Laurel Mountain Post September 2014

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Every Story Begins At Home.

September 2014 - 1

westmoreland financial

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST

Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County since 2004.

http://www.prittylilockets.origamiowl.com/parties/LaurelMountainPost452499 A percentage of all sales will support the Laurel Mountain Post nonprofit advertising fund!

The Colors of Our Stories

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

Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher editor@laurelmountainpost.com

Joe Walko, Managing Editor joe@laurelmountainpost.com

Megan Fuller, Web & Calendar Editor megan@laurelmountainpost.com

Nancy A. Clark, Contributing Editor nancy@laurelmountainpost.com

Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation Manager Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.

Phone: 724-537-6845 Fax: 724-558-9548

Laurel Mountain Post 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

Every Story Begins At Home.

Fall is an eclectic season. With the chillier nights come football games, letterman jackets and warm sweaters, the bounty of harvest goodness, corn mazes and campfires, apple cider and s’mores. The leaves trade the uniform greens of summer for their true bright golds, reds and oranges, and the rolling hills seem to come alive.

It’s the most colorful time of year in our little patch of paradise.

But the truth is, our part of western Pennsylvania is colorful year round. Perhaps most of the year the color is masked by green, or even barren in the winter, but the color is still there, hidden in our stories.

Our stories are what define us, what brings meaning to our daily lives and to our struggles. And sharing our stories is what connects us.

“The need to tell ours stories is essential to the human species – second in necessity after nourishment and before love and shelter.

Millions survive without love or a home, almost none survive silence.” So says Reynolds Price, and I agree.

“Every story begins at home.” That’s the motto of the Laurel Mountain Post, that’s what drew me to pick up and read the magazine; that’s what prompted me to submit one of my own stories.

One story led to another, and a monthly outdoor column has now morphed into a Managing Editor role with the Laurel Mountain Post, because there is so much color to share.

I look forward to sharing with you the stories of the people behind the galleries and restaurants and farms of our area, the stories of the hidden special colorful places that dot our region, of the memories we share and the shared memories we are creating. It will be a grand adventure, continuing to bring these stores to life in the glossy pages of the Laurel Mountain Post, connecting our readers to each other, our advertisers to customers, and our stories from our house to yours.

And there is so much excitement to come, from celebrating the Laurel Mountain Post’s upcoming ten-year anniversary to a new web site that will make our stories even easier to share! Join me in telling our tales for another ten years, won’t you?

Cheers!

September 2014 - 3

Table of Contents

September 2014

On the Diamond

ANTIQUES Multi-Dealer Shop

5

New Growth Gallery by Nancy A Clark

8

Two Great Grills

by Scott Sinemus, The Ligonier Chef

12 Magic Mushrooms

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

Mary Jo Culbertson Proprietor (724) 238-0497

by Joe Walko

14 Preparing the House for Vacation

by Brian Mishler

15 Bee at the Diamond for Fudge!

16 Fire in the Hole

Second Chapter Books

by John Kekec

18 Want to Lose Weight? F.O.C.U.S.

by Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES

19 Family Hiking Day - September 27 20 Swimming in Electronic Waste 21 Purslane

139 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658

724-238-7933 fb.com/secondchapterbooks

by EarthTalk

by Granny Earth

24 “Oscar Wilde”

New and Used Books • Children’s Gifts Jewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff

by Rev. Marjorie Rivera

Advertising Deadline for October: September 20 Call the Laurel Mountain Post Editorial Office at 724-537-6845 or visit www.LaurelMountainPost.com for complete information.

25 September-October Community Calendar 29 Palace Theatre Murals Featured Worldwide

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie Rivera

30 The Darkroom by Cathi Gerhard

Pittsburgh’s Premiere Psychic & Party Reader 412-884-7788 • pittsburghmedium.com My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death.

Print subscriptions are available for $30/year for 12 issues ($2.50 each), and will arrive via 1st Class US Mail. To order, please complete and return this form with payment: NAME: ____________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________ CITY: _____________________________________________________ STATE: ___________________ ZIP: _____________________________ EMAIL: ___________________________________________________ Laurel Mountain Post Print Subscriptions 189 Fairview Lane • Derry, PA 15627 Secure Online Ordering in Our Web Store: www.LaurelMountainPost.com

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Where did you pick up this copy of the magazine? ________________________ Your subscription will start with the next issue following receipt of this order form. We only use your information to contact you regarding the Laurel Mountain Post. It will NOT be shared with outside parties or added to any other list.

September 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

New Growth Gallery: Preserving the Past for the Future by Nancy A. Clark There are times when not knowing which way to turn – left or right? doesn’t really matter. Such is the case when crossing the threshold and entering the NEW GROWTH GALLERY at 319 Main Street, New Alexandria, PA. The visitor is immediately drawn to the striking original paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolor that adorn the walls in the foyer and of the parlor to the left (adjacent to the workroom) and the parlor to the right (the frame room).

“All the canvases here are originals,” promises Jeffrey Rouse – fine painter, conservator and restoration artist-extraordinaire. “You’ll not find a ‘giclee’ (a French term for print or reproduction) in our gallery.”

New Growth Gallery conducts business in the oldest house still standing in New Alexandria today.

Both the exterior and interior are punctuated by design and décor indigenous of early to mid-1800 architecture. Once an inn for travelers, the building’s typically high ceilings and restored wide plank flooring reflect the hours and elbow grease invested by gallery owner Rouse and his wife, Roxanne.

“The place didn’t look like this when we bought it in 2010,” Rouse

explains when asked about his personal investment into restoring the “two up/two down” (or “two over two”) structure built in 1808. “Roxy and I single-handedly scrubbed every brick and sanded, painted, stained, or stripped wallpaper off every surface – inside and out – before opening our doors in January, 2011.”

The parlors and foyer are showrooms for eye candy to those who appreciate fine art and old things preserved. Collectibles and antiques in wood, metal, glass and porcelain – bowls, cups/saucers, sculptures and figurines – are staged on fireplace mantels, behind glass doors of builtin pantries and display cases and even on the floor. Rouse’s attention to period style and authenticity is evident down to the lace curtains at the high windows and the intentional placement of items from his personal collections.

The gallery’s workshop and studio are located in the addition built in 1832 across the back of the original structure. Restoring paintings, frames and small objects constitutes a large part of Rouse’s workload. His work for the Westmoreland Museum of Art ultimately led to his position as Registrar and Curator for the well-respected

institution, where he worked under the tutelage of Dr. Paul A. Chew for 11 years “before going out on my own.”

Kathy Ward, (left) of Greensburg, is Rouse’s capable workroom assistant. “I spent 35 years in social services,” Kathy offered, “and I spent nearly a dozen years pursuing the chance to work with Jeffrey. This is the work I really love,” she added. “And I’ve picked up my painting again, too.”

Every nook and cranny of the workroom if filled with pieces in a myriad of mediums waiting for Kathy and Jeffrey’s trained eyes and steady hands. “Some things on the workbench have little intrinsic value,” says Rouse, “but they all mean very much to their owners.” The team works surrounded by Rouse’s extensive collection of crucifixes, statuary from all over the world and other religious artifacts. (photo on page 6) Prominent in the frame room– and in dire need of restoration–are two colorful, life-sized nutcrackers (shown on page 6). “These fiberglass figures are from Macy’s in New York City,” Rouse explains. “Both need to have their arms reattached; both need surgery to repair hairline damages and more obvious breaks before they are considered in perfect form once again.” continued on page 6

Every Story Begins At Home.

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continued from page 5

An Erie, PA native, Rouse is nationally and internationally recognized as a superior restoration artist, his skill having been courted by England, Hungary and Germany. He restored two chairs damaged in the 1992 fire in England’s Windsor Castle that destroyed much of Queen Elizabeth’s valuable art collection, as well as several paintings for the Vatican during the tenure of Pope John Paul. He also restored four paintings for one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world – The State Hermitage Art Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Rouse earned his B.A. (in painting) and a M.A. from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and taught at both Seton Hill University and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg. But his desire to paint, and his passion for restoring and preserving art won the inner battle between teaching and doing.

“It’s a selfish career I’ve chosen,” he muses, “but I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Yet, once a teacher, always a teacher. In the singleroom added in the 1860s to the right side of the original structure – and appropriately named The Classroom, Rouse engages with local artists of all ages who share his love of art. The space, reminiscent of an early 19th century one-room school classroom, provides wall space for exhibiting much of Rouse’s own paintings.

Among the period appointments in The Classroom is a school house clock dated 1862 that belonged to Rouse’s great-grandmother, who was also a teacher.

The New Alexandria Art Alliance, an art appreciation “club,” meets every six weeks in The Classroom to discuss art (over a glass of wine) and plan membership projects that are exhibited on a Classroom wall for six weeks beginning at the next meeting.

The Classroom is also where Rouse, sponsor of several small exhibits in the past, will host his first major art exhibition, featuring the paintings of emerging artist Xan Mayer. “Xan is an incredible artist. I’ve never had a student so innately talented,” Rouse remarks about his protégé. “His work is outstanding, and we are proud to introduce his newest oil on canvas, titled

Origin of Species, one of twelve to be exhibited.”

A New Alexandria resident, Mayer has been recognized by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Council for the Arts Regional Juried Art Exhibition.

His work has been featured in such prestigious galleries as the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) and the Main Exhibit Gallery, both located in Ligonier.

Xan Mayer will be on hand at the Opening Reception scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 7 -9 p.m.

The exhibit will run until November 9 before it hits the road for, hopefully, much larger cities and venues.

[

New Growth Gallery

319 West Main Street New Alexandria, PA 15670 www.newgrowthgallery.net (724) 668-7527

]

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

Largest Farmers Market in Western PA Every Saturday (rain or shine) 8 am - noon, May-October

Final Weekend: October 4th, 2014

Located at the intersection of West Main Street and Route 30 in Ligonier

Visit us at www.ligoniercountrymarket.com Fresh Picked Produce, Meats, Eggs, Perennials & Annuals, Hot Cooked Foods, and Handmade Crafts

6 - September 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Every Story Begins At Home.

September 2014 - 7

THE LIGONIER CHEF

by Scott Sinemus

The Ligonier Chef is taking on our “Shops Around the Corner” column to write a multi-part series on local restaurants. This month’s article is part 2.

Two Good Grills Continuing on with my last article about local places that are providing good food … a couple of other pleasant surprises have been the Steel Wheel Grill at the Sleepy Hollow and the Black & Gold Grill.

Everyone I know is so excited to see life coming back to the Hollow on route 30.

I’ve enjoyed going there since I was very young, and it was a smorgasbord-style restaurant. It’s been decades, but I can still remember how good the corn fritters were.

Seeing it closed for so long, I remember when it was reopened as a gourmet restaurant, and the wild mushroom strudel was phenomenal.

Now Christopher and Jessica Beam have brought some of the best BBQ we’ve had the pleasure to enjoy. They’re not new to the business. Christopher started a food truck in Latrobe–and business was so good, he outgrew it in three months. After trying out a few storefrontsin Latrobe, they chose the Hollow as their permanent location, with plans to remodel the newly-restored building.

They’ve been welcomed with open arms to the valley, and I wish them a long and successful run.

Currently they’re serving a limited menu outside on disposable plates and utensils while they’re working on finishing the main restaurant; it’s like going to a friend’s picnic … except the food is guaranteed to be delicious! There are photos, signs and other nostalgic pieces decorating all of the walls of the outdoor bar. We love the beachy feeling and all the open air.

The ribs fall off the bone, and are incredibly moist and flavorful. The sauces

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are all homemade, and as good as the meat.

The smoked wings have been consistently the favorite at our table. The soups are also homemade, and served piping hot!! I haven’t personally tried the burgers – but everyone that’s had one at the tables around us has proclaimed them to be the best.

