Lmp october 2013 web

ISSN 2330-6629

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

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Westmoreland County Guide to Homes

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Echoes in the Night

Spooky Sounds Down on the Farm Mocking Death and Eating Skulls The Best of Times, The Wurst of Times Celebrate Ft. Ligonier Days “There’s More Gravy Than Grave About You” Once Upon A Moonlit Night The Moon Is Full of Hope Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Awards Angels Among Us

Men for All Seasons

Four Seasons Microbrewery Opens in Latrobe October 2013 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013 - 1

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The Harmony of Autumn “Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.” – Carol Bishop Hipps, "October," In a Southern Garden, 1995 On the graphic designer’s color wheel, blue and orange are complementary; as are red and green, purple and yellow. All of these color companions are alive and well in autumn – a clue from Mother Nature, I suppose.

The autumn skies look their bluest against the backdrop of the other colors, and the air smells incredible. The sun is lower in the sky, making the temperatures a perfect 65-75 degrees, with wonderfully chilly nights.

There’s nothing quite like wearing sweaters again, or wrapping yourself in a soft blanket on the couch. It’s a comforting feeling that brings out warm thoughts of home and family, a nesting time in advance of a cold winter. We light our first fires in October, and gather around the glowing flames that dance in celebration of it all.

I think most of us feel safest during this time, enveloped in autumn’s harmony. We acknowledge a year of hard work, our harvests gathered together as proof. And the celebrations are about to begin; our reward for perseverence, for making it this far

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST Editorial Office: 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627 Mailing Address: PO Box 332 Ligonier, PA 15658

when life can be such a daily struggle.

We get to bundle ourselves up for that long winter’s nap, and rest before spring arrives and extra work begins again.

Because the garden is sleeping, I get to catch up on some good books that have been piling up. I want to

work on some jigsaw puzzles, and finish some overdue scrapbooking. I’m ready to simmer a good stew all day long; bake delicious, warm things to have with tea or hot chocolate. And most of all, I’m anxious to snuggle up with those close to me – my family and friends who often come second

to that harried race I will never win.

I like to think of the Laurel Mountain Post as that plate of warm cookies or a mug of cider that we pause to sip. People tell me all the time how heart-warming it is to read, and I couldn’t ask for better praise. Daily newspapers are full of tragedy, politics, and sports scores. Fashion magazines fill their pages with “people” we can never be. And television, well, don’t get me started. I think the reason that people long for “the good old days” is because the mainstream media has forgotten us.

We think that “Happy Days” are gone because no one talks about it anymore.

My goal is to be nostalgic about today, and hopeful for tomorrow on every page of the Laurel Mountain Post. While I might be listening to Nat King Cole sing Autumn Leaves, I’m sitting at my desk looking outside – and thinking of all the great things I might write about next.

The Laurel Mountain Post is an independent, monthly publication produced at Fairview Farm in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any format must be obtained in writing from the publisher. This publication is registered with the US Library of Congress, ISSN 2330-6629.

Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher • Megan Fuller, Managing Editor Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher • Elizabeth Srsic, Art & Layout Editor Michelle Schultz, Business Manager • Jason Ament, Advertising Consultant Media: Joe Jerich, Eric Pensenstadler, Tiffany Jackson. Circulation: Jason Ament, Nancy Clark, Granny Earth, Gretchen Fuller, Cathi Gerhard, Laurie McGinnis, Victoria Mull, Bob Raho, Doug Richardson, Alice Susa, Gregory Susa, Lindsay Turchetta, Robert Williams, and Jack Wilson. Columnists: please use contact information provided at the end of each article or on our website.

Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.

Join us online: Laurel Mountain Post-style stories, links and photos EVERY DAY!

Phone: 724-539-4453 Fax: 724-558-9548 www.LaurelMountainPost.com Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 1

DOWN ON THE FARM

by Cathi Gerhard & Gregory Susa

Echoes in the Night My husband and I love to watch British television mysteries on Netflix.

Our favorite show, Midsomer Murders, is set in the country village towns outside of London – places that remind us of Ligonier and some of the other farmland around Westmoreland County, with rolling hills and immaculate fields. Not an episode goes by, it seems, without the effective haunting soundtracks of vixen (female fox) cries in the distance or hooting owls. We love this, and have since become much more in tune with the sounds around our own farm, especially at night.

The first thing you notice on Fairview Farm at night is the silence. People who live in town say that it is eerily quiet out here in the country. I never noticed until I moved away to college: the cacophony of sounds in town (especially a dorm) overwhelmed my senses to the point of an autistic disability at first. I had to sleep with headphones and soft music to block the madness outside my door.

The night world on the farm is not as quiet as everyone thinks. If you listen closely, an entire community of spooky nocturnal creatures comes alive just after sundown. Their sounds are crystal clear without the busy drums of our daytime to drown them out, and when their odd melodies pierce the silence of night, it can be pretty spooky.

Usually a dog howling in the distance (or our night watchdog, Bandit, right outside our back door) breaks the evening quiet. Superstition says that when a dog cries at night, there is a ghost right around the corner. This is also thought to be an omen of death or misfortune. A 2 - October 2013

single howl or three short howls followed by silence supposedly means a death has just occurred nearby. With all the hunting that goes on in the fields at night (by cats, raccoons, owls and other creatures), that could certainly be true. As for ghosts, we have our fair share of stories to tell around here (and

someday I will), but the truth is that the dog is just calling out to get the attention of its human pack. She might be hungry, thirsty, uncomfortable, sick or injured, lonely or bored – simply communicating with another dog in the neighborhood. I often wish I knew what they were talking about.

The most prolific talkers against the curtain of night are birds.

Mockingbirds, whip-poor-wills and their relatives are the chattiest of the

bunch, often repeating their name thousands of times a night. Of course this is another superstitious omen of death, but night time bird songs are often triggered by increased levels of light, such as the full moon, street lamps, or moonlight reflecting on snow. There are other prompts, besides light, that can bring about nocturnal song in robins and some other birds. If a bird is suddenly awakened by a sharp noise like thunder, fireworks, earthquakes, gunfire — even a sudden shaking of its roosting tree — it may burst into song.

My favorite bird of the night is our barn owl. We have caught sight of him during the day, swooping out of the barn window and across the field after being startled by our presence. There are dozens of superstitions about owls, and seeing him during the day was apparently unlucky – but not as unfortunate as seeing him fly around the house at night, because that would mean the presence of death. The hoot of an owl is usually a territorial declaration, though not all species are able to hoot. Other owl vocalizations are loud and low-pitched, including screeches, hisses, and screams. Their cries waft through the night air, enabling them to locate mates and declare territories despite the darkness.

According to Owls.com, owls are thought to be messengers for witches and sorcerers (just like in Harry Potter). Other noted superstitions about owls that have survived throughout time include: • n o l hooting or s ree hing at night could result in the death of a newborn baby, will cause the child to have an unhappy life, or possibly that LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

the baby would become a witch. If the owl was heard screeching during cold weather it signaled that a storm was coming.

• ls a arentl are the onl creatures that can live with ghosts, so if an owl is found nesting in an abandoned house, the place must be haunted.

• eath is o ten asso iated ith o ls such as if an owl perches on the roof of your house or hearing an owl hooting constantly nearby.

• a tra eler drea ed o an o l, then that meant he would be robbed or possibly shipwrecked.

• sill o l su erstition is that i ou see an owl perched in a tree and you walk around and around that tree, the owl will follow you with its eyes, turning his head around until he wrings his own neck. (The reality is that an owl cannot turn his head completely around).

• ot all su erstitions ere bad ls were also believed to bring good fortune in some cultures. An Afghanistan legend states that it was the owl that presented humans with flint and iron so they could make fire. In exchange, man gave owls their feathers.

• he borigines o ustralia belie e that owls are the spirits of women and are therefore sacred, while in France is was a good sign to see an owl on the way to the harvest as it meant that it would be a good yield that year.

• he o l is a s bol o guidance and help by the Inuits of Greenland, while the people of Indonesia saw them as wise beings using the owl’s different calls to determine whether to travel or not.

Shaw Creek Bird Supply .com has a great index of bird folklore and superstitions. Their section on owls states: “According to an old Welsh tradition if you hear an owl hooting amongst a densely built up area then a female in the locality is said to have just lost her virginity! To hear the hoot of the owl when pregnant, as it Every Story Begins At Home.

is traditionally believed in France, means that the baby will be a girl. In Germany if one is heard as a child is being born then the life will be an unhappy one. In the Southern states of America an old traditional rhyme tells of the cry of the owl: When you hear the screech owl, honey, in the sweet gum tree, It’s a sign as sure as you’re born a death is bound to be; Unless you put the shovel in the fire mighty quick, For to conjure that old screech owl, take care the one that’s sick.

A dead owl has served many purposes including mixing some of the flesh with boar’s grease as an ointment to ease the pain of gout. Owl broth was once used to feed children to avoid whooping cough according to British tradition, perhaps because the owl itself never suffered in pain when making a similar sound. The eggs were also once thought to help prevent epilepsy, bad sight (for obvious reasons) and more amusingly to bring drunks back to their senses.”

There are many legends about owls, but the reality on the farm is that owls are very helpful to us because they are excellent at pest control, especially Barred Owls. They curtail the population of mice, voles, moles, rats, skunks, snakes, insects

and slugs to name a few. He’s the perfect night watchman. Unfortunately for the poor old owl, folklore recommends nailing the skin of this bird to a farm building to bring good

luck and protect it from evil. I prefer to protect my barn owl and continue to provide him with good shelter in our barn, perhaps even building him a custom eyrie in a cupola once we replace the siding and roof one day.

We consider him a good luck charm!

Crickets make quite a racket around here at night, but they are said to be bearers of good luck and to kill one would be unlucky for you. If you see one leaving your home it means an illness is on the way.

My son has a bearded dragon who loves to eat live crickets – but she always leaves one left over, like her own little good luck charm or companion, that sings all night long! I’m ashamed to say that we cheer when she finally decides to eat it with a tactful crunch, crunch, followed by an awkward silence. Not to be outdone, Native Americans believe that you can have a great singing voice if you drink an elixer of crickets, crushed and boiled.

Another favorite bug eater on the farm, the bull frogs at the pond have their own moonlight chorus. In fact, its the sound one of my old friends remembers most about our farm. The Frog Book, North American Toads and Frogs with a Study of the Habits and Life Histories of those of the Northeastern States , b ME i erson, described the four distinct love serenades or mating calls of the bullfrog: "Be drowned," "Better go round," "Jug o' rum," and "More rum"; all said in a deep, hoarse but sexy voice. continued on page 4

October 2013 - 3

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Both day and night predators, they eat anything that fits into their big mouths, including insects, mice, fish, birds, and snakes. They sit quietly and wait for prey to pass by, then lunge with their powerful hind legs, mouths open wide.

World superstition says that killing a frog is killing the soul of a little boy or girl, who died in childhood. When a frog croaks in the middle of the day, rain is due. If a frog jumps into your home, that's a sign that good luck is coming to all in the household. Fairy tale frogs have been used for love spells and also to cure warts by rubbing the frog over it. A country cure for thrush is to hold the head of a live frog in the patient's mouth: as it breathes, it draws the disease away and into itself. Some say the dried body of a frog worn in a silk bag around the neck cures epilepsy and other fits. And in the sultry spirit of the frog, they are also used in love-magic. In one folktale, a girl whose lover was untrue will stuck pins all over a living frog and then bury it. The cheating man suffers extreme pains and eventually returns to her. She digs up the frog , removes the pins, and the pains cease; so the man marries her.

The screaming cries of the fox, sound like an anguished woman, perhaps being tortured. They cry out in sets, increasing by 3-10 second intervals. Oftentimes this terrifying sound actually means danger – the fox may have been startled by an intruder.

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Vixens use this terrifying scream to lure males for mating. Both male and female foxes are capable of producing this sound, and they often use it to assert dominance in turf wars. They also bark, just like their canine relatives, dogs, but foxes use it differently. When a female screams into the night, nearby males will bark back to her, often resulting in a fight to win the fair maiden in “distress.”

It is said that if a fox crosses your path, opportunity will come to you; if he stops and looks at you, your ambitions will be fulfilled. In Wales, this lone fox is considered good luck; but if encounter a family greater than six, bad luck will follow you for months. If a fox comes near your home, an illness is coming.

There is so much going on out there in the “stillness” of a country night! Knowing about all of these superstitions makes me want to hide under the covers with headphones on. Like a tree falling in the woods, if I don’t see it or hear it then will the good/bad luck still come true?

4 - October 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Le Chat Noir Echoes in the Night, part 2 The black cat (le chat noir, in French, and many romantic references) is one of the biggest animal symbols for Halloween and superstitious tales.

Their reputation makes them the most unwanted cat (and dog) in the local animal shelter in every town – so much so that Time magazine suggests they suffer ro Bla og & Cat Syndrome”: they are often the last to be adopted and the first to be euthanized. A possible explanation concludes a difficulty in photographing animals. Therefore they are hard to advertise.

Shelters will change lighting, use light-colored blankets, and even dress the animals up to try to get better photos for websites, ads and fliers. Often-times, shelters even hold “adopt a black cat day,” commonly on August 17.

We own two unwanted black cats, i & Magi M daughter ado ted Jim after a trip to Action for Animals.

He was a slinky little thing who followed her around the cattery, always behind careful cover. It was as if he chose her immediately. Now he is a big, lazy cat with tiny paws who spends most of his days lounging on our laps. There is something very

suspicious in his eyes, however. He truly looks at you as if he knows something important, or is a reincarnated friend from another life. At other times, he stares upward toward the ceiling as if communing with spirits or angels who are hovering above us.

Black cats have many supernatural qualities, according to folklore. In Britain, they are seen as symbols of good luck and often given to brides on their wedding day. The Scottish believe that a stray black will bring prosperity to the home upon his arrival. Other legends say that a woman with a black cat will have many suitors, unless they are thought to be a witch as in the Middle Ages. Witches and their common “familiars” (black cats), thought to be spies or couriers

of evil, were often killed. This is said to unintentionally have aided in spreading the Black Plague as fewer cats meant more rats (who carried the disease).

Others saw the supernatural powers of black cats in a different way.

Sailors and their wives both kept black cats, on board the ship and at home, as good luck charms. Pirates of the 18th century believed that it was good luck for a black cat to walk away from you, but bad luck if a cat walked on then off a ship. In Germany, if a cat crosses your path from right to left, it is a bad sign; from left to right, its granting you favorable times ahead.

Our other black cat, mysterious and charming as she is petite, is aptly named Magic. Her brother is a long-haired Siamese, and my sister only wanted to keep “the pretty one.” *****

Best friends, but never quite college sweethearts, Greg and Cathi finally married 20 years later.

Together they own and operate Fairview Farm in err o nshi , no an estate iner and o munity garden in the making, managed by two black cats, two devoted dogs, and a ridiculously boss oung itten o n on the ar is a olumn originally started by Cathi’s father, Shelly Gerhard, about a day in the life of a family farm in western Pennsylvania.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

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October 2013 - 5

Once Upon A Moonlit Night

by Nancy A. Clark While the costumed youngsters of our rural Southwest Pennsylvania village tore into loaded trick-or-treat bags for NECCOs and Sweet Tarts, the town teenagers got their Halloween jollies “corning” front doors, “soaping” windows, and tossing toilet tissue into trees. A small band of devilish juveniles engaged in acts most foul and, when caught, were sentenced to up-righting the outhouses they toppled and scrubbing away the malodorous, organic pasture debris they smeared on porch stoops.

Calamitous capers of the latter variety were unacceptable to my father. “Something’s gotta be done about these shenanigans before someone gets hurt,” he hammered after Mr. Chaney’s rain barrel was rolled onto the state highway. “These hooligans need a Halloween ‘treat’ they’ll never forget.” ith that ro la ation, ad contrived a Halloween trick of his own, and he enlisted me as his sidekick. The plan wouldn’t turn the heads of modern phenomenon chasers, but to this then-10 year old, it rocked. The plot: to simulate apparitions-gone-wild where it would be noticed by hooligans roaming the streets. The goal: to curdle the blood of the lead lawless culprit and send him screaming into the night, swearing off outhouses and cow patties. ad staged his ran to un old in the unoccupied house directly across the street from our home. The structure, allegedly the oldest building in town, belonged to a trio of spinster school marms, city dwellers who spent their summers in the weather-beaten, two-story clapboard salt bo ad had been the caretaker for their estate for years and anonymously perpetrated the rumor that the house was h-h-haunted.

On that particular Halloween night, when the innocents were 6 - October 2013

tu ed into their ee little beds, ad used his “skeleton” key to unlock the back door, and we slipped unseen into the empty house. Billowy clouds that briefly smothered the bright light of a full moon added an Alfred Hitchcock-y flavor to our operation.

Inside, we surveyed the territory like the covert agents we weren’t.

White bed sheets layered over every horizontal plane gave the appearance of snowcapped hills and dales. Traveling shafts of moonbeams stabbed the stark terrain and imprinted lacy window curtain designs on every

surface they touched. The effect heightened the property’s haunted profile probability. Only the fear of something furry, feathered or slithery suppressed my insatiable urge to see what lurked beneath those white sheets. What I couldn’t suppress was the creepy feeling that we were not alone.

The pounding of my heart (excitement? fear?) overrode the creaks

and cracks our feet kicked out of the paisley-patterned carpet, but the thunderous pounding could not override a moaning whimper that emanated from who-knew-where.

Barely audible at first, the whiney wail escalated in pitch and volume as we wound our way up the narrow stairase to the se ond loor ad ade light of my fear - “Just a tree branch rubbing against a window pane,” he said. Yeah . . . sure. ad li ed his B C and ut flame to the wicks of four utility candles – our only props in this production, and we paced in front of the bedroom windows, waving our torches like flags, eager to lure a hooligan eye from the street below.

But, alas, our efforts attracted nary a nod - hooligan or otherwise, even as the moaning and growling and screaming and hissing intensified inside the house. When the unholy lamenting – and my fright quotient rea hed e er it h, ad on eded that we probably weren’t alone in that dar house on oo ight , although he poo-poo’ed any reference to ghouls and ghosts. Maybe a bat caught in a giant spider web . . . or a giant spider caught in a bat wing . . . or The Headless Horseman on a midnight ride. Whatever it as, ad was now heck-bent on finding it.

We followed the incessant wailing to the basement where, legend had it, bodies of insolent students were bundled and stacked like outdated ne s a ers lthough ad s ane i BIC flame failed to illuminate bodies, it did fall on two huge, lime-green, panic-stricken orbs affixed to a terrified black cat that growled and hissed at us from behind a coal bucket. The cat’s interminable howls cut through the dank cellar air like a hot Samurai sword through butter.

My father approached the mangy mouser with caution and found its right front paw – and the rodent remains LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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of his dinner – caught in a rat trap ad had set t o ee s be ore “Hope you got your fill, kitty,” ad said as he disabled the tra Without so much as a “Thanks, man,” the agitated animal made like a meteor and streaked into the black hole of the coal bin before escaping through a passage known only to him.

The initial plan to intimidate Halloween hooligans may have backfired on us; but village outhouses and porch stoops were left cleaner and citizens safer that fateful night – not because of apparitionsgone-wild, but because a frenetic feline took whatever lives he had left and did some hooligan blood curdling of his own as he went screaming into the night.

Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in 50 years of marriage, three children and three grandchildren. She dabbles in freelance and memoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting, reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.

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October 2013 - 7

MEMORY LANE

by Ruthie Richardson

For Halloween, I Always Like to Emulate Strong Women Through History . . . Some Stronger Than Others!

I was Helen of Troy, 1966, even though everyone insisted I was I Dream of Jeanne! My costume consisted of my Daughter's of Job (Jobies) robe, altered slightly and blinged up a little. And I wasn't taken seriously at all since my date was Santa Claus. Oh, oh, I hope the Jobies organization isn't reading this, I may owe them a robe!

