LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Every Story Begins At Home.
www.LaurelMountainPost.com
“
People here seem to instinctually value the ties between their friends and family . . .
”
An Interview with Western Pennsylvania’s “Coast To Coast” Whisperer David Conrad
by BarbaraM.Neill
Read Our Favorite Quotes from Steelers Training Camp!
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007
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September/October 2007 - 1
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Ft. Ligonier Days Friday, October 12
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Parade 11AM • Live music all day (1PM-6PM) JOHNNY ANGEL AND THE HALOS - 630 PM - 8PM
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W SEPT/OCT 2007 (Volume IV, Issue 5)
The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly publication designed to focus on the people, places and events of Westmoreland County and the surrounding areas in the heart of western Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature local merchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; and never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home.
Most of our writers are not professional reporters, but accomplished local practitioners with years of experience in their respective fields who bring credibility and personality to every article. In October 2006, the BBC News quoted us as “the voice of Pennsylvania.”
Laurel Mountain Post P.O. Box 227 Latrobe, PA 15650 724-331-3936 editor@LaurelMountainPost.com Office Hours by Appointment at 137 East Main Street in Ligonier, Pennsylvania
Cathi Gerhard Williams Editor & Publisher Briana Dwire Tomack Marketing Director & Business Manager Proud members of the Latrobe, Ligonier, and Strongland Chambers of Commerce, The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation, and The Pennsylvania Newspaper Assocation Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!
www.LaurelMountainPost.com 15,000 copies distributed across western Pennsylvania Subscriptions Available Worldwide!
elcome . . . MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams
Suspension Of Disbelief In his Poetics (circa 335 BC), Aristotle claimed that acceptance of the unreal as real is necessary in order to have an emotional response to art. He explained that one is more apt to accept the impossible rather than the improbable. For some reason, in real life people are quick to criticize, point out flaws, and tear down an idea. We look for reasons something cannot be, instead of finding ways to make it so (as Captain Picard says). But yet in the 21st century, we are hooked on entertaining illusions . . . especially movies, television and video games. We allow ourselves to set aside many of those day-to-day doubts and believe the fiction for a few hours. The more unlikely and over-the-top, the better. Box office records confirm that action, science fiction and fantasy films make more money than their dramatic and true-tolife counterparts. Obviously it is a lot more fun for us to step away from reality completely by watching “others” do fabulous things than actually reach for those stars ourselves. As our story on page 10 explains, there are terminally-ill children out there who have given up hope. They stop believing in miracles, in life itself, until someone cares enough to do what it takes to make a wish come true. The people at the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia spend every day turning the impossibles into realities when it matters the most. If we learn anything from those kids and their families, it should be to make every day count. Time wasted on doubt
could be spent working toward your dream. The things worth having take time and effort – and therefore seem more improbable or unlikely than the instant gratification of total fantasy. First we have to suspend our doubt and believe. Then we need to find the patience and persistence to follow through on our design, especially when it requires lots of revisions. And that’s where so many of us come in. Not everyone can be the writer or the artist . . . some of us can be the
editor@LaurelMountainPost.com
Cathi Gerhard Williams Briana Dwire Tomack advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com
muse or the patron. Both art and life require endless inspiration, creative input and long-term support. Naysayers need not apply. I was fortunate to have many inspiring and encouraging teachers growing up. It was their job to nurture me, and I was a bit unprepared for the reality of the world outside the classroom. Suddenly I was on my own, and quickly reminded of the mantra “If it
is to be, it’s up to me, ” despite the best cruel and continued efforts of so many skeptics. And now I am working together with a wonderful staff of energetic and enthusiastic people who love what they do and value the contributions of so many to create a work of art and life. Other articles in this edition focus on visionary ideas and the people behind their success, including the Blairsville Underground Railroad (page 14), the Casino Theater Revival project (page 21), and the Derry Area Amphitheater (page 27). We have included more lighthearted takes on suspending our disbelief as well: enjoying a season of fantasy football (page 20), following the careers of hometown kids on stage and screen (page 4), and believing in ghosts and spooky creatures of the season long enough to enjoy the many Halloween and harvest festivals planned throughout the region this fall. With this issue, the Laurel Mountain Post is celebrating three extraordinary years of bringing these stories of poetic faith to western Pennsylvania. With your continued support, we will keep on believing that “it’s possible.”
PS: That’s my cousin, Barbara M. Neill (LMP writer, ad sales guru, and source of endless encouragement and motivation in the face of adversity), pictured with Briana(right) and me (left)! (Photo by Robert Williams)
September/October 2007 - 3
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill
Coast To Coast Whisperer: David Conrad Let’s humor the columnist and play a little TV Trivia. I’ll provide the clues; you guess the series character. The clues: very understanding, easy on the eyes, lovable, practically perfect paramedic husband, seen Fridays on CBS. Total no brainer. The answer: Ghost Whisperer character Jim Clancy portrayed by David Conrad. If you aren’t a Ghost Whisperer viewer, Clancy is the spouse of antique shop owner Melinda Gordon (Jennifer Love Hewitt). Melinda has a rather unusual gift. She helps earthbound spirits of the dead, who have unresolved issues with the living, to “cross over.” Since there are apparently quite a few of these unfortunate and troubled souls around, the couple is never bored. The actor lives a bi-coastal life, traveling between hometown Pittsburgh and Los Angeles with periodic forays to NYC. We met at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in June of 2005 shortly before Ghost Whisperer premiered. (Conrad is quite a fan of our Greensburg museum. He comments favorably on not only the quality of the art, but also on the abilities of the administrators.) After discussing our options this winter, we decided to talk in June when Conrad would be in our area. LMP: You hail from Swissvale, attended The Kiski School, and continued your education at Brown and Julliard. Was there anyone along the way who was influential in your decision to become an actor? DC: I didn’t decide to become an actor until I was out of college, but there were several people during my high school days that influenced me. Rockwell and Madelyn Gray taught at The Kiski School. Rockwell is the brother of the late actor and monologist Spalding Gray. Spalding would come to visit them. That trio instilled a true love of language and writing in me. It was the seed they planted that later led to my enjoyment of performing. I also had a great theater professor at Brown by the name of J. O. Barnhill. 4 - September/October 2007
LMP: You and Jennifer Love Hewitt (who prefers to be called Love) are quite believable as an onscreen couple. Had you worked together before Ghost Whisperer? DC: No, we never had. We’d never even met, but we really hit it off. It’s odd for two people with such completely different backgrounds, but there’s something very similar about our mindset. Maybe it’s because she came from this little town in TX and I came from this small working class town in western PA. We share a commonality. Down deep I think we’re less complicated than some people. LMP: Camryn Manheim (the character Delia) did a TVGuide.com interview after she joined the cast for season two. Camryn considers you to be divine, and she couldn’t say enough wonderful things about Jennifer and her ability to create a warm set. Care to share your impressions of your costars and the atmosphere on the set? DC: It’s a great bunch of people – both the crew and the actors. Jennifer tries hard to make life easy for the people that do the filming, and that’s not a common thing. A lot of actors don’t really care if the crew has to be there eighteen hours or not. Jennifer is very attentive to them and acknowledges their hard work. That’s a good thing, because the star sets the tone for everybody. Camryn is a total professional who comes from the New York stage. She appreciates everything that has happened to her. Jay Mohr (the character Professor Rick Payne) is a riot. Sometimes the show might take itself a little too seriously, and Jay definitely pokes a hole in it! LMP: Jim is often seen preparing and serving meals on Ghost Whisperer. Does David enjoy cooking as well? DC: Yea, I love to cook. I don’t especially enjoy cooking for myself, but I like to cook for other people. I’m good with fish and I make my own pasta from semolina. I have no
Italian blood in me whatsoever; I’m Scots-Irish. But, I grew up in a neighborhood with Italians and Ukrainians all around me. LMP: I find Melinda Gordon’s apparel choices fascinating. Is her wardrobe selected by your costume designer, Joseph Porro, or is Jennifer her own costume mistress? Who chooses your clothing? DC: Joseph has designed some significant films, and he has a very particular sense of style. He brings in a vast array of stuff from which Jennifer picks and chooses. I’m not sure what the mystery is behind the choices, and I try not to pursue it.
they can. But, when you get to the end of the season they start pulling out all the stops and try to flash it up. LMP: Although I’m certain you cannot divulge future plot direction, can you at least provide “a pregnant pause” if Melinda is going to relent and agree to start a family next season? DC: Barbara, I honestly don’t have any idea. The executive producer, John Gray, is very closed-mouthed about the storyline. I am told next to nothing, but since Jennifer is a producer they probably have to run the story ideas by her. As an actor and as a guy I’d be interested in that scenario, and I know that my character would be interested. (Clearly, “a pregnant pause” was not provided, but there is always hope.) LMP: Jim banters so well with his wife on Ghost Whisperer. I can picture you in a sitcom on the order of Cheers or Moonlighting. Do you see romantic comedy in your future? DC: I’m glad you said that, because I would really like to do romantic comedy. I mostly get pegged as Joe Serious Actor. LMP: Having done theater, feature films, and various TV stints, do you have a preference?
David Conrad in his 1985 Senior Class Photo, courtesy of The Kiski School.
DC: I’d much rather do theater. The journey’s bigger and you get to say more through language. You get to live a fuller life.
Joseph chooses my clothing, but we keep it simple at my request. Most guys that have a job like Jim Clancy wear a few things they like that work for them.
LMP: Are there any theatrical projects that you are dying to do?
LMP: The special effects on the show seem to be getting more and more involved. Are they computergenerated for the most part?
LMP: Any desire to unleash your inner Brando?
DC: The effects are both computergenerated and practical (noncomputer-generated). They try to do as much with practical effects as
DC: Oh, there are so many. Every Chekov play, for sure.
DC: I don’t have much in common with Brando, but I can’t even imagine stepping into the same shoes as an actor. It’s sort of sacred ground. There’s an unwritten rule among young basketball players that no one
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Ligonier Theater 208 West Main Street • 724-238-6514, ext. 2 vpltheater@wpa.net • www.valleyplayers.org • www.ligoniertheater.com ANNOUNCING OUR NEW SUBSCRIPTION SEASON:
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October 26, 27, November 2, 3 at 8:00 PM and November 4 at 2:30 PM
There Goes The Bride
February 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8:00 PM and February 10 at 2:30 PM
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April 25, 26, May 2, 3 at 8:00 PM and May 4 at 2:30 PM
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August 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8:00 PM and August 10 at 2:30 PM
imitates Michael Jordan. It’s a little bit the same with actors and Brando.
“apparitional.” What keeps you “grounded” in real life?
LMP: Do you ever bump into other Pittsburgh natives in Los Angeles?
DC: Pittsburgh, comin’ home. It’s nice just to talk to someone like you who works for a publication that isn’t Us Magazine or Entertainment Weekly – answering normal questions from a normal person. (There may be a difference of opinion about that last phrase in some quarters.)
DC: I’ve seen Michael Keaton a couple of times. He actually went to my church when I was little, so I asked him if he remembered the Church of the Ascension. It was kind of funny when he replied, “Holy mackerel, you knew that about me!” I run into people all the time who are from the North Hills or Cranberry areas, and I feel I have very little in common with those Pittsburghers. They often seem to express how happy they are to have left Pittsburgh, and aren’t I happy, too? I’m quick to end those conversations. I meet a lot of people who still express adolescent distaste for their hometown. It’s like, get over it. LMP: During the summer of 2006 you were involved in New York City theater. What are your plans for this summer season? DC: I was just in Portland, OR to take part in Follow the Prophet, an independent film about shady dealings in the Fundamentalist Mormon church. It’s not an antiMormon film; it’s about the polygamist sect. I’ll be here in Pittsburgh for a few days and then I’m going to Europe before filming for the show begins. (Conrad explained that the number of Ghost Whisperer episodes has been upped from the standard 22 to the more exclusive 23 for the new season.) LMP: You and I were both included in the spring edition of Pittsburgh Quarterly. My letter to the editor was printed, and your input and photo were included in Bruce Wolf’s article concerning a rare etching of late great Pittsburgh Pirate Honus Wagner. That writer referred to you as a baseball “savant.” Do tell. DC: Actually, my input was that I knew two people – Lawrenceville photographer Duane Rieder (see cover photo) and screen writer Marshall Goldberg, a Squirrel Hill native who lives in Los Angeles. I was sure that the two of them could figure out the answer to the identity of the player in the etching. I love baseball, but my knowledge is nothing compared to the knowledge those guys have. I just coordinated things between the parties involved. LMP: So much of your Ghost Whisperer onscreen life is
LMP: Any plans for a big August birthday bash? DC: No, I was never big on birthdays even when I was young and I’m not that interested in birthday milestones. I usually just do a quiet sort of celebration with family and friends. Also, I’ll be working. This will be my third birthday on the set. They always embarrass me with a giant cake, and Jennifer does her balloon thing. LMP: You have chosen to retain Pittsburgh as your home base. Aside from family, what do you feel southwestern PA has to offer that LALA Land doesn’t? DC: Authentic friendship and a sense of community. People here seem to instinctually value the ties between their friends and family that I feel comes from their cultural heritage. Those bonds have remained strong and unique and are far more valuable than the escapist suburban aesthetic championed in a lot of metropolitan areas. As people look at the strengths of American urban communities, more and more I think they’ll look to mid-size cities like Portland, OR and Pittsburgh, PA. Their values are reflected in smaller school districts, neighborhood response teams, local newspapers, and stores that serve a community. There’s richness in having a cultural wealth within a smaller arena. At the conclusion of our interview Conrad told me about a documentary that he is finishing based on the life of his former Kiski School teacher, Tamas Szilagyi. Tamas was 24 in 1956 when he was involved in the rebellion opposing the Soviet invasion of his native Hungary. He eventually fled the country, and surfaced at The Kiski School where he has dedicated his life to teaching for the last 44 years. The film is about a man who has lived his life in two entirely different worlds – Budapest, Hungary and Saltsburg, PA continued on page 11
September/October 2007 - 5
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Westmoreland Sale for Kids
Children’s Consignment Sale Westmoreland County Fairgrounds Sat Sept 22, 9am -4 pm Sun Sept 23 11am -2pm
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call Lisa at 724-433-8980 ww.saleforkids.com High Quality Gently Uses Children’s Items Clothes (newborn - pre-teen ), Toys, Baby Equipment , Baby Furniture, More!
