Laurel Mountain Post :: Holiday 2005

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine for the Heart of Westmoreland County

Every Story Begins At Home.

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Happy Holidays!

HOLIDAY 2005: The Return of the Gift Guru

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MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams

The Best Gifts Come in Small Packages Briana and I both had Christmas baby boys. There truly is no better gift than a healthy baby . . . a concept hard to fully embrace until you experience it for yourself.

Alexander Edward Tomack came into the world by emergency C-section on December 22, 2002. Briana had been planning a quiet Christmas at home with her husband and then 1 1/2-year-old-son, Sam, to await the winter birth of the newest Tomack. But following an unexpected set of complications, the family welcomed a premature son and spent the holiday in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit instead. It was a stressful week of various preemie struggles, but little Alex made it home from the hospital just in time to celebrate New Year’s Eve. My son, Robert Shelly Williams, was born December 7, 1998. He’ll be seven this year, and of course it still seems like yesterday to me that I was in the hospital with him. He came late (I had been hoping for a Thankgiving baby instead of a stocking stuffer), and I was in fruitless labor for two weeks. But a quick Csection later, and I had my whopping 10-pound “turkey” to wrap up for Christmas.

And much like the Christmas story, there was no room for us that night at the Birthing Center at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina . . . far from our families back home in western PA. The hospital staff sent us to stay on the surgical floor where

no one had time to help us. They put my son in a cart that looked like a manger on wheels and left us to fend for ourselves during the long, winter night. There were no cattle to low and sing him to sleep, but there were lots of Christmas lights hanging in the trees of the hospital parking

Christmas. His favorite spot was sitting in his car seat parked right beside the Christmas Tree. That year, the tree stayed up for months – it was the only thing that kept him from crying!

In his nursery, there was also a tabletop tree with a little string of lights. That one stayed up for years!

It never took long for us to realize why he stopped sleeping at night . . . the new night lights we tried were pale substitutes for the comforting glow of his tiny Christmas tree.

The best gifts come in small packages, and not all of them are found under the tree. Christmas is the time to celebrate the wonderful life you have, and look forward to the joys that are to come.

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Briana Dwire Tomack Cathi Gerhard Williams editor@LaurelMountainPost.com

Take that time to light up the earth by giving something back. The smallest and simplest of things can mean the world. Show someone how much you love and care about them. Even our “enemies” deserve to know peace and kindness. Perhaps the lack of it is what makes them so adversarial in the first place. lot around our window. He seemed to find peace in the twinkles and sparkles. He didn’t really sleep much; he just kept staring at the lights. And when I would push him closer to the window, I swear he would smile at the light of the world outside.

I know it’s hard to be so righteous.

Time is precious, and people rarely give second chances. But slow down and look into the light this Christmas. It will be everywhere for all of us to see, with lots of colors and lots of choices.

When we brought him home, our house was already decorated for

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Cathi Gerhard Williams, Editor & Publisher Briana Dwire Tomack, Marketing Director & Business Manager

Proud member of the Latrobe and Ligonier Chambers of Commerce

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS - HOLIDAY 2005 (Volume II, Issue 5)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a quarterly publication of biffBOOcommunication designed to focus on the people, places and events at the heart of Westmoreland County in western Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature local merchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; and never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home.

P.O. Box 227 | Latrobe, PA 15650 | 724-331-3936 | editor@LaurelMountainPost.com Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!

Jim Brewer, Linda Brewer, Walt Brewer, Daniel Chicka, Carol Dwire, Ron Durika, Megan Fuller, Matt George, Shelly & Carol Gerhard, Stacy Hunter, Jim Kasperik, Carma Lamm, Susan Ransel McBroom, Jeremy Olson, Ruth Richardson, J.B. Rossi, Michelle Schultz, Nicole Vitale Smith, Scott Sinemus, Elizabeth Srsic, Drew Williams, Robert Williams PRINTED IN LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 3

MOZART HALL: Latrobe’s Oldest Live Entertainment House Is Reborn Many people in our area today may not know the name George Seiler, but most are familiar with what became the culmination of his work, at least those in the Latrobe area. In 1890, Seiler built the Mozart Hall on what is now Main Street. Fashioned after the famous Opera House in Europe bearing the name of one of the most famous composers of all time, the Mozart Hall featured operettas, singing and dancing for the residents of turn-of-the-century Westmoreland County. Today, 115 years later, the Mozart not only remains standing, it is ready for performances.

The building where the Hall is located, 338 - 340 Main Street, Latrobe, was recently purchased by New Alexandria native Jeremy Olson. It underwent some deep cleaning in preparation for its grand-reopening on November 12, when it will hosted area teens and live bands.

Mr. Olson has opted to keep the name of the building, with the addition of his own- Olson’s Mozart Hall. He has also moved Eastern Alliance TaekwonDo, llc to the building and operates it from the first floor location. Roy Burk will continue to operate the well-known Mozart Restaurant on the adjoining first floor area of the building.

Along with cleaning and preparing, Olson has been busy researching the history of the building and speaking to area and state agencies about the spot.

He has found that the Latrobe Historical Society has determined the Hall to be historically significant and that the State Historic Preservation Office has determined the Mozart as eligible for listing with the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places. Certainly, the building has an interesting history and place in our community and in our hearts.

George Seiler used his personal fortune from profits in the bologna business to fashion a building named after his favorite composer and musician and followed the design of the original Hall in Europe in expressing his reverence for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The cast iron façade, which remains today, features two Turkish “Onion Domes” 4 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

and an Egyptian Column (most of which remains).

Stained glass windows, later sold in the 1960’s, adorned the front of the building as well. Possession after Seiler appears to have gone to the Latrobe Club, a social setting for men in the community. In fact, while cleaning the building, Olson found a membership roster from the Latrobe Club from 1932, including a note that 34 members were in arrears and asking that they maintain payments to keep the Club functional. It is not clear if these members have made their payments over the last 73 years. Olson reports that he will gladly accept all payments from these members – without interest!

After the Latrobe Club, the F&A Masons used the building in the 40’s to hold membership meetings.

The location was also employed for military drills from Company M, recruiting servicemen and preparing to enter the European Theater. It seems that the Hall was then used variably for public entertainment, showing of poultry, recreation and commerce under uncertain ownership until falling into the hands of the Lamprolis family. It was during this ownership that the stained glass was removed and sold to a company in Maryland. In the early 1980’s, Bob and Loretta Slates bought the building and opened the Mozart Restaurant, which Roy Burk operates today.

Even with unclear ownership ties, the building has always attracted the attention of the youngsters in the community.

During his preliminary research, Olson has found a letter to the Editor of the Latrobe Bulletin from Latrobe High School Senior Ms. Bobbie Uhring. Despite the unclear date of this letter, it is several years old. In the letter, Ms. Uhring expresses concern for the possible demise of the

Showalter Theater and the Mozart Hall and calls for community attention to these icons of the past. While preparing this article, a Journalism student from the Latrobe School District, Maggie Lawrence, and her friend approached Olson for information on the building for a current report. This interest can only perpetuate the uniqueness of the Mozart.

Current events at the location include live bands for youngsters, cabarets and plays (in association with Wolfgang Amadeus Productions and other area players), dances and parties for the community. The Mozart Restaurant will continue to serve Latrobe the best homemade food in the area and Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do will provide self-defense and character building training for a well-fed population. Several events hosted

by Olson at the Hall throughout the year will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation through Dalton’s Teamsters, named after New Alexandria resident Dalton Merichko who was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of four.