And the modern day Grammy/Pirate. This hat gets me in the 'spirit' to make a killer frozen rum drink!

Florence Nightingale in first grade.

In 1971 I was Bo Peep, and found the best little lost sheep of all! We won first prize in the parade!

8 - October 2013

Little Red Riding Hood in 3rd grade. My mommy called our masks false faces, and my daddy taught me to make short work of any big bad wolf with his .35 Remington. Gee I wish I still had that '56 turquoise Chevy!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Might another possible source for ethanol be discarded pastries from bakeries? For that matter, wouldn’t fermenting unsold bananas, oranges and apples from grocery store produce departments be able to provide an ample supply of fuel? — Curious in Warren, PA Food waste is indeed an untapped resource with great potential for generating energy. Some one third of all food produced around the world gets discarded uneaten, and environmentalists, energy analysts and entrepreneurs are beginning to take noti e i erting e en ust a ortion of this waste to so-called waste-toenergy (WTE) systems could free up large amounts of landfill space while powering our vehicles and heating our homes, and thus putting a significant dent in our collective carbon footprint. Perhaps that’s why WTE is one of the fastest growing segments of the world’s quickly diversifying energy sector.

Currently there are some 800 industrial-scale WTE plants in more than three dozen countries around the world, and likely thousands of smaller systems at individual sites.

Most employ anaerobic digesters, which make use of microorganisms to break down and convert organic waste into a fuel such as biogas, biodiesel or ethanol. With some 70 percent of food waste around the world still going into landfills, there is a lot of potential feedstock to keep this environmentally friendly carbon neutral fuel source coming.

“Waste-to-energy doesn’t involve drilling, fracking, or mining, and it doesn’t rely on scarce and politicallycharged resources like oil,” reports RWL Water Group, an international company that installs water, wastewater and waste-to-energy systems.

The waste from small slaughterhouses, breweries, dairy farms and coffee shops can power hundreds of typical homes each day if the infrastructure is in place to sort, collect and process the flow of organic material.

Navigant Research, which produced the 2012 report “Waste-toEnergy Technology Markets,” which analyzes the global market oppor-

Every Story Begins At Home.

tunity for WTE, expects waste-toenergy to grow from its current market size of $6.2 billion to $29.2 billion by 2022.

“With many countries facing dramatic population growth, rapid urbanization, rising levels of afflu-

waste because it saves them money on their trash pick-up bills. And bakeries, restaurants, farms, grocers and other big producers of organic or food waste provide an endless source of feedstock for WTE systems as well.

Diverting even just a portion of the world’s food waste to waste-to-energy (WTE) systems could free up large amounts of landfill space while powering our vehicles and heating our homes, and thus putting a significant dent in our collective carbon footprint. Pictured: Three Anaerobic Digestion WTE tanks in Fenville, MI. (Credit: eXtension Farm Energy)

ence, and resource scarcity, wasteto-energy is re-establishing itself as an attractive technology option to promote low carbon growth in the crowded renewable energy landscape,” says Navigant’s Mackinnon Lawrence. “China is already in the midst of scaling up capacity, and growth there is expected to shift the center of the WTE universe away from Europe to Asia Pacific.”

The question is whether governments and individuals will make the effort to support diversion of waste into yet another separate stream. In areas where such systems are working, individuals are incentivized to separate out their organic and food

“We’re barely scratching the surface of this potential—dumping over 70 percent of the world’s food waste into landfills, rather than harnessing it for fuel and electricity,” reports RWL. “Over the next 25 years, global energy demand will grow by 50 percent, while global oil supply dwindles at a rapid pace. Waste-to-energy is an obvious solution to meet the world’s burgeoning energy demand.” ***** CONTACTS: RWL Water Group, www.rwlwater.com; Navigant Research, www.navigantresearch.com.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and oug Moss and is a registered trade ar o E - he Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com).

Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

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October 2013 - 9

Keep Music in Our Schools

By Victoria Mull Schools today are often caught in a dilemma of what’s best for the student versus what’s best for the bottom line.

Throughout history the Arts were an essential part of the curriculum. A well-rounded student studied all the subjects. In the last century, if you didn’t have the arts, you didn’t have culture. In all the classic books I have read, a well-balanced education was recommended. As our early American Nation was developing, music was sometimes the chosen method of teaching the curriculum in the schools. These were called “Singing Schools.” (anyone remember School House Rock?)

Now, times have changed. We need to make the grade. Focus on what these young minds can do in their career and not waste time on what they can do otherwise. I spoke to my co-teacher at Vittones’s Music Center, Glenn Bussard, who comes from the classroom music education system and he said, “Music education classes have been greatly reduced in local school districts due to fiscal hard times and students do not study private music lessons by qualified music teachers designed to meet the needs of individual students.”

Enhance Your Life With Music piano • violin • viola • cello • guitar • voice • flute • lessons weddings • events

Lessons at Vittone’s in Greensburg

724-309-0553

vmullmusic@gmail.com

10 - October 2013

I am a parent of two boys. They are 15 and 11 years old, and they are polar opposites; but music has a place in all of our lives. Where does the music come in? Their dad is an outstanding musician who can play anything. I struggled to learn, but I didn’t give up. Their dad can knock out a tune and has perfect pitch. I was blessed by a teacher in my school who didn’t give up on me: I’m sure she never imagined how she impressed my life.

My first born was well entertained. He came with me everywhere I went, and usually it was to the music store. He recalls the whistle lollypops and the drums he was allowed to play.

Anything that made music was on our shopping list. He’s 15 now and plays every instrument. He is part of the school band and has his own band.

Just everything about him was moving and grooving, and he knew it was magic. So we spoke the same language.

My younger son is a total gamer.

When we go to the store he’s itching to look at the games they have in stock, the magazines about the games, and the computer that makes the game work. Yes he plays music, but

it’s not his first thought. Music is like brushing his teeth. It’s something he has to do every day. I also am a secret tech addict, but I’m stumped by how to make it work. Still, gaming and computer programming are both very musical. Programing games is like learning a scale or an exercise.

You have to follow the pattern to make the connection. Someone once told me that learning to program is just like learning to play music. You have to follow the score and keep building your skill: eventually you will have either a sonata or master a maze in no time.

I think music helps people just because it’s there, and it will make life more delightful – just as I appreciate my computer connecting to the internet and making my music oh-so-easy to have . . . with just the touch of a finger, push a button, strum a guitar, sing a song, or to write this this story on my laptop.

My co-teacher, Glenn, added that, in our setting we have, “taken a very proactive approach by offering private music lessons by qualified music teachers. It’s designed to meet the needs of individual students.”

That is what education is all about; finding an individual’s talent and passion. For the music lover, well, when he hears singing and he’s drumming, he’s not going to stop. For the non-music-is-my-life, it gives him something to relax with or something to play in the background while he engaging in his passion. ***** Victoria Mull began teaching private violin/viola lessons while a senior at Norwin Senior High School.

She continued to teach privately while majoring in Music Education at Seton Hill University, and continued graduate studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She has taught at Good Shepherd Catholi hool in Braddo , Mount ebanon hool istrict, and Saint Edwards Catholic School in Herminie; and served as choir director at West Hempfield Presbyterian Church in Irwin, PA. She continues to teach private lessons at Vittone’s in Greensburg, where students learn to practice, understand music theory, and play in ensembles. Her specialties include: piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, guitar and voice.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Celebrating Our First Anniversary October 5!

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops . . . at all.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 11

2013 Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award Recipients Announced The Westmoreland County Historical Society is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2013 Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Award. This Award is presented annually to those individuals, organizations, businesses, or educational institutions that have made a significant contribution to the preservation of our historic places, documents, records, or stories.

E e uti e ire tor isa C a s remarked, “The contributions to historic preservation and education of this year’s awardees are diverse, illustrating that there are many ways to advance this important work!”

Robert Griffing is being honored for Creating Windows to the Past through Art. Griffing’s artistic focus reflects his long-held interest in the Eastern Woodland Indians of the 18th century, who were integral in the unfolding history of the development of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County.

His meticulous attention to accuracy in every detail has earned him high

Griffing at Ft. Ligonier.

He will be attending Fort Ligonier Days on October 12 for a print and book signing.

12 - October 2013

praise. Former president of the ene a ation, uane a es a said, “The attention Griffing gives to the accurate portrayal and detail of the Iroquois is remarkable and rarely seen in the work of other non-native artists.” His work is so compelling that it is used frequently for a variety of educational programs to illustrate historical events and conditions before photography could provide an image. At formal and informal programs, in publications and school curriculums throughout Pennsylvania, his work is used to tell the preRevolutionary War history of America. His subjects have included events such as the Braddock Expedition, Grant’s Expedition from Fort Ligonier to ort u uesne, and the Battle o Bushy Run. He has also portrayed the material culture and everyday life of Native Americans and their interaction with European trappers, settlers, and soldiers. Providing tools for educators to lift history beyond an endless line of dates and wars, Robert Griffing’s work provides a visual window for students of all ages to explore and experience through their mind’s eye the early history of our region and the world of 18th century America.

The Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery at Saint Vincent College is recognized for Bringing a Premiere Collection of Coverlets to Westmoreland County. A remarkable collaborative effort brought this significant collection to the county, dedicated a gallery to display and interpret the textiles, and provided financial support to sustain this endeavor. The McCarl family, Saint Vincent College, and the gallery staff are to be commended for this effort. The McCarl Coverlet Gallery is a nonprofit cultural organization that collects, preserves, interprets, and disseminates the history of weaving and folk traditions in the North-

“Planning the Attack” on Fort Pitt by artist Robert Griffing.

eastern region of the United States.

The collection of over 400 “figured and fancy” jacquard woven bed covers is one of the largest in the world and includes coverlets woven and used in Westmoreland County, as well as information about specific weavers from this region. The gallery

Griffing’s most recent work is "Family." The original just sold at the "Quest for the West" show held at the Eiteljorg Museum, and also won the Patrons Award and Best of Show.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

maintains a comprehensive research digital database with 14,000 coverlets while their archive provides information about weavers and images of coverlets. This collection of coverlets represents the historic 19th century transition from commercial handloom weaving to mechanized factory production in America. These coverlets, in vibrant shades of red, blue, white, and green, were functional pieces of art that were affordable to middle-class families.

Coverlets were often commissioned for significant occasions such as marriages and births. The Gallery sponsors several educational programs for various ages from K-6 students to scouts, and adults. These programs include hands-on creative opportunities to explore mid-19th century American life and discover the history of the coverlets and other American textiles.

Evelyn Baker Ruffing for Leading the Restoration of Simpson’s Voting House. From 1891 through 2004, the small, one-room wooden building on the south side of the William Penn Highway served the residents of the Simpsons Voting District in northern Derry Township each year for elections. It was Westmoreland County’s longest continually used polling place and the last freestanding one. In 2004, the county decided to hold its elections elsewhere, but the residents and poll workers of the district were fiercely loyal to their little voting house and called upon the Derry Area Historical Society to help save it. Volunteer efforts seemed to be in vain in 2006 when it was scheduled for demolition to accommodate the widening of Route 22. Evelyn Ruffing, a member of the DAHS Board of Directors, made it her personal project to not only save it, but to get it back into use as an election house. Evelyn persuaded the county to accept property donated by Dale Latimer, about a mile east of Simpson’s original location, to relocate the Voting House. Marshaling and prodding a myriad of forces, including carpenters, painters, local government, and even bee keepers Every Story Begins At Home.

The Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery at Saint Vincent College.

to donate time and materials, Evelyn supervised the moving of Simpson’s Voting House, its restoration, and the fulfillment of government requirements in time for its use for the May 21, 2013 election. Simpson’s Voting House was designated a “Keystone of Democracy” by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, only the second polling place to be so recognized. To qualify, a polling place must have been in use for at least 50 consecutive years. Although she had the Derry Area Historical Society board behind her, it was Evelyn’s unwavering determination that pushed the project forward to its completion.

The Arthur St. Clair Historic Preservation Awards will be presented at a dinner at the Greensburg Country

Club on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. The Awards Dinner and Ceremony are open to the public.

Tickets are $85 each; proceeds benefit the WCHS educational pro-grams.

Additional information and tickets are available by calling 724-532-1935 x 215. The awards are presented by the Westmoreland County Historical Society, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to acquiring and managing resources related to the history of Westmoreland County and using these resources to encourage a diverse audience to make connections to the past, develop an understanding of the present, and provide direction for the future. www.westmorelandhistory.org 362 Sand Hill Road - Suite 1 Greensburg, PA 15601

The Simpson Voting House in Derry Township, along Route 22: before and after. In May 2013, it was designated a “Keystone of Democracy” by the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, only the second polling place to be so recognized.

October 2013 - 13

POSTMODERN TENDANCIES

by Megan Fuller

Mocking Death and Eating Skulls My daughters dance around in skull masks. Not all the time, just at the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations at which their dance troop performs. During the festivals all the dancers wear colorfully decorated clay skull masks. The dancers love it, wearing those skull masks, because everyone at the festival wants to get their pictures taken with them. They feel like celebrities with paparazzi.

Day of the Dead festivals are always good fun for kids and adults alike. Besides dancing there are parades of children dressed as skeletons and lots of skull and skeleton candies. What I like about Day of the Dead is that it is not a somber occasion; a time for grieving and remembering our loved ones who have passed on. No, it is a total fiesta! It is an entirely different way of thinking about Death. Sure the Dark Angel is coming for us but that doesn’t mean we have to be all timid. We don’t have to act submissive-no way! Dia de los Muertos gives people the chance to stand up to that bad boy and give the Grim Reaper a bit of a ribbing; to mock him. It is the opportunity to look at the Man in Black (not Johnny Cash) and say “yea, we know you’re coming but I’m going to eat this skull shaped candy and paint pretty flowers all over these bones and what are you going to do about it?”

What I don’t like about Dia de los Muertos is that due to all the festivals the dance teacher likes to add some new dances, which of course require a new costume. Can I buy this costume? No, no I cannot. I have to make it and if one was to rate my sewing abilities they would come in under the term “poor.” This particular costume has gold and red sequin designs sewn on it and feathers. The teacher 14 - October 2013

told me the other day how important it was that the costume looked the same as the others. I told her that it is not going to look the same, it will be similar but not the same. Oh, did I mention the feather headdress? I am going to need extra sugar skulls as a reward for making this.

The ritual of Dia de los Muertos goes back to pre-Columbian times

representative of Mexican and Mexican-American traditions.

Naturally families are going to celebrate their ancestors’ homecoming. November 1st is sometimes called Day of the Innocents and is dedicated to children who have died; then the 2nd focuses on adults. Usually families will construct an altare (altar) to honor their loved ones and

My daughters, Sylvia and Maya, in their skull masks.

They are wearing traditional dresses from the state of Jalisco (Ha-lee-sko)

and stems from the belief that the dead come back to visit at a certain time of year. Prior to the Spanish conquest of Mexico, the ancestors returned around August but with the conversion to Catholicism the celebration was moved to November 1st and 2nd to coincide with All Saint’s Day and All Soul’s Day. So now Dia de los Muertos takes place in the beginning of November to celebrate the return of family and friends who have passed on. There are many cultures that have Dia de los Muertos but the customs that are referred to here are

some can be quite elaborate. Although the creativity and scale of altares vary, there are four essential elements to be included: • candles: to light the ancestors’ way home • marigolds: the fragrance leads the ancestors to their altar • food and water: to nourish the ancestors after their long journey • an image of the deceased Often personal items of the deceased are included as well, along with: LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

• one • Calaveras (sugar skulls) • pan de muerto (bread of the dead), anise flavored and shaped like bones • salt • in ense • boo e • toiletries • statues or i ages o saints-es e iall the Virgin of Guadalupe • papel picado (decorative pieces of cut paper) • and reall an thing else that the people creating the altar feel is important or representative Besides building an altar, families usually go to the cemetery to visit the graves of their loved ones. Sometimes they have a picnic on the grave and decorate the headstones partystyle. Cemeteries South of the Border are generally more festive than any I have seen in the US year-round and even more so at Dia de los Muertos.

Grave markers and vaults are often painted bright colors and have flowers and other offerings left for the dead regularly, but on this holiday, toys and tequila are sure to make an appearance.

Due to my heavy sewing workload, my son has been assigned to use his creative visual design artistry to craft this year’s altare to my father, my husband’s father, and my husband’s brother. I have the feeling it will show homage to his video games rather than his ancestors but sometimes teenagers surprise you. We may also need to buy the bottle of tequila early as I think I may be a better seamstress with a bit of a buzz.

A recipe for Pan de Muerto is here: http:/ /www.inside-mexico.com/cocina3.htm To make your own Calaveras: http:// mexicanfood.about.com/od/sweetsand desserts/ht/candyskulls.htm *****

Editor’s Note: Some readers may find this story about the Day of the Dead just a bit too “foreign” or cultural for the typical western Pennsylvania resident. But what struck me most was just how similar these traditions are to experiences in my own life.

When my father passed away in 2009, my family decided to hold a memorial service a week later, rather than a funeral in a few days. It gave us some time to pull ourselves together and find strength to face the day. We got our affairs in order, and then gathered momentos.

At the service, our minister suggested we cover the altar with these things – symbols that represented a life we gathered together to celebrate. Next to his picture and the wooden box holding his ashes, we placed: his walking stick, a toy tractor, a picture of his ginger cat named Buddy, a bottle of Gentleman Jack whiskey, and several other special things. These objects “spoke” to us as Dad was eulogized and his favorite hymns were sung. Afterward, we invited everyone to the church reception hall for a small celebration of his life. We served cookies and cakes, watched a slide show, and shared our favorite stories of the man.

Of course there were tears, but the mood was much more joyful.

It was a celebration of life, rather than mourning for the dead.

Dad always did like a good party with food, friends, and family.

My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie Rivera www.moonbeammediums.com

Megan Fuller is an applied cognitive anthropologist with postmodern tendencies who grew up in the exciting Pittsburgh suburb of Pleasant Hills and had the distinct pleasure of earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from IUP. In 1993, Megan moved out West to get a Master’s Degree. She also picked up a husband and hasn’t quite convinced him to move back to Western PA. To maintain her authentic Pittsburgh accent she regularly watches Pittsburgh Dad and engages anyone wearing black and gold sports gear in conversation.

Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 15

THREE PENNIES

by Rev. Cindy Parker

Angels Among Us “I believe that there are angels among us, sent down to us from somewhere up above, they come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.”

The country group Alabama sings these words and they have been on my heart and in my mind lately as I prepare for a bible study on angels for the women at Redstone Highlands Senior Living Community in Murrysville.

Every Friday I drive from Latrobe to Murrysville to meet with a group of beautiful women, most of them are in their 80s and 90s and over the last four years we’ve shared and studied together from both the Old and New Testaments. Sometimes we laugh and sometimes we cry together and we are constantly amazed at the way God speaks to us through Scripture.

Last year while we were working our way through the Acts of the Apostles, we came across a few passages that mentioned angels—and we were intrigued! We had many discussions about angels–and each member brought her beliefs about angels to the table. Some believe in guardian angles, others believed that after we die we become angels. I knew from my years at seminary that the Greek word ‘angelos’ means messenger from God and I shared with them a few of my experiences with God’s messengers.

The first came when I was 10 years old. My mom, dad, sister and I flew down to Mexico for a tropical vacation. We began our trip in Mexico City, visited the pyramids of the Sun and the Moon in Teotihuacan and then went on to Acapulco. One evening we went out to eat at a restaurant that was right on the beach. While my parents lingered over their coffee, my sister and I begged to go out and play in the surf. They finally relented and 16 - October 2013

we ran out of the restaurant and on to the soft sand, failing to notice the sign stating there were dangerous riptides in that area. We weren’t in the water long before I got pulled under. Even though the water wasn’t deep, I couldn’t find my way out and I panicked, screaming for my sister to help–which resulted in a mouthful of salty water.

