Laurel Mountain Post September-October 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST The owl of ignorance lays the egg of pride.

Pennsylvanian with a Transylvanian Twist Something Winter This Way Comes Things That Go Bump in the Night!

Haunted Tale from the Crypt

The Legend of the Headless Horsewoman

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2009 Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 1

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2 - September/October 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

W SEPT/OCT 2009 (Volume VI, Issue 5)

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

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

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

724-537-6845 Cathi Gerhard Editor & Publisher

Michelle M. Schultz Business Manager

Barbara M. Neill Features Editor/Advertising Sales Director

Carol A.Gerhard Administrative Assistant/Copy Editor

Elizabeth Srsic Art & Layout Editor THANKS TO: Our writers, as well as those who help out behind the scenes: Heather Haines, Chris Kantorik, Pat Kintigh, Doug Richardson, Briana Tomack, Robert Williams and Devin Winklosky.

Proud members of the Latrobe, Ligonier, Mountain Laurel, Somerset, and Indiana County Chambers of Commerce Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

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

Every day, more and more readers and advertisers across western Pennsylvania are discovering the Laurel Mountain Post.

Every Story Begins At Home.

“Fear is a slinking cat I find beneath the lilacs of my mind.”

–Sophie Tunnell

elcome . . .

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard

Lengthened Shadows of Ignorance Better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t. At least that’s one of those old sayings we like to quote when trying to justify our paralyzing fears of uncharted challenges.

I remember many nights as a child when I would hide under the covers, dripping with the sweat of terror over unidentifiable sounds and shadows. Driven by that intense dread of the unknown, my imagination invented horrible explanations for what might be, rather than what was.

I still do. Like the proverbial deer in the headlights, I freeze at the prospect of change.

Go backward, go forward, please do something. But most often, I am run down by my failure to make a decision and then act upon it. I waste so much time trying to evaluate imaginery consequences that I can’t see the truth right in front of me. Which is usually plain, simple, and not so scary afterall.

In fact, these unknowns are often the solutions themselves to that which we fear.

I’ve experienced many frightening events this past year, starting with the death of my father, who was the center of our family’s small world.

For the past six months we have been floating adrift in the space of change instead of choosing new orbits. Our random paths collide constantly because we imagine that a designated course might take us all farther apart into a universe yet to be explored.

Speaking of faith, I believe its mostly about finding the strength

tention like never before in my lifetime. The world has reached a crisis point where the stagnation of ideas and actions has left us with a crumbling economy, a failing health care system, and a dying planet. The passionate argument should not be about who is right or who is wrong, but merely about the need for change. Only once we agree on that point can we face a new and different world together.

within yourself rather than sitting around hoping someone takes care of things for you. It is about trying, and failing, and trying again using the knowledge you’ve gained with each attempt. To me, nothing is more frightening, more threatening, than ignorance.

Old maps used to mark the edge of familiar territories with signs that read “Beyond this point there be dragons.” How many hundreds of years did it take to leave the old world behind and sail those waters? In the end, it turns out, they found America.

As the dark shadows of time and space become longer, more exaggerated, the opportunities for enterprise decrease. We tend to slowly back ourselves into a tightening corner because the close walls seem comforting at first, when really they intend to crush us. This is usually the point when people start to pray.

Maintaining the status quo simply because “it’s always been done a certain way,” means that we never learn. We might not regress, but we’ll never move forward. This year has brought change to our atSeptember/October 2009 - 3

The Legend of the Headless Horsewoman (and other monsters) by Cathi Gerhard On October 25, 2002, I lost my mind – at least the only one I ever knew. The one I have now is different: in some ways better, in varied ways worse. The person I am today is an odd combination of old, new and confused.

I am the victim of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Each year, about 1.4 million TBIs are reported in the United States – many of them sports-related. By definition, a TBI occurs when a blow to the head causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. A concussion is generally defined as any disturbance in brain function following a TBI. Loss of consciousness occurs in only less than 10% of these cases and is no longer believed to be the predictor for post-injury symptom severity.

In my case, a five-pound wooden pole drapery rod with BIG finial ends struck the top of my head after falling about 15 feet. By the simplest of physics calculations, it was like getting kicked in the head by two hoofs of a horse (a small engine has the power of all four). I did not pass out, but I’m not sure how long it took me to decipher what I should do next. My perception of time changed instantly, but eventually I sought help.

Doctors assured me all I needed was time, but the patience of my family and co-workers faded rapidly. The unanimous expectation was for me to heal.

They wanted me to feel and act the same; speak and write again; remember to brush my teeth; and stop putting the milk away in the cupboard instead of the refrigerator. I started hiding in my room, partly because I was exhausted from every little activity, and partly because each interaction became a “challenge” to my new ways of thinking, an ever-present paranoia that my perception was singular and prey to regular attack by the “normal” world. I was no longer intentionally aware of what was right and wrong – not in a lawful sense, but correct/incorrect or matter of appropriateness.

The projection for most recovery and rehabilitation is a return to normal activity. But with brain injury and disease, the goals are different. Brain damage occurs on a metabolic level, not a structural one. It does not heal in the same sense that a broken bone will knit back together. The pathways for neurotransmissions are lost or re-routed, forever altering the way the brain functions.

Therefore, recovery is not about what was but what might be as a result.

Upon arrival at the emergency room in Raleigh, NC, I was required to register, but had great difficulty answering questions and filling out forms. The simple coherency tests we make fun of on TV weren’t so laughable any more. I gave my junior high boyfriend’s home phone number from 1984 instead of my own. Also missing was my understanding of location, year, and in some ways literacy itself. When I couldn’t sign my name, I realized the severity of my situation. Overwhelmed by confusion, panic, and the excruciating “weight” of that horse still stomping on my head, the only way I could communicate clearly was to scream, yell, howl, whimper and cry.

4 - September/October 2009

My overwrought brain was working so much harder than others just to add two numbers together, that after a few hours I needed a nap – especially following a brief period of rare clarity or excellent performance. Painkillers for the migraines also left me sleepy or “inebriated,” completing my transition to “walking dead.” My zombie-like state was especially frightening when I would get lost and confused then panic in the middle of WalMart, or then forget how to find my way home again once I finally found the car, which took even more thought and attention just to drive.

Perhaps even worse than the vacant, terrifying gloom were the days spent as a mummified creature, trapped behind wrappings of physical paralysis. My thoughts and sagagious intentions often peered out from behind an incapacitating mask that prevented me from engaging the actions necessary to perform them.

In other words, I knew that 2+2=4, but I couldn’t say it. I was hungry, but couldn’t pick up the fork to eat or even make myself go get the food. Once I actually found some of my thoughts, I was all alone with them!

Isolation was another terrorist with whom I eventually forged a peaceable union. I alone understood the consequences of my TBI. Unlike monsters who are covered with the signs of their afflictions (fangs, bandages, blood, etc), I appeared perfectly normal. My behavior was often, therefore, dismissed as laziness, selfishness, awkwardness, carelessness, and several other choice Nessies. Much of the medical community considered me a malingerer as well – clinging to some unprovable brain damage legend in the hopes of some financial settlement or attention.

With no available antedote to banish the rogues gallery of demons my brain had conjured since the accident, I continued to do research on my own. I was determined to understand my new self even if no one else could. One suggestion from a neurologist I consulted was that my specific type of injury matched the resulting impairment from Alzheimer’s as it slowly destroys the brain. Further reading on the subject provided almost miraculous insight.

Despite the hysterical, lupine-like scene, there was no blood, no fracture, no physical evidence on an xray or MRI to explain my symptoms.

In 2002, it was still common practice to evaluate for visible injury, assign a grade, treat for pain, and send you home with a doctor’s excuse good for a few days rest. In other words, since there was nothing to sew up or otherwise repair, just hope for the best.

But my “best” wasn’t good enough.

In the days that followed, my symptoms became more severe. I began stuttering/slurring, or experiencing aphasia (increased language disability combined with word or syllable substitutions, etc). I didn’t sleep for two weeks, and had a continuous, retrograding migraine. All the while, there was a disturbing feeling of strangeness, as if I wasn’t entirely in the right place, at the right time, with the right people. I felt like Frankenstein’s monster, made of different parts that, though assembled, somehow didn’t quite equal a human. Fear and frustration became my basic emotional analog: a steady and unrelenting phantasm (my hunchbacked sidekick), both day and night.

work. Some days I could think, others I couldn’t. Migraines left me vomiting or staggering away from the light like a cloying vampire.

Most people think of “4” as “2+2.” But to me it now might make more sense to consider terms of the longer/slower “3+ ½ + ¼ + ¼ .” And that makes people uncomfortable. I know it’s not the quickest or simplest solution, but at least I have one. I spent several years attempting to “fix” myself or just “trying harder” so I could “get my life back.” I struggled in my attempts to return to full-time

“When someone has Alzheimer’s disease, nerve cells die in areas of the brain that are vital to memory and other mental abilities, and connections between nerve cells are disrupted. There are also lower levels of some of the chemicals in the brain that carry messages back and forth between nerve cells. This affects memory, judgment, and thinking, which in turn may hinder a person’s ability to handle day-to-day activities” (© 2009 Eisai Inc. and Pfizer Inc).

According to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), there are ten signs of the disease:

Every 23 seconds, one person in the US sustains a Traumatic Brain Injury.

An estimated 3.17 Million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from Traumatic Brain Injury.

1.4 Million Americans sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury each year.

More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of Traumatic Brain Injury.

1.

Memory changes that disrupt daily life 2. Challenges in planning or solving problems 3. Difficulty completing tasks at home at work or at leisure 4. Confusion with time or place 5. Trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships 6. New problems with words in speaking or writing 7. Misplacing things and losing the ablity to retrace steps 8. Decreased or poor judgment 9. Withdrawl from work or social activities 10. Changes in mood or personality My change in behavior and dysfunction was VERY similar to a stage one Alzheimer’s patient. It made sense to my family and friends too – something in writing (an instruction manual even) that explained what we had been experiencing. I would not continue to degrade, however, as with disease; just stay the same . . .

Several years had passed since the accident, and science had been revising its research and opinions on traumatic brain injury. Gulf War veterans were coming home in high numbers following TBIs, and more attention was being paid to the struggle. In January 2006, ABC news anchor Bob Woodruff was seriously injured while reporting in Iraq. Initial reports indicated head and upper body injuries, but the real impact for me came during an early television interview he gave. There was a man with half his head blown off (in between surgical repairs), experiencing all the same cognitive issues I faced every day. He had the physical proof for the misunderstood phantoms, and the media resources to make the world take notice. He built a movement focused on understanding and treating the “hidden injuries of war,” for all those soldiers who kept their heads in one piece, but suffered just the same.

In 2008 a concensus statement was released at the International Conference on Concussion in Zurich, Switzerland It recommended eliminating the simple, initial grading system for concussions and other TBIs. Long term evaluation and neuropsychological testing has since become the recommended treatment. Locally, sports concussion clinics like the one offered by Excela Health. They report: A young athlete participating in football for four years in high school has about a 20 percent chance of suffering a concussion. The number for soccer is 10 percent. Ten percent of athletes par-

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

ticipating in a contact/collision sport will suffer a concussion each year. A common statistic for athletes experiencing a sports-related concussion in our country is 300,000 yearly, but this is a gross underestimate because it includes only concussions that resulted in a loss of consciousness. The number is likely closer to 2 million.

“Kids often deny having concussive symptoms just because they want to get back in the game at any cost,” explained James Masterson, DO, who directs Excela Health’s Sports Medicine Concussion Program. The program helps protect athletes from complications of improperly treated head or brain injury.

Dr. Masterson uses the “Immediate Postconcussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing” (ImPACT) system, which coupled with clinical evaluation, can help guide return to play decisions.

ImPACT is a 25-minute interactive computer program that tests cognitive skills such as memory, problem-solving and reaction time.

“At the beginning of the year; we get baseline tests on athletes’ brain functioning and record it. If they sustain an injury, we test them again within 72 hours. Recovery is then followed by clinical evaluation, symptom resolution, and ImPACT results. The athlete is allowed a graduated return to play when asymptomatic and ImPACT scores have returned to baseline.”

FIGURE 1: Signs & Symptoms of Mild

Traumatic Brain Injury (Concussion)

PHYSICAL headache nausea vomiting balance problems dizziness visual problems fatigue sensitivity to light sensitivity to noise numbness/tingling COGNITIVE feeling mentally “foggy” feeling slowed down difficulty concentrating difficulty remembering EMOTIONAL irritabilty sadness more emotional nervousness SLEEP drowsiness sleeping less than usual sleeping more than usual trouble falling asleep An estimated 15% of persons who sustain an MTBI continue to experience these negative consequences one year or more after injury, and many experience life-long impariment.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Some area schools like Hempfield Area High School, Seton Hill University and Saint Vincent College do their own testing. Others who don’t have access to the ImPACT system can work through Excela Health’s Concussion program.

“In addition to working with the above schools, our goal is to assist high schools, recreational teams or even individuals who don’t have access to ImPACT testing. Schools or associationsponsored teams/players can have their athletes get baseline tests and post testing through our office,” said Dr. Masterson. We are also a resource for high school athletes during the summer months when school is not in session.”

ImPACT is now the industry standard used by all the major sports organizations including the NFL, the NBA, NHL, Professional Auto Racing and Rugby to name a few as well as a many high schools, colleges, universities and medical providers. Access to this program is not limited to athletes, however. Costs for testing and support may be coverered by health insurances, are similar to office visits, and services are available to most all individuals dealing with concussion and brain injury.

The Neuroscience Center at Latrobe Hospital opened in March of this year.

The 22,000-square-foot project, representing a $6 million capital investment

by Excela Health, brings a continuum of quality, specialized care to the region enabling patients to receive a host of neurological-related care locally. The Center showcases a recovery-centered atmosphere. Each of its 26 private and two semi-private patient rooms includes unique and unparalleled safety and comfort features. A state-of-the-art gym provides a therapeutic environment for major muscles training and support, and an inpatient dining area promotes community interaction and socialization as part of rehabilitation as the primary focus of the center as neurosurgery and stroke patients prepare to return home and to their community. Nowhere is that more evident than in Neighborhood Way, where patients will practice day-to-day activities like going grocery shopping or to the library.

“The Neuroscience Center is all about retraining and simulating real-life environments for patients [and caregivers] in a community-like environment where they can heal, gain strength and adjust to the activities of daily living,” said Katie Crovak, RN, manager.

I am one of at least 5.3 million Americans with a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of a TBI. Advances in Alzheimer’s research have allowed me to regain some of the function I lost: medications such as Aricept that help slow the disease have also been found to improve cognitive impairments. Antidepressants in high doses help me manage the contant stress of debilitating confusion. My greatest allies, however, are patience, flexibility and understanding.

My family, friends, and business associates all take turns following behind me to make sure I complete tasks correctly or remember to do them at all. I work in small chunks or when the “planets align,” and I have a streak of peak cognitive performance. I have all the same abilities I once had, I’m just never sure when I’ll have access to them or for continued on page 22

Neighborhood Way Neuroscience Center at Latrobe Hospital

Each area within the Neighborhood Way addresses a multitude of skills which patients are trying to improve or perfect in preparation for community re-integration. These skills may include: perceptual retraining, cognitive retraining, gross and fine motor skill development, safety, life skills and activities of daily living, static and dynamic standing balance, activity tolerance, endurance, and psycho-social re-training.

ADAMS MEMORIAL LIBRARY Some patients need help with simple dexterity motions that we all take for granted like turning the pages in a book. Patients may choose a book from the shelves and sit to read.

PUTTING GREEN - ARNOLD PALMERS LATROBE COUNTRY CLUB Practice swings on the putting green help restore a golfer’s confidence that a favorite pastime can continue once discharged. Promotes: a leisure activity, hand-eye coordination, standing balance, coordination, activity endurance, cognitive retraining.

CAR - ARNOLD PALMER MOTORS A full sized vehicle, permanently in park, offers patients the opportunity to practice getting in and out of a car in anticipation of going home.

Promotes: safety awareness, proper transfers into the passenger side and back seat of an automobile.

LATROBE BULLETlN Opening and closing a newspaper box tests motor skills, and serves as another reminder of the need to connect to the community through current events.

PARK BENCH - LEGION KEENER PARK A bench offers a comfortable place to relax between activities and from a therapist’s point of view a new challenge to overcome, since park benches are closer to the ground than hospital furnishings. Promotes: sitting on a varied surface without the benefit of armrests.

GROCERY STORE - LATROBE WALMART A refrigerator case and fruit and vegetable stand test decision making abilities as well as motor function. Promotes: cognitive retraining (making lists and purchases and exchanging money for goods), activity endurance (carrying/pushing shopping basket or cart), standing static and dynamic balance activities (reaching and bending for items on shelves and counters).

CAFE - LATROBE HOSPITAL LITTLE SHOP The cafe table service and menu are tools speech pathologists use.

Promotes: cognitive re-training (choosing from a menu), verbal skill development (ordering from a menu), improved sitting endurance.

ATM MACHINE - COMMERCIAL BANK & TRUST OF PA Simulated banking experience. Promotes retraining and manual dexterity in conducting a banking transaction.

The entrance to Neighborhood Way includes a street scene of Latrobe in days past, donated by Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society in memory of longtime member Emelene Hanna.

September/October 2009 - 5

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The College Tour: A Parent’s Perspective

by JB Rossi

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6 - September/October 2009

It remains to this day one of the classic back-to-school traditions, the “How I spent my Summer Vacation” essay. I can truly say that this summer, for me, the answer to this question has been one of the most enlightening endeavors that I have ever undertaken.

I spent this summer driving around the country with my firstborn visiting many of the institutions of higher learning which will soon be charging me thousands of dollars to teach my child how to party twenty four seven. I spent this summer doing the dreaded “College Tours.”

I am sure my daughter would have a totally different perspective on our trip, but I’d like to tell you about my adventure through a parent’s point-of-view.

There were many inspiring moments during my three week long adventure and I have gained many special insights from it. I highly recommend this outing to all parents.

For the many parents who haven’t had the opportunity to bond with your teenager after seventeen years, here is your prime and possibly final chance to get to know your child. You will have ample opportunity to do so while driving together for hours getting from one school to another.

For those like me who were fortunate enough to have already bonded with their children, this was the perfect time to really get to know every aspect of my child’s personality. We talked about her likes and dislikes, listened endlessly to her favorite top 20 music, and discussed the options available to her concerning her future plans. I asked her what her thoughts were on world peace, on going green, and on political ideals.

After a while I realized that what I was getting back was a sort of parenting report card. How did I do raising this child? Where did I lack? To see and hear her passion about abstract world ideals such as saving the whales and protecting our environment as opposed to discussing only the mundane everyday routine and the bad economy was so enlightening and inspiring.

And I learned about a lot of new things. With all the travel miles, it was really essential to allow my child to help with the driving. My daughter’s help with programming the new GPS technology was also a plus. I remember asking one day if she had chosen a different route other than the one the GPS mapped out for us because, when she was behind the wheel, she was able to cut our drive time in half! “Thank you Danica!”

