Laurel Mountain Post May-June 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

“Pa”

for the Course Tony Mediate

Give Me A “Z!” Weight Training & Technology for Golf Delicious Depression?

Showers, Flowers and the Thrill of the Race MAY/JUNE 2009 Every Story Begins At Home.

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2 -May/June 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

W MAY/JUNE 2009 (Volume VI, Issue 3)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly publication designed to focus on the people, places and events of Westmoreland County and the surrounding areas in the heart of western Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature local merchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; and never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home. Most of our writers are not professional reporters, but accomplished local practitioners with years of experience in their respective fields who bring credibility and personality to every article.

In October 2006, the BBC News quoted us as “the voice of Pennsylvania.”

Laurel Mountain Post P.O. Box 227 206 Weldon Street Latrobe, PA 15650

724-537-6845 Cathi Gerhard Williams Editor & Publisher

Briana Dwire Tomack Marketing Director

Barbara M. Neill Features Editor/Advertising Sales Director

Carol A. Gerhard Administrative Assistant/Copy Editor THANKS TO: Carol Dwire, Heather Haines, Chris Kantorik, Pat Kintigh, Doug Richardson, Michelle Schultz, and Devin Winklosky Proud members of the Latrobe, Ligonier, and Strongland Chambers of Commerce, Pittsburgh Advertising Federation, and The PA Newspaper Assocation Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

Our distribution of 15,000 reaches beyond Westmoreland County into the neighboring counties of Allegheny, Washington, Armstrong, Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Fayette.

In 2006 our web traffic increased by 53% and continues to grow. Every day, more and more readers and advertisers across western Pennsylvania are discovering the Laurel Mountain Post.

Every Story Begins At Home.

“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”

– Kenyan Proverb

elcome . . .

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams

Village Mentality My boyfriend is a great coach, on and off the fencing strips at St. Vincent College and the Ligonier Y. He values people and motivates them to work together to achieve something wonderful with the unique and equally important gifts they each have to offer. We spent last weekend (those gorgeous, first 85-degree days in late April), fishing and building a fieldstone fire pit next to our pond. It was a true community project: my son and niece helped us pick stones from the pile and a neighbor’s newlyplowed garden; in a cart borrowed from my sister we loaded firewood cut and dried by another neighbor; we transported the loads down to the pond on a path carved out and mowed by my brother-in-law; and together, my boyfriend and I built the pit. It was amazing how the odd field stones – years in the making, and from scattered parts of earth – seemed to fit together so well . . .

Over the past several months, I’ve been re-connecting with dozens of “long lost” friends through Facebook. Years ago I was introduced to MySpace by my daughter, but the concept of social networking never really clicked until now. Most of these new online friends are people I went to school with in Derry – some I had not spoken to since junior high or even elementary school at Grandview. In some cases, I knew these people all along, but didn’t run in the same circles. Regardless, the commonality of our alma mater brought us together in this newly-created village. As adults we find that we are

all in the same clique now, thanks to the internet.

It only takes a few minutes to log on and see what everyone is up to . . . who is happy, who is sad; who did what and where. And it seems like most have kind words to share. There is constant encouragement, praise and enthusiasm going around. Unlike sending emails to specific people and hoping for a reply, Facebook allows you to post your thoughts, simple or extended, and they are seen by all of your friends, and then exponentially by their other friends as well.

There are also lots of games to play,

many of which involve others on your friend list.

Obviously one could easily “waste the day” on this type of thing and become addicted. But as with any activity, discipline is key. I can check on Facebook with my Blackberry if I want to, and do – because sometimes that five minutes of feel-good contact is all I need to refocus and get back to work.

My business has also benefitted from this trend in social networking. It has given me another outlet to promote what I do, make new professional contacts, and – most importantly – generated new ideas and stories for the Laurel Mountain Post. One of those old friends, Brian Gillingham, found me on Facebook, and now he is taking over our environmental column with excerpts from his online blog You Save The Planet, beginning with this issue (page 9).

There are lots of other stories this time about ways in which people are coming together for the good of each other and the world. Chef writes about community gardening, and Down On The Farm discusses the symbiotic benefits of companion planting. Excela Health has put together a series of group programs for people facing many different cancer circumstances. And there are several listings for events such as the Hero Walk, Race for the Cure and the Steelers basketball game fundraiser in Hempfield.

I used to think of groups in negative ways, as in the classic image of and angry mob chasing monsters or outcasts with torches. Other icons included cults, gangs, activists, and even governing bodies.

Distrust evolved into isolation and the misguided belief that I could do everything myself. But I’ve come to understand the power of sharing and the importance of what others can bring to our tables, both big and small.

May/June - 3

REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill

“Pa” for the Course: Tony Mediate When tallying the scorecard of secular holidays, Mother’s Day is consistently up there near the top of the leaderboard; Father’s Day frequently finishes a little farther back in the pack. This could be because women tend to be more sentimental than men and accept all the presents and attention as their due on their designated day; men often try to bypass the fuss attending any celebration of self.

Few would dispute the importance of nurturing Mother Love, but The Father Factor figures significantly in the family equation as well. So, let’s take a swing at venerating dads this vernal season.

established as a permanent national observance to be held on the third Sunday in June. It’s a day for honoring, remembering and commemorating the fathers and the father figures of our lives. It’s also the perfect time for fathers to talk about themselves and their families.

Greensburg’s Tony Mediate grew up in the tiny railroad town of Wall, the son of Italian immigrants.

Like so many southwestern PA boys he was interested in sports and Tony excelled at several. With aspirations for a career in baseball he pitched several no-hitters in high school, was chosen to represent Allegheny County in Pittsburgh’s Sun-Tele(graph)-Hearst All-Star game and went on to work out with the Pirates, Phillies, Cubs and Cardinals. (After catching the trolley at Wilmerding and riding into Oakland in the mid50s he often pitched batting practice and ran laps with the likes of Pittsburgh Pirate greats Roy Face and Vernon Law at Forbes Field.) When a career in baseball didn’t materialize, Tony decided to follow a family barbering tradition and went on to become the owner/operator of the well-established Greensburg hair salon Anthony’s.

The business will mark its 49th year this June.

In 1960 Tony married his wife, the The gang's all here! Tony (left) with friends Nick "Nini" Sonovic and John "Spanny" former Donna Emerick Pekich. (Sneaking a peek is Bobby Bachy.) Nini of Greensburg. They are and Spanny still call on their childhood buddy the parents of three at Anthony's to catch up and reminisce. grown children – Rocco, Nicole and Gina – and Father’s Day was initiated in the proud grandparents of five – 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd of Rocco Vincent, Nicco, and Marco Spokane, WA. Along with her (the sons of Rocco and his wife siblings she was raised by her Linda) and Blake and Logan (the father after her mother’s death daughter and son of Nicole and her during childbirth. Father’s Day was husband Pete Levey). Rocco recognized by a joint session of Vincent is named for his father and Rocco’s deceased brother, Vincent, Congress in 1956 and in 1972 was 4 -May/June 2009

who succumbed to a brain-related condition at the age of three.

Although baseball was Tony’s first love, he grew to enjoy the game of golf in his youth when he caddied for various Churchill

the Mediate tribe takes the driver’s seat and puts himself in the fore. ***** BMN: One of the things I miss the most about my own father is ____.

TM: Since he died when I was 13, the thing I miss the most is the father that I didn’t have after he passed away.

BMN: It takes a lot of ____ to be a good father.

TM: Love and patience

The debonair and tonsorial Tony Mediate.

golfers who would let him use their clubs on Mondays. Years later when the young Rocco served as a caddie for Tony, little did they suspect that the son of the father would be ranked 47th in the world golf standings and receive the Christopher Columbus Outstanding Italian-American Athlete Award in 2008. Rocco also played baseball in his younger days, but somewhere along the way his sporting interest took a sharp hook and he traded in his Louisville Slugger for a long putter. The switch didn’t prove to be a handicap, as those with even a passing knowledge of fairways and greens will know. A golf standout for the Moccasins of Florida Southern in 1983-84, he joined the PGA Tour in 1985 and the rest is the stuff of golf history and local legend.

While Tony is not one who likes to call attention to himself, he did agree to fill in the blanks for me about his paternal and parental experiences. (You might say we played the executive course this edition.) Son Rocco has done countless interviews, but this Father’s Day the paterfamilias of

BMN: I remember ____ on the day my son was born.

TM: Once I knew that he was a healthy baby I remember asking the doctor if he thought my son would be a big boy, because I hoped he would play baseball someday.

BMN: ____ are harder to raise than ____.

TM: Girls are harder to raise than boys.

BMN: If I told my kids once when they were growing up, I told them 1000 times “____.”

TM: Don’t fight with each other, you’re family!

BMN: Of my three children, I would have to say that ____ is a chip off the old block.

TM: Well, Gina looks like me and has a lot in common with me – we both like to cook and feed people.

Rocco and I are athletic and Nicole is Nicole.

BMN: I always tried to teach my children to ____.

TM: Treat people the way you would like to be treated.

BMN: “Father knows best” about ____ in the family Mediate.

TM: A little bit of everything LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

BMN: My kids would probably say that “life with father” was (and still is) ____.

BMN:____ is my favorite family holiday tradition.

TM: In person – following him throughout the round as he plays

TM: The Christmas Eve celebration.

When I was a little boy I would wait for that day when my family would gather together for the meal of the 7 fishes. It was so wonderful. (The Feast of the 7 Fishes, also known as La Vigilia di Natale, is one of Italy’s most illustrious traditions.)

BMN: The emotion I felt at the end of the 2008 US Open was ____.

BMN: I love to take my grandchildren to ____.

TM: Pride. I was so very proud of how Rocco handled himself. Donna and I watched at home and I was just spent when it was over.

TM: The park – they’re sportsminded, so they like to swim and ride their bikes.

TM: Exciting BMN: I prefer to watch Rocco play in golf tournaments ____.

BMN: ____ is my favorite area golf course.

TM: Hannastown Golf Club BMN: My son aside, the golfer I most admire is ____.

TM: I really like Tiger, but I would have to say I most admire Erik Compton. He is a PGA tour member who has had 2 heart transplants and I really respect him. (Erik, 29, received his first heart transplant in 1992 at the age of 12. His most recent transplant was performed after he had a heart attack while fishing in 2007.)

BMN: The foods I like to prepare for my family are ____.

TM: Oh, we like so many things – pasta fagioli and pasta with peas, marinara sauce, potatoes, peppers & sausage, beans & greens, and in the summer a salad of tomatoes, hot peppers & onions. We like wine with our meals; I prefer merlot.

BMN: The best Father’s Day gift I ever received was ____.

Miners’ Memorial Day Weekend June 19, 20 & 21 2009 Windber, Pennsylvania (Northern Somerset County)

Live music, ethnic food, children’s activities Large car cruise-in on Father’s Day Motorcycle Show/Cruise-in Saturday

TM: Rocco’s 2nd place finish in the 2008 US Open (Rocco was tied with Tiger Woods only to lose during the first hole of sudden death.)

BMN: One of the greatest blessings of my life is ____.

TM: My children

A Festival that celebrates the life of the coal miner and his family.

BMN: ____ is the glue that holds our family together.

A project of the Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation, Windber, PA www.echf.windberpa.org

TM: Donna (A little birdie told me Tony’s wife had a firm grip on family matters.) ***** It looks like Papa Mediate has aced this interview; no mulligan necess-ary. (Glad I don’t take a penalty for punnery – that would really tee me off.)

– cover photo by Barbara M. Neill

Tony Mediate surrounded by his family during a Christmas celebration in Florida. (circa 2006)

Every Story Begins At Home.

May/June - 5

Second Annual

SALES ASSOCIATE, RECS/ASR

Boogie For A Cure Benefit Dance American Cancer Society 2009 Relay for Life: Latrobe Saturday, May 23 8-11PM Derry Ukrainian Club, 315 Dorothy Street $10 Admission includes: Food, Snacks, Door Prize Chance. Cash Bar Available.

Awesome Entertainment by Area Bands.

For tickets call Matt: 724-694-5863 or Ron: 724-537-6093 Organized by Team: GLSD Schools & Admin

SENIOR MOMENTS

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Area Residents Share the Facts of Life

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Phyllis Humphreys Hometown Today: Derry Birthplace: Latrobe Siblings: 3 brothers – Lemont B. McCracken, Rev. David B. McCracken, Joseph McCracken (deceased); 1 sister – Diane Confair (deceased) High School Alma Mater & Graduation Year: Derry Township, Class of 1942 College Alma Maters & Graduation Years: Seton Hill College, 1953 B.A. English; Indiana State College, 1961 M.A. Education Spouse & Year of Marriage: James W. Humphreys, March 20, 1945 Children: 1 son – Richard A. Humphreys Vocation: Educator Positions Held: One-room School Teacher (Atlantic, Derry Township School District); English and Reading Teacher for grades 7-12, Reading Coordinator grades K-12, Public Relations Director (Derry Area School District); Instructor (I.U.P. and Penn State University); G.E.D. Instructor Past & Present Affiliations: Derry Presbyterian Church, Derry Area Historical Society, Friends of Caldwell Memorial Library, Derry Area (School District) Retired Employees

Stay At Home

Avocations: Teaching church school, reading, collecting antiques, visiting with former students, and enjoying family time Favorite Charitable Causes: Derry Presbyterian Church, Caldwell Memorial Library, Derry Area Historical Society, American Red Cross Favorite Quote: I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. (attributed to William Penn) Hidden Talent: Not many people know, including my husband of 64 years, that I can milk a cow, separate cream from skim milk and churn the cream into butter or buttermilk.

Role Models & Mentors: My parents – Lemont “Mont” E. and Cecil B. McCracken, Mr. Major H. Stump, Mary Garrigan Cuneo, and Mary Vittone Lesko Best Lesson Learned: I could have handled old age better when I was younger.

Most Memorable Accomplishments: Finding a perfect husband and along with him raising a good son Future Aspirations: To stay alive and contribute to my family and community as long as I am able

6 -May/June 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Paula J. Forte

Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference Four students from Derry Area High School students looked forward to their competition represented Region 3 at the 2009 in Hershey and had been preparing for the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of competition with after-school study sessions.

America State Leadership Conference on Unfortunately, the students did not March 30 through April 1 held at the Hershey qualify to attend the national FBLA Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, competition at Hershey. They were surprised Pennsylvania. The at how extremely students were accompetitive the companied by their state competition chapter advisors, was. Only Charles Mrs. Florence Prato Kirkland placed fifth and Mrs. Angela in the open Bumar.

Jacob competitions for Booher, Charles Computer OperKirkland, Scott ating Systems.

Maljan and Blaise However, everyone Pezek qualified to agreed that it was a attend the state wonderful learning competition by experience for all of scoring exceptionthe students. Mrs. ally well at tests that Prato said that she Derry’s Future Business Leaders of America went to Hershey, they took at the was extremely proud Pennsylvania to compete in the state competition. Standing are Regional Leadership of the students who Blaise Pezek, Jacob Booher and Charles Kirkland. Seated are Mrs. Florence Prato, Scott Maljan, and Mrs. Angela Bumer.

