WINTER 2019 | VOL 03 | ISSUE 02
ON THE MOUNTAIN Skiers relish return to Laurel Mountain’s slopes.
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Celebrate the Holidays in the Highlands!
Carving With a Chainsaw
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WELCOME
www.7springs.com CEO Eric Mauck Director of Marketing & Communications Alex Moser
Sales Director William Gregory
Publisher Bill Uhler Director Bob Cucciniello
Graphic Designer Jenni Leiste Special Content Editorial Director Christian Williams Copy Editor Leslie Andres Contributing Photographers Jeff Kruzik, Heidi Lewis, Herb Speer, Amanda Wilson, Seven Springs Photography Staff Contributing Writers Laura Argenbright, Katie Buchan, Dayna DiRienzo, Aaron Forringer, Pat McCloskey, Catherine Orlando, Abbey Way For editorial inquiries Jean Teller 785-832-7231, jteller@sunflowerpub.com For advertising queries Tracy Brooks, tbrooks@altoonamirror.com; Alex Moser, amoser@7springs.com All material and photographs copyright Sunflower Publishing, 2019. Laurel Highlands Magazine releases twice a year.
ENJOY THE SNOW! JEAN, EDITOR In our Spring 2019 issue, “Cycling Up the Mountain,” covering the Hidden Valley Mountain metric race, was written by Catherine Orlando with photographs by Heidi Lewis.
WINTER 2019 | VOL 03 | ISSUE 02
ON THE MOUNTAIN Skiers relish return to Laurel Mountain’s slopes.
30
34
Celebrate the Holidays in the Highlands!
Carving With a Chainsaw
ON THE COVER Laurel Mountain once again draws passionate skiers. Photo by Heidi Lewis
Laurel Highlands Magazine
Editor Jean Teller
As the days grow shorter, we get ready for the arrival of cooler temperatures, the holiday season, and snow! It’s a time for expressing thanks, dreaming of sugar plums, and listening for reindeer hoofbeats on the roof. Why not take this winter to explore new territory? Challenge yourself to a new adventure, or dust off those skis and hit the slopes—something you haven’t taken the time to do in years. The Laurel Highlands is the perfect place for fresh air, brilliant blue skies, and dazzling white trails of snow just daring you to take flight. This issue is packed with skiing features: We take a look at cross-country skiing at Kooser State Park, catch a glimpse of the skiing culture on Laurel Mountain, and talk with two skiers who frequently visit Seven Springs specifically for the resort’s slopes. Stay at the Slopeside Hotel for easy access, and when you’re not blazing a trail in fresh powder, take a spin around the Laurel Highlands for holiday celebrations (page 30), wine-tasting (page 12), amazing wood carvings (page 34), or a trip to the past at the Lincoln Highway Experience (page 22). Whatever your winter adventure, you’ve found the right place!
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Production Manager Jenni Leiste
CONTENTS
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22
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STAY Wake Up to a Mountain Adventure Visitors stay close to the action at Seven Springs’ Slopeside Hotel.
PLAY Sliding on Fresh Snow Kooser State Park offers beauty, nature, and a heart-pumping workout.
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
PLAY Raise a Glass Area wineries offer a taste of local produce and locations for every event.
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DISCOVER Return to Laurel Mountain Area’s historic gem has been updated to attract the serious skier.
DISCOVER By the Numbers Ever wonder how many scoops of ice cream were served at Seven Springs?
DISCOVER History Drives through the Laurel Highlands Visitors to the Lincoln Highway Experience learn about the country’s love affair with being on the road.
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HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS! Chef Takes the Long Road to Laurel Highlands After years in the industry, Executive Chef Sandro Marcato finds a home at Seven Springs Resort.
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HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS! Taking to the Slopes Two skiers, on opposite ends of the age spectrum, share the same enthusiasm for the sport.
FEATURE Highland Holidays Celebrate the season with fun and fabulous events.
FEATURE Carving A New Plath Retirement years bring local wood carver to a new vocation.
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FEATURE A Perfect Day Follow two employees at Seven Springs for a glimpse into their work lives.
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EVENTS
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#HIGHLANDSMAG!
Open April Through Mid-November
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
Wake Up to a Mountain Adventure
Visitors stay close to the action at Seven Springs’ Slopeside Hotel.
Story by Laura Argenbright | Photo by Seven Springs Photography Staff
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lanning a trip to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands? Not sure where to stay? Choosing from the wide variety of lodging options, from chain hotels to rustic campsites, can be daunting. But one choice stands above the rest: the Slopeside Hotel at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. What makes the Slopeside Hotel so remarkable? While providing an unforgettable experience that keeps guests coming back season after season, the hotel sparkles at the base of the mountain, just steps away from the slopes. And that’s not all. Guests are often delighted and surprised to find Seven Springs is an entire “ski town” within a resort. And the Slopeside Hotel, with its 414 well-appointed rooms, is at the heart of it all. “Once you check in ... you have no worries,” says Chris Plummer, Seven Springs’ general manager. “We want to make it so you can park your vehicle and then not stress about a thing other than having an enjoyable time with your family. We check your skis and snowboards, valet your vehicle, provide your lift tickets and serve up anything else you need. “You have it all and never have to get back in your vehicle once you arrive. It is an amazing mountain for skiing and snowboarding, incredible dining at 15 restaurants and bars, nightly entertainment, family activities, and our employees provide exceptional customer service.” If the Slopeside Hotel is the heart of the resort, the people working here are its pulse. “What sets us apart is our people. They drive us and the guest experience,” he says. All Seven Springs employees are trained to provide “Plus One” service, which dictates going above and beyond the normal requirements of a job to provide exceptional service to every guest, every time. When you stay at the Slopeside, you have access to 11 dining outlets, including the Slopeside Restaurant, Timbers, Seven Ten Bistro, and the recently renovated and updated Mountain Perk and Pizza Place. The Bloody Mary Bar is quickly becoming a guest favorite. For a distinctive dining experience, the award-winning Helen’s Restaurant is within a short walk or shuttle ride. After dark and après-ski, the Slopeside Hotel is home to the Matterhorn Lounge and the Bavarian Pub. No visit to Seven Springs is complete without a stop in the legendary Foggy Goggle bar in the Ski Lodge, the source of great times and epic stories. Bringing the family? You’re in luck. In addition to Mountain Adventures, guests at the Slopeside Hotel can enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor hot tubs, a bowling center, an indoor mini-golf course, and the Bear Trap Fun Zone game room. Best of all, skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain biking, the Alpine Slide, Sporting Clays, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and a par 71 mountaintop golf course are right outside your door.
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
The Slopeside Hotel dominates the complex that is Seven Springs Mountain Resort; when it’s time to hit the slopes (Page 4), it is an easy walk from the hotel to the chair lifts.
Looking for a relaxing getaway or a quick pickme-up? The Trillium Spa and Salon is located adjacent to the hotel. Ideal for first-time and veteran spa-goers, Trillium is the perfect place to escape the stress and commotion of everyday life to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. While the mountain setting is enchanting, it is equally matched by the hotel’s luxurious, recently renovated accommodations and over-the-top amenities. Perfectly appointed rooms and suites, many with a balcony or patio, are equipped with mini-refrigerators, Keurig coffee machines, flatscreen TVs, and wireless internet. ADA-compliant and pet-friendly rooms are also available. Pillowtop mattresses ensure a wonderful night’s sleep after a day of adventures on the mountain or meetings in the conference center. Seven Springs Mountain Resort fosters environmental stewardship in all resort operations and facilities through a carefully planned program of sound resource management and environmental protection. “The wood and stone you see throughout our resort were harvested from the surrounding mountains. Every improvement we make is made with the unique culture and environment that exists in the Laurel Highlands,” Plummer says. When staying at the Slopeside, guests can take advantage of a Gift for Green Program. In an effort to conserve water, energy, and other resources, Seven Springs rewards guests with a resort credit for each night they opt-out of housekeeping services. Guests qualify for the credit by informing the front desk upon check-in that they will not be using housekeeping services during their stay, or certain days of their stay. This is just one of the many conservation initiatives in place at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. “We are continually improving our lodging product, including our hotel, cabins, chalets, and all of our other lodging options,” says Plummer. “In the past two years, we have remodeled every room in the hotel. All of these improvements were driven by our guest feedback. And, it will never end. We will continue to listen to our guests and make improvements daily.”
PLAY Story by Dayna DiRienzo | Photos by Jeff Kruzik Laurel Highlands Magazine
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Sliding on Fresh Snow Kooser State Park offers beauty, nature, and a heart-pumping workout.
mild terrain has some ups and downs but no big hills, and the park always has nice snow, so it’s a perfect spot for novice cross-country skiers to hone their skills and enjoy the sport.” With an altitude of 2,600 feet, Kooser also has high enough elevation that it holds a great deal of snow after a heavy snowstorm, providing and preserving excellent crosscountry skiing conditions. The park is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. The main office at Kooser is open every weekend during the ski season, with staff on hand to meet with novices for advice or trail instructions. Each time it snows, park staff members “set track” on 1.5 miles of trail by pulling a heavy sled-like implement behind a snowmobile, creating two parallel ski tracks for skiers — K i m b e rl y Pe ck to follow. The ski tracks run parallel to the stream from the park’s cabin area to the campground, with dense hemlock cover most of the way. The trail is marked with blue diamonds, indicating it is an “easiest” trail. Skiers also can blaze their own paths through the
Laurel Highlands Magazine
“ Th e p a r k always has n i c e s n o w, so it’s a p e r f e c t s p ot for novice c r o s s - c o un tr y s k i e r s .”