The adventure continued once we reached our destination. First things first, find the admissions office. For some odd reason, our car could always find the boys soccer team practice or the body building gymnasium, but had difficulty locating the admissions office. Darn GPS! Once there, we always started with the campus walking tour. For those of you who haven’t experienced this phenomena yet, this is the part of the visit where a very perky young female student or an extremely long-legged track athlete lead a group of twenty to twenty-five prospective students and their parents through a guided tour of every building from one side of the campus to the other. What a wonderful way to lose a few pounds! I remember hiking across campus many times a day when I went to college, but I don’t remember being so quite out of breath as I was on some of these tours. Have college campuses gotten that much bigger and steeper since I went to school?

After we had fallen in love with the beauty and size of the college campus and have exhausted every ounce of energy trying to keep up with the tour group, the guide led everyone back into the auditorium for the admissions information session. This is where the Dean of Admissions talked about how impossible it was going to be to get into this great college unless you had a perfect score on the SATs and are ranked #1 in you high school class.

Then if that wasn’t enough to scare you away, the Dean discussed the cost of attending such a prestigious school. My concern wasn’t with how much

more the tuition was now then when I went to college.

It has been a few years, and I expected an increase. But why had the cost of room and board quadrupled also when it was obvious that the size of the dorm rooms had not gotten any bigger at all? And where are all those single sex dorms that my parents were so fond of?

I was also amazed at the breadth of extracurricular activities available. Students today can choose from different three levels of sports programs.

While Varsity still remains the most intense, many students are able to enjoy a wide variety of Club Level and Intramural Sports as well. Fencing, rugby, lacrosse, ballroom dancing, water polo, roller hockey, arena football, cornhole, flag football, monster golf, and ultimate Frisbee are only a few of the sports available.

Of course we can’t forget the many service oriented projects that the Greek life can offer involvement in as well as their other extracurricular activities.

One of the most fascinating aspects of all the colleges we visited was the opportunity for the students to study abroad. Sure we had these types of programs when I went to school. They were normally called internships and we could go to the closest large city to do this for one semester or over the summer. I interned in Greensburg.

Today schools have international programs in exotic places like Beijing, China and Dijon, France.

They can take classes in Morocco, Peru, Spain and New Zealand. What a wonderful opportunity for our children to expand their knowledge of the world and truly become citizens of a global society. There was no mention of the possibility of becoming a parent chaperone, but I’m going to ask.

As I sat in the admissions office at our final destination waiting for my daughter to emerge from her interview, I pondered everything that we had heard and seen. It had been a while since I had spent any time on a college campus and I was truly impressed with everything I had seen. I felt excited for all the opportunities available to the young people today and I knew my daughter would enjoy the intellectual stimulation that is still so alive on the campuses. I thought about how my daughter would thrive on the academic challenges, the intense research projects, and the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people. I knew she was ready to expand her wings and become an integral part of the college community. With so many oppor-tunities and activities available to her, maybe, just maybe, she would do more than just party for the next four years.

I saw her wide smile as she emerged from her interview. She was excited, happy, animated. As she turned to shake the interviewer’s hand, I saw my daughter for the first time not as the young child I brought into the world but as a young independent woman ready to challenge the world. I knew she was ready and yet I was not.

My daughter noticed how extremely quiet I was on the on the long drive home and asked what was wrong. I didn’t know what to say. How could I tell her how impressed I was of how she handled herself through the interviews? How do I express how proud I was of her accomplishments to date and how excited I was for her future? How do I explain how fast the last seventeen years went by and how I wasn’t ready to let her go? How do I tell her how much I love her?

A tear ran down my cheek as I began to thank the Lord for giving me one more year to get used to the idea of her going away. Although I know her senior year will fly by quickly and be filled with lots of exciting moments, I am determined to make sure many of them are spent together. The world can have her next year, this year she is still my little girl!

So how did I spend my summer vacation? I spent it watching my little girl grow up overnight into a beautiful young woman. I wonder how many teachers got that for an answer!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Dessert Disaster The first thing that went through my mind when I heard the theme of this issue was frightful and scary things was, there are too many frightful things in a kitchen to mention!

One episode of Gordon Ramsey’s show (Kitchen Nightmares, BBC America) is enough to paint the picture.

Home kitchens seem to have more incidents of course than professional ones.

A seasoned chef can stop most tragedies before they turn into something epic. But even the most seasoned chef still has a chill go through the core of their being periodically.

Take for instance finding out an hour before your guests arrive one of the people their bringing to meet you for the first time doesn’t like chocolate…after you spent parts of the last two days making a flourless chocolate torte with caramel filling, lavishly covered with 23 carat edible gold leaf to serve for dessert! The string of explicative words I was hearing in my head did stop my heart from sinking. I looked around my kitchen and saw a bowl of apples. I immediately thought of an apple cake a friend of mine has been bringing to potlucks and picnics for years.

I had Jason measure the ingredients while I started to peel and slice the apples.

It was in the oven and the bowls washed in less than 15 minutes. The timing couldn’t have actually been better; I was taking the cake out of the oven as our guests were walking in the door.

When I offered both desserts all but one person took both so I finally knew who the person was that didn’t like chocolate. I still don’t think I will ever be able to wrap my mind around not liking chocolate. I can certainly understand not enjoying milk or heaven forbid white chocolate. Even as a child I always picked out most of the Special Dark out of the miniatures mix. I don’t use inferior chocolate for any of my products. I made the conversion to 70% cocoa chips for my cookies years ago. I even keep two bottles of the chocolate extract from Dean & Deluca’s in my pantry at all times. It’s my “secret” ingredient.

It was an absolutely lovely evening, and we got to make new friends while we were catching up with our old ones. I take solace in knowing that sometimes even a nightmare can have a happy ending.

Emergency Apple Cake 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 9

eggs ¾ c. sugar (extra sugar to sprinkle on top before baking) c vegetable oil c. chopped/sliced apples ~ another ½ - ¾ of a cup may be added without issue c. nuts (optional) t. salt t. baking soda t. cinnamon (ground cloves, allspice & ginger may be added to taste) c. Flour x 15 glass pan ~ greased & floured (use Bakers Joy or Pam for baking)

In a large bowl add, flour, spices, soda and salt, then stir with whisk to combine.

Peel and core apples and slice directly into the flour, tossing to coat and keep them from turning brown. Be quick about it! And keep your slices on the thin side.

In another large bowl add the eggs and sugar and whisk* until lemon colored and thickened, add oil, whisk only until combined and pour into flour & apple mix… fold until combined, it should be super thick and look like it will never make a cake.

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www.matteosherbs.com

Smear it into an even layer in the pan with a silicone spatula, then sprinkle a layer of sugar on top and pop it in the oven. (I use a mix of 50% Sugar-in-the-raw 50% pure cane sugar) Bake at 350 o for approximately 45 minutes. The cake is finished when a wooden skewer comes out clean. Peek in 30 minutes, but it’s usually finished closer to 45 minutes — or sometimes a wee bit longer. I leave mine in the glass pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap when it’s still a little warm so the condensation keeps it moist. * The thinner the wire on the whisk you use the quicker you’ll be finished. And all ingredients should be at room temperature when you start, especially the eggs and apples.

Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 7

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Things That Go Bump in the Night!

Back in the ‘olden days’ of the 1960’s, one of my favorite things in the world was getting scared witless. For a teenage girl, this was (and still is, I think) an easily accomplished feat. My friends and I would wait impatiently for the scariest time of the year to roll around – Halloween! Come October, we would plan all sorts of events where we could get the bejabbers scared out of us! We did the usual trick or treating, or Halloweening, as we referred to it in West Derry. During those chilly autumn evenings, we would creep through the neighborhood after sunset, soaping the occasional window, corning someone’s front windows, and generally being scared to death by every shadow we saw and every noise we heard. My girlfriends and I loved having pajama parties all through the year, but come October, they took on a different objective. At the stroke of midnight, we would turn the lights down low, and consult the all powerful Ouija Board.

Someone usually went into a trance that lasted until the giggling commenced. On Friday night my friends and I would gather at the old Gem Theater and watch first run horror films that are classics today. The two that I remember being especially frightening were “The Blob” starring a very young Steve McQueen, and Vincent Price in “The Tingler.” What made these two movies so over the top scary was that each one had a scene where the monster was loose in a movie theater. And we were positive that the theater they were loose in was Derry’s good old Gem. It was wonderfully frightening and my friends and I shrieked our approval at the top of our lungs. In “The Tingler” preview, the director actually talked into the camera, looking right at us as we sat in the audience and instructed us how we could avoid the attack of the Tingler… by screaming.

Also, according to a movie trivia site:”a vibrating device was attached to three or four seats in the theater, and were turned on during a specific scene in the movie, causing the patron to scream in panic, thus freaking the bejesus out of everyone else!”

I don’t think Fred Piper would have allowed anyone to hook up any devices in his theater, so this was probably one traumatizing event we managed to avoid. However, the lack of the vibrating seats did little to diminish our screams of terror.

8 - September/October 2009

As we got older and were sometimes allowed to borrow the car from our parents, we knew exactly where to head for the creepiest experience.

There was no better place to be scared stiff than at the graveyard, and the Derry area had some notorious ones.

In those days, I don’t remember any cables across the entrances, or any iron gates locked at sunset. You could come and go freely at the cemetery, day or night. After all, the folks who called those places home weren’t going anywhere, and it never occurred to anyone I knew to do any kind of damage at a cemetery. Most of us visited our family members’ graves, and we sometimes helped our moms and grandmas plant flowers on those graves. Not only would we never think of vandalizing anything at the cemetery, if we saw a flag toppled over,

we would stand it back up, and if there was any litter, we would pick it up and dispose of it. I remember pinching back dead flowers on complete strangers’ graves, just because I knew it would help them to look prettier; something I still practice today. We were always respectful of the dead, but it just so happened that we also liked to imagine them coming out of the ground and chasing us. Being scared gave us an adrenalin rush and we loved searching out the scariest places

we could think of. And, hey, it wasn’t our fault that most of those places were where the bodies were buried!

The 60’s television schedule offered plenty of scary programs, too.

We just loved the “Twilight Zone”, starring Rod Serling, with his mysterious aura “You unlock this door with the key of imagination.

Beyond it is another dimension.

You’ve just crossed over…. into the Twilight Zone!” Then there was “The Outer Limits”. Do you remember the opening scene? Our T.V. screen would go black, and wiggly lines would appear (like when my dad’s rototenner needed adjustment). Next, a menacing voice would warn us: “There is nothing wrong with your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission. We will control the horizontal. We will control the vertical. We can change the focus to a soft blur, or sharpen it to crystal clarity. You are about to experience the awe and mystery which reaches from the inner mind…..to the outer limits! Bump bump….bump bump!!!!. And last but certainly not least, the best one of all. It aired on Saturday night 11:20.

This program turned my living room into a favorite gathering place for friends. We would warm up the old Motorola and wait for the spooky theme song to usher in CHILLER THEATER. Chilly Billy Cardille was the emcee, and he would air some of the cheesiest monster movies you could ever imagine and we just loved it – and him.

His website lists a lot of the movies that were broadcast. (chillertheatermemories.com) as well as that wonderful theme song, Experiment In Terror, by Al Caiola. A few of the more hilarious titles were, The Crawling Eye, The Brain From Planet Arous, I Bury The Living, A Bucket Of Blood….you get the picture.

During the month of October the local drive-in theaters would also feature the monster movies of the day, which drew record crowds. I remember Doug taking me to the “All Night Fright Fest” at the Blue Dell Drive-In in East McKeesport. The famous Chilly Billy was making an appearance that night, live and in person at the drive-in. I couldn’t wait to meet him, and get an autographed photo. He always seemed to be such a sweet and unassuming guy, and it was so nice to meet him and find out that he was just exactly how I had

imagined him. There must have been 8 movies featured that night, and the later it got, the scarier the movies were. I didn’t get TOO scared, though, because I had a curfew that only allowed for about a movie and a half.

One of my favorite movies from that era was the famous local production “Night of the Living Dead”.

Our old favorite, Chilly Billy, was in the move and played himself as a newscaster. There were lots of local references in the movie. For instance, the opening scene was said to be filmed at the Livermore Cemetery, and they even referenced Latrobe as a safe haven from the zombies. Since we were already very enamored with cemeteries at Halloween, we couldn’t wait to trek down Livermore. I remember scouting it out with some friends one afternoon, and planning a midnight trip for later. There were some very old graves there and the whole place had a strange, eerie feel about it. I’m sure that was because of the build-up from the movie, but I remember it being forbidding, even in broad daylight. We had to travel over some pretty winding country roads to get there, since it was really back in the ‘boon-docks’ (our preferred term for any remote area.) I don’t remember ever having the nerve to actually go back to Livermore at night. It was just too creepy, and it’s funny how none of the other kids who went on the daylight expedition with me ever insisted we go back at night, either. Maybe we just decided to leave well enough alone. After all, we could never really be sure if it was only a movie or if zombies might actually be lurking in those woods, just waiting to get us!

Old Salem Cemetery was another favorite ‘haunted’ spot, as was another old cemetery on Keystone road that had been christened “Transylvania” somewhere along the line. There was a grave there of a woman named Kathleen Kennedy, and the 100th anniversary of her death fell on a cold and misty October evening in 1965.

Around 11:00 on the night of poor old Kathleen’s death, a group of us made a pilgrimage out there, with our cars slowly wending their way through those dark and creepy back roads, just like a funeral procession. Our plan was to conjure up the dead with a séance at the stroke of midnight. We were sure Kathleen would comply and rise from her resting place, just to haunt us. Although Kathleen never showed up, the boys that were there with us took great delight in hiding in the surrounding woods, making horrific noises and jumping from behind the old tombstones just to hear us shriek and run for the cars and safety.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Unity cemetery was also a very ‘unworldly’ some of the selections were absolutely hilarious. spot to visit during the haunting season. I I remember going to W. T. Grant’s and buying remember cruising slowly through there one several yards of black satin, and several yards of night with my brother and some friends. We red satin. I always loved sewing and Mrs. Poli decided to park the car and walk around, just to had taught me to improvise and create my own let the feel of pure terror soak into our bones. patterns. My brother, Keith, wanted to dress We came to a mausoleum and noticed the door like Dracula, so I made him a fabulous black was slightly ajar. Of course this was a dare, cape with a red lining, and covered a piece of just waiting to happen, and my cardboard with the black satin brother was the first one to for the stand up collar. Keith dare any of us to go in. Not added a white dress shirt, some wanting to seem like the pale face powder a little trace scardy cat that everyone knew of fake blood around the lips.

I was, I stuck out my chin, and Bela Lugosi himself would have in a loud and confident voice been jealous of this get-up. …… I foolishly volunteered.

That same year I was trying to Just as I stepped in, my rotten recreate the look of one of the brother pushed the door closed great women of history, Helen and flipped the latch, locking of Troy. Too bad everyone at the the door in place. Although the party thought I was from I door was more of a gate and I Dream of Jeannie! Doug and I could see out, the terror that made a rather strange looking showed on my face was quite couple that year, since he amusing to him, to my girlescorted me to the party friend, Cherie, and my dressed as Santa Claus. I rebrother’s friend, Jim Maffe. To member some sort of punch make matters worse – much, called “Purple Passion” being My brother, The Count. much worse - they all backed served. The word ‘punch’ took away from me, got into my on a whole different meaning brother’s ’63 Chevy convertible, and took off, with this drink! It could probably have been used laughing all the way. They made a nice leisurely in the Operating Room as an anesthetic, but circle through the graveyard and finally came back tasted just like grape Kool Aid. Some folks would to get me. Needless to say, they were all on my bring along a bottle of their favorite red or white ‘bad’ list for quite some time. (and sometimes pinkish) wine to our parties. Two The crowd we ran around with liked to plan favorites of the day were Ripple and the famous parties, and a holiday like Halloween was a great Thunderbird, with its own theme song - “What’s excuse to tweak everyone’s alter-ego costume the word? Thunderbird! What’s the Price? 30 imaginations. We would rent a hall, fill it with twice!” Yes, we were wine connoisseurs alright. pumpkins and cornstalks, and hang orange and I remember Chester Jaworski (now a famous black streamers from the ceiling. I remember wine guy in the area) bringing a nice little Chianti one year we rented the beautiful upstairs room along one evening. My friend Cherie Roadman of the L.A.R.A. in Loyalhanna. You don’t know and I tried a sip, but it was a little ‘dry’ for our what the L.A.R.A. is? Today it’s even more sophisticated palates. Therefore we did what any beautiful, as the upstairs dining room of the sensible wine connoisseur would do - we added Stone House, but back then it was a private club, a teaspoon of sugar. Poor Chester almost had The Loyalhanna Athletic and Recreation apoplexy, but the wine was much more to our Association. The bar was on the first floor, and liking, and tasted almost as good as Boone’s Farm they rented out the upstairs room for events.

Strawberry Hill. I don’t remember Chester pouring We magically transformed it into a party themed us a refill. palace for whatever holiday we were celebrating.

I still get a huge kick out of Halloween, and We did the same thing for the upstairs banquet since my granddaughter Riley-Belle was born room of the Slovak Club in Bradenville. Lucky three years ago, I’ve had to make the trek out to some of our friends were over 21, because that San Francisco every year at the end of October, was the magic age for renting one of these rooms just to see her reactions to the trick-or-treaters, at a club with a liquor license. Everyone went help her with her costumes, and go with her and all out with their costumes back then. It was her mommy to the local Halloween parades. She never costume optional, at least that I seems like she is going to like the scary season remember. No costume, no admission, and as much as her Grammy always did. I love that.

With the witching season rapidly approaching, I will stock up on my mini candy bars and popcorn balls. Not that many little goblins make the trip down my drive-way; I guess it just looks too spooky from the road. I do, however, have another great idea.

Around the end of October, when the moon is full, and a mist is rising from Ethel Spring Lake, I think we should venture down to the jogging path for a little moon-light stroll. Just keep this in mind - I hear it will be the 100th anniversary of the death of poor old Ethel……and she is just dying for a comeback ….. mwooooo-hoohahahaaaaaaa ….

Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg 700 Power Line Drive Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-834-3555 www.courtyardgreensburg.com

Managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises. *Quality *Community *Integrity *Profitability

www.concordhotels.com

The deadline for the next issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is:

Thursday, October 15

Ruth loves to share memories with you. Email her at: Ruth-Elaine@comcast.net or look for her on Facebook!

Helen/Jeannie.

Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 9

DOWN ON THE FARM Practical Advice from Old Dad’s Agricultural Library – Cathi Gerhard

Something Winter This Way Comes

Barkley’s Derry King

It’s been six months since my Dad passed away on February 1 – the day before Punxsutawney Phil made his ritual prognostication for when winter will come to an end for the season. I can’t remember if the groundhog was right or wrong about his prediction, but lately I’ve been thinking about all the signs that Shelly and other farmers have long-used to predict the coming seasons.