Wave after wave of water pounded over me as my nine-year-old sister watched helplessly. She didn’t want to leave me there by myself so she yelled for help. All of a sudden I was pulled out of the water by strong, brown arms. There was a native boy, maybe 17 or 18 years old with the most beautiful smile and white teeth.

I hugged him tightly and thanked him as he put me down safely on the beach.

I ran to my sister, who was crying by this time. She hugged me fiercely and told me she thought I was going to die. I told her I thought I was going

to drown and would have if it wasn’t for the boy who saved me. “What boy?” she asked. I turned around to point him out, confused that she hadn’t seen him, and there was no one there. The beach was empty, no one except the two of us–and no footprints in the sand other than our own. We walked back to the restaurant and never told my parents, afraid that we would get in trouble!

Fast forward to the year 2007. I had just quit my full-time job and enrolled at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary to study for a Masters in Divinity. If I went to school part time it would take 6 years to complete my degree! I decided to go full-time (which would only take three years) and I needed a job to support myself and my three girls. I answered an ad on the seminary’s bulletin board for a chaplain intern at Redstone Highlands. They had three campuses: in Greensburg, Murrysville and North

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Huntingdon. I would be responsible for visiting the residents and praying with them. After following the chaplain for two weeks I was on my own. I loved the visits! The people were so nice, and I’m sure that I was blessed so much more than the blessings I gave out.

After I had been there a few months, one of my favorite residents passed away. Her daughter came to me and said, “I have a crazy story to tell you, I don’t know if you’ll believe it, I hardly believe it myself!”

“Try me.” I answered back.

She proceeded to tell me about a conversation she had with her mother the night before she passed away.

“Cindy, she insisted my father had come to visit her! She said they visited, and ate dinner together, and the hours flew by! My father couldn’t have visited her–he passed away three years ago!”

I didn’t know what to say to this woman. So I nodded and said, “Perhaps the visit brought her peace.”

I think she could tell I didn’t really believe her story. We prayed together, and I lifted her family up in prayer. I thought about her and her story for a few weeks and then I forgot all about her.

Months later I was walking through the lobby when one of the staff members at Redstone stopped me. Her mother had passed away the week before and she was just returning back to work. “Do you have a minute?” she asked.

“Of course!” I answered and motioned to her to sit down in the over-stuffed chairs scattered around in the lobby. She told me that her mother said her brother (the woman’s uncle) had come to visit her.

He reassured her that all was well and that she would be well soon too. A few days later, her mother passed away.

“That’s absolutely impossible, Cindy! My uncle has been dead for over 10 years! Do you really think he could have visited her or do you think she imagined it?”

I was at a loss for words. What did I believe? Not knowing what to say, I turned the question around and asked her what she believed had Every Story Begins At Home.

happened. I could tell that she wanted the story to be true, but she simply said, “I don’t know what to believe!”

Too afraid that she would think I was crazy, I kept my mouth closed and prayed with her. It is easy to turn to God when you don’t what to say!

I served as the chaplain intern at Redstone Highlands for over five years, and I lost track of the number of times I heard that story or a version of it. I have come to believe that God does indeed send God’s messengers to us: “they come to you and me in our darkest hours to show us how to live, to teach us how to give, to guide us with the light of love.”

This is part one of a two part-or maybe three partseries on angels. In next month’s Laurel Mountain Post I plan to tell the story of how an angel visited me during one of my darkest hours. ***** Cindy Parker came to the United Church of Christ by way of the Presbyterian Church. A life-long Presbyterian, she jokes that she was “predestined to become UCC!” Currently called as the Pastor and Teacher of Christ Church UCC in Latrobe, PA and St. John’s UCC in Darlington; she, her husband Larry and three daughters enjoy traveling all over the world! Cindy also serves as a Spiritual Director for the Three Rivers Walk to Emmaus retreats and was part of the team that brought the Kairos Outside Ministry to Pennsylvania. Kairos (which means special time in Greek) is a prison ministry for women whose lives have been impacted by incarceration. Cindy completed her undergraduate studies at Penn State and her MDiv. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary along with a year-long internship at Family Hospice and Palliative Care. She enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and photographing her daughters.

October 2013 - 17

THE LIGONIER CHEF

by Scott Sinemus

The Best of Times, The Wurst of Times Even though it seems like summer never happened this year I still always look forward to fall. The cool days, colorful leaves and Fort Ligonier Days are always welcomed; I tell people that Fort Ligonier Days are better than Christmas because they last for more than one day. Aside from the excitement and mass of people making our little town feel like a city for a brief period of time; the food booths around the diamond keep our stomachs growling for the entire weekend. Thank heaven the food booths are up for a few days otherwise it would be impossible to try everything.

For the last few years the quesadillas have been the hands down favorite; but, we always support the local organizations. The Darlington Vol. Fire Department is a staple in front of the shop (Equine Chic): they’re a great group of guys that work non-stop selling their beef sandwiches. The hot sausage sandwiches are another perennial favorite. The smell of the onions and peppers cooking always seems to inspire me to make a batch of my own the following week. I do however miss the Sweet Adeline’s funnel cakes; they were supremely tender and flavorful. Not to mention no one ever minded standing in line while all the ladies sang songs as they were cooking; sometimes even the people in line would join in the song.

One of our favorite spots last year was the homemade sodas at the lower end of town that came in a kitschy huge metal mug that could be refilled all weekend for a reasonable price. A special thanks to Bridget and her golf cart shuttle helping to get them all back to the shop without spilling a drop.

My grandmother always made oodles of food for us to have here at home after the booths closed, while we were waiting for the candle light 18 - October 2013

tour to begin. We pray every year that the candle light tour gets reinstated; but are continually disappointed. It was magical to see the band of reenactors coming around the diamond at twilight, playing period music and inviting people to walk back to the fort with them for a tour by candle light.

Seeing the campfires and the barracks working like it did over 250 years ago is something you’ll never forget.

One of the reasons I always make my sausage the following week is because I like to use the home made sausages from the Parma Sausage Company in the Strip District. I always buy a few varieties of their fresh made sausages; usually the hot & mild Italian and garlic. I also like to caramelize my onions a bit more than most people do, and I don’t use any green peppers — just red, yellow and orange. The unripe green peppers tend to make me burp for hours after consuming. I also like to deglaze my pan with an ale or sometimes dry red wine, which is usually quite difficult to do in a festival setting.

Autumn Sausages • • • • • • • •

- ound sele tion o sausages large s eet onions sli ed o ea h red, ello and orange peppers–seeded, pith removed and sliced o an o ire roasted to atoes lo es o garli sli ed or i ro planed bottle o dar beer or ale or o of dry red wine ba lea and a bun h o resh thyme tied in a bundle all a ount o oil or ba on at or searing

** It is important to slice the peppers and onions on the thicker side so they don’t completely dissolve during simmering.

Begin by heating a large heavy bottomed skillet to medium high.

Add the sausages making sure to leave space between them so they will brown and not braise. Continue to turn until browned on all sides; transfer to crock pot.

If the fond is beginning to scorch, deglaze with liquid, scrape into crock pot, reheat the skillet, add more oil and repeat until all the sausages have been nicely browned.

Add the onions and garlic to the skillet and cook until they are caramelized; transfer to crock pot, deglaze and proceed to caramelize the peppers. Once the peppers are ready, deglaze with the can of tomatoes, scrape skillet clean, add the bay leaf and thyme to the mix in the crock pot.

Stir everything together until mixed well.

Then the most difficult part of this recipe . . . wait for three or more hours to enjoy!

If there happens to be any leftovers, I slice the sausages and mix the pepper and onion sauce with cheddar cheese and blanched Kluski noodles and bake it for one of the best casseroles a frosty Autumn evening could warrant. Bon Appetit!

If you can’t make it to the Strip to get the sausages they can be ordered online at www.parmasausage.com the street address is: Penn enue Pittsburgh, PA 15222 ***** 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.

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Pitt-Greensburg’s Written/Spoken Series to open October 1 GREENSBURG, PA – Pitt-Greensburg’s Written/Spoken Series will open on Tuesday, October 1, when fiction writer Ray Halliday reads from his newest work, “The Kid That Even the Dogs Didn’t Like” (Mammoth Books, 2013). The Written/Spoken Series will then feature Paola Corso, a widely published local writer, who will read from her collection of poetry on Tuesday, October 29. Both readings will be held in Fireside Lounge at 7 p.m.

“The Kid That Even the Dogs Didn’t Like,” is Halliday’s first collection of short fiction. His stories have been published in the “Quarterly,” “Story Quarterly,” and “Quarterly West.” An English professor and editor in San Francisco, he also is a songwriter and musician who has produced and acted in four short films called “The Existentialists.”

Paola Corso is a community activist and an award-winning author whose poems are set in her native Pittsburgh and are inspired by her immigrant family and their work in Pittsburgh’s steel mills. Her writing honors include a New York Foundation for the Arts Poetry Fellowship and the Sherwood Anderson Fiction Award. Corso’s new poetry books are “The Laundress Catches Her Breath,” winner of the 2012 Tillie Olsen Award in Creative Writing from the Working Class Studies Association, and “Once I was Told the Air was Not for Breathing” which includes poems about Pittsburgh steelworkers, garment workers in The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and in sweatshops today. She is poetry editor for The Thomas Merton Center for Peace and Social Justice and a mentor in Chatham University’s low-residency MFA Program in Creative Writing.

Pitt-Greensburg’s Written/Spoken Series is sponsored by the University’s writing program and is free and open to the public. Book signings and receptions follow all events. Books by both authors will be available for purchase following the readings, and a limited number of books are available in the campus book store. For additional information about Pitt-Greensburg’s Written/Spoken Series, contact Judith Vollmer, PhD, professor of English, at jvollmer@pitt.edu.

Every Story Begins At Home.

harin the ear histor of rai roa in in Li onier a e

e nes a t ru atur a a to

3032 Idlewild Hill, Ligonier PA www.lvrra.org 724-238-7819 – lvrra@verizon.net This advertisement sponsored by Bob Stutzman

Compass Inn Museum

Oct 25-27 Haunted Halloween Event

Evening storytelling and haunted tour of Compass Inn Museum.

(6:00-9:00 p.m. Fri & Sat; 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sun.)

Nov 2-24 Harvest Candlelight Tours Experience the harvest season in the 1800’s (Saturdays & Sundays only; 3:00-7:00 p.m.)

Nov 29– Dec 15 Christmas Candlelight Tour

The holiday season features wood fires and glow of 100 candles.

(Sat. and Sun. only; 3:00-7:00 p.m.)

1382 Route 30, Laughlintown, 3 miles east of Ligonier 724-238-4983 • www.compassinn.com Events sponsored by Ligonier Valley Historical Society This advertisement sponsored by Antiques On the Diamond in Ligonier

October 2013 - 19

The Latrobe Art Center, in partnership with the Latrobe Comunit e itali ation Progra ill hold its th annual Latrobe AutumnFest on Saturday, October 19, 2013. Autumn-Fest is a great time to bring the family downtown to visit local shops and restaurants, Latrobe Farmers’ Market vendors, and enjoy art, live music, and activities.

The Latrobe Farmers’ Market Vendor Booths will line Ligonier Street beginning at Adams Memorial Library up to Depot Street. Live music will be performed in the street outside of the Latrobe Art Center.

The Neighborhood Café, located inside of the Latrobe Art Center will be offering a selection of autumn themed treats, lattes, and smoothies.

Gabrielle Nastuck, Director of the Latrobe Art Center, stresses how significant this festival is to downtown Latrobe: “We launched this event four years ago with the hopes of bringing more people downtown. AutumnFest is a fabulous way to expose the community to what the downtown area has to offer. It also emphasizes the importance of shopping locally,” said Nastuck.

If you are not familiar with the local businesses downtown you must take some time to see what the city has to offer.

There are several shops and eateries downtown that play a vital role when it comes to bringing constant traffic in and out of the city. Some of these businesses are Dainty Pastry, Rose Style Shoppe, the Medicine Shoppe, Chicora, Scotty G’s Pizza,

20 - October 2013

the Holiday Home Store, the Latrobe Art Center, the Neighborhood Café, the Hope Center, and Gene and Boots Candy.

Dainty Pastry is one tasty treat! This downtown bakery offers a variety of sweet treats, including cupcakes, cookies, custom cakes, and more. Stop in to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Rose Style Shoppe, is a cute little shop for the perfect gift for any occasion. Ronda Goetz, owner of Rose Style Shoppe, offers clothes, accessories, cute gift items, and much more.

The Medicine Shoppe is so much more than your local pharmacy, with a cute variety of gifts, cards, and accessories.

Chicora, is a cute little boutique where you can find unique gifts for any occasion. You could find reasons to endlessly browse the selection that Chicora has to offer.

Scotty G’s Pizza is a great way to satisfy your craving for some Italian food. Pick up, delivery, or dine in.

The Holiday Home Store is located on Spring Street.

Choose your perfect Christmas ornament early this year or buy the perfect addition to your friends Christmas décor.

The Latrobe Art Center is a community art center that sells artwork, jewelry, pottery, and more. The center offers classes for all ages in which they express their creativity through various mediums. Join them Tuesday evenings from 6PM-9PM as the LAC hosts Open Mic Night; where the community gathers together to enjoy a night full of local musical talent.

The Neighborhood Café, located inside of the Latrobe Art Center, offers delectable cuisine for any mealtime. The staff prepares the food so that it is made fresh each day. The Café can accommodate parties and meetings with advanced notice along with providing pick-up and delivery options to customers. Free WiFi is also available for the individual looking to find a quiet place to work. Stop in and enjoy their gourmet coffee, pastries, and menu options.

The Hope Center is a faith-based non-profit Human Services Organization, that is committed to healing the hearts of those that are broken. This is done through biblical counseling and freedom in Christ Jesus.

Gene and Boots Candy store is the place to shop for some of the sweetest treats. This is a great shop to stop in and buy yourself a snack or get some-thing sweet for a friend.

Also, Adams Memorial Library and Christ the Divine Teacher partner with the city to help put on this annual event., playing a vital role when throwing a successful festival.

Join us on October 19 to support the downtown area and all of the businesses that keep it alive!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Brews & Blues in the Valley Coming October 19 One-day beer festival at Peoples Natural Gas Park to feature more than 20 breweries and four bands (JOHNSTOWN, Pa.) – Brews & Blues in the Valley is coming to Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown, just in time for Oktoberfest. The one-day festival is presented by Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA), Froggy 95, and Rocky 99 and sponsored by Sporting Goods Discounters of Richland and 5 Star Suzuki of Altoona.

Ticketholders will receive 20 samples of craft and microbrews, choosing from the products of more than 20 breweries.

“We have been looking at ways to work with the fine folks of JAHA to promote and use the new Peoples Natural Gas Park and we thought this would be a nice feature during the fall months,” said Terry Deitz, Vice-President of Forever Broadcasting. “The local foliage will be at its peak and we should enjoy some nice fall weather which will allow for a great afternoon of fun, music, food and some of the best beers from brewers from around the country. We would truly like to make this an annual event at the park.”

Entertainment includes Flood City Brass, The Jukehouse Bombers, Ben Dumm featuring Southside Jerry, and The Tony Janflone Jr. Band.

“Peoples Natural Gas Park was developed by JAHA to serve as a home for existing events, and also to serve as a catalyst for new events like this one,” said Todd Wagner, chairman of the AmeriServ Flood City Music Festival.

“We’re delighted to be working with Forever Broadcasting to create a new festival here in Johnstown.”

Breweries to be featured include: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

n hor ngr r hard t ater Blue Moon Boulder Cra t Bre llian e l ing og ish ran is aner ull ail oose sland reat a es Penn Bre er edhoo ogue a uel da s hiner

Every Story Begins At Home.

• • •

outhern ier aten id er Bros

General admission tickets are $25 plus fees when purchased in advance ($30 plus fees on the day of the event). A $15 designated driver ticket is available for those who wish to come to the festival to enjoy the music and atmosphere, but do not intend to drink. All attendees, including designated drivers, must be over 21, and will be required to show ID at the gate.

Tickets may be purchased online at floodcitymusic.com or myfroggy95.com.

In addition, ticket vouchers may be purchased in person at the following locations: • Habits Beer and Tobacco - Franklin Street, Johnstown Fine Wines and Winemaking • Stockholm Avenue, Windber • Heritage Discovery Center – Broad Street, Johnstown • Press Bistro - Franklin Street, Johnstown Stahl’s Jewelry - North Center • Avenue, Somerset Forest Hills Pharmacy - Locust Street, · St. Michael • Windgate Winery - Indiana Mall, Indiana C&J Falchini - West High Street, • Ebensburg • Charlson’s Furniture - Crawford Avenue, Northern Cambria The festival will be held rain or shine, and the schedule is as follows: • oon gates o en • lood Cit Brass • beer sa ling begins • Ben u with Southside Jerry • u ehouse Bo bers • on an lone r Band • beer tasting on ludes • esti al on ludes More about the bands: Tony Janflone Jr. knew what he wanted to do with his life from age 13 — be a guitarist. He had been playing since the age of 9 and having been influenced from his earliest days by his father, also a guitarist. He’s one of Pittsburgh’s most sought-after performers and session

musicians, and plays virtually every night in venues across western Pennsylvania. Tony’s performing credits include opening for or performing with B.B.King, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Joe Bonamassa, Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Steely Dan, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana,Ted Nugent, Jimmy Thackery, and Peabo Bryson.

Jukehouse Bombers – Based in Indiana, Pa., the four-piece Jukehouse Bombers specialize in barrelhouse blues, soul, and classic rock. As Jim Price put it, “The Jukehouse Bombers’ dazzling instrumental chops, hearty vocals, and rowdy presentation dash the misconception that blues is depressing music.”

Ben Dumm featuring Southside Jerry – Like most performers, Ben Dumm began playing with garage bands in high school and is well-known locally for his bands The Marauders and Ben Dumm & the Deviants. Throughout the years he has shared the stage with a variety of musicians, from legendary punk bands like The Misfits and Agent Orange to highly respected musicians including Deke Dickerson and Los Straitjackets. Jerry Mellix, aka Southside Jerry, has been entertaining audiences with his unique musical sound and style in and around Pittsburgh since the mid60s. By 1979, Jerry was playing saxophone in back-up bands for various artists performing in Pittsburgh such as Lee Dorsey, The Temptations, The O’Jays, The Coasters and many more.

Jerry’s incomparable sax and vocal style has been heard everywhere from Trump’s Plaza in Atlantic City tto the French Quarter blues bars of New Orleans to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

Flood City Brass – Formed in 2002, Flood City Brass is one of the area’s most popular groups and plays frequently at festivals and other events.

This nine-piece band from Johnstown features male and female lead vocalists, keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, trumpet, sax, and trombone, and will come out with their bluesiest set for this event!

A variety of food vendors from the local area will offer “Oktoberfest” style food at the event. Limited vendor space is still available — anyone interested in obtaining vendor space should call Tina Perr o ore er Broad asting at October 2013 - 21

Showcase Your Listings for Westmoreland County House Hunters Our readers tell us the same thing all the time – they read the Laurel Mountain Post cover-to-cover . . . even the ads! The Laurel Mountain Post has become the unofficial guidebook to Westmoreland County and the surrounding region, providing a slice of life narrative about our people, places and things.

With our monthly distribution of 10,000 copies (expanding to 15,000 in 2014), your listings will reach more viewers than ever before.

We have added this special Westmoreland County Guide to Homes to the Laurel Mountain Post. Whether in the market for a new home or just curious about neighborhood houses, expanded monthly

audiences will look to the Laurel Mountain Post as THE source for listings, feature stories about historic or unique homes, and articles that capture resident as well as visitor interests.