Conference for learned many valuRegion 3 held at able lessons at Cambria Rowe Business College in Hershey—not the least of which was time Pittsburgh in January. In addition to management. The students attended qualifying for the state competition, Blaise meetings, workshops, and competitive Pezek was one of four students who events and had a chance to network with received a four-year FBLA Scholarship at other talented students from all across the Mt. Aloysius College. state. Scott, in particular, thought that the Even though they placed first in each of experience was wonderful because he their divisions at Cambria Rowe, the learned how to speak more clearly and students agreed that getting to the state succinctly in front of an audience through competition was not easy. Jacob was the his attendance at the workshops. Mrs. Prato only one who said that his event—Intro to said that the trip was very worthwhile. “The Business—was not difficult because the students earned their opportunity to information required for the test was similar represent the region through their hard work to what he had studied in class. He was not and took away a lot from working with the surprised that he took first place. Charles, best of the best,” she said. on the other hand, only completed four of the Although Derry had a chapter of Future eight production tasks that he was required Business Leaders of America in the past, it to finish in one hour for the Word Processing was defunct by the time Mrs. Bumar came II competition and was worried. Obviously, to teach in the district twelve years ago. She however, the other contestants were slower and Mrs. Prato resurrected the club this year. than he since he won the competition. Mrs. Mrs. Bumar said that she was excited about Bumar said, “Charles did an awesome job restarting this club because “this organon the test.” Scott admitted that the ization is preparing the students for life skills— Accounting I multiple choice test that he for their future careers.” Mrs. Prato, who has took at Cambria Rowe contained some terms been teaching business at the high school for that he wasn’t prepared for. However, he two years, said, “This is only our club’s first year confided that, after some further study, he of existence, and we are proud that the students was ready for the state test. Mrs. Bumar did so well at their first competition.” Both Mrs. further explained that the test was based on Bumar and Mrs. Prato wanted to thank the a full-year of accounting class and that Scott school for their support in allowing them to had only taken a half year of accounting resurrect the club and their help in preparing whenever he took the test. All of the for the competition.

Every Story Begins At Home.

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May/June - 7

THE REC ROOM Zachary Teich

Weight Training for Golf

WEST OVERTON MUSEUMS

Saturday May 9, 2009

May Mart West Overton Village HOURS 9:30am - 1:00PM Some of our vendors and products will include: Arona Road Greenhouse Sunny Sprouts Matteo's Herbs Galore Assortment of Heirloom and Unusual Tomato Plants One Good Cookie will be selling their wonderful bounties.

Opening Day West Overton Museums FREE ADMISSION to the Museum all day See a Civil War encampment and bread baking in the Summer Kitchen Hours are 9am - 5pm Visit our new Uncle Martin's COMPANY STORE & Gift Shop Savor our West Overton Signature Teas For those of you travelling from afar make reservations or just drop in to Miss Martha's Tea Room, which is a short way down the road.

West Overton Village Scottdale, Pa. 15683 info@westovertonvillage.org

8 -May/June 2009

If you want to hit a golf ball further, you need to have a stronger and more powerful swing. Obviously, one thing you should do to develop a better swing is to work with a golf pro at improving your technique and eliminating any flaws that you may have. Another thing you should do is resistance training, at least twice a week in the off season and once a week during the golf season.

Why? Because resistance training will strengthen the muscles involved in the golf swing. The stronger you are, the further the ball will fly (as long as your technique is still sound). You not only want to become stronger, but more powerful. More power means faster movement. Faster movement means more club speed.

More club speed means more distance on the ball.

In order to keep things simple, let’s just look at rotation. Rotation, after all, is what the golf swing is.

So, if you want to rotate your body faster and with more strength, you should start to train rotation. A simple exercise you can start with is the trunk rotation, which is described below. Before you start working out though, be sure to warm up with a few minutes of light walking, and mimicking the motion you are about to do, slowly at first and without weight.

Trunk Rotations • Hold one dumbbell or weight with both hands, in front of your stomach, with the elbows bent at ~90°. Stand with your feet about shoulder width apart, and keep a slight bend in your knees.

• Rotate your torso side to side, continuously, as far as your range of motion lets you go comfortably.

Your hips will also rotate somewhat, which is fine.

• Start with a light weight (maybe 5 to 10lbs. for most people) and do about 10-15 repetitions, 2-4 sets.

To develop strength, you must increase the amount of weight you use. Be careful though when training for golf. Too much weight

isn’t a good thing because the speed of your movements will be compromised. You will get stronger, but you will lose power when using heavier weights. The weight should provide resistance, but still allow you to rotate at, or just a bit slower, than your golf swing speed.

A step above trunk rotations is an exercise called ‘golf swings,’ that will mimic the real golf swing.

Golf Swings • Hold one very light dumbbell or weight with both hands.

• Get into your golf swing stance, holding the weight just where you would hold the club.

• Swing the weight back and forth, mimicking your golf swing as closely as possible. Try to keep the same speed that you do for your actual golf swing, or perhaps just a little slower.

• Start with a 1-2lb. weight, or just slightly heavier than your driver, and progress up very slowly.

If the speed of your swing feels too slow, you are using too much weight. Do anywhere from 3-15 repetitions, and as you are able to increase the weight, cut down the repetitions to 3-8. Do 2-4 sets (or more if desired).

• After weight training, stretch the muscles you have worked. One stretch you can do is the lying hipcrossover stretch. Lay down on the floor with your arms spread out.

Take one leg and cross it over the other one, twisting your body so you’re on the side of your hip. On the leg that’s crossed over, you can either keep your knee bent or straight, depending on what feels more comfortable or what gives you a better stretch. Hold the stretch for 20-30 seconds or more if you can.

Repeat for the other side, and you can do each side several times.

Stretch as far as you can comfortably.

Zachary Teich is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), and owner of Fitness To You Personal Training, providing in-home and office personal fitness training throughout the area since 2005. For more information on the benefits of weight training, please visit www.fitnesstoyoutraining.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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YOU SAVE THE PLANET Brian Gillingham

Who Else Is Going to Do It? More than 20 years ago, a friend signed my yearbook with “to a good friend who will find the exact value of pi and discover the cure for cancer.”

I know that it isn’t likely that I’ll do either of the above. I am sure that I won’t find the last digit of pi - and I won’t discover the cure for cancer, but for some irrational reason, I have always held that thought in some area of my mind. Even though many years have passed, and I haven’t taken the path of somebody researching diseases, I frequently consider things in our world that contribute to diseases like cancer.

This all brings me to today – and my project “YouSaveThePlanet.” It’s quite an ambitious project – given my failures to discover the last digit of pi – and cure cancer. Cancer rates are much higher in the industrial areas of the world: our pollution is killing us. So, perhaps in a way, I am still at task on curing cancer.

The funny thing is that the cure to cancer may simply be to discover the CAUSES for cancer. It may take another 100 years before we know enough about biology and chemistry to reverse the disease, but we understand a lot more about the large list of things that do cause cancer. As long as we know the causes, we can avoid exposure to these things — no?

I guess that the point I am trying to make is that more people need to challenge themselves with the seemingly impossible task of saving the planet. Even if you’re not the one who invents whatever it is that replaces oil you may “touch” the one who does save the planet — challenge everybody you know.

You are going to be the one who saves the planet. I just know it.

I’ve put together a list of the top 10 things you can do to save the planet. This list is purely opinion and subjective,and is in order of greatest amount of change to least amount of change – in my opinion.

1. stop reproducing at such a high rate This is listed first since it gets to the source of the problem: humans. If there were 8 billion humans today, wouldn’t there be a larger environmental problem? Consider how quick the earth could recover if we continue

Every Story Begins At Home.

to increase the human population (along with increase most of the resource needs of that ever-growing population). Even if science discovered ways to make enough energy through renewable sources, there would still be many problems associated with other resources.

2. stop eating meat This is the best thing that you can do to save the environment — that is, if you still eat meat. It’s great that I’ve seen a significant percentage of my extended circle begin to eat less meat – especially red meat. If you’ve cut down on your meat consumption by eating only one vegetarian meal per week, you are helping to lower the horrible impacts of the meat industry. Switching from a meat-based diet to a vegetarian diet is equivalent to taking between 1.3 and 1.7 cars off of the road — that’s BIG. Becoming a vegetarian has the greatest combination of benefits to the environment the self.

3. stop consuming anything created from oil Oil is used especially for gas and plastic products. Most of the plastics created with oil will be around for thousands of years.

4. reduce, reuse, and recycle Reduce as much as you can by seeking out products that have minimal or biodegradable wrappings. When you do purchase things, recycle as much of the packaging as you can.

Reuse items when you can to make the most use of a resource.

You should also seek out products that are made from recycled materials. Boxes clearly indicate when they have been made from “post-consumer recycled materials” or some percentage of old and new.

5. grow as much of your own food as possible This item combines the benefits to the environment with benefits to the self as well.

6. drive less This goes without saying, but it isn’t always clear where you can save miles. When driving anywhere, remember that over 95% of the fuel that a car consumes is used to move only the weight of the car — a huge weight to add to a 170 pound human who needs to get across town. It really helps to continued on page 22

May/June - 9

Spring into Maintenance!

by Brian Mishler

B. P. Insurance, Inc. Brian E Panichelle Panichelle_Agency@nwagent.com 3720 Rt 711 Suite 9 Ligonier, PA 15658-5004 (In Ligonier Valley Mini-Mall ) (724) 238-2148

MeMorial Day is May 25

Mary Catherine Janicki 15 East Pittsburgh Street Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724.219.3680

10 -May/June 2009

personalized facials nufree hair removal dermalogica products

As a home inspector of 15 years, most of the defects I see everyday are basic maintenance issues that have been ignored, sometimes for decades.

We all get used to coming and going from familiar surroundings, and don’t take a good look at things we’ve gotten used to. So, on one of these spring days, either with real sun, or with “Pittsburgh sunshine” falling from the skies, take an hour to get an unbiased look at your house the way I might: Grab a pair of binoculars, go outside, and pick a corner, any corner as a starting point. Back away from the house, and look at the roof through the binoculars. The shingles should be flat, and have an even covering of granular material on them. The gutters should not look like planters! Proceed around the house looking at every roof / gutter surface until you return to the corner from which you started. While you’re at it, take a look at the chimney. It too, should have relatively smooth walls, its top should be clean, and there should be a weather cap on top to stop rain and critters from entering. Also look at the other higher components, the soffit, fascia, etc. If the roof, gutters, chimney or anything up there looks out of place, like a greenhouse, or a high school biology experiment, call a roofing or gutter cleaning company!!!

We all depend on water to survive, but disregard its destructive capability.

Frequently water in a basement started out on the roof; but the drainage system is damaged or ineffective, and water finds its way back in. Simple and inexpensive repairs can often correct these types of issues; you just have to outwit gravity!

If you’re not comfortable roof / ladder walking, hire a gutter cleaning company to clear out your gutters and downspouts.

It’s also a good time to have a roofer evaluate, and perform minor repairs such as resealing shingles before they become a major problem, like shingles blowing off in a thunderstorm.

Starting at “your” corner, now walk the opposite direction looking at the lower portions of the walls, windows, foundation, lot grading, porches, decks… you get the idea. Yes, looks can be deceiving, but, they can also tell a lot about a house. The bushes you planted 20 years ago need to be trimmed back at least 1 foot from the walls. The lot should slope away from the foundation.

Downspouts should discharge 6 feet away from the house. The walls, windows, etc. should all look square, straight and true.

If not, there may be an issue. Does the house need a coat of paint? Stain? Now’s the time to get bids or plan the work.

Many folks are comfortable tackling landscaping, but there are many companies willing to help. Ideally, the lot should fall away from your house at

one inch per foot for at least the first six feet.

The rumors circulating about termites being shipped in mulch up from Louisiana aren’t true, but mulch, any mulch should be kept away from the house walls. Wood mulch against the house can harbor insects, especially the wood destroying kind like termites, and keeps the soil moisture high. Stone, lava rock, and other such materials are best, rubber mulch made from recycled tires, is better, but not ideal.

How are the sidewalks and driveway?

Any chance a visitor might trip?

Once you’ve got a good look at the exterior and have a plan of action, take a stroll through the interior. Similar method, pick a corner of a level, (basement, garage, first floor, etc.) start there, and look at everything until you return. Is the basement dry? Any signs of mold, bugs, movement, cracks, framing rot, cracking, etc.? Don’t assume, look! Our houses age just as we do; slowly and sometimes not so noticeably!! Take a look under sinks, put your leg against the toilet, and try to rock it gently, if it moves, it needs secured, or possibly a new wax ring.

Operate all the faucets, do they leak?

Don’t assume! How about the sink drains? Turn the lights on and off. Any bad light bulbs, fixtures, switches? Any unusual buzzing, humming, odors?

Operate the garage doors, do the openers reverse when the “beam” is broken? Do the doors track smoothly? Are they noisy? These are usually the heaviest items in the house, and used every day; make sure they’re in good working order!

Don’t assume; check, or have it checked!

Now (before air conditioning season) is the time to schedule your heating service company to come and do annual maintenance on the central air. They will check the refrigerant level, and the operation of the system. Now is also the best time to have your fireplace, oil or solid fuel burning appliance chimneys cleaned. This will help prevent odors over the summer, and have the system ready for use in the fall.

As you perform your spring maintenance check, take notes. Some repairs don’t need to be done immediately, and you can keep track of and plan your maintenance into the future. By contacting competent professionals, you can also plan upgrades and other improvements down the road.

This article is not intended to be a comprehensive plan of inspection, but give the reader a general idea as how to check for various deficiencies.

Brian Mishler is a 15-year veteran of home inspection and is a past president of PRO-ASHI, the local chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors. You can get more information about home inspection at www.pro-ashi.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Fore Grounds

by Cathi Gerhard Williams

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Every Story Begins At Home.

directions, and started down the path to the In the summer of 2005, I “covered” the Sefirst tee. Several weeks earlier, my “coach” nior PGA golf tournament at Laurel Valley had me practice driving with some whiffle Golf Club in Ligonier. I put that verb in balls in the field. This was my first attempt quotes because I attended as a member of with a real ball. Still uncomfortable with the the press, but I knew NOTHING about golf. feel of a proper golf swing, and terribly temptIt was a big event for our area, so I decided ing to bend my arm, I made it even worse by to find out what all the fuss was about. looking up. Taking my eye off the ball as I I greatly appreciated being able to see swung, I sent it skidding across the grass Arnold Palmer play in his final professional like a stone on a pond. But appearance, as well as with the second swing, it meeting other stars on the took flight. Several gangly circuit and the journalists smacks later, the ball fiwho report on the sport. A nally found its way home. walk in the woods is alThe second tee was ways my idea of a good positioned on a cliff overtime, and so following the looking the green, which players on the course was was surrounded by several environmentally beautihazards, including a lovely ful and relaxing for me. meandering stream and But golf was still just one old-fashioned stone walls. of the things I meant to With a 4-iron, I sent the get around to one day. ball soaring into the air, Four years later, I deand then watched it plop cided to hit the links at right onto the green below. last. First I travelled to AriGiddy as the proverbial zona in March to visit my schoolgirl (which is so college roommate. The unlike me), I jumped up weather was gorgeous, and down with excitement. and the golf courses at the Several people have told resorts even more so. I Scenes from the links at Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort and Conference Center. me that there will always started to understand just been one shot that keeps how relaxing and fun it you coming back to play could be – just to spend the another day. The tee-off day among such beautiful from number 2 was mine, landscapes. The shops and the lucky 4-iron rewere full of great classic mained tenaciously gripped clothes, equipment and in my hand for the rest of gadgets, but I didn’t know the course. what to do with any of it.