On a farm, it is especially important to finish the harvest and put away enough supplies to make it through winter. Between the Old Farmers’ Alamanac and various TV meteorology guesses, he had much more fun and accuracy planning his schedule with personal observations of nature and folklore.

So here’s a collection of some of the best legends my Dad used to talk about, as collected from my memory and his library of agriculture, folklore and history: If a butterfly flies into your face, it is a sign of immediate cold weather. If it’s yellow, there will be enough frost within ten days to turn the leaves the color of the butterfly.

Route 217 Derry • 724-694-8552

When hornets build nests near the ground a harsh winter is expected.

Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!

The darker the grass grows in summer, the harder the winter.

Free Computer Classes for Seniors

Woolly caterpillars (tiger moths) predict the severity of weather. The way to “read a caterpillar” is: the smaller the brownish-red bands are the harsher the winter will be. The black stripes indicate snowy and cold weather while the brownish-red bands indicate periods of milder weather. A black band followed by a wide brownish red band and another black band indicates that winter will start off cold but will be mostly mild before ending cold. If the caterpillar’s head is more black than colored, the coldest part of the winter will come in the first months of winter.

Basic adult computer classes will be taught at the Latrobe Senior Center, Ave C, Latrobe PA for four consecutive weeks during September and October. Evening classes will be held Monday and Wednesday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A Wednesday daytime class will be taught from 9:30 to 11:30 am. An Advanced class will be taught on Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:30 am.

A $20 non-refundable donation will reserve your seat and scholarships are available if needed. A free computer will be given to any student who needs one. Classes are sponsored by Senior Computer Associates. Call 724 5399288 to make your class reservation.

personalized facials nufree hair removal dermalogica products Mary Catherine Janicki 15 East Pittsburgh Street Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724.219.3680

10 - September/October 2009

Hornets’ nest built in the top of trees indicate a mild winter is ahead; nests built close to the ground indicate that a harsh winter is coming.

Cut a persimmon seed in half and you will see a white marking on the inside. If it is in the shape of a knife, it means a cold winter is on the way. If the marking has a fork shape, then you expect a normal winter, and a spoon shape means a mild winter is on the way.

The number of days old the moon is at the time of the first snow tells how many snows will fall that winter.

For every foggy day in August, there will be a snowy day in winter. At least three severe fogs in June or July mean early snow.

If the first snow falls on unfrozen ground, expect a mild winter. If it stays for three days, another snow will come on top of it.

If you build a fire outside, and it pops, snow will arrive in three days. If it’s cloudy and smoke rises, there’s a chance of snow.

Straightforward signs of a cold, snowy winter include: • It is hot the first week of August • The dogwood trees have a lot of blooms in the spring • Wasps build their nests high • Onions have many layers • Autumn leaves are slow to fall • Squirrels gather nuts early (middle or late September) or build their nests low in the trees • Beavers build heavier lodges than usual.

• The fur on animals is thicker than usual or you see a short, fuzzy coat under the regular one.

• The breastbone of a fresh-cooked turkey is dark purple • There are many spiders in the fall • Wild hogs gather sticks, straw and shucks to make a bed • Ants build their nests high • Fruit trees bloom in the fall • The crop of holly and dogwood berries is heavy • The husks on corn are thicker than usual • Cows’ hooves break off earlier • Crows gather together • Hoot owls call late in the fall; screech owls sound like women crying • Birds eat all the berries early • Birds huddle on the ground • Crickets are in the chimney • Pinecones open early • Butterflies gather in bunches • Blackberry blooms are heavy • Carrots grow deeper • Holly and Dogwood berries are plentiful • Tree bark is heaviest on the north side • Leaves fall before they turn • Laurel leaves roll up • A late frost • Rolling thunder in late fall • A warm November • Chimney smoke settles on the ground The first twelve days of Christmas indicate what each month in the next year will be like.

Read more about weather signs in our online community!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Historic House Tour in Westmoreland County Sponsored by Westmoreland County Historical Society The Westmorland County Historical Society will present a two-day event featuring tours of historically interesting houses in Westmoreland County.

On Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to visit five homes built between 1776 and 1928. These homes are in Greensburg, Hempfield Township, Unity Township, and Latrobe. Two of the homes are connected to the family of Richard Coulter, the regimental commander of the 11 th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers during the Civil War. Near the end of the war, Coulter was brevetted as brigadier general then as major general. After the Civil War, Coulter became prominent in the business community of Westmoreland County.

Tickets are $25 in advance, or $30 the day of the Saturday tour. Participants will receive a map with directions to each location, as well as a keepsake booklet containing historical information about each of the properties.

On Friday, September 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. there will be an exclusive tour and cocktail party

at a Coulter summer home, an early contemporary-style house designed by distinguished architect and Carnegie Mellon alumnus John E. Pekruhn. Tickets are $50.

Space is limited and advance reservations are required.

Tickets for the Saturday tour may be purchased at the Westmoreland County Historical Society, 41 W. Otterman Street, Suite 310, Greensburg; Earnest Gourmet, 646 S. Urania Ave., Greensburg; the Historic Hanna’s Town Gift Shop, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Hempfield Township; and at Adams Memorial Library, 1112 Ligonier St., Latrobe. Tickets for the Friday cocktail party are only available at the Historical Society. All tickets may be purchased from the Historical Society with a credit card. Please call 724-836-1800 x15.

Proceeds benefit the Westmoreland County Historical Society, a non-profit 501(c)3 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.

Home Visits Program:

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

724-537-5283

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

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

Gift Certificates Available

A Complimentary Service for Seniors LATROBE, PA – Green Meadows, an Emeritus Senior Living community announced today that it has launched a home visits program, You Don’t Have to Live with Us for Us to Help - part of Emeritus Senior Living’s Safely Somewhere program. We are committed to making sure that every senior in our area in need finds the combination of programs and services that serves them best, even if they do not live at Green Meadows.

At Green Meadows, we recognize that some of our area seniors may want to live at home as long as they can. We also know that these seniors may face a variety of challenges living at home, and may need assistance identifying all of their support service options. This is why Green Meadows is pleased to offer our team of dedicated health care professionals to serve these seniors and their families as a complimentary service.

“We realize that there are many seniors in our area going without the vital health, social and supportive services they need to maintain their quality of life at home,” said, Mary Bellich, Community Relations Director at Green Meadows. “Our Home Visits program helps these seniors cope with their challenges and provides a host of resources to help them stay healthy and connected to the community.”

A few of the services that Green Meadows will be offering to our local seniors will consist of: • Nurse Evaluation to help identify care needs

• Support system check to identify potential challenges based upon gaps in needed assistance • Referrals to other area providers as needed based upon needs uncovered • Post visit follow up coordination with families and referral sources after home visit • Access to Emeritus resources such as family lending library and senior safety tips • A listening ear and enjoyable visit

Daylight Savings Time Ends on Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 am (Turn your clocks back one hour)

If you know of a senior that could benefit from one of these home visit services, contact Green Meadows today at (724) 537-5255.

Green Meadows at Latrobe is an Emeritus Senior Living community, a national provider of assisted living and Alzheimer’s and related dementia care services to seniors. Emeritus is one of the largest and most experienced operators of freestanding assisted living communities located throughout the United States. These communities provide a residential housing alternative for senior citizens who need assistance with the activities of daily living, with an emphasis on personal care services, which provides support to the residents in the aging process. Emeritus currently operates 309 communities in 36 states representing capacity for approximately 27,200 units and approximately 32,400 residents. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC, and our home page can be found on the Internet at www.emeritus.com.

September is Tealtini Month in Pittsburgh Area Local Restaurants Support the Ovarian Cancer Community

PITTSBURGH, PA – September marks the nationwide observance of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Tealtinis will be available in many restaurants around the country during the month of September.

Proceeds from the sale of every Tealtini will benefit the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s work on behalf of those touched by ovarian cancer. The participating Pittsburgh restaurants include Alexander’s, Baha Bar and Grille/Fox Chapel Yacht Club, Bar Louie, Buckhead’s, Cappy’s, Del’s, Lot 17, Mantini’s, Silky’s, Tessaro’s, Walnut Grille, Walnut Grove and William Penn Tavern. (For more info: www.ovariancancer.org) Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among American women. Approximately 22,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and 15,000 women will die from the disease. The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance leads this campaign to honor

Every Story Begins At Home.

all those touched by this disease. “Talking about this disease is essential because diagnosing it is so difficult.

September is our opportunity to significantly increase awareness across the United States and ultimately, help save women’s lives. The Tealtini campaign is a fun way to do just that,” explains Judith Abrams, President of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.

If the following symptoms occur almost daily for more than two weeks, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance advises that women see a gynecologist. These symptoms include: • Bloating • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) There is no definitive test for ovarian cancer so experts suggest a combination of pelvic/rectal exam, a CA-125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound.

September/October 2009 - 11

READER RECIPES Favorite Formulas from Neighborhood Kitchens Apple Sauce Leg Steaks 2 8-oz. Jamison Farm leg steaks (1 steak per serving) 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup chopped onion 1 medium tart cooking apple, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon crushed thyme ½ cup red wine salt and pepper to taste Heat olive oil in medium sauté pan. Add onion and sauté until soft. Add lamb steaks and continue to sauté over medium heat. Add apple and remaining ingredients after 3 minutes. Turn steaks, stirring sauce, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until steaks are desired doneness. Let rest in sauce and then serve.

– Courtesy of Sukey Jamison, Jamison Farm

Running Back Baby Back Ribs “All yinz grillmeisters will win the MVG Award (Most Valuable Grillmeister) IF, you can keep up with the demand from all your ‘Running Back’ for more guests!”

3 pounds of Baby Back RIBS 1 Tablespoon of salt 2 Tablespoons of Pickling Spice

1 Sliced onion 1 Teaspoon of garlic powder

Meanwhile, you’ve made your BBQ sauce in a saucepot: 1 Bottle of purchased BBQ sauce - like Kraft Hickory Smoke flavor 1/2 Cup of dark Karo syrup (or you can use maple syrup) ½ Teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce 1 Teaspoon of garlic powder 6 Tablespoons of PITTSBURGH’S Original Sports SauceTM 1/8 to 1/4 Tsp of cayenne pepper Bring this mixture to a simmer, and cook for 15 minutes. You can put this BBQ sauce together a day or so ahead, but keep it in the frig until you are ready to use. Now start up the grill and enjoy!!

– Courtesy of Pittsburgh Sports Sauce (Available at Currant Thymes in Ligonier)

Cheese Ravioli with Sage Butter Sauce

• • •

1/2 cup of sage leaves (whole or chopped) 1/4 cup Extra Virgin olive oil

Cook ravioli as directed; drain and set aside In pot, melt butter, olive oil and sage leaves. Simmer two minutes.

Add ravioli; mix and serve immediately.

– Courtesy of Matthew Myers, Matteo’s Herbs Galore

Share your recipes with us: editor@LaurelMountainPost.com or PO Box 227, Latrobe PA 15650

12 - September/October 2009

HOBO PICNIC Thursday Evening, September 24th - 6:30 pm At the Caboose Museum Campfire, Hobo Stew, Dirt Cookie & Drink Hobo Contest & Live Music by "Dark Hollow" (Donations Accepted)

DERR Y RAILRO AD D AY S FESTIV AL DERRY RAILROAD DA FESTIVAL Saturday, September 26th - 10:00 am - 7:30 pm Parade 10:00 am Free Onstage Entertainment 11:00 am - 7 pm (Including Eric Harris as 'Johnny Cash' & Saddle Up Band) Information Booths Craft & Food Vendors Civil War Re-enactors Juvenile Junction Hay Rides, Pony Rides & Miniature Train Rides Wood Carver and Much More!

Don't forget to visit the Railroad Museum Caboose!

Both events held in Derry Borough Business District, Westmoreland County From Greensburg - take Route 30 East to 217 North and travel approx. 4 miles From Ligonier - take Route 30 West to 217 North and travel approx. 4 miles For more information call Chuck at 724-694-9884.

Place all of the above in a large pot of cold water and bring to a boil.

Then, put the lid on your pot, and turn down the heat to a slow simmer for 2 hours. Then take the ribs out of the boiling water and drain.

Discard the pot of water.

1 bag of frozen cheese ravioli half stick of salted butter

DERR Y RAILRO AD D AYS DERRY RAILROAD DA "Bac "Backk on Trac Trackk - 2009"

NO PETS, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES OR BIKES

Hard-To-Recycle Material Collection Westmoreland Fairgrounds September 12, 8:30 am to Noon Westmoreland Cleanways is sponsoring a collection event for HARDTO-RECYCLE STUFF (tires, vehicle and household batteries, scrap metal, freon appliances, cell phones, CFLs, and electronics) on Saturday, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds. Dan’s Tires, Salandro’s Refuse Inc., The Appliance Warehouse, and eLoop LLC will collect the materials for recycling or proper disposal. This collection is an excellent way for homeowners to get rid of such burdensome items in an environmentally sound manner.

Batteries, cell phones, CFLs, clean scrap metal (no plastic, cloth, or rubber attached), and non-freon containing appliances will be accepted at no charge. Freon-containing appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, 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. eLoop LLC will be on site to collect unwanted electronic items such as computers, monitors, power supplies, VCRs, and televisions. eLoop provides a hard drive data destruction certificate for an additional $15 fee. Individual unit prices vary per item; visit www. westmorelandcleanways.org for a complete price list.

Westmoreland Cleanways members receive a discount on tire and e-waste disposal.

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.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Return to the Haunted Jean Bonnet Tavern It has long been known to the locals who reside in close proximity to the Jean Bonnet that there is much more to the allure of the tavern than its historical past, charming atmosphere, and excellent food and drink. To many, the stories of hauntings and ghostly visitors draw them to the tavern in hopes of having an unearthly encounter themselves. Sightings and encounters have been experienced by both employees and guests. What follows are excerpts from “Return to the Haunted Jean Bonnet Tavern” published in the The Pennsylvania Ghost Guide Vol. II, written by Patti Wilson. *****

disappointed. They rented the attic apartment that was then for let and went down to dinner. Afterwards, they went up to the bar where one of the men felt someone touch him. While they were discussing that, a woman heard them and came over. She said that the conversation had caught her ear as she had just experienced being touched by someone at the edge of the bar a little earlier. She too insisted that no one was near her. Later that same evening, another member of the group, Al Brindza, was in the bar watching the activity.

Now Al is a confirmed nondrinker, so he felt a bit out of place in the bar.

However, he tried to concentrate upon his feelings, despite the loud voices and the piano playing at the other end of the room. Suddenly he glanced at the one doorway that led into the hallway.

Looking through the door were a group of people in rough clothes. Al called them “frontier type” clothes. The group was watching the man playing the piano at the other end.

Al described his experience as “like trying to watch two televisions at once.”

He was aware of the real people at the bar, but he was equally drawn by those looking in from another time.

This lasted a few seconds, but when he looked away and back again, they were gone.”

“Perhaps one of the most dramatic sightings occurred to a female bartender and her male friend years before Shannon and Melissa Jacobs, the present owners, had purchased the building. One night, the bartender was working when a friend of hers came in. Through the course of the evening, the fellow had too much to drink. When it came time to close up, she and her male companion were afraid to let the inebriated fellow drive. As the guy lived nearby, they decided to lock up, take the man home, and then return to finish ***** This picture was taken in the restaurant cleaning up. The area of the Jean Bonnet Tavern. Look woman had the “Of course, new carefully beside the second chair on the keys and knew owner, Melissa right. Can you see the outline of a figure captured by the camera? this would be fine Jacobs, has had with the owners. her own experThey took the man iences in the home and rebuilding. Soon turned to the bar. As they walked along after purchasing it, she began to notice the porch, they glanced in the window that every time she went past the door of the bar. Sitting there was a solitaire to the then unrented attic apartment the man who was sipping a drink. That was door would be in a different position. If impossible for they had made sure the it was closed when she first passed it, bar was empty before leaving. Still, the then it would be wide open a few fellow had gotten in somehow. Quickly, minutes later when she came by again. they unlocked the door and hurried into One morning she noticed this occurring the bar. No on was there, but the building several times and she decided that is big, so did the man hear them coming someone had gotten into the building and hide? The two immediately ruled somehow and was playing a trick on her. out anyone hiding in the upper levels Melissa went to her office on the tavern because they had the key that unlocked second level to await a salesman who the iron grillwork that separated the bar was coming in. When the man arrived, from those floors. However, someone Melissa explained the situation to him could have gone down the stairs to the and asked if he would accompany her restaurant. They mounted a search but on a search of the building. He agreed. found no one. This upset the woman so The two went past the apartment that much that after duly reporting the events was open as they began searching the to the owners; she did not often mention bedroom level. A few moments later, they the story. “ went by again, but it was closed. No one was found in the apartment or on any other ***** level in the building, and the doors were all locked securely from the inside. The “But employees are not the only ones to salesman was as baffled by the strange experience the hauntings. Guests have door as Melissa was.” reported many of encounters as well.

The Jean Bonnet Tavern is located along the Scott Crownover decided to spend the Lincoln Highway, Route 30, 4 miles west of Bedford. night at the tavern to see if he would For additonal information visit their website have an encounter. He invited a group www.JeanBonnetTavern.com of friends and a few members of the Our thanks to Patti A. Wilson for allowing us to quote her Central Pennsylvania Paranormal Assocarticle, “Return to the Haunted Jean Bonnet Tavern” iation along. The group would not be

Every Story Begins At Home.

fall int o fun with into WEST O VER TON MUSEUMS VERT OVER WEST OVERTON VILLAGE - SCOTTDALE, PA 15683

Antique Appraisals Tuesday, September 15 - 7 - 9pm

Veterans Honor Banquet Friday, September 18

Operation Market-Garden Reenactment and Memorial Weekend September 18 - 20 Any questions? Contact Richard Johnson at 724-887-7910 or westovertonreenactorsociety@westovertonvillage.org

Jazz & Bourbon Festival Saturday, October 3

New York City Trip Sunday, October 11 Members: $85 , Non-members: $95 Register for the trip online or by calling (724) 887-7910

Otherworldy Weekends Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October24 Friday, October 30 & Saturday, October 31 For more information about our events go to www.westovertonvillage.org Visit Uncle Mar tin's C omp any St ore - No w Online!

Martin's Comp ompany Store Now

September/October 2009 - 13

The Fastest Growing Crime

by Emil Heitzinger

www.PittsburghRenFest.com

The Informed Consumer A scam artist’s worst nightmare is the informed consumer. Information is power…... but it works both ways. Information in the hands of the thief is fuel for their engine. The gathering of information and its distribution are sources of good income for unscrupulous characters looking for a way to easy riches. Your power is in the fact that you know what thieves are up to. Let’s take a look at one of the many ways that a thief can gather information on a victim.

Pretexting is the act of creating and using an invented scenario (the pretext) to persuade a target to release information or perform an action. This is usually done over the telephone. A caller might impersonate co-workers, police, bank, tax authorities or insurance investigators.

Another common tactic is to claim to be conducting a survey while trying to pry information out of unsuspecting individuals. In some cases all that is needed is a voice of the right gender, an earnest tone and the ability to think on one’s feet Before you realize it, you have given out the right information to the wrong person. This information is then sold – in an instant - to criminals across the world.