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Kudzu Hotline
(from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture) The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has a toll-free number for residents to report findings of kudzu, an invasive, climbing vine that has become a problem in some regions of the state. Residents should call 1-877-464-9333 to report kudzu sightings.
The World of Paper University Museum at IUP September 18 through December 8, 2007 The University Museum at Indiana University of Penn-sylvania will present the exhibition The World of Paper, a global look at the history, culture, technology, and art of paper— one of Pennsylvania’s earliest industrial products. Curated by the Robert C. Williams Paper Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, the exhibition will be open to the public (free of charge) from September 18 through December 8, 2007. The World of Paper tells the fascinating story behind the most ordinary and most useful of everyday materials. World-wide cultural traditions and technical innovations are showcased in paper artifacts and objects used in papermaking. The story begins with pre-papers such as Egyptian papyrus, South Pacific tapa cloth, and British parchment and brings visitors to present time with a look at how paper was manufactured in outer space on the Space Shuttle Columbia. Historic engravings and
photographs illustrate traditional and modern production processes. An array of decorative papers and artifacts—Chinese kites, Japanese fans, printed wallpapers, samples of French marbling, and paper garments from Asia and the Pop Art 1960s, among others—demonstrates the beauty and versatility of paper. The exhibition also showcases contemporary artists including Susan Kristofersen, Jose Ramirez, Inge Bruggeman, and Peter Sowiski, who make and use handmade paper in sculpture, collage, and limited-edition artist books. Docent-tours will be available to groups by appointment. In conjunction with the exhibition, workshops in papermaking and paper arts are planned for children and adults in community venues and at IUP.For more information, contact the University Museum at 724-357-2397. www.arts.iup.edu/museum
EARTH TALK Questions & Answers About Our Environment How can we get schools to offer healthier and more eco-friendly cafeteria food to our kids? I don’t have time to bag a healthy lunch every day.
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6 - September/October 2007
Now that many schools have stopped selling sodas and other unhealthy vending machine items to their students, improving the nutritional quality of cafeteria food is on the agenda of many parents and school administrators. And luckily for the environment, healthier food usually means greener food. Some forward-thinking schools are leading the charge by sourcing their cafeteria food from local farms and producers. This saves money and also cuts back on the pollution and global warming impacts associated with transporting food long distances. And since many local producers are turning to organic growing methods, local food usually means fewer pesticides in kids’ school lunches. Alarmed by childhood obesity statistics and the prevalence of unhealthy foods offered to students in schools, the Center for Food and Justice (CFJ) in 2000 spearheaded the national Farm to School lunch program. The program connects schools with local farms to provide healthy cafeteria food while also supporting local farmers. Participating schools not only obtain food locally, they incorporate nutrition-based curriculum and provide students with
learning opportunities through visits to the local farms. Farm to School programs now operate in 19 states and in several hundred school districts. CFJ recently received significant support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to expand the program to more states and districts. The group’s website (link below) is loaded with resources to help schools get started. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also runs a Small Farms/School Meals program that boasts participation in 400 school districts in 32 states. Interested schools can check out the agency’s “Step-by-Step Guide on How to Bring Small Farms and Local Schools Together,” which is available free online. Other schools have taken the plunge in their own unique ways. In Berkeley, California, noted chef Alice Waters holds cooking classes in which students grow and prepare local organic fruits and vegetables for their peers’ school lunch menus. And as documented in the film, “Super Size Me,” Wisconsin’s Appleton Central Alternative School hired a local organic bakery that helped transform Appleton’s cafeteria fare from offerings heavy on meat and junk food to
predominantly whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, parents can ensure that their children eat well at school by forgoing the cafeteria offerings altogether and sending their kids to school with healthy bag lunches. For on-the-go parents unable to keep up with a daily lunch making regimen, innovative companies are beginning to sprout up that will do it for you. Kid Chow in San Francisco, Health eLunch Kids in Fairfax, Virginia, New York City’s KidFresh and Manhattan Beach, California’s Brown Bag Naturals will deliver organic and natural food lunches to your kids for about three times the price of a cafeteria lunch. But prices should change for the better as the idea catches on and more volume brings costs down. CONTACTS: Farm to Schools, www.farmtoschool.org; USDA Small Farms/School Meals Initiative, www.fns.usda.gov/ cnd/Lunch/Downloadable/small.pdf; Kid Chow, www.kid-chow.com, Brown Bag Naturals, brownbagnaturals.com; Health e-Lunch Kids, healthelunchkids.com; Kidfresh, kidfresh.com. GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/ thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com. Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/ earthtalk/archives.php.
Ladies and Gentlemen . . . Welcome to the Greatest Sale on Earth! Visit Lazor Furniture’s Famous Tent Sale on your way to Fort Ligonier Days October 11th, 12th, 13th (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) Norwalk Sofas from $395 All Serta Mattresses $100 off Entertainment Centers from $194
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All tent sale items cash & carry No Refunds Styles may vary Available while supplies last September/October 2007 - 7
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson
Fifties Fads & Sixties Styles There’s still time to save a bundle at the back to school sales. At least that’s what all the catalogs and newspapers are telling me. In 1958 my brand new Keds cost a whopping $4.00. I just saw an ad for $150.00 sneakers. Doesn’t sound like you will be saving too much, does it? You might still be able to pick up some school supplies at Rite Aid, too, but I doubt it. Since they brought out the jacko-lanterns mid July, the shelves are probably stocked with Christmas decorations by now, or maybe even Valentines. Back to School. Those words still make me smile. When I was a little girl, I remember how excited I was to go back to school each fall. My mom would buy me a few new outfits and a new pair of shoes at the start of each school year. In grade school, she picked everything out for me. Mom liked to dress me in chiffon and lace, girly girl dresses that had three or four starched crinoline slips underneath. Although one of my favorite things was spinning around and making the skirts flair out, I much preferred plain, unadorned outfits. I would have been happy to do without the scratchy ruffles at the neck. That’s why, fortunately, around fourth or fifth grade, mom started to let me help choose some of the items in my wardrobe. I can vividly recall so many fashions that played a part in my life as I grew up. The first dress I really remember was made of pink dotted Swiss. It had little capped sleeves and a pink satin slip underneath. Around the waist was a navy blue velvet belt that tied in a big bow in front. The reason I can recall the details of this dress so well is because my Grandma Stewart made it for me, and she made one exactly like it for my mom and another tiny version for my walking doll, Mary. Yes, we had the famous Mother/Daughter dresses, and how I loved being a small replica of my mother. When we wore those dresses to church, I wanted to sit in the front pew so everyone could watch me walk up that aisle dressed exactly like my beautiful mommy. It was the only time she allowed me to take my perfectly matching doll to church with us, too. I had to promise to set her beside me and not to play with her until church was over, and I gladly agreed. The other fashion accessory I remember having when I was really little was my white bunny fur muff. It had a satin lining and a satin rope that went around my neck, and a hat that matched. How I loved that bunny fur. 8 - September/October 2007
In grade school, no one had a very extensive wardrobe. All my school clothes were dresses, with an occasional skirt and blouse (with a Peter Pan collar) thrown in. Girls wore dresses - all the time. We could wear shorts or long pants for play-time at home, but for every other occasion, dresses were mandatory. And other than play-time, boys wore shirts with collars, not tee shirts. And they wore slacks, not jeans. Jeans, or overalls, as my mom called them, were forbidden in school. No one wore jeans except folks who worked on a farm. At the start of summer each year we would get a new pair of Keds, Converse, or Red Ball Jets tennis shoes, (they weren’t called sneakers, back then). And in the fall we got one new pair of school shoes.
I remember my new shoes always being a half size too big, so I could grow into them. We would put a little tissue in the toe to snug them up. I can recall the year I was allowed to get my first pair of squash heels. It was a huge milestone and I felt like such a grown up young lady. In junior high, I took a much greater interest in my wardrobe. I had become aware of certain fads and ‘must-have’ articles of clothing, mostly from reading Seventeen magazine or from watching American Bandstand. Thankfully, my
mom would indulge my new-found fashion sense, at least a little bit. She allowed me to chose my own school shoes, for instance. I remember searching for T-straps at Keystone Shoes, it was across the street from The Valley Dairy in Latrobe. If I couldn’t find the perfect ones there, I would continue the search at Mendler’s just up the block, or at Kamps on the corner, where Ray Evans was sure to help me find my size. He would have me stand on that big adjustable metal plate, to measure my foot. We usually ended up doing most of our shopping at Troutman’s because my mom had a Troutman’s revolving charge card. Their shoe department was on the first floor, way in back, and they had beautiful selections of the latest trends. I can remember being allowed to get a pair of cha cha boots one year in junior high. They reached just up to my ankle and had a little chain on the side. I also remember my brother’s pair of white bucks. He got them at P & G shoe store in Derry. They came with a little ‘bunny-bag’ filled with white talcum powder to dust them with, instead of using shoe polish. They had a tab over the front of your foot that hinged up so you could slide your foot in, and then you closed it. It looked sort of like a shoe horn lying on top of your foot. Mom also allowed me to help select my dresses, provided they weren’t too pricey. We always had an eye out for the ‘SALE’ sign on the Villager rack. Sometimes we would hit it just right, and my size would be available. Villager brand sweaters came with a little ladybug pin, to signify it as their designer label. Those pins could then turn all your sweaters into a Villager, just pin it on and no one was the wiser. Sweater sets were also very popular. The cardigan button down went over the matching short sleeved pullover. I loved to hold the long sleeved one in place with my pearl sweater clips. My absolute favorite sweater set was lavender angora and it perfectly matched my lavender, blue and cream plaid skirt, this skirt had sewn down hip pleats. For a different look, we wore our cardigans buttoned down the back, sometimes fastening a lace collar at the neck. My other favorite skirts were my baby blue wool straight skirt with the kick pleat, my A-line wrap-around, and my magenta plaid kilt with a big pin on the side. Mom and I would usually go shopping at the end of each season to take advantage of all the great sales. If we weren’t shopping at Troutmans where
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania she had her charge, we put our purchases on lay-away, and mom would pay them off a little at a time. We also got some pretty good bargains at W.T. Grants and Gee Bee’s. The Hollywood shop had a nice selection, as did the Yolanda Shoppe in Derry. If I had known she would become my mother-in-law, I would have hit her up for one of everything in every color! Accessorizing in junior high was a major priority on a girl’s fashion list and I found some great bargains at the Derry 5 & 10. I wore little bows, in a variety of colors, just above my bangs. No head bands, just the little bow hooked to a clip. For jewelry, we liked circle pins and I. D. Bracelets. If you were lucky, your boyfriend would let you wear his I.D. bracelet. This signified you were going steady. I remember getting a mustard seed necklace for my birthday one year. The seed was enclosed in a small glass, water-filled globe and came with a little booklet that told you the story of the tiny mustard seed growing into the mighty oak. I also recall everyone wearing popbeads. You could snap them together to make your necklace whatever length you wanted, even converting it to several bracelets if you liked. Then came the famous charm bracelet. My aunt Ruthie started one for me as a Christmas gift my sophomore year in high school. She selected the first charm, a pair of praying hands. I continued to collect charms to commemorate all my special occasions through-out the years. The last one I added was in 1970. It was a little sterling picture frame containing a photo of my new born daughter, Nicole. That bracelet is now filled with all my treasured mementos, and safely tucked away in my jewelry box. The one jewelry item we didn’t see when I was in junior high was earrings. The girls didn’t even have pierced ears. That fad came later. In high school, the accessories and the fashions changed dramatically as we made our way from the fab fifties to the mod sixties. I remember receiving a Star Sapphire ring as a gift one year. When we were dating, Doug bought me a jade necklace with matching post earrings for my birthday. My girlfriends and I had scarab bracelets and ankle bracelets. The boys wore black onyx rings, some with a little diamond chip, and they wore tie bars under the knot of their neckties. Back then, it was equally important to have the correct fragrance. I remember my mom wearing Tigress and daddy always wore Aqua Velva. These were much too tame and old fashioned for us. The number one scent on my list, like most girls in the sixties, was Ambush, by Dana. It came in a pink rubber bottle and we would never think of leaving the
house without several generous spritz’s. The companion scent for boys was Canoe - it smelled almost exactly the same as Ambush. We girls also liked White Shoulders, Oh de London, Emeraude, and Chanel #5, ( which I still wear today.) For the guys who didn’t opt for Canoe (“Can you Canoe?”), it was English Leather (“All my men wear English Leather, or they wear nothing at all”), Jade East, Brut, British Sterling, or Hai Karate. As for fashions, let’s start from the inside out. The sales clerks referred to them as ‘foundation garments’. Our mom’s called them brassieres. But whatever the name, I have a little confession to make, all these years later. Sometimes, some of us added little ‘helpers’ to these garments. Forgive me, girls, I know I am betraying a heavily guarded secret, but I think we are old enough to tell the truth, now. You remember them, don’t you? They were manufactured at Toyad. Come on ... let’s just get it off our chests (no pun intended!) They were called ... Falsies. There, it’s finally out in the open...I feel sooo much better! Another under garment we wore all the time was the slip, we had whole slips and half slips, in white, black, and beige. If your slip was showing a little at the bottom of your hem, another girl would casually whisper in your ear, “It’s snowing down south,” and you would run to the ladies room to adjust it. And heaven forbid your brassiere strap was peeking out. This was a fashion no-no, and it would immediately be tucked back in by another girl. We also wore girdles - all of us - even if we weighed 90 pounds. They had little straps with hooks that held up our nylons. It was either that or a garter belt, which was much less comfortable. Pantyhose had yet to be invented. Over the girdles we would sometimes wear petti-pants, instead of a slip – this was sort of a slip with legs. The famous Troutman’s also had a huge men’s department with terrific selections and bargains for the guys. They also liked to stock up their wardrobes at Mike Hughes or the Hub. Both stores had stacks of long sleeved, buttoned down collar, oxford cloth shirts in every color. They carried tennis sweaters, and lot’s of pastel colored banlon shirts, a fave in sixties, and how easily they snagged. But a new store in Latrobe was giving everyone serious competition. It was the Oxford Shop, and was followed by Mick’s Chicks several years later. They had the most extensive Madras selection I had ever seen, and Madras was the end-all fabric of the 60’s. During those turbulent years, our wardrobes had to be upgraded to an entirely new standard, brought to us courtesy of The British Invasion. The Oxford continued on page 11
