa.us If you have always wanted to try snowshoeing or cross country skiing this is your chance. We will meet at the new Falls Area V isitor’s Center in Ohiopyle. From there we will gear up and head out. There will be instruction and help with skiing. This program is free but pre-registration is required. To register contact Barbara Wallace at 724-329-0986 or email bawallace@pa.gov
3/21/2015 to 3/29/2015 Pennsylvania Maple Festival 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale, PA 15552 814.634.0213 pamaplefestival.com Witness tapping trees and maple production pro-cess.Sample maple syrup on a stack of pancakes.
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3/21/2015 Spring Open House Summer Smiles Honey Farm 939 Horner Church Rd., Stoystown, PA 15563 814.525.0306 summersmileshoneyfarm.com Join us at the farm to kick off the 2015 season! Local, delicious non-GMO foods, various artisan crafters, tour the hives, learn about the honey bees, using honey bee products, and meet our heritage Large Black Hogs and Amy the rooster and his organic, free range chicken flock. 3/21/2015 Blue Oyster Cult The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org For over four decades, Blue Oyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY-based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. Blue Oyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it’s one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. Pit $82; Orchestra $65, $58, $48 Loge $62; Balcony $38 For tickets, call 724-836-8000 or online at www.thepalacetheatre.org
continued on page 26
A few examples of how our program saves you money:
3/21/2015 Wine on the Fly! The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is pleased to announce the Third Annual Laurel Highlands Trout Trail Opening Reception at the Lincoln Highway Experience on Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. $10 per person includes a presentation by Leo Vensel, one of Pa’s premiere fly-fishing guides; a short DVD, an exhibit of vintage flyfishing rods and reels; a demonstration by Ken Vallino, a whiz fly tier; a sampling of juried artisan items (with a trout theme); craft beers, select wine, appetizers, and terrific camaraderie. Pre-registration required. For questions or to register, call 724-879-4241 or visit www.LHHC.org. 3/21/2015 Aquatic Invasive Species and Conservation Workshop Loyalhanna Watershed Association 110 Andi Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658 814.359.5233 loyalhannawatershed.org Learn about the threats of aquatic invasive species and how they can impact our coldwater streams, as well as, ways to protect, conserve and restore them for future generations.
3/21/2015 Family Day Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org FREE fun for the whole family! Art activites, scavenger hunt and cookies & punch.
139 West Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-4831 office@ligoniertavern.com www.LigonierTavern.com Too Much Fun for Such a Small Town!
Come in from the cold, enjoy a good meal and a hot drink! DINING HOURS Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday & Saturday: 11am-10pm Sunday: 12pm-8pm Bloody Mary bar every Sunday!
March 2015 - 23
Vernon Realty Ad - page 1
24 - March 2015
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Vernon Realty Ad - page 2
Every Story Begins At Home.
March 2015 - 25
3/21/2015 to 3/22/2015 Ohio Country Conference Westmoreland County Community College 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697 724.527.5584 bushyrunbattlefield.com 18th Annual History Conference featuring presentations by authors Douglas Cubbison, William Nester and Daniel Barr and living historians William Hunt and James Blake. Early bird discount if registered by March 1, 2015. Registration brochure & schedule available at our website. 3/22/2015 Trace Adkins The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org Trace Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts and turned albums into Platinum plaques, selling over 10 million albums, cumulatively. The Grammynominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a television personality, actor, author, spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Program, the American Red Cross and has performed seven USO Tours. 3/23/2015 and 7/16/2015 Lincoln Highway Bus Trips! The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is offering two fantastic bus trips for the upcoming spring and summer! Both trips are $89 per person. For more information or to register, call 724-879-4241 or visit www.LHHC.org. • Antiques on the Square: Join us on Saturday, May 23 for a trip to downtown Bedford for their annual “Antiques on the Square.” On the way we’ll stop at Slick Ivy Stone’s restaurant for a step into the past and a hearty lunch. Then we’ll head downtown to visit over 50 antique vendors lining the streets while listening to live music and sampling local food. On the way home, we’ll stop at the historic, 1915 Georgian Inn for a fine dining experience with a delicious menu prepared specially for our group. • The Countryside of Gettysburg Tour: Join us Thursday July 16 as we motor east to enjoy a different side of historic Gettysburg, the countryside. We’ll start the day at Hickory Bridge Farm with a farm-to-table lunch in an 1887 barn overflowing with antiques. Then we’ll head to the National Apple Museum. You’ll get a kick out of their 1880’s farm kitchen and General Store. Next is the 1914 Round Barn where we’ll be treated to a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruits and vegetables and other treats. Our day will conclude with a visit to Hauser Estate Winery for a guided tour and either wine or non-alcoholic cider tasting in their glass enclosed tasting room overlooking miles of farmland and orchards. 