Dalton, his brother- Tyler, and mother- Dr. Jennifer Olson-Merichko, are students at Eastern Alliance and continue to work toward their Black Belts under the instruction by uncle and twin brother- Master Jeremy Olson.

The Laurel Mountain Post will also be occupying some space at the Mozart Hall and will be reporting all the good news about the area from there in the very near future.

So, feel free to stop by and say “Hi” or tour the building. You may also reach information about events at the Mozart Hall by pointing to www.geocities.com/mozarthalllatrobe, calling Jeremy Olson at (724) 532-2358 or by seeing us at our website, www.laurelmountainpost.com.

Olson’s Mozart Hall 338-340 Main Street Latrobe, Pennsylvania

NOVEMBER 12 : Latrobe Lineup Failure to Fall, Fallbrooke, Under Black Skies, Penance and Still I Fall). $5 adv, $7 door. Info 724-532-2358 or www.geocities.com/mozarthalllatrobe NOVEMBER 26: Thanksgiving Break Invitational Martial ArtsTournament. 724-532-2358

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DECEMBER 10: Wolfgang Amadeus Productions Presents CABARET with dinner. $20 adv, $25 door. Info (724) 532-2358 or www.geocities.com/mozarthalllatrobe

The First Annual Gingerbread House Contest & Silent Auction Proceeds of the auction will benefit the Westmoreland County Food Bank

Please join us in our new holiday tradition benefiting a local charity. This year we have chosen the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

Our local friends and neighbors will appreciate your support.

Categories: Children, Adult, and Professional Place: Ramada Inn Historic Ligonier, West Loyalhanna Street Time: December 1st 9:00~Noon— Drop off entries Entry Fee: $15.00 child or adult and $20.00 professional Silent Auction Pickup: December 12th 9:00am ~ Noon

The houses will be on display and open to the public from: 9:00 am December 2nd through 5:00pm December 11th.

In each category there will be a First, Second and Third place winner as well as the Best in Show entry. The judging for prizes will be in the afternoon on December 1st. Contest winners will be announced over the PA system on the Diamond before 5:00 during the Town wide Open House on December 2nd. The prizes are Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificates! 1st $ 50.00; 2nd $ 30.00; 3rd $ 20.00; Best in show $100.00 There will be a silent auction for each house from December 2nd through December 11th ending at 4:00pm. Don’t forget to stop by frequently to see if you’ve been outbid!

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Lo, How A Rose E’re Blooming The Christmas Rose is native to the mountains of Central Europe and blooms in the depth of winter. Legends tell of a young shepherdess named Madelon who had nothing to offer the Christ Child, not even a flower. When an angel saw her weeping, she brushed the snow away to reveal a white flower tipped with pink the Christmas Rose.

A Rose has sprung from a tender root, From Jesus, as those of old have sung, And it bore a flower, In the middle of a cold winter, When half spent was the night.

Isaiah foretold it, the Rose I have in mind; Is Mary the pure, the little flower has brought us.

From God’s eternal wisdom, she bore a child, And remained pure.

The Flower, so small, whose sweet fragrance fills the air, Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness everywhere; True man and truer God, helps us out of all sorrows, Saves from sin and death.

Oh Jesus, until we leave this misery, Let your help guide us into joy, In Your Father’s Kingdom, where we eternally praise You. Oh God, allow us this.

Translated from the early 15th century German poem “Es ist ein Ros’ Entsprungen.” Author unknown.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 5

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Vintage Holidays, 1952 The Christmas trees have been sparkling since preHalloween. By the time the 25th finally arrives I am on Santa overload. When did the stores start decorating for Christmas in October? What happened to actually celebrating Thanksgiving? I remember when Thanksgiving was the time to say goodbye to the lingering warm days of autumn and to bundle everything up for a snuggly winter. Only after Thanksgiving was over, did we start thinking about Christmas. I guess those days are gone. The mall is completely decorated and playing Christmas carols by Trick or Treat night.

snowmen. Our yard became a series of green stripes where we had rolled the snow away. And that first snowman always seemed to look a little tattered since we had managed to roll all the remaining unraked leaves into his body.

The week after Thanksgiving, after the turkey had been made into every conceivable leftover dish my mom could think of, was when we started to plan for Christmas. I can still see Daddy climbing the

I miss the symbolism of late fall. I used to think of it as Mother Earth going to sleep for another year. I have always loved fall’s shorter days and crisp nights, the changing leaves, the season’s first fire in the fireplace and the quiet time to reflect on our blessings. The observance of Thanksgiving used to be a wonderful and significant time of the year. Now it is glossed over and pushed aside. We go directly from Halloween to ‘Sparkle Season’. Which brings up another point, when did Christmas become ‘Sparkle Season’?

My family had November rituals. My dad’s ritual began with sighting in his deer rifle. After that, he would unfasten the big pin of his hunting license and remove it from the back of his gold ‘small game’ jacket. He would then refasten it to his heavy red and black plaid Woolrich coat in preparation for the first day of buck season. November also meant the mailman would be delivering my mom’s Christmas Club check. She had been contributing to this ritual every week since the previous Christmas. After she cashed her check, she would get a secretive smile on her face and make mysterious shopping trips, always coming home, seemingly, empty handed. And my ritual was to wait impatiently, my nose pressed against the dining room window, for the first snow flakes to magically appear in the sky and dance toward the frosty earth in my little yard.

The first snow of the season was what I had longed for since the last of the leaves had been raked into a huge pile behind the garage, thoroughly jumped in, scattered about, and re-raked. Daddy would wait until my brother and I got bored playing in the leaves, then he would let us help burn them in the late autumn dusk. I would watch the final thin wisp of smoke curl toward the purple evening sky, it’s color broken by the dot of a tiny star. With my eyes closed and my fingers crossed I would make a wish upon that star for winter’s first snowfall to blanket West Derry.

Those early-winter wet snows made the best 6 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

“A Very ‘Hoppy’ Christmas” Ruthie and her brother, Keith.

stepladder in the garage and pulling the big boxes down - the boxes that would transform our little house on West Fourth Avenue into a Christmas wonderland. Every year when we took the lids off the boxes of tree ornaments and unpacked the strings of multi-colored lights, I felt like I was seeing old friends. I recall the smell, a musty mixture of damp cardboard and year old pine, and I would smile that the faint aroma could invoke such vivid recollections - memories of other Christmases, of family, and gifts, and ribbon candy at my Grandma’s house. I still treasure the memories of singing Christmas Carols in church and the Sunday School Christmas pageant where we each would learn a little speech and recite it in front of everyone while wearing our brand new Christmas finest. I remember exchanging names at school, and the day the big battered cardboard box would arrive from our relatives in Florida, covered with tape and stamps and filled with Christmas presents.

My brother and I would agonize at the kitchen table over our letters to Santa, and Daddy would dutifully take them to work with him and promise to drop them in the mail. The Saturday before Christmas was the day we went for treats. My Grandfather, Casey Stewart, belonged to all the clubs in Derry and they each gave out wonderful treat bags every Christmas. We would start at the American Legion and make our way around town. Next we were off to the Vets, the Eagles and the Ukes. The treat bags were filled with popcorn balls, fruit, candy and little toys. I remember sometimes the Italian Club would have chairs and a projector set up and we would watch a Christmas movie. The Kingston Club was usually our last stop, and by that time, we had quite a haul of goodies. Santa was also at every club. Luckily Mom had told us that none of them was the ‘real’ Santa Clause, they were just his helpers. That little tidbit of information was very important to me since most of these Santas had a pitcher of beer under their chairs, with it’s lingering odor very apparent under their obviously fake beards.