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s there anything on earth as welcoming as a shimmering blanket of untracked snow? The fresh smell of hemlocks and pines, the tiny footprints of birds and squirrels, the crisp sting of cold air, and the sound of … absolutely nothing at all? If that description sounds like poetry, then you may be among the many winter adventurers who would enjoy cross-country skiing, a sport that allows its participants to become one with nature during a fullbody cardiopulmonary workout. Kooser State Park, right here in Somerset County, happens to be one of the best places for newbies to take up cross-country skiing (also called Nordic skiing). Located in the eastern foothills of the Laurel Mountain Summit, Kooser is a mere 20-minute drive from Seven Springs Mountain Resort via County Line Road and PA-31 E. From Pittsburgh, it’s an hour’s drive along PA-31, between the Donegal and Somerset exits of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It has become a popular spot for cross-country skiers of all levels, but particularly for novices. “Kooser State Park has more than three miles of easy trails that meander along a scenic creek, making it one of the finest cross-country skiing terrains in the Northeast,” says Kimberly Peck, an avid skier and environmental educational specialist for the Laurel Hill State Park Complex, which is made up of Kooser, Laurel Hill, and Laurel Ridge state parks. “The park’s
FIVE TIPS FOR NOVICE CROSS-COUNTRY SKIERS Follow these suggestions from Diane Murray, patrol director for the Laurel Highland Nordic Ski Patrol, and you can have fun—even if it’s your first cross-country skiing outing. You’re never too old or too young to Nordic ski. “Don’t be afraid to try Nordic skiing—it’s one sport where age doesn’t matter,” she says. “If you can scoot your feet, then you can cross-country ski. Relax, be with nature, and have fun.”
TWO
Dress right. “First timers usually overdress, then they sweat—and then they get cold,” says Murray. Her recommendation: Dress in light, breathable, stretchy layers, so you can shed layers as you warm up. A snugfitting synthetic or wool base layer, followed by a mid-layer, and then a wind-proof outer layer works best, according to crosscountryskitechnique. com. A hat, neck gaiter, ski socks, and gloves complete the ensemble. Sunglasses are important for sunny days. Bring a full change of clothing (including underwear) so you don’t have to wear your sweaty clothes on the ride home.
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
THREE
Stay centered over your skis. “Downhill skiers are used to leaning forward in their boots, but Nordic skiers need to stay balanced over their skis,” Murray says. “Nordic ski boots are not attached to the ski at the heel, so you just want to stay centered on your skis. Place one foot in each track, push off, and let the skis glide on the snow.”
FOUR
Practice some basic ski strides. For the diagonal stride—the one most associated with Nordic skiing—“push down and back on one leg and shift your weight to the other, gliding along on the track,” she says. Keep a little bend in the ankles, knees, hips, and elbows, and make short, compact arm movements with your poles. Also try the kick-doublepole and double-pole strides, where both skis stay on the snow together, which are the foundations for more advanced techniques.
FIVE
Know a little trail etiquette. “Ski in the proper direction as indicated on the trail,” says Murray. “Stay in the tracks as you ski.” Faster skiers have the right of way. If you hear someone yell “On your right!” from behind you, keep moving but beware that you’re about to be passed. Keep your poles at your side so you don’t poke the passing skier. If you fall—and all skiers do at some point—try to fix your “sitz” marks the best you can. If you need to stop for a drink or a rest, move out of the track to the side to allow others to ski past you. Follow the Laurel Highlands Nordic Ski Patrol on Facebook at http://bit.ly/309nuWX.
PhotosAdobe Stock
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ungroomed snow on the rest of the trail. In addition, a section of the roadway is always left snowy and ungroomed to allow skiers to go rogue safely. Not only is cross-country skiing fun and peaceful, the sport also offers a great full-body, low-impact aerobic workout. The diagonal stride movements work the hip flexors, groin, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves on the lower body, as well as the core, pectoral muscles, delts, and lats of the upper body. And it is a surprisingly effective workout. In a recent study at Ball State University in Indiana, two groups of men in their 80s were examined. All were healthy and capable of completing a vigorous exercise test to exhaustion—the only difference was that one group was composed of lifelong cross-country skiers who trained several times a week while the other group did no formal exercise beyond activities of daily living. The results: The skiers had more than twice the cardiovascular and muscular fitness of the untrained group. Another benefit of cross-country skiing at Kooser is the price: zero. “There is no charge to ski in the park,” Kim says. “No lift ticket required, less crowded, less pressure, less danger—cross-country skiing is safer, easier, simpler, and cheaper.”
Every weekend in the winter, the park is served by the Laurel Highlands Nordic Ski Patrol, a volunteer professional organization that is part of the National Ski Patrol. The ski patrol provides outdoor emergency care, rescues, and related safety services to cross-country skiers and other nature enthusiasts. Their goal is to protect park users while promoting the enjoyment of winter recreation in the wilderness environment. Although Peck is an experienced Nordic skier, she prefers Kooser to some of the other local parks for her cross-country pursuits. “My favorite time is when it’s really cold out because you get warm very fast when you’re working out,” she says. “I love winters at Kooser because it’s so peaceful and it lets me explore the park in a different way than during the rest of the year.” Kooser State Park offers year-round amenities, including 250 acres of forest with trails for hiking and exploring; a lovely trout stream that flows the full length of the park; 35 campsites, some with utility hookups; nine rustic rental cabins; flush toilets and warm showers; and picnic sites for outings and groups of all sizes. The park was designed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a voluntary public work relief program that operated during the Depression. For camping and information at Kooser State Park, call 800-445-8673, or visit www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/ FindAPark.
3
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WHERE TO RENT CROSSCOUNTY SKIS NEAR KOOSER STATE PARK If you’re interested in renting Nordic skis to give this fun sport a try this winter, here are two ski rental companies near Kooser to try:
ROUTE 31 BIKE, BOARD AND SKI 3731 Glades Pike Somerset, PA 15501 814-443-1282
It’s not just a sub, It’s an EM’S SUB
Weekday rentals Monday–Thursday: Adult $17; child (5 and under) $12 Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: $20 adult; $12 child Three-day rentals: $53 adult; $36 child
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3772 PA-31 Donegal, PA 15628 724-593-6404
Laurel Highlands Magazine
THRIFTY SKI RENTAL
167 West Patriot St. Somerset, Pa 15501 (814) 445-2100 Laurel Highlands Magazine
434 Main St. Johnstown, Pa 15901 (814) 535-5919
612 Goucher St. 1577 Forest Hills Dr. Johnstown, Pa 15905 Salix, Pa 15952 (814) 255-6421 (814) 266-3948 1111 Scalp Ave. Johnstown, Pa 15904 (814) 269-3493
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Single-day rental: Adult (12+) $17.99; youth (6–11) $13.99; child (5 and under) $9.99 Three-day weekend rentals (Friday–Sunday): Adult $44.99; youth $35.99; child $24.99 Specializing in expert fitting: shoes by Euro sizing, skis by weight, poles by height
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
Story by Catherine Orlando | Photos courtesy Amanda Wilson
Raise a Glass
Area wineries offer a taste of local produce and locations for every event.
PLAY
1085 CLAYPIKE ROAD, ACME, PA 15610 WWW.STONEVILLA.COM
For a wine-centric experience, plan a trip to Stone Villa Wine Cellars in Acme. The winery, which opened in 2000, focuses on selling bottles of wine, so it’s the perfect place for shopping or buying a bottle while enjoying themed events like Sangria Fest in July and Fall Wine Festival in September. Located on 135 acres, Stone Villa includes a beautiful lake, which serves as the perfect backdrop during warm weather events and house entertainment. A small dedicated vineyard is located on the property, but Stone Villa also contracts with state growers to produce its Pennsylvania wines. They offer a wide selection of varietals, including seasonals like Christmas Rose, Villa Spring, and Padre’s Gold.
“ ( On e c o u pl e ) met here 1 8 ye a rs a go , we r e married, and recently came ba ck t o c e l e br a t e .” — R a n d a l l P a u l , o wner S t o n e Vi l l a Wi n e C el l ars
Laurel Highlands Magazine
STONE VILLA WINE CELLARS
But the seasonal selections and ambient space aren’t all that Stone Villa has to offer guests. The wine cellar is a great stop-off for both guests and hosts, as it offers prepackaged food baskets and personalized wine bottle labels. If you’re looking to celebrate on the property, you may not be able to find a better deal—reserving a cabana for a group costs $100, for which you’ll be given use of the space and a $100 gift card to spend on-site. The local spot has brought people together over wine for almost two decades and is a favorite among tourists and locals. Owner Randall Paul recalls how the winery has been more than a watering hole for one couple. “They met here 18 years ago, were married, and recently came back to celebrate,” he says. And what about a meeting of the extraterrestrial kind? “They were filming a movie locally, about the 1965 UFO incident. Stone Villa is in there, we have some product placement, and are launching a wine for it,” says Paul about the 2019 release Kecksburg. If you’re looking to meet a friend, a soul mate, or a space invader to share wine and make memories, Stone Villa Wine Cellars is the place to be.