Our commitment to quality, local journalism extends to our advertisers as well as readers. The Laurel Mountain Post believes in the strength of “Main Street” communities and strives to provide affordable, quality marketing resources for businesses, large and small: •

le ible ontra ts, allo ing ou to change ad sizes monthly • Pri es ranging ro to • ree la out and design ser i es

• ree olor or e er ad • Ea h ad ur hased s onsors a EE 1/8 ad for the nonprofit of your choice If you are interested in taking advantage of this new advertising opportunity in the community, please contact us by phone (724-537-6845) or send email to editor@laurelmountainpost.com.

Additional information, including demographics, is also now available at: website, www.LaurelMountainPost.com.

Thank you for taking the time to consider the Laurel Mountain Post in your marketing plans for the remainder of the year or beginning in 2014. Your advertising support keeps us in print!

INFORMATION FOR LIFE

by Michael Vernon

Clean It – Sell It When trying to get a house from the listing category to the sold status there are usually some blatantly obvious tips to pay attention to. I’m not talking about having a borrower overhaul landscaping or paint walls or even replace ugly old wallpaper. Yes those are always good ideas and your customers will sometimes listen to you, the trained professional, and tackle these minor projects prior to the first showing.

What I am talking about is even more basic than that and these upgrades require zero dollars out of your client’s pocket. I’m talking about getting the house cleaned from top to bottom.

Nobody wants to be told that they live in a dirty house. However, suggesting to your client that if they pay some extra attention to these details that their house may sell more efficiently, then your job becomes easier as well. First and foremost is if a borrower has a pet.

Millions of people suffer from pet allergies and Fluffy’s cat hair can kill a sale almost as fast as Rovers droppings in the back yard. Get the carpets and furniture thoroughly cleaned and if you have heavy drapes that keep light out and pet dander in that is no good. Have

22 - October 2013

your client hire a dog walker if you have to but get the pets out of the house when showing the property.

Make sure the client has exhausted all of their supply of elbow grease before showing the property to even one prospect. Scrub showers and sinks and a good dose of bleach in a stationary tub can go a long way toward removing years’ worth of stains. Get those hardwood floors shining and make sure all cobwebs are vacuumed out of the nooks and crannies. Thin out the contents of closets and have your prospect leaving a room remembering how spacious a closet is as opposed to how much junk the seller has accumulated. And make sure they don’t forget the windows.

Common sense dictates that a prospect leaving a sparkling house will think that the house is well maintained in other areas that cannot be spruced up with some elbow grease.

Every little bit of positive energy helps as you are well aware. I’m sure there are many other items I am forgetting and I would love to hear what other cleaning tricks you employ. Please feel free to contact me at my office whenever you like: www.vernon-realty.com, 724-238-0443.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Misty Hegan

Prudential Preferred Realty • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 15658

Of 4.238.7 600 • Cell: 72 4.9 72.8 41 8 Offfice: 72 724.238.7 4.238.7600 724.9 4.972.8 72.84 mistyhegan@prudentialpreferred.com

485 Laurel Summit – Just reduced! $133,000 • Rustic mountain living • 3 finished floors • 3br/2ba • wrap deck

• convenient to Ligonier, Somerset, Resorts

• LL set up as guest suite/studio complete with kit, lr, br, ba and separate entrance

• Outdoor adventure out your front door!

348 Rt 271, Ligonier – $75,000 • • • • •

EXTRA LARGE HOME!!

5br/2ba/2 kit/double lot Great fenced yard with fruit trees and perennials Garage with walkup storage Needs TLC, nice investment property

Calling All Seller s! Are Y ou R eady tto o Mo Sellers!

You Ready Movve??

If you've been on the fence about listing your home, now is the time. With interest rates slowly creeping up, buyers are on the move.

Ask any agent; we have buyers, we need listings to sell! Now is the time!

4.238.7 600 • Cell: 72 4.9 72.8 418 Call today for a no-cost market analysis on your home and LIST IT! Of Offfice: 72 724.238.7 4.238.7600 724.9 4.972.8 72.84

Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 23

Any Property.

Any place.

Ve r n o n Rea l ty Ser v i c es

Phone: (724) 238-0443 www.vernon-realty.com 305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658 Michael J. Vernon, Broker / Owner

mike@vernon-realty.com • Cell: (724) 331-6858

Ligonier Twp – MLS 964714

Rector

– MLS 964271

Greensburg

– MLS 963695

This sprawling estate boost oversized rooms, hard wood floors, crown moulding, elegant formal living and dining rooms. A beautiful open kitchen with stainless appliances. Lovely breakfast area with a fireplace! Oversized integral 2 car garage and detached 4 car garage. Just bring your tool's or toy's. Great cul-de-sac location.

Absolutely Charming Gentlemen's Horse Farm! This spacious three bed room multi-level brick colonial home is in the quiet neighborhood of Rector but has access to all major highways. Come and see the soon to be finished lower pasture or design it for yourself. You will be amazed with the size of this home.

Great ranch home with newer kitchen, interior doors and trim, bath and a covered side porch. The Fenced rear yard is great for kids or pets. This home qualifies for 100% financing.

Bolivar – MLS 964032 - Large building could have two store fronts or one large main floor. Could live on the second floor with a 3 bedroom, Living Room, Dining Room and Kitchen or rental income.

Currently rented $350.00 per month. Options: Church, Funeral Home, Day Care, Doctor's Office, Dental Office, Hair Salon, Tanning Salon, Dog Grooming, Store Front, Retail and more.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 964728

Ligonier Boro – MLS # 981422

This senior community 65+ plan is active, Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Included in maintenance fee is taxes, ground keeping, snow removal, maintenance of building, maintenance of appliances and have full use of the Bethlen Home’s amenities. Only 5 Units left and fully accessible.

This home has three bedrooms and a master bedroom and bath on the main floor. This home will not last long at $109,900.

Sold Ligonier Twp – MLS 970976

This stunning all brick home boasts oversized room's on a great double lot. Located on a private street, in Ligonier East just 6 miles from the diamond. Great home for sitting around the outdoor fire pit or hanging out on the back porch. This home has been priced to sell.

Sold Ligonier Twp – MLS 971851

Sold in 1 day so call today for me to list and sell your home.

24 - October 2013

Ligonier Boro – MLS 975560

Beautiful home on a corner lot in the borough. Large rooms with a finished attic and basement. Great home for a large family of it could be a great B & B as the property is zoned Village Residential

New Agent

Great business opportunity

this 9 building village nested on almost three acres has many possibilities. The thriving business "The Mountain Shoppe" Gift Shop and Rustic Furniture is located on RTE 711 in Jones Mills. This location boasts over 3500 average vehicle traffic per day. With 338 foot frontage and traffic heading to Seven Springs year round resort and other great local attractions. Owner willing to sell inventory for cost, consider staying on as to transition to new ownership.

Scan here to check out our aerial virtual tour.

Rebecca L. Ridinger Realtor®

Phone: (724) 238-0443 Cell: (724) 771-5335 rebecca@vernon-realty.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

HOMESTUDY

by Brian Mishler

Green Building – What’s It Mean?

As old man winter approaches our thoughts often turn to keeping warm, as the masses rush to the hardware stores to get their plastic window wrap, weather-stripping, caulking, space heaters and the plethora of other items available to keep us comfy.

There has been a lot of talk about “green” building; reducing our “carbon footprint” and other buzz words from the talking heads on T.V. If you’re anything like me, it gets tuned out the same as news about the Kardashians – “seriously, someone cares about this? I have more important things to deal with.”

Yet it should matter to us; it’s a rather complicated issue, and not well adapted to the 30-second sound bite.

In short, “green” building is all about controlling movement; the movement of air and heat. Building science over the past few decades has taught us that we simply don’t want to throw insulation into open gaps; we need to properly insulate, and as importantly seal our homes from unwanted air entrance and exit. However, equally important is exhausting unwanted air (the exhaust from the furnace, the smoke from the kitchen (oops!), and the moist air from the bathroom, etc.). Instead of looking at each appliance and component individually, we are now looking at how they interact with each other, and how they can complement or aggravate one another. For instance, we’ve learned that leaky ductwork in the basement can affect comfort throughout the house, and create indoor air quality issues, odors, allergens, etc.

You may have heard the term “energy audit,” but thanks to our friends at the I.R.S., anything “audit” can strike fear into the hearts of even the most resolute people. However, an energy audit is more ideally referenced as a map or guide of sorts.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Briefly, an energy audit goes something like this: When you schedule the audit they should ask you a series of questions pertaining to your home and living environment; the size, age and type of home, how many occupants, their ages, work, school, cooking habits, etc.

Upon arrival at your home the auditor will ask some additional questions, more specific to the home; hot and cold spots, the most popular room, and other such things. These questions are asked because no two households are the same, and the demands we place on them are different; a family with school age children will occupy their home differently than a retired couple who may or may not babysit occasionally.

The auditor, will measure and do an inspection of the house to look for obvious (broken windows) and not so obvious (gaps, cracks, etc.) air and heat leakage points. The average home has approximately 2000 feet of gaps and cracks; roughly the equivalent of leaving a window open year round! The auditor will also test all of your non-electric appliances to make sure they are operating safely.

Next the auditor will conduct a “blower door” test. If you Google “blower door test,” there are several videos to see how it’s done, but essentially what they do is open an exterior door, and install a fabric covered frame that has a big fan, into the door opening. They then turn the fan on and depressurize the home, and will provide you with a number that tells you how much heated air is leaking out of the house.

From this number and the results of the inspection the auditor will be able to consult you on the most cost effective way to make improvements based on your budget and give you a “roadmap” for future renovations.

For instance, if you have a small

budget the auditor may suggest additional insulation and or air sealing (or depending on your inspection results, perhaps a more energy efficient furnace or some new windows are needed). But the point is; this report and plan will be specific to you and your home; this is not some generic stuff, more insulation or put plastic wrap on the windows type of repair.

An average energy audit takes about 4 hours depending on the size and age of the home, and costs $450 - $500+, also dependent on age and size, which is a bargain; get one now before prices rise! When selecting an auditor, make sure they are BPI (Building Performance Institute) and/ or RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) certified, and that they have experience. You can find local auditors at www.deawp.org.

Many of us put this kind of thing off, because it’s an improvement that can’t been seen or touched. But, it can be felt; your home will be more comfortable, and should be a healthier place to live. Plus, if each of us saves just a little energy we as a nation can greatly reduce the strain on our aging energy infrastructure. ***** Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., and a 20 year veteran home inspector. He began performing home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convinced him that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president of the Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors (PRO-ASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with prerenovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate related classes, and has mentored other seeking to become home inspectors. He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half Carol, their Boston terrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students.

When spare time is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hiking in the area. He can be reached at brian@homestudyinc.com.

October 2013 - 25

Ligonier Valley Real Estate Co. ®

610 WEST MAIN STREET LIGONIER, PA 15658

(724) 238-6606

MON thru FRI: 9:00 - 5:00 SAT: 10:00 - 2:00 PM SUNDAY BYAPPOINTMENT

FAX: 724-238-9507 PHONE ANSWERS EVENINGS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.ligoniervalleyrealestate.com

LVRE@ligoniervalleyrealestate.com

E-Mail:

PLEASE CALL ONE OF OUR PROFESSIONALS TODAY FOR ALLYOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS: William A. Formato, Broker – 724-244-2462 Frances M. McCaffrey, Agent & Owner – 724-244-2480 Barry Harr, Agent – 724-953-2701 Jay McCaffrey, Agent – 724-961-9658 Peter McKay, Agent – 724-454-4259 R. Van Grootenbruel, Agent – 412-554-0394 Brea Bernardi, Agent – 724-420-0980 Lauren Touhalisky, Agent – 724-708-4419

Visit our new website: www.ligoniervalleyrealestate.com LVRE@ligoniervalleyrealestate.com

SHANNON RD., LIGONIER TOWNSHIP #970083 -FRONTAGE ON FOUR MILE STREAM! A breathtaking multi-level home with cathedral ceilings and decking in a quiet setting. Surrounded by nature, its a vacation home and great for entertaining. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, 2 fireplaces, gorgeous inside endless pool, Call WILL or BARRY.$450,000.

LAUREL DRIVE, VALLEY HEIGHTS #974468 -SCENIC VIEWS! Wonderful location near town! Two step, all brick ranch home on 3 well maintained landscaped lots in a fantastic setting.This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home is custom built with many amenties.

Family room w/fp., beautiful kitchen w/breakfast room,screened porch & private deck. Call FRAN. $429,000.

BOSWELL ROAD - ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP #969849 - GREAT SETTING! Well maintained, 3 bedroom, 2 bath split entry home with beautiful landscaping. Also includes a 2 bedroom in-law suite with living room, kitchen and full bath. A nice home. Call BARRY. $149,900.

N. GRAHAM STREET - LIGONIER BOROUGH #980095 - NEW LISTING! Just Blocks From The Diamond!! Freshly painted raised ranch with newer stainless steel appliances. 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home with public utilities, 2 car integral garage and some updates. Ideal weekender or full time home. Call JAY. $134,000.00

SECOND STREET - LIGONIER TOWNSHIP #969954 - NEAR TOWN! 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath brick 2 story colonial home on a corner lot in good condition.

Large screened porch off the modern equipped kitchen & 1st. floor powder room. Full basement, 1 car integral garage & 2 car detached garage. A good buy! Call FRAN. $145,000

306 E. CHURCH ST. - LIGONIER BOROUGH #980034 - NEW LISTING! - BEAUTIFUL & READY! 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath two story Colonial home on a large, level lot with a 4 car detached garage. Large rooms throughout, large first floor den w/gas fireplace. Full basement, some upgrades include: newer roof, furnace and a/c. A nice home!

Call JAY. $182,500.

OLD LINCOLN HIGHWAY EAST LIGONIER TOWNSHIP #947765 - MINUTES FROM TOWN. 2 story brick colonial, low maintenance home in a good location. Nice-sized 3 bedrooms, well maintained with many updates that include roof, windows, furnace & hot water tank. Additional acreage available. Call VAN. $137,500.

CHARLESTON ROAD - CLIFFORD ESTATES #980450 - NEW LISTING! A wooded acre surround this 4 bedroom, 3 bath brick ranch in a great location in a quiet cul-de-sac. First floor family with brick fireplace, private deck, full basement with gameroom, den, large workshop, 1 car integral garage and one car carport. Call FRAN. $189,000.00.

NORTHVIEW HEIGHTS - ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP #968605 - NEW LISTING! A BEAUTIFUL HOME! 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath brick ranch home on a large, landscaped lot in a quiet setting. Nice floor plan, patio off kitchen, open & bright. Huge lower level with large in-law apartment. 2 car detached garage, outbuilding with covered patio & shed, priced to sell! Ask for FRAN. $182,500.

TROUT AVENUE - LIGONIER TOWNSHIP #967939 - PRICE REDUCED! STREAM FRONTAGE! Fish from your back deck & enjoy the serenity that this home brings. 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick & frame home. Living room with fireplace, updated kitchen & 2 car detached garage. Perfect for full time or weekend retreat. Ask for FRAN. $139,900.

26 - October 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Westmoreland Conservation District Presents Awards & Dedicates Building Greensburg, PA – On September 12, the Westmoreland Conservation District presented two awards for outstanding conservation service and renamed its 1880s-era barn building headquarters posthumously in honor of its long-time chairman, J. Roy Houston.

Receiving awards are: • elen Cle enger, and i and Mary Duncan – Farmer of the Year • a obs Cree atershed ssociation – J. Roy Houston Conservation Partnership Award sponsored by Peoples Natural Gas Two generations — Helen Clevenger, and Rick and Mary Duncan — are being recognized as the Westmoreland Conservation District’s 2013 Conservation Farmer of the Year for the many conservation measures they have installed on their 180-acre Derry Township beef farm. One of the most dramatic is a large, roofed heavy-use area, which provides a place for the herd to stay in inclement weather, and a dry-stack manurestorage area. Both features significantly reduce erosion of the pastures (sediment) and the amount of animal contaminates (nutrients) that wash into the stream on the property, which is a tributary of Stony Run. Clevenger and the Duncans also installed a spring development with water troughs, an access road for people and equipment, an animal walkway for the cows, a large diversion ditch, a stream buffer, and gutters and downspouts with subsurface drainage to several existing buildings.

The Stony Run Watershed has been identified as an area for focused conservation efforts because its waterways have one of the highest levels of sediment and nutrient pollution in Westmoreland County.

The Jacobs Creek Watershed Association, recipient of the J. Roy Houston Conservation Partnership Award, is being recognized for its Every Story Begins At Home.

decades of important conservation work, including helping to realize one of the most significant conservation improvements in Westmoreland County, the Jacobs Creek Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Pro-

(l-r) Mary Duncan, Helen Clevenger, Rick Duncan 2013 Farmer of the Year

ject. This project, which includes Acme Dam, Bridgeport Dam, Greenlick Dam, and the Scottdale Channel, has been protecting area residents and businesses from flooding and providing recreation opportunities since the 1970s. It is one of only a few such projects in the entire U.S. that addresses an entire watershed.

More recently, Jacobs Creek Watershed Association became one of only a few such organizations that has completed a Watershed Implementation Plan and been identified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources as a priority watershed. This designation opened the door for the organization to receive grant money, which was used to fund a number of water-quality improvements in Laurelville, Scottdale, Mount Pleasant, Acme, and other communities throughout the 98 square miles that it covers.

The J. Roy Houston Conservation Center will be the official new name of the 1880s-era barn on Donohoe Road in Hempfield Township where the Westmoreland Conservation District has its offices and

holds many of its conservationeducation events.

Houston was the guiding force of the District for 40 years; a level of service unparalleled in the organization’s 64-year history.

Roy was an employee of Peoples Natural Gas Company in 1968 when the company encouraged its workers to volunteer with area organizations. He became a member of the District’s board that year, and was elected chairman of the board in 1970. He held that volunteer post until November 2010 when he passed away at age 82.

The District’s barn headquarters originally was an animal and grain barn on a working farm in Penn Township, Westmoreland County. After nearly 120 years of agricultural service, the barn was no longer being used and, in fact, was in the direct path of a planned housing development when the District rescued it, moved it to its present location along Donohoe Road in Hempfield Township, retrofitted it with practical, green materials, and gave it a new use as a conservation headquarters/education center.

The J. Roy Houston Conservation Partnership Award is sponsored by Peoples Natural Gas Company. Also supporting the 2013 awards presentation, building dedication, and reception are: Adam Eidemiller Inc.; Bove Engineering Company; KAG Engineering Incorporated; Lee Simpson Associates, Inc.; Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering, Inc.; Ligonier Construction Company; The Markosky Engineering Group Inc; R.A. Smith National Inc.; Tri-County Engineering, LLC.; and the Westmoreland County Parks Citizens Advisory Board. ***** The Westmoreland Conservation District was established in 1949, when local farmers, seeking help to conserve their soil and water resources, approached the County Commissioners. As the county has grown and changed in the 64 years since then, the District has responded with new programs to help ensure minimal negative impact on all aspects of the county’s natural wealth – its soils, forests, streams, and open space – as well as its valuable, productive farmland. In addition to its science-based efforts, the District serves as a clearinghouse for conservation information. The District is located in a restored 1880s-era barn now located at 218 Donohoe Road, Greensburg. It maintains a website at www.wcdpa.com.

October 2013 - 27

Obstructive Sleep Apnea & Weight Loss

by Hayley Chemski, When discussing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), many instances of this diagnosis in relation to weight loss mimic the “chicken or the egg” scenario. If you’re unable to sleep well because of an issue with OSA, how will you have the energy to be active?