One Christmas morning Santa had brought my brother the entire Hopalong Cassidy outfit. It was the only time I can ever remember having a tearful fit of jealousy. Why would Santa give that outfit to Keith when he knew I was the bigger fan of Hoppy.

My Grandpap Stewart felt so bad, he went to Reed’s Department store in Latrobe the day after Christmas and got me the girls’ version of Hoppy’s getup.

It was my favorite outfit for the entire next year.

Every day of the Christmas holiday season was booked for our family. We participated in an alien (by today’s standards) custom - we went VISITING. Not only did we visit our relatives, but our parent’s friends and their kids would come to our house and we would go to theirs. No one I knew ever had a baby-sitter. If our parents went out, we went along.

Sometimes we would have afternoon company that stayed for supper, always served promptly at 5:00.

The rest of the year, supper was on the table at 4:00, right after Daddy came home from work at Westinghouse. None of us had other plans - ever.

We all ate together, every night, no excuses.

During the holidays, we would all bundle up and go visiting. No one made appointments, we just dropped in. If nobody was home at the first house, we would go to another. There were lots of times when we would visit several different families the same day. It was wonderful seeing other kid’s Christmas loot and playing with their new toys. I would occasionally fall asleep on a friend’s couch if our

visits lasted past my bedtime. I can remember waking up in my Daddy’s arms as he carried me through the snow and into our house late at night.

In all of my life, I can’t ever remember feeling any safer. We also loved having friends come over to visit and play at our house. When we were home, the doorbell could ring at any time and we would suddenly have a house full of company. Our parents would sit at the kitchen table sharing fresh baked cookies or a glass of home made wine.

Sometimes they would play cards. We were allowed to offer our friends a bottle of Keck’s pop from the case of mixed flavors Daddy had brought home for the holiday. It was the only time of year there was soda in the house.

It was a wonderful time, and I miss it.

Today, it seems like we are obsessed with our ‘schedules’. Why does the house have to be “Martha Stewart” perfection, complete with gourmet hors-d’oeuvres before we invite friends over?

I don’t think my friends are concerned with my dusting skills, so why do I obsess about it? Why do we feel we have to have an appointment to visit even those closest to us? This year, I have a message for my friends, Stop over! I promise to share a cookie, a glass of wine, and a holiday hug. I can

also promise a rather messy but happy house with not much perfection to be found. However, you are not allowed to come empty handed. You must bring me your favorite memories of Christmas. We can travel back in time together and share a giggle, or maybe even a tear or two for those we loved so dearly and miss so much.

The one thing I have learned from my friends since I started writing these stories, is that we all share some of the same sweet and familiar experiences and I love not only telling mine, but hearing yours as well. Let’s promise to take a page from the ‘Wonderful Story Book’ that was our childhood, and cherish the little things in life. Let’s celebrate our families and friends, and the love they share with us. Let’s remember that this is what the spirit of Christmas really represents. Each year, as the seasons seem to rush by faster and faster, I realize that those little things really are the most important ones of all.

Ruth (Parrish) Richardson has been a Derry resident her entire life and is a graduate of Derry Area High School.

Passionate about maintaining the values and traditions of small town America, she has been an active voice in Derry, including Derry Board of Recreation (DAPP), and the PAL program within Derry school system.Write to Ruth at ruthelaine@LaurelMountainPost.com .

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A Long Winter’s Nap . . .

Publication of the Laurel Mountain Post will resume in March 2006. We are switching to a bi-monthly format, and will be taking the winter off while we move into our new office located in the historic Mozart Hall building on Main Street on downtown Latrobe. The deadline for the spring March/April issue will be February 15.

Our best wishes to you for a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year!

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TAKE IT ON FAITH Pastor Ron Durika

I Bring You News of Great Joy What feelings do you experience during the holiday season? For many it is a special time of excitement and anticipation. The weather turns crisp, snowflakes fill the air, children dream of special gifts, and decorations are to be found everywhere. Special plans are made for families and friends to meet. Schools have pageants, retailers have sales, and businesses throw parties. Vacations are scheduled, presents are purchased, and it seems that there is a special feeling in the air.

All of these are part of the tradition in our country that celebrates the birth of our Lord and Savior, or does it? President Grant declared Christmas a federal holiday in 1870. However, in recent times, we as a nation have turned the celebration of God’s gift of love that brings life into a celebration of material fulfillment. We have allowed the world to dictate the reason for our joy and have moved away from what is really important. With the retailers trying to ensure a good return on their investments, they are not about to let up on their push to make a profit.

Giving and sharing are the marks of a Christian, but they are to be done out of love and not compulsion. We all need to step back, take a deep breath, and remember that a holiday is more than a day off work or school. A holiday is more than parties and escape from our daily routine.

Holidays are a time to remember and to honor certain people or events. Christmas is a special holiday at which time we are to take time to celebrate the greatest event in history.

I wanted to tell you the history of Christmas and after much research I found the most accurate and reliable source possible. It was written by a doctor named Luke and it is said that there was also a “ghost ‘ writer that helped him. His story about Christmas is recorded in his book called simply “Luke” and is in a collection of other books called the “Bible.”

His account of that first Christmas is recorded this way: “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

8 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The Flower of the Holy Night The poinsettia, or Flame Leaf, was brought to the United States over 100 years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, the first ambassador to Mexico. The legend of the plant tells of a poor Mexican girl who picked weeds along the side of the road because she had no gift to offer Mary. Upon placing the weeds at the foot of the Virgin Mary’s statue, the plants turned into brilliant poinsettia blossoms. Other stories continue the idea by saying that on the night Jesus was born, trees suddenly bore fruit and flowers blossomed out of season.

POINSETTIA TRIVIA December 12 is National Poinsettia Day. The United States has observed this official day since the mid-1800s to honor the man and the plant he introduced. Dr. Poinsett died Dec.12, 1851.

In the fourteenth to sixteenth centuries, the Aztecs used the poinsettia leaves to dye fabric for clothing and the sap for medicinal purposes, including to help control fevers. They also considered the red color a symbol of purity, and so poinsettias were traditionally part of religious ceremonies.

The people in Mexico called it the “flower of the blessed night” because it resembled the Star of Bethlehem.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angel had left them and gone to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see the thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

I wish you all a merry Christmas and the joy of knowing the blessing that comes from our God. This to me is the true meaning of Christmas.

Ron Durika is the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in New Florence (corner of Fifth & Chestnut Streets, 724-2352940). Join them for worship every Sunday at 10:30am and Sunday School at 9:15am. Bible Study meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 7pm.

Mary’s Laurel Mountain Post

Online Trivia Contest log on to play: www.LaurelMountainPost.com Congratulations to our previous winner, Bernadette Bates of Latrobe, who received a $10 gift certificate from Celtic Culture of Ligonier!

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Make Treasured Memories Joyful, all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn king!”

- Charles Wesley

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Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do, teaching martial arts and character development to the Latrobe area since 2003, has recently completed the move to its new location, the Historic Mozart Hall 338 Main Street, Latrobe.