3/25/2015 A Starry, Starry, Night’ along the Lincoln Highway Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium at Saint V incent College In the spirit of V incent Van Gogh, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is offering this astronomy program. $10 per person includes, a private planetarium; refreshments; a take-home “starry” art project with how-to instructions from artist Pat Majcher; and a self-guided tour of the Lincoln Highway Experience museum. Preregistration required. For questions or to register, call 724-879-4241 or visit www.LHHC.org. 3/26/2015 to 3/29/2015 Chemical Imbalance Pitt-Greensburg Theatre 150 Finoli Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.7483. greensburg.pitt.edu The Pitt-Greensburg Theatre Company will present Lauren Wilson’s “Chemical Imbalance (A Jekyll and Hyde Play)” in Ferguson Theater. What is Dr. Jekyll cooking up now? He’s trying to split the human psyche in two halves—good and evil. But can he control the imbalance and its effect on others?
26 - March 2015
3/26/2015 to 3/29/2015 Cat on a Hot Tin Roof The Geyer Performing Arts Center 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com Tennessee William’s “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is the story of a family in crisis. Can Brick and Maggie ever get the spark back in their marriage? How can they tell Big Daddy he’s dying of cancer? What will become of the family & estate? This show is for adult audiences only.
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.
3/28/2015 Soup’s On! Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.420. visitligonier.com Sample over 20 delicious soups from local restaurants and vote for your favorite! Various Ligonier shops will have the best soup from one particular restaurant available in their store. V isit several shops to sample more soups, then vote for your favorite. Soup served from 11am to 2 pm.
through 4/11/2015 Stone House Idol Kick Off! Historic Stone House Restaurant 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020 stonehouseinn.com Join us for our 2nd Annual Stone House Idol. Every Saturday at the Stone House. Stone House Idol Finale will be held on April 11th, 2015 at Jim Shorkey Kia.
3/28/2015 The Great Gatsby State Theatre Center for the Arts 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360. statetheatre.info One of the great cautionary tales about the American Dream, The Great Gatsby is now brought to the stage by Montana Repertory Theatre. Known for its compelling productions of great American stories that penetrate to the core of human experience– Death of a Salesman, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Miracle Worker-the troupe’s Gatsby will convince you that Simon Levy’s masterful adaptation captures, perhaps better than all movies of varying artistic merit, the elusive magic of Fitzgerald’s slim novel. It’s all here: the beautiful people, the decadence, the idealism—and the darkest fate. While continuing to tell the “great American Stories”, the Montana Repertory Theatre approaches The Great Gatsbywith all the honor and care a great work of art deserves as they bring the beauty and poetry of this masterpiece, living and breathing on stage to a new generation of theatre-goers. through 4/19/2015 Artists of the 21st Century Student Art Exhibition Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, One Boucher Lane & Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6015. sama-art.org SAMA’s annual student art exhibition will return this spring with shows at the Ligonier Valley and Loretto museums. The exhibitions feature hundreds of works created by students in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Open to schools that participate in SAMA’s Museum/School Partnership Program, the exhibition offers children an opportunity to see their artwork professionally hung in a gallery. through 5/30/2015 Imagine Nation Open Studio Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org Every Saturday & Sunday from 12:30-5 PM, children of all ages and their favorite adult can stop by the Museum and create their own art in the studio! There is a different art project featured each week. through to 3/10/2015 Tuesday Night Tube-A-Palooza Seven Springs Mountain Resort 777 Waterwheel Dr., Seven Springs, PA 15622 800.452.2223 x7625 7springs.com Bring the whole family up for downhill thrills Tuesday nights at Seven Springs’ snow tubing park for the Tuesday Night Tube-A-Palooza Party! Tuck yourself into a tube, grabbing on to the handles and feel the fresh mountain air on your cheeks as gravity send you plunging down one of our multiple chutes.