There always seems to be a crowd, especially with the weekend travelers out for a drive, and there’s live music often.

Hours: 11am-10 pm, Wednesday thru Sunday.

Watch for information on their Facebook page about a re-launched Kickstarter program to help restore the historic Sleepy Hollow landmark!

[

Steel Wheel Grill at the Hollow 3136 Route 30 East Latrobe, PA 15650 724-822-4882

downstairs is completely the opposite with low, intimate ceilings and another bar. We eat outside as often as possible, of course.

There’s a miniature gazebo at the far end of the patio that’s absolutely charming.

]

***** A hidden gem is the Black & Gold Grill in Loyalhanna. I say hidden because it’s a bit off the beaten track for most; but definitely worth visiting.

They’re located in the old Stone House restaurant, and are currently competing in the Samuel Adams best burger in the ‘burgh contest with their entry, The Meltdown: the burger is grilled, dipped in buffalo sauce, and topped with cheese and brie-stuffed jalapenos. There are several different kinds of burgers as well as a build your own option.

Jason’s favorite is the Fried Pub Burger (pictured at right) with beer-battered pickle spears, onion petals, cheddar, lettuce and ranch dressing (pictured at left). There’s even one with pierogies!

I normally get the fish & chips, which are excellent; but I did try the burger, and it was quite good. The French fries are homemade, and are a popular favorite, but are never as crispy as I like them. The soups are always delicious and homemade. If Will the Chef is “feeling it,” he makes some of the best potato salad I’ve ever had to go with a daily special.

There are two levels inside: the upstairs has televisions and a vaulted ceiling – I love the open environment. It’s quite packed with regulars during sporting games of all sorts, especially the Steeler games. The

They have a new website that lists the full menu as well as the daily and happy hour specials: blackgoldgrill.com

[

The Black & Gold Grill 1433 Main St. Latrobe, PA 15650 Tel: (724) 532-1115

]

If you would like The Ligonier Chef to visit your restaurant, please contact editor@laurelmountainpost.com ***** Scott Sinemus is a Chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Pennsylvania Institute for Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh. He’s continued his education with classes from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and The Greenbrier; and has travelled internationally in search of authentic cuisine.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Every Story Begins At Home.

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September 2014 - 9

Indiana Office: 724-349-8500 957 Philadelphia St. Indiana, PA 15701

New Alexandria Office: 724-668-5080 412 W. Main St. New Alexandia, PA 15670

Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200 213 E. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717

New Florence Office: 724-235-3062 213 Ligonier St. New Florence, PA 15944

Blairsville

#984521 – Stunning home back on the market with beautifully refinished hardwood floors,2 BR,2 storage rooms and a full bath on third floor. Park like setting in spacious rear yard.Offered at $325,000

Fairfield Township

#1010823 – Country living with privacy and peace, beautiful views and magnificent view of stars and constellations, olde farmhouse with greatroom addition, open kitchen,dr,lr, finished apartment downstairs, generator, well and spring water, 4 outbuildings, Amish cook stove, gas rights negotiable, agent owned.Bring your horses, fenced in pasture...home warranty. Offered at $299,000

Blairsville

#1011285 – Beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath ranch w/stone fireplace, oak kitchen and trim thru out. Inviting deck & pool with shed & playgym. Move-in ready.Huge finished lower level w/bar & plenty of storage. Complete with 2 car garage, on a double lot in the Walnut Hills area of Blairsville. Easy access to Rt. 22. Offered at $239,900

Salem Township

#1025635 – Mive-in condition, full basement. Master w/ full bath and garden tub. Fenced rear yard, oversized det garage w/ storage. New windows, newer roof, provate. New furnace, updated electric. Small barn. Must-see property!

Offered at $159,900

Blairsville

#1022045 – Country living near Routes 22 and 119, this lovely home offers kitchen w/granite counters/ appliances,beautiful oak woodwork. French doors to 15'x31' covered Vermont slate patio. Heated 5 car garage; Professionally landscaped. Blacktopped circular driveway. Survey in office. 3.4 acres. Offered at $299,900

Indiana

#994532– 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath brick home in Brookwood Estates. Home features, living room, dining room, family room, sun room and a finished basement. Laundry is located on main floor and home also includes a large mud room. Enjoy the warmth of the 2 fireplaces, sit on the deck or relax on the back porch. Offered at $275,000

Fairfield Township

#1003746 – Brick farmhouse on 18 acres, with barn.

Excellent views, detached pole building for garage or horses.# bedrooms on Main floor, nice location in country. Pasture is sloping and gas rights not included in the sale. Offered at $199,900

Blairsville

#1004806 – Beautiful all brick ranch. Move in ready.First floor laundry and sunny family room. Lovely landscaped yard with privacy fence. Huge oversized 2 bay garage with attic storage above. Offered at $149,500

Penn Run

#1014231 – Beautiful 2 bedroom log cedar home, Located on a 12.92 +- acre lot surrounded by woods. Included is a two car garage with bonus room above.

Plenty of space outside to entertain friends and family.

Near Yellow Creek State Park. Offered at $299,000

Derry Township

#11011943 – Country Living! Farmette property with almost 6 acres and no zoning. Features 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, w/ updated kitchen. Hot tub room, pool, barn, garage outbuilding. Lots of room and storage - must see!!

Offered at $254,900

Armaugh

#1011621– Quiet country living close to Rt 22! Lovely perennials surround this home. Open living room, dining room w/new maple laminate floor,sliding door from dining room to enclosed side deck. Double deck, 6' fence enclosed yard,brick patio, large pavilion with lighting, swing set, nice shed, grape arbor, fruit trees,extra lot. 3 acres mowed. Offered at $175,000

Blairsville

#1016132 – Move right in, this 3-bedroom split entry w/ a fantastic view of the Chestnut Ridge on deck. Beautiful cherry cabinets and brand new refrigerator in eat-in kitchen. Cozy lower level family room w/ free standing gas fireplace. Lower level patio.Large corner lot with close access to Rt 22. Offered at $146,900

www.HewittRealEstate.net 10 - September 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

OFF TRAIL

“The sudden appearance of mushrooms after a summer rain is one of the more impressive spectacles of the plant world.” - John Tyler Bonner

by Joe Walko

Magic Mushrooms The dark clouds roll in yet again, midafternoon instantly replaced by dusk. The hermit thrushes even start singing their sweet, flute-like songs as if it were time for evening vespers, fooled by the sudden loss of daylight. In the thick conifer forest of mostly white pines and hemlocks, interspersed with ancient oaks, all massive and hundreds of years old, the canopy is 200 hundred feet above us, and when the rain and thunderstorms move in quickly, it is like someone has flipped off the light switch.

It now seems almost as dark as night when the raindrops start falling heavily, hitting the tarps and tent with loud, unnatural plops, like a crowd of people flicking bugs off a screen door with their fingers. The songs of the thrushes are swallowed up instantly in the din.

Everyone knows about the forest part of Cook’s Forest State Park, in Clarion County, nestled along the Clarion River. It’s why we have come, to partake in a sharing with the elder trees, to feel their energy, perhaps even absorb some of their ancient wisdom.

Old growth forests are a rarity here now, in the East, our appetite for new hardwood floors and a dozen napkins with our paper wrapped fast food and 6-ply toilet paper insatiable, demand only satisfied by the constant cutting of our forests, the evidence a steady stream of trucks laden with trees

just like these. These small groves, allowed to reach maturity only by the protection of their State Park designation, are the last refuge we have of the glory of a forest that once spanned our entire state, indeed the entire eastern part of the country, before the arrival of manifest destiny and industrial logging.

I planned on teaching my boys of the forests’ magic, thinking mostly of these trees, as we spent four days camping under the ancient boughs. I would point out how different this forest is from the ones back home, which are never allowed to reach this size, the cull of the dollar too pressing to pass up. We would hike and bike and maybe even canoe through the trees and time on a different, older planet.

Of course, I pictured us romping under sunny skies, enjoying the warm temperatures of summer. And the trip started like that, a spring in everyone’s step as we spilled from the car after a two-hour drive, excitement tingling up and down our spines, the perfect father-sons’ camping trip. But I had no sooner released the bikes and set up camp and the tent and the tarps, when the clouds rolled in, the sky opened up, and the temperatures dropped.

Initially, I was disappointed, visions of our trip turning into misery as we traipse through mud and muck and shiver in the

After the heavy rains, downed and rotting logs bloom once again.

Every Story Begins At Home.

cold. And there was a bit of that, at first; but this place is too magic. And rain is what feeds the magic.

Mushroom bushels sprout like strawberries in the wet grass.

Trevor is the first to point it out, commenting on the “magic tree” in a clearing near our tent. It is a small white pine only 80 feet tall, but lit up by the sunlight created after the fall of an ancient elder cleared an opening in the dense, dark canopy, allowing light to the ground, a rarity here. The young pine does seem like the Anointed One, aglow in the bask of sunshine and white light when the clouds do part, while all the other trees are in shadow. Even at night it is special, as the moonlight lights up the tree, too, now in silver.

Trevor’s magic tree gives me pause, causes me to re-think my disappointment in the rain. Soon I am noticing the magic, too, as the forest reveals a side that I didn’t expect. The life-giving rains are gobbled up by the massive root systems and intricate layers of branches that allow only the heaviest waves of rain to actually reach the ground. Indeed, the trees hold the rain up high, for hours after the rain has ended, releasing it only reluctantly and only when the wind forces the droplets to pool, creating heavier drops that fall to the ground when finally unable to resist gravity. We cannot tell after a while if it is raining or the water is falling from the trees.

So we venture forth between the raindrops, the boys on their bikes, exploring the campground, me exploring the trails around camp. Nobody is here in “our” section of camp–we have it to ourselves– everyone scared away by the forecast; this continued on page 12

September 2014 - 11

continued from page 11

is a gift. And the other gift that is presented to us, which takes me a while to notice, just like the magic tree, are the mushrooms.

Mushrooms, a much lower life form, a fungus, beneath even the plant kingdom.

Mushrooms, the forest janitors, cleaning up the decaying messes of the forest, the rot and death that inevitably comes with life, the job that no one wants to do. But they go about their jobs simply, patiently, beautifully even, sending out their spores when the time is right: those spores just waiting for the right conditions to bloom and grow. The conditions are right now; the sopping wet forest has exploded in fungi of every color, shape and texture.

I am fascinated, stopping to admire the spectrum of colors and patterns that seemingly weren’t there yesterday–though maybe I just didn’t see them in my disappointment. There is the huge, globular orange barf that covers an entire rotting log with spectacular color, contrasting markedly with the bright green water-laden moss. The perfect orange-yellow globe of a tiny mushroom amongst the leaf litter, the bigger orange-yellow nipple-shaped mushroom near it, the huge cluster of orange hats the boys find in the campground and excitedly bring me to see. The cascading brown shrooms fringed in creamy white, looking like a slow-moving, exfoliating glacier, wearing down their host log with

12 - September 2014

every rain. The ribbed, fluted undersides of the delicate flesh-colored caps, propped up like an umbrella on a thick toadstool stem, visible only by lying on the ground and peering upwards. The flower-like sqauwroot, shooting up its translucent white stalk and petals, pollinated by bumblebees. The cacophony of shapes and sizes and colors is dazzling, and mushroom finding becomes my main activity.