In celebration of this move, Eastern Alliance has rolled back tuition to the rates when it launched in Latrobe:

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December 25….do we remember the reason we are celebrating? Do we recall the story of the first Christmas at a stable in Bethlehem? Are we thankful for the most precious gift, Jesus’ birth?......Or, are we involved in a frenzied state, spending too much money on too much stuff that we don’t need? Yes, it is wonderful to see a child full of wonder and excitement as he looks at the decorated tree and opens the presents underneath. However, I am encouraging you to reevaluate your gift giving to your immediate and extended family. Why not have a holiday this year that is less stressful and excessive. With young children, it is a great time to start new traditions with your family and make memories that you will treasure for many years.

I suppose that not many of us remember what present we received when we were 5 years old, but we do remember the sights, sounds, smells of the season. I vividly remember when I was young, the large Christmas Eve festivities at my Baba’s house and in later years, helping my Mom bake cookies and decorate our artificial tree and watching my father cooking the 7 Italian fishes for Christmas Eve. Now, I cherish the annual outing to cut down our tree, see the winter flower and train display at Phipps, driving through the stunning light display at Hartwood Acres, going to mass on Christmas day with my husband and our sons. My son Austin looks forward to buying gifts for children who are less-fortunate from our giving tree at church and we participate in a beautiful neighborhood luminary display on Christmas Eve. I hope you have special memories and customs. If not or if you’d like to expand on your current activities, consider trying the following ideas. Skip shopping to bake cookies and visit friends or relatives. Donate your time or money to a local charity. Create homemade decorations or cards. Visit the Overly light display or the train exhibit at the art museum in Greensburg. Read Christmas stories and sing carols together. Instead of exchanging names with all your siblings or cousins, choose one name and all

of you see a holiday show together. Have fun!! Child psychiatrist, Alvin Rosenfeld recommends spending time with your children with no goal in mind other than spending time together. What a great idea for the Christmas season!! Another prominent pediatric psychiatrist, Stanley Greenspan notes, “Children of all ages want to spend more time with their parents.” What a perfect gift- the gift of time. After my Dad died this summer, I was talking to Austin and he said that he loved Pappy because “he played the best with me.” How poignant for a 5 year old. If you would like to read about family, time, and the holidays, try the following books: “Redeeming the Season: Simple Ideas for a memorable and meaningful Christmas” by Kim Weir and Pam McCune and “Putting Family First” by William J. Doherty and Barbara Carlson.

Cheers to a Christmas that is less expensive!!

May you replace hectic days with joy, be charitable instead of materialistic. Be grateful for your family and the time you share. May you rejoice in the birth of Jesus….Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may we all have a peaceful, healthy and happy 2006.

To end, a few quotes for you to ponder: “When you give of yourself, you receive more than you give.”- Antoine de Saint-Exupery; “The only gift is a portion of thyself.”- Ralph Waldo Emerson; “It is more blessed to give than receive.”- Acts 20:35; “Today in the city of David a savior has been born for you.”- Luke 2:11; “A man is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.”- Henry Ward Beecher Nicole is a 1988 Derry Area High School graduate. She attended the University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 1992 with a BA in Social Work. She received her MS degree in 1997 from Temple University. She has worked in the following areas: Early Intervention (developmental disabilities), Adolescent Mental Health, Hospice, and Youth Work (England). Currently, Nicole is taking a break from her career as a Licensed Social Worker to be a full-time mom to her two boys, ages 5 and 2 years old.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 9

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Pie With Panache I don’t think there are too many things that make a home smell better than baking bread or pies. Especially when it’s during the first snowfall of the season… and boy did it come early this year! Thank heaven I always have some of the Saint Vincent Gristmill flour on hand so I didn’t have to dodge the broken limbs (which seemed to be everywhere) and slippery patches while it was snowing to go and get it.

I decided to make Pennsylvania Dutch Ham Pot pie to have with the bread since I had some lovely specially smoked ham hocks to make the broth with.

There are very few “one pot” meals that make more of a mess of your kitchen than potpie; but none are as nice a reward when you’re finished than that one.

After I finished the mis en place for the potpie and had the last batch of bread in the oven, I began to wonder what else I could bake since I opted for the potpie instead of making the roast beef initially requested for dinner. So I took Chukker out for a walk in what seemed to be the never-ending snow to think about what would make a good dessert.

Trying to be clever I thought a pie should follow potpie, but what kind? As luck would have it, I found a can of pumpkin in the pantry, pumpkin pie it shall be. Anyone who’s ever baked a pie using Libby’s canned pumpkin knows the best part is…you get two pies! My friends can’t believe I’m advocating the use of a canned product; but Libby’s is absolutely consistent with its pumpkin, so there is never a watery surprise or pie that hasn’t set to end an otherwise stellar holiday meal.

• Sift your flour if you’re not using a Cuisinart • Shape & chill the dough for at least 30 min before rolling • Don’t roll it out too thick or unevenly • Bake pies on a pizza stone to make sure the bottom is cooked… this will also decrease the amount of cooking time • Take the pumpkin pie out as soon as it sets in the oven (no liquid jiggle in the center), there is always carry over cooking that will finish it as it cools and guarantees you won’t have a huge crevice through the center of your pie.

Yes, I did say Cuisinart (there truly is a performance difference between brands) but you can use any food processor to make pie dough if you don’t like getting your hands dirty. In fact the blade cutting through the gluten in the flour will produce a bet-

• Have the butter as cold as possible and cut into ¼ to ½ inch pieces • Be sure to use ice water • Use a hand held ‘pastry blender’ (the bakers version of brass knuckles) 10 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

When my grandmothers made pies there was one special treat we looked forward to almost more than the pie: the pinwheel cookies made with the trimmed off pieces. I’ve even made piecrust pastry with the sole intention of making those cookies. For a holiday or special occasion pie consider using the trimmings to cut out embellishments for the top of the pie. By simply re-rolling and cutting with any aspic or cookie cutters in your collection then baking separately on parchment paper, all of your guests will be astonished at your attention to detail; not to mention, “eye appeal is half your meal”.

If however you’re just way too inundated with things to do, you could always just have a piece of pie while you’re out doing your Christmas shopping and call it a day. There still seems to be a large contingent of people that go to Ruthie’s Diner just for the pie… after as many years as I can remember folks doing that, there’s got to be something to it. I also had an amazing piece of Pecan Pie from Ivy’s café last week that was superlative.

Since there aren’t any roses to stop & smell this time of year, the wafting aroma of pies & comfort food seem to be a rather lovely substitution to hold us all over until old man winter is through visiting and the roses are blooming again.

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. To schedule a private cooking class, visit www.The LigonierChef.com.

And to prove this fact, the recipe for this issue can be found on the back of the label wrapped around your can of Libby’s. I can’t think of anyone that’s managed to ever mess it up. Even the overcooking that almost everyone gives his or her pumpkin pie doesn’t seem to affect it too much. Instead this month I’m including some tips & hints that aren’t on the inside of the label that should make your pie stand out as one of your best.

Virtually every time I make a pie for dessert, someone at the table makes the comment, “your pie crust is just the best.” I swear I don’t do anything special really; I merely follow a specific method. The most important step in the method being: Don’t overwork your pastry! Here are a few tips that should help you the next time you try it:

wheat used, it will be tougher (pun intended) to overwork, it’s also the reason you need to add bread flour with the stone ground to make a loaf that actually gets some leavening when making bread.