Armed with the key pieces of information such as date of birth, social security number, mothers maiden name etc., a thief may: • Access existing accounts • Open utility, phone or other nonfinancial accounts • Obtain employment • Obtain credit cards • Obtain drivers licenses or government I.D. • Receive medical care or benefits • File bankruptcy • Commit a crime and be arrested It is not uncommon for individuals to fall victim to this type of activity, so what can you do?

First and foremost, be wary of callers asking questions about personal information. Ask questions of the caller about why they need this information. By controlling the conservation, you may be letting the thief know that you are an informed consumer. You should never give a Social Security number to someone over the phone unless you initiated the call, for example, for a credit application. If your Social security number is required for other identification purposes, the last four digits should suffice.

Identity Theft…

What Can You Do? We are bombarded with warnings to shred our discarded mail and to be cautious about giving out our personal information on the internet. Regardless of how careful we may be, it has become apparent that not only is identity theft not going away, but it’s on the rise.

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In the last few years, many new ID theft protection offers have emerged - from credit card companies, insurance agencies, mortgage brokers and more. Here’s a look at some options available to you today: Reimbursement Policies (ID Theft Insurance) • Reimbursement policies are not proactive and some ID theft problems cannot be corrected after the fact (such as arrest records, etc...).

• Your insurance agent does not do the work for you.

• You carry the full burden of clearing your name.

Monitoring Services • Monitoring helps primarily with financial identity theft and will not help with criminal, driver’s license, job related or medical fraud.

• Monitoring services often cover only the accounts you have with the company offering the service.

Resolution Services • These services only provide guidance, leaving you to clear your good name.

• Free guidance is available through the FTC in a booklet titled…Take charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft (1-877-ID-Theft) Restoration Services • Restoration means that experienced professionals — not you — do the work to clear your name.

• These services can save hundreds, possibly thousands of hours.

Legal Services • Legal service plans can be a useful tool in fighting identity theft. When victimized, the use of an attorney can be very beneficial for legal advice since most people do not have an attorney on retainer.

Proactive Management and Education The Federal Trade Commission calls Identity Theft “The Fastest Growing Crime in the Country.” It is here to stay, and with technological advances, thieves have an advantage. The best thing that you can do is to be proactive and pay attention. Ask questions of the businesses you deal with. Do they adequately protect your data? Be aware that the majority of data breaches today happen in educational and medical facilities. A wealth of information is available online. The Federal Trade Commission and Privacy Rights Clearinghouse are two great sources for guidance and education.

Emil D. Heintzinger is a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. He is the owner of Contractor’s Crossroad, a company that helps contractors make better decisions by using systems that reduce risk and increase success.

After a 34 year career in the construction industry, he is in a second career and is committed to helping blue collar entrepreneurs succeed in business. Emil has resided in Plum Boro with his wife, Suzanne, for 32 years.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Jerry D. Felton Physical Therapist

integrating traditional and alternative physical therapy services

Convenient, Flexible Appointment Times!

425 Frye Farm Rd Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: (724) 537-0700 www.JerryDFeltonPT.com

Saturday, October 3 and Saturday, November 7 Don’t miss an issue of the

Laurel Mountain Post Home delivery available for only $15 per year!

TOY SOLDIER GALLERY

Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity holds ReStore sales the first Saturday of every month from 8am-Noon at its Jeannette location: 17th Street and Penn Avenue.

A donation and sales center, all proceeds from the center beneifit the organization’s ongoing effort to continue building new homes in the central Westmoreland County area.

Items that can be found at ReStore include everything from lighting fixtures to doors, windows and other building supplies.

There is also a nice selection of furniture such as desks, tables and chairs, dishes, tools and more.

Do you have items to be donated? Contact Jim Miller at 724-523-0308 to arrange a dropoff or pickup time and date. In addition to donations, the center also requires additional volunteers. If you’d like to give your time for a worthwhile cause, contact volunteer coordinator Brian Root at: volunteercoordinator@cwhfh.org www.centralwestmorelandhfh.org

Old Bedford Village Enjoy Autumn’s Advent with OLD BEDFORD VILLAGE! • September – October (Thursday - Sunday Open 9am - 5pm) Special events are a time to create special memories with friends and loved ones. This year enjoy your autumn with Old Bedford Village!

Oct 17 & 18: Pumpkinfest ‘09

Oct 3 & 10 10: Murder Mystery Evenings There’s been a murder in the Village. You are the detective.

Wander the Village interviewing suspects and determine ‘Whodunnit?’ 6pm - 10pm. $8.00 per person

Our Autumn festival with a pumpkin theme. See the Village decorated for Fall. Filled with activities for the whole family – buggy rides, petting zoo, scarecrow making, face painting, pumpkin painting and carving, magic show and more.

Pumpkin pie-eating contest and goodies galore!

Adults $10.00, Children 14 and under admitted free. (additional cost may apply to some activities) Open 9am to 5pm Rain or Shine

Oct 30 & 31: Haunted V illa ge Ev enin gs Villa illag Evenin enings Scare easily? The Village is taken over by ghosts and things that go bump in the night. Haunted houses, hayride and haunted maze all for $8.00! 6pm - 9pm

Located along Business Route 220, Bedford, PA -1/2 mile south of PA Turnpike Exit 146 www.OldBedfordVillage.com • 814-623-1156 or 1-800-238-4347

Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 15

REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill

Pennsylvanian with a Transylvanian Twist: The Bewitching Patty A. Wilson “Once upon a midnight dreary”…and ‘tis swampy series seems to have made a the season for all things eerie. Is there lasting impression on her. Now a paraanyone who wrote of the macabre more normal researcher and author without masterfully than Edgar Allan Poe (1809borders, she scours our home state and 1849)? Sharing a 200 th birth year other American regions for fanciful anniversary with Darwin and Lincoln, folklore and lingering legends and this birthday boy is being much lauded never fails to unearth unnatural and by the literary community today. But, uncanny tales. it wasn’t always so for the controversial Patty’s books include Haunted Boston-born and Baltimore-buried Mr. Pennsylvania (Toad Hall, Inc., 1999), The Poe. Pennsylvania Ghost Guides Volumes 1 & 2 The woeful Poe was a tortured (Piney Creek Press, 2000, 2001), Where creative soul with a sharp mind and a Dead Men Walk (Piney Creek Press 2001), tongue to match. Revered and feared as Boos & Brews...Haunted Taverns, Inns, and a critic, editor and essayist during his Hotels of Pennsylvania (with Scott own short lifetime, his more Crownover, Piney Creek artistic writings were Press, 2002), Haunted sometimes passed over in Pennsylvania (with Mark favor of more serious-minded Nesbitt, Stackpole Books, works. Since Poe always felt 2006), Haunted West Virginia his talent was under(Stackpole Books, 2007), estimated, he would be The Big Book of Pennsylvania gratified to know that Ghost Stories (with Mark although he has his detracNesbitt, Stackpole Books, tors yet, he is greatly 2008), Pennsylvania Frontier admired in the 21st century Family Series … Homeward as a poet and the father of Into a Dangerous Land the modern detective story.

(Masthof Press, 2007), (It’s to Poe’s everlasting Totally Bizarre Pennsylvania benefit that there is now no (Piney Creek Press, 2008) Patty Wilson such thing as bad publicity and Haunted North Carolina or media bias due to dreadful (Stackpole Books, 2009). behavior.)

Pennsylvania’s Lost TreasWhether in person, prose or verse, ures is slated for publication in late Poe was hell-bent on the “mournful and September 2009 with more books to never-ending remembrance” of the dead. follow in the coming year. She has also He just couldn’t seem to address his own written for publications such as FATE dark demons or find surcease from his Magazine, Mysteries Magazine, Countrysorrow. But, nobody said it better when side, Pennsylvania Game News, Ameriit came to immortalizing the ghastly can Agriculturalist and various area papers goings-on of other mortal and not-soincluding the Altoona Mirror and the Blair/ mortal beings. (Talking coffin, Poe nailed Bedford Counties Shopper’s Guide. it.) Regrettably, his inglorious end belies Ms. Wilson has taught at Rhine his glorious way with words.

Research Center in NC; Lily Dale One of the most memorable examples Assembly, NY; Allegheny College of of the author’s moody craftsmanship is Maryland (Bedford Branch) and lectured The Raven. First seen in 1845 the poem at Dickinson College. Her television has been celebrated and criticized, appearances include Mysterious parodied and praised ever since. There Journeys Salem and Mysterious Journeys are some who believe that Poe was Eastern State Penitentiary on Travel inspired to write his American Gothic Channel and she was a consultant on masterpiece after visiting the isolated Poe the first two episodes of SyFy’s (formerly Valley not far from Potters Mills, PA the Sci Fi Channel) Ghost Hunters. The (Centre County) during a trip to settle a paranormal author is currently a family estate. Around 1839 Poe supconsultant for Animal Planet’s new show posedly stayed at Eutaw House, a popular Haunted Animals and a new television area traveling stop still in existence series, Ghost Soldiers, is in the works. today. It was here that he is thought to have become enamored with the tenants of Ravens’ Knob and a local girl who may have been the model for ‘the lost Lenore.’

As is the case with much of Poe’s life the story is difficult to prove, but does provide a perfect “Poetic” connection to our state.

PA has its own teller of strange and startling tales in Patty Wilson of Bedford County. “I have had a lifelong love affair with Pennsylvania’s darker and twisted side,” explains the author. Patty was Livermore Cemetery only a young girl when she watched (Photo by Scott Zollinger) Land of the Lost on television, but the

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Ms. Wilson founded and directs the Ghost Research Foundation which she established to scientifically research the paranormal. As a partner in Steel City Bus Tours, this autumn Patty will be providing “Boos and Brews Tours” of Pittsburgh – “where history and hauntings meet.”

As a delectable Halloween treat, the bewitching Patty A. Wilson has answered some of this writer’s more devilish queries. ***** BMN: “They’re coming to get you, Barbara,” is a sentence that got this Barbara’s attention when reading in your books about Livermore Cemetery (Westmoreland County), since I have several paternal relatives buried at that allegedly haunted gravesite. It’s also a famous line from George Romero’s 1968 horror flick Night of the Living Dead.

Although western PA seems to have definitely provided a sufficiently-sinister locale for the film, there seems to be a difference of opinion about which cemetery was actually used. According to the usually-reliable Internet Movie Database, the Evans City Cemetery in Butler County was the cemetery in the seminal film, but numerous sources claim that Livermore Cemetery was the chosen burial ground.

For my sake, and that of my departed ancestors in residence there, can you please put this “grave” controversy to rest?

PW: The fact is that until recently no one had ever heard of the Evans City Cemetery connection to the movie; all sources have always listed Livermore as the cemetery where the movie was shot. The only one who could clarify this situation is George Romero himself. Since the Evans City Cemetery claim has come up, I have decided to no longer mention the Night of the Living Dead information when telling the Livermore Cemetery story. Of course, despite this confusion, the cemetery still has a history of being haunted.

BMN: Institutions of higher learning are singled-out many times as places of unexplainable activity. Boniface Wimmer (1809-1887), the founder of Saint Vincent College in Latrobe and the departed Duke, the 16-point phantom buck mascot of the Penn State Greater Allegheny Campus (McKeesport), still lead active collegiate lives at their respective campuses. Do you think this is because creative and inquiring minds are instinctively drawn toward the unknown or because school spirits can’t bear to leave “the halls of ivy” to which they were once so closely attached?

PW: I rather suspect that schools are known as haunted for several rea-

sons. Young folks are much more accepting of the idea of ghosts than older folks, so they talk about the ghostly sites more. Imagination also plays a part – young people love the drama of ghostly tragedy and human pathos. Perhaps ghosts are also drawn to the campuses by their passion for the place. Surely Boniface Wimmer had focused all of his attention upon Saint Vincent and the ghost buck Duke loved his old stomping grounds. Perhaps it is as simple as the fact that they liked their homes in life and they see no reason not to visit again just because they are dead.

BMN: The Kecksburg (Westmoreland County) UFO incident, often referred to as “Pennsylvania’s Roswell,” is a wellknown local paranormal happening.

Even today interest remains as to what really occurred on the night of December 9, 1965 and the days that followed. (SyFy and The History Channel have both reinvestigated the incident in the first decade of the 21st century.)

In A Nutshell: UFO or No? December 9, 1965

• A large ball of fire was seen streaking across the sky in a minimum of 6 six states and Ontario, Canada.

• Several eyewitnesses in Kecksburg, PA claimed to have seen an object crash landing and others found an acorn-shaped object, approximately the size of a Volkswagen Beetle, decorated with hieroglyphic-like markings around the base.

• Observers claimed that military personnel, including members of the United States Army, secured the area, loaded the object onto a flatbed truck and removed it.

(The military claimed to have discovered “absolutely nothing.”)

• Speculation as to what the object was varies. Some feel certain that it was an alien craft; others feel it could have been debris from Cosmos 96, a Soviet satellite. The government preferred to explain the mysterious sighting as a mid-sized meteor.

ABOVE: A model of the crashed object, originally created for Unsolved Mysteries and put on display near the Kecksburg fire station.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

John Murphy, a WHJB radio reporter and news director who was present at the crash site before authorities arrived, took photographs and interviewed witnesses who claimed to have seen an object that had crash-landed in a wooded area. Murphy was preparing a radio documentary, Object in the Woods, when men identifying themselves as government officials visited him at his station offices in Greensburg. A week later an edited and highlysanitized version of his program aired. While vacationing in CA in 1969, Murphy was struck and killed by an unidentified car in an apparent hit-and-run.

What is your opinion of his “accidental” death?

PW: I have actually given this story a great deal of thought. I personally believe that he must have seen something at the crash site that night that worried someone badly. The “someone” I suspect would be the US Government. I believe that they influenced the docu-mentary and, possibly, that they were involved in his death. However, since we have no proof, we’ll have to leave it to speculation. Conspiracy theories are often frowned upon, but sometimes real life is stranger than fiction!

they are trained to think logically and there is no logic to this event.

BMN: Indiana County’s Dixonville and the Allegheny Mountains near Pittsburgh are just two of the western PA localities that have provided us with interesting terrestrial tales. What is it about the earth’s core that makes caves, caverns and mines such rich catacombs of unearthly treasures?

the witch fields were also actually circular patches of ground where nothing would grow. Although not strictly crop circles, these witch fields are similar.

BMN: Your Ghost Soldiers TV show homepage states “when other people run away from ghosts, we run toward them.”

Could you tell us what it’s like running with ghosts?

BMN: Ghosts seem to be creeping out of the woodwork in the hotels, inns and taverns of western PA. The specters at Nemacolin Castle lord it over Brownsville (Fayette County) and Evelyn Nesbit, Harry Thaw’s “Boofuls,” reigns at Elmhurst mansion in Cambria County. However, one of the most inviting meeting and greeting places you have written about is Bedford County’s Jean Bonnet Tavern. Would you agree that the Lincoln Highway historic landmark is the perfect site for a multi-spirited episode of the CBS series Ghost Whisperer or the SyFy reality show Ghost Hunters?

PW: Ghost Soldiers is dedicated to collecting evidence of the paranormal at supposedly haunted sites. This means that we have to stay calm and collected when our instincts are telling us to run. It requires a measure of common sense and steady nerves. For example, at an old prison we heard footsteps coming past us without a body to make them. Instead of running, we had to follow the footsteps and try to find a rational explanation for them. In this case, we did not find a rational explanation for the steps. They appeared on the audio portion of the video as well. Another thing that a Ghost Soldier needs is an understanding of the paranormal. I don’t look at ghosts like many folks do. Most people view them as terrifying, but I view them as disembodied people. The majority of the ghosts I encounter are decent folks who have not passed on for some reason. When you view them in that way, you stop being frightened and begin to understand that they need a bit of understanding and help. Ghost Soldiers try to sort the fact from fiction and then to help the living – or the dead – who are in need.

PW: The Jean Bonnet Tavern certainly holds enough haunts to keep both the Ghost Hunters and the Ghost Whisperer busy. The Ghost Whisperer would be hard pressed to fix the problems of the multitude of spirits and specters that Jean Bonnet (Four-Mile House) by Kevin Kutz haunt this old establish2003 Watercolor, 28 x 32 inches ment.

With hangings, Collection of Shannon and Melissa Jacobs unrequited loves and folks who died of illnesses, the spirits there certainly have their issues. Any Ghost BMN: Not everybody loves a clown. In PW: There seems to be this intrinsic Hunter worth his keep wouldn’t have to the spring of 1981 Pittsburgh (Allegheny desire to look into the mysteries of the go far to begin tripping over spooks and County) was experiencing a full-fledged earth. We just know that strange things spirits. Just a look at the guest books will epidemic of coulrophobia – an abnormal or can be found below the ground. It strikes prove that the old tavern is an actively exaggerated fear of clowns. In the merry a cord in most people. Even those who haunted spot. month of May the city neighborhoods of don’t believe in paranormal events will East Liberty, Garfield and the Hill District often respond with a shudder when they BMN: I recently came across a newswere invaded by men in clown suits hear a story of things hidden deep paper account of an incident that attempting to lure children into their vans. beneath the earth in the darkness of the occurred in Derry (Westmoreland To add to the Halloween-like atmosphere, caves. Perhaps it is a fear born in us County), the town where I was reared. would-be assailants in rabbit, gorilla and from millions of years of survival.

The following was reported on April 21, Spider Man costumes were also sighted in 1897 by the Indiana (PA) Messenger: the metropolitan area. Police and school BMN: During this harvest season crop administrators cautioned the city’s circles seem fine fodder for someone “The Air Ship at Derry” children and parents to be alert for any with your charismatic calling. What A dispatch from Derry, Westmoreland oddly-dressed characters. conclusions have you drawn about these County, dated April 18, says: The air ship, Even though a number of US cities puzzling geometric patterns and to your which has been seen in Indiana, Wisconsin (including Boston, Providence and knowledge have any been reported in and Iowa, passed here last evening, Kansas City) had similar sightings of our local fields lately? according to the testimony of many prominharassing harlequins and menacing ent persons, who claimed to have sighted it. muggers during the same time frame, the PW: The general perception is that all It is cigar-shaped and has red and green national media didn’t connect the polka crop circles are man-made and, lights and a very small center light, white dots for the public and blamed the whole certainly, some are. I even know someand very brilliant. The ship was headed affair on mass hysteria. The jokers had one who participated in such a prank east, traveling very rapidly and about 500 the last laugh, since no clown was ever just to see if it could be pulled off in one feet high. A car is hanging about ten feet caught and the case of the phantasmal night without anyone noticing and it did from the airship entirely enclosed. clowns was never solved. (It by Stephen work. But that said, it would be King was not published until 1986. So, stretching credulity to think that all crop So, Myth Buster, do you think the vision don’t get your hopes up for that easy circles are man-made. The idea that of a flying cigar was an “Un-Lean” Mean jester answer.) thousands of people are out in fields at Flying Machine or just a Derry Dirigible?