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Making Wishes Come True In May 1969, Stan and Emily Jerich received the news no parent is ever prepared to hear: their twoyear-old daughter, Susie, had been diagnosed with ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia), a form of leukemia that was incurable at the time. The doctors at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh explained that most children with the disease were given a life expectancy of 18-22 months following the diagnosis. Stan went to the bank to talk about cashing in his Christmas savings club early so that he could afford to immediately put in the pool his daughter wanted. The family enjoyed the rest of Susie’s life together swimming in the back yard as much as they could. She passed away 20 months later at the age of four. In the late 80’s, the Jerichs read an article in the Pittsburgh Press about the new local chapter of the Make-A-Wish foundation that was looking
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10 - September/October 2007
for volunteers. Knowing how much that swimming pool had meant to their family all those years ago, they knew this would be a way to help others and give back. Since becoming volunteers, Stan and Emily have been personally involved with granting 211 wishes to local children suffering from lifethreatening illnesses. All of these children are represented on a bulletin board in their Leechburg office (Jerich Insurance Agency). They affectionately refer to it as their “Board of Directors.” It is covered with 208 photographs of their Wish children and three Amish-style dolls (who represent the “Angel Susie” three Amish children from the program who are not permitted to be photographed). As members of a Wish team, the Jerichs have experienced meeting with families to discuss the child’s wish, handling paperwork, verifying safety concerns, and coordinating wish itineraries. About 50% of all children request trips to Disney World, and Make-A-Wish arranges for entire families to be invloved in the trip. But sometimes there are much simpler wishes that can seem just as big. One of their favorite wishes (number 200) was getting a puppy for a little girl (as well as supplies and training). They are happy to report that she and “Flurrie” are doing great! Another wish involved a girl with a brain tumor. Her wish was to go to Hawaii, but recurrent seizures prevented the long-distance travel. MakeA-Wish always re-quests a second choice, and hers was a trip to Seven Springs. Because Stan and Emily were residents at the resort, they assisted another Wish team with the arrangements earlier this year that included a condo to accomodate the entire family, skiing lessons and a day of skiing, a sleigh ride, a day of beauty for the girls/game room for the boys, and a boys versus the girls bowling tournament in the evening (the girls won). The child’s favorite meal was spaghetti and meatballs, so Stan and Emily even cooked up the special supper and delivered it to the family’s condo. She told them it turned out to be an even better wish than Hawaii because it would have been impossible to coordinate for her eight brothers and sisters, some of whom were adults with
families of their own. At Seven Springs, her entire family was able to spend Valentine’s Day together before she passed away a few weeks later on Easter Monday. Many of the families keep in touch with the Jerichs over the years. They have been to four graduations and a wedding this year for some of their wish kids: “It can be an emotional roller coaster,” Emily explained. “We might go to a funeral in the morning and a birthday party in the afternoon.” It is a widespread misconception that most Wish children eventually succomb to their condition. Eighty percent survive, and those that work with Make-A-Wish (families, doctors, nurses and volunteers) believe it is the wish that gets them through. The Jerichs have personally witnessed many children who have endured suffering to the point of giving up, only to rally when told their wish was being granted. The excitement, joy and hope of the wish often gives them the strength and determination to keep fighting. One child was found lying in a fetal position waiting for death one minute and running up and down the halls the next because he knew he was going fishing. Some wishes are simple, some complicated, and others quite expensive. The average wish costs $3400, a figure based on a trip to Disney World for a family of four. There are families who say they can afford to grant their child’s wish and do not need help. But Make-A-Wish suggests that the family donates the funds if they like, but allows the staff to make the plans for them . . . there are things other than money alone that the organization can provide. Stan & Emily Jerich Support and time are two of the main offerings, and occasionally it’s about being able to ask for something or make arrangements an average citizen could not, such as landing on a US Navy aircraft carrier! There are lots of ways we can all help make a difference in the lives of these children and their families through the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia. Volunteers can join a wish team; work on fundraisers though work, school or with a group of friends; make 10-15 minute presentations about the organization for local groups like the Lions Club; or spend some time helping at in their offices, located at Flurrie 707 Grant Street (37th floor) in downtown Pittsburgh. For more information, visit www.wishgreaterpa.org or call 800-676-WISH. – By Cathi Gerhard Williams
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania continued from page 9
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– and inspired several generations of young men. (Stay tuned for more on the upcoming documentary of the life of Tamas Szilagyi in future Laurel Mountain Post editions.) The news is a never-ending source of inspiration for me as a writer. Not long before I put pencil to paper for this concluding paragraph (yes, I do my first drafts in pencil and in longhand), I caught a news segment that bestowed on Los Angeles, CA and the entire state of PA the dubious distinction of having the worst highways in the nation. Fortunately, the two locales have a much more positive connection in David Conrad. Cover photo of David Conrad by Rieder Photography
Shop supplied wonderful, English inspired poorboy or mohair sweaters, and bell-bottoms, not to mention the very essence of London’s Carnaby Street - the Mini Skirt. For boys, this was the spot to pick up a Nehru jacket, or Beatle coat (no lapels), and those skinny leather neckties. But it was the Madras that had me shopping at the Oxford Shop. Madras was the uniform of the sixties. And not the madras of today, this was the original bleeding Madras from India. I remember the first Madrdas item I ever bought, it was a pair of Bermudas, and I rushed home to have my mom wash them for me. She thought they were a very pretty plaid. I told her they must be washed before I wore them, and she promised she would throw them in the next dark load. About 20 minutes later I heard her yelling for me to get downstairs. Seems she had added a few lighter items to the load and everything came out that famous lovely shade of pale blue, which was, of course, the only color your madras was supposed to be. Mom was ready to march right back to the store and demand a refund until I explained it to her, or at least tried to, that this was exactly what we wanted to happen. She just shook her head, handed me my dripping, brand new, faded shorts, and walked away. I guess she was getting used to my odd behavior, ever since I had asked her to lay my hair across the ironing board and iron out all the waves. She and my dad looked slightly perplexed about my appearance a lot of the time, like when I applied my white lipstick or, even stranger, a coat of Yardley Slicker lipstick in a vibrant shade of lavender. They also didn’t care for the thick black eyeliner I would extend beyond my lash line to give me that ‘Asian’ look. Mom also watched me practice until I could apply a set of long false eyelashes (like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton wore). Mom told me she thought they made me look a little startled. My parents thought we were all weird for wearing our leather loafers with no socks in the summer. And they thought we were even weirder for wearing them with no socks in the winter. They never knew if I would appear with my hair parted in the middle and straight as a poker, or with an 8 inch tall teased and sprayed beehive. Adding to the confusion was my brother’s (and every other boy who came to my house) longer and longer hair. That, and the fact that all these boy’s pants were ‘pegged’ so tight at the bottom they could hardly get their feet through, had my parents convinced the world was going to hell in a hand basket. Our outer layers, in the winter, consisted of the ever popular Pea Coat, and The Chesterfield coat. It was double breasted wool in a variety of dark colors. The top half of the lapel was done in the same shade, only in
velvet. For church we wore the Jackie O pillbox hats. Our dress shoes were sometimes black and white Spectator pumps. Boys dress shoes, if they could get away with it, were Beatle Boots. For fun in the winter, I got a ‘wig hat’, a furry thing that came in blonde, redhead, or brunette. You could shake it and the ‘hair’ would stand out all over, or smooth it into a ‘hairdo.’ If we were lucky enough to ride in a convertible in the summer, we would wear little triangle scarfs that tied under our chins, mine were made of Madras. What a surprise! When I shop at the mall today I want to yell to those young boys, “Pull your pants up!” and “Put your hat on straight”. To add insult to injury, they don’t even care that it’s polite to take those hats off in a restaurant.. And to the girls, I just want to say “Go get some clothes on!” I guess we shouldn’t be so hard on today’s kids as they sport the MTV look. I suppose they can wear their underwear on the outside if they want to. It certainly is fancy enough. Although, back in the good old days if someone accidentally got a glimpse of our underwear we would hear, “I see Paris, I see France, I see Ruthie’s underpants!” It wasn’t meant in a complimentary way, and we would have been dreadfully embarrassed. I imagine every generation of parents, when looking at the latest fashions, has been convinced that their children had gone ‘round the bend.’ I’m sure the kids enjoy the shock value of some of this stuff. I know I loved having my parents feel out of the loop. It made me feel cutting edge -like I was in on some sort of secret that only my generation could understand. But I don’t think the kids today realize how much of the stuff they wear is recycled from our old stuff, and what’s old is new again. Capri’s my butt. They are pedal pushers, or even better - clam-diggers. I suppose we should just allow the kids to enjoy
Can you believe Ruth saved all this stuff?
their weirdness as much as we did. They will grow up soon enough and have to put on real clothes for a real job in the real world. Meanwhile, here I sit in my non-fading, fake madras shirt, my pedal pushers and my trusty old loafers - with no socks. Sorta’ makes me want to spray on too much Ambush and go iron my hair. September/October 2007 - 11
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Route 219 Dedicated to Flight 93 Heroes On August 9, State Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., and state and local officials dedicated a portion of Route 219 in Somerset County to honor the heroes of Flight 93. Route 219, now known as Flight 93 Memorial Highway, serves as a reminder of the heroic efforts of the passengers and crew of United Airlines Flight 93, which was en
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Miss Maddie’s Gifts & More
12 - September/October 2007
route from Newark, N.J., to San Francisco, when it was hijacked on Sept. 11, 2001. It should also serve as a reminder of the compassion of the emergency service personnel who responded to the crash. The state Department of Transportation installed four signs along the route designating the route as Flight 93 Memorial Highway.
Patriots Day
6th Anniversary Observance FLIGHT 93 CHAPEL SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 8, 2007 1:00PM – 9-11 PATRIOT RIDE – RED KNIGHTS: WASHINGTON, WESTMORELAND, FAYETTE • (11:45 AT IMPACT SITE – 1:00PM AT CHAPEL) SUNDAY - SEPTEMBER 9, 2007 11:00AM - PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS • ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH A. VELLONE, PRESIDING • REV. ALPHONSE T. MASCHERINO, HOMILIST 5:00PM: IRWIN MEN’S CHORUS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2007 – VIGIL 7:00PM – TRIBUTE CEREMONY AND CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL • HEART N’SOUL BARBER SHOP QUARTET • MEMORIAL TORCH OF LIBERTY SHINES IN TRIBUTE TO FAMILIES OF FLIGHT 93 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 - SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OBSERVANCE COMMUNITY DAY – HOSS’S FAMILY RESTAURANT, SOMERSET – BENEFIT: FLT 93 CHAPEL 9:00AM - 4:00PM: SHANKSVILLE POST OFFICE: SIXTH ANNIVERSARY CANCELLATION MARK – REDEDICATION OF FLIGHT 93 CHAPEL THUNDER BELL – LET FREEDOM RING FLIGHT 93 CHAPEL – SHANKSVILLE, PENNSYLVANIA PATRIOTS DAY SIXTH ANNIVERSARY – SEPTEMBER 11, 2007 FOR GOD AND FOR COUNTRY 9:00AM – TORCHES ACROSS AMERICA CHAPEL CONVERGENCE – CMA: CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATION: 9/11 RIDE FROM CALIFORNIA TO SHANKSVILLE. ALL CYCLISTS WELCOME. OPEN TO PUBLIC 10:00AM – STAR SPANGLED BANNER – SHEILA GADLEY, BEDFORD, PENNSYLVANIA 10:06AM - DECLARATION OF NAMES OF HEROES/Sounding of Thunder Bell • “I HAVE CALLED YOU EACH BY NAME” – NORTH STAR KIDS • PUBLIC OFFICIAL OFFICIATING (TO BE ANNOUNCED) • REDEDICATION OF THUNDER BELL – VOICE OF FLIGHT 93, LET FREEDOM RING • ALLEGIANCE PROGRAM: ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF ALLEGIANCE 11:00AM - SOLEMN PENNSYLVANIA STATE OBSERVANCE OF 6TH ANNIVERSARY • PUBLIC OFFICIALS OFFICIATING (TO BE ANNOUNCED) • LAYING OF THE WREATH CEREMONY • PUBLIC STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS TO OFFICIATE • TAPS AND COLORS: MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS 12:00 NOON – PONTIFICAL HIGH MASS – IN MEMORIAM – FLIGHT 93 • ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH VELLONE, PRESIDING • REV. ALPHONSE T. MASCHERINO, HOMILIST • NORTH STAR KIDS, LITURGICAL ACCOMPANIMENT • ROSE REED, PIANIST 1:30PM - TRIBUTES AND PERFORMANCES 1:30PM - SENIOR SERENADERS CHORUS– JOHNSTOWN SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER 2:00PM - NORTH STAR KIDS – PITTSBURGH HARMONY SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, MARBLE FALLS, TX “PRAYER FOR OUR TIME” CHOREOGRAPHY 3:00PM – INTERFAITH PRAYER SERVICE 5:00PM – TRIBUTES TO FLIGHT 93 • SOMERSET ROOF GARDEN MENS BARBER SHOP CHORUS 6:00PM – SOLEMN CLOSING AND CANDLELIGHT PEACE VIGIL • OFFICIAL TO SPEAK (TO BE ANNOUNCED) • HEART N’ SOUL BARBER SHOP QUARTET
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
50th Springs Folk Festival The Springs Historical Society of the Casselman Valley will hold their 50 th Festival on Friday, October 5th & Saturday, October 6th from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm on their grounds in Springs, PA. The Festival celebrates the arts, crafts, food, and culture of the early settlers of the Valley. Over 140 juried artisans will demonstrate their crafts and bluegrass and gospel musicians will perform for your enjoyment at several festival locations. (Be sure to pick up a copy of the music schedule at the gate.) Stroll through the large craft pavilion and watch the artisans create pottery, quilts, wall hangings, beautifully painted baskets, and much, much, more. Purchase unique hand-crafted gifts such as fine homemade soaps, wood crafted furniture, quilts, and dulcimers. Enjoy the forest trail where activities including sheep shearing, muzzle
rifle loading, cloth weaving, apple butter boiling, grain threshing, and log hewing will be demonstrated. To see how the settlers lived and examine the tools they used to make a living, visit the adjacent Springs Museum which houses over 3000 artifacts. Both afternoons of the Festival a pageant relating the history of Springs will be performed by local residents. A free performance of the pageant will be held on Friday evening. On the grounds one will find lipsmacking PA Dutch foods to delight in – fresh homemade doughnuts, fried mush, sausage burgers, fried potatoes, corn, peaches, coleslaw and cottage cheese. Sample the fresh-baked bread – baked in our outdoor ovens – with homemade butter and apple butter or take some home with you. Watch how our forefathers shredded the cabbage for the making of sauerkraut in the
early 1800s and take along a bucket of the cabbage to make your own sauerkraut. In the Folk Meetinghouse partake of a familystyle PA Dutch dinner complete with pancakes, sausage, fried potatoes, corn, coleslaw, cottage cheese peaches, pie and cookies. (And, of course, homemade bread with butter and apple butter!) The admission to the festival is $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 6-18. Children 5 and under are admitted free of charge. Admission includes demonstration grounds, musical performances, Springs Museum, and craft pavilion. Springs is located on Rte 669 (Springs Rd.) between Salisbury, PA (US 219N) and Grantsville, MD (US 40, I-68 exit 19) in southern Somerset County, PA. For more information call 814-662-9202. www.springspa.org. The day of the Festival call 814-662-2625.