The Ligonier Chef’s Best Winter Comfort Zones St. Vincent Gristmill General Store & Coffeehouse ter result than overworking the pastry by hand. The most important thing to remember when using a machine is to process the salt, flour & butter first, just until it’s combined, and stop the machine after adding the water as soon as a ball forms.

If you’ve tried everything and still seem to always wind up with a tough pastry crust, try using the unbleached stone ground flour from St. Vincent Gristmill for your pastry. Because of its short gluten nature from the process of stone grinding and

Gristmill General Store, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650 724.537.0304 Store hours are: 9:00am – 4:00pm Monday through Saturday 12:30pm – 4:00pm Sundays The coffee shop hours are: Everyday 8:00am – 10:00pm http://benedictine.stvincent.edu/gristmill If you haven’t been by, or you have been by but haven’t stopped in the Gristmill since it’s facelift, you should make the time to do so. The coffee shop

downstairs is a welcome addition with some really great beans for making all the café standard coffee drinks. The staff is comprised of students with Garrett Derhofer as the manager. There’s a very comfy seating area with books to read, a few gift items and of course the very attractively bagged flour and free wireless internet! Sadly there isn’t a sandwich menu or soups, but there are a few biscotti’s, muffins & assorted nibblies. The space is also available for smaller gatherings and they’re working on getting the ‘open mike night’ back as soon as possible. The gift shop upstairs has a wider variety of gifts including pottery made by the monks and already baked bread from the Friendship Farms bakery. There is usually artwork by local artists on display in the gallery as well as a quick viewing DVD about the gristmill and how it operated since the 1854.

On most Friday afternoons the mill is briefly in operation.

The volunteer ladies said it’s always best to call and make sure. Even though it’s not the same rustic experience it once was, it’s wonderful to see life & activity surrounding such an important landmark; perhaps even better knowing that the flour is still the same very delicious, authentic stone-ground wheat.

Ivy’s Café 201 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 724.995.1050 Hours: Lunch: Monday - Saturday 11:30am – 3:00pm Dinner: Monday - Saturday 5:00pm – 8:30pm Sunday: Lunch 11:30am – 3:00pm Dinner 4:00pm – 7:00pm www.ivyscafe.net Located in a historic landmark, Ivy’s is a great place to have lunch when visiting Ligonier. Aside from having innovative and delicious food, it’s just a really cool experience from start to finish. For instance, the menu is nestled

in the center of a vintage book, lots of things around you are actually for sale from the artwork right down to the salt & pepper shakers… be sure to check out their new tee shirts! Doug & ReNae Morse are the owners. Doug is also the Executive Chef, but Brian Rusch is the guy that makes the pie. The service is also one of the things that make Ivy’s stand out among the rest. The innovation doesn’t stop in the kitchen either: visit the website and join the newsletter; there are dining clubs, coupons, special events and even a store!

Ruthie’s Diner Route 30 East, Ligonier, PA 724.238.6030 Hours: seven days a week, 6 AM – 10 PM Ruthie’s is a classic hometown diner. You can’t seem to ever go without seeing someone you know. The waitresses have steel traps for remembering what the regulars like and are always cordial even when it’s busy as hell, which is nearly all the time. There’s always a daily special for lunch and dinner, and homemade bread is available by request and 25 cents for any of the sandwiches offered… which is absolutely essential to remember when ordering any of the hot gravy-laden sandwiches.

The country-fried steak is made from scratch and one of the only versions I’ll order out. Terry makes all of the pies very early in the morning every day. The apple pie filling is made from scratch; the other fruit fillings are commercial. After the soup & dinner we’re usually too stuffed to have dessert, but always notice a quiet couple or not so quiet impromptu gathering of friends, sitting near us that just stopped in for dessert & coffee. Shirley is also notorious for reminding you that, “all of the desserts are available to go” and more often than not, we do wind up bringing home an apple dumpling or two, which are just like Grandma’s.

Fabric Art

Melanie Kimmel www.melaniesfabricart.com Email: mel@melaniesfabricart.com

724-532-3542

This Jewelry Is Built Too Last Built Too Last was founded in 1995 by Leigh Kavinsky and David Burger. It started out with the idea that selling macrame hemp jewelry at rock concerts could actually get us from show to show and pay the bills! Not long after that, we realized that there were people out there creating beautiful glass pendants that would make our necklaces stand out. In the beginning, the glass was very simple, but customers loved it. As time went on and we traveled more extensively, we met a lot more people who were designing even nicer, more beautiful and intricate designs in glass. Our business was also expanding, and we began to sell at large music and arts festivals, as well as online. In 2000 we began to take glass lamp working classes (the process by which our beads are made- glass rods and tubes are melted using a torch to form the beads which are then annealed in a kiln) and were soon making beads and pendants of our own.

As our own work has evolved, so has that of the other wonderful artists whose designs

we continue to carry. Our line consists of some of the most unique and beautiful glass jewelry available, all made in the USA. All of the jewelry designs in which we feature our glass beads and pendants are also hand made in our studio- these still include hemp macrame but we also incorporate sterling silver wrappings and glass/gemstone beadwork designs. While most people have never seen jewelry quite like ours, the response is always positive. Many are surprised that something so beautiful could be created entirely from melted glass.

Please browse our entire collection in our online store www.builttoolast.com.

BUILT TOO LAST David P. Burger and Leigh Kavinsky PO BOX 601 Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 (814)693-0363 Website: www.builttoolast.com email: info@builtttoolast.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 11

The Linen Studio

THE REC ROOM

Custom Embroidered Linens and Gifts Unique gifts for everyone…and every occasion

Jim Kasperik

2162 Wood Street . Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

724.539.1402 www.TheLinenStudio.com

As the holidays approach, seemingly faster every year, there are many things to look forward to.

The family time shared, the good food, seeing old friends and simply enjoying all this time of the year has to offer. But so many holiday memories of mine, and I am sure others, also involve sports – not only watching, but playing sports as well.

The Place to Bank in Ligonier Drive thru ATM Full Service Bank Open Saturdays 211 West Main Street Ligonier Pa 15658 724.238.6655

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Member FDIC

Frozen Custard and Frozen Yogurt Fat Free, No Sugar Added Vanilla Yogurt 724-850-7020

One F Frree Small Cone w/Pur chase w/Purc of Small Cone Valid at Greensburg location only. Expires 03/31/06 Take Route 30 Mt. Pleasant Exit Located 1/2 Mile Toward Greensburg

GIVE THE GIFT THAT NO ONE WANTS TO RETURN! Peace and Relaxation Can Be Yours This Holiday Season!

MASSAGE THERAPY • BODY TREATMENTS

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KEFFER MASSAGE THERAPIES 3576 RT. 30 W, SUITE 6, LATROBE, PA 15650

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year All right, I know the above title means a great deal to people in regards to the beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable holiday season. But to me and other sport fanatics, it means even more! As the holiday season arrives every year, so does the best time to be a sports fan. Why you ask? Well the answer is simple – all sports, all the time. As Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas and then New Years, sports of all kinds are in full swing. The NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA Football and NCAA Basketball are all in season. For a sports fan, this is as good as it gets! There does not seem to be a day that goes by that does not have a “must see” sporting event that needs to be viewed.

How many of us have a family get together on Thanksgiving Day where the traditional NFL games are not involved? Not many – even if all the games are used for is background noise as the large turkey dinner helps us take that much deserved nap!