Do you think the authorities missed night with boards and ropes plotting and a “smoking horn” in this 3-ring circus? executing such intricate designs is PW: This is a fantastic tale because beyond bizarre. What causes crop circles UFOlogists use such tales to prove that PW: I certainly understand why the is still open to discovery, but it seems long before the advent of airplanes there authorities never saw a pattern at the certain that some form of intelligence is were strange craft sighted in the time; it was just so strange. However, it out there communicating in images in skies. I’d categorize this as a UFO; it is a does puzzle me how this “clown the fields of the world. craft of some sort that was never epidemic” spontaneously manifested I do believe that there have been one explained. Certainly, it could be a regular throughout the country without someone or two crop circles in Pennsylvania old dirigible, but if so, then why did no organizing it. What possessed those through the years, but no one ever made one ever come forward and explain these people to don clown clothes and attempt much of them. Pennsylvania doesn’t sightings? Dirigibles were certainly not to abduct children? If there were no have a large problem with crop circles, common and they were usually feted by clowns, then what possessed regular but in the Lancaster area there have long fanfare. The mystery ship offers no clue folks to imagine this phenomena been stories of Hexefeld or witch as to its origin and destination – that’s throughout the nation? I’d give the fields. These were spots where crops what makes this a mysterious tale. authorities a pass on this one only because died out in a circular pattern. Some of

Every Story Begins At Home.

continued on page 18

DELMONT APPLE 'N ARTS FESTIVAL

Shields Farm East Pittsburgh Street Delmont, PA Minutes from Routes 22 and 66!

Saturday, October 3 10 am - 6 pm & Sunday, October 4th 11 am - 5 pm More Than 100 Arts, Craft, & Food Vendors Fresh Pressed Apple Cider and All Kinds of Apples for Sale Apple Baking Contest - Sunday 12 Noon (pre-registration reqd) Baby Apple Cheeks Contest, Saturday 12 - 1:45 pm (pre-registration reqd) Local Talent Providing Live Family Entertainment!

Children’s Entertainment & Activities Petting Zoo & Pony Rides Antique Gas Engine, Operating Saw Mill & Antique Tractors Horse-drawn Wagon Train & Tractor-drawn Hay Rides danadelmont@yahoo.com 724-325-8867 (voicemail only)

September/October 2009 - 17

WINNIE PALMER NATURE RESERVE AT SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE Registration is Required for all programs at the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve with the exception of FREE Saturday Programs.

This is to allow the staff the ability to prepare accordingly.

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Barn Closed 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Nature Home School Series Registration Required - FEE: $60/series Learning the Landscape -Explore our landscape while using the essays by well known natural conservationist Aldo Leopold. Registration includes the Book - The Sand County Almanac. Visit www. wpnr.org for additional class details.

10 AM-11 AM Tiny Wonder Time: “Fruits and Roots” Registration Required Learn more about our surroundings by exploring the Reserve for different kinds of tree roots and fruits we have in the area! Please be sure to dress weather appropriate. A Nature Experience for 2-4 year olds with an adult!

10 AM – 4 PM Fall Fest at the Barn Enjoy the beginning of fall at the Nature Reserve. Take an autumn hike, learn about the Monarch butterfly. A variety of activities, vendors and music.

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM Nature Walk Wednesdays Take an informal walk with the Naturalists to learn about flowers, birds, trees, insects and more!

BMN: Having researched countless occult occurrences, is there any PA subject that might inspire you to put pen to paper in the future for a fictional pageturner a la Edgar Allan Poe? PW: As a child who cut her teeth on Stephen King and Dean Koontz novels, that’s not out of the question. I’d love to do such a book, but I am not sure that anyone could create fictional horror more incredible than some of the stories that I have collected though the years. Recently, I released a book entitled Totally Bizarre Pennsylvania and it is chock full of real stories that any fictional writer could use to create a novel.

I have written historical fiction before including a novel entitled The Pennsylvania Frontier Family…Homeward Into A Dangerous Land. Currently, I am working on two young people’s novels along with a book on Pennsylvania’s UFO history. However, the idea to work on a horror novel comes up from time to time. One of these days, I just may not be able to resist it any longer and the wilds of Pennsylvania will become fodder for my fictional terrors.

***** Late one evening not long ago as I was perusing one of Patty Wilson’s Keystone State tomes, I grew rather tired. I had laid my head upon a pillow and nearly drifted off, when I was startled from my near-slumber by a light knocking sound.

Attempting to determine what the source of the disturbance might be, I was enlightened when I spied an ebony winged creature roosting upon the entrance door. Upon enquiring from whence my mysterious nocturnal visitor had traveled at so late an hour. Quoth the Raven, “Livermore.”

Patty W. Wilson can be reached at pineycreekpress@yahoo.com or through her website ghostsrus.com. Find out more about Steel City Bus Tours at steelcitybustours.com

OCTOBER

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9 AM - 3 PM Leopold Education Project Training Registration Required - FEE: $40 A 6-hour workshop with 4 hours of homework focusing on the curriculum from The Leopold Education Project -Lessons in a Land Ethic.

10 ACT 48 Hours. Registration Deadline: September 20.

10 AM Nature Art Journal Workshop (8-12 yrs old) Registration Required - FEE: $10 Artist Linda Arandas will help children (8-12 yrs) make a Nature Art Journal and create one by combining nature’s tools with a variety of art supplies.

1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Nature Home School Series Registration Required - FEE: $60/series Learning the Landscape. See September 8 description or visit www.wpnr.org for additional class details.

10 AM-11 AM Tiny Wonder Time: “The Healthy Harvest” Registration Required.

It is the harvest time of the year! We will look at the hard work that goes into berries and other fruits, and other treasures in our area! Please be sure to dress weather appropriate. A Nature Experience for 2 – 4 year olds with an adult!

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM Nature Walk Wednesdays Take an informal walk with the Naturalists to learn about flowers, birds, trees, insects and more!

NOVEMBER

7 10

10 AM “Out of the Ground” Documentary and Talk Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation will show his documentary on the supporting industry of the iron and steel industries, COAL. 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM Nature Home School Series Registration Required - FEE: $60/series LearningtheLandscape. (See September 8 description)

Potters Studio Tour & Sale 10 Indiana County Studios & 22 Potters Oct 17 & 18, 2009 10:00 - 5:00

Learn about the life of a potter and what inspires his or her work.

All displayed pottery available for purchase!

Use the map and info on our web site to define your self-guided tour and set your own pace.

The studios are no more than 15-20 minutes apart.

A Wide Variety of Indiana Area Accomodations Available!

For a complete listing of the participating potters and directions to the studios call 877-640-7315 or visit our website at www.potterstour.com

Former Steelers Drive Toward a Different Goal

Golf Outing to Benefit Veterans from Iraq/Afghanistan Wars On September 11, 2009, the morning after the Pittsburgh Steelers march into the confines of Heinz Field to begin their quest for their seventh Super Bowl championship, Steeler Alum will take to a different field with a different goal in mind—to raise money to support wounded veterans from the Iraq/ Afghanistan wars.

The Steeler Alumni Golf Outing is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Pittsburgh Field Club and will benefit Golf Supports Our Troops, a non-profit charity that provides golf therapy equipment to wounded veterans and sends golf equipment to troops in the Iraq/Afghanistan war zones. When the NFL announced that the season would kickoff in Pittsburgh on September 10th former Steeler Rocky Bleier wanted to bring these two momentous occasions together by having the event on such a significant day. Attending Steeler Alum include Steve Avery, Craig Bingham, Rocky Bleier, Mel Blount, Ron Coder, Robin Cole, Franco Harris, Jeff Hartings, Dick Hoak, Tony Jeter, Todd Kalis, Louis Lipps, and Mike Wagner.

18 - September/October 2009

The golf outing is being produced

by Maurice Gable of Pittsburgh, the charity’s consultant. The day begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Each foursome playing in the outing will be accompanied by a former Steeler. The outing will be followed by a silent auction, an awards luncheon at the club and a 911 WE WILL NEVER FORGET dinner at Heinz Field’s East Club Lounge featuring a performance by Toby Keith. Tickets for the event are $750.

Golf Supports Our Troops was founded three years ago by Brian Coleman, a retired financial printing executive of Madison, NJ and Bradenton, FL. Coleman wanted to find a way to improve the lives of wounded and disabled veterans through the game of golf.

“I kept hearing about unprecedented numbers of soldiers coming back maimed from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars,” Coleman said. “So I decided to try to make a difference and actually do something about it.”

For more information visit: http://www.golfsupportsourtroops.org

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THE SODA FOUNTAIN A Scoop of Pop Culture

Rose Garden Variety: First Lady Style It seems another “youthquake” has hit our nation’s Capital and it’s registering high on the Richter. Not since the 1000 days of JFK has a presidential couple provided the media with such manna; the kids and Portuguese Water puppy only add to the feeding frenzy. With the common denominators of aptitude, charisma, vigor and youth ObamaKennedy comparisons are inevitable.

During the first months of the new administration as the international spotlight and eyes of the world focused upon the Obamas, the President attempted to side-step the JFK issue preferring to be compared to Abraham Lincoln. While wife Michelle has demonstrated that she is something of a trendsetter, the question remains: Will she make enough of a lasting impression to become a legendary style-maker as did Jacqueline Kennedy, whose influence on fashion can hardly be overstated?

Although the President and his cabinet are expected to shape national policy and bring about reform, it normally falls to the First Lady (with the aid of her staff) to set the tone for the administration’s style. The present-day Presidential spouse is expected to be more than a wifely helpmate or White House window dressing. However, not every woman who ends up married to The Commander-in-Chief has the social acumen of a Perle Mesta, the networking skills of a Pamela (Digby Churchill Hayward) Harriman or the fashion sense of a Diana Vreeland.

Some presidential spouses have risen to the fashion challenge better than others. A gorgeous amber necklace belonging to Martha Washington was shown at the Senator John Heinz History Center First Ladies: Political Role and Public Image exhibit in 2006-7, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that Martha was the first American high priestess of fashion. It was Dolley Madison, bedecked in her silk brocade gowns and signature turbans, who displayed remarkable flair as the nation’s leading style light early on. (It was at her instigation that the Inaugural festivities first included a ball in 1809.) First wives of the 1800s have by and large faded into fashion obscurity with the exception of that “hellcat” Mary Todd Lincoln. A notoriously big spender, Mary’s extensive wardrobe purchases went from the garish to the ghoulish upon the death of her son Willie during Lincoln’s administration and never did improve.

First Lady style experienced a very rough patch during much of the 20 th century, but it’s best not to speak ill of the dead in this case. (After all, there were 2 World Wars, The Great Depression and Communism to contend with.)

In pre-Depression times Florence Kling Harding did don a blingy, yet elegant, Inaugural gown and Grace Coolidge livened up her husband’s kick-off party in a red velvet flapper dress. Both

Every Story Begins At Home.

garments are included in the First Ladies gown collection of the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Could Mamie Eisenhower be awarded any style credits for having had a celebrated bicolor carnation named after her?

In 1961 when Ike and wife departed the White House and the John Fitzgerald Kennedy family moved in, Capital City was electrified. Jack’s ever-ready high-voltage smile, Jackie’s luminous Mona Lisa-visage and the twinkling eyes of their endearing children literally lit up the Washington skyline.* The Kennedys were photographed for print incessantly and TV brought incandescent moving images of them into our homes daily. It didn’t take long for the nation’s population, male and female, to become smitten with JFK’s classily-clad better half.

Gone were the dowdy, boring outfits and over-permed hair of the middle-aged matrons who had previously occupied 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Instead we were treated to glimpses of a glamorous, cultured woman in haute couture with pill box hats tilted to the back of her ultramodern bouffant coiffures. Jackie’s offwhite Inaugural gown – a faille sheath which had a bodice bestrewn with shimmering beads and silver thread – was classically chic. (She and Ethel Frankau of Bergdorf Goodman designed the dress with input from Vogue’s Vreeland.) However, it was her last minute decision to wear a full-length cape that gave her the regal look of a democratic country’s reigning fashion monarch.

Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy had an unerring sense of style and could have written a book entitled Less is Always More. Understated elegance, sleek lines and simplicity were her trademarks. (The Hamptons, Vassar, Newport and La Sorbonne do tend to influence one. And while Jackie surely knew that imitation is suicide, I have always suspected that she admired Audrey Hepburn’s taste more than a little.) The late Richard Martin, once the Curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, summed up Jackie’s taste when he wrote “her style was not vanity but a way of living, not simply adorning herself but expressing her vision of the world.”

The resulting image of worldly perfection only looked effortless. Much thought and execution went into every detail of the attire of the President’s young wife. (Thinking of everything, Jackie had zippers put in the back of her turtlenecks, so that her hair – a never-ending source of aggravation to her – would not be disturbed.) Mrs. Kennedy was often criticized for her obsession with her extravagant wardrobe, but there was a method to her fashion madness. She knew what knowledgeable women everywhere know: How you dress determines how you are perceived; how you are perceived determines how you will be treated.

She also knew what she looked best in and exactly what she wanted. Through the day she wore sheaths and A-lines in public; in private she donned skimmers and slim pants with sweaters or bateau neck tops. She adored silk shantung in jewel tones of apricot, azure, lemon, lime and shocking pink. One member of the press coined the phrase “anemone coats” when referring to the red and purple coats that she chose for ticker-tape parades. She wore neutrals well and did “the little black dress” with the best of them, but she steered clear of nearly all prints. Lush silk fabrics such as satin, georgette, chiffon and organza, often trimmed in pearls and sequins, were her preference for evening. Though many of her accessories were standards for the time among the moneyed classes – minaudiere evening clutches, 3-strand pearls, white kid gloves, low-heeled pumps, over-sized sun glasses, head scarves and thong sandals – the Halston hats were pure Jackie.

“Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy had an unerring sense of style and could have written a book entitled Less is Always More.”

Mrs. Kennedy, a woman of French descent, was inclined toward the designs of Givenchy, Dior and Chanel, but knew that Americans would prefer her to choose a primary designer from one of their own.** Ever the diplomat, she compromised. Oleg Cassini (whose mother, Countess Marguerite Cassini, was a great beauty of an earlier age and a fashion designer herself) was her shrewd choice. He had been born in Paris, but acquired American citizenship as an adult and served in WW II. He served as Jackie’s personal couturier during the White House years and helped to coordinate all aspects her wardrobe.

Many of Cassini’s designs were French-inspired, but he held his own when compared to the more prestigious

European designers. His celadon column gown that Jackie wore for the 1962 White House dinner honoring Nobel Laureates was a creation worthy of a goddess. (Strange that she should favor a designer who was the former husband of JFK’s former girlfriend Gene Tierney; stranger yet that the goddess in question would someday marry a Greek.) The personal touches provided by Cassini, such as the over-sized buttons and cropped jackets, helped create “The Jackie Look” that helped define a treasured era of our nation’s history.

Entertaining the French Minister of Culture, conducting the televised tour of the White House or leading her husband’s funeral procession, Jackie did us proud. She may have played a secondary role in the political arena of Kennedy’s “Camelot,” but she was front and center onstage as America’s “Fair Lady.”

The only woman of notable style to live in the Presidential mansion since Jackie was Nancy Reagan. The Great Communicator’s little woman was a very savvy judge of character and clothes; she knew who had her husband’s back and what to put on her own. The exits of several Reagan-era lieutenants and her preference for a becoming shade of red are well-documented. However, the privately-funded $200,000 set of customdesigned Lenox china (Nancy’s fashion plates?) and her penchant for $10,000 Galanos ball gowns didn’t win her many fans during the unsettled economic times of the early 80s. Even if you didn’t care for her, it’s hard to begrudge Ronnie’s girl her due – especially since she was years older than both Jackie and Michelle when she became First Lady of the Land.

The new First Lady is an attractive woman with a lot going for her, but fashion is definitely not one of Michelle Obama’s consuming passions and she isn’t a clothes horse by any means. A big woman with attitude, you might say she is “large and in charge.” (At nearly 6 feet and controversially blunt, the White House staff might want to think twice before crossing “Barack’s Rock.”) Michelle is all about hue, often wearing bold colorblocks reminiscent of Saint Laurent's Mondrian dresses of the mid-60s. She favors fuchsia, flamboyant prints, large costume jewelry and anything without sleeves. Mrs. Obama does not always carry a purse, leading me to wonder whether she will be christened “No-Bag First Lady” sometime soon by a Seventh Avenue wit.

In her J. Crew and Gap active wear she looks very comfortable in the role of Mainstream Obama Mama. For daytime she likes to wear off-the-rack and it works well for her. A perfect example was the becoming Donna Ricco White House/Black Market dress worn on The View during the presidential campaign.

Designer Thakoon Panchigul’s florals and lace-edged trench coat are odd, but original. Her formal attire choices are continued on page 20

September/October 2009 - 19

continued from page 19 much more problematic. The designers she has singled out are generally an eclectic American mix. She has worn Narcisco Rodriguez and Maria Pinto to good advantage. On the other hand, I considered the Isabel Toledo lemongrass wool lace swearing-in ensemble an Inauguration Obamination and the frothy white Jason Wu ball gown worn that evening was awfully “weddingcake-topper” and ingénue-ish.

Since then she has been seen in Azzedine Alaïa during a European tour, so other cosmopolitan couturiers may soon be receiving a call to perform fashion triage at the White House.

Those in the know say Mrs. Obama is making a concerted effort to refine her style sense, but I don’t foresee a Metropolitan Museum of Art fashion retrospective just yet. In today’s Maison Blanche the elephant in the East Room is Jackie. Desiree Rogers, the White House Social Secretary, claims she and the current First Lady are looking not to duplicate the Kennedy years as much as gain inspiration from them. Although no one seems to be asking aloud “What would Jackie wear,” Letitia

Baldridge (who held the same title as Ms. Rogers during the JFK administration) has given the new SS counsel.

Whether you lean right or left, you’ll probably be watching to see if Mrs. Obama becomes the next First Lady Fashionista over the coming years. Michelle O and the woman who eventually became Jackie O share two outstanding characteristics – intelligence and a deep-seated sense of self. You can be sure that Michelle Obama will figure it out.

In the meantime perhaps she should just ramble out to the Rose Garden for inspiration. Perhaps she’ll experience one of those “teachable moments” her husband is always talking about. (I’m wondering what flower they’ll name after her.)

Comprehensive exam & x-rays for only $69 ($103 savings!)

– Barbara M. Neill *It was Jackie who arranged for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to be viewed in America in 1962. **The pink Chanel suit that Mrs. Kennedy wore on that doomed November day in Dallas lies entombed in the National Archives, as do the clothes worn by her husband, to be opened only when 100 years have past.

Woodlands Group to Sponsor Field Trip Near Latrobe

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

20 - September/October 2009

On Saturday, September 12, the Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association will sponsor a field trip in the woods of Bill Paxton, a professional landscape designer, just off the Latrobe-Crabtree Road. The walk starts at 10:00 a.m. and will last until about noon.