However, if you are not active, how will you decrease your risk of weightrelated OSA? Disclaimer: different types of obstructive sleep apnea exist. The following article relates to OSA as a result of excessive, weight-related nasal and oropharyngeal soft tissue.

One type of OSA occurs due to weight related increases in excessive and “floppy” soft tissue in the upper airway. When one relaxes for rest periods, airway tissue collapses and occludes the airway. As a Nurse Anesthetist, many of my days are spent “opening the airway” because of this sleep related phenomenon during anesthetic care. OSA is characterized by repetitive pauses in breathing during sleep, despite the effort to breathe, and is usually associated with a momentary reduction in blood oxygen content. Apnea, meaning “without breath”, then creates an awakening as the body’s protective mechanism. These periods of apnea can last as long as 20 to 40 seconds! You are then lifted from a deep “REM” sleep cycle and your rest is compromised. Most times snoring is associated with OSA and can be a warning sign of a bigger issue. Research regarding sleep apnea has now proven that OSA creates changes in areas of the brain which may result in irreversible problems in the nonverbal manipulation of thoughts in your mind, and also in working memory!

What can be scary is that despite ongoing periods of apnea, you may be unaware of the breathing disorder; however, loved ones may notice the issue during naps, or you may notice 28 - October 2013

MSN, CRNA and Certified Fitness Trainer

an ongoing feeling of fatigue and sleepiness. Some sufferers realize over time that they are “going through the motions” at work, or forgetting parts of the day due to overwhelming tiredness!

Common signs of OSA include unexplained daytime sleepiness, restless sleep, and loud snoring (with subsequent patterns of large gasps for air). Less common symptoms are morning headaches; insomnia; trouble

concentrating; mood changes such as irritability, anxiety and depression; forgetfulness; increased heart rate and/ or blood pressure; decreased sex drive; unexplained weight gain; increased urination and/or nocturia; frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease; and heavy night sweats.

In anesthesia practice, and also at our fitness center, I frequently hear clients mention “having to get up at night to pee,” when in fact, this nighttime need to get out of bed is a confused signal of awakening by obstructive sleep apnea patterns! Morever, the increase in flight or fight response (adrenaline release) in the body due to the periods of apnea creates excess stress hormones (cortisol) and retained fat storage over time.

Diagnosis of sleep apnea generally begins with a visit to your primary care physician and a referral to a “sleep center” for appropriate testing. Polysomnography is a diagnostic tool for OSA that characterizes pauses in breathing; a patient wears a heart rate and/or oxygen monitor to analyze periods of apnea and restlessness throughout the night. This testing can be done in a sleep center, or even at home depending upon the specialists involved.

Once diagnosed you may find several immediate treatments.

Sleeping on one’s side can help prevent airway tissue from collapsing.

Using a personalized air machine could also help with OSA (such as a CPAP/BiPAP machine). Different drugs can assist in stimulating the nervous system to drive breathing.

Several operations have been utilized for ongoing sleep apnea despite treatment (uvulopharyngeoplasty), where nasal and oral tissue are removed to allow for proper air movement. Finally, I suggest that weight loss may also assist in the treatment of diagnosed OSA. In 2009, researchers in Sweden illustrated that overweight and obese men who lost weight on a calorie restricted diet over nine weeks had, on average, 21 less apnea episodes per hour, with an overall reduction of 58% in their sleep apnea symptoms. In their published follow-up in 2011, the researchers reported that the improvements were largely maintained over the next year, even though some patients regained some of the weight they had initially lost.

Looking further, in a study involving more than 250 patients, published in 2009, Gary Foster, PhD, and colleagues showed that weight loss with moderate calorie restriction improved sleep apnea symptoms in obese patients with type 2 diabetes (remember Type 2 Diabetes from last LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

month’s article in the Laurel Mountain Post?). Patients in the study lost an average of 24 pounds over the course of a year by eating 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day. They were three times less likely to experience a remission in sleep apnea symptoms as patients who did not diet. Moreover, Ear Nose and Throat specialists have stated that a reduction in 10% of body weight can markedly reduce signs and symptoms of sleep apnea!

Weight loss is certainly not simple.

Adequate nutrition coupled with appropriate exercise can help reduce issues with sleep apnea. Proper awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of the underlying causes of sleep apnea can lead to a healthier well-being.

Consult your physician today to get started understanding sleep apnea, and how it affects you.

Ligonier Valley Writers Announces Winners of Ninth Annual Flash Fiction Contest Once again, the Ligonier Valley Writers' Flash Fiction Contest was infused with international flavor. We received entries from as far away as France—not to mention entries from coast to coast of the United States and from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, An overwhelming majority of the entries were from writers who have participated in previous Flash Fiction Contests, including half of the winning entries. In fact, for the first time, we have a repeat firstprize winner.

Competition was intense, and the judging was difficult because we received so many well-written entries with such diverse takes on the subjects of cats, bats, and rats. The judges have judged, the points have been totaled, and now we are pleased to announce the winners!

FIRST PLACE: " 'Ratical' Image Makeover," by Jim Busch of White Oak, PA SECOND PLACE: "The Bat," by Ron Murphy of Indiana, PA THIRD PLACE: "Mrs. Welford's Candy," by Ceil Kessler of Greensburg, PA HONORABLE MENTIONS:

At Building Bodeez Fitness and Wellness Center, our professionals understand the need to maintain a proper body mass, especially in the event of a diagnosis in sleep apnea. Visit us online at www.buildingbodeez.net to find out how we can help. ***** Hayley is a Certified Fitness Trainer and the coowner of Building Bodeez Fitness Center, located at 154 Pandora Rd in Derry, PA, as well as a fulltime Nurse Anesthetist with the University of Pittsburgh Physicians, currently based at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Fox Chapel, PA. Hayley offers a wealth of fitness and health knowledge, serving as the Group Fitness Coordinator and Wellness Programs Director at Building Bodeez.

She has developed several programs at Building Bodeez including initiation of the first ZUMBA classes in the area, as well as AerobaDANCE and Yogilates (her unique creations), and the wildly successful Building Better Bodeez weight loss intensive program.

She has also been a nurse for eight years, and obtained her Masters Degree in Nursing Anesthesia in 2008. Hayley has been recognized by the Westmoreland County YWCA as Sportswoman of the Year (2010) for her dedication to women’s’ health, as well as philanthropic work through Building Bodeez. She also recently won the prestigious 2012 Westmoreland County Winners’ Circle Award sponsored by the YWCA for exhibiting early professional success as well as the potential to obtain marked achievement. Hayley recognizes the marriage of fitness with healthy living and disease risk prevention, and offers suggestions for holistic wellbeing through her blog at Laurel MountainPost.

Every Story Begins At Home.

"Something Old, Something New," by Jan Kinney of Altoona, PA "Lizzie's Blue Ribbon Borscht" by Georgia A. Hubley of Henderson,NV "Pink Revenge," by Candace Kubinec of Greensburg, PA You are cordially invited to attend a reading of the winning entries at Ligonier Beach Restaurant & Lounge on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Some of the winning authors will be present to read their winning entries. The other stories will be read by experienced performers.

We'll have a social hour starting at noon, readings of the winning stories from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and a chance to chat with the authors from 2:00 to 3:00. Ligonier Beach is at 1752 Route 30 on the east end of Ligonier. The event is free and open to the public. Keep an eye on Ligonier Valley Writers’ website, www.lvwonline.org, where the six winning entries will be published soon.

Up Next for Ligonier Valley Writers: • n tober , arti i ates in the est oreland a o i ing Donate anywhere from $25 to $1,000 at www.westmorelandgives.org.

• n o e ber , ill resent a or sho on ho to enhan e our creativity, taught by award-winning poet Judith Vollmer. That's at Ligonier Valley Library from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Ligonier Valley Writers has been serving writers and readers throughout western Pennsylvania since 1986. For more about LVW events, publications, and writing contests, visit www.LVWonline.org.

October 2013 - 29

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

Want to Shed the Fat with Exercise?

Start with Weight Training, NOT Cardio In my previous article I touched on the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss” and the importance of incorporating as much muscle and body parts as possible when you exercise for fat loss. In this article I want to explain why and how weight training trumps cardiovascular (cardio) training when it comes to shedding those unwanted pounds and inches with exercise.

First and foremost as it is always worth repeating, exercise is second to nutrition, particularly in terms of managing ones caloric formula when it comes to dropping unwanted fat.

With that said, in order to comprehend the varying levels of effectiveness with exercise when it comes to fat loss, it is important to understand how body fat is utilized—”burned” for fuel. The only place body fat is utilized for fuel (burned) is in the muscle cell (mitochondria to be exact) in the presence of oxygen.

Therefore the more muscle one has and more the muscle is challenged, the better we are to burn fat.

To illustrate this point of science we like to use the following analogy: Imagine you are going to have a cookout and you plan to use a charcoal grill. Now is this charcoal useful if it hasn’t been lit? No. The only way you can have the cookout on the charcoal grill is by making sure you have a match to light the charcoal to generate a flame, which in turn will provide the heat to cook your food.

What else is paramount for any fire to exist? Oxygen. Think about

30 - October 2013

forest fires. What is the biggest fear of fire fighters while battling a forest fire?

Wind.

Any added oxygen to an existing fire; such as with wind only will make the fire more intense and burn even more forest area.

To continue with this analogy, if charcoal is the amount of lean body mass (muscle) we have and oxygen is the aerobic or cardio work we do to generate the wind; weight training then is the match or the method to light the charcoal to generate heat and burn calories.

Think about why many people are frustrated with the progress of their exercise program when it comes to fat loss and body shaping. Typically they have no concern for or knowledge of how much charcoal (muscle) they have. Few if any actually decide to light (progressively weight train) their charcoal.

Let’s look at this analogy from a gender perspective in order to better illustrate this frustration.

First, men typically can shed the fat quicker than women. Why? Men have more charcoal (muscle) than women. Men typically are not afraid to ignite (weight train) whatever charcoal (muscle) they have. So when men

even just start a light walking program, which in essence is blowing air on the hot charcoals to increase the flame, they burn fat fast.

Women on the other hand do not have as much charcoal (muscle).

Typically, most women are afraid to weight train in fear they will get “big and bulky,” when in fact this myth is what is sabotaging their process. In fact, what is “big and bulky” is the fat that is on top of the muscle, not the muscle itself. This result only happens when individuals fail to follow the science of the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss”.

This science should be the center or driving principle behind any safe and effective weight loss strategy.

So fear or just plain failure to incorporate any progressive weight training is like having a charcoal grill with some charcoal in it, with hope it will cook the food for their Bar-B-Q without being lit. How crazy would it be to pull up to a friend’s house for a Bar-B-Q and see them fanning some un-lit coals? You ask them, “what are you doing?” and they say, “Trying to start the fire for our Bar-B-Q. “. Wouldn’t you think not very productive?

This analogy relates to when people want to lose fat, and join a “traditional” gym. Yes any exercise is better than no exercise. However, most have no plan and typically the first mode of exercise that comes to mind when people want to lose weight is cardio. However, most people never even first consider controlling their caloric intake relative to their caloric burn, or think to weight train so that whatever muscle they do have will magnify the results of any cardio they may perform. More muscle will ensure even greater and faster results from cardio due to the activation of the skeletal muscle from weight training workLAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

outs leveraging muscles ability to utilize fat for fuel in the presence of the added oxygen.

Now imagine if those same people (men or women) who want to maximize their caloric management to drop fat would incorporate some total body progressive resistance training first. By incorporating weight training at least once per week, (preferably 2-3 times/week on nonconsecutive days) individuals would be in essence lighting the char-coal (muscle). Once we have our charcoal lit, then is the time to do (as much as possible) cardio to keep the oxygen feeding the fire for max results.

Good news, when we talk about activating our muscle or lighting the char-coal via weight training, this doesn’t require hours in the gym. This can be accomplished in as little as 2030 minutes. Most programs recommended at “traditional” gyms are designed by individuals who love working out. Whatever free time they have, they spend it at the gym and think everyone else is the same. The reality is most people do not love to work out and do not have the interest or the luxury of FREE time to spend endless hours exercising. This is why understanding this “Hierarchy of Fat Loss” is critical for the average person who wants to transform their current body for the better while removing the excuse of “I have no time”.

Bottom line: all exercise supports the weight loss body transformation process when you have your caloric formula in-line. However, not all exercises are created equal. Part of the education empowerment process here at the “Kitchen” is helping people understand how all exercises work in this Hierarchy to avoid frustration and giving up while ultimately provide success.

For more information, please feel free to consult with any of the fitness professionals at My Fitness Kitchen®.

Additionally as an on-going thank you to Laurel Mountain Post and its readers, mention this article for a FREE, no obligation, personalized, metabolic nutritional formula and fitness program that will leverage this hierarchy of fat loss. If you are serious about achieving a body transformation goal then you need a Every Story Begins At Home.

program, as any goal without a plan is really only a wish!

As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, by mentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article and after meeting with one of My Fitness Kitchen’s Fitness Profes-sionals for a private consult as offered above – you will receive $50 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward any program or service at My Fitness Kitchen® as a courtesy of the Laurel Mountain Post. www.myfitnesskitchen.com

724-879-8523

results@myfitnesskitchen.com

Something far from your traditional, intimidating gym, My Fitness Kitchen® is where weight loss is made simple. My Fitness Kitchen® is located in Latrobe 30 plaza, Latrobe PA. My Fitness Kitchen® is a weight loss and body transformation center that also happens to have a fitness center connected to it. From the moment you enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your age, fitness level or experience, it’s all about “You.” The supportive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly members combine to create the most unique and comfortable environment for your weight manage-ment and fitness success. Whether it is Nutrition, Fitness or both, you can be confident My Fitness Kitchen® is the solution to a healthier and thinner you.

About the Author: Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and owner of My Fitness Kitchen® www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724879-8523. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specializes in weight loss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goals through evidence-based scientific programming.

Westmoreland Cleanways Announces

Hard to Recycle Items Collection Saturday, October 12 Westmoreland County Community College – Youngwood Westmoreland Cleanways is sponsoring a collection event for HARD-TO-RECYCLE ITEMS (tires, vehicle and household batteries, scrap metal, Freon appliances, electronics and usable building products) on Saturday, October 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Westmoreland County Community College, 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood. Dan’s Tires, Salandro’s Refuse Inc., The Appliance Warehouse, Shop Demo Depot and Commonwealth Computer Recycling will collect the materials for recycling or proper disposal.

NEW THIS YEAR, Westmoreland Cleanways is partnering with Shop Demo Depot, a program of Westmoreland Community Action, to collect usable building products such as cabinets, drywall, windows and doors, and light fixtures.

The building materials are offered for resale at the Shop Demo Depot store in Mount Pleasant to homeowners and remodelers. For additional information about acceptable material and Shop Demo Depot, visit www.shopdemodepot .com or call 724-552-0491.

All consumer electronics (such as computers, monitors, peripheral computer equipment, televisions, stereos, microwaves, VCR/DVD players and electrical cord) will be recycled at no charge. Household and automotive batteries, clean scrap metal (no plastic, cloth, or rubber attached), and nonfreon containing appliances will be accepted at no charge.

Freon-containing appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers will be accepted for a nominal $20 fee. The costs for tire disposal are $1.75 per tire for passenger and light truck tires off-rim and $2.75 per tire for passenger and light truck tires on-rim. The cost for heavy truck/ tractor tires will be determined at the collection. Westmoreland Cleanways members receive a discount on tire disposal. For a complete list of items that will be accepted, please visit our website at www.westmorelandcleanways.org..

Westmoreland Cleanways offers many opportunities for people to help clean up their environment, such as road adoptions, illegal dump cleanups, recycling opportunities, and educational programs for schools and youth groups.

For more information about this collection or other Westmoreland Cleanways programs, please call 724-836-4129.

October 2013 - 31

ASK GRANNY EARTH Healing with Weeds

What Herbs Can Help Me Heal My Depression?

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) St. John’s Wort is used to treat pain and diseases of the nervous system including neuralgia, rheumatic, arthritic pain and injuries to nerves.

It seems to have an affinity for nerve endings. It’s also used to treat anxiety and depression.

To St. John’s Wort ‘I remember when I first discovered you, I had searched high and low, countryside to countryside I looked, with no luck at all. Then one day, while driving down my driveway there you were- everywhere! Screech! Halt! Slam went the breaks.

The old truck was never the same!

So now year after year, I go searching- it’s always a joy to see you and your family, just waiting for me to come by.’

(Page 139-140 ‘Do It Yourself Weed Medicine’)

Years ago I stumbled across some interesting information relating to St. John’s Wort and viruses and I never forgot it – Borna virus – targets neurons of limbic structures, causing behavioral abnormalities ‘in animals’.

Then, lo and behold, I came to find that St. John’s Wort is strongly (are you ready?) ANTI-VIRAL! Recent research does show this weed to be ‘effective against many viral infections’. AND, I do believe that it’s one of the best remedies for anxiety, insomnia and depression. I make a formula, which has (as one of its ingredients) St. John’s Wort. This formula cured my own clinical depression, way back in the day. I call it Blissful, because it did just that- it took away my depression and made me feel wonderfully blissful!

St. John’s Wort (a valuable tonic for the liver and gallbladder) is a great antiseptic, too. Used externally it’s good for wounds, burns and to relieve cramps. Internally it will help with ulcers and gastric inflammation. It’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory and really does do wonders for depression and lack of energy! www.grannyearth.com This information is not intended to substitute for medical advice regarding diagnosis, or treatment of physical, mental, or emotional problems. The author and publisher deny any responsibility in case of adversity. You are encouraged to seek advice from your health care professional.- Granny Earth, N.D. ***** Seventy-some years young, and following my lifelong passion, which is natural healing and teaching others about weed medicine, I believe that we each must do what we can to get back to Nature. In making your own weed medicine, you’re going to be going out looking and identifying certain weeds that grow around you- you’ll be outdoors, in the sunshine and fresh air- getting back to Nature. Maybe you’ll start growing your own weeds- turning your backyard into a weed garden!

Granny Earth has a bachelor’s in Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania (which she earned at age 59), and both a masters and doctorate from Clayton College of Natural Health.

Visit her website www.grannyearth.com, call 724542-9713, or email grannyearth@zoominternet.net.

www.grannyearth.com grannyearth@zoominternet.net Phone- 724-542-9713 Granny’s monthly Natural Health Newsletter- ‘CONNECTIONS’ is available via- Snail-Mail. 12 pages- All good stuff! $25.00 a year (12 issues).

‘Everything on Earth has a purpose. Every disease an herb to cure it- Every person a mission.

This is the Indian theory of existence.’ - Mourning Dove Salish 32 - October 2013

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

WHAT IN THE WORLD COULD THAT BE?

by Gregory Susa

The Moon Is Full of Hope It’s been said that I can’t resist spouting facts and figures. Once, I spent half an hour discussing the wonders of pepper sitting in its shaker on a restaurant table. In preparing to write this article I found myself stringing together more of the same dry statistics. Oh I could or rather my editor could spice them up into an infographic or place a dazzling photo of the moon in transparency behind them, but that just wouldn’t convey what I truly feel inside.

I want to tell you about the awe and wonder I feel each night I see our pale luminous moon up in the night.

William Wordsworth says in his 1798 poem ‘A Night Piece’ “-and above his head he sees the clear moon, and the glory of the heavens. There in a blackblue vault she sails along followed by a multitude of stars-.” Those words speak volumes to me.

I stand in awe knowing 12 men walked on its surface and the jealousy of not being one of them. Life is tied in an unbreakable knot with it, connected with the rhythm of the tides.

From the barest sliver to full majestic brilliance so many aspects of us are entwined with it from sleep to reproduction, evolution with our moon circling above earth ensured it.