TAKE IT ON FAITH Pastor Ron Durika
Those Were The Days . . . How often have you heard someone wishing for “the good old days”? We often think back and reminisce about days gone by that seem to be far better than the ones in which we now live. Without a doubt there are some aspects of our lives that were better in the past. For example, there was a time when we would gather together as a family. I even remember that we were able to sit down and enjoy a home cooked meal with one another. In recollecting our past, however, we sometimes block out the times we had that were difficult, and we don’t have a full picture of what really was happening. It even seems as though history is recorded by people who choose what they think should be included in it, and a personal slant on events would work its way into the reporting of that time in history. This is not the case with the Bible and the recording of past events found within it. In a recent Bible study of the book of 1st Corinthians, I found the author Paul to be quite candid in his writings. The church to which his letter was written was founded by him in approximately 50 AD. Corinth was an interesting town to bring Christianity into. It was Greece’s largest city with over 600,000 people
(today it has about 35,000). It was a center for unbridled immorality despite being full of people who placed a high value on Greek philosophy and personal wisdom. It was estimated that there were more than a 1,000 prostitutes employed at the pagan temples within the city at that time. Prior to coming to Corinth, Paul himself had just finished an unsuccessful attempt to start a church in Athens which was located 50 miles to the east. Upon arrival in Corinth, he was befriended by a couple and joined by two other companions to try once again to build a Christian community. He spent approximately 18 months there and achieved some success before moving on. Unfortunately, it took less than three years after his departure before the people who were in that church began to have serious problems. It seems that they were being influenced by their culture and were reverting back to their old ways. Although many in the church were gifted, they were prone to brag about their talents, instead of using them to glorify God and help the people around them. They had gone backward instead of maturing in their faith and were becoming more and more unspiritual in their actions.
Paul was informed there were divisive cliques formed in the church, claiming to be superior to one another. Stories of gross immorality were surfacing, and the people were not settling disputes amongst themselves in a Christian manner, but were instead relying upon the pagan courts. They were even distorting the meaning of the sacraments and the resurrection of Christ to suit their own ideas. When word of this reached Paul, he wrote a letter to the people, which has unfortunately been lost. We do know that the people replied to this letter of Paul’s in an unkind way and even questioned by what authority he could tell them how to live and worship. After receiving this reply to his first letter, Paul then wrote what we now refer to as 1 st Corinthians in our Bible. This letter is just as important for the church today as it was for the church in Corinth 2000 years ago. It clearly and convincingly proves Paul’s authority, and it spells out how a Christian church is to act and what it is to believe. Sometimes when we wish for “the good old days” we think it was much better during those times, but as 1st Corinthians shows, sometimes people and the way things were are not all that different than they are today.
Autumn Arts Festival The first ever Autumn Arts Festival will be held in Hagerstown City Park on Saturday and Sunday, September 15 and 16 from 11AM-5PM. The Festival will feature a variety of fun activities throughout the park at the Jonathan Hager House, The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, The Mansion House Art Gallery, The Railroad Museum at City Park, and the Band shell. The event will showcase over 50 craftspeople and artists, tours of the 268-year-old Hager House, tons of children’s activities, live music and classical performances, French and Indian Civil War Living History, great food, prize drawings, and much, much more! Admission is FREE! For more information, call 301-7398393 or e-mail hagerhouse @hagerstownmd.org.
September/October 2007 - 13
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The Blairsville Area Underground Railroad History Center Passport to Freedom Project Recognized The Blairsville Area Underground Railroad Passport to Freedom Project has recently been awarded the prestigious National Parks Service/UGRR status. The History Center site (formerly the Second Baptist Church at 214 East Lane) has also received recognition from the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh placing second on their 2007 “Top Ten Best Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Area.” The Passport to Freedom Project is dedicated to the memory of the area men and women who joined in the Underground Railroad Movement of pre-Civil War America. It also seeks to commemorate the many selfemancipated men, women, and children who, despite grave consequences and at great risk, either “rode” the
14 - September/October 2007
UGRR to freedom or reached freedom on their own. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Blairsville Improvement Group and the Historical Society of the Blairsville Area. At the History Center, an evolving facility, the visitor will find elements of the Indiana County UGRR story
portrayed on panels. These panels are on permanent loan from the Indiana Historical Society’s Freedom in the Air display, which was completed under the direction of Dr. Chris Catalfamo. Temporary exhibits will be displayed during events sponsored by the Passport to Freedom committee. Town and cemetery tours are available with prior notice. Contact the Historical Society of the Blairsville Area (HSBA) at 724-459-0580. Donations and queries may be sent to Blairsville Area UGRR, 116 East Campbell Street, Blairsville, PA 15717. – Story By Barbara M. Neill Photos by Joy Fairbanks
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Jimmy Stewart “Unveiled” at First-Day-of-Sale Ceremony Indiana, PA celebrated the release of The United States Postal Service Stamp honoring its favorite son on August 17th at The Jimmy Stewart Museum. Held several hours prior to the official release at Universal Studios in Hollywood, CA, the local ceremony included remarks by JSM President, Carson Greene, Jr. and local political and civic leaders. Also represented were the VFW Post 1989 Honor Guard and Boy Scouts of America Troop 11. Troop 11, which is chartered by the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, was the first troop to to receive the James M. Stewart Good Citizenship Award. The new stamp, stamp products, and a special cancellation were available for purchase at an on site U.S. Postal Service Station.
Photos by Barbara M. Neill
From left: “Harvey” was in attendance to greet the public and invited guests; Matty Golub, Boy Scout of America Troop 11 member, and John Butzow, retired IUP education dean, enjoy the pre-ceremony reception at The Jimmy Stewart Museum; A first look at the new U.S. Postal Service stamp was provided by Rick Sekinger, U.S. Postal Service Erie District Manager, (right) and James M.Stewart Museum Foundation President Carson Greene, Jr.
Get in the M !X Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh is a regional celebration being developed by a consortium of arts organizations, artists, educators, universities and exhibition venues to promote ceramic arts in Western Pennsylvania. As a highlight of Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) will hold its 42nd annual conference at the David Lawrence Convention Center from March 19-22, 2008. Expected to draw more than 5,000 people to the region, the theme of this year’s conference is CONFLUENCE: Innovation, Community, Environment.
To learn more about Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh or to get involved, contact Brittany Colatrella at 412-322-1773 x378 or bcolatrella@mcg-btc.org. For more information about NCECA and its annual conference, visit www.nceca.net.
N•C•E•C•A
September/October 2007 - 15
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Come Together: Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh Celebrating Contemporary Ceramic Art Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is excited to announce the launch of Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh and the NCECA 2008 Conference. Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh is a regional celebration of diverse expressions of contem-porary ceramic art being developed by a consortium of arts organ-izations, artists, educators, universities and exhibition venues to raise awareness of ceramic art in Western Pennsylvania. As a highlight of Cera[m!x] Pittsburgh, the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) will hold its annual conference at the David Lawrence Convention Center from March 19-22, 2008. The NCECA conference is expected to draw more than 5,000 people to the region. Founder of MCG and CEO of Manchester Bidwell Corporation, Bill Strickland has been selected as the NCECA Conference keynote speaker. “NCECA is really looking forward to working with the great arts organizations of Pittsburgh,” says
Richard Burkett, NCECA Board Director of Communications and San Diego State University Professor. “Pittsburgh’s geography and history correspond with the theme of this year’s conference—CONFLUENCE: Innovation, Community, Environment. The meeting of the three rivers and the city’s rebirth after the decline of the steel industry parallel the convergence of artists at the conference and the evolution of art as we become more of a global community.” Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild is honored to be the site organizer for the NCECA 2008 Conference. The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts is a not-for-profit association that works to promote and improve the field of ceramic arts through programs, exhibitions and publications available to its membership of artists, educators, students, patrons, retailers and manufacturers. www.nceca.net www.manchesterguild.org
Indiana County
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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 16 - September/October 2007
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Ideally Located in the Laurel Highlands!
Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg 700 Powerline Drive • Greensburg, PA 15601
Relax in our contemporary Cocktail Lounge Enjoy King or Double Queen Rooms, King Suites and Jacuzzi Rooms Schedule your next meeting in our state-of-the-art Executive Board Room
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 6 6: Murder/ Mystery Evening Oct 26-27: Haunted V illa g e 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 $6.00! 6pm - 9pm
There’s been a murder in the Village. You are the detective. Wander the Village interviewing suspects and determine ‘Whodunnit?’ 6pm - 10pm. $6.00 per person
Oct 13: Murder/ Mystery Evening Another murder has taken place. The Village authorities need your help to solve the crime. Interview suspects in their Village homes. 6pm - 10pm. $6.00 per person
Oct 20-21: Pumpkinfest ‘07 Our Autumn festival with a pumpkin theme. See the Village decorated for Fall. Lots of fun childrens games, ages 14 and under admitted FREE! Adults $8.00 Open 9am to 5pm Rain or Shine
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 September/October 2007 - 17
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Talking Heads (And Shirts) Our Favorite Quotes from This Year’s Steelers Training Camp At St. Vincent College How does it feel to be in the Steelers 75th season?
Deadline for the November-December Issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is October 15.
FLIGHT 93 CHAPEL CHAPEL GUEST HOUSE FLT 93 CREW MONUMENT
“It feels great to be back here at St. Vincent College – this is 41 years here, and this, our 75th season is a real milestone in Steeler history . . .” Being from McKees Rocks and playing football for IUP, how does it feel to be coaching your hometown team? “It feels great! I am so happy and excited to be here. This is a dream come true, a phenomenal opportunity for me….and my wife, being from Uniontown, is thrilled to be back in the area… Family has always been season ticket holders, but with me coaching, it has a whole new exciting feel.”
— Art Rooney, Jr.
Photo by Rick Tomack
Are you a fan of the gadget plays?
– Bob Ligashesky
Photo by Rick Tomack
“I don’t know why they call them that, but, yeah, I really like them. There are some great plays that can be very effective if you execute them at the right time. . . keeps everyone on their toes, thinking all the time, not just going through the standard plays.”
FIRST MEMORIAL TO FLIGHT 93 AND SEPTEMBER 11
MEMORIAL CHAPEL HOURS
March 1 through November 30 Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – 10 to 3 December through March – Sunday only Other times by appointment Buses welcome – reservations suggested
– Hines Ward
Photo by Rick Tomack
Fourth of July: 2:00 PM annually Let Freedom Ring Foundation Ceremony
What makes you ready for the pressure?
Patriots Day September 10 & 11 annually Public ceremonies and observances 9/11 Anniversary Ceremonies every hour on the hour – public welcome!
“True battles should be man versus himself . . . pressure should be a sidebar.”