“My first time was at When I returned from Lyndenwood in Peters vacation, it was time to get Township when I was 16 serious and decide on a years old,” recalled Rocco. place to start. Rocco “At that point it was a little Panucci, General Manager frustrating, but after you at Chestnut Ridge Golf Rehit a few good shots, you sort and Conference Center wonder why you never in Blairsville, invited me to played this game before.” come out and spend the day At my age (coming up at the Tom’s Run course on 40 this year, with bad there. Knowledgeable and knees and a growing interavid golfing buddy in tow, I est in caftan fashion), there aren’t many sports took him up on that. Concerned for the sanity left to start or even continue.

Golf isn’t a leiof my friend on his mission to teach me, howsurely stroll in the park – it’s a long, enduring ever, I wondered – what makes Chestnut Ridge walk that requires endurance and core an equally great experience for novice and exstrength.

But with some proper stretching (see perienced players alike? page 8) and lots of patience/practice, it’s look“Like most resorts, we have four sets of ing like a great way to keep my body and mind tees so you can tee it up from a shorter in great shape. Unless, of course, I indulge in a course if you are a beginner or from the Tips few too many tempting and refreshing dollar if you are a low handicapper,” Rocco exdrafts back at the Spike Bar every time I play a plained. “Also we have 36 holes, so we can round on a hot, summer day. accommodate golfers at all skill levels.”

We were greeted by an exceptionally For more information about Chestnut Ridge, visit www.chestnutridgeresort.com friendly staff who pointed us in all the right May/June - 11

Students “Pumped Up” over Roadside Giants of the Lincoln Highway Take any long road trip and you are bound to see signs for the “world’s largest this…” or the “world’s smallest that…”along the roadside. Roadside Giants, super-sized structures that were common during the early days of both the Lincoln Highway and Route 66, were designed as a creative way for business owners to attract motorists. Structures like Bedford’s 2 ½ story Coffee Pot and York’s Shoe House are great examples of Roadside Giants.

Some are losing their visibility due to land ownership changes and road work.

The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor (LHHC) plans to change that as their organization nears the completion of their latest project, Roadside Giants of the Lincoln Highway.

This project will allow students from vocational and technical schools along the Lincoln Highway (Route 30 in PA) to design their own structures from start to finish. It is a great way for students from all departments to work together towards a common goal, while adhering to a budget and meeting deadlines.

Funding for the LHHC’s Roadside Giant Project was one of 230 regional grant applications received, and one of only twelve projects chosen to be funded

by The Sprout Fund of the Community Connections ~ Pittsburgh 250th group.

The Sprout Fund (founded in 2001) is a

nonprofit organization supporting innovative ideas and grassroots community projects that are catalyzing change in Pittsburgh.

Students from career and technology centers along the 200-Mile Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, have been busy creating their giants since September 2008. Graphic arts students designed the structures. The welding students have played the largest role by fabricating and welding the giant out of steel and iron. Building trade students have been working with the welding students to determine the best way to install the giant, and horticulture students may have the opportunity to do some minor landscaping. Finally, culinary arts students will design and bake a giant cake in the same shape as the school’s structure, to be shared with the community at each school’s installation celebration.

“I love art and education. The Roadside Giants of the Lincoln Highway project combined the two, and involved the community. It will create another great photo op for all Lincoln Highway road trips this summer,” said Olga Herbert, Executive Director of the LHHC. The first of five giants, 21 ft. replica of a 1940’s gas pump designed by the students at the Eastern Westmoreland Career & Technology Center (EWCTC), was installed on April 15 at the intersection of Routes 30 and 259 in Ligonier Township, where the LHHC plans to build the Lincoln Highway Experience welcome center and attraction.

Just as important as the students who work on the project, are the community committee members who have participated in each of the meetings. Committee members include artists, tourism promotion partners, business owners, and municipal officials who have lent a hand with offering advice and ideas on the project, and have contacted companies to assist the schools with the transportation and the installation of each giant. EWCTC committee members include Jackie Cavanaugh, Chuck DeNunzio, Jeff Kitsko, Ann Nemanic, Diana Nicolai, Bruce Shirey, Joanna Stillwagon, and Ron Weimer. In addition to the committees, a professional structural engineer has been hired to oversee each project.

For more information on this project, contact Leah Cominsky, LHHC Marketing Manager, at 724-238-9030.

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Triple Crown Trivia There have been only 11 winners of the Triple Crown. The elite horsey set includes Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral (1937), Whirlaway (1941) Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948), Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978).

Sports writer Charles Hatton is often given the credit for coining the term Triple Crown in 1930 when Gallant Fox became the second horse to win all 3 races.

Jockey Eddie Arcaro rode to two Triple Crown wins: the first on Whirlaway in 1941 and the second on Citation in 1948.

The last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, died on May 7, 2002.

In 1973 Secretariat became the only horse to ever break the 2-minute barrier at the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59-2/5. The horse face of the princely chestnut champion graced the covers of three national magazines and he was voted Male Athlete of the Year.

Only 3 fillies have won the Kentucky Derby: Favored Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988).

A tradition since 1909 the weathervane at Pimlico is repainted with the colors of the Preakness Stakes winner after that horse crosses the finish line.

Black-eyed Susans do not bloom in Maryland until June, so the Preakness Blanket is constructed of intertwined garlands of daisies with centers sprayed with black lacquer.

First run in 1867 the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races.

The initial Preakness Stakes followed in 1873 and the first Kentucky Derby in 1875.

The official drink of the Belmont Stakes was originally the White Carnation, but was replaced with the Belmont Breeze in 1998. (Find the peaches-andcreamy recipe for the White Carnation in this edition’s Reader Recipes at right on page 13.)

12 -May/June 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Neigh Rides: A Horse for All Seasons

READER RECIPES

Showers, Flowers and the Thrill of the Race I have seen flowers come in stony places And kind things done by men with ugly faces And the gold cup won by the worst horse at the races, So I trust too. – John Masefield

The May flowers that the April showers bring are truly the crowning glory of spring and none more so than the 554 red roses that are placed upon the winner of the Kentucky Derby. However, by the time you read this it’s likely that that horse will have crossed the finish line. The first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing is held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY and is as celebrated for its two minutes of lightninglike speed as it is its legendary mystique. The Horse is “the force” at the course, of course, but, vying for win-place-show behind the scenes are pre-and-post-race fêtes, trainer-owner backstories, celebrity jockey stats and the fashion statements of 155,000 mint julepinspired spectators. Two weeks following the Derby the Preakness Stakes is run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, MD and presents the winning three-yearold with a blanket of black-eyed Susans. The Belmont Stakes brings up the rear three weeks later with a profusion of “winner white” carnations at Belmont Park in Elmont, NY. Although the second and third races don’t generate quite as much media flap as The Run for the Roses, they are just as

essential to America’s classic trio of The Sport of Kings. (See Triple Crown Trivia at left for an historical compendium of the holy trinity of horseracing.)

I recently took my horse-loving niece, Brandie, to Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Natural History to view The Horse*, a wonderfully informative exhibit that examines the relationship of man and the horse through the ages. A sports history time capsule worth the price of admission for this writer was the encased display of trophies belonging to Citation, the 1948 Triple Crown champion.

Among many equine tidbits we took away with us was the astounding cardio factoid that a horse’s heart is the size of a basketball!

Not a betting woman by nature, I do feel a wager among friends on the day of a Triple Crown race is not unseemly or out of the question. For those readers who follow the ponies on a more regular basis, or would like to, below you will find a listing of tri-state horse racing venues where you can spend a day at the races. If ever in doubt about which horses to place your bets on, you might want to follow Woody Allen’s advice and “go with your hunches.”

Pennsylvania The Meadows – Pittsburgh – www.themeadowsracing.com or 724-225-9300 Penn National Race Course – Grantville – www.pennnational.com or 717-469-2211 Philadelphia Park – Bensalem – www.philadelphiapark.com or 1-888-238-2946 Pocono Downs – Wilkes-Barre – www.poconodowns.com or 570-831-2100

West Virginia Charlestown Races – Charles Town – www.ctownraces.com or 1-800-795-7001 Mountaineer Race Track & Resort – Chester – www.mtrgaming.com or 1-800-80-40-HOT!

Ohio Beulah Park – Grove City – www.beulahpark.com or 614-871-9600 Lebanon Raceway – Lebanon – www.lebanonraceway.com or 513-932-4936 Northfield Park – Northfield – www.northfieldpark.com or 330-467-4101 Raceway Park – Toledo – www.racewayparktoledo.com or 419-476-7751 River Downs – Cincinnati – www.riverdowns.com or 513-232-8000 Scioto Downs – Columbus – www.sciotodowns.com or 614-491-2515 Thistledown – Cleveland – www.thistledown.com or 216-662-8600

Triple Crown Trifecta The recipes included in this edition’s Reader Recipes are each associated with one of the jewels in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing: the original drink of the Belmont Stakes named for the race’s official flower; a crab casserole that could proudly be served at Maryland’s Preakness; and a bourbon-laced dessert worthy of the sultriest southern belle and “the greatest two minutes in sports” – the Kentucky Derby. A Triple Crown Trifecta for our foodie readers!

– compiled by Barbara M Neill

White Carnation 2 oz. vodka 2 oz. orange juice splash of cream

½ oz. peach schnapps soda crushed ice

Stir liquors and soda together and pour over ice in a highball glass. Splash cream over top then garnish with an orange slice.

– www.horseracing.about.com

Crab Casserole 2 large eggs 2 C. milk 2½ C. seasoned croutons 1 lb. fresh crab meat ½ C. finely-chopped red pepper

8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese 1 t. Old Bay seasoning ½ t. freshly-ground black pepper 1 T. dried parsley ½ C. grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 1-1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together. Stir in croutons, crab meat, diced red pepper, cheddar cheese, Old Bay, pepper and parsley. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.

– www.kidscooking.about.com

Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce 1 lb. French style bread 3¼ C. milk 3 eggs 2 t. vanilla ¾ C. granulated sugar ¼ t. cinnamon ¼ C. pecans ¼ C. raisins (optional)

Sauce: 1 C. granulated sugar 6 T. butter, melted ½ cup buttermilk 1 T. bourbon ½ t. baking soda 1 T. white corn syrup 1 t. vanilla

Tear bread into medium pieces. Add sugar and cinnamon. Mix milk, lightly beaten eggs and vanilla. Add to bread mixture. Place half of the mix in a casserole dish. Layer pecans and raisins, if used. Top with the rest of the mix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. To make sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil for one minute. Serve warm with warm bread pudding.

– www.kentuckyderby.info

*For more information about The Horse at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History visit www.carnegiemnh.org or call 412-622-3131. (Exhibit on view through May 24, 2009) – Barbara M. Neill

Every Story Begins At Home.

May/June - 13

MAY/JUNE 2009 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Tuesday, May 5 through May 15 Westmoreland County Senior Games Mammoth Park and several other locations within the county Registration fee is $12. To register, contact the Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks & Recreation by calling 724-830-3950 or by visiting www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks.

Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May 7 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm ACS Relay for Life Basket Auction and Plant Sale Memorial Conference Center Alcove, Westmoreland Hospital, 532 West Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg For information, call 724-830-8505.

Wednesday, May 6 @ 10:30 am Wednesday Morning Movies Greater Latrobe Senior High School Center for Student Creativity, 131 High School Road, Latrobe, PA Free to the public. To register, contact Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation at 724-537-4331 or by emailing jeannelpr@msn.com.

Wednesday, May 6 @ 6:45 pm Westmoreland Night of the Stars The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling 724853-2296.

Sunday, May 10 @7:30 pm Elko Concerts presents Queensryche The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets are $35, 40 and 45 - Ticketmaster Tuesday, May 12 @ 11:00 am –12:00 pm Stage Right Presents “Books Come Alive 2009” Jeannette Public Library, 500 Mcgee Avenue, Jeannette. Free to the public.

For information, call Hope Sehring @ 724-523-5702.

Tuesday, May 12@ 7:30 pm Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Michael Flayley’s Lord of the Dance The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets are $35 and $45 and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123.

Wednesday, May 13 @ 10:30am, 1:30pm Pittsburgh Public Works presents Teddie’s Treasures: Fun Factory Reed Room, Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe. Pre-registration is required.

Call 724-537-4383 or email library@adamslib.org.

Wednesday, May 13 @ 6:00 pm Pittsburgh Public Works presents Teddie’s Treasures: Fun Factory Unity Library, 156 Beatty-County Road, Latrobe. Pre-registration is required.

Call 724-532-1480.

Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30 Greater Latrobe Community Chorus Barnes House, Latrobe

Friday, May 8 @ 7:30 pm St. Vincent College presents a Spring Wine and Tapas Tasting Mimi’s Kitchen, 520 Clay Avenue, Jeannette. Tickets are $20 and may be purchased through the St. Vincent Alumni Office by calling 724-805-2568 or by emailing alumni@stvincent.edu

May 15-16 May Mart Flower and Craft Festival S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, Indiana. Over 100 Vendors. Kid’s Korner. Orphan’s Court Plants at a Discount! IGC Kitchen and demonstrations. For more information, call 724-349-8763.

Saturday, May 9 @ 8:00 pm Westmoreland Choral Society presents Gershwin, Berlin and Friends Westmoreland County Community College Science Hall Theater, Youngwood. 24-853-2763.

Friday, May 15 @ 7:30 pm Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Magic Tree House: The Musical The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets range from $28 through $12 and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123

Saturday, May 9 May Mart - West Overton Museums 9:30 am - 1:00 pm www.westovertonvillage.org Sunday, May 10 @ 7:30 Antiques and Collectibles Sale Hanna’s Town, Forbes Road, Greensburg. Admission is $3 per car.

For information, contact the Westmoreland County Historical Society at 724-836-1800.

Sunday, May 10 @ 10:00 am Mother’s Day Brunch at Seven Springs Mountain Resort Slopes Dining Room in the Convention Hall, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs Tickets are free to children under 3, $8.95 for children between the ages of 4-7, $14.95 for children between the ages of 8-12, and $29.95 for teens and adults. Reservations can be made by calling 1-800-452-2223, ext. 6000.

14 -May/June 2009

Friday, May 15 & Saturday, May 16 @ 3:00 pm 2009 Ligonier Relay for Life Weller Field, Ligonier Register by contacting the American Cancer Society in Greensburg 724-834-9081 Friday, May 15 @ 7:00 pm Action for Animals Humane Society’s Annual Auction for the Animals Giannillis II, Route 30, Greensburg Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by calling Gretchen at 724-961-7363.

Tuesday, May 19 @ 9:00 am through 9:30 pm Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation Bus Trip to Meadows/Tanger Outlet Memorial Stadium Parking Lot, Latrobe Tickets are $20 and may be purchased by contacting LUP&R at 724-537-4331.

Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00 Greater Latrobe Community Chorus New Haven Court, Greensburg

Wednesday, May 20 @ 10:00 am Flower Power: A Saint Vincent College Tiny Wonder Presentation Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, St. Vincent College, Latrobe The program is designed for 2 through 4 year olds accompanied by an adult.

Registration reqd by, 724-537-5284.

Wednesday, May 20 @ 8:00 pm Elko Concerts presents Third Eye Blind The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets are $25 and $30 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30 The Iron Furnaces of Westmoreland County Westmoreland County Historical Society, Stark Building. 41 W Otterman St in Greensburg. Light refreshments, reservations: 724-8361800. $3 members, $5 non-members.

Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00 am Tiny Wonder Time: Flower Power Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe. www.wpnr.org 724-537-5284 May 21-23 Greensburg Community Days Summer fun begins at Lynch Field with the 15th annual Greensburg Community Days on Thursday, May 21st at 6 p.m. until Sunday, May 24th at 5 p.m. Enjoy free live entertainment, food and craft booths, carnival rides for the kids, and the fabulous Zambelli fireworks display at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 23rd. This year, the fireworks display will feature a special memorial tribute to Wayne Johnson, a founding Community Days Committee member and City Councilman.

Thursday, May 21 through Sunday, May 24 @ 7:30 pm Celebrate Poe The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale Tickets are $8 and may be purchased by calling 724-887-0887 or by visiting www.geyerpac.com Friday, May 22: 11:30 am – 2:00 pm Vintage Paper Dolls: Memories of Childhood Play and Records of Popular Culture Redstone Highlands, Greensburg. Tea luncheon will be served. Westmoreland Historical Society, 724-836-1800 Saturday, May 23 Springs Farmers Market Open Saturdays for the season through September 12. 8 am - 1 pm www.springspa.org May 25 Memorial Day Activities – Blairsville Underground Railroad.

11:00am – 3:00pm. The “Passport to Freedom” group will participate in the parade which starts at 11:00am and ends at the cemetery for services. The Underground Railroad will be open for visitors following the services. The Center features several exhibits, including “Day in the Life of an Enslaved Child” – The Center will be open from Memorial Day until Labor Day on Saturdays from 10:00am – 2:00pm and on Sundays from 1:00pm until 3:00pm.

Tuesday, May 26 @ 6:30 pm Joining the DAR: Tips from a Pro Ligonier Valley Library, 120 West Main Street, Ligonier Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 pm Cabaret Night - Patriotic Picnic Dinner and acoustic music at Ligonier Country Inn. Reservations 724-2386514.

Friday, May 29 @ 7:30 pm Big Brothers, Big Sisters present The Fabulous Hubcaps The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg Tickets are $20.

May 29-31 Happy Birthday Westmoreland!

A weekend of festivities for the whole family celebrating the Westmoreland Museum of American Art’s illustrious past and a look forward to an even greater future. 221 N Main St in Greensburg. 724-837-1500. www.wmuseumaa.org Sunday, May 31 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Ligonier & Laurel Valley High School Jazz Bands June 1 at 7:00 pm Whiskey, Music and Magic: Another View of the Scots-Irish Westmoreland Historical Society, Stark Building. 41 W Otterman St in Greensburg. Free for members, $3 for non-members. 724-836-1800 June 2 - August 23 Rogers McFeely Memorial Pool Open seven days, 1-8 pm.

724-537-6401 June 2 at 7:00 pm Harrold Cemetary Walk: Civil War Veterans Free. Rain date: June 14 at 2 pm.

Thursday, June 4 through Sunday, June 7 @ 7:30 pm Annie Get Your Gun The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale Tickets are $8 and may be purchased by calling 724-887-0887 or by visiting www.geyerpac.com June 5-6 at 7:30 pm Patsy & Friends Ligonier Theater. 724-238-6514 www.valleyplayers.org Friday, June 5 at 5:00 pm Greater Latrobe Community Chorus First Church of God, Latrobe June 5-7 Saltsburg Canal Days Canal Park, Saltsburg, PA Fri: 6:00pm10:00pm; Sat: 9:00am – 10:00pm; Sun: 12:00pm – 6:00pm. This weekend’s activities include a quilt show, duck race, flag retirement ceremony, parade and fireworks. Also be sure to stop by the Herb Society behind the museum.

Call for more information 724-639-9413.

Saturday, June 6, 9am - 2pm St. Michael’s of the Valley 59th Annual Country Fair Route 381 South in Rector.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 am Planting Your Own Native Wildflower Landscape – A Walk and Talk Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe. 724-537-5284. www.wpnr.org June 6 thru August Country Mart Thistle & Pine, Rte 119, Marion Center. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday.

Vendors: Sign up for a space at the Country Mart! Call between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm or leave a message on the machine. Ask for Teresa. Vendors: Farmers with produce, Booster organizations, Crafters. Call for more Information 724-397-2442.

Sunday, June 7 New Alexandria Antique Car Cruise www.newalexpa.com.

Sunday, June 7 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Swing City Tuesday, June 9 through July 7 Movies, Motoer & Memories: Pennsylvania’s Drive-In Theaters Exhibit Pennsylvania Room, Ligonier Valley Library, 120 West Main St, Ligonier.

For information call 724-238-6451.

Wednesday, June 10 @ 10:30 am Wednesday Morning Movies Greater Latrobe Senior High School Center for Student Creativity, 131 High School Road, Latrobe, PA. Free to the public. To register, contact LatrobeUnity Parks & Recreation at 724-5374331 or by emailing jeannelpr@msn.com Thursday, June 11 @ 10:30 am Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation presents Rugrats in the Wild Creekside Pavilion, Legion-Keener Park, Latrobe. Designed for children aged 3 or 4, fees are $8 for Latrobe residents and $10 for non-residents and may be made by calling 724-537-4331.

Thursday, June 11 @ 1:00 pm Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation presents Insect Safari Creekside Pavilion, Legion-Keener Park, Latrobe. Designed for children aged 7 through 12, fees are $8 for Latrobe residents and $10 for nonresidents and may be made by calling 724-537-4331 Friday, June 12 @ 11:00am through 5:00 pm Bus Trip to Mountain Playhouse Memorial Stadium Parking Lot, Latrobe $65 fee includes transportation to and from the theater from Latrobe, tickets to the play I’ll Never be Hungry Again, and lunch at Our Coal Miner’s Café.

For tickets, call Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation at 724-537-4331.

Saturday, June 13 Antiques on the Diamond Downtown Ligonier, 8am - 4pm 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com Saturday, June 13 @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm Laurel Ballet presents Equinox, Golden Book, and Four Pause The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg. Tickets are $20, $15 & $10 and can be purchased by calling 724-836-8000.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Saturday, June 13 Annual “Pick- A – Dilly Herb Faire” Dillweed Bed and Breakfast, 7453 Rte 403 Hwy South, Dilltown, PA. 10:00am – 5:00pm Annual Herb extravaganza! Vendors, artisans, area growers, free demonstrations.

Sponsored by the Indiana County Herb Group. Call for more information 814446-6465.

June 13- 14 Jimmy Stewart Airport Festival Indiana County Jimmy Stewart Airport, 389 Airport Road. Indiana, PA. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the airport being named in honor of Indiana’s favorite son, Jimmy Stewart.

There will be activities for children and Chapter 993 of the Experimental Aircraft Association will be providing free airplane rides for youths eight through seventeen. There will also be fixed wing aircraft rides for a fee, and an all you can eat pancake breakfast hosted by the local Civil Air Patrol squadron, as well as various food vendors. Call for more information 724-463-3883.

June 13-14 Jimmy Stewart Museum Festival Jimmy Stewart Museum, 835 Philadelphia Street, Indiana.

Hometown Hero Festival ’09.The Jimmy Stewart Airport and Jimmy Stewart Museum will, this year, partner for their annual public festivals. Both events honor Indiana’s Hometown Hero, international film icon and ace bomber pilot, James Stewart.www.jimmy.org 724-349-6112.

Sunday, June 14 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Jeannette Community Band Sunday, June 14, 2-5 pm Mahajibee Blues Concerts at the Bandshell Legion Keener Park in Latrobe Sunday, June 14 Modern Masters – Westmoreland Museum of American Art 221 N Main St in Greensburg. 724837-1500. www.wmuseumaa.org Sunday, June 14 @ 7:30 am through early afternoon Antiques and Collectibles Sale Hanna’s Town, Forbes Road, Greensburg. Admission is $3 per car.

For information, contact the Westmoreland County Historical Society at 724-836-1800 Monday, June 15 through Friday, June 19 @ 10:00 am YWCA of Westmoreland County presents RoboLab Camp I YWCA, 424 North Main Street, Greensburg. Technology camp for girls aged 11 through 14, cost is $110 for members and $130 for non-members.

Register by calling the YWCA @ 724834-9390 or by emailing Technology@ywcawestmoreland.org.

Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 am Tiny Wonder Time: Summer Storms and Sunshine Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve in Latrobe. www.wpnr.org 724-537-5284

June 18-19 6th Annual National Road Chainsaw Carving Festival 8am - 8pm, Addison’s Community Park. 814-395-3469 www.carvingfest.org Friday, June 19 Aerobic Center Third Annual Golf Outing Mt. Odin Golf Course. Four-person scramble with 9am shotgun start. $60/ person or $240/foursome. Appetizers donated by WingStop; dinner donated

by Texas Roadhouse. 724-834-2153. www.theaerobiccenter.org Friday, June 19 @ 7:30 pm, Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21 @ 2:30 pm Valley Players of Ligonier present Schoolhouse Rock, Jr. Ligonier Theater, 208 West Main Street, Ligonier. Adult’s tickets are $8, children’s tickets are $6, children under 5 are free. 724-238-6514.

June 19-20 Miners’ Memorial Day Weekend Windber. www.echf.windberpa.org Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21 Children’s Living History Compass Inn Museum, Laughlinton 724-238-4983 www.compassinn.com Saturday, June 20 @ 7:00 pm Sound Stage The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale Tickets are $5 and may be purchased by calling 724-887-0887 or by visiting www.geyerpac.com. Tickets cost $7 if purchased at the door.

Sunday, June 21 @ 6:30 pm Johnny Angel and The Halos Irwin Park Amphitheater Free concert. For information, call Irwin Civic Activities Committee at 724-864-3100.

Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Blairsville Community Band Saturday, June 27 @ 8:00 pm Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents David Brenner The Palace Theater, 23 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg Tickets are $25 & $28 and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123.

Sunday, June 28 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Glass City Swing Band July 1-5 35th Annual Polka Fireworks Seven Springs Mountain Resort www.polkafireworks.com 814-352-7777 July 3 Latrobe 4th of July 5-Mile Run July 3-5 Celebrate Our Country in the Country Enjoy a complimentary Horse Drawn Wagon Ride Saturday & Sunday through the OLD SMICKSBURG PARK and learn the history of Smicksburg. A Bluegrass band and he Kittanning Concert Band will perform. Sign up to win a 2-night stay at the Indiana Holiday Inn. Visit the Many Specialty Shops. www.smicksburg.net.

814-257-0192.

July 4 • Picnic celebration at Westmoreland Museum of American Art • Greater Latrobe Community Chorus – Latrobe Country Club (7:00 pm) • Latrobe: Parade (10:30 am), Fireworks (9:30 pm) • Indiana Lions Club 4th of July Celebration (10 am. to 10:30 pm) Indiana County Fairgrounds • Idlewild - Fireworks (10:00 pm) • PA Hero Walk Benefit Concert (noon) Valley High School, New Kensington Sunday, July 5 at 7:00 pm Ligonier Summer Band Concert – Scottdale Area Concert Band

To submit your event to this calendar, please email complete information to: advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com

Questions? Call 724-537-6845

GCC Scholarship Awardees Named As part of the organization's ongoing efforts to foster the ideals of higher education the Greensburg College Club has announced its 2009 high school scholarship winners.

Receiving this year's Elizabeth Spangler Memorial Scholarship of $1000.00 is Ashley Contino of the Hempfield Area School District.

Shayna Cohen and Ashley Yagla, also of Hempfield Area, will receive $1000.00 each.

Greensburg Salem School District's Hannah Tatro and Amber Trumbetta will be awarded amounts of $500.00.

May/June - 15

The latest exhibition at the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley celebrates the picturesque landscape of Western Pennsylvania with works by two of the region’s most accomplished artists. In A Changing Landscape: From the City to the Countryside, viewers will find nearly 100 plein air and impressionistic paintings created by Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe and Bedford artist Kevin Kutz. The exhibition of urban and rural landscapes and industrial scenes opens May 1 and will remain on view through August 1.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is located at One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South in Ligonier.

Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Museum is a handicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Museum at 724-238-6015 or visit www.sama-art.org.

Major American Cancer Society Study to Take Place at Latrobe Relay For Life The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3), will take place at this year’s Latrobe Area Relay For Life, June 20-21, at Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

As always, the American Cancer Society invites you to form a team and come out and participate in the fun and excitement of Relay For Life to raise vital funds for the American Cancer Society’s programs of cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services, all of which are offered free of charge to cancer patients as well as their families.

This year, however, the Latrobe Relay For Life will have more importance than ever before, as it will be a host site of the national research study – CPS-3.

The study, which will enroll a diverse population of half a million people across the United States, will help researchers better understand the lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer, and will further efforts to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations. Latrobe will be one 16 -May/June 2009

of over 200 enrollment sites currently scheduled for 2009, nearly double the number of sites that took part in 2008.

Participants must be between the ages of 30 and 65, must never have been diagnosed with cancer, and must be willing to make a long-term commitment to the study, which simply means filling out follow-up surveys at their home periodically. To enroll in the study, individuals will be asked to complete a brief written survey, provide a waist measurement, and give a small blood sample at the Relay enrollment site, in addition to completing a baseline survey at their home. And for the first time in more than 50 years of conducting these kinds of studies, the Society is making it possible for participants to complete their baseline and follow-up questionnaires online.

The Latrobe Relay For Life on June 20 at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, from 1 PM to 5 PM, will be the only time CPS-3 will be enrolling in Western Pennsylvania this year. While initial enroll-ment takes just 20 to

30 minutes, the study is expec-ted to produce benefits for decades to come. While science can do a lot to explain the biology and genetics of cancer, some of the most valuable information we have is a direct result of the contributions of dedicated individuals over several generations.

We are once again looking to the dedication, compassion, and generosity of Americans to come through and help us provide answers that we know will save lives and improve the outlook for future generations.

For more information or to learn how to become involved with CPS-3, visit www.cancer.org/cps3, email cps3@cancer.org, or call tollfree 1-888-604-5888. We hope that we can count on your participation!

Pennsylvania Division – Western Region Serving the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Washington & Westmoreland

Confused About The Stimulus Plan?

Ask An Expert!

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub.L. 111-5) is an economic stimulus package enacted by the 111th United States Congress and signed into law by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009. There are lots of tax credits available to consumers, including: • 30% Energy Efficiency credits for home improvements such as HVAC, insulation, windows and doors.

• Up to $8,000 credit for new home purchases and construction.

• Mid 2009 maximum tax rebates of $600 for unmarried persons and $1,200 for married couples.

Plus an additional $300 per qualifying child.

There is a lot of buzz going around right now about these funds and how to qualify for them. The complete plan is available at: www.recovery.gov. But if you would rather talk to a live person who can help you sort through the material, consider contacting one the following experts in the related stimuls fields: Heating & Cooling

N YN TL BER

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ING OL 679 O 5 &C A1

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Accounting

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Providing Value and Relationships to Real Estate Closings

320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 t) 1-888-ACS-5445 f) 412.919.1101 Cancer Information 1.800.ACS.2345

www.cancer.org

The official registration and financial information of the American Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800.732.0999.

Registration does not imply endorsement

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Witness For The Prosecution - May 1 & 2 at 8 PM and May 3 at 2:30 PM. Tickets: Adults (18+) $15, Seniors (62+) $13, Students $7.

Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr. - June 19 at 7:30 pm and June 20 & 21 at 2:30 pm.

Tickets: Adults & Seniors $8, Students (6-18) $6, Children (5 & under) FREE.

Patsy & Friends - Musical Tribute featuring the hits of Patsy Cline (Cathi Rhodes), Johnny Cash (Eric Harris) & Loretta Lynn (Kasey Zemba).

June 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm. All seats $10.