Bill has taught biology, landscape design, and related courses at St. Vincent College, Chatham College, and Westmoreland County Community College. He has a B.S. in forestry from Penn State and is a registered landscape architect. As the owner of Earthforms Land Design, Bill is often hired by energy companies to evaluate potential sites for pipelines, windmills and the like and to consult on remediation of existing sites. He also consults with the parks departments of cities throughout western Pennsylvania and locales like the Loyalhanna Gorge near Latrobe. As a Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Index botanist, he has spent a great deal of time in the woods searching for rare and endangered species.

"This will be like a Forestry 400 course, not Forestry 101," Bill says. "I'll ask participants what they've learned about traditional forestry practices. Some of what they've been taught, I want to unteach." Based on his observations of plant behavior over decades, he challenges the conventional wisdom on grapevines, Morrow's honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and other species usually seen invasives. He'll show examples of his con-

tentions and answer attendees' questions.

Please call Christie at the Westmoreland Conservation District, (724) 837-5271, to RSVP by September 10. She can give you directions to the site. As always, the tour is free to WWIA members and costs $5 for nonmembers. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a moderate walk through the woods. Bring your lunch. In case of rain, the meeting will take place in a classroom on Bill's property.

WWIA’s mission is to encourage good management of woodlands for aesthetics, timber, water quality and control, wildlife habitat, plant propagation, and recreation. The group holds regular programs and field trips throughout the year.

Please recycle this newspaper!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS Mark J. Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES

Simple Recipe for a Healthier You! Most individuals in some capacity are secure our lean body mass. Unfordient or another will depend on each always looking for ways to improve tunately many people associate individual. If someone has physical their health and fitness; however, the weight-training with a fear of getting or schedule limitations to exercise, challenge is knowing exactly what we “big & bulky;” however it is that fear then they would need to grab a handshould do and how to balance it in that is holding many people back from full of the supportive nutrition and be our daily lives. We are bombarded with getting the results they want from the limited to just “pinching” the exercise so-called quick fixes, claiming to be effort they put out during their compon-ents (oxygen and concern for the ultimate solution to a “better you”, workouts. This “concern” doesn’t have muscle). While others may not have when more likely it is only one to mean hours in the weight-room; those same limitations, giving them ingredient of a “recipe” for a a little more freedom with what healthier you. they eat.

Whether a “healthier you” In the end it is all about doing could be losing weight, increasing something more or better today energy, reducing/eliminating than yesterday; something more medications, or becoming more or better this week than last functional for activities of daily week, and so on. We can’t be living (ADL’s) the bottom line is perfect every day, but if we can as individuals we need to address address the four ingredients the the following four “ingredients” majority of the days per week we into our lifestyle if we want to will win in the long haul. Also achieve that “healthier you”. More remember that there is no finish importantly by incorporating this line on the road to a healthier synergy balance you will have the lifestyle . . . so be sure to make sustaining power to last a lifetime. this a part of your life, rather than Mark Rullo is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified As for the simple recipe for a becoming obsessed and running Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Medical healthier you; the four key your life.

Exercise Specialist, certified Golf Fitness Instructor “ingredients” are: Supportive and owner of My Fitness Kitchen® Again the point of this initial www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-879-8523.

Nutrition, Aerobic Activity, article was to provide you with an Concern for Muscle and Relaxoverview of our philosophy at My ation/Recuperation.

Fitness Kitchen® and empower Supportive Nutrition is nothing but rather enough progressive you to take control of your personal more than a foundation of behaviors resistance to challenge our skeletalfitness and nutrition. In future issues to ensure we are properly fueling musculature. The best way to appreyou can expect elaboration of the four (feeding) our metabolism so that we ciate the value for having a concern principles and simple strategies for can achieve our desired results for muscle is to understand these 3 implementing them into your life. If without putting our personal health key facts: First “Muscle” is your you have any questions relative this at risk in the process. In a nutshell it metabolism. Second “Muscle” is the article or with fitness and nutrition is nothing more than proper hydration place body fat is metabolized (burn) in general, do not hesitate to reach (water consumption), eating frequency, for energy (see above point regarding out to me at My Fitness Kitchen® portion size and quality of nutrients.

Aerobics) and third “Muscle” occupies where these behaviors are the Aerobic / Cardiovascular trainless space than fat. Finally, anti-aging foundation to how we service our ing is any activity that involves or products garner plenty of attention members. improves oxygen consumption. Aerobic these days and one of the best ways activities help make your heart to slow-down the aging process is stronger and more efficient. The secure as much lean body mass muscles in our body are like engines (muscle) as possible. The only way that run on fuel (just like cars that to do that is to have a concern for run on fuel); only our muscles use fat muscle in both how we fuel (eat) and and carbohydrates instead of gasoline move (exercise). (another reason for supportive The last ingredient, Relaxation/ nutrition). Oxygen from Aerobic Recuperation is often the forgotten Activity is a key player because, once one among the four. We can eat well, Something far from your traditional, inside the muscle, it’s used to burn be more active than sedentary; intimidating gym, My Fitness Kitchen® fat and carbohydrate for fuel to keep however if we are not creating the in Latrobe 30 Plaza is our engines running. The more efficenvironment for our body to utilize the Where Fitness & Nutrition Come ient our muscles are at consuming nutrients from eating well to repair Together. From the moment you enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your oxygen, the more fuel we can burn, the damage from the exercise and fitness level it’s all about “You.” the more fit we are, and the longer other stresses from everyday activities The supportive staff, welcoming we can exercise. What and how we will not function at our best. We atmosphere, and friendly members much aerobic activity is defined by can’t run full-speed up-hill yearcombine to create the most unique the F.I.T.T principle; Frequency, round. Therefore, as important it is and comfortable environment for your Intensity, Time (duration), and Type. to challenge ourselves, we must also fitness success. Whether it is Fitness, I used the term “Concern for plan for active rest and recovery.

Nutrition or both, you can be confident Muscle” rather than weight training Whether someone needs a My Fitness Kitchen® is the solution to a healthier you! to emphasis the need or concern to “pinch” or a “hand-full” of one ingre-

Every Story Begins At Home.

601 N. Center Avenue Somerset, PA 15501 814-445-6431 info@somersetcountychamber.com www.somersetpa.net

Berlin Brothersvalley Community Fair September 13-19 814-267-3763

A Chocolate Affaire September 19 800-452-2223 www.7springs.com

Springs Folk Festival October 2-3 814-662-9202 www.springspa.org

Confluence Pumpkinfest October 2-4 814-395-5080 www.confluencepumpkinfest.org

Autumnfest Weekends October 3/4, 10/11, 17/18, 24/25 800-452-2223 • www.7springs.com

AFamily-OwnedandOperatedProvider ofDeliciousPennsylvaniaTableWines that are sure to please every palate Complimentary Tastings Daily Large Groups by Appointment 638 Turner Drive, Blairsville, PA 724-459-0132 Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday, 12 PM - 6 PM Sunday, 1-6 PM. Closed all Major Holidays

Now taking orders for holiday custom-designed labels!

Please stop by during business hours or call for information.Visit our website for more information on upcoming special events! We attend local Farmers’ Markets in Ligonier and Indiana!

WeinviteyoutovisitWalnutHillWinery, makeyourselfcomfortableandenjoythetastefulatmosphere.

Treat yourself to complimentary samplings of our flavorful wines created by Al McClinton, one of the owners.

We host private happy hours!

September/October 2009 - 21

3rd Annual

Celtic Festival (at Thistle & Pine) 7570 Route 119 • Marion Center, PA October 3, 2009 • 10 am - 5 pm Fantastic events including: "Best Legs in a Kilt Contest" for the Lads! & "A British Cruise-In" Visit www.thistleandpine.com to learn more about the festival To enter your British car email thistleandpine@indianaconnect.com or call 724-397-2442

FREE ADMISSION Premier outdoor festival held on Downtown Streets Enjoy ethnic foods, arts & crafts and entertainment on 3 stages Visit Old Town Mount Pleasant area Giant Parade on Saturday at 1:00 pm A Sparkle Spectacular: musical light show featuring over 12,500 dancing lights Sunday Fireworks

September 25, 26, & 27 2009 Friday-Saturday: 11 am - 11 pm Sunday: 11 am - 7 pm 724-542-4711 www.mtpleasantglassandethnicfestival.com

Festival honored by the Library of Congress (Local Legacies) Shuttle service available and handicapped accessible

SEE YOU THERE!

52nd Annual

Springs Folk Festival

Friday, October 2 Saturday, October 3 Route 669 (Springs Road) Springs, PA Located between Salisbury, PA (US 219N) and Grantsville, MD (US 40, I-68 exit 19) in southern Somerset County, PA.

Join us in celebrating the arts, skills and labors of our forefathers!

Craftsmen at Work PA Dutch Food Music All Day Visit the newly renovated and expanded on-site Springs Museum $5.00 for adults, $2.00 ages 6-18 and under 6 free Ample free parking for cars, buses, and RV's.

For more information go to Springs Historical Society at www.springspa.org Call (814) 662-9202 or email npapik@aol.com

22 - September/October 2009

YOU SAVE THE PLANET Brian Gillingham

First 100,000 Miles in Our Prius My wife and I love our Prius very much.

In 2003, we bought a 2nd generation Toyota Prius. Now that we have driven our first 100,000 miles, I wanted to show the savings over this distance as well as how much environmental benefit it has made.

average of 69,000 lbs less than most cars would have created over the same distance.

Different generation rates for NOx (nitrous oxide) and HC (hydrocarbons)

The decision to buy hybrid I didn’t have any idea at all which car I’d want to buy, so I created a weighted criteria spreadsheet — where I could grade various cars. My priorities were in the order of 1) gas mileage, 2) overall price - within given budget, 3) environmentally friendliness, 4) customer satisfaction, etc. I looked at data for around 20 car models to grade them on these criterion.

The first 100,000 miles My calculations use a fuel economy of 50 mpg for the Prius and 20 mpg for “the average car”. Our driving habits have earned us a gas mileage that is actually a little bit better than the estimated fuel economy for a Prius.

When compared to the average car, the first 100,000 miles saved over 3,600 gallons of gas — which would cost just under $10,000 at $2.68/gal. This would be reason enough to own a fuel efficient car.

Assuming that gasoline generates 19 lbs of CO2 per gallon when burned, the 100,000 in the Prius generated a whopping 38,000 lbs of CO2. Due to the amazing Prius’ fuel economy, this is an

continued from page 5 how long. There will continue to be times I don’t “make sense,” and will hide my monstrous self from the normal, outside world.

I still feel the weight of those horse hoofs on my head, sometimes kicking harder than others. The headache never quite goes away, just varies. I have learned to live with chronic pain the best I can, like Medusa’s wig of slithering snakes.

Sometimes they strike and bite so hard, that all I can do is take my pain medication, then stay unconscious for as long as it takes. Like a baby I require a lot more sleep now – normal brain activities are exhausting, and pain even more so.

When I do wake up to good days, I know I’ll pay for it later with increased headaches and confusion resulting from the fatigue of thinking and doing. It is a true vicious circle from which there seems to be no end. But instead of struggling

were found online. HC includes many organic compounds such as methane.

These were used to calculate the amount of NOx and HC saved. The Prius created 7.1 lbs of HC and 3.55 lbs of NOx which is MUCH less than the average car which creates 21.8 lbs of HC and 10.8 lbs of NOx.

Results The • • • • •

first 100,000 miles in a Prius saved: $10,000 in fuel costs 69,000 lbs of CO2 14.7 lbs of HC 7.3 lbs of NOx $2500 tax credit for 2004

Taking the environmental benefits and the savings at the pump, it certainly looks like the extra cost of a hybrid car in 2003 was worth it.

– To learn more, please visit Brian’s website, www.YouSaveThePlanet.com

against this full moon of neurological dysfunction, I now know when to take a break; how better to accept my situation and deal with it. My brain will eventually find its way safely home again, if only for short visits. I am one of the lucky ones . . . I’m still alive, at least some of the time, and I value that perspective.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Excela Health Orthopedics 724-689-1970 Bob Woodruff Foundation www.ReMIND.org Brain Injury Association of America www.biausa.org Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org

Read Cathi’s new blog in our online community!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Otherworldy Visitors to Appear in October For some the word “museum” conjures up visions of the dreary departed and dusty relics. But, Hallie (pronounced Holly) Geary, a senior Communication major at Seton Hill University who hopes to pursue a career as an event planner upon graduation, has created an educational “Harvest Party” for West Overton Museums near Scottdale that features anything but inanimate beings and lackluster objects. Her Halloween event for children seems a perfect addition to the WOM Otherworldly Weekends to be held in late October. When planning her Honors Capstone Project, Hallie utilized the disciplines of history and com-munication in an interesting and engaging manner to educate her potential learners.

At the “Harvest Party” the attendees will meet and travel with a series of tour guides. Each character will inform the children about a different period of Halloween’s history and introduce a related game, craft or activity.

Initiating the tour will be a Druid Priest as he tells of the holiday’s Celtic beginnings and the festival of Samhain, a time when unearthly spirits were thought to roam the earth.Because the Celts disguised themselves in masks and costumes for protection from these wanderers, the children will be invited to create their own mask, so that they, too, might be protected.

Also represented at the festivities will be the spirit of winter Cailleach Bheur, the Blue-Faced Hag (corn husk dolls); Pomona, the Roman goddess of orchards (apple bobbing); Purgatory Soul (Roman

Catholic commemorations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day); Jack O’Lantern (pumpkin carving); Fairy (holiday mischief); Fortune Teller (Victorian-age fortune telling); and Witch (the magic of Halloween).

Once the children have conversed with each escort and have taken part in his/her activity, they can test their knowledge by completing an interactive scavenger hunt.

There will be several wandering “Ghosts of West Overton” recounting the stories and local legends of the pre-Civil War era site of West Overton Village for children who may choose not to go on the abovementioned tour. After completing his/her day’s activities, the guests will be able to take a quiz about what they have learned and earn a 2009 West Overton Junior Halloween Historian Certificate.

The forward-thinking folks at West Overton Museums and Hallie Geary (who, coincidentally, was born on Halloween) know well that you have to have a little fun to keep spirits alive – especially at a “haunted” museum!

For more information about Otherworldly Weekends at WOM on October 23rd & 24th and October 30th & 31 st , visit www.westoverton village.org/events.

Read more about the spectral sightings at West Overton Village in Weird West Overton by M. A. Mogus and Ed Keleman with Brendan Keleman (Weavers Old Stand, 2007) available at Uncle Martin’s Company Online Store at www.westovertonvillage.org.

– Story by Barbara M. Neill

If you have enjoyed our magazine Please consider a subscription!

The times, they are a-changin’. But we like to make the most of every challenge. This issue will be the final one distributed FREE to the community. Beginning in November, the Laurel Mountain Post will be for sale at a cover price of only $1 in many of the same retail locations where you currently find us.

Be the first to get your copy! Many of our readers, both out of town and locally, prefer to receive the Post via home delivery. So we’ve re-vamped that service as well. For just $15 (domestic mail), readers can receive a year’s subscription shipped the same day we leave the press.

Our Online Community is evolving as well. Many people across the US and the world keep up with the LMP and hometown dispatches via our website: www.LaurelMountain Post.com. Requests have been coming in for Kindle options as well as expanded content offerings.

Throughout this issue you will see notations for more content available online. We’ve developed two options

for web readers: 1) For an additional $5 per year ($20 total), you can receive both the print version and online community membership. Or 2) Join our online community for $10 per year. Please sign up with our simple online form for either version: www.LaurelMountainPost.com.

Print-only subscribers may sign up online OR via mail with the convenient form below.

We’ve been receiving dozens of affirming cards and letters the past few months since announcing our transition. Our goal has always been to develop a quality publication designed for the community, not corporate or government interest.

Your continued support allows us to keep writing the stories that interest you, not simply promote profit or politics. Every story we publish begins at home; that’s where our heart is. As a sustainable presence in the Western Pennsylvania community, growing along with you, we thank you for the continued opportunities to do what we do best.

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September/October 2009 - 23

TECH TALK Bob Appleby

Should I or Shouldn’t I? The time is near to decide if you are upgrading to Windows 7 Many are calling this version; “Vista done right!” and you might view this release of Windows 7 as “Vista version 2”. When this article publishes, Windows 7 will be just a month away from its debut on Oct 22 nd . We traditionally tell our business clients to wait until the first service pack is released but with this product I feel that we have a winner right out of the gate.

Should you jump on the bandwagon now or wait until this product matures? If you are a home user I see no reason to wait. In a business environment you need to carefully look at any new application or operating system to make sure it will work with all of your applications.

With Windows 7 you may be surprised at just how well it does work.

We have begun incorporating it into our business and we are very pleased with the initial results.

If you are purchasing a new machine, you should definitely consider W7.

The product is solid, fast and has some very useful new functions that make it worth the effort to upgrade and learn the interface. So hang in there. I have a whole bunch of information to share with you, which should help you make

an informed decision on the right product for you. Forget that there are over 10 versions to pick from; we can make this really simple . . .

Windows 7 Starter Edition (W7SE) – You will not be upgrading to or purchasing this version off of the shelf.

W7SE will be the primary operating system on Netbooks once W7 is released.

Here are some of the features missing in W7SE that may cause you to want to upgrade . . .

• Aero Glass is missing- you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other opaque themes. You also miss out on Taskbar Previews and Aero Peek. This is the ZING! found in Vista and W7.

• You cannot personalize your desktop or change desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes.

• The ability to switch between users without having to log off. Not a big inconvenience.

• Multi-monitor support. If you want to attach your Netbook to a larger screen or projector, sorry, not available.

• Multi-Touch Support is not available. This feature allows for iPhone/

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iTouch style screen resizing with your fingers if you have a touchscreen.

• DVD playback-there is no DVD Player on Netbooks so maybe this isn’t a big deal either. It does not come with support for playing back movies.

• Windows Media Center is missing from this version. It is used to record and watch TV, videos, pictures and music from a system that can be accessed from other thin client media center devices.

• Remote Media Streaming is not included. This is used to stream your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer and the Internet.

• You will not be able to login into domain based network. This is important for business customers who have Windows Servers on their network.

• You can’t run XP Mode-for those that need to run older Windows XP-only compatible programs in native XP mode within Windows 7 this product will not work for you.

• Limited to: 4GB Max Memory and available in 32-bit version only.

Of the features listed, the ones that I would surely miss most on my Netbook would be the Multi-monitor support, Desktop Personalization and Remote Media Streaming. At $79.99 for the Anytime Upgrade to W7HP, I wouldn’t hesitate to upgrade to acquire these functions on my Netbook. This will change your Netbook from being an email and web surfing device only, and make it a really useful tool.

Windows 7 Home Basic (W7HB) – Available in 32-Bit Only. This version will not be released in the US and is meant for use in emerging countries. The US is not an emerging country.