Throughout the Thanksgiving weekend, traditional rival games are played in NCAA football and NCAA hoops has preseason tournaments playing. Many sports fanatics go “shopping” on the Friday after Thanksgiving. But in many cases they end up in the nearest electronics department of a store to “shop” for TVs (I will not admit to doing this!).

As Thanksgiving gives way to Christmas, NCAA football bowl season begins. Every night a new game (or games) is played and a nation of sports addicts try to convince others that the game between two unranked opponents is really worth watching for four hours. To the sports fan, it certainly is, because after all, it is sports! At the same time, the NFL regular season is winding down with teams vying for playoff spots and positioning. Also the NCAA hoops season is well underway with many programs already looking towards March Madness.

So as the holidays approach and start, remember the sports fanatic in your life. While gifts like

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12 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

clothes and shoes are nice sometimes, just indulging that fanatic in sports watching may be a gift enough and it is in many cases a far cheaper gift!

Not Just Spectators … but Athletes?

Often times, sports fanatics come from a background of sports participation. Whether it means a person was a varsity athlete or played intramurals, playing competitive sports was part of our daily lives. For people who did this or the people that are now close to these people, it is well understood that the competitive nature of sports sticks with a person. So what better way to quench that competitive fire than with a holiday “two-hand touch” football game?

How many times has sports nut left the house around the holidays for a nice “non-contact, we’re just playing for fun” football game with old friends?

And, how many times has that same person returned home limping, bleeding and generally hurt from the non-contact game? Well speaking from experience – many! The sports fanatic will explain this off as just part of the “fun” around the holidays. It is simply a holiday tradition – and “you certainly cannot break tradition!”

Traditions Speaking of traditions, the holiday season and sports go together like America and apple pie. That is just the way it is and that is the way it will stay.

The traditions of falling asleep on Turkey day to the sounds of NFL football games have been passed on for generations and will continue to be done in the future. So as I turn to my wife and once again repeat the obvious that “this is the most wonderful time of the year,” she understands that I am a sports fanatic and she certainly understands what I mean!

Jim Kasperik was born in Derry and has lived in the Laurel Highlands most of his life. He received his Engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University and his MBA from The Pennsylvania State University. He has worked at Latrobe-based Kennametal, Inc. for over ten years. During his school years Jim played football, baseball, volleyball and basketball, and still enjoys playing hoops whenever he can. His love for the competition that sports provides has kept him continually interested in sports year round.

Looking for a place to cut your own Christmas Tree this year? Visit this website: http://pickyourownchristmastree.org/PAxmaswest.php

The Return of the Gift Guru!

by JB Rossi As an avid jogger, I have enjoyed my new route through town during these past few weeks of fall.

However, when I recently laced up my Nikes, I noticed that the wind had picked up, the temperature had dropped, and the sky had grown more ominous with numerous dark clouds, heavy with snow.

The icy chill had begun to creep into my blood.

Winter had definitely arrived in the Valley.

Thank goodness the winter also brings the holiday season! As I imagined its bright lights, its sweet smells of baking cookies, and its festive holiday cheer, my entire body began to warm up.

Say There was a War captures the drama, tragedy, brutality and macabre humor of warfare as told through personal excerpts.

Depression Kids by Wade Hampton Kinsey, Jr. is his personal recollection of growing up in this area before, during, and after the Great Depression. Depression Kids is a very touching account of one family’s season of life.

Kids? Let’s not forget the kids! The Gift Guru recommends Lynn Ferraro’s series of books about

There is so much to do; invitations to be sent, menus to create, and endless hours of shopping to make everyone’s wish come true. It was time for the Gift Guru to sprint into action. I charted a new course and dashed into my first destination, Second Chapter Books.

A must for the world travelers and the bicycle enthusiasts on your list, the Gift Guru recommends Mustang, Sally’s Guide to World Bicycle Touring.

This is Sally Martin’s memoirs as she bicycled around the world at age 65! Martin, a local from Jones Mills, relates her adventures beginning in the southern tier of USA, then continuing through Europe, Asia, New Zealand, and finally to the West Coast and Alaska. A fascinating read! Perhaps I should think about turning in my cross-trainers for a Schwinn!

Any aviators on your list? A Place in the Sky is the history of the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport from 1919-2001. Filled with personal narratives, news accounts, and rare photographs, this book celebrates the aviation pioneers who “flew by the seat of their pants” and made Westmoreland County aviation the success it is today. Coupled with a gift certificate for flying lessons or a helicopter ride, A Place in the Sky is an excellent choice for anyone interested in flying!

For those who are more grounded, the Gift Guru has two suggestions. The first is a collection of memoirs of World War II from all local men. They

With my mind fixed on finishing my three mile run, I geared up and headed out. I was making significant progress when suddenly everything came to a complete stop. I was transfixed by a sparkling glow coming from the window of Jennifer’s Jewelers and Diamond Shoppe at 113 West Main Street. The scintillating shimmer lured me into the shop where I spent the next few hours gazing at its treasures.

As a Master Jeweler, Jennifer Plummer has access to the exclusive Designer’s Collection. From stunning princess cut blue diamonds to the elusive canary and black, the Designer’s Collection showcases the finest in unique pieces. Two of my favorites included the rainbow ring and the Black diamond/Tsavorite arch ring. With its multi-colored sapphires and diamonds, all invisibly set, the rainbow ring is a masterpiece in beauty. The arch ring, created by Damini, an Italian designer, showcases a row of black diamonds and a row of green tsavorites separated by a row of perfect white diamonds.

Once again our local writers have been busy creating unique gifts that demonstrate the giver’s good taste. Speaking of good taste, the Ligonier Valley Library has put together a collection of appetizer recipes entitled First Editions. This spiral bound volume includes regional favorites including bruschettas, dips, fondues, and kabobs. First Editions is a great gift for anyone who enjoys delicious morsels.

Now let’s talk about my favorite, Dessert! A great gift for anyone who loves ice cream is Ice Cream Joe, The Valley Dairy Story. This lovely hardback begins with the history of America’s love affair with ice cream and traces the fascinating story of Joseph F. Greubel’s (Ice Cream Joe) contribution to the American Ice Cream industry. Filled with historical facts and interesting photos, Ice Cream Joe is truly an entertaining look at one family’s American dream come true.

With so many people into nature, Amica’s new perfume line called Zents would be perfect. Zents features all natural fragrances, cologne, body washes, and lotions. In scents of sun, water, fresh, and ore, all of Zents products can be mixed together and are never overpowering.

a young protagonist named Joey. Joey Discovers Astronomy and Joey’s Day of Discovery are two titles which tell about Joey’s adventures once he is convinced to turn off his computer video games and wanders out into the real world.

Each book comes with free CD with the author reading the book. Do you know anyone who is constantly attached to the computer?

Young ones will treasure Lavi The Lion Finds His Pride by Linda Dickerson. This picture book is about a lion who travels the world in search of a new home and finally finds his “pride” in Pittsburgh. This delightful story with great illustrations is sure to be a read over and over.

All these titles plus many more are currently available at Second Chapter Books, 209 East Main Street, Ligonier.

Next, I took a short jog down to Amica, a delightful home accent and gift shop located at 203 East Main Street in Ligonier. Amica is featuring another local artisan, Jody Zimovan, who creates beautiful hand-painted decoupage furniture restorations. On display are several of her unique pieces such as a lovely end table and a fabulous floor lamp shade. Her fascinating art is charming to behold.