The next day the boys join me for a fivehour hike, down through the valleys of pine and hemlock and oak, and mushrooms of all shapes and sizes. We talk, about life and god and the universe and mom, about school and football and fantasies, as their imaginations are sparked by the undeniable life force flowing through us here, of which we are palpably a part. We talk about our favorite mushrooms, having a contest to decide the “best” one. Everyone has their own favorite, their own opinion, and we leave it at that–the sense of equilibrium and respect for each other growing as quickly as the mushrooms, as quickly as my boys are, as quickly as they are becoming young men. We need this walk, this trip, these mushrooms–hemmed in by duty and video games and responsibility too often, not always enough time for the simple magic that life brings, if only we take time to notice. I notice now, especially, the magic in my boys. Jake’s big brother nurturing is always just behind the teasing of his younger brother, and he is growing up as fast as they rain-fed mushrooms. And

Forest mushroom fans.

Trevor’s determination to keep up with his older brother, his heartfelt laugh, and his bright blue eyes reflect his mother’s colorful love of life, which was always as rich as this forest. The wisdom of life does seep in, to all of us, in these heartfelt conversations we share on this magical hike through an ancient forest.

We return to camp no more than fifteen minutes before the sky opens up again. But we share lunch under the tarps, protected from the rains, and are soon curled up in our camp chairs as I read out loud to them.

We are reading a book about a woman who hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, solo, after the death of her mother, too young, from cancer. We are mesmerized by the words, perhaps even more so by the pounding rain falling only inches from us, a reminder of nature’s power and our own fragility. I pause at the profound sections, using a large stick to raise the sagging tarps and drain the water that pools on them, that weighs them down, allowing the words to sink in like the water that flows onto the ground.

Always there is a request to read more. We read for three hours, and don’t even notice the rain.

And then the rain suddenly stops, and the clouds part. Our camp is drenched in godlight, the beams from the magic tree clearing landing directly on our tent. Trevor bounds into it, splashing in the puddles, arms held high trying to catch the sunbeams through the fog. The scene is lit up like a holy painting.

I light the campfire in this reprieve, in anticipation of evening, our wood and kindling piled under the tarps, mostly dry.

Thick, white smoke billows from the fire struggling to maintain life; everything is wet, even the air needed for the fire. The LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

smoke filters off through the trees, drifting through other campsites and up into the canopy in waves, like the fast moving fog that rolls in quickly off the ocean on the West Coast’s ancient redwood forests. It is just as magic here in our rain forest camp tonight.

The fire roars to life, and we enjoy a wonderful family meal around it, the conversation continuing. Soon the boys are full and antsy, and they disappear down the gravel road on their bikes, shouting with glee and joy, doing “their” 3-mile loop to the fire tower one more time before dark.

The music of their voices fades, and I am left alone, with just the sounds of the water droplets plopping, and the vespers of the thrushes, this time at the appropriate evening hour.

I am content, happy even, in the rain.

Life isn’t always sunny days, I know. Some days you just have to let go of expectations and go with what life gives you, like mushrooms and magic trees and a good book under a tarp in the pouring rain with your boys. Water droplets hang on the delicate hemlock needles, lit up like Christmas tree bulbs in the low evening light and against the dark, wet moss-covered oak trunk behind them. Occasionally a bulb drops, as fast and spectacular as the shooting star I saw during a brief clearing two nights ago.

Catch it while you can, life moves fast. It is up to us whether we choose to see only the rain, or the unexpected beauty and gifts it brings.

Later that night, around the campfire, eating snacks with the boys, a raccoon brushes against Jake’s leg as it brazenly marches right up to us and steals our entire bag of cheese curls! Jake screams like a girl, before we regain our composure enough to chase down the marauder and rescue our curls. We howl with belly laughs for fifteen minutes, as the drops roll off the trees and splat on the cheese curl bag and the mushroom caps that keep us company in camp.

Misty Hegan OFFICE: 724.238.7600

|

CELL: 724.972.8418

mistyhegan@thepreferredrealty.com • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 15658

683 E Old Lincoln Hwy, Ligonier Twp Just minutes from the diamond, impeccable condition! This Ranch Style home features 3 bedroomsand 2 full bath. Also included are Disposal, Electric Stove, Microwave Oven, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Window Treatments, Wall to Wall Carpet. $149,900

305 Ligonier St , Latrobe Charming and full of character, this 2story home features a detached garage, tile, wall-to-wall carpet, hard wood floors, 1 fireplace, Gas,Forced Air heating, and central air. Two bedrooms, and 1 full bath. $125,000

1518 Darlington Rd, Ligonier Situated waterfront on Buttermilk Falls, 2br/3ba home full of character on absolutely amazing property, MUST SEE! $125,000

1506 High St, Bradenville Derry Twp Amenities galore! Granite counters, master suite/spa, Jacuzzi cabana, 2 garages, extra lot. 3 bedroomsand 2 full bath. Also included are Automatic Garage door opener, Dish Washer, Electric Stove, Jet Spray Tub, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Wall to Wall Carpet. $147,000

485 Laurel Summit, Ligonier Twp 3br/2ba atop Laurel Mt. Enjoy the peace! Lower level can be full guest quarters. Wrap around deck, oak hardwoods on main, 2 wood-burners, level lot. Great mountain home for entertaining/getaway. Enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, mtn biking, hunting, fishing, ATV ... right outside your front door! $130,000

309 Village Ct, Ligonier Boro Open floor plan, eight years young and well cared for, this home has everything for care-free living. Great home for entertaining inside and out with a lovely patio. 2 br upstairs and den on main floor that could be 4th br. All necessities are located on main floor; master and beautiful bath & laundry, 2 car garage.

Convenient to town. $245,900

3015 Exeter Rd, Greensburg 2br/1ba ranch, immaculate home, one-level living. Covered patio, nicely landscaped, level lot. $175,000

Buck Run, New Paris/Bedford Enjoy peace & quiet at Buck Run II. Quaint 2br/1ba cabin on 1.17 acres.

Ride quads, hike, fish, hunt!. Beautiful off-the-grid experience! $69,000

Charlotte Drive, Ligonier Vacant lot, great neighborhood, great view, public water/sewage. $28,900

***** Off Trail is a monthly column devoted to exploring our diverse and beautiful natural heritage, especially the the hidden gems and special places off the beaten path. ***** Joe Walko is a full time widowed parent to two beautiful but challenging boys, now unemployed by choice after a 25-year career in corporate finance. He is a writer and blogger searching for his voice, a seeker of his truth, a nature and adventure junkie discovering whole new worlds and beauty in the glorious struggle, in the ordinary, in his own backyard, and mostly, in his heart. Visit his website at joewalko.word press.com and contact him at jwalko1019@ gmail.com.

Every Story Begins At Home.

Calling All Sellers: Are You Ready to Move?

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MEMBER

OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418

September 2014 - 13

HOME STUDY

by Brian Mishler

Preparing the House for Vacation A reminder as we approach fall; if you haven’t already, now is the time to have your heating system serviced, chimneys cleaned, and gutter cleaning time will be upon us soon. Now is a great time to update your exterior lighting; days will be getting shorter soon!

As you read this we’ll be returning from a trip to Ireland, hopefully telling you of our adventures there in future articles.

Preparing for a trip has all the excitement and intrigue of learning a new culture, what to pack, how to prepare for the weather, and what to expect on our trip and travels.

Just acclimating to the 5-hour time difference will be something of a challenge.

Preparing our home for an extended absence can be a challenge as well. There are the obvious things; making sure the pets are taken care of, the house doesn’t get broken into, the fridge is emptied of things that will rot, having the mail, newspaper and other deliveries stopped, etc., but the not-so-obvious stuff is what usually confounds homes when I inspect them after a prolonged vacancy.

So whether you’re going on a trip or snow-birding, here a few things to keep in mind: homes rarely stay vacant for long; when we leave there are any number of critters seeking shelter from the winter about to settle in around us. Moles, mice, feral cats, and wintering birds are all keeping an eye out for protection from the elements. We need to be aware of the smallest openings in our siding, foundation, soffit and fascia. Also, small gaps around our windows and doors–a mouse only needs a gap of ¼ of an inch to sneak in, and if it’s too small, they’ll just start chewing. While they may seem cute, mice are disgusting little creatures that have the potential to spread very nasty diseases, and having no bladder control literally urinate as they walk.

Weeks before your departure, take a walk around the exterior looking for the smallest openings; loose siding, the entry points for your electricity, cable, air conditioner, heating vents, etc. Caulk or better yet seal them with mortar or metal. Trim bushes and trees at least one foot away from the building; the limbs can provide cover and access to all manner of creatures. Make sure your exterior lighting is operational, and preferable motion activated; this will help keep the two legged critters at bay.

In the basement or crawlspace, look for the pipe and electrical openings to the first floor, seal them again with metal, caulking or steel wool. Turn off the lights; can you see 14 - September 2014

daylight coming in? You’ve found an entry point; seal it.

Walk around your living space; have you left out any food? Vermin can chew through cardboard in a minute; put your dry goods in plastic bins; not because they can’t chew through it, but because they can’t smell it; they won’t bother. Likewise put away glue, soaps, paste, and other things you may not consider food, but they will. And don’t put or leave out pans, buckets or pails of water, even outside. Yes, some will drown, but it won’t put a dent in a mouse population, the only thing you’ll get is a drowned soggy gross mess when you come home.

Up in the attic, again look for daylight, and any ways they can get in. Here is where it’s most critical to have the trees trimmed away. It’s amazing how often I find signs of animals in attics that simply crawled or slithered across a tree limb into a nice warm bed of insulation. If you find bats in your attic, call a certified animal removal company; you’re not allowed to kill them. Plus you’ll probably need a disaster restoration company.

If you know you already have a mouse problem, call a pest control company.

Usually by the time we realize we have a problem, it’s huge.

Once we have the house buttoned up, next we need to move on to the plumbing.

Obviously in our region we have the potential for freezing, so we want to turn off the water at the main as we’re headed out the door. If our house is equipped with an old round or oval handled “gate” valve before your trip you may want to have a plumber replace it with a newer ¼ turn lever style ball valve. Much easier to operate, and less prone to leaking.

After the water is off, we should open a spigot or faucet to reduce the pressure in the pipes. Unless the house will be vacant for the entire winter, no need to drain the pipes entirely. If it will be vacant that long, hire a plumber to “blow out” the lines with properly applied air pressure. This will prevent damage in the event of a freeze. If you intend a short absence, (2 weeks or less.) turn your gas water heater to “vacation”, and leave your electric water heater alone. Longer than that, consider turning your electric water heater off, and your gas water heater control valve to “pilot.” Also, turn the cold water supply to the water heater off to prevent siphoning; the water supply system sucking water out of the water heater.

Next, open the toilet lids. Yes, the bowl water may evaporate, but it will also pre-

vent mold growth on the bottom of the (wooden) lids. If you have plastic toilet covers, leave them down. If you’ll be gone for a long time, cling wrap over the bowl is not just a fun college prank; it can keep the water in the bowl for a longer period of time. (If you find a drowned mouse in the toilet, flush.)

Put the kitchen sink strainers down in the drain also to help prevent loss of water in the sink trap, and to prevent or reduce sewer odors if the trap water is lost. In bathtubs, showers and bath sinks, put covers on or close the mechanical stoppers. If you have a well, turn the power off to the pump for an extended absence; this will keep the pump from running continuously in the event of a pipe break.

If you’ll be gone during the winter, turn the heat down to around 55 degrees, especially in rooms with water for room to room systems. This will give you a bit of a cushion should the heat go out.

For the electrical system not much to do except turn off unnecessary systems or appliances; i.e. if you’ll be gone for months, have the hot tub properly winterized and shut off. Light timers are always a good idea, and you may want to talk to your security company about temperature sensors; they can alert you of freezing temperature in the house so you can get the issue resolved before disaster strikes.

Of course as a faithful reader, I’m sure you had the heating system serviced prior to an extended vacation so no need to mention having that done!