Windows 7 Home Premium (W7HP) & Windows 7 Professional (W7P) – These versions are what you should focus on. The primary differences between W7HP and W7P include: • Memory Limits – if you plan run many programs simultaneously, you will

want to load up on RAM. In W7HP 32Bit you can access up to 4GB of RAM and if you purchase 64-Bit version the limit is 16GB. In W7P the top end is 192GB. If you are using a standard dual or quad-core system, 4-8GB’s should be more than enough. If you are using the new I7 technology, you should choose RAM in multiples of 3; 6 or 12GB’s will take advantage of the processor’s memory architecture and give you a super fast machine in 64-bit mode.

• Backup and Restore Center –W7HP will back up to a local drive or DVD only.

In W7P you can backup to network devices as well. With the drop in cost of hard drive storage devices, take advantage of the largest drive that you can afford. You can’t be too careful with all of your important information. With the widespread use of digital cameras, it is more critical than ever to make additional backups of your precious images.

• Encrypting File System-EFS is a file system driver that provides file system encryption. This technology enables files to be transparently encrypted on NTFS file systems to protect confidential data from attackers with physical access to the computer.

This is very important for individuals using a portable computer that carry confidential files. You should consider this support if you fall into this category. Only Windows 7 Professional and above will have this feature. In fact you should probably consider Ultimate and incorporate BitLocker to complete this protection.

BitLocker encrypts the entire drive where EFS encrypts individual files. Don’t forget your password or you’ll lose everything.

• Location Aware Printing-This is a function that helps the mobile user moving within different networking environments with different printing peripherals. This feature is included in the Pro and Ultimate editions, and allows the operating system to remember which network printer you are using. The next time you return to the location Windows will remember which printer you were using and automatically default to it.

• Remote Desktop Host (RDP)-This allows remote computers to access and control your machine. It is a great tool for support but is primarily used in the business world for accessing your office desktop machine from your home or mobile PC. There are other programs and services available that will allow you to do this function but this is included free with W7P and Ultimate versions.

• Presentation Mode-If you use your notebook to do presentations and lectures, this feature allows you to control your multi-screen display quickly and easily. Press Window Key + P to bring the dialog box up and then choose how you want to control your notebook’s display functions. This gives you a quick, consistent interface to control your displays and projector connections.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack (W7HPFP) – This purchase option is currently being made available on a limited basis.The license allows you to install the program in one single home location on three PC’s. Hopefully Microsoft will change their mind and make this a permanent addition to their product line.

• Windows Server domain joining-This is the number one reason for picking between W7HP and W7P. If you need to connect to a domain controlled network you need to choose W7P. What is a domain controlled network? If you are in a business environment that uses a centralized server for networking, file storage and other functions, you are probably connecting to a Server running the Microsoft Server OS. Connecting your PC to a domain network and being able to use its resources is called joining the network. If this is your situation, you will need W7P to connect or join the network domain and access its programs and resources.

• Windows Virtual PC + Windows XP Mode-W7HP only supports Windows Virtual PC mode, Windows XP Mode will only work in Windows 7 Business, Enterprise and Ultimate versions. Windows Virtual PC Mode emulates Windows XP functions. Windows XP Mode is an XP loading and then running in a virtual session on your computer. You may not be able to get your application working in Virtual Mode because of missing software components. You will probably be able to do so in Windows XP Mode because you are running the Windows XP operating system. However, you will need a copy of Windows XP to do this.

Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise (W7U and W7E) – W7U and W7E have the same capabilities.

The primary difference is that Enterprise is just straight licensing and will only be purchased by larger companies, government and educational users. If you need HIPPA compliance, or are concerned with encrypting your data for protection from having it fall into the wrong hands these versions should also be your choice because of bitlocker which encrypts the entire contents of your hard drive.

In summary, if your needs are simple and you are not connecting locally into a Windows Server environment, then you will be fine with W7HP. Consider a 64-Bit version to get the most out of your computer system. If you are using your system in an office environment that requires your system to be a part of a Windows Domain Server Environment, then you will want to consider W7P or W7U, and if you need more security definitely choose W7U. Again, you will have a better experience with the 64-bit versions unless you have restrictions that prevent you from leaving the 32-bit world. If you need to use Windows XP Mode make sure your computer supports hardware virtualization or it will not work.

Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!

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

Bob Appleby is a partner at Computer Connections located in Greensburg, PA. He has been working with computers in some capacity since 1975 and has been with his partner, Jude Daigle, at Computer Connections for over 28 years.

Be sure to visit http://BobsTechTalk.com to for all sorts of information about Windows 7 and other industry news.

Visit our website at: http://www.localsupport.com.

Haunted Tale from the Crypt

by Brian Mishler

Sitting in her living room one night, Lisa felt a cold presence sit in her lap, like ice, fear spread numbness up her arms ... The metal clothes hangers in the closet bang together, an apparition appears; standing over her, a black silhouette in the gloom. As quickly as it appears – it vanishes. A door opens, closes with a bang. “Get out” says a low, husky voice. Good advice …

Lisa, her family and friends experience headaches, nausea, dizziness and breathing problems. Afraid to sleep in her own bedroom, Lisa called Penn State’s paranormal research society to investigate the reports of strange events in her Greensburg home.

During its research the team discovers that in 1928 and 1929 explosions in a mine below the house trapped and killed over 100 miners.

According to a local historian, bodies are entombed approximately 200 feet below the house. Many of the miners were overcome, and suffocated … were they sharing their experience with the occupants of the house?

Who was that shadowy apparition?

In the hospital, after being attacked by an apparition, doctors discovered high levels of carbon monoxide in Lisa’s lungs.

The paranormal team contacted Bruce Thomas with A-Z Tech home inspection in Every Story Begins At Home.

Greensburg, who discovered a carbon monoxide leak at the furnace.

Headaches, nausea and dizziness are three most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. As carbon monoxide accumulates in a body, it can also induce hallucinations.

Now THAT’s scary!

According to the CDC: Each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning, more than 20,000 visit the emergency room and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. Fatality is highest among Americans 65 and older.

How can I prevent CO poisoning from my home appliances?

• Have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

• Do not use portable flameless chemical heaters (catalytic) indoors. Although these heaters don’t have a flame, they burn gas and can cause CO to build up inside your home, cabin, or camper.

• If you smell an odor from your gas refrigerator’s cooling unit, have an expert service it.

An odor from the cooling unit of your gas refrigerator can mean you have a defect in the cooling unit. It could also be giving off CO. • When purchasing gas equipment, buy only equipment carrying the seal of a national testing agency, such as the American Gas Association or Underwriters’ Laboratories.

• Install a battery-operated CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall.

Laying in bed alone at night, we hear things than can creep us out, a door creaks, the floor squeaks, and we have visions of home invaders.

Whatever happened to sugar plums?

Many things are easily fixed in the course of normal maintenance, screw down that squeaky floor board, and grease those hinges.

But sometimes, ignorance can haunt, or worse kill. If you haven’t already, call your heating contractor and schedule a routine maintenance for your furnace and other appliances, woodstoves, dryers, stoves, etc. It may just save your life.

You can see the full episode documented on A&E TV at www.aetv.com/paranormal-state/ps-episode-guide.jsp Episode 38

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

September/October 2009 - 25

SEPT/OCT 2009 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thursday, September 3—Saturday, September 5 @ 8:00 p.m., Sunday, September 6 @ 2:00 p.m.

The Rainmaker Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets $16—$14 for seniors & students—and may be purchased by calling 724-468-5050 or visiting www.appleplayhouse.org Thursdays, September 3—Ocotober 8 @ 9:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m.

HOPE Frick Hospital, 508 S. Church St., Mount Pleasant 6-week program to help people manage or prevent osteoporosis. Call 877-771-1234.

Friday, September 4—Monday, September 7 Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Colonial Festival Westmoreland Fair Grounds, Rte 981, Greensburg Entrance fee is $5.50 for over 220 indoor and outdoor exhibition booths. For information, call 724-863-4577 or visit www.familyfestivals.com Weekends from Saturday, September 5— Sunday, October 4 @ 10:30 a.m.—6:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival & Artisans Marketplace 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton Tickets are $14.95 for adults, children under 12 are $6, and children under 5 are free.

For information, call 724-872-1670.

Saturdays from September 5—October 3 from 8:00 a.m.—noon Ligonier Country Market Loyalhanna Watershed Farm, intersection of Route 30 & W. Main St. Over 100 vendors featuring fresh produce and flowers. www.ligoniercountrymarket.com.

Saturday, September 5 & Sunday, September 6 @ noon—9:30 p.m.

21st Annual Music in the Mountains Ohiopyle State Park Free event features helicopter rides, arts & crafts, and food vendors. 724-329-8591.

Saturday, September 5 @ 4:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.

New Alexandria Block Party Main Street near Community Center, New Alex For information, visit www.newalexpa.com Sunday, September 6 Concerts in the Park: “Stereotype” (rock) Mt. Pleasant. Includes motorcycle show 724-547-6745 Sunday, September 6 @ 7:30 p.m.

Phil Vassar in Concert Grey Rocks Amphitheatre, Seven Springs Resort, 777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs Lawn tickets are $13, reserved seats are $25.

For tickets, visit tickets.7springs.com.

Mondays, September 7, September 21, October 5 & October 19 @ 10:00 a.m.

Mom’s Café - LeLeche League of Ligonier Mommy Gear Store, 107 S. St. Clair St, Ligonier An informal group disseminating information on breastfeeding. Contact Suzanne, 724-238-4166.

Tuesdays, September 8—October 6 @ 2:00 p.m.

Latrobe Farmer’s Market Parking Lot of Latrobe Memorial Stadium Call Annette Couch @ 724-805-0112.

Tuesday, September 8 & Thursday, September 10 from 1:00 p.m.—6 p.m.

Get Help Now, Pennsylvania!

Westmoreland Bar Association, 129 N. Pa Ave., Greensburg. Free assistance and referrals on issues regarding credit, finance and bankruptcy.

Call 724-834-6730 or visit www.pa.gov.

Thursday, September 10—Saturday, September 12 @ 8:00 p.m.

The Rainmaker Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors & students and may be purchased by calling 724-4685050 or visiting www.appleplayhouse.org

26 - September/October 2009

September 11 Golf Supports Our Troops Meet, mingle and play golf with former Steelers while supporting wounded and disabled veterans and US troops serving overseas. www.golfsupportsourtroops.org Friday, September 11—Sunday, October 13 @ 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Mountain Craft Days Somerset Historical Center, 10649 Somerset Pike. Over 125 craft booths. Adult admission is $7; child admission is $4. For information, call 814-445-6077.

September 11 & 12 Freedom Live and Learn Weekend Blairsville Underground Railroad Museum Blairsville, PA 724-459-0580 Friday, September 11 @ noon Shadows of the King—Elvis Tribute Show featuring Jamie Harris Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House, 450 W. Main St., Rockwood. Call 814-926-4546.

Friday, September 11 @ 5:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m., Saturday, September 12 @ noon—11:00 p.m., & Sunday, September 13 @ noon—6:00 p.m.

West Newton Community Festival Vine Street Park, West Newton www.westnewtonfestival.com.

Saturday, September 12 @ 8:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

10th Annual Antique & Craft Fair Riverfront Park, Kittanning (Off Rte. 422) 70 or more dealers & vendors with quality antiques, crafts & food. Appraisers available for $5 from 10-11:30 a.m. & 1:00-2:00 p.m. For information, contact carlaw@wpenn.us.

Saturday, September 12 @ 9:00 a.m.—3:00 p.m.

Fall Craft & Vendor Show Historic Downtown Irwin, 321 Main St., Irwin Call 724-296-8074 or visit www.irwinpa.org.

Saturday, September 12 @ 8:30 a.m.

JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg Campus To register, visit www.jdrf.org Saturday, September 12 @ 9:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Walking Tour of Historic Churches in Latrobe Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe Free tour. For information, call 724-805-0112.

Saturday, September 12 Ligonier Highland Games Idlewild & Soak Zone, Route 30, Ligonier 724-931-4714 or visit www.ligoniergames.org Saturday, September 12 @ 1:00 p.m.

Joe-Pye Music Festival Fulton House Museum, New Derry For information, call 724-694-8808.

Saturday, September 12 @ 8:00 p.m.

River City Brass Band presents And the Band Plays On The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. For tickets, call 1-800-292-7222.

Sunday, September 13 Concerts in the Park: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra Mt. Pleasant. 724-547-6745 Sunday, September 13 @ 7:30 a.m.

Hanna’s Town Antique and Collectible Sale Hanna’s Town, Forbes Road, Greensburg Admission is $3 per car. For additional information, call 724-836-1800.

Sunday, September 13 @ 11:30 a.m.

Italian Buffet St. Rose Church, Hillview Avenue, Latrobe Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for children 8— 12, and free for children 7 & under. For tickets, call Sherri or Laurie @ 724-537-3709 from 9 a.m.—3 p.m. Monday—Friday.

Sunday, September 13 @ 1:00 p.m.—2:00 p.m.

Scottish Pipe Band Concert Diamond in Ligonier, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier Free. For information, call 724-238-4200.

Monday, September 14—Saturday, September 19 Green Township Community Fair Fairgrounds, Cookport Rides, food, entertainment, agriculture @ animal exhibits. For information, call 724-254-1445 or visit www.cookportfair.com.

Tuesday, September 15 @ 6:30 p.m.

Infant Sign Language Latrobe Excela Hospital, 121 W. 2nd. Ave, Latrobe For parents of children from birth through 24 months. For information, call 877-771-1234.

Tuesday, September 15—Sunday, September 27 The Glass Menagerie Mountain Playhouse, Rte. 985 North, Jennerstown Tickets are $32—$15. For tickets, call 814-629-9201 or visit MountainPlayhouse.org.

Wednesday, September 16 @ 10:00 a.m.

Tiny Wonders Time: Fruits and Roots Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve @ St. Vincent College, Route 981, Latrobe. For children aged 2 to 4. To register, call 724-537-5284.

Thursday, September 17—Saturday, September 19 @ 8:00 p.m.

The Rainmaker Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors & students and may be purchased by calling 724-4685050 or visiting www.appleplayhouse.org Thursday, September 17 @ noon—2 p.m.

Lunch a l’Arte Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, One Boucher Lane & Rte. 711 S., Ligonier. Lunch and lecture is $13. Call 724-238-6015 or visit www.sama-art.com.

Thursdays, September 17—November 5 @ 4:45 p.m.

Zumba Basic Owens & Minor Corporate Services Center, 134 Industrial Park Rd, Greensburg. 724-771-1234 Friday, September 18—Saturday, September @ 7:30 p.m. & Sunday, September 20 @ 2:00 p.m.

Stage Right! presents Peter Pan The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Adult tickets are $18 & $22, student tickets are $15 & $18 and may be purchased by calling 724-832-7464 or 724-836-8000.

Saturday-Sunday, September 19 & 20 51st Annual Fall Coin Show Quality Inn & Suites, Indiana. 724-254-2471 Saturday-Sunday, September 19 & 20 Apple Fest - Smicksburg, PA 814-257-0192 Saturday, September 19 @ 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

Volunteer Fair “Find Your Fit” Westmoreland County Community College, Founders Hall Gymnasium, Youngwood 724-468-8660 or volunteer-westmoreland.org Saturday, September 19 @ 10:00 a.m.

Fall Fest at the Barn Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve @ St. Vincent College, Route 981, Latrobe. Activities, vendors and music. Angela Belli @ 724-537-5384.

Saturday, September 19 @ 11:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

Homestead Day Cumberland Picnic Area, Ohiopyle State Park, Ohiopyle. Live like a pioneer: wagon rides, goat milking, wool spinning. Free. 724-329-8591.

Saturday, September 19—Sunday, September 20 Wild Turkey Bourbon Shoot Nemacolin Woodlands Shooting Academy, 321 Pike School Road, Markleysburg For information, visit www.nemacolin.com.

Saturday, September 19 @ 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

2009 Healthy, Wealthy & Green EXPO The Four Points at Sheraton, Greensburg For information, call 724-837-3713 Saturday, September 19 @ 11:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

A Chocolate Affaire Seven Springs Resort, 777 Waterwheel Drive, Live music, pony rides and chocolate!!!!

Saturday, September 19—Sunday, September 20 Smicksburg Apple Fest 138 E. Kittanning St., Rte. 954, Smicksburg Learn to make apple butter and cider amid entertainment and festival foods. 814-257-0192 or visit www.smicksburg.net for information.

Sunday, September 20 32nd Annual Car Show Punxsutawney Region AACA, Marion Center Community Park. 724-479-9345

Sunday, September 20 @ 4p.m.

Meet the Masters Tour & Dinner In-depth Polymath Park Resort Tour with exclusive reconstruction stories and video footage hosted by master builder & Usonian Preservation Inc. CEO Thomas Papinchak.

Executive Chef Mark F. Henry will host the Private Gourmet Dinner. $125.00 pp.

Sunday, September 20 11th Annual Mountain Harvest Festival & Chili Cook-Off Christian W. Klay Winery, 412 Fayette Springs Road off Rte. 40, Chalk Hill. Reservations, 724-439-3424 or www.cwklaywinery.com.

Tuesday, September 22 @ 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Church Basement Ladies Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Schoolhouse Road, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Tickets are $37 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-846-2787.

Thursday, September 24 @ 10:00 a.m.

Nutrition Therapy Arnold Palmer Pavilion, Mountain View Medical Park, Greensburg. Question and answer session conducted by a registered dietician. To register, call 877-771-1234.

Thursday, September 24 Derry Railroad Days Festival – Hobo Picnic Downtown Derry Borough Call 724-694-9884 or 724-694-3210.

Thursday, September 24 @ 8:00 p.m.

Latshaw Productions presents Bo Wagner’s Rat Pack & the Original Four Coins The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $25, $35 & $40 and may purchased by calling 1-800-528-7429.

Weekends starting Friday, September 25— Saturday, October 31 @ 7:30 p.m.—10:00 p.m.

Lonesome Valley Farms Haunted Hayride and Corn Maze Rte. 981 by the Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Greensburg. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under.

For information, call 724-423-4290.

Friday, September 25 @ 8:00 p.m.

Elko Concerts presents Robin Trower The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $30, $35 & $40 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Friday, September 25 & Saturday, September 26 @ 11:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m. & Sunday, September 27 @ 11:00 a.m.—7:00 p.m.

Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival Downtown Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County For information, call 724-542-4711 or visit www.mtpleasantglassandethnicfestival.com Saturday, September 26 Derry Railroad Days Festival Downtown Derry Borough, Derry Parade, family activities, railroad museum, entertainment. For information, call 724-6949884 or 724-694-3210.

Saturday, September 26 @ 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

18th Annual Ebensburg PotatoFest Downtown Ebensburg Call 814-472-8780 or visit www.potatofest.com Saturdays & Sundays September 26 – October 25 Hallowboo Idlewild & Soak Zone, Rte. 30, Ligonier Admission is $21.99 per person, $11.99 for groups of 5 or more.

Saturday, September 26 @ 7:30 p.m.

Smokey Joe’s Café Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Schoolhouse Road, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Tickets are $37 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-846-2787.

Sunday, September 27 @ 2:00 p.m.