Cabaret Night - 'Patriotic Picnic' featuring dinner & acoustic music at Ligonier Country Inn on May 28 at 6:30 pm. Reservations and ticket info: 724-238-6514.

All Shows (except Cabaret) at the Ligonier Theater, 210 West Main Street, Ligonier. Reservations: 724-238-6514 or email valleyplayers@verizon.net. Visit our website for more info: www.valleyplayers.org.

First row, l to r: Thomasina Hinkle, Evan Gerney, Paisley Adams, Breann Saxberg, and Kristin Cenerosky. Second row, l to r: Ashley Kelly, Isaac Mastalski, Chris Nischalke, Caleb Smith, Kara Goughnour, and Taylor Maldonado. Third row, l to r: Zach Zadrozny, Jackie Fyock, Kathy Gates, Brittany Spencer, and Emilie Samella.

Local Students Win Poetry Awards Twenty-seven students from schools in southwest Pennsylvania were honored at Ligonier Valley Writers’ eighteenth annual Student Poetry Awards ceremony Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in Greensburg.

The winners of the Paul Spencer Poetry Award for rhymed verse (sponsored by Kathleen and Paul S. Brittain) are Evan Gerney of North Star Middle School in Stoystown (first place for “Green”), Caleb Smith of Bellmar Middle School in Belle Vernon (second for “Milk and Cookies”) and Breann Saxberg, also of Bellmar MS (third for “Art”).

Winners of the Chestnut Ridge Literary Award for unrhymed verse (sponsored by Lou and Barbara Steiner) are Paisley Adams of Aquinas Academy, Greensburg (first place for “Waterfall”), Ashley Kelly of North Star MS (second for “Red”) and Thomasina Hinkle of New England Elementary School, West Mifflin (third place for “A Family of Seven”).

Winners of the Hayden Savinda Memorial Award for haiku (sponsored

by Ron Shafer) are Tiernie Singleton (first prize for “Summer Sky”), Kane Peterson (second for “Freeze”) and Kristin Cenerosky (third for “Noisy Birds”).

All three go to Bellmar Middle School.

Winners of the Highview Farm Award for traditional verse (sponsored

by Bruce and Sally Shirey) are Cody Menges of Bellmar MS (first prize for “Poetry”), Scott Bauer of Central Cambria Middle School, Ebensburg (second for “The Home Run”) and Taylor Maldonado of Bellmar MS (third for “The Invisible Girl”).

Winners of the Shirey Poetry Award for free verse (sponsored by Bruce and Sally Shirey) are Chris Nischalke of Central Cambria MS (first prize for “W*I*R*E*D”), Kelcie Sztroin of Bellmar MS (second for “Typical . . . like all the rest”) and Kara Goughnour of Central Cambria MS (third for “Monday”).

Winners of the Ogden Nash Award for light humorous verse (sponsored

by Anita Staub) are Isaac A. Mastalski of Indiana Area Junior High (first prize for “Freddie the Frog”), Taylor Maldonado of Bellmar MS (second for “The World beyond My Closet”) and Emilie Samella of Greater Latrobe Junior High (third for “The Language of Dogs”).

Winners of the Log House Award (in memory of Tina Thoburn) are Kathy Gates of Albert Gallatin High School, Uniontown (first prize for “Apollo Undefined”) and Brittany Spencer of Indiana Area Senior High (third for “Influential”).

Winners of the Wordcrafters Literary Award (sponsored by Gwen Loughner) are Emmaly Bridge of Derry Area High School (first prize for “What I Believe”), Hala Ben Salamh of Indiana Area Senior High (second for “Gone”) and Azi Ben Salamh (third for “Confess”).

The winner of the Marie Martin Memorial Award (sponsored by Phil and Mary Lou Fleming) is Ashley Carmo of Palmyra Area High School in Palmyra for “I Am Waiting.”

The Walter McGough Memorial Award is for the best of the best in its category. Winners are Adam Trexler of Central Cambria MS for “Sad,” Zach Zadrozny of Bellmar MS for “The Drag Races” and Jackie Fyock of Albert Gallatin HS for “Infatuation.”

The winning students read their poems aloud to an audience of proud family members, teachers and others. They received certificates, booklets containing all the winning poems, and cash prizes (which many promptly spent on books).

Ligonier Valley Writers holds the Student Poetry Contest for students in grades 4-12 every spring. This year, more than 200 entries were received. LVW is a nonprofit group serving writers and readers throughout western Pennsylvania. It offers events throughout the year, including the interactive mystery play, the summer conference, and various talks and workshops. The conference is July 18 this year. For more about any LVW events and publications, as well as lessons on writing poetry, visit www.LVWonline.org.

Every Story Begins At Home.

People Around the World Love the Laurel Mountain Post!

Manas Shirgaokar shares our holiday 2008 edition with a friend outside the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, India last November.

Hanna Insurance Agency Weathering the storms of life with you . . .

since 1959!

John Hanna, Owner

PHONE: (724) 537-5140 • FAX: (724) 537-0687 www.hannainsuranceagency.us May/June - 17

Cancer Care Programs Offered at Excela Health

Steelers Springs Farmers Basketball Market Fundraiser

Saturdays May 23 - Sept 12 8 am - 1 pm A wide selection of fresh produce, home baked goods (fresh donuts made Saturday mornings!), quilts, antiques, Contact : SueAnn plants, tools, etc. Zippi Independent Consultant

www.springspa.org Route 669 Springs, PA sueannzippi@comcast.net

724-681-3184

18 -May/June 2009

Hempfield Area School District invites the community to meet the Steelers Basketball Team on Sunday, May 17, as they take on HASD staff members. The event is a fundraiser for Fallyn McNamara, a student at West Hempfield Elementary, who has a disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa. She is awaiting a call to go to the University of Minnesota for a bone marrow transplant (more information is available at the “Friends of Fallyn” website www.helpfallyn.org).

The Steelers decdided to extend their basketball season to support Fallyn’s cause. A halftime autograph session is planned, as well as raffles for autographed jerseys, a signed Super Bowl program, and photos. Copies of Norwin graduate Jim Weixel’s book Steeler Nation will also be available with $12.50 from each purchase until Father’s Day benefitting Fallyn.

Doors open at Hempfield’s new gym at 12:30 pm, the game begins at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7, and refreshments will be available.

Excela Health sponsors support and education programs for those with cancer or those newly diagnosed with cancer and their support persons at locations throughout its service area.

Programs are held in cooperation with the Arnold Palmer Pavilion, a UPMC Cancer Center and joint partnership with Excela Health, Mountain View Medical Park, Greensburg.

The Power of Low-Fat: Nutrition for Breast Cancer Survivors meets 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., May 7, Arnold Palmer Pavilion. Participants meet with a registered dietitian for an introductory session and one-onone counseling to implement this lifestyle improvement regimen.

Cancer Education Support Group, offered 6:30 to 8 p.m., May 14, Arnold Palmer Pavilion, is especially for those diagnosed with cancer and their support persons.

Look Good, Feel Better meets 6 to 8 p.m., May 5, Conference Room A, First Floor, Frick Hospital and 3 to 5 p.m., May 11, Arnold Palmer Pavilion.

A workshop that deals with emotions, appearance and sociological side effects related to cancer and its treatment, this program is held in cooperation with the American Cancer Society. Call 1-800-227-2345 for more information.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Family Support is

offered 6:30 to 8 p.m., May 21, Arnold Palmer Pavilion. This group is for those with blood cancer such as myeloma.

Nutrition Therapy is available 10 to 11 a.m., May 28, Arnold Palmer Pavilion. Patients meet with a registered dietitian during this informal Question and Answer session to have specific nutrition needs addressed.

Other programs offered at Excela Health include: Breast Cancer Survivor Education Group, held 6 to 8 p.m., May 5, Conference Room D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital, is an on-going support group for those with the diagnosis of or those recovering from breast cancer.

US Too Prostate Cancer Support meets 7 to 9:30 p.m., May 28, Conference Room D, First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital.

To register or for more information, visit www.excela health.org or contact Excela Health’s Call Center, toll free, 1877-771-1234.

Excela Health, Westmoreland County’s largest employer, joins together some 800 physicians and allied health professionals in 35 specialties to provide health care to Westmoreland County and parts of Fayette and Indiana counties. With a workforce of 4,800, Excela Health offers traditional inpatient care through hospitals in Greensburg, Jeannette, Latrobe and Mount Pleasant, outpatient treatment and specialty services to rank as the region’s third largest health care network.

Farmers' Markets of Central Westmoreland Local Producers Serving Your Community Do wn to wn Down wnto town G reens burg Greens reensb Westmoreland Museum of American Art Tuesdays 3-6pm (May–Oct)

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Lynch Field Far mers M ar k et armers Mar ark Rt. 119 N. Lynch Field Park Saturdays 9am—noon (June–October)

Ted dy’s Resta uran t edd Restauran urant M ar k et ark Rt. 30 N. Huntingdon Saturdays 8am–noon (June–October)

PA Farm Market Vouchers Accepted. Organic Products Available For more information call: 724-834-2334

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Delicious Depression? O-tay!

I can’t help but notice recently how many people are considering planting a garden this year. I’ve read articles on the internet, the sustainable agriculture conference had it’s biggest turnout ever, and watched several how-to television shows. However, my favorite indication though was a couple that was at Lowe’s in late March asking for vegetable plants. I overheard them telling the sales assistant that they were planting a garden for the first time ever and wanted to get started early. The sales clerk was trying to explain that they wouldn’t be getting any plants in for several more weeks because it was too early to plant. The couple was relentless and explained they needed to have the plants now, because in a couple of months they’d be too busy to plant their garden. The exasperated clerk asked if they weren’t going to have time to plant the garden later, when were they going to have time to tend it. It was perfectly clear that neither had ever planted anything in their lives before.

I had to walk away shortly after listening to the clerk explain to them that gardens need to be tended to nearly every day. As I was walking away the last thing I heard the couple say, “we’re planting a garden to save money on our grocery bill like they did during the depression, since we’re having another depression now.” Wow! Growing up I lived right across the yard from my grandmother, who incidentally, survived the depression.

I remember her telling stories of how people would come to her house to wash clothes because her well hadn’t gone dry. Or how the neighbors would barter everything from vegetables and meat to services and furniture. It was very clear through all the stories that Every Story Begins At Home.

the only reason they survived is because they all worked together.

I know that their community didn’t have the number of people in it that we have now, but what a great concept. What if that couple that didn’t have time to tend to their garden everyday approached their neighbors and asked them if they’d like to join in their gardening adventure? Surely they would succeed if they had some additional help. It would be a smallscale community-supported agriculture project.

I know that we had an enormous garden growing up even though there wasn’t a depression.

My brother and I had little help

Uncooked buckwheat.

tending to it, and it was an inordinate amount of work. We could clearly see why people got away from it. There really is something to be done everyday.

Whether it’s watering, weeding, fertilizing, hilling up the potatoes, picking ripe product … which, of course, then needed to be cleaned, cooked and canned for the winter.

One day we were planting a 25yard row of green beans, and I was belligerent and crabby. When I was asked why I was crying about it I said, “I’m thinking about how long it’s going to take to pick them”.

Now that I garden for myself (and it’s not an acre patch) I appreciate having learned how to grow everything from watermelons to haricots verts.

Perhaps one of my favorite stories from my grandmother and the depression was over dinner one night. Since we lived only steps away we all ate together frequently if not everyday. One night we were having stuffed cabbage and mashed potatoes. Not one of my favorite meals, but “in those days” … which, by the by, were not that long ago ... you ate what was served for dinner or you didn’t eat. There was none of this nonsense of making French bread pizzas for children who didn’t like what was made for dinner.

After my first bite I realized that these were not Granny’s typical stuffed cabbage. They had a unique and delicious flavor. I tore through the first one and was finished before anyone else at the table and asked for another.

I told my grandmother they were delicious and asked what the “round things” were in it. She said they were buckwheat groats. During the depression rice was apparently a commodity.

Buckwheat was easy to grow here: so many people used it in place of rice. After my second helping I told her again how delicious they were. Without missing a beat she said, “this is depression food — you’re not supposed to like it!!”

My regular readers know that I believe that recipes are a springboard idea, unless of course you’re baking. “Cooking is an art, baking is a science,” is a mantra I firmly believe in. With that in mind the next time you’re making stuffed cabbage, why don’t you try using Savoy cabbage and buckwheat groats instead of the dead common green cabbage and rice? It’s not only better in flavor it’s more nutritional as well.

I like to hope that we can come together as a nation and stop being so divided. Perhaps if we stepped back a little and remembered that in the grand scheme of things we are one race: human. Even on the back of a one-dollar bill it says “E. Pluribus Unum,” loosely translated, “from many come one.” I’m convinced this mind set is the only way we are going to emerge from our current woes.

If you are considering planting some vegetables this year to save on your grocery bill, why not consider either asking your neighbor to join the adventure with you? Or at least plant an extra plant or two and give the extra produce away. Surely once your neighbor gets a taste of how delicious something freshly picked from your back yard tastes they’ll be onboard for helping out next year. Also, if you are planting, consider buying your plants from a local greenhouse instead of a corporate conglomerate.

One piece of advice I find fun, if not really helpful, comes from Alan Titchmarsh, the British Master Gardener: after you’ve finished planting something, stand up, look at it, and say, “grow, you bugger, grow!!”

Scott Sinemus is a Chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Pennsylvania Institute for Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh. He’s continued his education with classes from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and The Greenbrier; and has travelled internationally in search of authentic cuisine.

May/June - 19

THE GARDEN GUYS Jim & Joe Prengaman

Made in the Shade

724-834-4688 271 Frye Farm Rd. Greensburg, PA 15601

20 -May/June 2009

One of the biggest factors in planning a successful landscape is determining the amount of light an area will receive. Colorful areas with flowers and shrubs blooming throughout the growing season are what most people want and expect, but most homes have areas of full and part shade where even the grass does not thrive and mud and barren patches of soil are the norm.

These areas can be challenging to design because the plants that thrive here are not always the most spectacular, but they can become a lush cool area to escape from the sun and heat.

There are three basic types of shady areas: • Light shade areas are bright and may be shaded completely for several hours of the day by a fence wall or building, and also from larger shrubs.

• Partial shade areas are blocked from direct sunlight for most of the day. They may receive sunlight during the mornings and evenings such as an area under a mature tree.

• Full shade areas receive almost no sunlight all day or only reflected light. These may include areas under decks and steps, as well as heavily wooded areas.

If you have an area where you have had difficulty growing either lawn or plants because of the lack of light a shade garden is a great solution. You will first want to determine the type of shady area you will be working and some areas may incorporate more than one type. The soil in shady areas can be very dry due to competition from the larger trees. Shady plants generally like to grow in a rich sandy loamy soil. The existing soil should be amended with compost or wellrotted organic matter. It is a good idea to plant around tree roots rather than removing them as this may stress the tree. It will also make the actual planting less work and more fun.

Most nursery plants are marked and tagged according to the amount of light needed or tolerated by the individual plant.

Bright bold colors are not the norm in a shade garden. Flowers are not as abundant on shade loving plants, but you can look for plants with unique leaf variegations and textures.

Shade gardens can accommodate a wide variety of plants from shrubs and ground covers to perennials and annuals. Several different types of ground cover including Japanese spurge, (pachysandra), Carpet Bugle (Ajuga), Periwinkle (Vinca), or one of the many varieties of English ivy can be used to replace turf grasses in areas where there

is little foot traffic.