While this can seem a daunting list, preparation before departure can make for less stress during your time away, and more importantly a pleasant return home. Just don’t forget to take the cling wrap off the toilet! ***** Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., and a 20-year veteran home inspector. He began performing home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convinced him that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president of the Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors (PROASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a non-profit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with pre-renovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate related classes, and has mentored other seeking to become home inspectors.

He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half Carol, their Boston terrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students. When spare time is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hiking in the area. He can be reached at brian@homestudyinc.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Don’t Forget the Annual Hobo Picnic!

Thursday, September 18 at 5:30 PM Come have some Hobo Stew, Cookies and a Drink during our Campfire at the Railroad Cars ($2 donation)

Bee at the Diamond for Fudge!

by Mary Ellen Raneri And, there we were –standing in a booth right on the Diamond in October! A place that was “buzzing” on Fort Ligonier Days!

During those three or four autumn days, Brenda Haberlen and I led the students in the biggest happening of the school year.

Yes, it was an annual event that topped the social calendar of Ligonier. It was the night before Christmas, the Kentucky Derby for horsemen, and the birthday party with Barney: it was the AFS annual fudge sale at Fort Ligonier Days.

Over the years, American Field Service Club was usually one of the best attended clubs at the Ligonier Valley High School, especially during the 1980s. In January, students participated in Winter Weekend, several days when Ligonier students hosted foreign exchange students. A pot luck dinner for the event was held at the high school followed by the Talent Show, an occasion where AFS students from the surrounding schools would show off their flair and abilities on stage. While this night proved to be a great fundraiser, the best moneymaker for the little club was the annual Fudge sale.

Several days before Fort Ligonier Days, my fellow teacher/AFS advisor/fudge aficEvery Story Begins At Home.

ionado and I would distribute the Ten Commandments of Fudge Making to all of our eager high school disciples.

1. Though shalt make at least one pan of fudge 2. Thou shalt use a recipe that has been tried and true.

3. Thou shalt write your name on masking tape on the side of the fudge pan.

4. Thou shalt–never, ever, under any circumstances and with fear of great rebuke – cut the fudge thyself. All pieces had to be uniform.

5. Thou shalt deliver the fudge to the basement of the United Methodist Church on the Diamond on Wednesday before Fort Days for the sacred ceremony – Fudge Cutting.

6. Thou shalt sign up to work at the fudge booth 7. Thou shalt not give away any free fudge 8. Thou shalt wait for the next fudge worker before thy departure from said booth.

9. Thou shall sign up to help tear down the fudge booth.

10. Thou shalt pick up the fudge pan on Monday in Mrs. Haberlen’s room.

All of these commandments insured for a successful and blessed fudge event. It was a

duty. It was a tithing paid to belong to AFS for a seat in the club for a year. After all, making one pan of edible fudge was the least a member could do!

The booth, itself was a square little wooden hut with counters on all sides. Usually we set up in front of the old Five and Ten, near the old Mellon Bank on the Diamond. The small cubicle was a dentist’s nightmare as we peddled peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, nut fudge, marshmallow fudge, sometimes-grainy fudge, slightly-melted fudge, and well, just plain fudge. Clearly, we were multi-farious fudge vendors. You could buy it in packs of three for a dollar or by the pound, all dressed up in rectangular white boxes we special ordered from a local candy store.

Of course, along with the October Fudge Fest, came the October Bee Fest. Bees from all walks of life and from far and wide arrived to sample the delicious candy. Bees arrived from Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and other cities to rub elbows with the locals and sample the fudge, catch a buzz, and well, just let their stingers down and enjoy their lives as bumble bees. continued on page 24

September 2014 - 15

“Fire in the Hole” An Historic Fiction Novel by John Kekec In Europe a poster outside a coal mine office story as described below. Most of the men the expanding new railroads in Douglas and read: Wanted–Coal Miners for American were working long hours for short pay, and Ozark Counties, finally turns to riding with Mines–providing ocean steam passage, had dangerous and unhealthy working a renegade band of Bald Knobber raiders keep en-route, and railroad transportation– conditions down in the deep underground in Taney, Christ-ian, and Ozark Counties. regular departure dates from the Antwerp mines, digging along the canals, or working Meanwhile the other brother remains with Port. On that New Year’s Day two Austrian in the many sweat-shop factories in the his deep shaft mining. Despite all their miners responded and embarked on a great cities; and while the families were living in adversities the brothers manage to have adventure to America, that great land of the rather oppressive and degrading contheir romantic interests and find some good opportunity for the huddled masses, where ditions of the mine camps or in the dirty times. they found jobs, wives, and happiness tenement housing in the big cities. In Kekec was quoted as saying, “you need despite all the dangers, narrow escapes, and addition, due to the usual exploitation of to preserve the memories of the past; disappointments. most of these workers at this time, widehistoric narratives are important because In the late 1880’s these two Austrian coal spread labor problems and resulting riots they create a dialogue across the generaminer brothers were among the thousands were becoming rampant. tions.” He continued, “I am so in resonance of Europeans that were immigrating to with what others have written about America. Going to work as replacement how people can be drawn in by a story workers for the striking miners at one and learn the history along on the of the many mines of the booming journey.” The author is a descendent of Southeast Kansas coal fields; they were several deep shaft coal mining families, looking for a better life. In-stead they and although has been writing for over found the same dangerous and 20 years, says that this is the book he unhealthy working conditions in has always had inside him and has addition to some new adversities– foralways wanted to write. eign prejudices, squalid coal camp conHe writes that, “Today who would ditions, austere mining company pracever know that deep shaft miners and tices, and increasing labor disturbances. their families had ever once lived and This generation of hardy individuals worked here? It is now no more than a persevered, however, with the help of dream remembered; a civilization their close-knit families, steadfast buried and gone in an era that has friends, their moonshine whiskey sedaalmost disappeared into the past. Yet tive, and their romantic encounters. some of us in these succeeding generaThese pages provide real insight into the tions can still hear those voices calling drudgeries of coal mining and the lives to us from across the years. Whatever of the coal mining families while the our ancestors were, they are ours, the only vibrant characters also enjoy their ones that we will ever have; and this book Saturday night adventures, and holiday resurrects the flavor of that era.” celebrations–experiencing everything The story has special relevance to the from dreary coal camp life to fancy mine coal fields and other surrounding areas convention ballrooms– from such actiof southeast Kansas, but also speaks to vities as box socials, family gatherings, the other four-state corner locales of and quilting bees to saloon brawls, way- Black Rose Writing has named author John Kekec a featured Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas as layings, and murders, and from pastoral author for the BRW Publishing House for the month of Sep- they existed during this era, such as the picnics and hunting trips to flights to tember. Kekec’s coal-mining ancestors followed the industry Ozark Mountain Region of soutwestern elude a pursuing posse, and riding with from Pittsburgh, PA to Kansas three generations ago. (Photo Missouri, the deep shaft coal mines down the Bald Knobbers. The families were courtesy of Julia Dill, Mineral Area College) in Sebastian County Arkansas, and the saddened by the worsening of their lead and zinc mining belt running up family member’s chronic ‘black lung’ The book is also a gripping action/advennortheast from about Miami, Oklahoma condition and dreaded the day they might ture story in addition to being a deep shaft to a little past Joplin, Missouri. Only brief feel the rumbling earth after an explosion mining story. The two brothers get sepamention is made of the upstate Osage and the continuous wail of the steam rated when one of them is accosted by County Peterton to Topeka coal belt also in whistle signaling trouble at the mine in the some disgruntled striking miners during a Kansas, the coal belts in Ohio and Illinois; middle of the afternoon. mining dispute and has to go on the lam and the great Appalachian Coal Belt runThe book is set in the time period that after an unfortunate triple murder in his ning from Pennsylvania all the way down existed in the last two decades before and own self-defense. He escapes the pursuing through West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tenafter the turn of the century in 1900 in posse and makes it down river in a friend’s nessee to Alabama. Also only brief passing some of the country’s lead, coal, iron, and little rowboat to ‘Squaw Shoals’ in Oklareference is made to the shallow coal stripzinc mining districts as well as in the Ozark homa Territory; and then, after a several mining period that followed later, which region. This horse and buggy story revives days journey by wagon, makes it on down used the steam shovel and drag line mining the flavor of this generation adapting to the and across into the southern Missouri and methods. rapidly expanding industrial revolution– Arkansas Ozarks to find work. All through It is hoped that through the reading of their hardships and good times; and with the book the parallel stories are told of the this story, this generation, including many real insight into these times and the human two brothers in their often desperate of our ancestors, and this part of our hisexperiences of the character’s daily livessituations. The one brother, failing to make toric past will be remembered; and that the and all while being an action/adventure a living off his farming and tie hacking for desperate situations as well as the romance 16 - September 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

in the coal fields of Southeast Kansas, and is a second and third generation descendant of several of the deep shaft coal mining families of that era.

John is a retired Mineral Area College instructor with considerable graduate work past his master’s degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg and the Universities of Mis-souri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Arizona. John and his wife now reside in Bonne Terre MO and have been blessed with four children, twelve grandchildren, and six greats.

Pittsburg, Kansas and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: “Twin” Cities Share Rich Coal Heritage

Deep Shaft Coal Mine and Miners

and many other of the life experiences of its characters will not come across the years to us as ghostly echoes from a misty past, but as the experiences of real people doing the best they could under their circumstances, and vigorously living their lives despite enduring the rigors of the coal mines and camps. They dreaded the thought of the day that someone would yell “Fire in the Hole” followed by a muffled underground black-powder explosion that would result in a rumble and shaking of the earth; and shortly after that the shrill steam whistle up at the head shaft of the mine would be heard right in the middle of the afternoon when it shouldn’t be; and not sounding for just a moment or two, but in a dreaded shrill and continuous wail. ***** The link that follows will take you to his updated website, which will give you more

details about both him and the book. (http:// johnkekec.wordpress.com/about/), and any additional information that is necessary can be provided. The link to the Missouri Author’s Directory on his website will give you a more detailed description of his writing background.

For those that wish the book is now available and can be ordered direct (at Promo10% discount) from the publisher at (http://www.blackrose writing.com/historical-fiction/fire-in-the-hole) and shipped immediately. It is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, and other online bookstores and E-books may be downloaded from Amazon, Kindle, Smashwords, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Diesel, and other platforms. ***** John Kekec is an avid reader and writer, especially of historic fiction, and a longtime member of his regional writer’s societies, which are affiliated with the Missouri Writer’s Guild.

His complete writing profile can be viewed on the Missouri Author’s Directory. Although having lived in the lead mining districts of Missouri for many years, he was born and raised

Pittsburg, Kansas was platted on May 20, 1876, eight blocks long, eight blocks wide. Franklin Playter, a 24year-old Canadian who formerly had been a farmer, teacher and lawyer, was now a Girard banker. Two mining entrepreneurs had approached him from Joplin, who wanted him to finance a railroad from their lead and zinc mines to the railroads of Kansas, preferably those in Cherokee.

Since they owned most of that little town, they offered him half-interest in their holdings as an inducement.

Playter, however, knew that what is now Pittsburg was in the center of a rich coalfield. He agreed to build a road, provided it went from Joplin to Girard. The resulting Joplin-Girard Railroad passed directly through the center of the Cherokee-Crawford Coal Field.

Since Playter envisioned an industrial city on this site, he decided to name the place Pittsburg after the industrial capital of Pennsylvania.

The only trouble was that four years earlier, in 1872, W. A. Pitt had named his north central Kansas town after himself, Pittsburg. Located in Mitchell County, 21 miles southwest of Beloit, it had a population on 200.

Although Playter offered him good money, Pitt hesitated in giving up his name to the town, so until negotiations were completed on June 1, 1881, Playter’s village was called New Pittsburg. Upon the purchase of the name in 1881, the former Pittsburg became Tipton and Playter’s town finally after five years became simply Pittsburg.