For that person on your list with exquisite tastes, Amica carries a full line of handmade Moksha silk coats. These versatile woven jackets can be dressed up or worn with jeans. Combined with a carpet bag designed Isabella’s Journey, this gift is sure to please even the most fastidious individuals.

Another stunning Damini design which caught my eye was the 18 karat white gold, three dimensional Chocolate diamond neckpiece, which was recently modeled by Gwenth Paltrow in Town and Country magazine.

Plummer also carries a full line of Hot Diamonds.

No, not stolen estate pieces, but a collection of pendants, rings, and earrings fashioned with small fullcut diamonds in unique contemporary designs. Hot Diamonds was recently awarded the Jeweler of the Year in the United Kingdom and has been featured in such fashion magazines as Vogue, Elle, and Cosmopolitan. Each Hot Diamonds piece is crafted of sterling silver coated with Rhodium to prevent tarnishing.

Hot Diamonds is the affordable choice for teens and young adults who enjoy the glitz.

With my heart throbbing and my palms sweaty from just looking at the stunning gemstones, I had gotten the same aerobic workout as I would have running the three miles. I’m going to explain to my husband exactly how giving me exquisite diamond jewelry will keep me happy and healthy!

The Gift Guru hopes that these few suggestions have helped to reduce the stress of that long shopping list.

With the shopping done, it’s time to take the Nikes off and enjoy family and friends. Remember, the holidays are really about spending time with those who are most dear. May God bless each and everyone with health and happiness! Happy holidays to all!

J.B. Rossi wishes to thank all the family and friends who have generously supported all of her recent endeavors. Special thanks go out to her loving husband who has the wisdom of a sage and the patience of a saint! You are my everything!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 13

HOLIDAY 2005 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

November 30

Latshaw Productions presents Patti Page Christmas 2PM, 8PM; Palace Theatre, Greensburg; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

Dec 1- 30

Christmas at Mountain View Inn Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

December 2

River City Brass Bands Coronets for Christmas Palace Theatre, Greensburg ; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

December 3

Christmas TeaTime at the Bed & Breakfast of Greensburg 11AM-7PM, Greensburg, PA; 724-309-1726 www.bbgreensburg.com

Dec 2-11

Gingerbread House Contest and Silent Auction Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 724-238-4200

Dec 2-4

Holiday Toy and Train Exhibition Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500 www.wmuseumaa.org

Christmas in the Mountains The Old General Store, Rte. 31 East, Donegal; 1-877-593-7112 www.oldgeneralsore.com

December 3

Vintage Film in the Valley showing of The Wizard of Oz 730PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

Olson’s Mozart Hall presents Latrobe Lineup (Bands TBA) Mozart Hall, Latrobe, PA; 724-532-2358, $5 adv, $7 door www.geocities.com/mozarthalllatrobe

December 3

Latshaw Productions presents Poverty Neck Hillbillies Christmas Show Palace Theatre, Greensburg ; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

Dec 3-11

Festival of Lights Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 724-238-4200

December 3

Latrobe Lineup - Olson’s Mozart Hall $5 advance, $7 at the door; Latrobe, PA; 724-532-2358

Through Feb 19

10th Anniversary Southwesten Pennsylvania Regional Art Exhibit Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6018 www.spcarts.org

Through December 11 (weekends)

Compass Inn Candlelight Tours Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown, PA; 724-238-4983 www.compassinn.com

Through January 3

Parade of Trees Four Points by Sheraton, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-6060 www.greensburgpa4points.com

Through January 1

Overly’s Country Christmas Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Unity Twp., PA; 800-9OVERLY, www.overlys.com

Through January 29 Nov. 25-26

November 25

Light Up Night/Santa’s Arrival Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

November 25

The Famous Moscow Circus presents Russian American Kids Circus 8PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

November 25

Light Up Night Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA; 724-329-8555 www.nemacolin.com

December 3

Ligonier Theatre presents A Ligonier Christmas 8PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

November 25

Rock on the Mountain Concert Series presents Poco, Pure Prairie League, and Firefall Grey Rocks Amphitheatre, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion; 800-452-2223 x7057 www.7springs.com

Dec 3-4

Decked out December-Model Trains and Toys West Overton Museums, Scottdale, PA; 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.com

December 4

Ligonier Theatre presents A Ligonier Christmas 2PM and 4PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

December 6

Derry Area Middle School Choral Concert 7PM, Middle School Auditorium

December 6

Ligonier Valley Middle School Holiday Concert 7PM, Ligonier Valley Middle School

December 7

Ligonier Valley High School Senior Citizen Luncheon 12PM, Ligonier Valley High School

December 8

Ligonier Valley Jr/Sr High School Choral Concert 7PM, Ligonier Valley High School

December 10

Wolfgang Amadeus Productions presents Cabaret with Dinner Olson’s Mozart Hall, Latrobe, PA; 724-532-2358, $20 adv, $25 door

December 10

Derry Area High School Band Concert 7PM, Middle School Auditorium

November 26

November 26

November 26

Nov 26-27

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Bill Cosby 4PM and 8PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com The Best of Broadway Christmas Show: Rejoice!

Arcadia Theater, Windber, PA; 814-467-9070 www.arcadiatheater.net Thanksgiving Break Invitational Martial Arts Tournament Eastern Alliance Tae-Kwon Do, Main Street, Latrobe, PA; 724-532-2358 www.geocities.com/mozarthalllatrobe Breakfast with Santa 9AM, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA; 800-422-2736 www.nemacolin.com

November 27

Vintage Film in the Valley showing of The Wizard of Oz 230PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

Dec 10-11

The Nutcracker Palace Theatre, Greensburg; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

November 27

Live Onstage! with Neon Swing X-Perience 7PM-9PM, Ligonier Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, ext.2 www.ligoniertheater.com

Dec 10-11

Decked Out December-Model Trains and Toys West Overton Museums, Scottdale, PA; 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.com

14 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

December 13

Derry Area Middle School Band Concert 7PM, Middle School Auditorium

December 14

Latshaw Productions presents Big Band Christmas Spectacular 2PM, 8PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg ; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

December 14

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays Palace Theatre, Greensburg ; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.com

December 15

Derry Area 5th Grade Choral Concert 7PM, Grandview Cafeteria

December 17

Ligonier Theatre presents The Gift of the Magi 230PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

December 17

Decked Out December-Model Trains and Toys West Overton Museums, Scottdale, PA; 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.com

December 17

Seven Springs Mountain Resort presents Holidays with The Vogues Exhibit Hall, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion; 800-452-2223 x7057 www.7springs.com

December 17

A Christmas Carol Arcadia Theater, Windber, PA; 814-467-9070 www.arcadiatheater.net

December 18

Derry Area High School Choral Concert 3PM, Middle School Auditorium

December 19

Ligonier Valley High School Winter Choral and Band Concert 7PM, Ligonier Valley High School

December 19

Ligonier Valley High School Band Concert 7PM, Ligonier Valley High School

December 20

Derry Area 7th and 8th Grade and Marvels Choral Concert 3PM, Middle School Auditorium

December 20

Derry Area Kindergarten and 1st Grade Christmas Program 9AM, Grandview School

December 21

New Derry School Christmas Program 930AM, 2PM, New Derry Sczhool

December 22

Loyalhanna School Christmas Program 930AM, 2PM, Loyalhanna Sczhool

January 28

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360 www.statethetre.info

January 28

Arts ONSTAGE Entertainment presents The Golden Dragon Acrobats Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA; 724-357-7553 www.onstageatiup.com

February 2

Arts ONSTAGE Entertainment presents Oklahoma!