We use the moon to guide our way at night, like the sun, it rises in the east and sets in the west. Man used to set sail as the tides changed. An out flowing tide would aid them out of ports when the winds weren’t favorable. Even with our modern ships we still use this ancient mariner’s trick.

Man has long wooed by its light, woman too now that I think of it. I was wooed under a late October moon, with a kiss hidden behind a kitten. Countless poems and artists’ renderings exist on the subject.

Modern music and cinema still place Every Story Begins At Home.

amorous significance under a brilliant moon. Moonstruck staring Cher and Nicolas Cage, and Van Morrison’s Moondance are some examples.

Collectively we have woven a silver tapestry of myth and story.

Globally, cultures have placed significance on the moon, relating what they see as most relevant to them.

The Chinese legend of Chang’e a tale about a woman who lives on the moon. Arriving there by a peculiar method, she ate a magic pill and by her greed for immortality which this pill grants she floated to the moon and is trapped there forever. Then there are the Greeks and Romans who’s cultures were dominated by a complex pantheon of gods had Selene and Luna. The Inuits saw the moon as male who chased his sister the sun in a relentless incestuous lust through the sky. As the moon waxed and waned, they say he grew hungry and starved and disappeared to hunt for his food; and when nourished, resumed his chase.

We see stories of men who change into a beast caused by a disease/curse called lycanthropy. This disease has a trigger that causes the transformation. It happens in the light of a full moon. Astrology, which has been around for thousands of years tells us that if the moon is present in your birth sign it can have great effects on you. Good or bad is of course open to interpretation.

In today’s society technology is everywhere, and we take it with us in our pockets and in our stories. Yes, our stories still take us to the moon even though man has walked on it.

We still spin yarns about such things as vicious Nazis building bases in the camp film ‘Iron Sky’ or the TV series Space 1999. In which the earth is left ruined when our hazardous waste

dumps on the moon explode and send the moon hurtling into deep space. The sole survivors are the colonist left adrift on the moon.

Our closest neighboring celestial body deserves this attention; although many of us do take her for granted – she is always there after all.

We call it the moon: simple, to the point. Yet we have such depth of imagination every other moon in the solar system has a name, but ours was first: we have far more acronyms for her. Every culture has names for the full moons of each month. In North America we adopted many of the Algonquin tribes’ names which can still be found in the farmer’s almanac today.

I mentioned at the beginning about my awe and wonder. I wonder when we will return to walk once more on the soft powdered soils. When we do return, will we build new homes where our grandchildren and theirs after them can live together in peace?

When I look up I am in awe knowing how many generations of man have gazed as I do asking the same questions, remembering fondly and hoping as fervently as I have, that we can all share this wonderful world with kindness, compassion, and tolerance for and of each other.

OK, I can’t resist: here are some of those endless facts and figures for you all. The first is a list of all the men who have been to the moon – walked on or orbited it (next page).

Civilizations, both ancient and modern have named the different full moons throughout the year based on a variety of seasonal factors. I have put together a chart of some various cultural nominaclature through continued on page 34

October 2013 - 33

Astronauts Who Walked on the Moon Apollo 11 Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin Apollo 12 Pete Conrad, Alan Bean Apollo 14 Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell Apollo 15 David Scott, James Irwin Apollo 16 John W. Young, Charles Duke Apollo 17 Eugene Cernan, and Harrison Schmitt

Astronauts Who Flew to the Moon without Landing Apollo 8 Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders Apollo 10 Tom Stafford, John Young, and Eugene Cernan Apollo 11 Mike Collins Apollo 12 Dick Gordon Apollo 13 Jim Lovell, Jack Swaggert, and Fred Haise Apollo 14 Stu Roosa Apollo 15 Al Worden Apollo 16 Ken Mattingly Apollo 17 Ron Evens Note: the men in these two list are the only men to; 1.) leave low earth orbit making them the farthest travelled from earth ever, 2.) the only men to ever see the far side of the moon,3.) and the only men to ever set foot on another celestial body.

34 - October 2013

continued from page 33

history (right, page 35), and am fascinated by the stories behind each one: • anuar is t i all onsidered the cold, midwinter time when wolf packs would circle and howl around the native American villages. It is sometimes considered the old or yule moon.

• he hea iest sno s usuall all in February, resulting in names such as Ice, Storm, Snow and Little Famine.

• he eather begins to ar u in March, and it is said that the worms appear as the ground thaws during this time of Lent. It is also tapping time for maple.

• ril sho ers result in in ground covers such as phlox, one of spring’s earliest flowers. Common moon associations are Seed, Egg, Flower and Pink. Life is beginning again.

• s lo ers ull bloo , Ma signals time for planting corn. Hare and Milk moon refer to this time of fertility.

• tra berr - i ing ti e is announced by the Rose, Strawberry, or Hay moon in June.

• n ul , ne antlers e erge ro the forheads of young buck deer.

Early corn is ripening, hay is made, and these fertile harvests are celebrated with mead.

• nother onth o har est, August is also known for the surge of Sturgeon fish caught during this month. Often the moon is reddish in appearance due to sultry air.

• Most o ten na ed the ar est Moon, September’s bright satellite allows farmers to work late in their fields. It is also the name given to the moon closest to the Autumnal Equinox, which will occasionally fall in October.

• tober is the ti e or storing the harvest and preparing game for the long winter ahead. Nuts are gathered, and furs are trapped for warmth.

• Bea ers are bus ith their winter preparations in November.

Hunting and trading of furs are completed, as the nights grow darker.

• n e e ber, nights are longest and darkest. Oak is a symbol of dark.

• Waxing Moon: The moon is growing from the new moon to the full moon. When the moon is said to be waxing, it is growing larger, gaining in significance. This is a good time for gain, increase, growth, etc.

• Waning Moon: After the full moon is over, the moon appears to be getting smaller. So waning means it is getting "less" and less during this time period. Before long, it will be even less visible and we will be entering the period of the new moon. The moon is diminishing, disappearing, going away, so that makes this the time for ridding onesself of problems, addictions, attitudes, etc.

• New Moon: this is the time for new beginnings, for seeking knowledge.

• Full Moon: the moon is at the height of her energy, therefore the best time to raise the most amount of energy during workings.

Eight Lunar Phases

1 . New Moon: New beginnings, fresh start, blank page.

2. Crescent Moon: Intention, hopes, and wishes.

3. First Quarter Moon: Challenges, decisions, action.

4. Gibbous Moon: Adjust, refine, edit.

5 . Full Moon: Signed, sealed, stamped.

6. Disseminating Moon: Gratitude, sharing, enthusiasm.

7 . Last Quarter Moon: Release, let go, forgive.

8. Balsamic Moon: Surrender, rest, and recuperate.

Some Good References: http://www.wwu.edu/skywise/indianmoons.html CNN, The Farmer’s Almanac MoonConnection.com, CelticMythMoon.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Full Moon Names in Various Cultures Celtic

Medieval England

English

Colonial America

Cherokee

Choctaw

Algonquian

JAN Quiet Moon

Wolf Moon

Old Moon

Winter Moon

Cold Moon

Cooking Moon

Wolf Moon

FEB

Storm Moon

Wolf Moon

Trapper’s Moon Bony Moon

Little Famine Moon

Snow Moon

MAR Moon of Winds

Chaste Moon

Lenten Moon

Fish Moon

Windy Moon

Big Famine Moon

Worm Moon

APR Growing Moon

Seed Moon

Egg Moon

Planter’s Moon

Flower Moon

Wildcat Moon

Pink Moon

MAY Bright Moon

Hare Moon

Milk Moon

Milk Moon

Planting Moon

Panther Moon

Flower Moon

JUN Moon of Horses

Dyan Moon

Flower Moon

Rose Moon

Green Corn Moon

Windy Moon

Strawberry Moon

JUL

Mead Moon

Hay Moon

Summer Moon

Ripe Corn Moon

Crane Moon

Buck Moon

AUG Dispute Moon Corn Moon

Grain Moon

Dog Days Moon Fruit Moon

Women’s Moon

Sturgeon Moon

SEP

Fruit Moon

Harvest Moon

Nut Moon

Mulberry Moon Harvest Moon

OCT Harvest Moon Blood Moon

Harvest Moon

Hunter’s Moon

Harvest Moon

Blackberry Moon

Hunter’s Moon

NOV Dark Moon

Snow Moon

Hunter’s Moon

Beaver Moon

Trading Moon

Sassafras Moon

Beaver Moon

DEC Cold Moon

Oak Moon

Oak Moon

Christmas Moon Snow Moon

Peach Moon

Cold Moon

Moon of Ice

Moon of Calming

Singing Moon

Barley Moon

When two full moons occur in the same month, the second moon is called a Blue Moon.

Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 35

October 11, 12 & 13, 2013 – Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Schedule of Events Friday, October 11 Community Food Booths open Craft Booths open at all locations Fort Ligonier Museum and Gift Shop opens 10:00 AM Ligonier Merchant Sidewalk Sales begin NOON OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY on the Diamond, George Washington 12:15 PM INTERVIEW on the Diamond George Washington 12:30-3:30 PM George Washington at Ft. Ligonier 3:00 PM Troops Training for Combat at Ft. Ligonier 1:00-3:00 PM Full Kilt (Celtic Rock) –Bandstand 4:00-5:30 PM Sydney Hutchko and Blue Ridge Honey (Country Rock) – Bandstand 6:00 PM Craft Booths Close 6:00-7:30 PM Arrival Band (The Journey Tribute) East Main Street Stage 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM

Saturday, October 12 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 2:00-3:30 PM 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:30-6:00 PM 6:00 PM 6:30-8:30 PM

36 - October 2013

Community Food Booths open Craft Booths open at all locations Fort Ligonier Museum and Gift Shop opens Ligonier Merchant Sidewalk Sales begin COMMUNITY PARADE East and West Main Streets Artillery demonstration at Ft. Ligonier Battle re-enactment at Ft. Ligonier Acoustic Shadows of the Blue & Gray (Folk Music) Bandstand Artillery demonstration at Ft. Ligonier Battle re-enactment at Ft. Ligonier Michael Christopher (Country) Bandstand Craft Booths Close Beatlemania Magic (Beatle’s music) East Main Street stage

7:30 PM 8:45 PM

Forces of Fort Ligonier Parade Fireworks

Sunday, October 13 8:15 AM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM 12:30-2:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 3:00-4:30 PM 4:00 5:00 5:00 5:30

PM PM PM PM

Kid’s Fun Mile, Ligonier Valley High School 5K Run/Walk begins, Ligonier Valley High School Fort Ligonier opens Community Food Booths open Craft Booths open at all locations Ligonier Merchant Sidewalk Sales begin The House Band, Bandstand (Music from the 50’s to the present) Artillery demonstration at Ft. Ligonier Battle re-enactment at Ft. Ligonier Artillery demonstration at Ft. Ligonier River City Brass (Show tunes) Bandstand Battle re-enactment at Fort Ligonier Craft and Food Booths Close CLOSING CEREMONIES Carillon Concert from Calvary United Methodist Church. Shirley Benner at the keyboard.

FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE will be provided from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday and Saturday and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday picking up from the park-ing lot at Ligonier Valley High School on Springer Road and the Laurel Valley Golf Club lots on Route 711 South. The handicap equipped shuttle service will also be available.

CRAFT LOOP SHUTTLE BUS service will run among the craft display areas from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday and Saturday and from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday. See map inside program for bus stops.

A REMINDER: We all love dogs, but due to local ordinances, NO pets and no backpacks permitted in the festival areas.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Equine Chic For Horse Home & You!

Now featuring The Breyer Collection of the World's Finest Model Horses “Quest for the Best” Best Lunch in Ligonier

CONNECTIONS CAFE 109 South Market Street in Ligonier 724-238-9611 • Open 7 Days

Old Linn Run Coffee • Healthy Salads Homemade Soups • Desserts • 36 Loose Teas Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Fair Trade Gifts from Around the World

100 100 East East Main Main Street Street On On the the Diamond Diamond in in Ligonier, Ligonier, PA 724-238-7003 724-238-7003

www.equinechic.com

Second Chapter Books ENJOY

FORT DAYS AND VISIT US ON THE PORCH !

e and sed Boo s • Children s i ts e elr • reeting Cards • eat tu 139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658

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On the Diamond

ANTIQUES Multi-Dealer Shop

219 EAST M AIN STREET LIGONIER, PA 15658 724.995.8116 SCAMPSTOFFEE . COM 877.848.6371 INFO@SCAMPSTOFFEE.COM Every Story Begins At Home.

110 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-2226

Mary Jo Culbertson Proprietor (724) 238-0497

October 2013 - 37

Men for All Seasons Four Seasons Microbrewery Opens in Latrobe here is nothing li e the irst taste o a loo ed ba turned it into a assion, old beer on a ar a ternoon es eand a sel taught ro reading, reiall i it s a good one hat irst taste sear hing, and trial and error ins or loses it or e o e beers ha e irst resear hed e er thing hen a bitterness that disli e others are lat e got assistan e ro the t in ent nd then there are so e that are ris , s all business de elo ent enter on deli ious and a eso e he ne beer sele tions at our easons Bre ing Co in Partner and chief marketer, atrobe all into that a eso e the spokesperson of the atergor e tasted share brewery: Christian Simmons. o ho ebre s and o er ri ed i robre s in ti e, but the gu s at our easons ha e the all beat in both taste and ri e M irst si as their o Belgian ingle alled and no ing B , B s, ade ith ater, Pilsner Malt, Muni h Malt, o s & Belgian east t is ne a orite Christian i ons and Mar Pa li o i iall o ened their bre er or business on lo d re aring a business lan e t e enue in earl e te ber, and ha e been ursued in estors, and a ter si -nine o en li ited hours or gro lers and ree onths e se ured enough to la e a tastings heir beer is also a ailable on de osit on a bre house e ontinued ta at se eral area restaurants, and the to raise a ital and ur hased the rede and is gro ing aster than the an aining e ui ent e o i iall o ened anu a ture it he Laurel Mountain Post e te ber , sto ed b or so e sa les and to ind out ore about the best ne beer in to n LMP: Where do your ingredients come from?

LMP: How did you come up with the name and your logo?

MP o al ater ro atrobe Muni i al uthorit o s o e ro the a i a C our easons Bre ing Co na e as alle in ashington state and illaette alle in regon rain o es thought u b Mar and ui l bero a national distributor, but use about a e both o our a orites e lo e the outdoors all ear long and ind estern ade and i orted grain Pa being an area o the that e hu es all seasons ore than ost LMP: Explain your brewing process and a typical day. e ind that it ould or ell ith our goals o ha ing seasonal beers along ith our sta le beers he logo as a MP t i al bre da is about a or de ision or us be ause e anted hours hat onsists o bre ing t o to ee the i age lean e anted to gallon bat hes or a total o a ro bring the olors o the seasons into the gallons e s end a e hours on a erlogo as ell e li e to thin that ou age ost da s doing things su h as an ear our er handise an here leaning, egging, trans erring beer LMP: How did the two of you get started?

MP tarted ith ho e bre ing on a it borro ed ro a riend, and ne er 38 - October 2013

C ur goal or our beer is to er e t the ualit o the beers that e ha e alread reated through ho e bre ing in our garage e ould li e to i i the sa e taste and ualit at a larger s ale n the uture, e ill be bre ing hat e li e to all a session beer that is lo er than our a erage ra t beer al ohol le el LMP: What beers are currently available?

C eri an Pale le no n as l ost East Coast Pale le, Belgian ingle no n as degrees and no ing, ndia Pale le P no n as Pe , eri an Bro n le no n as et o n Bro n, and o ing soon our tout, na e to be announ ed at a uture date ur urrent list o beers on ta is u dated dail on our ebsite at Bre ing o LMP: How do you come up with the names for your beer?

C

he na e or degrees and no ing as reated ith estern P eather in ind and its tenden to hange drastiall in one da ro or ing ost o li e outdoors in the onstru tion ield, ould endure ree ing te eratures in the orning and then e erien e ar er te eratures later that sa e da his ould reate obsta les ro udd terrain to hard ground and ause e to endure all o the ele ents that estern P has to o er id ention lo e estern P he na e or lost East Coast a e ro our lo ation in atrobe, P being so lose to the Eastern Continental i ide he na e or

LMP: Master chefs will say that while a good recipe is important, method is the key to success. Does that apply to your beer?

Partner and Brewmaster, Mark Pavlik.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Pe a e ro the idea that e a tuall ha e high ho es or our P and our beer he na e or et o n Bro n is a usi al re eren e that e eel ill a e ou ut a groo e in our ste e er ti e ou ta e a si LMP: Tell us about your western PA roots.

eel about the a ondu ted business ith ride and due diligen e MP hat ou ut into li e is get out o it

hat ou

LMP: What are your future plans?

C

ent to igonier alle igh hool M ho eto n is igonier gre u in arlington ith -Mile un as ba ard ishing and la ing in the oods as hat did gro ing u a single, ith a ear-old son M da ob is at the enna etal ingston lant, and ha e li ed in a son eights atrobe or our ears no MP ent to err and gre u in e arried and ha e a ears old urrentl tri al utilit o an

rea igh hool, le andria a son ho is t o or or an ele -

MP ur business is too oung to ore ast an uture lans or deter ine ho hen hat e ould e and e ha e onl been o en ee s to date, but es e ho e to e and rodu tion a a it irst C rand ening date is November 9, 2013 from 1 pm to 5 pm, at our i robre er at lo d enue, atrobe, P e ill be ha ing ood airings ith ea h beer, li e usi , ribbon utting ere on , gi ea a s, ra les, tours o the a ilit , and an inde th loo into our uture

**** hile e isited the bre er , usto ers strea ed through the doors or so e sa les and to ta e ho e a e gro lers thin it s the ne taste o estern Penns l ania, said Brandon estili o atrobe t should be on ta in e er bar ou ould li e to taste or oursel , sto b the our easons Bre ing Co at lo d e in atrobe, behind uto one asting and ro ler hours are uesda - , hursda - , rida , aturda - , and unda he Laurel Mountain Post ill be hosting a table at the grand o ening to b or a e great ne beers and to eet so e o our riters ou ould li e to tr their beer in our a orite lo al restaurant, he out the ebsite or the urrent list at sbre ing o , under the dra t a ounts tab e ho e to see ou out there en o ing a old one

LMP: How would you describe your personal work ethic?

C M ersonal hiloso h on or is to or hard e er da , and hen ou eel that ou ha e or ed hard enough, tri le it belie e that li e an onl be good i ou or or it ou ant the best, ou ha e to be the best M biggest belie in or hiloso h is true and honest business M grand ather taught e to ne er e e t to be told hen ou are doing a good ob onl hen ou are not doing a good ob M or hiloso h is entered on ho son ill Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 39

Where Can I Find A Copy?