The above history was published by www.pittsburgmemories.com

Every Story Begins At Home.

September 2014 - 17

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

Where weight loss is made simple.

Want to Lose Weight?

Follow One Course Until Successful In our daily communication with our weight loss clients, we typically conclude with “Keep the Focus.” Obviously it is meant to remind them to keep their goals and Y-Factor in their thoughts so not to get distracted and perform unwanted behaviors that will sabotage their program. However the word focus has another purpose in that it is an acronym to remind them to trust the science.

FOCUS – is an acronym for Follow One Course Until Successful.

This F.O.C.U.S acronym is a term we use here at My Fitness Kitchen to remind our clients, when it comes to fat loss and body transformation, to trust the science: be patient and persistent, and do not jump ship for any of the latest fads, gimmicks or myths.

In all the years and thousands of individuals I have worked with weight loss and body transformation, one of the common denominators for those who were not successful is that they either jump from one “diet” to another or mixed them rather than being patient and actually allow the process to work. The science is rather simple; which we refer to as the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss”.

First and foremost for any weight loss to occur, it starts with management of calories.

How you manage those calories (e.g., no carbs, do not eat after 5PM, paleo, etc...) is directly or indirectly driving individuals to eat less total calories. At the end of the day, if you consumed more calories than your body needs, there are no special foods or exercises that will erase that surplus of calories.

18 - September 2014

Because weight loss is this simple (consume fewer calories than your burn), most diets and weight loss programs try to make it more complicated. This complication occurs by either recommending the elimination of a particular macro-nutrient (e.g., carbs) or following a specific meal plan to make as if their program is special.

However the bottom line with all of these programs is if you counted the calories of each of them and are aware of your total daily caloric expenditure (not just a one hour workout caloric expenditure), those that are successful have you eating fewer calories than your body needs. This process creates a caloric deficit resulting in your body using stored calories (fat cells) to replace the shortage. With one pound of fat equaling 3500 calories when an individual accumulates a NET 3,500 caloric deficit, they will lose one pound on the scale.

In the “Hierarchy” after caloric management, exercise – more specific resistance training is second followed by cardio exercise in the hierarchy pecking order of the most efficient path toward weight loss. Yes you read that here, cardio is the least effective means for weight management. Least effective doesn’t mean you shouldn’t perform any cardio, rather just be aware that you will need more time and frequency (days per week) if you are going to rely on cardio as your only exercise source for weight loss.

As you can see, the Hierarchy is one simple course everyone should be able to follow. Not too complicated; so why then do people mess with the formula and create their own frustration? That is easy to answer – lack of patience and ignorance.

People want instant gratification. They don’t care that the weight they want to lose may be the accumulation of years of over eating. People want the weight off yesterday. With some of the misleading “diets” and programs being marketed claiming unrealistic weight loss I can understand why many fall for this hype, look to cut corners and abandon the most efficient plan for long term weight management.

Ignorance is the fact that most people complain “lack of time” but when they look to lose weight the first thing they think to do is cardio (walking, running, zumba etc).

As the Hierarchy proves, this is the least effective mode in the weight loss process, yet people will ignore the science and

change the course of action – aka Lose the FOCUS. Therefore, if you truly want to become successful with a weight loss program (lose it and keep it off) establish the necessary FOCUS of the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss,” otherwise you will be riding the weight loss weight gain roller coaster the rest of your life.

I wish it could be more complicated than the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss” to validate my undergraduate and Master’s degrees, but it just isn’t. Rather the complexity comes from accountability and self discipline to manage your caloric formula, having concern for muscle and finding ways to become more aerobic active than sedentary.

**** For more information, please feel free to consult with any of the fitness professionals at My Fitness Kitchen®. Additionally, as an on-going thank you to Laurel Mountain Post and its readers, mention this article for a FREE, no obligation, personalized, metabolic nutritional formula and fitness program that will leverage the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss.” If you are serious about achieving a body transformation goal, then you need a program; as any goal without a plan is really only a wish!

As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, by mentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article, you will receive $25 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward our no-risk, no obligation, 100% money guarantee 30-Day Weight Loss JUMPSTART program at My Fitness Kitchen®, as a courtesy of the Laurel Mountain Post.

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

www.myfitnesskitchen.com 724-879-8523 results@myfitnesskitchen.com About the Author: Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Golf Fitness Instructor and owner of My Fitness Kitchen®. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specializes in weight loss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goals through evidencebased scientific programming.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Margaret S. "Peggy" Kinter

mkinter@howardhanna.com • Cell: 724-388-4739

Barbara Kozar

bkozar@howardhanna.com • Cell: 724-422-2500

CHESTNUT RIDGE REALTY Independently Owned and Operated

BLAIRSVILLE OFFICE 246 S. Walnut St Blairsville, Pa 15717 Phone: 724-459-0200

INDIANA OFFICE 2015 Oakland Ave. Indiana, Pa 15701 Phone: 724-465-0185

BEAUTIFUL FARM, WEST WHEATFIELD TWP $379,900 #1009739 – Many cleared fields Crops grown the last five years Wooded areas James Way barn (50'x46') Horse stalls Small milking parlor Milk house (13'x11') Utility building (40'x24') Chicken coup (30'x16') Root cellar Fenced fields Great hunting area K, LR, DR, 1/2B MR on first floor of house Pine floor Public water near Gated fields Easy access to Ligonier, Johnstown,Altoona and the Conemaugh Valley. Timber select cut five years ago NO GAS, OIL OR MINERAL RIGHTS TRANSFER. Call Barbara Kozar at 724-422-2500.

BLAIRSVILLE AREA ESTATE $1,150,000 #1022439 – Nestled on 56+ beautiful acres with three ponds and 300,000 cf of free gas! Very private estate with amenities too numerous to list. Upgraded 7 years ago to over 5,400 sq ft and 7-car garage! 1st floor master suite w/ 20’x9’ walk-in closet; great room w/ vauted ceiling and stone fireplace, showcasing an 18’ x 13’ custom wet bar near gourmet cherry kitchen w/ center island, all enhanced by granite tops and ss appliances. Outside served by 3 porches, builtin gas grills, enclosed pavillion. Call Peggy Kinter at 724-388-4739.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

Family Hiking Day September 27 Harpers Ferry, WV – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), along with its Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community™ partners and 31 Trail maintaining clubs, invite families to take a hike on the A.T. during the fourth annual Family Hiking Day on Saturday, Sept. 27. Held trail-wide on National Public Lands Day, Family Hiking Day is a program developed by the ATC to introduce and welcome families to the A.T. and all of the benefits that come from spending time outdoors.

With studies showing that children are spending less time outdoors each year, the ATC developed this program to help get kids, youth, families and trailside neighbors outside and active. Hiking the A.T. is not only a good source of physical exercise, it also provides an opportunity to create lasting memories and long-term appreciation for protected public lands.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is proud to host Family Hiking Day for the fourth year,” said Ron Tipton, executive director/CEO of the ATC. “It’s a great opportunity to engage families with the outdoors, promote physical exercise and encourage people to explore their natural and cultural heritage on the Appalachian Trail.”

Families from Maine to Georgia are invited to enjoy the outdoors with volunteerled hikes, or to plan an adventure on their own utilizing a list of family friendly hikes in their local area as well as trail-related games and activities. Guided hikes will be led by A.T. club volunteers, partners in A.T. Communities™ and health organizations like the YMCA near Asheville, North Carolina. RSVPs are required for guided hikes, and carpooling is encouraged.

For more information about Family Hiking Day, including guided hikes, a list of suggested hikes by state, and activities and tips, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park Service, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,185 miles in length. It is the longest hikingonly footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

September 2014 - 19

Swimming in Electronic Waste With electronic equipment and gadgets the lack of proper controls in such countries, when consumers upgrade to something fastest growing waste stream in many she says, has led to elevated lead levels in new, and restricts European countries from countries, how to deal with so-called “echildren and heavy metals pollution of soil exporting or importing e-waste. Japan and waste” may in fact be one of the most pressand water. As a result, she adds, “we now China are among other countries that have ing environmental problems of the 21st stand at the forefront of a growing envipassed similar laws. century. According to BCC Research, conronmental catastrophe.”

The U.S. government has yet to follow sumers around the world purchased 238.5 The good news is that many nations suit, but the Electronics Take-back Coalition million TVs, 444.4 million computers and have enacted new laws to hold manu(ETC) reports that 21 U.S. states have tablets and a whopping 1.75 billion mobile facturers responsible for the future e-waste implemented their own “take back” laws, phones in 2012 alone. Most of us and several other states are considerdiscard such items within three years ing similar legislation. Meanwhile, of purchase, and this is driving the environmentalists continue to presglobal growth in e-waste by some 8% sure Congress to consider similar legisa year. Meanwhile, a recent study lation at the national level, given conducted by researchers from the especially that Americans are the Massachusetts Institute of Techworld leaders in generating e-waste. nology (MIT) on behalf of the United Additionally, many manufacNations found that the growth in turers are adopting voluntary e-waste demand for and manufacturing of recycling certification standards. One new electronics will result in a 33% is the e-Stewards program, which increase in e-waste globally between helps those looking to dispose of 2012 and 2017. obsolete electronics identify recycling But why is e-waste any more of options that adhere to high standards a problem than old fashioned garof environmental responsibility and bage? “Some of the materials in perworker protection. Another program, sonal electronics, such as lead, merR2 Certification, run by the nonprofit cury and cadmium, are hazardous SERI, is supported by several large and can release dangerous toxins into manufacturers, including DirecTV our air and water when burned or and Microsoft. Consumers can do deposited in landfills improperly,” their parts by choosing manufacturers reports the nonprofit Natural Resthat embrace so-called “producer ources Defense Council (NRDC). pays” electronics recycling through According to BCC Research, in 2012 alone consumers around the “And throwing away metal compoparticipation in one of these programs. world purchased 238.5 million televisions, 444.4 million computnents, like the copper, gold, silver and ***** ers and tablets and a whopping 1.75 billion mobile phones. Most palladium in cell phones and other CONTACTS: of us discard such items within three years of purchase. (Photo ETC, www.electronicstakeback.com electronics, leads to needless mining e-Stewards, www.e-stewards.org Credit: Matthijs Rouw, courtesy Flickr) for new metals.”

SERI, www.sustainableelectronics.org Today some 80% of unwanted WEEE, http://ec.europa.eu/ electronics are disposed of improperly. environment/waste/weeelegis_en.htm “E-waste is either discarded or exported to created by their products. The European EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy emerging nations, where open-air burning Union has led the way with its Waste ElecScheer and Doug Moss and is a registered tradeand acid baths are used to reclaim precious trical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) mark of E - The Environmental Magazine metals and other elements,” reports Directive, which calls on electronics makers (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Maureen O’Donnell in EHS Journal. The to “take back” their products for recycling

Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center 113 Innovative Lane (Building F) Latrobe, PA 15650 724-879-4020 Monday / Noon – 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday / 8:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Friday / 8:00 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Second Saturday of each month / 8:30 a.m. – Noon To meet the County's need for an outlet to recycle electronics and other hard to dispose items, Westmoreland Cleanways opened up a Recycling Center to collect items such as Electronics, Cardboard, Tires and Freon Appliances. The Center is open 3 days a week and 1 Saturday a month.

Weather is not an issue as the Center has a drive-thru service, complete with our staff ready, willing, and able to help unload your vehicle.