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W
ineries can be a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon outside, a special spot to find the perfect hostess gift, and everything in between. As one may expect, the natural bounty of the Laurel Highlands lends itself well to a variety of local wineries, each with its own unique appeal. Un-“wine” with us as we introduce you to some of the region’s best.
GREENDANCE THE WINERY AT SAND HILL
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
306 DEERFIELD ROAD, MOUNT PLEASANT, PA 15666 WWW.GREENDANCEWINERY.COM
Nestled on an idyllic backdrop of rolling hills, fruit orchards, and vineyards, Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill is a sensory delight. Sand Hill Berries is a well-renowned family farm that has operated for over three decades in friendly Mount Pleasant. Well-loved for their locally grown fruit and incredible baked goods, the farm expanded into wine in 2007. In addition to the welcoming atmosphere, visitors experience a knowledgeable tasting room staff, a curated offering of prepared foods, and, in the warmer months, live animals, outdoor seating complete with a stage for entertainment, and a cutting garden full of colorful flowers. The ambiance is perfect for sipping a selection of varietals with substance, and Greendance’s wine delivers. “We are one of the only—or possibly the only—winery in Pennsylvania that grows its own fruit for our line of pure fruit wines including black currant, red raspberry, blackberry, black raspberry, blueberry, golden raspberry, and elderberry,” says Richard Lynn, Greendance partner, farmer, and doctor of internal medicine. It seems a natural fit; a fruit farm specializing in fruit wines. But Lynn, and Greendance, had no interest in settling for one line of popular offerings.
“Still keeping with the philosophy that we wanted to showcase the quality of wines that can be produced (in) Pennsylvania, we have been working with a vineyard manager in Southeastern Pennsylvania near West Chester where the breezy ridges and light mica soils allow quality production of French vinifera including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Gruner Veltliner, and Chardonnay,” Lynn says. His knowledge of the science of winemaking is apparent; equally so is Greendance’s commitment to local and regional products. The Greendance staff is honing its craft through the trials and tribulations of harvest and with the appointment of John Levenberg, an experienced and knowledgeable winemaker who was brought on a few years ago.
Greendance has a number of events both on and off-site throughout the year, many seasonally themed and focused. And if you’re looking to celebrate at Greendance, the winery boasts more than great food and beverages for its events. The sprawling farm is the perfect backdrop for photos, has a number of buildings on-site, and offers a beautiful natural amphitheater for weddings or vow renewals. And it boasts a place in American history as well. “In 1755, General Braddock marched through here, and you can still see the ruts from the wagons along here,” says Amy Schilling, Greendance partner. “They had two roads for provisions and cavalry wagons.” Greendance The Winery at Sand Hill is truly a tasty experience in local wine, fresh fruit, baked goods, history, and landscapes. You can drink it in— and take a few bottles to go!
MORE LAUREL HIGHLANDS WINERIES
BELLA TERRA VINEYARDS
121 Sunny Lane, Hunker, PA 15639 www.bellaterravineyards.com Sprawling across a sunny expanse in a residential area of Hunker, Bella Terra Vineyards is one of the Laurel Highlands area’s newest offerings. Jay and Joanna Bell began their vineyards in 2015, then opened their upper tasting room in 2016 and the main winery event space in May 2019. Drawing heavily on his horticultural background and her advertising and graphic design experience, the Bells have designed the space to cater to nearly any need. The winery is available for event rentals like weddings and corporate parties and offers a
GLADES PIKE WINERY
2208 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501; www.gladespikewinery.com Situated in the rolling hills of Somerset County, Glades Pike Winery is a picturesque family business that’s been operating for nearly 25 years. Open 361 days a year, the winery is a beautiful event venue for afternoon drop-ins or private tastings that can be scheduled any day of the week except Saturday. Expect to find about 20 different wines available, filled out by seasonal selections like Winter White, Winter Red, and the winery’s year-round Spiced Apple. And an inside tip from owner Steve Addleman: the Winter Red and Spiced Apple are served warm, making for the perfect comfort choice during the famous Laurel Highlands winters. Glades Pike also maintains a strong local presence, so if you’re unable to visit their pristine vineyards, you can still sample the fruits of their labor. Look for them at retail locations, restaurants, and local off-site events, like this past summer’s Seven Springs Wine Festival.
Laurel Highlands Magazine
307 King’s Mountain Road, Rockwood, PA 15557 www.vindematrixwine.com A love of earth and sky is apparent at this beautiful, celestial-themed winery in Rockwood. Named for the brightest star in the constellation, Virgo (Vindemiatrix, which translates to “the grape gatherer”), Vin de Matrix focuses on the alignment of people and land with health and wellness. “We promote a healthy wine culture and lifestyle at our winery,” says owner Lee Hetrick. “Many people stop in after visiting Laurel Hill State Park, skiing at a local resort, or often after touring Fallingwater.” Vin de Matrix’s prime location in some of the best skiing areas makes it a hit for those who seek out the Highlands for its fabled winter sports; however, being at the mercy of winter weather may affect operating hours. Hetrick encourages visitors to stay tuned to Vin de Matrix’s online presence for news on “pop-up” openings through January, February, and March. Or, buck the weather and schedule your own private tasting.
magnificent outdoor space with a lake and a spacious indoor facility. Bella Terra also hosts a slew of other events like open mics, karaoke, paint and sips, live music, and food trucks. Self-professed connoisseurs will love Bella Terra’s forward-thinking blends, like a peach rosé and Winter Bella, a seasonal with cinnamon and vanilla released on Black Friday. Not a wine lover? Expect to find a full bar and beer selections, with a focus on Pennsylvania products through partnerships with All Saints Brewing Co. and Quinn Brewing Co. Whether you’re in the area or looking to make the drive, their local selections and entertainment offerings make it a perfect destination spot.
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VIN DE MATRIX
DISCOVER Story by Pat McCloskey | Photos by Heidi Lewis
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
Return to Laurel Mountain Area’s historic gem has been updated to attract the serious skier.
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S
ki areas have personalities, just as humans do. Each has unique qualities that offer different attractions for different types of skiers. I’ve visited more than 110 different ski areas in my time, and I can recognize large, corporate resorts—driven by real estate sales, large budgets and development plans—and the small, local areas operating on a shoestring budget for the love of the sport. Then there are resorts like our Laurel Mountain Resort, which appeals to a population who understands the history of skiing and appreciates the quiet atmosphere of a local ski area serving dedicated skiers. One of the things that makes Laurel Mountain so special—besides its beautiful location in the Laurel Highlands overlooking the Ligonier Valley—is its history. From Richard King Mellon’s dream to provide a winter playground for his fellow Rolling Rock Club members, to its current status as a state-of-the-art facility run by Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Laurel has a rich history. In 1939, R.K. Mellon engaged his friend Harvey Gibson to assist with the development of a new ski area. A successful businessman from New York, Harvey Gibson also owned Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire. There he employed the famous Johann “Hannes” Schneider, the Austrian founder of the Arlberg ski instruction method, which is the basis for modern-day alpine skiing. Mellon convinced Gibson to allow Schneider to design the mountain layout for what was to be called Laurel Mountain. In fact, the trails today are still of his design.
The area officially opened in January 1941 to the Rolling Rock Club members and their families. In the years following World War II, the facility opened to the public. Famous families such as the Mellons, the Scaifes, the Heinzes, as well as the Olivers, O’Neils, and Laughlins frequented the slopes of Laurel Mountain during its heyday, all while improvements were added, such as lifts and eventually snowmaking in 1956. Warren Miller of ski film fame and John Jay of Ski Magazine were frequent visitors as was an engineer from Maryland named Howard Head, who tested his new metal skis on the slopes of Laurel Mountain. In 1963, the Mellons and the Scaifes donated the area to the State of Pennsylvania. Various entities were hired to run the facility with mixed results. With a number of factors to consider, such as local competition and a fire that destroyed the ski lodge, the decision was made to close Laurel Mountain. It remained closed for 10 years, and hopes for a revival were dim. Due to the foresight of the Nutting family, owners of Seven Springs Mountain Resort, who purchased the assets from Somerset Trust, a grant was offered by the State to bring Laurel Mountain back to its original glory. Laurel Mountain is operating once again with a new lodge and a restaurant/lounge with a stunning view of the valley. A state-of-the-art chairlift has been installed as well as improved snowmaking capabilities using the latest technology. New grooming equipment helps create a skiing experience for visitors, and, when big snows come through the Ligonier Valley, the powder skiing on the signature slope Wildcat is definitely a crowd pleaser.