– Coach Mike Tomlin
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Mention this ad to receive a free souvenir! 18 - September/October 2007
Photo by Joe Jerich
Photo by Joe Jerich
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
The End Of An Era! by JB Rossi The start of the 2007-2008 school year marks the has a true passion for educating children and the house for classrooms.” The 7.2 million dollar beginning of the final year for Michael Kennedy has led many positive changes during his long project took only 18 months to complete. “We built as Headmaster of The Valley School of Ligonier, tenure at Valley.” a gymnasium and the dining room wing with located in Rector, Pennsylvania. Kennedy will The plan now for Michael and Robin is to move additional classrooms on top. We added a new art retire after serving for twenty years, a rare tenure back to Vermont. “We’ve had a house room, a new 4 th grade classroom, for such an esteemed position. He leaves behind changed the old gym into an there for 22 years. I have a lot of work a legacy of grand accomplishments. auditorium with a stage, and enlarged to do up there. But I will definitely Kennedy’s legendary career began as a Naval every classroom.” continue to work with children, also.” Officer on the Underwater Demolition team (Navy In 2007, Michael completed his As he contemplated leaving, his UDT), the precursor to the current United States second capital campaign which eyes began to well up. “I will miss the Navy SEAL program. In fact in 1966, Michael was expanded the lower school area, kids the most. The kids are wonderful. the frogman officer in charge for the recovery of revamped the drainage on the athletic I have never not wanted to come to the last Gemini shot, the Gemini XII carrying fields, added new playground work,” said Michael. “I especially enjoy Astronauts James A. Lovell, Jr. and Edwin “Buzz” equipment, gained new offices and getting close to the ninth grade.” Aldrin, Jr. conference rooms, and provided for One of the highlights of the ninth With the tenacity and discipline of a Naval updated technologies. grade year is a field trip to Annapolis, Michael Kennedy retires SEAL, Kennedy earned his Masters in English at Aside from the physical Maryland, where the students learn to afte serving as Headmaster the University of Virginia and began teaching in improvements, Kennedy also made navigate sailboats. “The year that Mr. of Valley School of Ligonier 1969 in a private boys’ school in Denver, Colorado. changes in the educational and public Kennedy and his son, Ben, were on the for 20 years. After only one year, he missed the East Coast, so relations areas as well. One of the first Annapolis trip, one of the other girls’ he moved back to Philadelphia and taught at regimens that he implemented upon arriving at boats signaled the ‘SOS’ towards Michael’s boat,” Chestnut Hill Academy, working his way up to the Valley School was the round table discussions with recalls one ninth grade student. “They claimed to English Department Chairmanship. Here he met the parents. “These meetings were held to provide be taking on water. Mr. Kennedy rushed over to and married his sweetheart Robin and soon they the parents with an opportunity to solve any the other boat and rescued the frantic ladies by had two sons, Ben and Jake. problems that they might be experiencing with unclogging an overflowing toilet!” After gaining additional background training their kids,” said Melissa Smith, Valley School “Upon leaving Valley School, Michael in foundation and development, Michael was parent. “It was a great way to get to know the Kennedy will have served three times the recruited for an assistant headmaster position for other parents as well. We had a lot of fun during national average that a head of school usually these meetings. I think they should continue a Connecticut boarding school. serves,” remarks Marc Robertshaw, Valley School to have them.” Time soon came for another career Board Member and long-time friend. “This alone Time seemed to go very fast here in the Valley advancement. Kennedy was again recruited, speaks volumes of the impact that he has had for the Kennedys. “We had no idea we would be this time for the top position of Headmaster. “In in our school. It will be difficult to find another 1988, they offered me a choice of another here for twenty years. It (Ligonier) was a great headmaster to fill his shoes.” place to raise our headmastership in The Valley School of Ligonier is a private family. When they Connecticut or the one school created for students from Kindergarten were grown, we saw no here in Ligonier,” through the ninth grade. In an environment that reason to leave.” recalls Michael. “Robin is safe, challenging, nurturing, and disciplined, But after turning and I came here to visit Valley School provides a balanced and strong 65 years old and a and it just clicked!” program of study for a diverse group of children. twenty year term as Located in the Its goal is to stimulate in each young person picturesque Ligonier Headmaster, Kennedy lifelong habits of moral behavior, seeking thought it was the Valley, the school knowledge and understanding, and doing good right time to leave. “I campus sits amidst works for others. For the last twenty years, Michael have accomplished natural woodlands Kennedy has personified this philosophy. everything I can here. and flowing streams. He will certainly be a hard act to follow. A man The school needs new “I found this place of extreme honor and high principles, Michael charming,” said Valley School of Ligonier is located amidst the beautiful natural woodlands leadership.” ruled with a rare mix of intelligence, humor, and and flowing streams of the Ligonier Valley. Leaving is also Michael. “We saw discipline. An intense teacher and avid fundthat this was a school bittersweet. “Robin raiser, his true passion is working with the and I love this place. “This is the longest we’ve where our two sons could thrive. The school had children. “The kids make my day, every day.” been anywhere in our lives. It will be hard to leave. a good reputation, a solid financial base, and a Although the Spring of 2008 will bring an end We have made some really good friends here, beautiful location. It just felt right.” to the Kennedy Era at Valley School, his legacy parents and students alike.” Kennedy’s career at Valley School of Ligonier will live on well into the future. He is well-liked among the students, the is quite impressive. His most memorable On behalf of the entire Ligonier area, we thank parents, the teaching and office staff, and the Board achievement was the completion of the first capital Michael for his many contributions to both the of Trustees. “I have had a long relationship with campaign improvements in 1989 in which he school and the community and wish him the best doubled the size of the facilities. “The 200 children Michael Kennedy through being a parent at the of luck in his new endeavor. Enjoy this well-earned school and working with the board,” remarks Larry in the school were really squeezed for space,” said retirement! Shirey, President of the Board of Trustees. “He Kennedy. “We were still using the old bedrooms in September/October 2007 - 19
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
THE REC ROOM Jim Kasperik
When’s The Draft? For true NFL fans, the annual draft in April is a big day signifying the start of the season. But the draft is in April and we’re now in the dog days of summer, so why are football fans continuing to hear the question “When’s the Draft?” The answer is that for diehard NFL fans the draft happens twice a year since they are also NFL team owners. Not owners in the sense of the Rooney family and our beloved Black and Gold – these devoted fans own fantasy football teams! Fantasy? As in not for real? Who would spend their time thinking about and creating that? And who would play this game anyway? As it turns out there are millions of people who play fantasy football. But the recent increased popularity is deceptive; fantasy football has been around in some form for decades. The original game was developed in 1962 in part an excuse for football fanatics to get together. Members of the Oakland Raiders front office conceived the game and dubbed themselves the Football Prognosticators League. From there, other leagues developed and now there are many different types of leagues and various rules. Each league starts with a draft. The draft can be held long distance by Internet or conference call; however, most fantasy football team owners much rather have a live draft. Why? Perhaps it is better to be in one room, better to follow who has been chosen already, better to look around the room and see what other people are doing. These are all good reasons, but there is a much more important reason. The main reason live drafts are so important in fantasy football is that the live draft is an excellent excuse for football junkies to gather, party, and talk in detail about who will be their fourteenth pick! A tremendous amount of work goes into selecting a backup to the back up to the back up running back! If you fail to grasp this, you just don’t get it – clearly, the football
bug has not bitten you as badly as the typical fantasy football owner.
Owners Responsibilities Every week, the owners of fantasy teams have awesome responsibilities. They select a team and a starting lineup (because the lineup acquires points for scoring, running, passing, etc.). The owners also need to keep a close eye on player performance, weekly team match-ups, bye weeks, and, most importantly, players that are hurt and not playing. Most owners do this, except for me. Sure, I enjoy the gatherings for the drafts, but then fantasy football loses its fun for me. In fact, one year I was in a league where I set my lineup for opening week and never changed it the entire year. Imagine that! Anyone who understands fantasy football realizes that the players I started in week one had weeks when they did not play and probably injuries, too. Most dedicated owners study and change lineups every week. Surely my strategy resulted in a miserable loss, right? Wrong! Not only did I avoid losing miserably, I actually ended up second in the league! This amused me, but frustrated and maddened the serious owners in the league. Lighten up! It’s just a game!
The Fantasy Football Effect The popularity of fantasy football leagues has definitely affected the NFL fan base and how fans watch and cheer on gameday. With sports bars that show every game during the NFL season, owners can watch “their players” all over the country. If an owner hates the Patriots (this owner does!) but has Tom Brady as quarterback, the owner resorts to rooting for Brady to do well while also hoping for a Patriots loss in a high
scoring game. Awkward. That’s why I am a bad fantasy football owner – I never root for a player that I do not like. How can you root for the Patriots or Brady?! Some NFL players believe that fantasy leagues have watered down the true fans. The NFL is incredibly popular, possibly more than it ever has been, but players still feel that fan allegiances have weakened. “Owners” tend to have more allegiance to their fantasy teams than their hometown teams! Nonetheless, some NFL players love the fact that fantasy football exists; it’s an honor to be picked early in many fantasy leagues. It’s even a topic amongst the Steelers on the fields in Latrobe. I spent some time on the practice field in Latrobe and overheard some of the defense commenting on why the Steelers defense is the best pick for fantasy football team owners! I also heard them discussing why they thought players from other teams should never be picked! The funniest part about their conversation was their vehement disagreement over the NFL’s best players. This is so amusing because every fantasy league all over the world faces the same disagreement as players who actually play the game!
It’s Time to Play! It’s time! Fantasy Football drafts and the season will be starting soon. Significant others beware! Be patient and continue to love and support your team owner. They will need support throughout the year – some pats on the backs for a great week and some space when their number one running back pulls a hamstring! I’m ready for the real season and, I guess, for another year of fantasy football as well. Go Steelers! I hope that in a couple months I am writing about a successful season on both fields – real and fantasy!
Heroes Aren’t Born . . . They’re Trained! If you learn CPR you might save a life one day, and become someone’s hero. Many deaths can be prevented by prompt recognition of the problem and notification of the emergency medical system (EMS), followed by early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), defibrillation and advanced cardiac life support measures. CPR is a procedure to support and maintain breathing and circulation for a person who has stopped breathing (respiratory arrest) and/or whose heart has stopped (cardiac arrest). CPR can be performed by trained bystanders on infants, children, and adults. CPR is a life saving technique for several reasons. Heart Attack
20 - September/October 2007
is the most common reason for sudden adult death. The best chance for survival is defibrillation within minutes. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers a brief electric shock to the heart in an attempt to get the heart to beat normally. If a defibrillator is not readily available brain damage/death will occur in less than ten minutes. But by knowing how to do CPR you can keep the person suffering from a heart attack alive, until a defibralator becomes available. CPR is performed to restore and maintain breathing and circulation, and to provide oxygen and blood flow to the heart, brain, and other vital organs. Respiratory and cardiac arrest can be caused by allergic reactions, an
ineffective heartbeat, asphyxiation, choking, drowning, drug reactions or overdoses, electric shock, severe shock, or trauma. CPR is a two-part procedure that involves rescue breathing and external chest compressions. To provide oxygen to a person’s lungs, the rescuer administers mouth-to-mouth breaths, and then helps circulate blood through the heart to vital organs by external chest compressions. When performed by a bystander, CPR is designed to support and maintain breathing and circulation until emergency medical personnel arrive and take over. According to the American Heart Association, early CPR and defibrillation combined with early advanced emergency care
can increase survival rates for people with ventricular fibrillation by as much as 40%. Each year, CPR helps save thousands of lives in the United States. More than five million Americans annually receive training in CPR through American Heart Association and American Red Cross courses. These organizations recommend that family members or other people who live with people who are at risk for respiratory or cardiac arrest be trained in CPR. If you would like more information about private or workplace classes in Westmoreland County call Mila Schall, AHA Instructor at 724.537.6309.