For a list of all materials collected for recycling at the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center: www.westmorelandcleanways.org

20 - September 2014

Annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Saturday October 4, 2014 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), Youngwood Need to dispose of household chemicals, automotive fluids, bug spray, and other nasty stuff? This opportunity only comes around once a year, so take advantage of it.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) is waste produced in our households that are hazardous in nature. Although HHW is not regulated as hazardous waste under federal and state laws, if carelessly managed, these consumer waste products can create environmental and public health hazards. Consider material with labels that read CAUTION, WARNING, POISON, or FLAMMABLE as hazardous waste and therefore should be properly disposed to protect our environment as well as our own health and safety.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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NATURAL HEALTH

Healing with Mother Nature’s Weeds

by Granny Earth, ND

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2790 Mosside Boulevard Suite270 Monroeville, PA 15146 412-858-9090 Fax 412-856-8433 Direct 724-493-9473 (Personal Office) 2016 Highland Avenue Greensburg, PA 15601 724-493-9473

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Purslane

(Portulaca oleracea) Purslane (also known as ‘Little Hogweed’, a common weed) is uncommonly good for you. Topping the list of plants high in vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids, she grows to heights of 16 inches, has smooth, reddish stems and alternate leaves, clustered at stem joints and ends. The yellow flowers appear in late spring and continue blooming into mid-fall. They open for only a few hours on sunny mornings. The seeds are formed in a tiny pod and the lid opens when the seeds are ready.

You’ll find Purslane growing in most all gardens, in a good year.

Rooting easily from cut stems and with the ability of the seeds to mature (even after the plant’s been pullet) it’s a difficult weed to remove from your garden. So, it must have a message for us: “Eat me!” Purslane (an excellent edible weed) can be eaten fresh, or cooked, having no bitter taste at all. Since it has a mucilaginous quality, it’s great for soups and stews.

Medicinal Uses Purslane contains more Omega 3 fatty acids than any other leafy plant ever known! The most common source of Omega 3’s are cold water fish, like salmon. But of course, then there’s the ‘mercury’ scare. Grown in good organic soil, you won’t have this worry with Purslane. Omega 3’s aid the body in production of compounds that effect blood pressure, clotting, inflammation, certain cancers and coronary spasms. Recent studies suggest that Omega 3’s may have positive effects on the brain, and in conditions such as: hypertension, depression, Alzheimer’s, autism, schizophrenia, hyperactivity and migraine headaches.

Purslane’s medicinal uses date back at least 2,000 BC, being used in Iran and India for stomach aches and dysentery. In more recent times, she’s been used for treatment of gonorrhea, yeast and bacterial infections, digestive tract disorders, boils, bleeding hemorrhoids, cellulitis and tumors. All of these, because she’s an ‘antibiotic’ weed.

You’ll want to keep your eye out for this precious weed this summer! You can pick her, almost anytime for use in salads, or just for nibbling, in your garden. The first year I discovered Purslane, I made a delicious salad, which was a big hit with everyone!

Purslane Salad 3 cups chopped Purslane www.grannyearth.com 1 ½ Tbsp. Virgin olive oil grannyearth@zoominternet.net Phone: 724-542-9713 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Granny’s monthly Natural Health ½ tsp. Krystal salt Newsletter- ‘CONNECTIONS’ is available ground black pepper to taste via- Snail-Mail. 12 pages- All good stuff!

1 cup plain or lemon yogurt $35.00 a year (12 issues).

1 clove minced garlic 1 Tbsp. minced peppermint leaves Wash the Purslane and chop into bite-size pieces. Place in medium-sized bowl, toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

In another bowl, mix the yogurt with garlic. Spoon this over the Purslane, toss till mixed, then sprinkle with Mint leaves to garnish.

So delicious! And tremendously healthy, too!

Page 133 in Do It Yourself Weed Medicine.

“Natural forces are the true healers of disease.” – Hippocrates

Every Story Begins At Home.

September 2014 - 21

Vernon Realty Ad - page 1

22 - September 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Vernon Realty Ad - page 2

Every Story Begins At Home.

September 2014 - 23

continued from page 15

Autumn bees that smell candy are pretty relentless. They buzzed mercilessly around the packages of fudge and soaked up the confections and the warmth there at the little booth. Some of the boxes of the sweets melted quickly in the warm light of the afternoon October sun. Dripping plastic wrap exchanged hands as we sold the stuff.

Nevertheless, satisfied customers chomped on their newly acquired sweet treasures and swatted renegade insects away with a swoop of their sticky fingers.

Garbage cans particularly served as giant bee resorts, attracting many of the energetic insects. Dining on all-you-can-eat buffets of half-eaten funnel cakes and chunks of left-over apple dumplings, the bees kicked off their stingers and sat a spell at the overflowing lounges made of sticky wax paper, smeared paper plates, used napkins, and crumpled paper cartons. Feeling parched from the afternoon fall sunshine, the tiny visitors sipped cocktails from halfdrunk cups of sweet tea and the nectar of unfinished Pepsi.

I can still remember sipping a can of soda as the bee hovered right above the entrance to my can, almost begging me for a sip from my straw. The buzzing creatures didn’t limit their territory to fudge or pop either; the whirring little critters were, well, nondenominational. For instance, they hummed around the snacks at the Italian hot sausage booth, at the sauerkraut and hot dog booth, at the pizza booth, and cruised the kettle corn compound. Sometimes boldly plunging right into your snack or confection, the dive-bombers let you know their bibs were on, and they were ready to devour anything at the festival. What was yours was theirs. I guess we just accepted the bees’ presence on the warm October days as if they were part of the family, like annoying relatives who dropped in for their once-ayear-visit, and for whom we couldn’t prepare enough tasty delights.

It’s just about a month until October and Fort Days; soon, I suppose we will soon make our yearly excursion to the festival in Ligonier. Strolling about the town and perusing the crafts is always fun. Then, too, I want to sample the various foodstuffs and maybe buy some fudge from one of the local students’ booths. Peanut butter has always been my favorite flavor, and I’m sure that I will enjoy every mouthwatering, sugary morsel of my purchase.

I’m also fairly positive that some group of bees, all dressed up in their autumn best yellow and black jackets, will drop in for a bite! Maybe instead of feeling annoyed, I’ll just purchase them their own piece of candy, position it on some out-of-the-way piece of pavement on Memory Lane and treat them to a taste of the festival. Hey! The little guys deserve it. After all, they’re part of the Ligonier Fort Days fall tradition!

24 - September 2014

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THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY

Thought-Provoking nsights on Common Quotations

by Rev. Marjorie Rivera

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.”

Reading is like drawing breath, it is essential to me. I can’t live without it. In fact I spend most of the day reading. By profession, I am a “reader”. When I go to bed, the last thoughts in my mind before I drift off to sleep are mostly concerning what I have read. If I can’t sleep, I dream myself into different endings to a book I’ve read. I try to imagine a whole new world with the same characters and different situations. So I turn my curiosity about books into curiosity about people.

Every person is like a very unique story.

Every person in essence is a very unique story book waiting to be read further into.

Some of the my most fond childhood memories involve the ceremony of discovering a new book, checking it out from the library, bringing it home and finding out what mysteries were to be unraveled inside. There were adventures to be had, explorations to pack for. Loves to be held high, and each one could remain part of you forever.

–Oscar Wilde

As a professional Medium, when I read for a client and help them connect to the other side, I unravel each story with love and dedication. I welcome each sitter like an old friend and then dig in; so that I can figure out the story that happens each time I connect to the Heavenly realms to bring a message through from the other side. I can’t help but be fascinated with each encounter I have.

When I don’t have to, I still read people, and the stories that come along with them; to me, books are an extension of people.

People are the extension of Spirit. Spirit is the indwelling energy of life.

What do you read?

Suggested Reading: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Tweet tweet = https://twitter.com/PGHmedium Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGHmedium Pin with me: http://www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/ Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR “A seed hidden in the heart of an apple is an orchard invisible.”

8/13/2014 to 12/10/2014 Driving Miss Daisy Mountain Playhouse 7690 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown, PA 15547 814.629.9201 x105 mountainplayhouse.org In 1950s Atlanta, Miss Daisy is aging none too gracefully. When her son insists on hiring a driver, her waning independence is a thorn, both in her side and that of her driver, a quietly dignified black man on whom she must increasingly rely.

Their story, rich in humor and human discovery, earned Alfred Uhry the Pulitzer Prize and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play. A film version starring Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress in 1989.

9/20/2014 to 9/21/2014 FestiFall & Market Fair Friendship Hill NHS 223 New Geneva Rd., Point Marion, PA 15474 For a great fall weekend plan to attend FestiFall & Market Fair at Friendship Hill NHS. Co-sponsored with the Friendship Hill Association and celebrates the life and times of Albert Gallatin, the original owner of Friendship Hill.

This free event includes demonstrations of historic trades and crafts and live period music, providing the perfect ambiance for a peaceful afternoon of good food and family fun. While children explore historic toys, the family can enjoy eighteenth century foods that have been the staple of FestiFall since its inception in 1982.

9/17/2014 Carnage in Lawrenceville West Overton Museums 109 West Overton Rd., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.7910 westovertonvillage.org The Allegheny Arsenal Explosion, September 17, 1862 6pm, Overholt Room

9/20/2014 Hike to Happy Hour Laurel Ridge State Park 1117 Jim Mountain Rd., Rockwood, PA 15557 814.352.8649 dcnr.state.pa.us This hike will travel 8 to 10 miles along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Explore all of the amazing ways that Laurel Ridge shapes the landscape and culture of the Laurel Highlands area. The hike will end at a local spot to enjoy a much deserved happy hour.

9/17/2014 British Invasion 50th Anniversary Tour The Palace Theatre 21 West Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org 9/18/2014 Westmoreland Jazz Society Concert featuring Firm Roots Westmoreland Museum of American Art 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org 9/19/2014 to 9/21/2014 Scottdale Fall Festival Scottdale Gazebo, corner of Pittsburgh and Spring Sts. 724.619.1SFF. scottdalefallfestival.org Three day celebration with a dog show, live entertainment, a 10K/5K Race, ethnic foods, children’s area, a teen dance, and much more.

Every Story Begins At Home.

9/20/2014 56th Ligonier Highland Games Idlewild and SoakZone Route 30 East, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.3666. idlewild.com 9/20/2014 Faranda Harvest Festival Faranda Farm 1171 Penn Avenue, Hollsopple, PA 15935 814.479.7109. farandafarm.net 9/20/2014 Derry Railroad Days Downtown Derry Derry, PA 15627 724.309.1746. derryrailroaddays.com Join us for the “Hobo Picnic” at the caboose gift shop and museum and the weekend festival

–W elsh Proverb –Welsh

with a large parade, free on-stage entertainment and off-stage demonstrations, food, crafts, informational booths, the railroad museum, hay rides, pony rides, model train display, juvenile junction, and the trackless train.

9/21/2014 Fall Tea Bushy Run Battlefield 1253 Bushy Run Rd., Jeannette, PA 15644 724.527.5584 bushyrunbattlefield.com Our Fall Tea is back, and this time with a catwalk! Enjoy a lovely traditional tea in the elegant Stone Room at Bushy Run Battlefield, while learning about fashions of the 18th century. Munch on tea sandwiches as a Native American warrior explains why he paints his face in such vibrant colors, or learn about the undergarments of an 18th century European woman.

9/23/2014 Autumn Equinox Campfire Forbes State Forest Laurel Summit Road, PA 724.259.2201. dcnr.state.pa.us The days are getting shorter, and fall is just around the corner. Come out for this campfire program to learn about the fall equinox and the changes occurring this time of the year.

Meet at the warming hut on Laurel Summit Road. S’mores provided. Registration reqd.

9/24/2014 Jerry Carnicella and the White Shadow Band Rockwood Mill Shoppes Opera House 450 Main St., Rockwood, PA 15557 Jerry Carnicella and the White Shadow band are terrific singers and musicians that can imitate many artists from Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson, Elvis, the Beatles and many more. They will do as many requests from the audience as possible.