Wildcat, at a reported 60-degree pitch and 850 vertical feet, is the steepest slope in Pennsylvania and one of the steepest pitches found at a lift-served ski area. Rob Davis, a retired steelworker and longtime skier, says, “In the 1970s, I first laid eyes on Lower Wildcat. I thought North Face was steep at Seven Springs, but Wildcat makes that look tame. So Laurel, for me, was the pinnacle of expert skiing.” Also known as the unofficial historian of the mountain, Davis goes on to say, “Over the years, dedicated Laurel enthusiasts kept the glades cleared. That tradition continues today. For the first-time visitor, Laurel’s trails offer a sense of discovery. The mountain reveals itself to you, and, on most days, all you hear is the sound of boards sliding over the snow and the hoots of excitement from the sparse crowd.” Advanced skiers can lap Wildcat and be ready for any western experience, but Broadway, Tamecat, and Innsbruck trails offer a beginner/intermediate skier a pleasant run with views of the Ligonier Valley. Dream Highway, to a skier’s right upon descent, is also a classic meandering trail that served as the race trail many years ago for the Pennsylvania State Downhill Championship. Dream Highway currently does not have snowmaking; it may be included in future improvement plans. The glades, to which Rob Davis refers, intermingle with established trails that are annually cleared by volunteers of the Support Laurel Mountain State Park Ski Area Group (1,500 strong) under the auspices of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the state. These glades, during a large snowfall,
For more on Laurel Mountain, along with lift ticket and season pass prices, visit the website at www.laurelmountainski.com
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TO LEARN MORE
Laurel Highlands Magazine
are a welcome addition to the skiing at Laurel Mountain and provide powder skiing among the trees. In addition to the new development and the scenic beauty, what makes Laurel Mountain special are the staff members who run the area and a dedicated group of skiers who take pride in improving the area. Jim Darr, who started ski patrolling at Laurel in 1982, says, “It is a quiet family atmosphere, no glitz, no glitter. Serious skiing for those who want it and great cruising for the rest.” Hunter McKain, a mainstay of the ski school at Laurel, says, “Everyone has heard that a picture is worth a thousand words. If you took a picture of the lodge on a Saturday morning at Laurel Mountain only one word would be needed to explain it. Family. … As a ski instructor, it takes me only a few minutes to remember why I choose this as a break from my 9-5. … Everyone is happy, helpful, and kind. The sign hanging above the lodge could easily read ‘Welcome Home’ and it would hold true for everyone who walked in. … A day at Laurel Mountain truly is like stepping back to a time when all that mattered was taking care of your neighbor.” Snowmakers Gene Parmesan and Matt Woods make sure the mountain is ready for skiers every day, and the management team of Chris Plummer and Sarah Brown welcome the ski crowd. A retired structural engineer who recently relocated from Switzerland with his wife, Melissa, Jaime Thompson says, “Laurel Mountain is where I learned to ski in the early ’60s, and it is great to go back. Being welcomed in the morning by a fantastic group of folks, with a nice fire in the lodge, starts the ski day on a high note. The snowmaking is top notch, and the grooming, especially on Lower Wildcat, is fantastic. It is like stepping back in time only with a modern twist like a chair lift versus the T-Bar.” While the lift lines are often rowdy and crowded at other areas in the tri-state region, the new lift at Laurel Mountain spins and keeps pace with a quieter crowd. During the week, you may have the place to yourself. As owner and CEO at Seven Springs Bob Nutting says, “We love Laurel, we love to ski there, my dad loves Laurel, we are committed.” That type of dedication is refreshing to hear as I was one who longed for the day when Laurel Mountain would once again be a viable option for skiing in Western Pennsylvania. Having skied most of the areas in New England, Laurel reminds me of the atmosphere created in the smaller to mid-sized skiing locales in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Nestled in Laurel Mountain State Park, Laurel Mountain Ski Resort is an iconic and revered skiers’ mountain located in Ligonier, PA. Not only does Laurel Mountain boast the highest vertical drop on the Laurel Ridge in Pennsylvania at 761 feet, the mountain is famous for its double diamond Lower Wildcat Slope, the steepest in the state which averages near 60% slope. Lower Wildcat is a breathtaking run that, for the avid skier, simply must be taken.
Season Passes on sale now at LaurelMountainSki.com
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
Photos Courtesy of Seven Springs Staff Photography
Seven Springs by the Numbers
DISCOVER
11 1,980 12,148 20 9,460,097 prize tickets won in Bear Trap Fun Zone.
S NOW TU B I NG LAN E S
FEET DOWN THE LENGTH OF THE ALPINE SLIDE
ICE CREAM CONES
SQUARE FEET OF MEETING AND CONFERENCE SPACE
28,499 scoops of ice cream served at the Ice Cream Shoppe
Laurel Highlands Magazine
77,000
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horses in the Seven Springs Stables
prepared at the Gingerbread Dreams Bakery and Ice Cream Shoppe
DISCOVER Story by Aaron Forringer | Photos by Herb Speer Laurel Highlands Magazine
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History Drives through the Laurel Highlands Visitors to the Lincoln Highway Experience learn about the country’s love affair with being on the road.
Before the Interstate highway system, before every off ramp had carbon-copy restaurants, there was the Lincoln Highway,
The tour includes a rebuilt tourist cabin that once provided a place of rest for weary travelers; parked nearby is a 1937 Packard, touted as the “Ultimate Touring Car.” The “Wish You Were Here” postcards would have been the most affordable means of communicating in the days before cell phones, and there is a display of kitschy souvenirs. The grand finale of the tour is the full-sized, neon-lit diner where you can still get a piece of pie and a cup of coffee as part of the tour package. In addition to a postage-paid postcard and the tour, each person drives away with a 60-page Lincoln Highway Guide to help you remember your journey. America has always been in motion, and the Lincoln Highway Experience highlights a part of that past on a two-lane road through the Laurel Highlands.
WHEN YOU GO www.lhhc.org 3435 State Route 30 East Latrobe, PA 15650 724-879-4241 Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., last visitors admitted at 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, April to December. (Monday through Friday in January, February, and March) Cost: Adults, $14; youngsters, 7 to 17, $5; children 6 and younger, $2; group rate, $10
Laurel Highlands Magazine
BLAST FROM THE PAST
a series of roads linked to promote travel and boost car sales. The Lincoln Highway helped produce a culture of roadside attractions, diners, gas stations, and motels, and many a traveler had an experience similar to the one above. To gain the public’s attention as people motored merrily down the highway, inventive businesses created gimmicks. At one point, in the Laurel Highlands, you could eat lunch at a ship perched high on the Allegheny Mountain, get your car filled up at an Art Deco gas station, or stay at a cute little cottage along the road before continuing on your way. Each bend of this mountain road was part of the route from New York City to San Francisco. The best starting point for any journey on the Lincoln Highway (now labeled Route 30) and through the Laurel Highlands is the Lincoln Highway Experience in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. The museum is dedicated not just to the road but also to the idea that the American public was on the move. Each tour starts with the 13-minute film, Through the Windshield. A personal Tour-Mate audio wand (also used at Alcatraz and other national parks) is provided for each visitor to follow the approximately one-hour tour. The 5,000-square-foot museum is divided into several rooms (one is not wheelchair accessible at this time), with one devoted exclusively to small children who can drive pedal cars and participate in other hands-on activities. A future president is showcased taking part in a military automobile convoy across America just to prove it could be done (although it did take Dwight D. Eisenhower and his colleagues 62 days in 1919).
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t’s late. You’re tired from following this twisty mountain road, but you want to drive just a little bit farther on this long-ago business trip. Up ahead you see a welcoming sight, a silver building with neon lights above it. You start to slow as the warm interior lights come into focus, your imagination conjuring up a cup of coffee and maybe a piece of homemade pie. After parking your vehicle, you meander through the front door, then slide onto a stool. A cheerful waitress approaches with a cup and saucer in one hand and a fresh pot of piping-hot coffee in the other. You smile in return and nod, and without a word, your coffee is poured and waiting. You ask for a slice of apple pie. The waitress nods and a minute later, fresh from a warming oven, a piece of pie slides into place in front of you. Finally the waitress speaks. “Got much farther to go tonight?” You think before answering, how far did you want to go tonight? “I’m not sure. I have to be in San Francisco next week. Any place good to stay nearby?” “Only a couple miles up the road is the Hite Hotel. It’s right along the highway.” You nod, glad for the information. “Is there a gas station close by?” She smiles. “Yes, sir, right in town. They even have two new pumps.” You finish up and put a dime and nickel on the counter, climb into your car and head west on the Lincoln Highway.
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS!
C H E F
TA K E S
T H E
LO N G
R OA D
TO LAUREL HIGHLANDS
After years in the industry, Executive Chef Sandro Marcato finds a home at Seven Springs Resort. Story by Katie Buchan | Photo by Heidi Lewis
“I was ready to take a six-month sabbatical before looking for a new job,” Marcato says. “But then I got a call from one of my former casino chefs. He said to come visit Seven Springs, it’s beautiful. I thought I would enjoy a nice, relaxing trip. He kind of tricked me.”
“Wh at make s me so h appy t o work at S e ve n S prings i s t h e di ve rsi ty of t h e food we se rv e .” The relaxing vacation he was offered came with ulterior motives. Marcato was offered the job of executive chef in February 2012. He accepted. The chef is now in his 35th year of living in the United States. The result of this epic journey can be enjoyed by all who visit Seven Springs. The man behind each unique dish says it best: “What makes me so happy to work at Seven Springs is the diversity of the food we serve. Many different concepts, each restaurant is unique. I never get bored because we have Helen’s gourmet, where we can be avant garde and creative, crossing the boundaries of cuisine, but we also have places like Timbers, where the creativity of even our burgers is fun and unexpected.” And of course, thanks to Marcato, the Italian cuisine at Seven Springs is as authentic as can be found in the Laurel Highlands. “I always try to show that Italian means more than what most perceive, and teach the culture of Italian food,” Marcato says. “What mom made is good, but true Italian food is so much more.” The chef ’s passion is evident, even with the simple dishes we all ate growing up. He says, “Real eggplant parmigiana has never been fried!”