through 5/27/2015 Weekly Playgroup SeaBase Family Fun Center 770 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.838.8887. seabasefun.com Join us Wednesday mornings at 11 for weekly playgroup! Ideal for ages 2-5. Free with admission! through 4/19/2015 Someday is Now: The Art of Corita Kent The Andy Warhol Museum 117 Sandusky St., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 412.237.8300. warhol.org This is the first full-scale survey covering more than 30 years of work by the American artist, Corita Kent (1918-1986). In her rich and varied career, she was a designer, teacher, feminist, and activist for civil rights and anti-war causes. Her thousands of posters, murals, and signature serigraphs reflect these combined passions for faith and politics. Kent became one of the most popular graphic artists of the 1960s and ’70s, and her images remain iconic symbols that address the larger questions and concerns of that turbulent time and continue to influence many artists today. through 4/26/2015 Pop-Up Exhibition-Adrienne Heinrich & Brian Geary Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500, wmuseumaa.org Experience works by southwestern Pennsylvania artists in monthly Pop-Up Exhibitions at Westmoreland @rt 30, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s temporary location during a major renovation and expansion project. April’s featured Pop-Up Exhibition artists are Adrienne Heinrich & Brian Geary. Admission is free and coincides with museum hours, Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 4/2/2015 to 4/4/2015 Jesus Christ Superstar The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970 rock opera, whose music was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and whose book and lyrics were written by Tim Rice. The musical is loosely based on the Gospels’ accounts of the last week of Jesus’s life, beginning with the preparation for the arrival of Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem and ending with the crucifixion. 4/4/2015 Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Stone House Restaurant & Country Inn 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020 stonehouseinn.com Bring the whole family to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Stone House. Menu and activities to be announced.
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Photo Courtesy of Mary's Photography – Bradenville, Pa (724-757-0070)
4/5/2015 Easter Brunch at Nemacolin Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.8555, nemacolin.com This Easter, gather your baskets and head to Nemacolin Woodlands Resort for a new tradition. Join Nemacolin for our annual Easter Brunch from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Reservations are required. 4/5/2015 Easter Sunday SeaBase Family Fun Center 770 E. Pittsburgh St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.838.8887. seabasefun.com Easter Sunday Special Holiday Hours with an egg hunt at 1! 4/5/2015 Easter Family Style Stone House Restaurant & Country Inn 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020 stonehouseinn.com Family Style Easter Dinner, menu to be announced. 4/9/2015 Nature Book Club: Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.5284. wpnr.org In his groundbreaking work about the staggering divide between children and the outdoors, journalist and child advocate Richard Louv directly links the absence of nature in the lives of today’s wired generation to some of the most disturbing childhood trends: the rise in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. This is the first book to bring together a body of research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. More than just raising an alarm, Louv offers practical solutions to heal the broken bond. 4/10/2015 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory 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! 4/10/2015 Children’s Book Festival of Johnstown Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center 411 Third Ave., Johnstown, PA 15906. 814.262.0732 thelearninglamp.org The three-day festival is free and is geared to children in grades Pre-K through 6. Designed to bring books alive in an impactful and lasting way,
Every Story Begins At Home.