You will be sure to sing along, clap and dance (at least in you chair) to this band. Starts at noon.

September 2014 - 25

LOYALHANNA REALTY

201 S. Market Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (Across from Fort Ligonier)

BUYER & SELLER AGENCY JEAN M. CASE

Owner/Broker, GRI, ABR

724-238-3663

ING LIST NEW

LOVELY COUNTRY SETTING $265,900 #1022196. Four-bedroom, 2 bath Cape Cod in Cook Twp. 3 mostly level acres w/fruit trees, central air, deck, & garage. Agent related to Seller. COLLEEN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 Price

Redu

ction

MOVE-IN READY! $134,900 #1019438. Gorgeous 4-bedroom, 2-bath home in Fairfield Twp. Completely updated. First floor has spacious eat-in country kitchen, laundry facilities, bedroom, & bath. 50x50 garden. TRACEY LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

Price

www.loyalhanna.com

Redu

Lisa Davis: 412-596-1028 Lorraine DiCecco: 724-953-2356 Associate Broker Kathy Johnston: 724-995-1013 Susan Ransel McBroom: 724-309-3395

SALES & APPRAISALS

FAX: 724-238-0317

Jean Case: 724-600-5182 Tracy Case-Pelesky: 724-510-4010

Colleen Pritts: 724-493-7734 Amy Stoner: 724-217-6610

ction

PARK-LIKE SETTING! $349,900 #1020141. Four-bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home w/workshop/barn on 7 acres. Tastefully decorated, screened porch, & spacious rooms. Stocked pond, stream, & gardens. Ligonier Twp. TRACEY LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 ING LIST W E N

GORGEOUS RANCH $149,900 #1022065. Nestled in private setting! Two-bedroom home w/ large eat-in country kitchen w/lots of cabinets. Roomy basement to have a family room. Newer 2-car detached garage. Move-in ready in Fairfield Twp. TRACEY LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

LINN RUN STATE PARK $88,000 #1020240. Two-bedroom furnished cottage w/screened porch, stone fireplace, new carpet, electric baseboard heat, storage shed, & fire pit, along creek. Leased lot. LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 ING LIST W E N

GORGEOUS COUNTRY COTTAGE #R-2. Four bedrooms, cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, 2+ car garage, small pond, & fantastic landscaping. Laurel Mountain Boro. MUST SEE! JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 ING LIST W E N

HISTORIC HOME $549,000 #1010514. Nestled in green rolling hills of Ligonier on 4 acres w/ maple & walnut trees. 6 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, hardwood floors, remodeled sunny kitchen, dining room, 2 fireplaces, gameroom, garage, & English garden. Public water, spring, & well. Panoramic view of Laurel Mtns., yet just a mile from town!

LOYALHANNA REALTY TRACEY/JEAN 724-238-3663

WONDERFUL COUNTRY SETTING $335,000 #993333. Four-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath, 2-story in Derry Twp. Well-constructed home w/wraparound porch, 2 master suites, & grand entrance. Gorgeous views, beautiful landscaping! TRACEY LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 R Price

WELL-MAINTAINED $69,900 #987117. Darling 2-bedroom Cape Cod w/attached garage in Ligonier Twp. Fenced-in yard, eat-in kitchen, new roof in 2011.

LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 26 - September 2014

educ

SIMPLY STUNNING! $774,900 #1025744. Four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bath Williamsburg-style colonial in Donegal Twp. 27+ acres w/great views! 1st & 2nd floor master suites, sun room opens to courtyard, wet bar, pool w/ bathhouse, gatehouse. MANY AMENITIES! COLLEEN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

tion

VICTORIAN-ERA HOME $229,000 #1012525. Classic woodwork throughout, 3 bedrooms plus nursery, 2-1/2 baths, galley kitchen, dining room, pocket doors, lovely closed-in sun porch, & garage in Ligonier Boro. JEAN/LORRAINE LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

SELF-STORAGE BUSINESS $700,000 #1011295. Five various-size storage units, land, & office bldg. on several different-sized lots. All metal buildings. Office has electric, public water, heat, & septic. Ligonier Twp. LORRAINE/JEAN LOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

9/24/2014 Yoga in the Forest Forbes State Forest Laurel Summit Road, PA 724.259.2201. dcnr.state.pa.us Join Forbes’ naturalist and guest speaker for a beginner’s yoga class in Forbes. Please meet at the warming hut on laurel Summit Road—class will be outside, weather permitting. Please bring your own yoga mat. Registration rqrd.

9/26/2014 Sleeping Beauty Stage Right! 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, 724.832.7464. stagerightgreensburg.com Friday/Saturday-7:30 PM, Sunday-2:00 PM 9/26/2014 to 9/28/2014 Mount Pleasant Glass & Ethnic Festival Mount Pleasant 1 Etze Ave. 9/27/2014 23rd Annual Ebensburg PotatoFest Downtown Ebensburg Ebensburg, PA 15931 The Ebensburg PotatoFest is an annual event in Ebensburg, PA celebrating Cambria County potatoes and its growers. It is held on the last Saturday of September each year! The county is the second largest supplier of potatoes in the state. The festival is a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, entertainment, and food for the entire family. Entertainers perform throughout the day with music to please all ages. Over 200 crafters and artisans line the streets for blocks with homemade wares and food of all kinds.

Join in the festivities and spend the day in our beautiful community!

9/27/2014 National Public Lands Day All National Parks Enjoy free admission to all National Parks!

9/29/2014 Hawaii in the Highlands Ligonier Theatre 208 W Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.6514. ligoniertheatre.com Come to the Laurel Highlands, experience the dance of tonga and the ancient untamed Hawaiian Hula! Brilliant, blazing colors with the songs & dances of the wonderful world of aloha!

9/30/2014 to 10/12/2014 Midlife! The Crisis Musical Mountain Playhouse 7690 Somerset Pike, Jennerstown, PA 15547 Three men and three women make up the cast of this wacky musical that takes a comic look at the inescapable changes faced in midlife. From reading glasses and mammograms to weekend warriors and proctology exams – all are lampooned with a Saturday Night Live non-sensibility. Everyone will relate to this hilarious, and at times, touching musical about the curiosities and inevitabilities of middle-age.

10/1/2014 You’ve Got a Friend Day Twin Lakes Park 724.830.3950 co.westmoreland.pa.us A fun day of activities for children with special needs at Twin Lakes Park. Students are paired up with volunteers from local schools for activities such as boating, fishing, train rides, and more!

10/1/2014 to 10/26/2014 Pop-Up Exhibition: Gabe Felice and Jacob Stempky Westmoreland Museum of American Art 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org

Every Story Begins At Home.

10/2/2014 to 10/31/2014 Night at the Zoo Living Treasures Wild Animal Park 288 Route 711, Jones Mills, PA 15646 724.593.8300 funindonegal.com Observe the wild and interesting behaviors of our animals at night.

10/3/2014 to 10/5/2014 25th Annuall Smicksburg Fall Festival Smicksburg Specialty Shops 105 E. Kittanning St., Smicksburg, PA 16256 814.257.0192 smicksburg.net Spectacular Amish countryside, charming specialty shops, winery, delicious cuisine, locally made cheese, antiques, Amish-made furniture and pottery.

10/3/2014 Confluence Pumpkinfest 708 Casselman St., Confluence, PA 15424 814.395.5080. confluencepumpkinfest.org PumpkinFest begins on Thursday with a Queen Contest at Turkeyfoot School. Craft and food vendors open Friday at 2 PM-10 PM, Saturday from 9 AM-10 PM, and Sunday from 9 AM-7 PM. Various bands will entertain on Saturday and Sunday. Events include Balloon Bounce, Garden Tractor Pull, Car Smash, Photo Contest, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, Largest Pumpkin, Tough Man Truck Pull, Bingo, 5K Run Walk, Chuck-A-Luck, Car Show, 1860’s baseball game, Square Dance Demonstrations, Square Dancing Tractors. PumpkinFest concludes with a Sunday evening parade.

10/3/2014 to 10/5/2014 Perryopolis Pioneer Days Perryopolis Area Heritage Society PO Box 202, Perryopolis, PA 15473 724.736.2133 perryopolispa200.com The annual Pioneer Days celebration, always held the first weekend of October, will be October 3, 4, & 5, 2014. Visit our website: perryopolispioneerdays.com for updated events taking place!

10/3/2014 to 10/4/2014 Springs Folk Festival Springs Museum & Historical Society 1171 Springs Rd., 814.442.4594. springspa.org Celebration of PA Dutch heritage - 100 Working Artisans - PA Dutch Foods - Continual Music Performances - Pageant - Hayrides Antique Farm Equipment displays 10/4/2014 5K Run/Fun Walk University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 150 Finoli Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.7496. greensburg.pitt.edu Benefits Alpha Alpha Delta Chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association 10/4/2014 to 10/5/2014 Annual Wine Festival Greendance-The Winery at Sand Hill 306 Deer Field Rd., Mount Pleasant, PA 15666 724.547.6500. greendancewinery.com Our 7th Annual Wine Festival Weekend!

10/4/2014 to 10/4/2014 Car Cruise University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg 150 Finoli Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.7040. greensburg.pitt.edu Benefits Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association and Pitt-Greensburg Staff Association

10/4/2014 Doll & Me Tea Party Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com Put on your favorite party dress and enjoy an afternoon tea at Miss Martha’s Tea Room with your favorite doll. Whether it’s an American Girl, Barbie, or Raggedy Ann, all dolls are invited to join in on the fun! Party activities include a game and craft for the young ladies. $16.50/person guests of all ages are welcome!

10/4/2014 Hike to Happy Hour Laurel Ridge State Park 1117 Jim Mountain Rd., Rockwood, PA 15557 814.352.8649 dcnr.state.pa.us This hike will travel 8 to 10 miles along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Explore all of the amazing ways that Laurel Ridge shapes the landscape and culture of the Laurel Highlands area. The hike will end at a local spot to enjoy a much deserved happy hour.

10/4/2014 Jazzed About Art IX Touchstone Center for Crafts 1049 Wharton Furnace Rd., Farmington, PA 15437 800.721.0177. touchstonecrafts.org Touchstone is hosting its annual fall benefit.

This afternoon of art, music, and food will feature the work of dozens of regional and national artists. Art lovers will find myriad original artworks for bid during the event’s live and silent auctions. Reserve your tickets by visiting www.touchstonecrafts.org or by calling 800-721-0177. Hors d’oeuvres and complimentary wine and beer will be served.

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10/4/2014 to 10/12/2014 Bedford Fall Foliage Festival Downtown Bedford PO Box 234, Bedford, PA 15522 814.623.0048. bedfordfallfestival.com Oct 4-5 & 11-12 “ 50 TH Anniversary”, four Fun Filled Days in HISTORIC downtown Bedford .FEATURING OVER 400 CRAFTSMEN, festival food, great entertainment, antique car parade Saturday Oct 11th 2pm children’s activities 10/4/2014 35th Annual Fall Festival 7:00 AM -6:00 PM. New Stanton United Methodist Church. Center Ave. next to Bruster’s Ice Cream.

Come and enjoy homemade food, crafts, entertainment, free kids games, apple butter, apple cider, bake sale, talent show and the Big Auction at 3 PM (includes antiques, quilts, and new items). There's fun for the whole family.

10/4/2014 Fall Nature Walk Bushy Run Battlefield 1253 Bushy Run Rd., Jeannette, PA 15644 724.527.5584 bushyrunbattlefield.com As the leaves transform from summer greens to vibrant yellows, flaming reds, explosive oranges, and shades of earthy brown, why not enjoy the last warm days before winter’s chill sets in? Learn about the various flora and fauna of Western Pennsylvania with Bushy Run volunteers and nature enthusiasts Bob Learzaf & Dave Browning.