Laurel Highlands Magazine
Italian-American film producer who was breaking into the restaurant industry. “I read an article in Time magazine about Dino De Laurentiis,” Marcato says. “He had opened a successful restaurant in New York City called DDL Foodshow. The article said that everyone working in the kitchen was Italian and all of the food was imported direct from Italy. For Europeans, moving to the U.S. was considered a dream come true, so I wrote a letter asking if they would take me for a six-month internship.” The letter was a shot in the dark of sorts, sent with no expectation of an answer. Marcato did not even have a permanent address at the time. “It was destiny,” Marcato says. “One month later, someone from DDL’s Rome office called me for an interview and on January 2, 1984, I landed in Los Angeles to be the opening chef of DDL Foodshow in Beverly Hills. The rest is history.” Marcato spent one year with DDL Foodshow and, at the end of his J1 Visa, headed back to Italy. On his way back, he stopped at DDL’s corporate office in New York City to thank the company. It was there that he threaded the needle for his ultimate return stateside. “I went back to Italy for one season. Then I came back as the opening chef of La Colonna on 5th Avenue in New York City. That was September 1985.” Marcato continued to travel across the states, moving back to California and taking various positions there. From 1992 to 1994, he was catering the sets of MGM movies. Then disaster struck. “In 1994, Los Angeles was hit with a big earthquake. It was scary. For me, it was a sign that it was time to leave. I had my family with me and I thought, ‘I gotta move.’” Marcato traveled back to the East Coast and worked in Atlantic City casino restaurants from 1994 to 2012. Then, the economy took a bad turn, and Marcato found himself caught up in the tide of downsizing and out of a job.
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ach day at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, guests descend upon the resort’s multitude of lounges and restaurants to fuel up before their adventures or to unwind after a day in the beautiful Laurel Highlands. A total of 11 unique dining outlets grace the resort, offering a wide range of options from quick grab-and-go selections like the Pizza Place and Mountain Perk, to the elegant and unforgettable fine dining experience of Helen’s Restaurant. With so many options, guests of the resort will never have trouble finding the perfect place to satisfy their cravings. Behind the scenes, the kitchens are a flurry of sous chefs and kitchen hands working fervently to fill each order. The movement never stops as plate after plate heads out the doors to be enjoyed by hungry guests. Overseeing all of this action is Seven Springs Executive Chef Sandro Marcato. He has held the role for more than seven years, but his journey through the world of culinary arts began long before his days on the mountain. Chef Marcato was born in Italy, into a family that ran a small bakery. The shop has been family-owned for four generations, and Marcato was expected to assume ownership of the bakery when he came of age, but he felt the call to go out on his own. “I was young. I wanted to live life,” says Marcato, his boisterous Italian accent filling the room. “Instead of a baker, I wanted to be a chef. So I went to school in Italy, graduated, and started working in various restaurants in Italy.” Opting for seasonal positions with a change of scenery twice a year, Marcato began his career with a four-year stint of working five months in the Dolomites at the ski resort San Martino Di Castrozza, and five months on the Emerald Coast of Sardinia Island. At the conclusion of the 1983 season on the Emerald Coast, Marcato’s attention was caught by a magazine article about an
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Laurel Highlands Magazine
HELLO, LAUREL HIGHLANDS!
TA K I N G
TO
THE SLOPES
Two skiers, on opposite ends of the age spectrum, share the same enthusiasm for the sport.
BORN TO SKI Katarina “Kat” Kazienko, 12, started skiing at Seven Springs Mountain Resort at the ripe old age of 2 and, at age 7, got hooked on slope-style skiing—the kind of extreme skiing you see at the X-Games on TV, with big jumps, rails, and half pipes. “My parents and I would ski together every weekend because I wasn’t tall enough to ride the chair lift by myself,” she says. By age 6, Kat had joined the Pennsylvania Freestyle Ski Association development program. She spent three years with the program, training every weekend at Seven Springs until her skills surpassed the limits of the program. At age 9, she started training in Colorado with the Team Summit Freeski Program, doing long weekends at Copper Mountain and camps at Lake Placid, New York; Mount Hood, Oregon; and Park City, Utah. Then last year, at age 11, Kat moved on to train in an intensive, full-time program with Team Summit’s Park and Pipe Academy, living with a host family in Frisco, Colorado, from November 2018 through April 2019. Living away from her parents was hard, but Kat had a great
year. “I had excellent coaches there, so I learned a lot,” Kat says. “It was a little hard being away, but I had two other girls from Pennsylvania who became like sisters to me, so it was fun.” This school year, Kat went back to being a regular kid. Her parents found her a closer training program based near Toronto, Ontario. She is now in seventh grade at Ryan Gloyer Middle School in Cranberry Township. “M y pare n ts Her new training schedule calls for her to an d I wou l d attend school Monday sk i toge th e r ... through Thursday, then train three days in b e c au se I wasn’t Toronto along with some t al l e n ou g h t o additional training at ri de th e ch air life Copper Mountain. This winter, she’ll be b y m y se l f .” working to master her hardest jump yet: the Cork 7. Technically, it’s the Corkscrew 720 degrees. “It’s like a rear twisting back flip with two full spins,” she says, explaining that she completes two full 360-degree revolutions while in the air. Kat is currently on the progression path to join the Toyota U.S. Freeskiing Revolution Tour and the X-Games when she’s 13. Her long-term goal is to try out for the Olympic Games in 2026.
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here’s a saying that “skiing is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.” For two Pittsburgh-area skiers, Katarina Kazienko and John Smith, the sentiment couldn’t be more appropriate. Both love the sport and devote their entire year to training for ski season. The biggest difference between the two: about 70 years.
Laurel Highlands Magazine
Story by Dayna DiRienzo | Photo Courtesy the Kazienko and Smith families
STILL SKIING AFTER ALL THESE YEARS John W. Smith, of Swissvale, Pennsylvania, learned to cross-country ski in Alaska while stationed there with the 82nd Airborne Division. He then spent a year in Vietnam with the 173rd Airborne Division, earning a Purple Heart for his valor. During his time in the heat and rain of Vietnam, he dreamed of downhill skiing upon his safe return home. After his discharge in 1966, John taught himself to ski on short skis at Boyce Park in Monroeville. He advanced to long skis two years later and continued to ski as often as possible until he retired from his job with the U.S. Postal Service in 1996. Now, 23 years after his retirement, John continues to ski every day during the season at one of the three skiing gems of the Laurel Highlands: Laurel Mountain, Hidden Valley, and Seven Springs. Where he skis depends on the conditions, which he checks online every morning. “I’ll ski every day by myself or with one of my friends— Denise Lohr or Warwick Powell—no matter the weather,” John says. “I can get in about 10 runs an hour on most days or five to six an hour on a frigid day. When it’s too cold, I’ll ski for 45 minutes and then head in to warm up, then go out again until I’m done.” John’s routine includes rising early to drive to the mountains so he can ski “fresh tracks” on the newly groomed snow before anyone else beats him to it. At Seven Springs, his usual pattern is to do two or three runs on the North Face, Gunnar, and Giant Steps slopes on the north face of the mountain, then head toward the front face. There, he’ll do a few runs on Wagner and Stowe, then relax down Boomerang Trail for the last three or four runs. He’s usually finished for the day and ready to head home by noon. Three years ago, he had what he calls a “perfect season”—no falls during an entire season in which he made 850 runs. “It was a nice, easy season with a lot of heavy wet snow,” he says. During the 2018–2019 ski season, John skied 92 times and made 1,300 runs by skiing six days a week. It was his best season ever, but not a perfect season: He fell three times. But cut him a break—he turned 82 last year. John is famous for skiing with outstretched arms and poles, doing the “mambo,” a counter-rotation technique that has earned him the nickname “Bird Man” at Seven Springs. And you certainly notice him on the slopes, because he’s usually wearing a kilt—a red one if it’s a Saturday—because he’s a “wee bit Scottish.” He owns an assortment of kilts in different colors, but he always wears the red one on Saturday unless it’s raining. The kilt has been popular with children and ladies and “never fails to bring a smile to their faces,” John adds. As if being a skiing octogenarian wasn’t enough, John maintains an off-season crosstraining regimen of walking, biking, swimming, and going to the gym. In addition, he kayaks, plays golf, and does archery. His pursuit of outdoor sports is right in line with his snow skiing passion. “I love to ski,” John says. “It’s complete freedom—pure joy—to me.” His goal is to still be skiing at age 100. “Slowly and safely,” he adds.
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The kilt has been popular with children and ladies and “never fails to bring a smile to their faces.”
JOHN W. SMITH’S ADVICE FOR SENIOR SKIERS 1
Be careful on Saturdays when the slopes are most crowded.
2
Try skiing on the weekdays for more runs and less hassle.
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The Highlands Pass offers a great opportunity to try all three resorts for just a small amount of money.
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Eat before and after you ski. John recommends a banana on the road and then a stop at McDonalds in Donegal, where they serve hot soup during the winter. (Not all McDonald’s locations serve soup.)
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Try his favorite trail at Seven Springs: Lost Girl Trail on the north side of the mountain.
Discover the Ultimate Backyard! At Seven Springs and Hidden Valley resorts, you can step out your door and onto the slopes for winter days filled with family fun in the snow. Our expert realtors are the area’s resort realty specialists. Let us help you find the resort home of your dreams!