the festival features performances by nationallyknown, award-winning authors, illustrators and storytellers. 4/10/2015 What? Dogs Can't Read!!! Murrysville Community Library Conference Room 724-327-1102, 4130 Sardis Road, Murrysville, PA 15668, www.murrysvillelibrary.org Of course they can't, but they are great listeners. Reading to dogs helps children read at their own pace. This motivating environment is relaxed and comfortable, nonjudgmental, confidence building, great for emerging readers and FUN! This program is scheduled for the second Friday of each month from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. 4/11/2015 Intro to Reflective Yoga & Writing Write Local at Latrobe Art Center. 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe, PA 15650. 724.691.4864, writelocal.org Bring your mind to stillness for reflective yoga with Write Local. Gently play with postures, balance, mindfulness, breath, attention, gratitude and kindness blended with time and prompts for reflective writing. All ages. No experience necessary. R.S.V.P by April 9. 4/11/2015 Art on the Vine Greensburg Art Center/Rowe Gallery 230 Todd School Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.527.3761 greensburgartcenter.org An evening of tasteful delights at the Greensburg Art Center. Food pairings with wine from Greendance Winery, dessert by Sand Hill Berries, silent art auction by Greensburg Art Club. 4/11/2015 Battle of the Bands The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000. thepalacetheatre.org Nine local bands will be battling for two spots to perform in the 2015 TGIS summer concert series. Applicants will be reviewed by our Battle of the Bands Selection Committee on the basis of the following: uniqueness and appeal, appropriate-ness of material (no inappropriate language or attire), and quality of vocal and instrumental performance. 4/11/2015 The Tortoise and the Hare The Arcadia Theater 1418 Graham Ave., Windber, PA 15963 814.467.9070. arcadiatheater.net This classic tale is brought to you by the Coal Ala Bear himself. Come watch the Speedy Hare and the Slow Turtle Race their way to the finish line in this classic retelling of an old Fable. Your children will learn that “slow and steady can win the race.”
4/12/2015 River City Brass Band Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200 upjarts.org River City Brass performs a 56-concert series in eight different venues in Western Pennsylvania. In addition, the 28-piece ensemble tours extensively throughout the United States with more than 60 performances each year as a part of a community concert series, major symphony pops series, and arts festivals. From California to New York (as well as everywhere in between), River City Brass Band has delighted audiences with its signature style. Every performance features both superb soloists and some lighthearted fun! Often called the “Boston Pops—In Brass,” the band’s extensive repertoire includes American tunes, Big Band swing and jazz, music from Broadway and Hollywood, classical and contemporary masterworks, and—of course—traditional marches. Sponsored by: Concurrent Technologies Corp. 4/15/2015 Tiny Wonder Time-”We Planted a Tree” Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 Walzer Way, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.5284. 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.
Business to Business Networking in Latrobe! Join Laurel Leaders to Grow Your Business! Every Wednesday 11:30 am – 1:00 pm Conference Room at the Wingate Hotel in Latrobe For more information about Business Networking International:
www.bni-westernpa.com
March 2015 - 27
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 Gateway Convenience Rt. 66 Getty’s Grill Greensburg Library Greensburg News Greensburg YMCA GV8 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)
Second Chapter Books New and Used Books • Children’s Gifts Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff 139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658
28 - March 2015
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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
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Laughlintown Compass Inn/Historical Society First Commonwealth Bank Ligonier Country Inn Pie Shoppe Washington Furnace Inn
MARCH 2015
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ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________ CITY: _________________________________ STATE: ______ ZIP: _________________ EMAIL: ________________________________________________________________ Check or money order payable to: Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627
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
Mt. Pleasant Library Nino's Orourke Crystal Sandhill Berries Speedy Meedy's Vicky's Crossroads Volero Gas West Overton Deli West Overton Quilt Shop YMCA
Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic Main Street Wine Bar
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
Mt. Pleasant and Southern Westmoreland County Market Crystal Concepts The Frick Fun Services The General Store Herbalicious Kraisinger's Market Lenox Leo's Mericonda Beer Distributor Mount Pleasant Glass Museum
Youngwood - coming soon!
Cambria County (Johnstown) Comfort Inn & Suites Dancer’s Closet East Hills Family Pharmacy Holiday Inn - Downtown
Holiday Inn Express - Richland Nature's Habitat - Galleria The Sleep Inn
Downtown Indiana Association 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
Fayette County Adrian's - Hopwood Braddocks Inn Restaurant Chalk Hill Flea Market Miller’s Grocery Store Nemacolin Inn - Farmington Ohiopyle Falls Ohiopyle Pub Summit Hotel - Route 40 Indiana 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
Somerset County JENNERSTOWN Green Gables/Mtn Playhouse Our Coal Miners Cafe Three Rivers Dental SOMERSET AREA Comfort Inn Eat n Park Econo Lodge Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Mountain Craft Days Oakhurst Tea Room Sheetz (route 31) Somerset Family Eye Care Somerset Historical Center Summit Diner Quality Inn
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We’re always on call! www.ridgeviewheating.com ridgeview.heat.ac@gmail.com
Every Story Begins At Home.