Laurel Mountain Post Distribution List e ent - i e er ent o our distribution re ains ithin est oreland Count , hile the re aining is ir ulated throughout e lo ations in the surrounding ounties he Laurel Mountain Post an be ound ree o harge at hundreds o lo al sho s, o i e aiting areas, restaurants, useu s, and esti als e ee u -t -date lo ation and deli er in or ation on our ebsite laurel ountain ost o our business ould li e to arr the MP, lease onta t us at or o lete the online distribution or Derry Area tion or ni als llison Chiro ra ti Bar le s err ing Building Bodee Cald ell ibrar Che ato s err Medi al r ott Morgan irst Co on ealth Ban ean Marie lo ers & i ts aundro at Mastroro o s Mar et e err Muni i al uthorit Palo bo s estaurant & Ban tate ar nsuran e ugar Bears uno o Delmont, Murrysville, Export el ont Publi ibrar Eat n Par irst Co on ealth Ban rs illiard & arno olida nn E ress ing s a il estaurant un le s uto r Matthe e in a lighter estaurant Manordale er i e Center Murr s ille ibrar Panera Bread - Murr s ille ale Crossroad othe ar hields Chiro ra ti eri s Pla e PMC ehab er i es agon heel estaurant Donegal BP M onald s - turn i e Brad s air ueen a s nn onegal Phar a olida nn E ress one bear all Cedars he nn at igonier arnelli s Greater Latrobe da s Me orial Barnes ouse

40 - October 2013

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Bu hanan ag Chestnut dge - Burs h i ision Chi ora s Chris Pa os, CP Christ C Chur h Co ee Bean Co er ial Ban - o nto n Co eri al Ban - oute aint Pastr enn s oggie i as un in onuts Eat n Par E ela ealth ui ra he E eglass ho e antasti a s ino s Pi a no sso iates anna nsuran e r ott udi a a re s in i , oungsto n erald e elers oe s tore - a son eights ids Care Pediatri s & ui ube r Patri all atrobe ni al Clini atrobe rt Center atrobe ard are atrobe os ital atrobe e s tand - o nto n atrobe e s tand - aurel aurel urser ittle ho o alhanna Care Center Marge s air alon - ara to ers he Medi ine ho e rs Mu i & Ca ield, M itness it hen Pi a iena Pro d uster Chiro ra ti oad an s Countr i ing ose t le ho e usbosin s urniture & Ban ott s enior Center ho n a e ring ill uites t in ent e Paul t in ent rist ill tore otal er i e nit o nshi Building, ibrar PMC as ular nstitute alle air - do nto n alle air - oute as o ederal Credit nion est oreland istori al o iet

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Greensburg Barnes & oble Ber shire Medi al i es Ca e Barista Court ard b Marriott Eat n Par r e ar oad Medi al i es reensburg e s reensburg MC a ton nn a ton i e Produ ts ioio s - Carbon r Matthe e in & Ma hine ature s a Mar et he Pala e heatre Pal er Pa ilion - Mt ie Pro d uster Chiro ra ti r ohn idinger eton ill ni ersit ni ersit o Pittsburgh ittone s Musi est oreland er atolog Ligonier Valley ou h o ra e bigail s Co ee i a BP nsuran e Barb s Mar et - e tor Bo Pee ine arns Carol & a e s oadhouse Celti Culture Conne tions Ca e arlington nn a ies eal Estate ia ond Ca e ia ond air Cuts ia ond ug aller o e ote E uine Chi E ela ealth la ors Ca e o s Pi a uared et o iant Eagle ino s rann Earth o ard anna eal Estate igonier Cha ber o Co er e igonier Countr Mar et

igonier ibrar igonier ut itters e stand igonier a ern igonier alle ailroad Museu igonier aller eal Estate o alhanna ealt Ma M arr Martins Mo ear n the ia ond nti ues he Pa er ouse Persni et Post and ail Prudential Pre erred ealt osalia ioio s ittle tal osar res o al elsh iner usti Countr reasures uthie s iner a s o ee e ond Cha ter Boo s ong o i en e ub a he tra berr Cro histledo n at eger ouse he o Bo he isted ine ree ouse in igonier Chur h ernon ealt er i es alle hool o igonier i ed oogl MC Laughlintown Co ass nn istori al o iet irst Co on ealth Ban igonier Countr nn Pie ho e ashington urna e nn New Alexandria irst Co on ealth au an s Chiro ra ti e stone Phar a e stone tate Par ids Care Pediatri s ibrar e le andria ibrar oadhouse ui to heet eal s a ern

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Stahlstown la ut hing esti al o alhanna eterinar Clini Main treet ine Bar Mt. Pleasant and Southern Westmoreland Count Mar et Cr stal Con e ts he ri un er i es he eneral tore erbali ious raisinger s Mar et eno eo s Meri onda Beer istributor Mt Pleasant ibrar ino s rour e Cr stal andhill Berries eed Meed s i s Crossroads olero as est erton eli est erton uilt ho MC Allegheny County

ndiana ree ibrar ndiana ni ersit o P i te art Museu usti odge tarbu s r arno e

Somerset County ennersto n reen ables Mtn Pla house ur Coal Miners Ca e hree i ers ental o erset rea Co ort nn Eat n Par E ono odge a ton nn olida nn E ress Mountain Cra t a s a hurst ea oo heet route o erset a il E e Care o erset istori al Center u it iner ualit nn

Fayette County drian s - o ood Braddo s nn estaurant Chal ill lea Mar et u it otel - oute e a olin nn - ar ington hio le alls hio le Pub

Blairs ille Co e ille Produ e Mar et Co ort nn ean s iner a ton nn - Chestnut idge enior Center heet ndiana Pro essional Center, he rtist s and Book Nook Ca e adeus Cu ina Mia ia ond rug o nto n ndiana sso iation Eat n Par a ton nn r illiard ndiana Cha ber o Co er e ndiana Count ouris Bureau ndiana os ital obb

Every Story Begins At Home.

Prepare Your Backyard Habitat for Winter

altsburg lusi el at altsburg Phar a

lleghen eneral Children s os ital o nto n otels Man hester Bid ell Monroe ille ibrar Pleasant ills ibrar tri istri t er hants uirrel ill businesses PMC os itals Monroe ille, Presb terian, Mer , Children s

Indiana County

ATTENTION BIRD LOVERS:

all is a great ti e or bird- at hing Man birds are loo ing or an in iting la e to sto o er during their inter igration or e en sta or the season ere are i e hel ul ti s that are sure to ha e all the neighborhood birds t eeting about our ard this season • Pro ide running ater Birds re uire ater ear-round he sound o running ater in a birdbath or ond ill be heard b birds ro so e distan e, dra the in or a drin , and ossibl a ui di as ell • Clean out birdhouses Ma e ne essar re airs to birdhouses in re aration or s e ies that roost during all and inter n an areas, bluebirds, hi adees, nuthat hes and inter rens a ta e u nightl residen e in birdhouses to ee ar and sa e • Create brush iles a e our all li ings o bran hes and t igs hen, ile the in a orner o the ard to reate o er or birds that re er habitat on the ground su h as dar -e ed un os, tree s arro s and hite-throated s arro s • n rease the nu ber o eeders n the ooler da s o all, birds in rease their ood onsu tion and ill ontinue to do so as the te erature dro s • Plant e ergreens Planted near eeders and birdbaths, e ergreens are er e t or ro iding o er or birds a ter de iduous trees lose their lea es ational

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October 2013 - 41

OCTOBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR

“Of all the seasons, autumn offers the most to man and requires the least of him”. –Hal Borland

through Smoke House Open istori tone ouse estaurant ational Pi e, ar ington, P htt stonehouseinn o en ro a to dail ibs, Chi en, Bris et, ot ausage and Pulled Por ides a ailable through Furdakis: Two Generations of Sculpture outhern lleghenies Museu o rt Bou her ane and t P htt sa a-art org e e ligonier ht ul tures ro e bers o the ruda is a il o artists

, igonier,

through Faranda Farm Harvest Festival aranda ar Penn enue, ollso le, P aranda ar net Co e elebrate the aranda ar ar est esti al ne ri e or the barn ard a ti ities in ludes a ride, a Ma e, a ort, ids Pla rea, eeding the ni als, Bean Bag oss, u a es, ittle i e all , a e, Par ol , Corn ole oss, iant ling hot and others Church Basement Ladies, A Second Helping Mountain Pla house o erset Pi e, Bos ell, P he are ser in it u again in the Chur h Base ent it hen ith the se uel to the highl o ular usi al o ed Chur h Base ent adies his ti e around, the ear is and the orld is hanging s ol s rotest the ietna ar and o an are de anding e ual a or e ual or , in their s all rural Minnesota o unit , the ladies o the utheran hur h base ent it hen are dealing ith hanges o their o n he Chur h Base ent adies ta e us ro ser ing the igh hool students at the uther eague Ban uet to a hur h s onsored Missionar ight, to the rise and all o the i ing s u er Bo l unda ro the elderl atriar h o the it hen to the oung o -to-be, these o en ind strength in ea h other as the deal ith the u hea als and o s ro belo the ouse o od ou ll laugh until our sidedish hurts ith their roli so e anti s and do n-to-earth har ro ithin the hur h base ent Shoot for a Cure & Pistol ange erhead Bridge oad, oung ood, P htt indoor istolrange o hroughout the onth o tober, ational Breast Can er areness Month, & ndoor Pistol ange is s onsoring a s e ial hoot or Cure undraising e ent Parti i ants ho ur hase one o our shooting a ages ill get ange ti e and a s e ial in target to shoot al o all ro eeds ro this undraising e ent ill be donated to Breast Can er esear h ee ore at htt laurelhighlands org Night at the Zoo i ing reasures ild ni al Par oute , ones Mills, P htt ltani al ar o a e a al in the dar through the tor h lit al a s o i ing reasures ild ni al Par ear the laughing enas and s ot the glo ing e es o the oot lligators and igers along ith seeing o er other s e ies o ani als, an o hi h are no turnal ight at the oo is li el the onl o ortunit ost guests ill e er ha e to obser e the ild and interesting beha iors an ild ani als ha e at night lashlights are a ailable or ur hase at the gi t sho to hel ou s ot our ani als

tra els into the dar ness on oute ourne through the oods, orn ields and into the authenti ated aunted Barn nd i that is not enough, e e en ha e arni al rides, ga es & on essions or all to en o ee ends through tober Confluence PumpkinFest Con luen e Cassel an treet, Con luen e, P htt on luen e u in est org his esti al gi es arts & ra ts and ood endors the o ortunit to sho and sell their goods in the to n ar t also eatures an interesting and e iting e ents ong those are the Pu in est ueen Pageant, a run al , an anti ue and lassi auto sho , a arade and a largest u in ontest ther e ents in lude a garden tra tor ull, re i e ontest, hoto ontest, tough an ire tru ull, li e usi , an anti ue tra tor sho and ore Sha Na Na Pala e heatre

est tter an treet, reensburg, P htt the ala etheatre org ha a a, as ello ollege students at Colu bia ni ersit in e or in o bined their lo e or the lassi s o o & oll ith a d na i theatri al a roa h he i ties usi legends a eared ust be ore i i endri ears ago this su er at he oodsto esti al in their eighth ro essional gig, o ourse the he boun ed he had our seasons o their o n orld ide tele ision series, he ha a a ho , and are no set to elebrate the th anni ersar o the o ie rease in hi h the o-starred along ith ohn ra olta and li ia e ton- ohn South Africa Wine Tasting reen ables estaurant o erset Pi e, ennersto n, P htt greengablesrestaurant o he ine tasting series onsists o i e tasting e ents ea h o used on a single outhern e is here ountr ou ill taste si ines at ea h e ent that dis la the ualit and ariet o ines rodu ed in ea h he o lete tour ill edu ate ou and our alate about ines ro the outhern e is here he tastings o the series o ur ro to on the irst rida o e er onth, ugust through e e ber Springs Folk Festival rings rings oad, rings, P htt s rings a org he rings ol esti al in ites ou to oin in the elebration o the arts, s ills and labors o our ore athers at h the en and o en ba ing bread and ea ing, the en he ing logs and threshing grain and the hildren en o ing the sel es on an old-ti e ha ride he lilting notes o blue grass grou s, gos el usi and hildren singing a a ella ill the air ith ontinuous er or an es in an en losed rogra building ourse, the Mountain nthe s singing lose har on is al a s a thrill Idlewild’s HALLOWBOO! dle ild oute East, igonier, P htt idle ild o inde h t s the dle ild ou no and lo e ith a , a il oriented a allo een t ist ri -or- reat through tor Boo orest and en o the ed rides and attara tions erating hours are ro oon-

Smicksburg Fall Festival i sburg E ittanning t , i sburg, P htt s i sburg net e ents ht l l a s a a orite ti e in i sburg as the all oliage adds a s e ial beaut to all the esti ities and entertain ent this abulous ee end

Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival hield s ar el ont, P htt del onta lenarts o he el ont le n rts esti al is a ra t sho in estern, Penns l ania that re entl elebrated its th nni ersar eaturing o er arts and ra ts endors and ood endors, ou an ind hand ade ite s ro lo al ra ters, deli ious ood, hot a le ider, and ho e- ade a le treats

Allen’s Haunted Hayrides o Pittsburgh oad, o ,P htt allensha rides o ra el through the ountr side on hat so e onsider to be the ost rightening tri o their li es agon de arts e er inutes and

2013 Carnegie International Carnegie Museu o rt orbes oa org

42 - October 2013

e, Pittsburgh, P

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

nitiated b ndre Carnegie in in Pittsburgh, and resented e er three to i e ears at Carnegie Museu o rt, the Carnegie nternational is a ong the leading e hibitions o onte orar art orld ide he nternational ser es to resent an eri an audien e, es e iall that o estern Penns l ania, ith a broad and a bitious sur e o the art o our ti e ith hundreds o or s b artists ro around the globe-in luding an o issioned s e i i all or the sho the nternational ill be a atal st or ne a s to resent, e erien e, and thin about art 5K Run-Fun Walk ni ersit o Pittsburgh at reensburg inoli ri e, reensburg, P htt greensburg itt edu Pitt- reensburg s Cha ter o the ig a au elta nternational English onor o iet and the Pitt- reensburg lu ni sso iation are hosting the Pitt- reensburg un un al Pro eeds ill bene it these students through these t o organi ations ou an hel these organi ations hel students b be o ing a s onsor Be re ogni ed b e ent arti i ants, students, their a ilies, alu ni and the o unit or our su ort o this high ro ile e ent Bedford Fall Foliage Festival P Bo , Bed ord, P Bed ord s all oliage esti al - , o ull ee ends o de onstrations line the streets o esti al oods, usi al entertain a ti ities

bed ord all esti al o elebrates its th ear tober - and un er ra ts booths and histori do nto n Bed ord En o ent, anti ue ar arade and hildren s

Colonial Living at the Lochry Blockhouse innie Pal er ature eser e & o hr Blo house al er a , atrobe, P htt nr org earn the histor o r hibald o hr , his blo house, and the li est le o rontiers en at the ature eser e E erien e Militar a li e as ortra ed b reena tors o o hr s est oreland Militia and ho estead de onstrations in luding oo ing and olonial eriod ga es or hildren Greendance Wine Festival Weekend reendan e iner eer ield oad, Mount Pleasant, P htt greendan e iner o a both da s Jazzed About Art VIII ou hstone Center or Cra ts harton urna e oad, ar ington, P htt tou hstone ra ts org ou hstone is hosting its annual all bene it, a ed bout rt ro to his autu nal a ternoon o art, usi , and ood ill eature the or o do ens o regional and national artists rt lo ers ill ind a riad o original art or s or bid during the e ent s li e and silent au tions ors d oeu res and o li entar ine and beer ill be ser ed i ets are er attendee Murder Mystery Dinner Theater-Halloween Edition Christian la iner a ette rings oad, Chal ill, P htt la iner o Bring our riends and don t iss this allo een tradition ne o our ost o ular e ents o the ear - o e earl and en o the agni i ent oliage o the beauti ul aurel ighlands tarts at Polish Platter Dinner and Country Store and Bake Sale t Mar o C esto ho a Chur h, e ensington enneth riendshi all Platter inner - PM E M - PM E inner Pri e Pierogi, olab i, ielbasa, tring Beans Polonaise, inner oll, Be erage

e alus i,

Latrobe Farmers’ Market atrobe igonier treet, uite , atrobe, P htt latrobere itali ation org It’s Dark Outside rust rts Edu ation Center ibert e , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts ulturaldistri t org ns ired b e erien es and resear h into l hei er s and undo ner s ndro e, i atts ne est rodu tion in ollaboration ith rielle ra and Chris saa s, is a heart elt, earless, and in enti e ad enture Pu etr , as , ani ation, li e er or an e and an original usi s ore b the a ard- inning o oser a hael ease, are e ertl intert ined to reate a grand e i estern about rede tion and de entia

Every Story Begins At Home.

Sommerset County Farmers’ Market eorgian Pla e illto oad, riedens, P htt so erset ount ar ers ar et o ll goods sold at the ar et are rodu ed in o erset and ad oining P ounties o erset Count ar ers Mar et o ers reshness, high ualit ar goods, reasonable ri es, and on enien e hile su orting lo al ar ers ho an ensure the best handling and re aration te hni ues ur ar ers are roud o the ruits o their labors and are illing to o er ree ad i e and ans er an uestions ou a ha e about their rodu ts Ft. Ligonier Days igonier Mar et t , igonier, P ortligonier org or isitligonier o ort igonier a s, a o ular three-da annual esti al held throughout the to n o igonier, o e orates the Battle o ort igonier, a e engage ent o the ren h and ndian ar, ought on tober , Honeck, Dvorak and Mozart ein all Penn e , Pittsburgh, P htt ulturaldistri t org rodu tion hone -d ora -and- o art ussian ianist ulianna dee a debuts at ein all ith Mo art s a ous Piano Con erto o his on erto as ni na ed El ira Madigan in or its in lusion on the soundtra to the il o the sa e na e o s heer ul hon o is ins ired b the ol usi o the o oser s nati e Bohe ia Art on Tap 5.2.7 est oreland Museu P oin us or a asual o e er onth ela riends hat a great

o eri an rt tate oute , reensburg, htt useu aa org ha hour at he est oreland the se ond rida and en o usi , s a enger hunts, and un ith a to end our or ee

Bud Light Fort Days Tent a ada igonier est o alhanna treet htt ra adaligonier o Entertain ent b

E B

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Fall Tea at Bushy Run Battlefield Bush un Battle ield Bush un d , eannette, P oin Bush un Battle ield or a ull ser ing o ea Pre aid reser ations re uired AIDA Benedu

Center or the Per or ing rts th t , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts org isit a ilities benedu

Fall Harvest Festival & Craft Show le Castle C tate oute , e il ington, P a le astle o Bring the hole a il to sele t our u ins ro our great su l , along ith an assort ent o all de orations in luding gourds, iniature u ins, u s and orn stal s ourse, ou ll ant to sele t a large bag o deli ious le Castle a les, and a e ugs o our re reshing ider to ta e ho e to en o and share ith our riends Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s Rocktoberfest e a olin oodlands esort a a ette r , ar ington, P ne a olin o e a olin is e ited to resent their nd nnual o tober est, an e iting da illed ith li e usi , ra t beer and a ti ities ou on t ant to iss this o ortunit to taste o er arieties o ra t beer ro o er bre eries E ent ad ission is EE and bre est ad ission is onl er erson and in ludes a sou enir e ent glass and Peo le s Choi e ti ets to ote or our a orite bre Bre est arti i ants ust be ears o age or older and ro ide ro er identi i ation and Insider Tour of Meadowcroft Rockshelter with Dr. James Adovasio Meado ro t o shelter & istori illage ella, P hein histor enter org Meado ro t o shelter, the oldest site o hu an habitation in orth eri a, is lo ated in ella, Pa , iles south est o Pittsburgh he ational istori and ar eatures a assi e, , - ear-old ro o erhang used b the region s earliest inhabitants or shelter, and as re entl na ed one o the i e reat Pla es to ee E iden e o irst eri ans b ithsonian aga ine eser ations are re uired, as s a e is li ited d ission to this s e ial e ent is er erson

October 2013 - 43

34th Annual Fall Festival e tanton nited Methodist Chur h Center e ne Co e and en o ho e ade ood, ra ts, entertain ent, butter and a le ider, ba e sale, talent sho and the Big in ludes anti ues, uilts, and ne ite s here s un or

t to Bruster s ree ids ga es, a u tion at PM the hole a il

le

History of the Johnson House - Lincoln Highway Experience tate oute East, atrobe, P lhh org in oln igh a E erien e ill host a resentation b des endents o the ohnston a il about the histor o the ohnston ouse Cost Nature at Night Hike - Keystone State Park PM isitP ar s o ar s e stone as nternational bser e the Moon ight is an annual e ent that is dedi ated to en ouraging eo le to loo u and ta e noti e o our nearest neighbor, the Moon o oin us at the isitor enter or a brie introdu tion to our sterious nightti e o anions - ro bats and o ls, to the oon and stars be ore enturing out onto the trails or a loo at nature at night Please register at uistia a go or -