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Greek Revival Redux: Vandergrift’s Casino Theatre Standing majestically in the heart of historic downtown Vandergrift is the Casino Theatre. Built in 1900 and designed by James Allison in the Greek Revival style, it is an impressive centerpiece for the “model industrial town” that was planned by the firm of prominent landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted in the 1890s. George McMurtry, Vandergrift’s founder and leading industrialist, was instrumental in the realization of the Casino Theatre. President of the Apollo Iron & Steel Company, McMurtry was a great proponent of raising the cultural bar for the working man. He wanted to provide the citizenry of his innovative municipality with an up to date performance center, and he did just that. The Casino has provided patrons with countless hours of enjoyable quality entertainment for more than a century. Having experienced various reincarnations, this architectural community icon has led a fascinating life. Between the years of 1881 and 1932 the multiact theatre form known as vaudeville was gradually born, matured and flourished, and eventually expired. A byproduct of American industrial expansion and city growth during the Gilded Age, vaudeville replaced the less refined, male-only concert saloon and variety hall entertainments. The vaudeville “circuit” was a chain of houses, or theatres, which booked a series of acts for regional and national engagements. The acts were many and varied, and included comedy, music, magic, animal acts, athletic feats, and assorted lectures. For the players it was a life lived out of a steamer trunk and a grueling schedule of three shows a day and five on Saturday and Sunday. Charlie Chaplin, Groucho Marx, Harry Houdini, Fred Astaire, Mae West, Will Rogers, and Bob Hope each held the title of vaudevillian early in their careers. George Burns stated in his 1989 book All My Best Friends that “There was never anything like vaudeville…I think that to most of us, probably the only thing that was worse than working in vaudeville, was not working in vaudeville.” Vandergrift’s Casino Theatre became a regular circuit stop for the train-traveling caravan of
characters that was vaudeville, and counted among its “headliners” some of the top entertainers of the day. With vaudeville’s slow decline and the rise of early cinema and radio, the Casino experienced its first major change of venue. In 1927 it was remodeled and became the largest movie theatre in the area. Many a movie that was shown featured some of the very stars who had taken their bows onstage during the Casino’s vaudeville era. In the 1950s an upgrade to a wide-screen format was a bid to offset the popularity of the young television industry. The final blow to the Casino as a movie theatre was the advent of the multiplex and in 1981 it closed. During the mid1980s the theatre was used on occasion for stage plays, but was ultimately relegated to a borough storage building. Demolition was being considered late in the decade. Enter Eugene Iagnemma. A determined and dedicated organizer, Iagnemma led a group of concerned community activists who formed Casino Theatre Restoration and Manage-ment, Inc (CTRM) in 1992. This non-profit corporation commissioned the firm of MacLachlan, Cornelius, and Filoni, restorers of Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center, to recreate the auditorium for future generations of theatre-goers. Since 1995 the refurbished Casino has offered musicals, plays, concerts, stand-up comedy, and performances by show business greats including Mickey Rooney and trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Ferguson, who greatly admired the acoustics of the theatre, performed there in the spring of 2006 several months before his death. The Casino is also a popular venue for organization and company presentations. The theatre is a cornerstone of the Vandergrift Historic District (which is listed in the National
Register of Historic Places) and has been named The National Museum of Vaudeville at the Casino Theatre. During a private tour given by Casino Theatre President Allan Walzak, I enjoyed everything from the lovely stained glass windows at the entrance to the backstage trappings. The aforementioned win-dows, which visually represent music and the performing arts, were hidden by a movie marquee and forgotten for nearly twenty years. Several collectible cases house artifacts found on the grounds of the Casino. “Walls of Fame” feature autographed performer photos and movie posters that announced past productions. During the improvement project two window cards (vertical format posters measuring 22 by 14 inches) for the 1927 German-Expressionistic silent film masterpiece Metropolis were discovered in pristine condition in an upper room which housed the organ pipes. After being sent to the auction houses of Sotheby’s and Christie’s for appraisal, the window cards were sold for the record high prices of $24,500 and $17,500. Proceeds from the sales benefited the Casino Theatre. Thanks to a group of tireless volunteers, the Casino is a work in progress. Certain aspects of the original theatre’s décor have been retained – the green and red color scheme, the Italian marble and tile flooring, stenciled motifs and plasterwork patterns, and the likeness of Terpsichore on the outer facade to name just a few. Additions, such as one of the original Kaufmann’s department store brass chandeliers (c. 1919), are compatible with the period of the theatre. The new tin ceiling, which closely resembles the plaster ceiling of old, allows the air conditioning to operate without the distraction of sound surges. The theatre, which has a unique curved post and beam construction, uses the original sandbag system to operate the curtains and backdrops. The sound room houses not only the original electrical panel, AC/DC generators, and marquee letters, but also a stateof-the art sound system and modern projection equipment. The four exterior ionic pillars, the ladies lounge, and box seats have been refurbished. Presently being restored are the dressing rooms in the lower level, a section of which was utilized as a police lockup during the borough’s tenancy! Also slated for future upgrading are the curtain drops and riggings. continued on page 24
September/October 2007 - 21
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
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September Dates - Weekends Only September 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 October 1 thru 31 Monday - Wednesday: Closed Monday - Wednesday evenings available for Private Groups & Parties! Thursday - Friday:- 4:00 P.M. - Dusk Saturday - 11:00 A.M. - Dusk Sunday - 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M Columbus Day - 10/8, 4:00 P.M. - Dusk Halloween - 10/31 - 4:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M Flashlight Nights - October 12, 13, 19, 20 Open until 9:30 pm 26, 27 & 31
22 - September/October 2007
No, your eyes are not deceiving you. While some of the letters are familiar, try as you may, you realize that you flat out can’t read the above text. Welcome to the world of illiteracy. An April 2003 report by the U.S. Department of Education declares “47 million American adults are functionally illiterate today, and each week, another 44,000 people are added to the U. S. adult illiterate population.” (www.education-world.com) Illiterate or functionally illiterate, what’s the difference? The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines “illiteracy as the inability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute, using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.” Unlike an illiterate, those who are functionally illiterate are able to read and write text in their native language. (en.wikipedia.org) However, they lack the skills to use reading, writing and math proficiently. Everyday tasks such as making correct change at the cash register, determining the accurate dosage of medicine to take or communicating via e-mail can prove difficult if not impossible. Reasons as to the how and why someone can’t read are numerous and unique to each individual. There is little point in laying blame. This doesn’t mean the situation is permanent. According to Maggie O’Leary, Literacy Program Director for the YWCA in Greensburg, “There is no such thing as a totally illiterate person. Everybody has some reading background.” The YWCA literacy program is offered free of charge and is open to anyone interested in improving his or her reading skills. After completing an evaluation process to determine reading level, the student is matched with a tutor. It is then up to the student and tutor to decide on learning goals within the structure of the program. Some come to the program to improve job skills. Others want to read to their grandchildren. Still others have more specific goals in mind such as completing their GED or learning to read the driver’s manual so they can pass the driving test. Whatever their motivation, classes are studentcentered and directed in a one-toone setting. The Y’s program utilizes The Laubach Way to Reading. Frank C.
Laubach believed in a communitybased initiative and embraced the philosophy “Each One, Teach One.” Tutors are volunteers from our local area. The only requirement is a high school diploma and a desire to help. Training is provided by the YWCA. Maggie relates, “Many of our volunteers are retired people who have the time, but we do have younger people who also have the desire to teach. As director, I am here to support and encourage the tutors to make this a successful experience for everyone.” The literacy program has one main volunteer-based fundraiser that makes the whole program possible. The 33rd Annual Used Book Sale held this year on September 2023 at the lower level of Westmoreland Mall. Volunteers prepare for this event all year long. The community donates gently used re-saleable books (excludes Encyclopedias, magazines and textbooks) to the YWCA book shed. Once a week someone transports the donations to a storage facility. Book sorters then separate the books into categories. As the event approaches, the books are packed up and prepared for transport. Shop ‘n Save donates a tractor-trailer and a driver to take the books to the mall. Seton Hill University’s Baseball Team (The Griffins) help with unloading the truck and along with the book sorters and other volunteers set up the event. More volunteers work the actual event and tear down after the event. Then the whole process starts again in preparation for the next year. Maggie stresses that “without the invaluable contributions of all involved” (the tutors, the people who donate, the book sorters, everyone involved in the book sale and the customers who shop the event) the Literacy Program just would not be possible. So don’t forget to mark the dates of September 20 through the 23 on your calendar and come check out this worthwhile event and remember as the Greek title above proclaims “Literacy is the foundation of learning!” For more information on how to enroll or if you would like to volunteer contact Maggie at the YWCA in Greensburg. 724-834-9390 literacy@ywcawestmoreland.org – By Jennifer Smoker
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus
A Tisket, A Tasket, Delicious BBQ for Your Basket I had the good fortune of having a little more spare time than usual this summer, so we took advantage of it and visited some of the festivals that we normally don’t have a chance to. It was at the Derry Ag Fair that we had the pleasant surprise of finding food at a fair that was better than fair! It was the BBQ from Pappy D’s I’m specifically referring to. The ribs were so good we went twice that week, and had my parents pick up some more at the end of the week when we couldn’t make it over. I talked to the owner and he told me that they were from Somerset and set up along 601 on the weekends when they’re not booked for a festival or private party. When I was recently on my way home from the Legg Mason Classic in DC I happened to come home through Somerset. Pappy’s was not set up, and I was devastated! I had forgotten however that there was a permanent BBQ stand along 601 as well, not far from Pappy’s area; they were fortunately open. I was greeted at the window by the heavenly scent of hardwood smoke and a delightful girl named Jayne. I saw brisket on the menu and asked how moist & tender it was. More often than not a brisket is tortured until it is a dry and stringy lump. Jayne assured me that she knew what I was talking about and I had nothing to fear as their brisket is smoked with the cap fat left intact; I was immediately pacified.
After placing my order I was instructed to drive around to the other side of the building and park under the roof at the window. Jayne came over to finish our chat while my order was being filled. I happened to be wearing my shirt from the Culinary Institute of America – Greystone. Jayne asked me if I went to school there, so I told her what I do for a living and that I have gone to Greystone for my continuing education classes. Being the small world that it is, turns out Jayne went to the same Culinary school that I did, and after graduation went to Arizona and worked in the pastry department at the Canyon Ranch… yes the Canyon Ranch (www.canyonranch.com). After nearly a decade there she was ready to move home and help her father open the BBQ business. She also maintains her baking while managing the BBQ. One particular item that bears mention are the “Hugh Jass” brownies. Absolutely 5Star! Aside from the clever name, the 2 choices are ‘Mr.’ & ‘Mrs.’! There are little clever puns all around if you just take the time to find them. Don’t forget to read closely the hours they are open. After my food was ready we said our good-byes, and I headed home with my brisket and ribs. I had to have one of the peanut butter gobs on the way home, and when I was finished I almost decided to pull over and devour the BBQ. I did make it home, and we immediately got ready for dinner before I even unpacked. Much to my enjoy-
ment, the brisket was everything Jayne claimed it would be. It may very well be the best beef brisket I’ve had out in nearly a decade. It was only a matter of a few days before I was heading up the mountain for more. The ribs aren’t slathered with sauce while they’re on the fire (which is how I like to finish mine off from smoking) so Jayne suggested that I order the quick chilled ribs and slather them up while reheating over a fire. But quite frankly, who would want ribs when the brisket is so unbelievably ethereal! There are BBQ stands along many of our highways here in the summer months, but JB’s BBQ is open yearround (weather permitting) and is an excellent option for fall tailgating and holiday gatherings. They do smoked whole turkeys and hams for the season as well.
Pappy D’s Hog Roasting 950 Lake Shore Road Friedens, PA 15541 814.267.4999 or 814.442.8020 JB’s Southern Style BBQ Roadhouse Route 601 (between Lowe’s & Walmart)
Somerset, PA 15501 814.445.8900 www.esurio.us
(website for both JB’s & Sweet Jaynes)
Sweet Jayne’s Custom Edibles PO Box 71 Shanksville, PA 15560 814.279.2308 www.esurio.us (website for both JB’s & Sweet Jaynes)
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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
Stahlstown to Celebrate 100th Flax Scutching Celebration I bought a small bag of flax seeds, contained in a linen, draw-string pouch. In 1907 I would have been holding my entire wardrobe in my hands. When Stahlstown was a settled and respected stagecoach stop in the days of the early settlers, everything a family used was either grown or hunted in their own back yard. That included their fabrics, specifically clothing. Linen and wool were the two mainstays of fabrics for the early northern settlers, and linen was made from flax. The flax seeds would have been planted, harvested, dried, and gone through the scutching process, turning the fibers into linen threads. It was a long, tedious process that required great stamina and energy. That is one of the reasons that early settlers pooled their resources and created a community-wide event when it was time to harvest the flax. The Ligonier Valley has grown flax since the time of the first settlers in the early 1770’s. It didn’t take them long to realize that they could combine the hard work and intense labor with community celebrations which included food, fellowship, and music. In 1907, a local Justice of the Peace declared that the celebrations should include relatives and friends from out of the area. They were invited back to participate; thus the festival atmosphere. That first festival was said to have 1800 horse-drawn rigs parked on the grounds. The festival tradition has continued since that time in the same manner, even to the colonial costumes and several pieces of original equipment used in the scutching processes. Although a Westmoreland county native/resident for over fifty years, I had never before driven the 30 miles from Greensburg to Stahlstown for their flax scutching festival. But last year, the 99th celebration of the first recorded community scutching, drew my attention and off I went. Of course, it helped that our writer’s group had been offered press passes. Now not only could I check it out for myself, but I could play the big cheese while I was at it. 24 - September/October 2007
Saturday was the perfect day, with a bright blue sky filled with puffy clouds; a slight breeze blew across the canopy of trees. The air was fresh and clean. Occasionally a tempting aroma wafted by from the various food booths. The pastries pavilion was almost more than I (or anyone else) could resist. But I had a job to do first. I slapped on my little name tag that read ‘Media’ and consulted my map. Crafts, food, antiques, food, Buckwheat cakes, the flax patch, funnel cakes, Civil War encampment, food . . . it seemed in order to me. Notebook and camera in hand, I set about jotting down notes and snapping photos. First I checked out the craft booths and venders, some of which were demonstrating the making of their crafts. The potter had a clutch of children gathered around and was teaching them how to make a clay puppy. The boy scouts were pressing apples, and they sold the resulting cider at their booth. I tucked a halfgallon of that into my car with the flax seeds and a small cloth giraffe made out of Steeler material (for my granddaughter Christina), and moved on. Ft. Allen Antiques displayed tractors and equipment of varied ages and design. Pony rides were offered for the kids. The small circle of a wagon train took up part of an open field. A civil war encampment, complete with a re-enactment of the firing of a field cannon, took up the other half. One of the women cooked chili in an iron kettle over an open fire. It smelled delicious. A tiny settler and a small Indian boy were running together throughout the crowds, munching on treats and staying one step ahead of their older sister, who was trying unsuccessfully to keep them in view. Visitors were warned that an Indian raid was scheduled for 5:00pm; nice they could know that in advance. The early settlers didn’t have that luxury, and one of the area families had been burned out. There were hay rides and entertainment throughout most of the day, and regardless of the
performers, there was always a crowd. Children had their faces painted, and dogs on leashes sniffed around looking for tasty morsels. I chose a funnel cake (not to be shared with the puppies) and sat at a shaded table to watch people of all ages, some in strollers and some in wheelchairs; some with walkers and some in Snugglee carriers. Everyone was having a good time. The main attraction, of course, was the flax scutching demonstrations. I learned, first of all, the complete process involved, hearing words like Retting, Breaking, Heckling… Each term was demonstrated and explained. There was even a small patch of flax growing; this allowed visitors to picture the entire process from start to finish. Flax is a plant similar to oats that when scutched (hulls removed), it could be put through the process to produce linen. Once the flax fibers were transformed into linen threads, it was spun onto a bobbin. The bobbin, placed in a shuttle of the loom, was woven into cloth. The finished material was pressed in a linen press and from there made into the product of choice, from shirts to tablecloths. It had been a tiring process in those early days to take the flax plants to the linen threads to the finished woven products, but it was also a great social opportunity. It was the event of the year, where grandma and grandpa reminisced, mom and dad saw their spring planting come to fruition, and the young people, well, they had their eyes on that romantic harvest moon. So whether you are romantic, antique (as in ‘interested in’), connoisseur of good foods, crafty, or historic (as in ‘interested in’), mark your calendar for September 8-9. Reserve as much time as you need to sample the foods, learn the history of Stahlstown’s Flax Scutching festival and the flax products, and be part of the civil war, wagon train, or Indian raids. There’s something for everyone, and everyone should be there. For more information, call 800333-5661. I’ll see you there. I’ll probably be in line for a funnel cake . . . – By Marge Burke
continued from page 21
The Casino Theatre is no stranger to fame. It has hosted such luminaries as President William Howard Taft, politician William Jennings Bryan, world boxing champ Bob Fitzsimmons, composer Hoagy Carmichael, country music pioneer Tex Ritter, the Lone Ranger, and the Three Stooges. Legend has it that many years ago a slender teen, who was visiting area relatives for the summer, used his powers of coercion to become an unofficial assistant to the movie projectionist. His name – Jimmy Stewart. Fortunately, the oldest operating theatre in southwestern PA is being restored to its former glory and grandeur. It stands as a monument to the very definition of redux. So, send in the clowns, the crooners, the celebrities, and another century of committed Casino customers! — By Barbara M. Neill To donate or loan vaudeville-related memorabilia or for more infor-mation about the Casino Theatre and the National Museum of Vaudeville at the Casino Theatre visit www.casinotheatre.org or call 724-567-5000.