You can also learn
Highland Holidays CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH FUN AND FABULOUS EVENTS.
NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 9–DECEMBER 17
Christmas Craft Shoppe Show
Laurel Arts, Somerset Free 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. www.laurelarts.org
NOVEMBER 16
Ornament, the Music of the TransSiberian Orchestra
Arcadia Theater, Windber $32, $36, $39 7:30 p.m. http://arcadiawindber.com/event/ ornament-the-music-of-the-trans-siberianorchestra-2019
NOVEMBER 20
Cahal Dunne’s Wonderful World of Christmas
NOVEMBER 29–30, DECEMBER 6–7
Holidays in the Highlands Seven Springs Mountain Resort www.7springs.com DECEMBER
Ohiopyle Breakfast with Santa
Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center, Ohiopyle Check website for date and time. www.discoverohiopyle.com/ohiopylebreakfast-with-santa.html
DECEMBER 1
Branson on the Road: Christmas Style
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $25, $30, $35; discount rates available for groups of 20 or more 2 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ branson
DECEMBER 1
Twelve TwentyFour, The Holiday Rock Orchestra The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $39 8 p.m. www.lamptheatre.org
Ferrante’s Lakeview, Greensburg $49 11:30 a.m. lunch; 1 p.m. show. www.thepalacetheatre.org/events/cahaldunnes-wonderful-world-of-christmas
NOVEMBER 21
Light-Up Night Downtown Irwin 5 p.m. entertainment; 6:25 p.m. tree lighting; 6:30 p.m. parade. www.downtownirwin.com
NOVEMBER 29
Light Up Ligonier 31
Downtown Ligonier 6:30 p.m. www.ligonier.com
DECEMBER 7, 14
Three Centuries of Christmas DECEMBER 5
50th Annual Luminary Night
Courtyard at The Palace Theatre, Greensburg 5 to 10 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events
DECEMBER 5
Cornell Gunter’s Coasters, The Drifters & The Platters Holiday Hop
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $28, $38, $48 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ coasters
DECEMBER 6
Christmas Cookie Tour
Downtown Irwin www.downtownirwin.com/2019-events
DECEMBER 6
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The Oak Ridge Boys Down Home Christmas
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $48, $58, $68, $78, $88 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ oak-ridge-boys
DECEMBER 6–8
Dickens of a Christmas
Downtown Ebensburg Free www.ebensburgpa.com/ebensburg-dickens
DECEMBER 6–15
Gingerbread House Contest
Historic Hanna’s Town, Greensburg 10:30 a.m. Hosted by Westmoreland Historical Society www.westmorelandhistory.org
DECEMBER 8
The Sounds of Christmas featuring The Latshaw Pops Orchestra
Ramada Ligonier www.ligonier.com/event/gingerbread-housecontest-3
The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $30 2 p.m. Facebook: Irwin.Main.Street
DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 13–15
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, St. Vincent College, Latrobe $15 per child; children ages 2 to 12; registration required 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., registration opens October 1. www.wpnr.org/winter
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown $15, reserved tickets 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday; 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. www.statetheatre.info
#Get Outside … Nutcracker Ballet with Santa!
DECEMBER 7
River City Brass Christmas Brasstacular
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events; www.rivercitybrass.org
DECEMBER 14
Rhythms of Christmas Recital
Somerset Area Senior High School 1 to 3 p.m. www.laurelarts.org
DECEMBER 14–15
Nutcracker Ballet
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $14, $21, $22, $28, $31, $39 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. www.westmorelandsymphony.org
Welcome to OUR Boardroom sporting clays
learn to ski or snowboard
DECEMBER 14, 21
Breakfast with Santa
trillium spa
Stone House Inn December 14, 9 to 10 a.m.; December 21, 9 a.m. to noon. www.stonehouseinn.com
Snow Tubing Where executives become adventurers, luncheons become culinary journeys and productivity soars to new heights. Whether it is a small committee, or a company-wide conference, our dedicated team has coordinated thousands of conferences and will ensure your guests have a relaxing and productive meeting.
DECEMBER 19
Sara Evans Christmas Show
Deluxe Hotel Room • Continental Breakfast • General Session Meeting Room Standard Audio/Visual Services • Morning Break Service Luncheon Service Afternoon Break Service • Professional Conference Planning Services
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $48, $58, $68, $78, $88, $108 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org
For more information on hosting your event, please contact one of our Sales Professionals at 800 -452-2223, ext. 7975.
DECEMBER 20
777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 15622
Classic Film Series: White Christmas
• right off the Pennsylvania Turnpike •
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown $5 for adults; $3 for seniors/students 2 and 7 p.m. www.statetheatre.info
SAY
DECEMBER 20
The Sounds of Christmas featuring the Latshaw Pops Orchestra
“ I Do” Stunning View WITH A
“Working with Seven Springs was amazing. Everything was perfect and they worked so well with us to make our day so special! I have never worked with people who were so passionate about their jobs! I 200% recommend going with Seven Springs to make yourbig day so perfect and special!“
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $25, $30, $35 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org
Mackenzie and AlexLakomy
DECEMBER 21
Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, Home for the Holidays
Wedding Packages & Lodging Available. Call or visit our website to book your ideal wedding today!
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The Palace Theatre, Greensburg 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org
7springs.com | 800.452.2223
hiddenvalleyresort.com | 800.443.8000
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Carving a new path Retirement years bring local wood carver to a new vocation.
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story By Abbey Way Photos by Heidi Lewis
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“I wanted to bring Grant to our Wine Fest to demonstrate, and I told him he would have to make wine-related carvings, and he came out with these amazing bars and wine racks,” Sedlak says. Rogers’ largest creation is a 12-foot bar featuring a wagon and grapes. It was displayed at Wine Fest and sold to guests from New Jersey. He even delivered the piece and set it up in their wine cellar. Sedlak describes Rogers as grandfatherly, adding guests can chat with him about anything and learn a thing or two. “I love to come up to Seven Springs because a lot of people get to see my carvings, and even if they don’t buy them, they get to look at them and tell me what they think of them,” Rogers says. “I appreciate that.” Rogers says if it wasn’t for Sedlak and Seven Springs, he would not be able to share his work with so many people and make enough money to support his hobby. “I love to do it,” he says. “I like to carve something and look at the end result, and when it really looks nice, I like it. … If you take care of it, it will last you years and years and years.” Bears are his best seller, but he also carves pumpkins, tables, benches, and a variety of animals— just about anything requested by customers. Two recent custom orders include a 6-foot-tall Sasquatch and some wood sprites. He creates carvings out of chopped wood and can carve a tree trunk still in the ground. “I just sort of look at a piece of wood and see what I can carve out of it,” he says. “Or if I have something particular in mind, I’ll look for a specific piece of wood that looks like what I want to carve. “But mostly, I just pick up a piece of wood and start carving.” Bars, benches, and other, larger creations take Rogers a few days to make, and he prefers to enjoy the process rather than rush through it. “Sometimes I work two or three days straight on a carving and then I’ll take a break for a few days,” Rogers says. “I don’t want to get burnt out on carving, so that’s why I break my time up a little bit.” Rogers contends a person is never too old to learn something new and is thankful to be able to enjoy chainsaw carving during retirement after years working as a mechanic. A Vietnam veteran, he served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1967. “When you get up in your years a little bit, you got to keep your mind busy, and chainsaw carving gives you physical exercise,” he says. “It gives you something to do and something to look forward to and it keeps you going. “I never thought I would get into that. I really didn’t, but it just happened.” Rogers doesn’t have a shop, but his work can be seen at festivals throughout the Laurel Highlands.
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hainsaw carving came late to Grant Rogers, but that didn’t stop him from mastering the craft. At 78, the Somerset man describes his work as mediocre, but repeat customer Brad Braddock of Greene County contends that’s not true. “I’m very impressed with Grant’s work,” Braddock says. “He’s not only very skilled with his trade, but he’s also a very down-to-earth and nice guy. “He’s excellent, and I would highly recommend him.” Rogers had always admired chainsaw carvers, but after a neighbor brought home a pumpkin purchased at a carving event, the Somerset High School graduate— at age 72—thought he could do as well. “I took my Craftsman chainsaw that I cut firewood with and I carved him out a pumpkin and I gave it to him,” Rogers says. “It looked a little bit better than the one he bought, and that’s how I got started.” He was surprised at what he produced and wanted to attempt another project—so he carved a bear. “It was just a little bear and I thought it looked pretty decent, but the grandkids said it looked like Piglet,” Rogers says, naming the Winnie-the-Pooh character. “And after I got to looking at it, I said, ‘it does sort of look like Piglet,’ so I sort of put it off to the side in a 5-gallon bucket in the garage and it’s still there.” Rogers has come a long way in the six years since he carved a bear that looked more like a pig. He’s sold dozens of bears at festivals in the Laurel Highlands and many custom pieces. Rogers says bears are favorite subjects because each takes just two to three hours to carve, and he likes to give them varying personalities. “I can carve one that looks mean or looks happy or looks sad,” he says. While the goal is to make them lifelike, he doesn’t name his creations out of fear he will become too attached and not be able to sell them. Braddock owns nearly a dozen of Rogers’ carvings, and one of his favorites is a 5-foot-tall bear that caught his eye while picking up another piece. “I’ve always admired bear carvings and the face on this one is one of the nicest I’ve ever seen,” Braddock says. “It could be alive, it looks that good.” Braddock discovered Rogers’ work three years ago at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort Wine Festival. “The first thing I bought off of Grant was a 10-foot wood-carved bar with a wine rack on the back and an elk carved into the front,” Braddock says. Rogers’ carvings have become popular at Seven Springs events year-round from the Rib and Wing Festival to Autumnfest. Jay Sedlak, Seven Springs manager of event operations, says Rogers’ pieces have a certain charm, adding the carver has come a long way since he started carving at resort events about five years ago.