10/4/2014 35th Annual Fall Festival New Stanton United Methodist Church 612 S Center Ave., New Stanton, PA 15672 724.925.9339. newstantonchurch.com Come and enjoy homemade food, crafts, entertainment, free kids games, apple butter, apple cider, bake sale, talent show and the Big Auction at 3 PM (includes antiques, quilts, and new items). There’s fun for the whole family.

10/9/2014 Bike Night Finale!

Stone House Restaurant & Inn 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020 stonehouseinn.com Join us as we say goodbye to summer at our BIKE NIGHT Finale! Bikes, BBQ, Beer and Live Music!

10/9/2014 to 10/11/2014 Children’s Consignment Sale The Learning Lamp & EcoKids 2025 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.262.0732 thelearninglamp.org Shop high quality, gently used clothes (newborn to 16), toys, books, games, baby equipment, nursery items, kids furniture, and more!

10/10/2014 to 10/12/2014 Fort Ligonier Days Fort Ligonier 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.4500. fortligonierdays.com Fort Ligonier Days, one of the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events in America”, is a 3-day festival that commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French and Indian War, fought on October 12, 1758.

This outstanding outdoor festival is celebrating its 55th year in 2014.

10/11/2014 to 10/13/2014 Beyond Backpacking Basics Laurel Ridge State Park 1117 Jim Mountain Rd., Rockwood, PA 15557 724.455.3744 dcnr.state.pa.us

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A two-day, one night backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This program is designed to introduce backpacking skills and techniques using modern equipment. The trip will begin at Laurel Summit State Park and end at Seven Springs Resort. We will be staying at the Rt. 31 Shelter Area overnight.

10/11/2014 Oktoberfest at the Stone House!

Stone House Restaurant & Inn 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020 stonehouseinn.com Join us as we welcome Fall at The Stone House. Bring the whole family to this year’s Oktoberfest!

10/11/2014 RocktoberFest Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437 866.344.6957 nemacolin.com 10/11/2014 Spirts on the Summit Tour Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site 110 Federal Park Rd., Gallitzin, PA 16641 814.886.6150. nps.gov This is an evening walking tour of the Summit area of Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS and includes the Engine House and Lemon House. Costumed guides share the darker stories of life along the Portage Railroad. Tours last 50 minutes, leaving approximately every 20 minutes. Reservations required.

10/11/2014 The Clarks The Palace Theatre 21 W Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region present The Clarks.

10/11/2014 Legends of Fort Necessity Fort Necessity National Battlefield 1 Washington Parkway, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.8124. nps.gov 10/16/2014 15th Annual Arthur St. Clair Lecture: Post-Revolutonary Years in SouthWestern Pennsylvania.

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, 150 Finoli Drive, Greensburg, PA 15601 http://greensburg.pitt.edu/ 724 836 9911 “Was the Whiskey Rebellion Really About Whiskey?” – Terry Bouton, PhD, author of Taming Democracy: "The People, the Founders, and the Troubled Ending of the American Revolution" (Oxford, 2007), winner of the 2008 Philip S. Klein Book Prize. Reservations recommended. 7:30 pm.

10/16/2014 Westmoreland Jazz Society Concert featuring RML Jazz Westmoreland Museum of American Art 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org 10/16/2014 to 10/19/2014 “A Young Frankenstein” Dinner & a Show Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com For the ticket price of $25 per person, enjoy dinner at Miss Martha’s Tea Room and “A Young Frankenstein” at Scottdale’s vintage theater, the Geyer Performing Arts Center.

10/16/2014 Laurel Mountain Post 10th Anniversary Party and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at the Fall Chamber Mixer Springhill Suites, 115 Arnold Palmer Drive in Latrobe. Celebrate with us and the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce!

5-7 pm. www.latrobelaurelvalley.org 10/17/2014 Twin Lakes Park Haunted Hobgoblin Hike Twin Lakes Park 724.830.3959 co.westmoreland.pa.us A half-mile outdoor hike through the haunted woods of Twin Lakes Park from 7pm to 9pm.

Recommended for visitors 8 and older. Volunteers are needed for scare stations and trail guides.

10/17/2014 to 10/19/2014 20th Annual Pennsylvania Arts & Crafts Christmas Festival Washington County Fairgrounds 2151 N. Main St., Washington, PA 15301 724.863.4577 familyfestivals.com Get an early start on your Christmas decorating and holiday shopping! Explore an abundance of arts, crafts and foods at over 230 booths in six heated buildings!

10/19/2014 Pittsburgh & the Cotton Industry Baltzer Meyer Historical Society, 642 Baltzer Meyer Pike, Greensburg, PA 15601. 2-4 pm www.westmorelandheritage.org Presented by Gary Link, detailing the significant role Pittsburgh played in the cotton industry in the 1840's. Free and public.

10/25/2014 Hands-On Glass Cutting Mount Pleasant Glass Museum, 402 East Main Street, Mount Pleasant, PA Opportunities for people of all ages to learn about cutting glass and have a chance to cut their own Mother's Day ornament. Cost: $15 a session. Children are welcome, so are Grandma & Granpa! Two sessions: 11.00am & 2.00pm To reserve your space please call the museum, 724-547-5929. Events must be pre-paid.

10/25/2014 Family Fall Day at Historic Hanna’s Town 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA 15601 The Westmoreland County Historical Society will present a day of special programs at Historic Hanna's on Saturday, October 25th. Fall Family Day will feature 18th century toys & games, including 'hands on' activities, candle-dipping and crafts, dressing up as Colonials, and an open hearth cooking demonstration.

The site is open for guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including a tour of the Hanna's Town cemeteries at noon and 2:00pm.

Admission for the tour and programs is $5 for the day.

***** Please submit events for consideration to: editor@laurelmountainpost.com or Laurel Mountain Post Events Calendar 189 Fairview Lane Derry, PA 15627 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Palace Theatre Murals Featured Worldwide Westmoreland Cultural Trust and The Palace Theatre are proud to see its restored Louis Grell murals featured in the current quarterly issue of Marquee Magazine, a publication of the Theatre Historical Society of America. Twenty-four pages chronicle the life and scope of Grell’s works, including many photographs of his artwork, as documented by his grandnephew, Richard Grell of Florida. The Palace Theatre first opened as the Manos Theatre on September 2, 1926. Owned and managed by Westmoreland Cultural Trust since 1990, in the late 1990s the Trust engaged renowned conservator Christine Daulton of Greensburg to restore two of the three original Grell murals that had been long-covered by red and gold tapestry secured by thousands of nails. Grell’s Palace murals are highlighted in four pages of Marquee’s third quarter issue, including an article submitted by Teresa Baughman, The Palace Theatre’s Director of Operations, Programming & Marketing. Also included is the text from an article printed in the Manos Theatre Special Edition of the Greensburg Daily Tribune on August 31, 1926, which reveals the French fairy tale themes of Grell’s paintings.

At the time of his commission at the Manos Theatre in 1926, Louis Grell was associated with United Studios of Chicago, Illinois, and a professor of art at the University of Chicago. A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, he trained under master artists in Germany, France and Italy from the age of 12. His estimated 300+ murals were and continue to be featured in theatres, public buildings, and banks throughout the United States. (www.LouisGrell.com) The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA, was one of nearly 30 stops on the Theatre Historical Society of America’s June 2014 Conclave Tour, in which 130 conference attendees visited historic venues throughout western Pennsylvania, from Erie to Uniontown and including many Pittsburgh-area venues. Grell’s Palace murals were included in an exhibit last winter at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, “Discovering Louis Grell: American Muralist” and can be seen in the recently released documentary “Discovering Louis Grell” on You Tube.

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THEATRE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA: Founded in 1969 to document the architectural, cultural and social history of America’s theatres, the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) is dedicated to the documentation and celebration of these structures in our shared heritage. Through the preservation of the collections in the American Theatre Architecture Archive, regional theatre tours, cooperative museum exhibits, publications, lectures, awards and research fellowships, THS promotes appreciation, scholarly study and use of these historically significant buildings. Visit THS online at historictheatres.org.

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MARQUEE™ MAGAZINE: THS produces two publications yearly, Marquee™ a quarterly journal which has been published continuously since 1969 and the Annual, published since 1973. Authors and contributors are members of THS and because of their vast scope of interests; each quarterly edition is a specially curated journey through theatre history. Issues of Marquee™ and the Annual are circulated to about 1,000 members around the globe, and are available in print as a yearly subscription to members, or via download online at historictheatres.org.

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END NOTES

by Cathi Gerhard

“Fear is a darkroom where negatives develop.” –Usman B. Asif

The Darkroom Last week, I was discussing “WalMart Panic” with a friend of mine. Sometimes we both experience an overwhelming swoon in the middle of the store–a sudden anxiety so strong it takes everything we have not to abandon our cart and flee. It hits me much like a low-blood sugar crash: sweat breaks out on the back of my neck, the room begins to spin a little, and finally, tunnel vision closes in. I am all alone in a dark, little room and cannot find my way out.

This experience is not limited to seasonal shopping. It can happen at home, in the car, in a meeting, at a party ... anytime–for no reason at all–

things they have not experienced. To walk that seemingly endless mile in our shoes, one must enter the darkroom of our injured brains.

Inside that dark place, everything turns negative–ugly and distorted. We feel inside out, as if our nerves are on the wrong side of our skin. Everything we see, hear and feel becomes a perceived threat, much like an autoimmune disease that misinterprets good cells as bad. Fear grows into panic, and we must either fight or flee. I’ve done a lot of senseless screaming, arguing and acting out in my life (it temporarily makes you think you still have some control in the situation); now I

a fact that frustrates friends and family who often make the first mistake by asking, “What’s wrong?” Not being able to answer that makes us feel even more helpless and alone.

The second error is to assume we could simply get over it if we were stronger. Panic and anxiety disorders are like any other disease, malfunction or broken bone. We can’t help it, healing takes time, and there isn’t always a cure. Like most everything in life, people often cannot understand the

prefer to simply withdraw and wait for the storm to pass. And I know it will, despite the dreadful perspectives that swirl to cloud my judgment.

That faith is now the strength that gets me through each episode, one day at a time. Not being able to schedule my highs and lows plays havoc with my calendar, both personally and professionally. Most days are normal and productive–full of sunshine and a happy rainbow of bright thoughts.

And yet other times, I begin or end my

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day with hours spent curled up in bed, surrounded by my sympathetic dog and a few purring cats seeking shared warmth, in a very cold and darkened room. Afternoons are often the worst for me. Paralyzed, I cannot answer the phone, the door or email – there might be bad news on the other side. I cope by putting in the hours–sleeping, reading, watching TV (any distraction from my thoughts)– waiting for my husband to come home and hold my hand.

I am very lucky to have someone who is willing to just wait it out with me, someone who isn’t easily frustrated by my errant “personality.” But there seems to be more and more people suffering from anxiety, stress and panic in America these days. Perhaps it’s simply a product of our intense, modern communication – or maybe it’s a sign that we once again feel as if the country and our government no longer sees us as citizens, but as tiny, irrelevant percentages of an enormous profit margin. Jobs and money are out of our control–and our health is dependent on both. We no longer have security of any kind, and are vulnerable to the forecast: “winter is coming.”

But at least for now it is fall, a time when the whole world seems to be celebrating the conclusion of another year. It’s time to harvest our achievements and move forward from our losses. The whole season, from now until Christmas, exhalts the fact that “we made it through.” We can relax and enjoy ourselves for a little bit, while there’s a warm reassurance in the air, despite the chill in the weather.

That comfort brings color and clarity to a world turning dark and cloudy.

Let’s hold on to that perspective as long as we can.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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September 2014 - 31

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