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END NOTES by Nancy A. Clark
Sometimes You Want to Go ... Productivity during the winter months is highly overrated. You can count Hubby and me among those who, on long, dark, cold winter nights, prefer to moisturize our dry skin and hibernate like bears in our den until the daffodils bloom again. We consider it a pain in the first quarter of a new year to dress in multiple layers, pull on boots and shimmy to the “Shiver Dance” in the front seat of the car until the engine coughs up some heat. We offer no excuses for avoiding the drudgery of the astronomical phenomenon we call the Winter Solstice. Our favorite tactics for surviving a southwestern Pennsylvania include reading, building jigsaw puzzles, tinkering, sipping hot todd…er, chocolate, watching reruns ad nauseam and going to bed at the crack of dusk. The re-re-reruns of CHEERS and the highly infectious joviality of that mythical bar crowd have, however, influenced us to add a little spice to our winter agenda. Our new ploy for counteracting mid-winter nonproductivity is to visit those places where at least one person will “know my name” – or at least recognize our faces. Nothing raises the spirits – in any season – like that of friendly recognition and a warm greeting. Aside from our families (who will recognize us no matter how dry
our skin), there are several establishments we frequent where our flagging spirits are raised like a Phoenix from ashes. Our gastric itinerary includes three restaurants where certain members of the wait staff and even the managers greet us by name (or by face), inquiring as to our health and life activities since our last visit. Because of their interest, Ruth, Chris, Marilyn, Patty, Brenda, Anna or Dinah have become a part of our extended family, especially when they linger at our table to ooh and ahh over the latest foibles of our “grands.” And when one of them pulls a photo or two from an apron pocket to share with us, we become a part of their extended family. Attention like this generates warmth enough in our booth that I could shed one of my four sweatshirts. Then there are those at our credit union and the local bank. Vicky or Cheryl or Angela or Wendy look up from their stations and greet me with “Hi’ya, Nanc. I’ll be right with you,” and I could toss another sweatshirt. Their warmth and friendliness are enough to melt the snow off a daffodil bud. There are many others in our edition of The Friendly Greeting Annals. Pharmacists Ted, Barry and Laurie, and the efficient, approachable staff that operates our local independent apothecary, sweeten their
Write Local is a nonprofit literacy initiative based in Latrobe, Pennsylvania that offers novice and K-12 writers workshops, publishing, mentoring, contests, and more. Sign up for an event today! www.writelocal.org/events "Inspiring young writers to think creatively and innovate locally ." locally."
“How are ya?” greetings with the sugar that “helps the medicine go down.” Some of the most pleasant, albeit lessfrequent greetings come from our appliance repair man, auto mechanic, plumber and furnace expert. Each can shoot the breeze with the best of them, and each calls us by name as he hands us a sizeable invoice. The pain of handing over a sizeable check is lessened when the recipient thanks us – by name, of course. The annual holiday gathering of old friends is an event that successfully entices us to leave our cozy domicile. There, we are gifted with time to spend with everyone who knows our name, as well as with new friends we have yet to meet. The challenge lies in remembering the new names and faces until the next Christmas gathering. Chances are the frank fragrances of the holiday – from the awesome aromas of hot cider and Swedish meatballs to the frank fragrance of pine and bayberry – will linger longer in our cranium than the names of those “new friends. Time and circumstances have a way of eclipsing our ability to remember names and faces. We meet and greet people for the first time and sometimes for the first time, again – and again, as we weave our way into and out of each other’s lives. Too often, we have to reach deeply into a virtual hat and hope to pull out the correct name to match a face. We beg the core of those who know and love us to forgive us our memory lapses, just as we forgive theirs. I still believe that hibernation is everything I’ve cracked it up to be; but I’m grateful to the barflies at CHEERS for the incentive to battle whatever the ice man bringth just to get to where somebody knows our names. We’re all in this together, folks, at least until the blessed arrival of the astronomical phenomenon known as the Vernal Equinox … and the day when the daffodils will bloom again.
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Contact our team: writelocal@gmail.com / 724.691.4864 facebook.com/thewritelocalproject / Instagram @writelocal / Twitter @writelocal
Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in 50 years of marriage, three children and three grandchildren. She dabbles in freelance and memoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting, reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.
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Every Story Begins At Home.
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