“Mostly, I just pick up a piece of wood and start carving.” —Grant Rogers
For custom pieces, call
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814-445-2692
who said
SCHOOL FUN? wasn’t
Learning to Ski and Snowboard is more than just learning a new, exhilarating winter sport; it is an entrance into a welcoming community of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts that play hard and have fun doing so. Seven Springs makes it easy and fun to ski and snowboard and our experienced instructors are waiting to meet you. GROUP LESSONS • PRIVATE LESSONS SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS
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724-593-6195
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A P D
A PERFECT DAY FOLLOW TWO EMPLOYEES AT SEVEN SPRINGS FOR A GLIMPSE INTO THEIR WORK LIVES. STORY BY LAURA ARGENBRIGHT | PHOTOS BY HEIDI LEWIS
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alking with Joe Camp about his job is very much like asking an 8-year-old what he got for Christmas. The excitement in his voice and the sparkle in his eyes make it clear that being the marketing videographer at Seven Springs is more than just a job. “I am definitely living my dream,” Camp says. “At 23, I didn’t think I would make it to where I wanted to be this fast. Sometimes it’s hard to believe I am already at this point.” Camp says the versatility of his job is what he enjoys the most and what keeps him motivated. “I love the hustle and grind of the job,” Camp says. “The whole mountain is my studio. The topics are constantly changing. I go from shooting food at one of the restaurants to (shooting) mountain biking, races, events, or snowboarding. We go in with what we think is a good idea, but it usually changes. I do my best to catch natural moments—nothing is staged. So anything can happen!” The footage he captures is used for many different marketing purposes, from social media posts to commercials and presentations. He is also licensed to fly a drone, getting impressive shots and perspective from high above the resort.
“The first day I came here, I noticed a drone flying above,” Camp says. “When I started working at the resort, I was going through drone footage and saw myself walking in the crowd. It is surreal that now, one year later, I am the one running the drone.” Camp says he also enjoys working in nature, which can sometimes be a challenge. “I have to prepare for the best and plan for the worst. The conditions change every day, and sometimes throughout the day, I may be dealing with fog, snow, rain, or sun. We do have a green screen, but I never use it.” Being an outdoor adventure enthusiast contributes to Camp’s ability to excel at his job. “It was definitely the snowboarding that drew me in,” he says. “If it’s a nice day, I can take advantage of the conditions, and snowboard around filming skiers and boarders. The best part of my job is being exposed to the elements and meeting so many of our guests.” If you think this sounds like an easy job, think again. Camp says he has to be “fully caffeinated,” often starting at 7:30 a.m., preparing for the day, recording conditions, editing, and posting. The pace is fast and days are typically long. But Camp doesn’t seem to mind.
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In 2016, when Goddard came to Seven Springs on a one-year consulting contract, little did she know that three years later, she would be working full time as the executive pastry chef. Goddard runs the production bakery and manages a staff of 12 to 15 people, including apprentices. This bakery is responsible for providing pastries, desserts, and fresh breads to all of Seven Springs’ food outlets and for the banquets and weddings across Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, and Laurel Mountain resorts. The bakery also creates custom wedding cakes and fills retail cake orders. It is safe to say Goddard has a full plate. Fortunately, her passion for creating and teaching as well as her love for the resort drive her to continue to build this world-class bakery. “We make 95 percent of our desserts from scratch,” Goddard says. “It takes a lot of planning to make sure we have what we need, when we need it. It is a unique situation to run the bakery and the retail outlet. The fluctuating business of Gingerbread Dreams affects what we do every day.” A bakery manager at the age of 19, Goddard’s calm confident manner shines through and is evident in her commitment to training those who work for her.
I LOVE THE HUSTLE AND GRIND OF THE JOB. THE WHOLE MOUNTAIN IS MY STUDIO. THE TOPICS ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING. … I DO MY BEST TO CATCH NATURAL MOMENTS—NOTHING IS STAGED. SO ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! –JOE CAMP
“Being in this atmosphere, living a mile down the road, being part of the Seven Springs family where we all look out for one another, it seems like it was meant to be.” So, next time you notice a drone flying above Seven Springs, think of Joe Camp. He’ll be the videographer somewhere on the ground with an intent look in his eye and a big smile on his face, enjoying his perfect day at Seven Springs.
MY PERFECT DAY WORKING AT SEVEN SPRINGS MOUNTAIN RESORT: RACHAEL GODDARD, EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF
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Walk into Gingerbread Dreams at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, and prepare to be tempted by a gorgeous array of fine desserts and pastries lining the glass cases. Located in the Conference Center, this retail bakery outlet could rival any shop in Pittsburgh or beyond. Don’t believe us? Just ask Rachael Goddard, Seven Springs’ executive pastry chef and manager of Gingerbread Dreams. Her perfect day is making perfect pastries for the resort community.
“I currently have three apprentices,” she says. “I involve them in the planning and ordering. I teach the more experienced staff to mentor the newer employees. It keeps everyone engaged. I take them to renowned Pittsburgh bakery shops and challenge them to do it as well or better than those bakeries. And I think we do! When my apprentices leave here, they are capable of working in any shop they want. I am not terribly ego-driven. The goal is for everyone to keep going whether I am here or not. We are constantly teaching and training. And then, we work!” While Goddard says they sell “hundreds and hundreds and hundreds” of pastries every week through Gingerbread Dreams, she says it is still a challenge to hit the sweet spot for defining who the client is and what her staff is capable of doing. With such a busy schedule, how does Goddard define her perfect Seven Springs day? “When everything runs smoothly and everything turns out right! We can then focus on what we are doing and make beautiful things.” And for that, everyone who has enjoyed one of the Seven Springs’ bakery creations is eternally grateful.
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Joe Camp has found his dream job as the marketing videographer at Seven Springs Mountain Resort (above and page 40); Rachel Goddard creates delicious treats for Gingerbread Dreams at the resort in her role as executive pastry chef.
EVENTS
2019-20 EVENTS NOVEMBER-APRIL
NOTE: See Page 30 for November/ December holiday listings.
NOVEMBER November 2
PUMPKIN SPICE LIGONIER Downtown Ligonier Tickets go on sale September 16 Visitors and residents alike will be able to meander around town enjoying pumpkininspired foods for every taste. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. www.ligonier.com/event/pumpkin-spice-ligonier-3
November 3
November 5
FESTIVAL OF AMERICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS
NATURE PLAY DAY
Ramada Inn by Wyndham, Uniontown $3.50, children 12 and under are free The 32nd annual show will feature more than 100 vendors from the tri-state area, and door prizes will be drawn every hour. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Facebook: Festival of American Arts & Crafts – November Show
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, St. Vincent College, Latrobe Free A seasonal and informal day of play, exploring nature, for ages up to 2 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 10 to 11 a.m. www.wpnr.org/early-childhood.html
November 7
November 16
November 22–24
BUDDY GUY
SHA-NA-NA
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $49.75, $59.75, $75 (additional $5 at the door) Celebrate the blues with the premier bluesman, Buddy Guy, as he promotes his 18th album, The Blues are Alive and Well. 8 p.m.
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $24, $34, $40, $56 Celebrate the group’s 50th anniversary tour as they visit the Laurel Highlands, reminiscing their appearance at Woodstock in 1969 (they performed just before Jimmy Hendrix). 7:30 p.m.
DISNEY’S NEWSIES, THE BROADWAY MUSICAL
www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ buddy-guy
www.thepalacetheatre.org
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown Donations go to Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh The 1993 film, which was nominated for 12 Academy Awards in 1994, won for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay based on previously produced or published works. 7 p.m. only (3 hours and 15 minutes running time). www.statetheatre.info
November 8
BILL ENGVALL The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $45, $55, $65 Finding the humor in everyday situations has brought Bill Engvall to the forefront of today’s comedians, and kept him among the busiest in the business. 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/billengvall
November 9
BEST FRIENDS GIRL, THE CARS EXPERIENCE The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $23 Enjoy the timeless hits of The Cars, as this tribute experience recreates the music produced in a 35-year touring career. The band sold more than 23 million albums and had more than 20 songs on the Billboard Top 100, like “Best Friends Girl”, “Shake It Up”, “Magic, Let’s Go” and “Moving in Stereo,” the last from the movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High. 8 p.m. www.lamptheatre.org
EAGLEMANIA The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $35 Rock to the hits of the Eagles as EagleMania, the world’s greatest Eagles tribute band, takes to the stage. The Eagles greatest hits are lovingly reproduced allowing the audience to experience the timeless rock ‘n’ roll. 8 p.m.
www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ newsies
www.lamptheatre.org
N o v e m b e r 17
FALL CRAFT SHOW Syria Shrine Center, Cheswick $3 The center’s ballroom will be filled with crafts of all kinds, primarily homemade items. An auction is part of the festivities, and a snack bar will be available. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.syriashriners.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/01/2019-fall-craft-vendor-show.pdf
November 22
HOLLYWOOD NIGHTS, A TRUE BOB SEGER EXPERIENCE State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown $25 The ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, Hollywood Nights is a 10-piece band determined to recreate everything Seger. ” 7:30 p.m. www.statetheatre.info
Laurel Highlands Magazine
CLASSIC FILM SERIES: SCHINDLER’S LIST
N o v e m b e r 17
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November 8
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg Adults: $20, $24, $27; Students: $17, $20, $22 Follow the tale of Jack Kelly, the leader of the ‘newsies’ in turn-of-the-century New York City. The newsboys strike against the publishers of the city’s newspapers when owners raise prices at the expense of the newsies. Based on the 1992 film of the same name and inspired by a true story, Newsies features the Tony Awardwinning music of Alan Menken and Jack Feldman. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday.