Seated at the sound board of the Casino Theatre is President Allan Walzak. Housed above are the original marquee letters.
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Men Of Constant Sorrow: A Visit to the Haunting “Shawshank” State Prison
Pro Cuts & Styles Paul Mitchell Focus Salon
724-423-5544 Charles Houck Road, Whitney
If you have seen the movie The Shawshank Redemption, two at a time in tiny freestanding blocks of cells (below left). You can even see where “X marks the spot” from an based on the novella by Stephen King (“Rita Hayworth episode of the Sci-Fi Channel series “Ghost Hunters” and the Shawshank Redemption”), then you have already done some time inside the gloomy walls of the real Ohio (season 2, episode 12) that claims an eerie conversation between two ghostly prisoners could be heard coming State Reformatory in Mansfield Ohio (above left). Located from a cell (below center). There are endless secret and about one hour north of Columbus (and three hours west spooky staircases to explore in the complex, each leading of Pittsburgh), this former prison is now an historic to a different chamber or set of administrative rooms landmark and popular tourist attraction operated by the Mansfield Reformatory Preservation Society (MRSP). (below right). Perhaps the most popular attractions are those offices and rooms where many scenes from The Based on the combined architectural styles of three Shawshank Redemption were filmed (above right). different European castles (proven fortress designs), the The entertainment industry has actively used the prison opened in September 1896 to house 150 convicts site for many other projects including: Air Force One ages 16-21. The concept was to seperate the younger (Russian prison scenes); Tango criminals from the older ones and Cash; and music videos by and provide an opportunity for Ohio State RRefor efor mator y eformator Marilyn Manson and Godsmack. reform. The boys would be 100 Reformatory Road • Mansfield, Ohio 44905 In August of this year, special taught trades in the several (419) 522-2644 • www.mrps.org effects company Precinct 13 fully-functioning factories Entertainment filmed scenes for housed behind the cell block a forthcoming movie called The Dead Matter. Much of the wings in hopes that upon release each could re-enter scenery and props used by production companies is left society with new skills. By the time the prison closed behind for visitors to view as they tour the prison. in December 1990 (because it no longer met state codes), A walk through the Ohio State Reformatory is like a over 400,000 men had passed through. Many died there and are buried in indigent graves in the back yard. journey through a spooky old castle. The combination of history and setting creates a haunting sense of sorrow The property stood unoperated for five years until the for all the souls who lived and died here – and the ones MRPS leased and eventually purchased it from the state for the sum of one dollar. some think still remain behind, condemned to wander endlessly through the dark and lonely corridors. Today the MSRP works to preserve the architecture and history of the site by raising funds to restore the Daily Tours Tuesday-Friday at 2 PM, Sundays at 1 and 4 PM (($8 adults, $6 children); Ghost Walks and interiors through daily walking tours, donations and Ghost Tours - contact for details. special night-time ghost hunts. Visitors can explore the dingy and decaying cell blocks where men were squeezed – By Cathi Gerhard Williams
September/October 2007 - 25
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST
SHOPS AROUND THE CORNER Getting To Know Unique Local Businesses and the People Behind Them LINDA EARNEST MARGARET DIVIRGILIO 646 S. URANIA AVE. GREENSBURG, PA 15601
724-834-2020
SEE OUR
BOOK YOUR PARTIES EARLY! SALADS AT NATURE’S WAY MARKET WWW.EARNESTGOURMET.COM
724-834-4688 271 Frye Farm Rd. Greensburg, PA 15601
Barkley’s Derry King Route 217 Derry • 724-694-8552 Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!
26 - September/October 2007
Cia’s: A Gallery of Fine Jewelry, Gifts and Art A new retailer has opened in the Irwin Plaza on expanded as planned. “We enjoy showcasing local Route 30. Cia’s (cee -az) is a gallery of fine jewelry, artists because it helps our community and gifts and art — founded by four friends, Ed and provides clients with memorable gifts, not mass Maria Brady, along with marketed merchandise,” Allan and Cindy Carr. said Cindy Carr. The store’s name This unique gallery reflects the names of showcases fine jewelry Cindy and Maria. including gold, diamonds Maria (Bernardo) and and gems along with Ed Brady met at Serra trendy imported items. In Catholic High School in addition, customers can homeroom. As great buy Swarovski and Asfour friends, they graduated crystal items, Waterford together and attended accessories, quality Penn State University leather goods, frames, where they started to date jewelry boxes and and have been together personalized/logo gifts. ever since. Cindy (Harris) Cia’s is an exclusive Enjoy hand made beach glass jewelry by Mary Beth Carlson, and Allan Carr attended retailer in the Irwin Washed Up Gems. McKeesport High School. area for the decorative They knew each other, but parted ways at Mary Frances® Purse Collection. graduation. Maria, Ed and Allan remained friends Original oil and watercolor paintings along throughout the years. The Bradys are with hand-crafted glass sculptures will be Godparents to Allan’s youngest son and Allan is available for sale. Norwin Art League and regional Godfather to the Brady’s youngest daughter. artists will be featured. The gallery is open Cindy and Allan were reunited last year while she was visiting her parents who live across the street from Allan. Cindy relocated from Washington state, and they were married in Cancun earlier this year. In January, friends Max and Shirley Sandala were about to retire and owned the jewelry store where Cia’s is now located. The Bradys approached the Sandalas and inquired about buying the business. Initially, another party had a bid. A month went by and the initial deal did not materialize. So, the Bradys were now able to pursue the purchase. The Bradys thought it would be wise to expand what the store offered and to have a storefront for their marketing business, Marakae Marketing (www.marakae.biz). Knowing that Cindy had an excellent background in client relations, the Bradys and the Carrs teamed together. Renovations started in mid-March and were primarily completed by Ed and Allan. Family and friends also helped to paint, clean and decorate. The gallery opened on May 1. “It’s very rewarding to work with friends who Cia’s shopkeepers and friends: Allan & Cindy Carr (left), Ed & Maria Brady (right) share the same faith, goals, and work ethic. Each one of us contributes unique talents that will help Cia’s succeed,” stated Maria. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10-5, The four friends are enjoying meeting new Thursday, 10-6:30 and Saturday10-4. Cia’s can people and sharing their beautiful gallery with be reached at 724.864.9828. Their website will visitors. The store merchandise has been be launched soon at www.ciasgallery.com.
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Paula J. Forte
There’s Music in the Air Audiences are never disappointed after catching one of the noteworthy student musical performances at Derry Area High School – from lovely choral concerts at Christmas to outstanding musicals in the Spring. A school with such a great musical pedigree will finally have the opportunity to present performances for the community year-round at an outdoor amphitheater and art center on the Derry Area campus. Mr. Rod Bisi, Derry Area alumnus and Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at Derry Area School District, conceived the idea for a cultural center. In addition to being in charge of the athletic, transportation, and grant writing departments for the school district, Mr. Bisi is also the liaison between the Derry Area School District and the Derry Area Educational Foundation. In 2002, while still the principal of the high school, he approached Mrs. Karen (Slade) Kerin about the music department’s desire to use an outdoor performance facility. Mrs. Kerin, is a Derry alumna who became Derry’s third band director in 1993. Her grandmother, Mrs. Ruby Markle, had directed operettas at Derry since the mid 1940’s and the first broadway-style musical in 1963. Mrs. Kerin was enthusiastic about Mr. Bisi’s proposal. She had recently visited an amphitheater near her alma mater, Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio, similar to one Mr. Bisi proposed. During her visit, she heard a speaker lecture without amplification to an audience on a hillside, and she was impressed with the acoustics. She envisioned an ancient Greek theater and thought, “Now that’s a good stage.” To attempt to replicate the sound quality for Derry’s installation, she and husband Mark revisited the amphitheater to take measurements and pictures. Mark Kerin then created a wooden model of the structure using the measurements and pictures and made a rough sketch of the structure on the computer. Mrs. Kerin then took the model to Mr. Richard McWherter’s art
retired for many years, she is still class for decoration. Sarah Rekrut, street that leads to Grandview very active in the community. Mrs. a junior at the time, and Mr. Elementary School. Calvo served as president of Latrobe McWherter painted the model and Upon the project’s approval, Area Hospital’s “Little Shop” Board of created miniature artworks for the funding became an issue. Mr. Don Directors, and she is currently on the model’s tiny art gallery. Heiple, former president of the Derry boards of the Laurel Area Partnership After completing the model, Mrs. Area Band Parents and Ashleigh’s on Aging, the Union Kerin asked Mr. Ken Mission, and the Hackman, computer Westmoreland Choral assisted design instruSociety from which she ctor, to blueprint the recently received the project. Ashley Heiple, VERA Award for her a majorette and musical volunteer efforts. She participant, was taking also serves her church an independent study in as an elder and choir computer assisted and handbell director, design (CAD) and was and she worked as guest commissioned for the director of the Fourth of task. Mr. Hackman July Interfaith Choir went to the site to get rehearsal four times the measurements, since retirement. When and Ashleigh devoted approached by Mr. Bisi to her junior year in CAD to completing the organize the fundraising for the project, she said project. Ashleigh gradthat she was happy and uated from Derry Area in June 2007 and plans The Derry Cultural Center was the brainchild of Rod Bisi, Administrative Assistant to the proud to give something Superintendent of the Derry Area School District. The model pictured with him was created to study biology at the by Mark Kerin and decorated by Richard McWherter and Sarah Rekrut. (Photo by Paul Forte) back to Derry Area. She recently sent pledge University of Pittscards to 650 students who were active burgh at Greensburg. Joe Bleehash, father, wanted the band parents to in the music department at Derry. All president of Foothills Architecture in fund the whole project. While Mr. musical alumni who did not receive a Latrobe, reviewed Ashleigh’s final Heiple was president of the band letter and pledge card from Mrs. Calvo design and estimated the building parents during the 2005 and 2006 and who are interested in contributing costs. After the blueprints, the school years, the band parents to the project should call Mrs. Calvo specifications sheet, and the model sponsored a golf outing and donated at 724-539-5518. were completed, the entire group – the proceeds to the cultural center. The Foundation hopes for including Sarah and Ashleigh – The money raised was insufficient continued community support to build presented their plans to the school to cover the costs of construction, this project. Preliminary estimates of board for approval in January of 2006. however. Fortunately, the Derry Area the cost of the project are $100,000. The group impressed the school Education Foundation had recently As a non-profit organization, the board. The land between the one completed construction of the Barb foundation accepts donated materials room schoolhouse and the soccer Thompson Early Literacy Center, and and volunteer labor. The Eastern field on the campus that held the with Mr. Bisi’s help, the Foundation Westmoreland Vocational-Technical Derry Area high and middle schools also decided to finance the cultural School’s masonry department has and Grandview Elementary School center. Mr. Heiple also continues to already promised to build the stage for was deemed a perfect site for the help raise funds for this project by the amphitheater. Additionally, the cultural center. The area has plenty working with Mrs. Susannah Calvo to Richard King Mellon Foundation of parking and restrooms and is locate and contact all Derry music pledged a $25,000 matching funds within walking distance of all three program alumni to solicit donations. grant, but the deadline for the schools; moreover, the area is Mrs. Susannah Calvo signed onto matching funds is approaching quickly. adjacent to a hillside that will act the project on May 23rd, 2007, a day after she stepped down as president All donations to the Derry Area School as natural bleachers for the of the Hospital Aide Society. Mrs. District Foundation are fully taxaudience. The cultural center will Calvo taught music and directed deductible. For information about be a multipurpose building with a 75wonderful musicals for many years contributing to this worthwhile project, foot stage facing the hillside and a at Derry Area High School. Although contact Rod Bisi at 724-694-1419. wrap-around art gallery facing the September/October 2007 - 27
LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Sept 8
Latrobe Arts, Crafts & Food Fair Ligonier Street, Latrobe, 724-537-8742
Sept 8-9
Hempfield Fall Festival Hempfield Park, Rt.66 North, Greensburg, 724-836-7900 x140 www.hempfieldtwp.us
Sept 8-9
Tour de Strongland Bike Race Vandergrift, 724-845-5426 www.strongland.org
Sept 8-9
Thru Sept 16 Allure of Japanese Glass Pittsburgh Glass Center, Pittsburgh 412-365-2145 www.pittsburghglasscenter.org
Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival Rt. 711, Stahlstown, 724-593-2119
Sept 9
Thru Nov 11 Chihuly at Phipps: Gardens and Glass Phipps Conservatory, Oakland 412-622-6914 www.phipps.conservatory.org
Sept 9
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2007 COMMUNITY CALENDAR Thru Sept 16 Viva Vetro! Glass Alive! Venice and America Carnegie Museum of Art, Oakland 412-622-3131 www.cmoa.org