Daniel DiCicco Memorial Concert Fisher Auditorium, IUP Performing Arts Center, Oakland Ave., Indiana University of PA, Indiana Donations will be accepted at this concert performed by members of the faculty and student body.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Thursday, October 8 @ 8:00 p.m.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Karaoke Onstage!

The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Call 724-836-1123.

Thursday, October 8—Saturday, October 10 @ 8:00 p.m.

The Busybody Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors & students and may be purchased by calling 724-4685050 or visiting www.Appleplayhouse.org Friday, October 9 & Saturday, October 10 @ 9:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m; Sunday, October 11 @ noon—5:00 p.m.

Fort Ligonier Days Midtown Ligonier. Food and craft booths, parade and entertainment. Call 724-238-4200 or visit www.ligonier.com Friday, October 9 @ 2:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Roy Clark The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $35, $35, & $55 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-528-7429.

Greensburg College Club Travelogue Series: Monday, October 19 at 7:30 pm “Sea To Sea in a Model T” by Don Van Polen Greensburg Salem High School, 65 Mennel Drive, Greensburg For information call 724-834-0126 or 724-925-9221

Saturday, October 10 @ 11:00 a.m.—8:30 p.m.

Fall Festival Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Sundial Ski Lodge, 1001 LaFayette Dr., Farmington $15 admission fee. For information, visit www.nemacolin.com or call 866-386-6957.

Wednesday, October 14 @ 7:30 p.m.

Altar Boyz Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Schoolhouse Road, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-846-2787.

Sunday, September 27 Nostalgic Nights Car Cruise Oakhurst Tea Room, 2409 Glades Pike, Somerset For information, call 814-443-2897.

Saturday, October 3 @ 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m. & Sunday, October 4 @ 11:00 a.m.—5 p.m.

2009 Delmont Apple & Arts Festival Shields Farm, Delmont. 724-325-8867.

Monday, September 28 @ 11:30 a.m.

Stepping Out on Broadway Seven Springs Resort, 777 Waterwheel Drive, Tickets are $43.95 for lunch and show and may be purchased by calling 1-800-528-7429.

Saturday, October 3 @ 2pm Westmoreland Walks, Inc: Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer will be holding their eighth annual walk at at Pavilion #2 at Twin Lakes Park in Greensburg.

Proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Contact 724-382-4148 or www.westmorelandwalks.org

Thursday, October 15 @ noon—2 p.m.

Lunch a l’Arte Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley, One Boucher Lane & Rte. 711 S., Ligonier. Lunch and lecture is $13. For reservation, call 724-238-6015 or visit www.sama-art.com.

Saturday, October 3 @ 10 am - 4 pm Art in the Kitchen Tasting Tour Self-driving tour of innovative and unique area kitchens. Tickets: $25.00. 724-837-1500 ext. 27 www.wmuseumaa.org

Thursday, October 15 @ 7:00 p.m.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust & Freedom Baptist Church presents Gospel Extravaganza The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $25 for adults & $20 for students and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123.

Wednesday, September 30—Sunday, October 11 Sister Strikes Again—Late Nite Catechism 2 Mountain Playhouse, Rte. 985 North, Jennerstown 814-629-9201 or www.MountainPlayhouse.org.

Thursday, October 1 @ 8:00 p.m.

Elko Concerts presents Stryker The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $25 & $30 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster Thursday, October 1—Saturday, October 3 & Wednesday, October 7—Saturday, October 10 @ 8:00 p.m. Sunday, October 4 @ 2 p.m.

The Importance of Being Ernest Waller Hall Mainstage, IUP Performing Arts Center, Oakland Ave., Indiana University of PA, Tickets are $14 and are available by calling 724-357-2547 or by visiting iuptickets.com.

Thursday, October 1—Saturday, October 3 @ 8:00 p.m., Sunday, October 4 @ 2:00 The Busybody Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets are $16 or $14 for seniors & students 724-468-5050 or www.Appleplayhouse.org Saturday, October 3 @ 10:00 a.m.

Fall Nature Walk Bushy Run Battlefield, Rte. 993, Jeannette Explore the battlefield’s woodlands with naturalist George Heasley. Admission: $5.

Friday, October 2—Sunday, October 4 20th Annual Smicksburg Community Fall Festival Downtown Smicksburg shops, Rte. 954, Smicksburg. Enjoy locally made wine & cheese and visit Amish country. For information, call 814-257-0192 or visit www.smicksburg.net.

October 2 - 4, 2009 Blue Grass Festival Twolick Valley Rod & Gun Club Cherry Tree, PA. 724-254-4649 Saturday, October 3 Celtic Festival (at Thistle & Pine) Marion Center, PA. 724-397-2442

Saturday, October 3 @ 10:00 a.m.

Nature Art Journal Workshop Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve @ St. Vincent College, Route 982, Latrobe. For children 8—12, artist Linda Arandas helps children create a natural journal. Fee: $10. For information, call Angela Belli @ 724-537-5384.

Saturday, October 3 @ 8:00 p.m.

Steppin’ Out on Broadway State Theater, 27 E. Main St., Uniontown Tickets are $36, $32 & $28 and may be purchased by calling 724-439-1360.

Saturday, October 3, Sunday, October 4, Saturday, October 10 & October 11 @ 9:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.

Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Downtown historic Bedford Free admission to 400 craftsmen, craft and food booths. For information, call 1-800-624-3111.

Saturday, October 3 @ 9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m.

Follow That Trail—Treasure Hunt Ramada Ligonier, 216 W. Loyalhanna St., Ligonier. Benefits Action for Animals. For information, call 724-309-0015.

Saturday, October 3 @ 8:00 p.m.

River City Brass Band presents Octoberfest The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. For tickets, call 1-800-292-7222.

Tuesday, October 6 @ 7:30 p.m.

Harold and the Purple Crayon Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Road, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-846-2787.

Thursday, October 15—Saturday, October 17 @ 8:00 p.m.

The Busybody Apple Hill Playhouse, 275 Manor Road, Delmont Tickets are $16—$14 for seniors & students— and may be purchased by calling 724-4685050 or visiting www.Appleplayhouse.org Friday, October 16 @ 8:00 p.m.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $15, $20 and $25 and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123.

Saturday, October 17—Sunday, October 18 @ noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Kiski Junction Railroad Fall Leaf Rides 130 Railroad St., Schlenley, Armstrong County Reservations are required. Call Mary Bowyer @ 724-295-5577 or visit www.kiskijunction.com.

Saturday, October 17 @ 8:00 p.m.

Kenny Vance & the Planontones State Theater, 27 E. Main St., Uniontown Call 1-800-397-2554 or 724-439-1360.

Saturday, October 17 @ 10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.

Paranormal-UFO Conference 145 Pavilion Lane, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood Admission is $15. Call 724-836-1266 or visit www.pamufon.com October 17 & 18 Potters Tour & Sale - Indiana County 724-286-9555 or www.potterstour.com

Sunday, October 18; Saturday, October 24 & Saturday, October 31 @ 6:00 p.m.

Murder Mystery: Halloween Edition Christian W. Klay Winery, 412 Fayette Springs Road off Rte. 40, Chalk Hill. Buffet dinner, tale and wine tasting is $36. Reservations may be made by calling 724-439-3424.

Sunday, October 18 @ 8:00 p.m.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Whose Live Anyway?

The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $37 & $44 and may be purchased by calling 724-836-1123.

Wednesday, October 21 @ 10:00 a.m.

Tiny Wonders Time: The Healthy Harvest Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve @ St. Vincent College, Route 981, Latrobe. For children aged 2 to 4. To register, call 724-537-5284.

Wednesday, October 21—Saturday, October 31 Scarecrow Contest Downtown Ligonier, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier Vote for your favorite. Call 724-238-4200.

Thursday, October 22—Sunday, October 25 & Thursday, October 29 –Sunday, November 1 @ 7:30 p.m.

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Schoolhouse Road, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Calling 1-800-846-2787.

Thursday, October 22 @ 8:00 p.m.

Elko Concerts presents Eddie Money The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $30, $35 & $40 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster Friday, October 23 @ 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Hobgoblin Hike Mammoth Park, Rte. 981 or 982, Mt. Pleasant Township. Free Friday, October 23—Sunday, October 25 A Halloween Haunting Storytelling Event Compass Inn Museum, 1382 Rt. 30 E., Laughlintown. For information, call 724-2384983 or visit www.compassinn.com Friday, October 23—Sunday, October 25 @ 7:00 p.m.

The Collector of Beauty, an original ballet Zink Hall Dance Theater, S. Twelfth Ave., Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana Saturday, October 24 @ 3:00 p.m.

Duquesne University Tamburitzans Ligonier Town Hall, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier Tickets are $18. For information, call 877-8266437 or visit www.tamburitzans.duq.edu Thursday, Friday, Saturday October 24-26 @ 9:00 am - 9:30 pm Sunday October 27 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm 35th Annual YWCA Literary Program Used Book Sale Westmoreland Mall, 1st Floor, Center Court 724-834-9390. Literacy@ywcawestmoreland.org Saturday, October 24 @ 7:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.

Haunted History Hayride Bushy Run Battlefield, Rte. 993, Jeannette Narrated hay ride. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for a child 12 and under. 724-527-5584.

Saturday, October 24 @ 8 p.m.

Westmoreland Symphony’s Autumn Hues The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Contact 724-836-8000.

Saturday, October 24—Sunday, October 25 @ noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m.

Kiski Junction Railroad Fall Leaf Rides 130 Railroad St., Schlenley, Armstrong County Reservations are required. Call Mary Bowyer @ 724-295-5577 or visit www.kiskijunction.com.

Sunday, October 25 @ 7:00 p.m.

Autumn Landscapes Latrobe Presbyterian Church, 428 Main Street, Latrobe. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Calling 724-853-2763 or visit www.westmorelandchoralsociety.com/frametickets.htm

continued on page 28

Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 27

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Follow us on Twitter • Find us on Facebook Ask about our workshops

Volunteers will make a splash for National Public Lands Day Over 130,000 volunteers to help celebrate, roll up their sleeves, and make a difference

Thousands of volunteers in every state will put their hands to work on Saturday, September 26, 2009 in a coast-to-coast effort to improve and enhance our treasured lands.

From Plymouth Rock to the Golden Gate, the Tallgrass Prairie, the Rockies, the Rio Grande—volunteers will join this national day of caring for their lands.

Volunteers will build bridges and trails, improve habitat for wildlife, plant trees, remove invasive plants that threaten fragile natives, protected natural, historic and cultural resources—and much more.

Volunteers will work in parks and forests, at rivers, lakes, and wetlands, at cultural and historic sites and in their own neighborhoods.

Local events on the National Publi Lands Day schedule include: • Cache-In Trash-Out Geode event at Crooked Creek Lake in Ford City.

• Painting former CCC camp and doing native plantings at Laurel Hill State Park in Somerset.

• Renovate the outdoor ampitheater, replace signs along the Black Willow Trail and install wood

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28 - September/October 2009

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duck boxes at Loyalhanna Lake/ Conemaugh River in Saltsburg.

• Building new trails and cleaning up trash at Pleasant Valley Park in Murrysville.

• For ongoing volunteer efforts on Laurel Mountain, contact volunteer coordinator Mark Bittner at 814-6296449 or email bravo1017@hotmail.com.

• A complete schedule of events, as they are added, is available online at: www.publiclandsday.org.

Volunteer Checklist: • Sunglasses • Wide brimmed hat • Hiking boots or other sturdy footwear • Suntan lotion (SPF 15+) • Work gloves if you have them • Bottle of water • A camera National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year 120,000 volunteers worked in over 1,800 locations and in every state. Now, 8 federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands. NPLD keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the “tree army” that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America’s natural heritage.

Self-serve 8 1/2 x 11 B/W Copies 5 cents each with this coupon only!

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR continued from page 27 October 27—October 31 @ 7:30 p.m.

Halloween Rides on the Kiski Junction Railroad 130 Railroad St., Schlenley, Armstrong County Reservations are required. Call Mary Bowyer @ 724-295-5577 or visit www.kiskijunction.com.

Thursday, October 29 @ 7:00 p.m.

Ghosts and Legends of Fort Ligonier Fort Ligonier Museum, 200 S. Market St., Ligonier. Admission is $8. For information, call 724-238-9701 or visit www.fortligonier.org.

Thursday, October 29 @ 8:00 p.m.

Doo Wop Spectacular, featuring the Falmingos, the Marcels, & the Contours The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $30, $40 & $50 and may be purchased by calling 1-800-528-7429.

Friday, October 30 @ 7:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m.

Hobgoblin Hike Northmoreland Park, Rte. 356, Allegheny Township. Free!

Friday, October 30 @ 8:00 p.m.

Elko Concerts presents Keb’Mo’ The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. Tickets are $35 & $40 and may be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Friday, October 30 & Saturday, October 31 @ 8:00 p.m. & midnight Stage Right presents Rocky Horror Picture Show The Laurel Highlands Event Center, Westmoreland Mall Annex, off Rte. 30, Greensburg. Tickets are $20.

Saturday, October 31 @ noon—3:00 p.m.

Halloween Downtown Historic Downtown Irwin Call 724-296-8074 or visit www.irwinpa.org.

November 1, 7, 8 (3-7 pm) Harvest Candlelight Tours Compass Inn Museum, 1382 Rt. 30 E. Laughlintown, 724-238-4983 compassinn.com Guided Tour of the Inn, beautifully decorated for the Harvest Season with natural accents. Enjoy cherry wood fires, candlelight, hot mulled cider and cookies.

Friday-Sunday, November 6-8 Smicksburg Old-Fashioned Country Christmas Open House 138 E. Kittanning St., Rt. 954. Smicksburg 814-257-0192 www.smicksburg.net Saturday, November 7 @ 10 a.m.

“Out of the Ground” Documentary and Talk Andy McAllister, Western PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation will show his documentary on the supporting industry of the iron and steel industries, COAL. Winner Palmer Nature Reserve. Saint Vincent College, Latrobe.

724-537-5284 or www.wpnr.org Saturday, November 7 @ 9 a.m.

Wooden Rake Workshop Somerset Historical Center, 814-445-6077 Price: $45 (includes materials) Learn to make a hand-crafted wooden hay rake.

Course taught by Historical Center Educator Mark Ware. Space is limited so pre-registration is required. www.somersethistoricalcenter.com

Please send event listings to: editor@laurelmountainpost.com LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Latrobe Community Meal Program LATROBE, PA – A free Latrobe area community meal continues on Saturdays, September 12 and October 10 from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Holy Family Parish Social Hall, 1200 Ligonier St., according to an announcement by Kelly King and Jarod Trunzo of the Saint Vincent College Office of Service Learning and Community Outreach.

Sponsored by Saint Vincent College, Holy Family Parish and the Westmoreland County Food Bank in partnership with Saint Vincent Basilica, Union Mission of Latrobe, Palmer’s Farm, Latrobe Community Revitalization Program, Laurel Area Faith in Action, Greater Latrobe High School Center for Student Creativity and the Latrobe Girl Scouts, the project is a collaborative effort to reach out to assist those in need.

“The Latrobe community is an extension of the Saint Vincent community,” Ms. King explained. “The community meal program is a handson way for students to support members of the community who are experiencing economic and social challenges.”

The meals will be offered on the second Saturday of every month with a menu that emphasizes nutrition and use of fresh, local products

wherever possible. The first meal will include barbeque chicken, corn on the cob, fresh produce, Saint Vincent bread, butter, salad, dessert and a beverage.

The menu will change each month depending on seasonal availability.

The preparation and cooking will be done by numerous community groups.The first month will be sponsored by the Holy Family volunteer food group. Serving and cleanup will be performed by student volunteers from Sa0int Vincent College Campus Ministry.

The project is being coordinated by a committee that includes Fr. Daniel Mahoney of Holy Family Parish, Dan Carney of Union Mission, Annette Couch of the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program, Katie Wojtunik of Saint Vincent College Campus Ministry, Darryl Dudik of Holy Family Parish Council, Neil Palmer of Palmer’s Farm, Jane Kerr of Faith in Action and Jarod Trunzo of Saint Vincent College Office of Service Learning and Community Outreach.

Reservations are requested for the dinner but walk-ins will also be welcomed. The group expects to prepare for up to 100 diners. Families with children are welcome. For information or reservations, phone 724 805-2348.

Enjoy the Total Wine Experience!

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Every Story Begins At Home.

Listed on National Register of Historic Places

September/October 2009 - 29

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

724-834-2020 BOOK YOUR PARTIES EARLY! SEE OUR SALADS AT NATURE’S WAY MARKET WWW.EARNESTGOURMET.COM

A unique menu of Seasonal and Fresh Foods made daily Cafe Room available for Lunch, Takeout or After Hours Gathering Hors D’oeuvre to Full Course Meals prepared to your request Weekdays: Mon-Fri 8:30-3:00; Sat-Sun: Catering/Pick-Up • Mastercard/Visa Accepted

Shown here is one of the quilts being featured at the September/October exhibit of the Historical Society of the Blairsville Area in the Blairsville Historical Museum at 116 E. Campbell Street. The “signature” quilt (sometimes referred to as a “friendship” or “autograph” quilt) was donated to HSBA by Carol Keene, a California resident. Often created for fundraising purposes these fabric works of art can date back to the 1840. This quilt, which is thought to have been made by the 1932 Triangle Club of the Cokeville Methodist Church, includes 20 blocks each containing 20 names for a total of 400 “signatures.” Many of those named on the quilt once lived in Cokeville, Blairsville and nearby areas. Anyone with knowledge of this quilt or of The Triangle Club of the Cokeville Methodist Church is asked to contact the HSBA at HSBA@verizon.net or 724-459-0580.

Steelers Training Camp 2009 at St. Vincent College

Hanna Insurance Agency Weathering the storms of life with you . . . since 1959!

John Hanna, Owner

Photojournalists Joe Jerich (Cheswick) and Deborah Wynert (Westmont) take our readers behind the scenes for a look at training camp highlights on campus and around the Latrobe area.

To view our complete Steelers Training Camp Scrapbook and other local event photos, join our online member community at: www.LaurelMountainPost.com

PHONE: (724) 537-5140 • FAX: (724) 537-0687 www.hannainsuranceagency.us 30 - September/October 2009

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Indiana County, PA COME FOR FUN, TAKE HOME A MEMORY!

Visit us this fall for breathtaking views, Fall Festivals or just a quiet drive in the country

Stop By Our Visitor Center or Call Us For Your Complimentary Visitor Guide

INDIANA COUNTY TOURIST BUREAU 2334 Oakland Avenue – Indiana Mall – Indiana, PA 15701 1-877-7INDIANA – WWW.VISITINDIANACOUNTYPA.ORG

Every Story Begins At Home.

September/October 2009 - 31

Discover All You Can Do At Chestnut Ridge.

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

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

All this and more is here for you to discover, all season long.

For reservations or information on our affordable Stay & Play Packages, call 724-459-7191 or visit ChestnutRidgeResort.com.

132 Pine Ridge Road • Blairsville, Pa 15717 • Route 22 at the Indiana exit in Blairsville ChestnutRidgeResort.com