EVENTS
DECEMBER December 1
2019 ETHNIC TRADITIONS Friedens Lutheran Church, Somerset $20 per person; $35 per couple The Somerset Historical Center’s annual Ethnic Traditions dinner offers a taste of the food, music, and traditions of the diverse culture found in the region. Families share their heritage in the casual gathering, encouraging questions and building friendships. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/news-events/ event-calendar.html/event/2019/12/01/2019ethnic-traditions/238715
December 4
BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $57.50, $63.50 (additional $5 per ticket at the door) Snap your fingers and tap your foot as the horn section of this ensemble shares its musical roots in rock, jazz, and the blues. First organized in the late 1960s, the band has been going strong for more than 50 years, winning three Grammy Awards among others. 8 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/bst
December 7
CLASSIC STONES LIVE The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $30 Perfectly executing the moves and sounds of The Rolling Stones, this tribute band plays the hits we all know and love. 8 p.m. www.lamptheatre.org
December 8
TOWN-WIDE OPEN HOUSE Downtown Ligonier Free Take the day to finish up (or start) your holiday shopping with a swing around Ligonier. And don’t forget to take a break for lunch or dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants in town. Noon to 5 p.m. www.ligonier.com/event/town-wide-openhouse-3
December 31
January 25–26
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
ICE FEST
Seven Springs Mountain Resort See website for cost Celebrate in speakeasy style at the resort’s hottest new venue, Winterberry. Enjoy Prohibition-style cocktails, Gatsby décor, a multi-course dinner, and more. This ‘secret’ celebration requires a password to join the fun. Also, for those 21 and older, the resort’s Foggy Goggle and Matterhorn Lounge will host New Year’s Eve parties, and for the family, check out the Family Street Carnival in the Grand Ballroom complete with a DJ dance party, a bounce house, street carnival snacks, and more fun.
Ligonier Free Indoor sales, kettle corn, horse-drawn carriage rides, free concerts, a spaghetti lunch, speed ice carving, and more are featured in this annual event. More than 50 ice sculptures will be on display, and all are lighted after dark. 10 a.m. start on Saturday; noon on Sunday.
www.7springs.com
JANUARY PENNSYLVANIA’S LAUREL HIGHLANDS BIKE TOUR
Wilderness Voyageurs Ohiopyle See website for cost A private/custom departure, this tour is four days for the beginner and/or intermediate cyclist. Price includes three breakfasts, four lunches, and two dinners. Highlights include the Flight 93 National Memorial, Fort Ligonier, the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor, and six covered bridges. Visit the website for more details: www.wilderness-voyageurs.com/adventures/ pennsylvania-laurel-highlands-bike-tour
WINTERFEST Ohiopyle Free The annual event draws a crowd from around the state. Remember, the unpredictable weather this time of year necessitates dressing in layers and bringing extra clothes, just in case. For dates and times, visit the website: www.discoverohiopyle.com/ohiopyle-winterfest.html
www.ligonier.com
January 29
SWAN LAKE The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $30, $40, $50, $60 Presented by the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, the classic Swan Lake follows the romantic German legend of a prince struggling to free a beautiful maiden from the curse that keeps her a prisoner. The full-scale production will grace the Palace stage featuring 55 talented Ukrainian ballet stars dancing to the rousing and familiar music of Tchaikovsky. 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events/ swan-lake
Start a new family tradition of making memories at Hidden Valley this winter! This is the perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to skiing and snowboarding or have them build their skills on the best beginner terrain on the East Coast.
• 110 skiable acres • 470’ vertical drop • 26 slopes and trails
814-443-8000 | HiddenValleyResort.com
Located off exit 110 of the PA Turnpike.
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• 2,875’ of mountain elevation
Laurel Highlands Magazine
• Hidden Valley offers a comfortable environment to learn to ski or snowboard.
EVENTS
FEBRUARY
APRIL
PARISIAN VALENTINE
RIVER CITY BRASS, LATIN FIESTA
February 1 5
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $16–$61 Welcome pianist Maxim Lando as he performs with the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for a night of romantic music. Featured pieces are Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite, Saint-Saens’ Piano Concerto No. 2, and Mozart’s Symphony No. 40. 7:30 p.m. www.westmorelandsymphony.org
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $25–$31 The program includes songs such as “Quizás, Quizás, Quizás,” “Libertango,” “Malgueña,” “Perfidia,” “Guantanamera,” all with that signature River City Brass sound. Some discount tickets will be available. 7:30 p.m. www.thepalacetheatre.org/concerts-events
MARCH
April 23–24
CELTIC CONNECTIONS IV, RIVER CITY BRASS
Seven Springs Mountain Resort See website for cost Discover the finest specialty and craft beers from a unique selection of breweries from across the U.S. and from around the world. Sample 100+ brews from 50+ breweries, all in the best ski bar in the region.
March 7
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg $16–$61 This performance takes audience members on a journey between the old world and the new, highlighting music from Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, as well as American country music. The concert will also feature the Carnegie Mellon Pipes and Drums. 7:30 p.m. www.rivercitybrass.org
March 1 4
IRISH RHAPSODY The Palace Theatre, Greensburg See website for cost Flutist Lorna McGhee joins the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra for a night of Irish wonders including Standford’s Irish Rhapsody No. 1, CPE Bach’s Flute Concerto, and Shumann’s Symphony No. 1 “Spring.” 7:30 p.m. www.westmorelandsymphony.org/event/irishrhapsody
March 28
SEVEN SPRINGS POND SKIM Seven Springs Mountain Resort See website for cost As the snow melts, skiers celebrate with a big splash at the wildest event of the year at Seven Springs. Costumed skiers and snowboarders entertain as they brave icy Pond Skim waters. www.7springs.com
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April 4
19TH ANNUAL BREWSKI FESTIVAL
www.7springs.com
April 23–25
SEVEN SPRINGS HOME & GARDEN SHOW Seven Springs Mountain Resort See website for cost Wander through a weekend of exhibits, displays, and presentations to help get all of your summer projects started off right. Explore a wide range of vendors from home improvement to gardening tips and landscaping, learn from our daily presenters, and enjoy a weekend in the mountains. www.7springs.com
introducing modern mountain living
A fusion of nature, beauty and function. Step into our retail showroom for an exploration of ideas and creative solutions, from rustic elegance to contemporary style. Inspired pieces. Inspired spaces. FURNISHINGS | DECOR | DESIGN
Rustic Lodge Furniture is located on Rt. 31, Donegal, PA 15628 | www.rusticbest.com | 412-756-8300
Amy Reeping
Your Somerset Realty Expert! “You should expect nothing less than impeccable integrity when you are looking for a Realtor! Integrity gives you peace of mind. Let me help you accomplish your real estate goals.�
814-442-0229 - areeping@highlandsresortrealty.com
#highlandsmag CALLING ALL WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS! Want to be a part of Laurel Highlands Magazine? We’re seeking freelance writers and photographers to help us tell the stories of the people who live, work and play in the Laurel Highlands region. Email
Photo by Heidi Lewis
laurelhighlands@sunflowerpub.com.
JOIN IN THE FUN IN THE LAUREL HIGHLANDS! Use the hashtag #HighlandsMag to post your best photos on social media for a chance to be featured in a future issue!
Rural. Recreation. History.
Plan a trip to a simpler time! In the southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, only 1 hour south of Pittsburgh, our tight-knit rural community welcomes visitors to explore our history and celebrate our traditions. Get up close to agriculture, bike or hike on trails over 5,000 years old, drive through the scenic countryside, or explore a 52 room museum preserving our heritage.
For more information, visit www.VisitGreene.org or call 1-877-280-TOUR (8687)
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It’s how we help you live your best life.
What is good health? Your answer is as unique as you are. Whatever it means to you, UPMC Health Plan is here to help you live your life in the best way. We give you award-winning customer service, in-network access to the world-renowned doctors and hospitals of UPMC, and the people, products, and programs you need to live the healthiest life you can. We can’t think of a better outcome.
UPMCHealthPlan.com
For UPMC Health Plan “best” information go to www.upmchealthplan.com/best. Nondiscrimination statement UPMC Health Plan1 complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. 1 UPMC Health Plan is the marketing name used to refer to the following companies, which are licensed to issue individual and group health insurance products or which provide third party administration services for group health plans: UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Options Inc., UPMC Health Coverage Inc., UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., UPMC for You Inc., and/or UPMC Benefit Management Services Inc.
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