Thru Jan 08 Carnival! Explore the Cultures of Carnival with International music and costumes Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland, 412-622-3131 www.CarnegieMNH.org Thru Oct 14 Made In PA : A Folk Art Tradition Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, 724-837-1500 www.wmuseumaa.org Weekends
The New Greater Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival (during September) West Newton, 724-872-1670 www.pgh-renfest.com
Sept 1-2
Johnstown Folkfest Johnstown, 814-539-1889 www.johnstownfolkfest.org
Sept 1-3
PA Arts and Crafts Colonial Festival Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Greensburg, 724-863-4577 www.familyfestivals.com
Sept 2
Diamond Rio 6 PM Seven Springs Mountain Resort’s Grey Rocks Amphitheatre Champion, 866-703-ROCK (7625) www.7springs.com
Sept 4
Senior Social 2 PM Country Café & Video, Pleasant Unity, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org
Sept 20
Westmoreland Jazz Society Presents Lisa Ferraro Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, 724-837-1500 ext 27 www.wmuseumaa.org
Sept 20-29
The Complete History of America (Abridged) - Apple Hill Playhouse, Delmont www.applehillplayhouse.org 724-468-5050
Sept 20-23
Horseless Carriage Display West Overton Village, Scottdale 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.org
YWCA Annual Used Book Sale Proceeds benefit YWCA Literacy Program Westmoreland Mall, Greensburg, 724-834-9390 www.ywcawestmoreland.org www.literacy@ywcawestmoreland.org
Sept 21
UPMC Health Plan Grandparents Day PPG Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh 412-665-3640 www.pittsburghzoo.org
Nobodies of Comedy 8 PM Convention Hall, Seven Springs, 866-703-ROCK (7625) www.7springs.com
Sept 21
Elko Concerts Presents Mandy Moore & Paula Cole 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Sept 21
Poverty Neck Hillbillies 5 PM Gazebo Stage Scottdale Fall Festival 724-887-8220 www.scottdalefallfestival.org
Sept 21-23
Scottdale Fall Festival Scottdale, 724-887-8220 www.scottdalefallfestival.org
Sept 22
Flea Mart - St Bruno’s Hall Free Admission; Refreshments Available 8AM - 2PM, 724-834-4808 (after 6PM)
Sept 22
A Chocolate Affaire Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, 800-452-2223 www.7springs.com
Sept 22
National Children’s Day PPG Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh, 412-665-3640 www.pittsburghzoo.org
Sept 22
Babysitter Certification sponsored by the American Red Cross Open to girls & boys ages 11 and above YWCA, Greensburg. Register by Sept 21 724-834-9390 www.ywcawestmoreland.org
Sept 26
Card and Board Game Party 6PM, St. Benedict Parish, Marguerite Delores 724-423-5813/Sue 724-838-1682
Sept 28
Westmoreland Cultural Trust Presents “Capitol Steps” 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Sept 14-16
Avonmore Harvest Jubilee Parade Saturday, Fireworks Sunday 724-697-4910
Sept 14-16
Stage Right Presents “Beauty & the Beast Palace Theatre, Greensburg, 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Sept 15Oct 31
Annual Harvest Festival Faranda Farm, Holsopple, 814-479-7109 www.farandafarm.com
Sept 15-16
Indiana Arts Festival Philadelphia Street, Indiana 724-465-2787 www.indianaartscouncil.org
Sept 16
Macy’s Elephant Day PPG Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh 412-665-3640 www.pittsburghzoo.org
Sept 5-9
Farmers and Threshermen’s Jubilee New Centerville, 814-926-3142 www.ncvfc.com
Sept 29
Sept 6
Senior Social 2 PM Valley Dairy, Jefferson Street, Latrobe, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org
Derry Railroad Days 10 AM Parade
Sept 28-30
Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival Mount Pleasant, 724-547-7738 www.mtpleasantglassandethnicfestival.com
Sept 7-9
Ligonier Highland Games Idlewild Park, Ligonier, 412-851-9900 www.ligoniergames.org
Sept 28-30
Sept 7-9
Mountain Craft Days Somerset Historical Center, 10649 Somerset Park, 814-445-6077 www.somersethistoricalcenter.org
Lonesome Valley Farms Haunted Hayride & Corn Maze (Oct 5-7,12-14, 19-21, 26-28) Next to Westmoreland Fairgrounds 724-832-1580 www.lonesomevalleyfarms.com
Sept 28-29 Oct 5-6
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater West Overton Village, Scottdale 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.org
Sept 29
Westmoreland Cultural Trust Presents “Say Goodnight Gracie’ 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Sept 29
Annual Fall Nature Walk Bushy Run Battlefield, Rt. 993, Jeannette 724-527-5584 www.bushyrunbattlefield.com
Sept 7-9
Saltsburg Community Days and Car Cruise Canal Park, Saltsburg 724-639-3728
Sept 8
River City Brass Band “Curtain Raisers!” 8 p.m. Palace Theatre, Greensburg, 1-800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Sept 8
Delmont Community Day Shield’s Farm, Delmont 724-468-4422 ext 4
28 - September/October 2007
A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Sept 29
Civil War Encampment by the Blue & Gray Brigade Historic Hanna’s Town , Rt. 119 N Greensburg, 724-836-1800 www.starofthewest.org
Sept 29
16th Annual Ebensburg PotatoFest Downtown Ebensburg 814-472-8780 www.potatofest.com
Sept 29-30
Annual Berlin Whiskey Rebellion Berlin, 814-267-3226
Sept 30
Kerber Dairy Car Cruise Guffy Road, North Huntingdon 724-863-6930 www.kerbers.com
Sept 30 Oct 8-10
A Tribute to Nat King Cole featuring Walt Maddox, Dinner & Show, Mountain View Inn Greensburg, 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com
October is Local Chamber of Commerce Month in Pennslvania! The Laurel Mountain Post is a proud member of the Latrobe Chamber of Commerce, the Ligonier Chamber of Commerce, and the Strongland Chamber of Commerce. Oct 1-31
Schramm Farms & Orchards Fall Fest Jeannette, 724-744-7320 www.schrammfarms.com
Oct 2
Senior Social 2 PM Country Café & Video, Pleasant Unity, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org
Oct 4-31
Tom Savini’s Terrormania Haunted House. Century III Mall West Mifflin
Oct 4
Senior Social 2 PM Valley Dairy, Jefferson Street, Latrobe 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org
Oct 5-7
Polka Octoberfest Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion 866-703-7625 www.7springs.com
Oct 5-6
Springs Folk Festival Springs, 814-662-9202 www.springspa.org
Oct 5-6 Oct 12-13
Haunted Mountain Hayrides and Trail Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, Mill Run, 724-455-2929 www.jellystonemillrun.com
Oct 6
Art in the Kitchen Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, 724-837-1500 ext 33 www.wmusemaa.org
Oct 6
River City Brass Band “Broadway Babies” 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 1-800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Oct 6
Civil War Living History & Old-Fashioned Hog Roast Christian W Klay Winery, Chalk Hill 724-439-3424 www.cwklaywinery.com
Oct 20
Candlelight Guided Ghost Tour 18th-century guided walk through streets of Bedford. $7 advance/$8 at gate. Coverlet Museum/Bedfor Common School. 9 PM 814-623-8991 www.bedfordghosttours.com
Oct 20
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Presents “The Excitement Begins” 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Oct 20
Annual Haunted History Hayride Bushy Run Battlefield, Rt. 993 Jeannette, 724-527-5584
Oct 20-21
Dollhouse & Miniature Show Proceeds benefit Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital Mountain View Inn, Greensburg 724-837-8199 or 724-537-7761. www.mountainviewinn.com
Oct 6-7
Delmont Apple ‘n Arts Festival Shields Farm, Delmont 724-325-8867
Weekends Oct ober
Autumnfest Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion 800-452-2223 www.7springs.com
Weekends Oct ober
Houston’s Haunted Hollow Somerset, 814-926-3133 www.hauntedhollow.net
Weekends October
HALLOWBOO! Idlewild Park, Ligonier, 412-851-9900 www.idlewild.com
Oct 7
Gorilla Day PPG Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh 412-665-3640 www.pittsburghzoo.org
Oct 20-21
Latshaw Productions presents Vickie Lawrence & Mama Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Mountain Crafts Weekend Touchstone Center for Crafts, Farmington 724-329-1370 www.touchstonecrafts.com
Oct 20-21 Oct 27-28
KDKA ZooBoo for Kids Sake PPG Zoo and Aquarium, Pittsburgh 412-665-3640 www.pittsburghzoo.org
Oct 10-11
Oct 20 & 27 Murder Mystery Christian Klay Winery, Chalk Hill 724-439-3424 www.cwklaywinery.com
Oct 11-20
The Nerd Apple Hill Playhouse, Delmont www.applehillplayhouse.org 724-468-5050
Oct 25
Halloween Family Movie Night 8 PM Legion Keener Park, Latrobe 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org
Oct 12-14
Fort Ligonier Days 120 E. Main Street, Ligonier 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com
Oct 25
Oct 12-13 Oct 19-20
Bump in the Night Non-scary family event to celebrate autumn. Frick Environmental Center, 7-9 pm $10 adult/$8 child. 412-422-6538
Latshaw Productions Presents “The Duprees and Jimmy Beaumount & The Skyliners 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Oct 26
Oct 13
Westmoreland Cultural Trust Presents “Sandy Duncan Celebrates Broadway” 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Hobgoblin Hike Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg 724-830-3950
Oct 26
Latshaw Productions Presents “Elvis to the Max’ 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Oct 26
Autumn Big Band Dinner Dance Mountain View Inn, Greensburg 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com
Oct 27
Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Freda Payne starring as Ella Fitzgerald 8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org
Oct 26-27
Rebecca (Subscription Series) Valley Players of Ligonier, 8:00 PM, Ligonier Theater, www.valleyplayers.org 724-238-6514
Oct 26-28
A Halloween Haunting Storytelling Event Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown 724-238-4983
Oct 28
Haunted Halloween Trail Indian Lake Park, North Huntingdon 724-863-3806
Oct 28
Halloween Happenings Evening of Family Fun, 4-8 pm Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park. Free with conservatory admission. 412-622-6914.
Oct 14
Latshaw Productions Presents Puttin’ On The Ritz Dinner & Show Mountain View Inn Greensburg 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com
Oct 14 & 21 Fall Foliage Fest Christian Klay Winery, Chalk Hill 724-439-3424 www.cwlaywinery.com Oct 17-Nov 1 Annual Scarecrow Contest Ligonier 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com Oct 18
Westmoreland Jazz Society Presents Dixie Doc & the Pittsburgh Dixieland All Stars Westmoreland Museum of American Art Greensburg, 724-837-1500 ext 27 www.wmuseumaa.org
Oct 19-21 Oct 27-28
13th Annual PA Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival Washington County Fairgrounds, Washington, 724-863-4577 www.familyfestivals.com
Oct 19-20
Haunted Tales of Manchester Walking Tour Manchester Neighborhood Pittsburgh’s North Side, 412-321-7707 www.manchesterhistoricsocietypa.com
Oct 19
Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District 5:30-9:00, Downtown Pittsburgh, FREE Australian-themed event. 412-471-6070 Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, www.pgharts.org
To submit your community event to this calendar, please email complete information to:
advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com
September/October 2007 - 29
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3rd Annual Friends of Valley School Golf Tournament Monday, September 24th will be the date of the Third Annual Friends of Valley School Golf Tournament to be held again at the beautiful Laurel Valley Golf Club in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. The famous gourmet luncheon for both golfers and non-golfers will be followed by a 1:30 pm Shotgun Start for individual medal play in foursome with handicap. The Hors d’oeuvres reception with the bestowing of the Valley “Green Jacket” award will
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The Wagging Tail Pet Grooming and Express Pet Wash
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30 - September/October 2007
For more information on sponsor-ships and foursomes, please contact Chairpersons Ron and Denise DeNunzio at 412-897-2953 or Valley School of Ligonier at 724-238-6652. – By JB Rossi
for less than what you owe If you qualify we can:
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Corporate sponsorships are available and include the gourmet luncheon buffet, open practice range, a golf foursome, the hors d’oeuvres reception, an event banner and tee sponsorship with company name, and an Arnold
Stop wage garnishments
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The skill game highlights include the longest putt, the longest drive, closest to the pin on all par 3’s, and a $10,000 first hole-in-one prize donated by Smail Auto Group on the 17th hole.
Settle IRS Back Taxes
Value Packages for Gift Giving, starting at $35 Sand Bunker 2 Grass Hitting Areas
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Palmer autographed Laurel Valley Pin Flag.
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A Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania
Not Your Average Cowboy Not Your Average Equestrian Store
Horseless Carriage Display
Prairie Song Clever Tees for all Ages
The public is invited to view antique, unique, classic, and classy cars at the finish of the Frick Horseless Carriage Tour at the West Overton Museums, Scottdale, PA. 724-887-7910
Home Branded Wild Horse Stoneware Collection
Marriage Is Murder
October 5th & 6th Friday & Saturday 9 am to 5 pm Craftsmen at work, PA Dutch Food Music All Day Route 669, Springs, PA 814-662-9202 Springs Historical Society www.springspa.org
English Riding Supply 40% off Ladies & Children’s “Connoisseur Collection”
September 9 1:30 - 3:30 PM
A Murder Mystery Dinner Theater:
50th Annual Springs Folk Festival Experience how our forefathers worked and played!
Great ideas for everyone from:
Sept. 28 & 29, Oct. 5 & 6 In the West Overton Museum Distillery Room – Dinner by Pat’s Country Catering of Ligonier. Show starts at 6:30 and reservations are required. $25 for museum members; $30 for nonmembers. 724-887-7910
West Overton Village Scottdale, PA 15683 Phone: (724) 887-7910 Fax: (724) 887-5010 Email: Admin@westoverton.org
Life Shade Equestrian Lampshades All Jewelery 20% Off (excluding consignment) LEANIN’ TREE Cards & Stationery An American Tradition Since 1949
Equine Chic
h more So muc t a s than ju e! or t s horse
For Horse, Home & You! 106 E. Main Street • Ligonier, PA Tuesday - Saturday, 10-5 • 724.238.7003
www.EquineChic.com
September/October 2007 - 31
Bogut In the Morning Chilly Billy Mid-Days McGann On The Way Home... and Pittsburgh’s “REAL” Oldies
All The Time! 32 - September/October 2007