There are both flowering and nonflowering shrub choices depending on your tastes and need. Rhododendron, Azaleas, Viburnum, and the Pennsylvania state flower the Mountain Laurel, provide early summer color and year-round evergreen texture.

Trees like Canadian hemlock should also be considered. In the wild they grow and thrive in the forest understory and are stately additions to any landscape.

Perennial plant choices include Astilbe, Phlox, Lamium, Primrose, Hardy Geraniums, Bleeding Heart, Aster, Sweet Woodruff and certain types of daylillys for flower and color.

Ferns and Hostas provide different types of variegation and texture. For the ornamental grass lovers try northern sea oats or one of the low growing carex selections.

Primroses (Primula Vulgaris)

Recently their has been increasing interest in using moss in the landscape and some native varieties do well growing in your shade garden. Rather than removing them allow the plants to grow and thrive as a lush green carpet.

As your landscape matures, plants that once did well may continually decline with the lack of light and increased competition with maturing trees and shrubs. Limbing up or thinning out branches on larger trees above the garden will help let in valuable light. Large trees above shade gardens uptake massive amounts of water every day. A good watering once a week especially during warm weather will help insure your plants get enough moisture.

This spring when you are out at the garden center resist the temptation to again grab that bag of shady grass seed mix. Let’s face it, it didn’t work last year. Instead check out some of the great plants that grow well in the shade and bring a few home. After all, more garden and less lawn mowing is always a good thing!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Give Me A “Z!”

by JB Rossi

Give me a “Z”! Give me a “U”!

Give me an “M”! Give me a “B”!

Give me an “A” What’s it spell?

ZUMBA! What is Zumba? Zumba is the latest dance-style exercise craze to hit since jazzercise. It’s fun, exciting, and rewarding. If I sound like a cheerleader for this new style of aerobic exercise, then you know that it must be extremely special. After all, I am not the best example of an exercise guru, even though years ago I was dubbed with the nickname “Peppy Jo.” The “Peppy Jo” nickname was given to me during my short career as an aerobics instructor a few years back while I was in college (okay, maybe it was more than a few years ago). I was in desperate need of a part-time job to help with school expenses. I saw an ad for a jazzercise instructor and decided to apply. I saw many personal benefits to acquiring this position. Not being much of an exercise person in college (who has the time for that anyway), I decided that this would be the perfect part time position for me. First of all, it would force me to add aerobics into my daily routine. Second, it would tighten up my already athletically curved body (so a person can dream, right? ). Last but not least, it would provide me with the much needed additional funds for my other extracurricular activities. I jumped into my spandex and laced up my Nikes.

The first part of the two-hour application process was to perform the exercise routine for one hour followed by the personal interview. This first hour was invigorating. Peppy Jo bounced into the interview and was invited to return for a second meeting.

Hour #2 of jazzercise was a bit more strenuous, but still, Peppy Jo spoke well through interview #2. As I climbed up the corporate ladder, I was asked to make a third appearance that same day at one of the Pittsburgh centers so that a regional manager could speak with me. I drove to Pittsburgh and performed Hour #3 of jazzercise before panting through the third interview. One more to go, I was told. Peppy Jo took a ten minute water break and then performed Hour #4 under the auspices of the Head Instructor.

A-little-more-tired-but-still-peppy Jo completed the fourth hour of aerobics that day and earned the position as the new Westmore-

Every Story Begins At Home.

land county Jazzercise instructor.

I went home and collapsed.

I can honestly say that this was the first and ONLY job that I have ever had to call off sick on my first day because I couldn’t get out of bed (literally). My muscles were so sore after doing four hours of aerobics that just breathing hurt.

There wasn’t enough Ben-gay in all of Westmoreland County to heal my strained body. I spent the next three days soaking in tubs of Epsom salt.

Although my early career as an aerobics instructor was short, my interest in this type of exercise never dwindled. So when I saw an ad for Zumba, my curiosity was once again piqued, and I pounced on this new opportunity. I jumped back into my spandex and headed for a Zumba class.

Zumba is a series of easy-tofollow dance style moves set to Latin Rhythms. The music ranges from the beginning slow, warm up music to the quick high stepping party beats and then back to the soothing, relaxing rhythms for the cool down. The engaging routine features intervals of fast and slow aerobic dancing and resistance training.

When I arrived at the gym for my first class, I was a little intimidated. It had been a few years since I had done any type of dancing, and I was having trouble recalling the proper steps of the Latin samba. But the music had already started and so I took my place at the back of the class. The warm up steps were easy and fun.

Then the music quickened. I watched as the lovely coordinated instructor performed the next step. She demonstrated for us three different levels of doing the same dance moves. Each person chose which method they wanted to do depending on their fitness level. I began to sweat immediately, but was too excited about doing the dance to care. By the end of the third song, I was hooked. The music and I were one.

After each song, we paused a moment or two, and then went right into the next dance. I could feel my muscles tone, my heart race. My body was burning fat and I was having fun. What a revolution! By the end of the 45-minute session, I felt invigorated, pumped, and energized. Peppy Jo was back!

Since its inception in the 1990’s, Zumba has been hooking people like me all over the world.

Colombian slang for buzzing like a bee or moving quickly, Zumba is

the single most influential movement in the fitness industry.

Zumba was created by the celebrity fitness trainer “Beto” Perez in his native country of Colombia, South America. It is rumored that Beto walked into his exercise class one day and realized that he had forgotten his aerobics music. So he grabbed whatever tapes he had in his car.

These cassettes were comprised of the traditional Latin salsas, rumbas, and merengues that he so loved. Beto improvised the aerobic movements to fit the beat of the Latin music and Zumba was born! Zumba soon became the most popular class in his facility.

After his success in Colombia, Beto brought Zumba to the United States in 1999. Partnering with entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion, Beto created the Zumba fitness philosophy and began to spread this new phenomenon all over the world. Beto’s simple philosophy: Make it fun.

Make it playful. Make people dance.

The huge success of the Zumba videos created a high demand for classes and instructors, so in 2002 the Zumba instructor training was instituted. Today Zumba fitness parties are springing up everywhere including health clubs, schools, community centers, skating centers, YMCA’s, corporations, and living rooms. In our area alone, I found more than 75 classes offered within a 25 mile radius.

And Zumba continues to expand and develop new ideas every year. In 2003, Zumba teamed with Kellogg’s to produce a fitness campaign for Hispanics. Zumba “Gold” is a class specifically geared for seniors. And in 2008, Zumba released its third DVD collection featuring new surprises like the use of Zumba’s Toning sticks and Zumba LIVE. So on with my Nikes and off I go to the Zumba party. I figure that when I get good enough, I might just give “Dancing with the Stars” a try! So what do you say, Peppy Jo? Give me a “Z”!

Father’s Day is June 21

6th Annual National Road

Chainsaw Carving Festival by the

Confluence Lions Club www.carvingfest. confluencelions.org

June 18-20, 2009 Thurs-Fri-Sat 8 am - 8 pm Daily Addison’s Community Park at Fike Lane off Main St. Addison, PA 30 miles south of Somerset, PA 25 miles east of Uniontown, PA US Route 40

J.B. Rossi wishes to thank all the family and friends who have generously supported all of her recent endeavors. Special thanks go out to her loving husband who has the wisdom of a sage and the patience of a saint! You are my everything!

814-395-3469 FREE ADMISSION Food Vendors Benefits Somerset County Blind Center Auction Carving - 3 pm y a Saturd

May/June - 21

continued from page 9

have more than one thing to do before going out on a drive. In other words, it doesn’t make good sense to drive to the grocery store and the post office on separate evenings if you could go to both on the same drive.

Also, try to reduce the amount of fuel wasted by driving more efficiently (drive slower – read: “Drive naked for better gas mileage” at www.yousavetheplanet.com).

If you are about to purchase a new vehicle sometime soon, consider MPG of the vehicle as a higher priority than horse power or towing capacity.

7. switch to a green career The more green careers the better.

If you are one of the new unemployed Americans, now is the time to seek out a green career!

8. plant some trees Notice that it doesn’t just say “plant a tree”? You shouldn’t just stop at

one tree — or even one tree per year. A great idea would be to start a family tradition on an earth day or arbor day to go on a tree planting adventure.

Consider the location when planting new trees. Good places include areas that recently suffered logging of mature trees, abandoned towns, abandoned farms, or any other land that has been stripped bare by other industries.

RuthAnn Kalinowski Independent Beauty Consultant www.marykay.com/rakalinowski 724-989-4979

9. buy green products Being a consumer of green products is something that creates a sort of feedback loop. Competition for the money will drive companies to be more green. Activism on this level also feels really good.

You can help our site make a little bit of money to pay the bills by shopping through our Green Products pages. Currently, the Amazon aStore we have set up has many of the environmentally friendly consumer choices available from the entire Amazon catalog.

10. share ... spread the information There’s still many people out there who don’t know how important it is to start doing something. As every day passes, more damage is done. Alarmingly, scientists are beginning to warn that many of the global climate change models have been wrong - that everything will likely be worse than their previous “worst-case” scenarios.

“Green” is spreading fast, and this gives me a lot of hope. The competition among companies to be the “greenest” can only lead to better products.

YouSaveThePlanet is an environmental blogging community where members write about anything that deals with “saving the planet”. Join the community online at http://yousavetheplanet.com. You save the planet. Who else is going to do it?

Brian Gillingham is a former software engineer (recently unemployed) and creator of several websites including YouSave ThePlanet. He graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. While never starting a career as a Civil Engineer, his work featured a combination of creativity and logic. Trying to save the planet from home, he is also a writer for YouSaveThePlanet.

22 -May/June 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

See Spot Run And All The Other Crawly, Furry Pets From My Childhood I live beside Ethel Springs Lake in Derry, which gives me the opportunity to observe a myriad of wildlife. The baby mallards are hatching and those little brown and yellow puffballs are just too cute.

Since I have several bird feeders on my patio, I get to observe lots of species of birds, and the seeds and corn also draw a big audience of squirrels and chipmunks, or grinnies, as my father-in-law, Vaughn used to call them. I don’t have as big an affinity for the Canada geese as I do for all the other critters. They make a huge mess in my yard every summer when they can’t fly, and can be quite annoying.

I have always loved animals.

When I was a little girl we usually had some sort of pet, and I use the term ‘pet’ loosely. They didn’t have much in common with today’s exotic choices, or the purebred designer dogs I see on TV that come complete with wardrobes. My dad was an avid hunter, so his hunting dogs were the pets I most remember having as a kid. The long eared, loyal, weird howling beagle was his dog of choice, and my opinion didn’t seem to sway that choice very much. One of my favorite television programs was Lassie and I wanted a collie. It was not to be. We had a whole series of beagles; the first one I remember was named Lady. Lady had no interest in anything but hunting.

She never seemed to want to play with us; as a matter of fact, I don’t think she even liked us very much.

My dad’s hunting dogs lived outside. Lady had a little house where she was hooked to a long chain and could run pretty far out into the yard. A few years later he built a fenced-in pen with a ramp leading to a little doghouse inside of our garage where they could be out of the weather.

The purebred beagles were the only ones of value for hunting, according to my dad, so a close eye had to be kept on the mating habits of his female dogs. I remember two times Lady turned up ‘in the family Every Story Begins At Home.

way’ quite by surprise. The day those puppies were born, an old timer from the neighborhood who lived up on the ridge came to the house with a shoebox to collect them after my dad left for work. We never even got to see them. He said they were all just sleeping, but we knew better. It was not easy in those days to find homes for puppies. Adding a pet to your household was an expense, and in those days, everyone I knew had a pretty tight budget. We didn’t even buy dog food on a regular basis.

Whatever we ate, the dogs ate the

“Spotty”, probably after the famous “Spot” in the Dick and Jane Readers. Turns out he was actually Spotty number one since there were two others who followed him, Spotty 2 and Spotty 3.

Since the first Spotty started his life with my brother and me playing with him every day, he turned into a much better pet for kids. He loved playing with us as much as he loved hunting. I remember dressing him in my doll clothes and playing house, with him as my baby. He would even stay in my baby buggy for a few minutes

Lady and me, with Spotty #1 closest to his mommy.

leftovers, from mashed potatoes and roast beef to pancakes and sausage. Those hounds ate it all.

I can’t remember any of our pets ever going to a vet, either. We were lucky to be able to afford to get ourselves to the doctor, let along a dog.

When Lady had her last litter of puppies, we kept one of them.

He was a darling little black and white furball who always tripped on his ears when he ran. We immediately christened him

while I wheeled him around. And how he would pant when we took him in the house with us, which wasn’t very often. Daddy said having him inside would ‘ruin his nose’, whatever that meant. I think he just didn’t like the idea of animals living in the house.

Come hunting season, daddy would be up at the crack of dawn.

After he loaded up all his hunting stuff, he would open the trunk of the car, and then open the door to the dog pen. I can still hear that

distinctive howl that only a beagle can make. When they saw my dad in his small game coat, they would race around in circles, noses to the ground, and then jump all over him to smell that coat. You would have though it was doused with filet mignon gravy. As soon as they noticed the open trunk, in they would dive, still howling.

Much as I loved Spotty 1, 2, and 3, the pet I really wanted was a kitten. And not just any kitten, I wanted a grey fuzzy kitten with a pink velvet bow around it’s neck, just like the one in my storybook.

It’s what I always asked Santa to bring, as well as both of my grandmothers when they asked what I wanted for my birthday. It was never in the cards. Daddy hated cats.

We also had a long list of other so-called pets. God bless my mom.

Every time a new ‘something’ would take up residence with us, whether it was a little bird that had fallen out of his nest, or all the selections we brought home from the 5 & 10, mom always ended up taking care of them. We would “cross our hearts and hope to die” that we would do everything we could to take care of the latest animal addition, and we always did.

For about a week.

Murphy’s 5 & 10 in Derry had a little pet department in the back. I recall a large aquarium filled with painted turtles. They were 50 cents each and my brother and I would each get a new one every spring.

We didn’t have an aquarium at our house, just a fish bowl. But boy, did we make a wildlife habitat in that little glass bowl. We would scout the woods next door to our house for the perfect flat rock and a nice fat stick for the turtles to crawl out of the water and sit on. We added all kinds of plants from mom’s garden, too.

Half the time, we could hardly see the turtles for the stuff. They ate bread and bits of fruit. Come to think of it, they would eat about anything we dropped in there. And continued on page 24

May/June - 23

continued from page 23

I remember filling the bathtub with water and plunking them in to watch how fast they could swim under water. This activity usually had my mom marching into the bathroom and ordering us to get those germy things out of her clean tub. We carved our initials into their shells with my brother’s Boy Scout knife: in case they ran away from home, they could be identified. We had races in the living room with them, too, but the turtles weren’t really interested in racing, and we were quickly distracted by something else, only to return a few minutes later and find them gone. They usually made a beeline for my dad’s gun cabinet, the heaviest piece of furniture in the house that got moved only once a year to clean behind.

That is when we would find the sad remains of their dried up little shells, the letters R and E (Ruth Elaine) still slightly visible.

My Grandma Veda came to visit us every summer from Miami and one year she decided we needed a parakeet. This was beyond thrilling for us.