Laurel Mountain Post - November Issue Deadline Westmoreland Jazz Society: Elevations eton ill ni ersit Per or ing rts Center, arrison enue, reensburg onsored b est oreland Museu o eri an rt useu aa org he Pittsburgh-nati e grou is ui l gaining a re utation or being one o the ost e iting and ersatile grou s in the oung generation o toda heir usi is ir l rooted in the a tradition o bined ith in luen es a ross the a i - o , &B, un , Classi al, o , and Po Ea h e ber o es ro a di erent usi al ba ground, hi h ontributes to the uni ue sound o Ele ations Cost e bers non e bers students & under Taste of the Neighborhood: Beer & Wings atrobe rt Center igonier t, atrobe, P latrobeart enter org Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival ashington Count airgrounds Main t, ashington, P htt a il esti als o P -Christ as ht l ee an o the region s bests artists and ra ts en dis la ing their inest ra ts in luding un tional and de orati e ood, a li ued & e bellished lothing, ersonali ed Christ as orna ents, dried and sil loral arrange ents, hotogra h , rints, ainted glass, e elr , abri de or or our ho e, hildren s to s, s ented andles, uni ue gi t ite s, ta estries, de orati e lags, so t s ul ture, ersonali ed signs, et treats & ollars, urses, and u h, u h ore ee ends Hobgoblin Hike Ma oth Par i e Ma htt

44 - October 2013

oth Count Par , Mount Pleasant, P o est oreland a us

e o ended or ages eight and o er, the obgoblin i es are ile outdoor guided al s through the haunted oods o the ar isitors an e e t to be led through a es and e eteries, and ast ore than ghouls, goblins and onsters he obgoblin i es are o ered to ro ide a sa e a il alternati e to on entional tri -or-treating Parents are en ouraged to attend the e ents ith their hildren Potter’s Tour i sburg E ittanning t , i sburg, P htt s i sburg net e ents ht l Seton Hill Hosts Viewing of Sundance Award Winning Documentary “Blood Brother� hat eton ill ni ersit ill be s reening the undan e il esti al a ard- inning do u entar , Blood Brother i ets are ith student rates a ailable i ets an be ur hased online at setonhill edu ti ets or b alling the eton ill ni ersit Bo i e at Pro eeds ro the s reening ill be donated to an ndian or hanage eatured in the do u entar hen aturda , tober , , here Carol ei hgut Con ert all, eton ill ni ersit Per or ing rts Center, arrison enue, reensburg, Pa he Per or ing rts Center is a ull a essible and li ate- ontrolled a ilit Par ing is a ailable in our nearb reensburg ar ing areas the Bell Par ing arage on orth tter an treet a ross the street ro the Per or ing rts Center , the ell an- hrist lot on orth Main treet, the lbert rillo lot on eton ill ri e and the ib lbright lot o est tter an treet Ba ground Blood Brother is an inti ate ortrait o o Braat, a oung an ro Pittsburgh ho longed to ind a a il e didn t no it, but this desire ould lead hi to an hostel in ndia, a la e o uns ea able hardshi , here he ould ind al ost ore lo e and need than he ould bear he un ista able o er o lo e is elebrated in this stor o one an s de ision to o e to ndia and restart his li e a ong the dis ossessed o nna, as the hildren li ing at an or hanage or those in e ted ith no hi , as dissatis ied ith his li e in eri a a ing gro n u ithout a lose- nit a il o his o n, he ound his alling li ing and or ing ith ids in need nli e others ho si l assed through their li es, o sta ed, dedi ating hi sel to their health and ell-being es ite or idable hallenges, his la ul s irit and deter ination in the a e o des air ro es to be an in aluable resour e ire tor te e oo er a Pittsburgher ho is best riends ith his sub e t entured to ndia to hroni le o s ne ound li e in this beauti ull ra ted and ersonal il he bond o orges ith his riend and the dee onne tion he a es ith the hildren he ser es is Blood Brother s testa ent to one s abilit to reate a eaning ul li e Blood Brother is the inner o ulti le ri es, in luding the rand ur Pri e and the udien e ard at the undan e il esti al Brews & Blues in the Valley Peo les atural as Par , ohnsto n i etholders ill re ei e sa les o ra t and i robre s, hoosing ro the rodu ts o ore than bre eries ariet o ood endors ro the lo al area ill o er tober est st le ood at the e ent eneral ad ission ti ets are lus ees hen ur hased in ad an e lus ees on the da o the e ent designated dri er ti et is a ailable or those ho ish to o e to the esti al to en o the usi and at os here, but do not intend to drin lood it usi o Latrobe AutumnFest o nto n atrobe n outdoor and indoor o unit e ent eaturing atrobe rtists ainting in the ar , ar er s Mar et endors along igonier treet and art a ti ities or hildren lus tor ti e, a eainting and balloon a ing Spooky Hoot Co ass nn oute o assinn o

East, aughlinto n, P

Fabulous Fall Hike - Keystone State Park PM isitP ar s o ar s e stone as i e ith us along the beauti ul trails o e stone tate Par to in estigate the s lendors o all earn to identi a ariet o lants that brighten u our orests and ields this s e ial ti e o ear Meet at the isitor enter Please dress or the eather ite s ou a ant to bring sturd shoes, ater, bug re ellent, and bino ulars Please register at uistia a go or -

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Pittsburgh and the Mexican War Balt er Me er istori al o iet Balt er Me er Pi e, reensburg, P htt balt er e er a-roots o etails the i otal role Pittsburgh la ed in a ar that ro ed to be a re-lude to the eri an Ci il ar

t igonier Mar et t , igonier, P htt ortligonier org reats no tri s

Peter Pan B ha heater th t , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts ulturaldistri t org Peter Pan has ne er been told li e this e en hildren retell this lassi tale in a a that ill en hant audien es he ad enture begins as the hildren lan to ut on a la using hate er the an ind in the atti he hildren are trans or ed into the lassi hara ters o Peter Pan right be ore our e es his rodu tion en ourages hildren to let their i aginations ta e light and to reate their o n ad entures

Family Fall Day istori anna s o n orbes rail oad, reensburg, P htt hannasto n org n a ternoon o e ents or the all season e eter tours, stor telling, roasting a les, ra ts, to s & ga es, re resh ents egular ad ission

Greensburg College Club Travelogue Series: “Canadian Maritimes” reensburg ale enior igh hool uditoriu , PM eries , single ad ission Bene its holarshi und Barbara illis, oin ohn olod and odie inter or a dis ussion o the Canadian Mariti es, a region o Eastern Canada onsisting o three ro in es e Bruns i , o a otia and Prin e Ed ard sland he rogra also in ludes the as e Peninsula and e oundland abrador or a s e ta ular ad enture that should be on e er tra eler s to do list 13th Annual Arthur St. Clair Lecture: “Emancipating Lincoln” ni ersit o Pittsburgh at reensburg, , erguson heater in ith all inoli ri e, reensburg, P ree, but all or seating, eaturing author arold ol er, ho ill s ea on in oln and the E an i ation Pro la ation, oin iding ith the th anni ersar o the Ci il ar or ore in o htt haroldhol er o , staro the est org, and est orelandheritage org

or the ids

Bushy Run Battlefield Presents: Haunted Historical Hayride eser ations are re uired, beginning tober

We Will Rock You Benedu Center or the Per or ing rts th t , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts org isit a ilities benedu E C eatures the greatest hits o the legendar British ro grou , ueen o in its th ear in ondon and seen b a staggering illion eo le orld ide, this hilarious, ulti-a ard- inning and re ord-brea ing heno enon is ritten b elebrated British o edian Ben Elton and boasts a antasti s ore o iller ueen tunes that ou ust an t resist singing along to, su h as nother ne Bites he ust, Cra ittle hing Called o e, e re he Cha ions, Bohe ian ha sod and, o ourse, e ill o ou t s the orld ha ion o usi als and the sho that ro s harder than an other, so don t iss the art Smicksburg Old Fashioned Country Christmas Open House i sburg E ittanning t , i sburg, P htt s i sburg net e ents ht l a orite Christ as ood sa les, beauti ul de orations, and light-u night s e ial isitor ight e en be in the area or the oung at heart Three Rivers Film Festival Pittsburgh r o he hree i ers il esti al is the largest il esti al in estern Penns l ania and ta es la e in do nto n Pittsburgh, a land and egent uare his e iting t o- ee elebration eatures o er il s and brings the best in inde endent and international ine a to Pittsburgh 25th Annual F&I War Seminar and Bus Tour o ood u on ille oad, o ood, P htt braddo road a org he Braddo oad Preser ation sso iation as or ed in as the u on ille Preser ation sso iation ts irst eeting as attended b a e interested histor bu s, and has gro n in si e e er ear sin e then he annual ren h and ndian ar se inar at u on ille, held the irst rida and aturda o o e ber, is no the largest su h annual gathering in Penns l ania and one o the largest in the ountr Harvest Candlelight Tours Co ass nn oute East, aughlinto n, P o assinn o E erien e the har est season in the s aturda s & unda s

to

Country Roads Quilt Shop Hop e e ial Main treet, nionto n, P hat a great a to s end ti e e loring the aurel ighlands as ou P around to uilt sho s in a ette, est oreland and o erset Counties ee and sho beauti ul ne abri , hat ith gals ho do hat ou do, and a be e en de ide ou need a ne a hine

Fall Festival innie Pal er ature eser e al er a , atrobe, P htt nr org Co e en o the ris air along the trails and isit the endors inside the barn alls or the tastes and reati it the season brings ree to all isitors and all ages el o e

Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone Pala e heatre est tter an treet, reensburg, P htt the ala etheatre org

Mud on the Mountain e en rins Mountain

Somerset County Job Fair ational uard r or htt so erset a net

to sto n to

d , riedens, P

Haunted Halloween Event Co ass nn oute East, aughlinto n, P o assinn o E ening stor telling and haunted tour o Co ass nn Museu rida and aturda , to unda Ft. Ligonier SPOOKTACULAR!

Every Story Begins At Home.

esort ater heel ri e, e en rings, P s rings o Mud on the Mountain o ers athletes a han e to get do n and dirt ato the beauti ul aurel ighlands he se en ile ud run ourse inds its a u , do n and through so e o the ost hallenging terrain in Penns l ania his e ent ill ta e la e on aturda , o e ber , ith the irst a e o arti i ants going out at a

to

The Chef’s Table–A Chocolate Lover’s Dream est oreland Count Co unit College Pa ilion ane, oung ood, P edu CCC s Center or Culinar rts and os italit a ult and students are sear hing the globe or gour et trends and the best ualit ho olate to subtl in or orate into this ear s uisine Pre are to e erien e the sil iness and o le it that ust a s all a ount o ho olate an add to sa or dishes

October 2013 - 45

CRAFTED-Opening Reception o iet or Conte orar Cra t htt onte

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents DRAGONS Consol Energ Center th e , Pittsburgh, P htt onsolenerg enter o ragon tribes ro the ar rea hes o the earth are brought together in a single er or an e, dis la ing their breathta ing s ills in a ir us tourna ent o ha ions Ea h tribe ust ro e that the ha e irtues o Courage, trength, isdo and eart to arouse dragons hi h a ear right be ore our er e es 6th Annual/2013 Pittsburgh UFO CONFERENCE est oreland Count Co unit College in the ien e Building, Pa ilion ane, oung ood, P , or those ho are ans o n ient liens, iles, or ust onder about the ossibilit o intelligent li e in the uni erse, ou no ha e a han e to eet and ingle ith real-li e ro essionals ho s ienti i all in estigate these things n organi ation alled M Mutual et or o Penns l ania shuns the li elight and instead, their highl uali ied e erts, ho in lude indi iduals ro all the s ien es, go about uietl in estigating re orts o unusual sightings and e erien es that ossibl in ol e the e traterrestrial oin us or a ull da a ed ith in or ati e s ea ers, interesting dis ussion and endors on toda s hot to i s in olog a to egistration starts at a e ial rate a ages are a ailable on the on eren e ebsite or additional in or ation go to u on a o or hone ohn entre at Holiday Marketplace Preview est oreland Museu o rt tate oute , reensburg, P useu aa org n eri an Mar et la e, the ho at he est oreland is trans or ed or the holida s eaturing one-o -a- ind ite s reated b onte orar eri an artists, ra ts en and designers, the Mar et la e is the er e t sto or uni ue holida sho ing o ur hases, o li entar re resh ents and ree gi t- ra ing are ro ided throughout the e ening ll ur hases su ort the est oreland Museu o eri an rt and its rogra s Plaid Tidings he Cabaret at

heater uare Penn e , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts org isit a ilities abaret

Holiday Fashion Fantasy reensburg arden & Ci i Center ld ale oad, reensburg, P est oreland ulturaltrust org Evening Lecture Program t igonier Mar et t , igonier, P htt ortligonier org e ents alendar h Co e oration o eorge ashington s riendl

orar

all an t , Pittsburgh, P ra t org CC Calendar ht l

Smicksburgh Cookie Tour i sburg E ittanning t , i sburg, P htt s i sburg net e ents ht l to b lo al businesses and sa le treats ade

ith lo e ust or ou

The Magic Flute Benedu Center or the Per or ing rts th t , Pittsburgh, P htt trustarts org isit a ilities benedu Memorial Service in Honor of Civil War Veterans nit Ce eter Beatt Count oad, atrobe, P est orelandhistor org ubli ere on PM honors Ci il ar soldiers buried at nit Ce eter ersonal stories o sele ted soldiers resented at gra e sites handout listing all Ci il ar soldiers detailing their ran , ser i e unit, and lo ation in the e eter Candlelight Open House istori anna s o n orbes rail oad, htt hannasto n org Colonial Teas istori anna s o n htt

orbes rail oad, hannasto n org

reensburg, P

reensburg, P

a il - riendl , ultural, and non ro it e ents ta e re eden e hen rint s a e is a onsideration alendar laurel ountain ost o aurel Mountain Post Calendar P Bo igonier P

ire n ident

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.� nais in lo er blosso s, it gro s and blosso s, t o er lear obs en oded ithin its lo er o es into being ith a e goals and e ortlessl ul ills its ur ose ithout so hen a lo er blosso s, it lea es the orld an in initel ore beauti ul la e

u h as a brain

e hu ans ould ta e a e hints ro our riend the lo er e ould tr to ee things si le, allo oursel es to be ore o used on our gro th and li e ur ose o allo ti e to onder these thoughts dail ould be a er e t a to begin to allo either gro th or li e ur ose to unra el uided ager , de elo ent

editation or ti e s ent in o

e hu ans too the ris to blosso ,

e as

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union

ith silen e are hel ul te hni ues or ersonal

ould lea e the

orld a

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That’s What They Say Thought provoking insights on common uotations y 46 - October 2013

ev. Mar orie

ivera

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Based on a True Story: When Ivy Snow, former Olympic Eventing hopeful, moves to the charming town of Wellington to publish Equestrian Style magazine she never dreams that her family’s idyllic lives will be threatened by a prolific arsonist and a long-festering plot for revenge soon to be executed.

Book Signing by Local Author Janet Winters Ft. Ligonier Days: October 12-13, Sat & Sun, 2-4 Equine Chic - On the Diamond at 100 East Main Street

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Every Story Begins At Home.

October 2013 - 47

END NOTES

by Cathi Gerhard

“There’s More Gravy Than Grave About You� ast onth, s ent a ou le o da s in the hos ital a sta that began on the e ening o rida th ter a lassi ar eal o ried hi en, buttered orn, lus i noodles and the thi est, ost deli ious ba on-laden gra e er, suddenl did not eel uite right hirt inutes later, it elt as though d ta en a shotgun blast to the hest ould barel breathe sort o li e dro ning, but dr , and the ain as at least a nine on the hos ital s ale ouldn t ind a o ortable osition ain edi ation nor anta ids ga e an relie ter another agoni ing inutes, ga e in to leading husband, and he hauled ru led and ess sel to the ho ital E er bu on the road bet een here and there no has a na e, none o the olite t least hen ou sho u at the lo al e ergen roo ith hest ain, ou are greeted b a heel hair at the door and rushed right in B this oint don t thin ould ha e al ed er an ste s t as still hard to breathe, and the ain had started s reading into shoulders, ar s and ne o ing ro ain and rithing to breathe, arri ed at E roo M lu nu ber u erstitious and e erien ed E sta began tal ing about the i ending adness or the night had orgotten it as rida the th, and started to a ologi e or art in the a he hen as ed i ould ha e bla at, Magi , brought in to ee e o an ur risingl , daughter sho ed u ith a to stu ed ersion not long a ter that annot re e ber er ell u h o hat ha ened ne t until the nurse ut the irst nitrogl erin ill under tongue t too three o the to bring e ba around, and held that little at all night long, on48 - October 2013

te lating li e and death tri to the hos ital an bring out the elodra ati side in us or ust lain s are us into ta ing sto a ed death one other ti e Childbirth ust a es ou eel li e ou re d ing, but ollo ing a serious sinus surger al ost did bleed to death he do tors sho ed e the lo hart used to diagnose and treat roble , and as on the last blo ne t to death ter do -

tors tried a e ore surgeries, ne had about hours to li e i the ould not lug the slo lea M arents and sister ere ten hours a a , and hildren ere er oung ll thought about through the long night as ne er seeing the again don t no hi h as stronger the terror or ill to sur i e ne er anted to e erien e that again But here as on e ore, not sure i as ha ing a heart atta , a ani roble or a troubled gall bladder ll those old eelings a e rushing ba But this ti e thought about angels and ho u h issed dad, ho assed a a a e ears ago he sho ed u to eet e, ould ta e his hand and go ith

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into the light, li e the stories sa t as another tortuous night alone in the hos ital, ondering hat as going to ha en he on- all h si ian a o e e ro so e rest ul slee as drea ing about angels , and another atta began as o iting, struggling to breathe, and s eat oured o e li e a s ring strea ouldn t or the ords to ans er his uestions, and it too ore edi ation to al e er thing do n B orning as a deh drated rag doll, and too ea to ta e a stress test ll other heart tests ere lear, so as dis harged M husband too e ho e, and sle t or t o da s B no , all indi ations led to a gall bladder atta , ost li el brought on b the ri h and deli ious dinner that e ening as ha beause ate lard, but not or long t turns out all the arnings are true be are ul hat ou eat also learned about the theor and gallbladder s ndro e air, at, e ale, ertile and o er ort a ha e lost ounds, but not as thin as used to be nd the lo arb diet use at ti es is also robabl one o the illains in this stor , along ith husband s deliious ren h st le o oo ing ha e rea hed et another hurdle o outh, and tri ed antasti all o er the idea o o n in in ibilit or ee s no , ha e been eating er little, ostl ro a o bination o ear and ain n endos o the other da sho ed a tortured tra t, u h li e that o son, ho has Crohn s disease nother ill has been added to da , along ith a bland diet o e ull an ollo the rules and not graduall sli ba to old greed habits

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Join us for Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, 5:00 - 7:00 PM Live Entertainment every Tuesday and Friday, 6:00 - 9:30 PM. Enjoy the Fall foilage in the mountains of the beautiful Laurel Highlands.

Let us pack you a lunch complete with an insulated lunch box you can take on a hike and visit one of a kind scenery.

After a beautiful day exploring, return to the hotel and enjoy a bottle of Arnold Palmer wine awaiting you in your room.

End your day relaxing around the fire pit under the stars.

115 Arnold Palmer Drive Latrobe, PA 15650 Phone: 724-537-7800

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