We made the trip to the Latrobe 5 & 10 for this spectacular purchase since the Derry store didn’t sell birds. We chose a beautiful turquoise and white one, picked out his cage, his little ferris wheel, and all of his food. We christened him Billy. Billy loved my dad. When Daddy came home from work every afternoon, he would go over to Billy’s cage and open the door. Billy would chirp and sing excitedly and fly a few laps around the living room before landing on Daddy’s shoulder. Every once in a while daddy would let him remain there while we ate supper and sometimes feed him little bites from his plate. Billy’s favorite thing was mashed potatoes. He would also watch my dad pour a glass of beer and perch on the side of the glass, lean forward, and take a sip, and to the delight of my dad, he would shake his head vigorously to get the foam off his beak. All good things must come to an end, and so was the tale of Billy. My brother 24 -May/June 2009

and I ran into the house one afternoon and as luck would have it, the screen door stuck open. As soon as we saw Billy having a little flyover in the living room, we ran to get that door closed – a fraction of a second too late. I can still remember running through the yard, crying and calling to him as that little turquoise speck got further and further away until we couldn’t see him any more. We put Billy’s cage on the back porch and left it there, with the door open for a week. But we never saw Billy again. We were heartbroken until

Daddy holding my cousin Buddy who liked to wear Billy as a hat!

Daddy told us he had probably flown to Florida and was living at Parrot Jungle, where he would be the next big star. We had been to Parrot Jungle before and that story sounded very plausible to us. And it certainly was better than the one we knew in our heart of hearts was true.

Another pet, or should I say pets, from my childhood came by the dozen. I remember one year, my Uncle Jim showed up for Easter dinner at our house carrying a cardboard box with holes poked in the lid. My brother and I could hear little peeping noises coming from the box as we excitedly uncovered the surprise. Inside that box were 12 darling, little, newly hatched chicks – in every color of the rainbow. Each spring, for a week or so before Easter, the 5 & 10 in Derry would fill their front windows with baby chicks and ducks. I remember one window lined with straw and dozens of little chicks,

all dyed every pastel shade you could imagine. There were pink chicks, and green chicks, purple, blue and of course, yellow. How they got this way was anybody’s guess, but we knew no chicken in nature came in those colors. Therefore, they must have been special delivery from the Easter Bunny.

The second window was filled with baby ducks. It seems to me that the ducks weren’t dyed like the chickens, but they were just as cute. I also remember several years when they had a third window, just for little baby bunnies.

There were white ones with pink eyes, brown ones, black ones and some multi-colored ones. There were usually kids outside those windows laughing and hoping the Easter Bunny would bring one of those new little buddies to their house on Easter morning. As much as my brother and I begged our mom for one of these adorable babies, she just clicked her tongue, shook her head, and hurried us away from the window.

Her brother obviously didn’t share her distaste for chickens, because there he stood, with a whole box full.

Mom was not quite as thrilled as we were with this gift, and made no bones about scolding her brother and informing him that HE was the one who could be in charge of taking care of them. Those little chicks stayed adorable for about two weeks. Then the white pinfeathers started to appear and the colored down was getting thinner every day. Also, they were starting to turn into CHICKENS. We didn’t want chickens; we really didn’t even like chickens. Luckily, daddy knew someone who had a farm who was willing to take them off his hands. At least the four or five that managed to survive our tender, loving and constant care.

There were other pets throughout the years. In the spring, we collected tadpoles from the ponds and watched them turn into frogs in our glass fish bowl. One year on our return trip from visiting my Grandma Veda in Miami we stopped at a roadside attraction where they were selling little alligators for $2 each. Daddy talked

my mom into letting us each get one. They were about 6 to 8 inches long and much as we tried, we couldn’t get them to like us. In the blink of an eye, those cute, yet vicious little reptiles would spin around and sink their needlesharp teeth into our fingers. They didn’t take to Pennsylvania weather very well. Neither did the jars of chameleons we caught in Grandma Veda’s back yard and brought back home. They somehow got out of the jar in my bedroom and we never found any of them. My mom used to tell us it was our fault her hair was turning gray. I’m sure she was right.

But she took care of them all.

She filled their water dishes several times a day during those hot summers, and trudged through the snow every day all winter to feed those bawling beagles. And, she accompanied us to our little cemetery under the big maple tree in our yard to help us have funerals for all our dearly departed critters – all the little birds who fell out of their nests and didn’t make it, no matter how hard we tried to feed them worms; and all the goldfish we won at Idlewild or bought at the 5 & 10 and found floating on top of the fishbowl. I remember her giving us one of her good tablecloths to wrap old Spotty in the day he happily dashed out of the yard on the trail of a rabbit and ran directly into the path of a speeding car coming down West Fourth Avenue.

There have been so many little furry friends, and so many tears shed for them all. When we lost our last dog, Romeo, I vowed to never put myself through that again. It’s just too hard. So we still have my half-Persian half-Himalayan Maxwell who will be 18 on his birthday next march. With him, I fulfilled the dream of that longhaired gray kitty. And I also have my little 8-year-old Magpie, a chubby stray calico. I love them both dearly. But they too, will not be on my lap forever. I will have to suffer that pain and loss again, and I ask myself, is it really worth it?

Is it worth falling in love with a new little buddy knowing I will have to part with him or her down the road? Time will tell, but in all these years, ever since I was seven years old and Spotty was in a baby bonnet, I have had pets. And I suppose I just can’t really imagine my life being complete without one.

Ruth loves to share memories with you.

Email her at: Ruth-Elaine@comcast.net or look for her on Facebook!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Barkley’s Derry King Route 217 Derry • 724-694-8552 Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!

Keystone State Park Earth Day Celebration “Spring Cleaning” Saturday, May 9, 2009 8:30am-2pm Join us at Keystone State Park for this special Earth Day celebration! Volunteer your time and energy to improve your environment and park by helping with a variety of projects, such as trail maintenance, litter pick-up, and landscaping.

Meet at the James A. Kell Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. for work assignments and registration for prizes. Our workday will start at 9:00 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m.

Please call 724-668-2566, or email kpnature@nb.net by May 7, to register. Light refreshments and work supplies will be provided; please bring a bag lunch. In addition to helping us “spruce up the park,” you will also get the chance to visit with Smokey Bear and win prizes during lunch!

For nature program and visitor center information call 724-6682566, or email your question to kpnature@nb.net. For general information call the Park office at 1-724-668-2939, or try the tollfree State Parks number 1-888PA-PARKS. Visit us on the web at www.visitPAparks.com/ parks/keystone.aspx or visit DCNR at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park office or the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks at: 1-888PA-PARKS (Voice), 1-888-5377294 (TTY), 1-888-558-2711 (international TTY), or 1-800654-5984 (PA AT&T Relay Service). The Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks will gladly discuss how to accommodate your needs.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Mother’s Day is May 10 The Laurel Highlands Garlic Festival

Come Celebrate the Miracle of Garlic

“The Stinking Rose” August 15-16, 2009

Faranda’s Farm

1171 Penn Avenue in Hollsopple, PA ½ mile off Rt. 219, 15 miles from Johnstown & Somerset

814-479-7109

http://farandafarm.net/garlicfestival.html

Country & Celtic Collectibles 7570 Route 119 Marion Center, PA Tues-Sat 10-5 www.thistleandpine.com Coming – Our 1st Country Mart!

1st and 3rd Saturdays of June-July-August (vendors call or email to apply) 724-397-2442 thistleandpine@indianaconnect.com

May/June - 1

TECH TALK Bob Appleby

Let Technology Help Your Golf Game When I was told that this issue had a golfing theme for spring, I began to think about all the wonderful gadgets that are available for the golfer to help enhance your game. I was surprised by the amount of choices that are available in so many different categories. The few that I have chosen here are good representatives in each of their categories. I’m sure you can tell me many more that you have used. Feel free to share them and I will post your items on our product blog.

Golf score counters come in a variety of formats from simple mechanical to sophisticated electronic devices. If you have a Smart Phone, you may be able to use a product called mScorecard™. For less than $20 you can add software to your phone that will give you the ability to calculate scores, handicaps, sidegames and advanced round statistics for up to five players simultaneously. The mScorecard™ is compatible with java-enabled devices that support J2ME™ MIDP 1.0 or 2.0, including mobile phones, BlackBerry, PalmOne and Pocket PC devices. It will store complete game histories and advanced round statistics on your phone along with an unlimited number of courses, players and rounds. You can also post them on their server for detailed analysis. You can use your phone’s built-in GPS to view your distances to the green. The software in this product will calculate and track your handicap index automatically. Wager and play popular side games including Skins, Nassau, Match Play, Stroke Play, Stableford, Greenies, Longest Drive, Birdies and Eagles.

Share scorecards and stats with your friends via e-mail and extend the technology that you already own by adding this software program to your phone.

I have always liked Garmin products and when I saw the Garmin Golf Logix GPS Unit I thought, boy is this neat! This device offers the latest in golf GPS technology, where it gives you the exact computer readout of the distance to the green for each shot you play - perfect for folks who always seem to come up short on their approach shots or hit too hard at all times. My hand is raised on that one.

The Garmin GolfLogix II GPS-8 Golf GPS System is a handheld USGA and R&A sanctioned waterproof GPS with access to over 18,000 courses.

The unit is simple to use and accurate without all of the bells and whistles that you find on other systems. Loading the courses on the unit will wear down the batteries quite quickly so I would suggest using rechargeables if you can. Being a gadget freak, that’s the only kind of battery that I have lying around. Battery life on the course for standard batteries is about 17 hours. Most of the user comments that I have found on this device say that it was worth the purchase and they would not want to play without it. Priced around $299, the lowest price I found on the internet was $269.

When spring time comes I like to start out my golf season by going to the driving range to work out the kinks from my winter sloth. This product will help you gauge your swing speed on all of the clubs that you are practicing with. The Medicus Golf Power Meter advertises that it will help you increase your Golf Club Swing Speed, which in turn will help you increase

26 -May/June 2009

your Swing Power. Hit longer and straighter shots by increasing the power of your speed. Get instant feedback to improve consistency and control. With the Medicus Golf Power Meter, you’ll discover that trying to swing harder can actually cause you to swing slower. You’ll learn how to use your body to increase club head speed and club swing speed. A golf swing speed meter such as the Medicus PowerMeter allows you to have a Controlled Power Swing so that you consistently hit the ball farther and straighter! Unlike other golf swing speed meters the Medicus Power Meter is easily interchangeable between golf clubs. It can work on woods and irons and is specifically designed to tightly fit on any shaft size.

With programmable swing performance settings you can dial-in your actual golfer and club specifications.

It has a large easy to read LCD, 5 stroke programmable memory and will read clubhead speeds and golf club swing speeds up to 145 MPH. List price is $129.95 but you can find it for $19.95 in many places on the Internet.

Golf Range Meters can run you from $29 up to $500 depending on what you are looking for.

Bushnell makes several products in this category that use line of sight to determine distance to pin. On the low end is their 5x20mm Golf Scope Range finder and on the top end is the Bushnell Pinseeker that helps you determine compensation for slopes as well.

This unit can be found on the web for around $335. If your favorite courses are not available on the Garmin this would be another way to help you to be the best golfer that you can be.

This last item brings you into 21st Century Robotics with a motorized golf caddy cart. While this would be a budget breaker for me, if you have a little green floating around that needs to be spent this could be that one device that makes all of your Golf Buddies green with jealousy. Called the Shadow Caddy, this nifty robot follows a small transmitter attached to your belt. It is completely hands-free, no joysticks to mess with and makes your trip around the links a more leisurely stroll then a gruesome lug match. The Shadow Caddy is equipped with a sophisticated object detection system which prevents collisions with people and other objects on the course.

It can also carry your refreshments enhancing your golfing experience as much as possible. Originally released in Australia, look in the future for this product to be available for rent at your local golf courses.

D’s Windy Cottage Specialty Gift Items and Home Decor 745 Lloyd Avenue Extention (Behind Auto Zone)

724-537-5283

Tues-Wed-Fri-Sat, 10am - 5pm Thurs, 10am - 7pm; Closed Sun & Mon

Framed Art, Heirloom Dolls, Gund Bears, Soy Candles & Warmers Kites, Spinners & Flags We have a year-round Christmas Room!

Gift Certificates Available

It’s amazing the number of products that are available to enhance your golf experience. I could probably fill this entire issue with a small sample of what is available to you. I’ve spent enough time in front of the computer.

It’s time for me to get out on the course; maybe I will see you out there!

Bob has been working in the computer field since 1975 and started Computer Connections with his partner Jude Daigle in 1981 at the beginning of the personal computer revolution.

Bob grew up in Ligonier and graduated from Ligonier H.S. in 1972.

Bob graduated from George Washington Medical University in 1978 and he is currently living in the Greensburg area. You can see more tech tips and product reviews in Bob’s Blog pages at http://www.bobstechtalk.com and you can contact him at bobstechtalk@comcast.net.

724-238-4831 137 West Main Street Ligonier, PA

“too much fun for such a small town” check upcoming events and our menu on line at www.ligoniertavern.com

Sun. 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday -Thurs. 11:30 am - 9:00 pm Fri. & Sat 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Lincoln Lanes What It Is For The “PA. HERO WALK” was organized by a small group of patriots in western Pennsylvania to help spread the awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project in this country. Our walk will begin in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 21, 2009, and on July 4, 2009, we will pass through Leechburg, Pa., which is the home of our nations first Iraq war memorial built to honor the men and women that have served this country during the “War on Terrorism”. This memorial was dedicated on May 25, 2007 and was recognized nationally by CNN. The walk will then be completed a couple of hours later at Valley High School Stadium in New Kensington, Pa. where we will have our benefit concert.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 to support the WWP and their efforts in helping our severely injured returning heroes. Our group is currently accepting monetary donations through this site, for which all proceeds benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. We are also accepting IN-KIND donations such as room and board, food, bottled water for along the walk, and any other necessities to enable our group to walk the 311 mile coarse. These donations can be made by contacting Al Pulice at 724-382-1008 or by email at alpulice@comcast.net

Benefit Concert!

This 4th of July WWP benefit concert will begin at 12 noon and will conclude at 10pm with a patriotic firework show.

The Little River Band will be performing as the national act. The local bands performing that day will be; The Jaggerz, Gary Rakin and The Studio E Band, American Pie, On the Ridge, Tom Watt (The “Buffet” Man), Barn Hill and Rush Hour. All proceeds will benefit the WWP.

About The Wounded Warriors Project The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Here are some of the ways in which the WWP help our heroes: Welcome to Warriors to Work Wounded Warrior Project’s Warriors to Work program helps individuals recovering from severe injuries received in the line of duty connect with the support and resources they need to build a career in the civilian workforce. It can be tough to transition into civilian life.

It’s even tougher to adjust to life after a serious injury.

WWP Outdoors Through activities such as hunting, fishing, archery, hiking, and camping, wounded warriors continue their rehabilitation in the great outdoors.

WWP Outdoors helps participants build life-long skills they can enjoy in their home communities.

Patient and Family Support Our services don’t end when injured service members are ready to check out of the hospital. Programs such as Family Assistance and Benefits Counseling are designed to meet the long-term needs of wounded warriors.

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Family Assistance Injury can create an added financial burden on wounded warriors and their families. During rehabilitation, we help with necessary expenses for families of the wounded, including housing, food, child care, and transportation costs to the hospital so the service member does not have to recover alone.

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Benefits Counseling Benefits counselors work with severely wounded service members as soon as they return to the United States.

Counselors provide guidance and help to navigate government benefits available to military personnel and their families.

They also help build connections between wounded warriors, establishing a network of peers to provide the necessary assistance, friendship, and inspiration.

About Soldier Ride The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is a rehabilitative cycling program for wounded warriors. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, Soldier Ride provides the first steps in the return to an active lifestyle.

Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives. Soldier Ride offers these brave individuals the chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, “I can still do this.” Soldier Ride is not about politics; it’s not about the war. It’s simply about the soldiers.

Cool Careers with WWP Want work that matters? Join Team WWP and get a job that earns more than just a paycheck. Spend each day working with a team of passionate people who do what it takes to help our nation’s injured service members thrive.

Who We Want We’re looking for dedicated, passionate people who get the job done. We want people who are committed to living our core values of fun, innovation, integrity, loyalty, and service. Veterans are especially encouraged to apply.

Why Work with WWP? It’s not just the satisfaction of a job well done. We see members of the WWP Team as part of an extended family, and we take care of our employees like family.

Deadline for the next issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is: Monday, June 15 Every Story Begins At Home.

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May/June - 27

DOWN ON THE FARM Practical Advice from Old Dad’s Agricultural Library – Cathi Gerhard Williams “Synergy — the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.” – Mark Twain I didn’t know what “organic food” was until I went to college. At least I was confused about the term, thinking it had something to do with hydroponics. To me food was simply what we grew and raised on our family farm – and it was delicious! I suffered from no allergies (except penicillan), maintained a healthy weight and enjoyed a balanced diet. I loved to eat oats and barley straight out of the graineries in the barn or chew on a piece of grass from the hay field. I often plucked a carrot or kohlrabi from my mother’s garden, rinsed it off, and had a snack outside. Long summer days were spent picking and canning vegetables and fruits so that we could enjoy them in winter. And every animal we raised was practically “free range,” another word I would discover later.

My mother supplied me with as much food as she could while I was away at school, but eventually I had to go to the grocery store on my own. What I found there was shocking: it looked and tasted nothing like what I knew as food.

And I soon learned what so much of the rest of the world had been eating since the so-called “food scientists” took over the marketplace. Chemicals and processing had manipulated food into a corporate profit, with little culinary or nutritional value left behind for us.

Science has eased our current generations right into a world of forgotten knowledge and skill, and what we eat is a great example. We look for easier, cheaper ways to do everything rather than take our time to achieve the best result. Fed up with this cycle, this year I decided to plant a garden again, But not before I went back to basics and researched a few things about what is now known as “organic gardening.”

My favorite subject, gleaned from old agriculture books and new websites alike, is the concept of “companion planting.” Judi Stefek-Bondurant, owner of Golden Harvest Organics in Ft. Collins, CO explains: Many plants have natural substances in their roots, flowers, leaves etc. that can alternately repel (antifeedents) and/or attract insects depending on your needs. In some situations they can also help enhance the growth rate and flavor of other varieties. Experience shows us that using companion planting through out the landscape is an important part of integrated pest management. In essence companion planting helps bring a balanced eco-system to your landscape, allowing nature to do its’ job. Nature integrates a diversity of plants, animals, and other organisms into every ecosystem so there is no waste.

The death of one organism can create food for another, meaning symbiotic relationships all around.

By using companion planting, many gardeners find that they can discourage harmful pests without losing the beneficial allies. There are many varieties of herbs, flowers, etc. that can be used for companion plants. Be open to experimenting and find what works for you. Some possibilities would be using certain plants as a border, backdrop or interplanting in your flower or vegetable beds where you have specific needs. Use

28 -May/June 2009

plants that are native to your area so the insects you want to attract already know what to look for! Plants with open cup shaped flowers are the most popular with beneficial insects.

Companion planting can combine beauty and purpose to give you an enjoyable, healthy environment. The following are just a few ways to “work in harmony with nature.”

ANISE: Licorice flavored herb, good host for predatory wasps which prey on aphids and it is also said to repel aphids.

Deters pests from brassicas by camouflaging their odor. Improves the vigor of any plants growing near it. Used in ointments to protect against bug stings and bites. Good to plant with coriander ASPARAGUS: flowers, dill parsley, basil, Avoid: Onions,

Friends: Aster family ,coriander, tomatoes, comfrey and marigolds. garlic and potatoes.

BASIL: Plant with tomatoes to improve growth and flavor. Basil also does well with peppers, oregano, asparagus and petunias.

Basil can be helpful in repelling thrips. It is said to repel flies and mosquitoes. Do not plant near rue or sage.

BAY LEAF: A fresh bay leaf in each storage container of beans or grains will deter weevils and moths. Sprinkle dried leaves with other deterrent herbs in garden as natural insecticide dust. A good combo: Bay leaves, cayenne pepper, tansy and peppermint. For ladybug invasions try spreading bay leaves around in your house anywhere they are getting in and congregating. They should leave.

BEANS: All bean enrich the soil with nitrogen fixed form the air. In general they are good company for carrots, celery, chards, corn, eggplant, peas, potatoes, brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry and cucumbers. Summer savory deters bean beetles and improves growth and flavor.

Keep beans away from the alliums.

BEET: Good for adding minerals to the soil. The leaves are composed of 25% magnesium making them a valuable addition to the compost pile if you don’t care to eat them. Beets are also beneficial to beans with the exception of runner beans. Runner or pole beans and beets stunt each other’s growth. Companions for beets are lettuce, onions and brassicas.

Beets and kohlrabi grow perfectly together.

Beets are helped by garlic and mints. Garlic improves growth and flavor. Rather than planting invasive mints around beets use your mint clippings as a mulch.

BUCKWHEAT: Accumulates calcium and can be grown as an excellent cover crop.

Attracts hoverflies in droves.

CABBAGE: Celery, dill, onions and potatoes are good companion plants.

Celery improves growth and health.

Clover interplanted with cabbage has been shown to reduce the native cabbage aphid and cabbageworm populations by interfering with the colonization of the pests and increasing the number of predatory ground beetles. Plant Chamomile

with cabbage as it Improves growth and flavor. Cabbage does not get along with strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, rue, grapes and pole beans.

CARAWAY: Good for loosening compacted soil with it’s deep roots so it’s also compatible next to shallow rooted crops. Plant it with strawberries.

Caraway can be tricky to establish. The flowers attract a number of beneficial insects especially the tiny parasitic wasps. Keep it away from dill and fennel.

CARROTS: Their pals are leaf lettuce, onions and tomatoes. Plant dill and parsnips away from carrots. Flax produces an oil that may protect root vegetables like carrots from some pests.

One drawback with tomatoes and carrots: tomato plants can stunt the growth of your carrots but the carrots will still be of good flavor.

CATNIP: Deters flea beetles, aphids, Japanese beetles, squash bugs, ants and weevils. Use sprigs of mint anywhere in the house you want deter mice and ants. Smells good and very safe.

CELERY: Companions: Bean, cabbage family, leek, onion, spinach and tomato.

Flowers for celery: cosmos, daisies and snapdragons. Foe: Corn.

CHIVES: Improves growth and flavor of carrots and tomatoes. A friend to apples, carrots, tomatoes, brassica (broccoli, cabbage, mustard, etc) and many others.

Keeps aphids help to keep aphids away from tomatoes, mums and sunflowers.

Chives may drive away Japanese beetles and carrot rust fly. Planted among apple trees it helps prevent scab and among roses it prevents black spot. You will need patience as it takes about 3 years for plantings of chives to prevent the 2 diseases. A tea of chives may be used on cucumbers and gooseberries to prevent downy and powdery mildews. Avoid planting near beans and peas.

CUCUMBERS: Cucumbers are great to plant with corn and beans. The three plants like the same conditions: warmth, rich soil and plenty of moisture. Let the cucumbers grow up and over your corn plants. A great duet is to plant cukes with sunflowers. The sunflowers provide a strong support for the vines.

Cukes also do well with peas, beets, radishes and carrots. Radishes are a good deterrent against cucumber beetles. Dill planted with cucumbers helps by attracting beneficial predators. Nasturtium improves growth and flavor. Keep sage, potatoes and rue away from cucumbers.

GARLIC: Plant near roses to repel aphids. It also benefits apple trees, pear trees, cucumbers, peas, lettuce and celery. Garlic accumulates sulfur: a naturally occurring fungicide which will help in the garden with disease prevention. Garlic is systemic in action as it is taken up the plants through their pores and when garlic tea is used as a soil drench it is also taken up by the plant roots. Has value in offending codling moths, Japanese beetles, root

maggots, snails, and carrot root fly.

Researchers have observed that timereleased garlic capsules planted at the bases of fruit trees actually kept deer away. Concentrated garlic sprays have been observed to repel and kill whiteflies, aphids and fungus gnats among others with as little as a 6-8% concentration! It is safe for use on orchids too.

GERANIUM: -Repels cabbage worms and Japanese beetles, plant around grapes, roses, corn, tomatoes, peppers and cabbage. Geraniums help to distract beet leafhoppers, carrier of the curly top virus.

KOHLRABI: May be planted with cucumber, onion and chives. Kohlrabi and beets are perfect to grow with one another! Do not plant kohlrabi with pole beans, pepper, strawberry or tomatoes.

LAVENDER: Repels fleas and moths.

Prolific flowering lavender nourishes many nectar feeding and beneficial insects. Lavenders can protect nearby plants from insects such as whitefly, and lavender planted under and near fruit trees can deter codling moth. Use dried sprigs of lavender to repel moths.

LEEKS: Use leeks near apple trees, carrots, celery and onions which will improve their growth. Leeks also repel carrot flies. Avoid planting near legumes.

PEAS: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil. Plant next to corn. Companions for peas are bush beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Celery, Chicory, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant, Parsley, Early Potato, Radish, Spinach, Strawberry, Sweet pepper and Turnips.

Do not plant peas with onions.

PETUNIAS: They repel the asparagus beetle, leafhoppers, certain aphids, tomato worms, Mexican bean beetles and general garden pests. A good companion to tomatoes, but plant everywhere. Make a tea with the leaves for a potent bug spray.

RHUBARB: A good companion to all brassicas. Try planting cabbage and broccoli plants in your rhubarb patch and watch them thrive. Rhubarb protects beans against black fly. Some other interesting companions for rhubarb are the beautiful columbine flowers, garlic, onion and roses! It helps deter red spider mites from the columbines. A spray made from boiled rhubarb leaves, which contain the poison oxalic acid may be used to prevent blackspot on roses and as an aphicide.

SUNFLOWERS: Planting sunflowers with corn is said by some to increase the yield. Aphids a problem? Definitely plant a few sunflowers here and there in the garden. Step back and watch the ants herd the aphids onto them. We have been doing this for years and it is remarkable. The sunflowers are so tough that the aphids cause very little damage and you will have nice seed heads for the birds to enjoy. Sunflowers also attract hummingbirds which eat whiteflies.

Talk about a symbiotic relationship!

Copyright © Golden Harvest Organics LLC™ www.ghorganics.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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May/June - 29

American Red Cross announces two fundraisers for local disaster relief

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It’s All About You Remember, you are just an extra in everyone else’s play. I wish I had said it first, but Franklin Delano Roosevelt gets the credit for that pithy observation. It’s meant to be a humbling pronouncement and it’s a point very well taken. But, study the flipped script: you are the star of your own play. As the über player in an ultra-personal multi-act drama, you unashamedly upstage everyone in the cast in every scene of It’s All About You: The Epic. Even the prequel, The Way You Were, and the sequel, Forever You, rely on your scintillating star power to fill the house. (Bear with me here, readers and theatregoers.)

The edict of the title seems to be the default expression uttered when someone is displeased with what a person has done or said and is usually trotted out to put that person in their proper place – second or worse. Competing for top billing in our daily scenarios are the moral principle of putting others before self and the less-honored precept of putting oneself first. It’s a duality that creates neverending and unfortunate circumstances. (Personally, I have tried to Contact : SueAnn Zippi honor the wishes and boundaries of others even when I found them unrealistic, Independent Consultant unreasonable, irrational or blatantly bizarre.

Interestingly, much woe has come to me whensueannzippi@comcast.net I have attempted to defend my desires or set a few limitations of my own.)

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30 -May/June 2009

It’s always about the individual no matter how giving or compassionate that person may be. You are the only person experiencing your life. It’s your body doing the seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling and feeling. It’s your mind processing the information you encounter, formulating your goals, imagining your dreams; your emotions surfacing when confronting conflict or discovering contentment; your soul experiencing your inner existence. No one really knows what another person’s life is now or has been.

And although the therapists give it their best shot, no one can conclusively discern what someone else is thinking or why they behave as they do. Humans are lucky if they understand their own thoughts and actions much of the time.

It is all about you. It’s your life and be glad of it. However, when receiving your ostentatious floral tributes at the footlights you might want to acknowledge the supporting cast members and extras in your show. Hopefully, they’ll know a cue when they hear one and be considerate of you, an extra, when headlining their own blockbuster. I’ll lower the curtain on this feature with another metaphorical morsel if only I had strung together – Life is not a dress rehearsal. (Rose Tremain)

The first event is a Team Paintball Tournament, benefiting both the Chestnut Ridge Chapter and the Westmoreland County Chapter of the American Red Cross on Saturday, May 16. The event starts at 8:30 AM at the All-American Paintball Park on Route 30 east of Greensburg. The entry fee for the event is $400 for a fourperson team or $300 for a four-person student team. The entry fee includes equipment, commemorative t-shirt, food and prizes. Competition will be categorized by skill level.

“This is the first fundraiser of its kind in the area”, says Jason Rigby, Event Chairman and Chestnut Ridge Chapter Board Member. “I am extremely excited about this event which has generated a lot of enthusiasm on the part of the Park’s owners and the Professional Paintball Team, Philadelphia Americans, against whom qualifying teams will play for a chance at a week long vacation at a private, oceanfront condo in Myrtle Beach and $500 cash,” added Rigby.

Sponsorships are still available and those interested in registering a team can call 724-537-3911 or visit www.redcrosscrc.org and download a registration form.

The second event is the rebirth of the American Red Cross Golf Outing at Ligonier Country Club on Monday, June 15. Registration begins at 11:00 AM with a shotgun start at 1:00 PM. The format will be that of a Four-Person Shamble and will include a “Red Cross Golf Ball” event. The entry fee for the golf outing is $125 per person and includes golf & cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. There will be skills competition throughout the course including a chance to win a new car. A registration form and sponsorship details are available on our website, www.redcross-crc.org or you can call the office at 724.537.3911. Barry Novotny, Golf Committee Chairman says that all golfers will receive a complimentary pass for a return visit to play golf at Ligonier Country Club.

Proceeds from both events will benefit local disaster relief. The American Red Cross responds to disasters 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. The aid we render is provided at no charge. We receive no government funding and rely solely on the generosity of the citizens of our communities.

Please support the American Red Cross so we can help when we’re needed most.

–Barbara M. Neill LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!

Summer in Ligonier FREE Summer Band Concerts Sundays, May 31 through August 30 at 7pm Antiques on the Diamond - Celebrating Its 26th Year!

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Every Story Begins At Home.

May/June - 31

Discover All You Can Do At Chestnut Ridge.

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Located in the foothills of the Laurel Mountains, the Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center is the perfect getaway for the day or a long, relaxing weekend.

Bring your friends for golf on our two 18-hole championship courses – Chestnut Ridge and the 6th best public course in Pennsylvania, Tom’s Run. Discover how good we’ll make you feel at our new Chestnut Ridge Spa & Salon that offers every service imaginable. Enjoy a delicious dinner at our 37 Grille restaurant featuring a variety of freshly prepared dishes. For overnight stays, choose from our golf course condos or our new on-site Hampton Inn & Suites with complimentary breakfast.

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