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA; 724-357-7553 www.onstageatiup.com

Feb 3-4

Ligonier Theatre presents Perfect Wedding 8PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

Feb10-11

Ligonier Theatre presents Perfect Wedding 8PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

February 12

Ligonier Theatre presents Perfect Wedding 230PM, Ligonier Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, www.ligoniertheater.com

Feb 24-26

Seton Hill University Theatre presents Antony and Cleopatra Fri. 1030AM and 8PM, Sat. 8PM, Sun. 2PM; 724-838-4241 www.setonhill.edu

February 26

Mame State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360; www.statethetre.info

To add your community event to this calendar, please call 724-331-3936 or visit our website www.LaurelMountainPost.com LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 15

Fine Dining in a R omantic A tmospher e Romantic Atmospher tmosphere 724-995-1050 201 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658

Doug & R eN aE Mor se, Owner s ReN eNaE Morse, Owners www.ivyscafe.net

dougandrenae@ivyscafe.net

Westmoreland County Restaurant Infuriates Chain Restaurants by Giving Away Hundreds of Free Meals!

THE MOST RESPECTED NAME IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA HOMES. Call for your Professional Design Consultation with reknowned Interior Designer, Wayne Patterson.

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Open 7 Days a Week 16 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

We have seen many types of restaurant promotions to grab our attention.

However, Doug and ReNae Morse owners of Ivy’s Café in Ligonier, Pa, simply take the cake. Doug and ReNae’s latest promotion is targeting all residents in Ligonier, Latrobe, Greensburg, North Huntingdon, Johnstown and surrounding areas. Their goal is to give every household in these towns One Free Meal. What’s even more amazing is that they haven’t put any restrictions on who can get one, only that you must live in one of these areas. They have limited it to one free meal per household. Groups of course are excluded.

According to the Morse’s, “If our local area, family owned businesses are going to compete against the deep pockets of the chain restaurants, we can’t pull any punches. We believe the little guy will always have an advantage when it comes to quality and service”. Ivy’s Cafe restaurant is and elegant, upscale, casual dining experience, with antiques, local artwork and 2 fireplaces on two levels of dining, which give the restaurant a romantic and homey feeling. Ivy’s Café is a wonderful lunch and dinner restaurant great for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries and any type of get together for family and friends. The menu features deliciously prepared items such as chicken cranberry crepes, grilled delmonico steaks with pineapple caramelized onions and roasted red peppers, jumbo lump crab cakes, won ton chicken and coastal catch seafood features. And the ½ Roasted Duck with dark cherry peppercorn sauce is the best. All entrees are served with a house salad, fresh baked rolls and seasoned butters. Sorbet is also served as an intermezzo. All appetizers and desserts are prepared fresh daily and everything is made from scratch. Ivy’s greatly looks forward to showing EVERYONE in the area why Doug and ReNae and their wonderful staff are so proud of Ivy’s and what they offer. If you live in one of these towns and would like to receive a free entrée coupon to Ivy’s Café simply call their 24 hour recorded message center at 724-238-4682 and leave your name, address and phone number. (Phone number is a must in case they can’t understand your address on the machine.) Also, if you leave your email address they will include you in their many in-house offers. Such as free birthday entrees and the VIP treatment on your anniversary. No strings attached. Simply free up to an $18.00 value!

And along with your free entrée if you bring 3 or more friends to enjoy dinner with you Ivy’s will give everyone at your table a free crème’ brulee dessert.

Ivy’s is located at 201 East Main Street in Ligonier one block from the diamond. You may find directions and much more information on their website at www.ivyscafe.net Free entrée coupons are only available through the 24hr. message center at 724-238-4682. Call now before this special offers ends!

This offer is only valid for new customers.

P.S.- As a special BONUS the first 20 callers will be entered into our drawing to win an additional $50.00 in gift certificates.

HOW TO EAT Jim Brewer, RD, LDN, CNSD, CNIS

How Can I Prevent Weight Gain Over the Holidays?

I’ve heard over the years that the average person gains 5 – 7 pounds over the holiday season. I’m talking about that six-week period dreaded by all dieters that lies between Thanksgiving and New Years. To be truthful, the research shows that this is probably an overestimate and actually we only gain about a pound. Which may make you think “only a pound, I can handle that”, but be warned, that pound is the most difficult pound of weight to lose. So don’t think binging zealously this season will go without consequences. Remember you probably overdid it last year and the year before and all those individual pounds are just adding up year after year after year.

Don’t panic yet, there are some things you can do to make this holiday season a pleasant one without that dreaded “pound”. First, keep doing those good things you were doing before thanksgiving. I know you have parties to attend, and people to see, but if you were exercising before don’t give up. And if you weren’t, start. Plan a 30-minute period each day to do your brisk walk and avoid doing all you’re shopping online. Get out and move. Enjoy the winter time, get out and enjoy some winter sport, if you know how, go skiing, or sled riding, or just walking in the brisk winter air etc. etc. By far, the best winter exercise is the one you like to do. The important this is that you do something. And of

course, check with your doctor to ensure you can exercise safely.

One way to ensure that you are not overeating this season is to keep a log. Keep track of what you eat so you won’t go over your goals. Selfmonitoring has been shown to be an excellent motivator and help keep the weight off. When you attend the approximately 5 holiday parties we all attend each year, browse more heavily around the fruit and vegetable trays. Save the best (high calorie favorites) for last. Also, drink plenty of water; it’s a good way to stay full without adding lots of unnecessary calories. And when that time comes to enjoy those foods you know are probably not the best for you, but you absolutely must have, or it wouldn’t be a holiday, it will be much easier to carefully control the portions on your plate and not go overboard.

With just a little moderation and a little planning you can prevent the holiday season from being detrimental to your weight and your health.

Happy Holidays!

Jim is a1983 graduate of Derry Area High School with 10 years experience in nutrition. He has a BS in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh and currently practices as a clinical nutritionist. His specialties include physical nutrition assessment, nutrition support and renal nutrition.

Celebrate the Holidays!

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Hanna Insurance Agency 208 Weldon Street, PO Box 306 Latrobe, PA 15650 John Hanna, Owner PHONE: (724) 537-5140 FAX: (724) 537-0687 www.hannainsuranceagency.info

Providing All Of Your Insurance Needs Since 1959

Then, heigh ho, the holly!

This life is most jolly!

Holly is one of the trees said to be the tree of Christ’s cross. Legend tells us that the trees of the forests refused the defilement of the cross, splintering into tiny fragments at the touch of the ax. Only the holly behaved like an ordinary tree, allowing itself to be cut and formed into a cross. It is as a Passion symbol that holly is found in pictures of various saints. It’s presence indicates that the saint is either reflecting upon Christ’s Passion or foretelling it.

In the Middle Ages, the Christian church forbade the hanging of mistletoe because of its pagan origins, and suggested holly as a substitute. The sharp leaves symbolize Christ’s crown of thorns, and the red berries signify drops of his blood.

Since the 19th century, wreaths of evergreens,

holly, or pinecones and nuts have been traditional decorations in Northern Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Holly comes in two formats – one prickly and one smooth. European tradition states that a household with prickly holly at Christmas would be ruled by the husband in the coming year; one with smooth holly by the wife.

The plant has come to stand for peace and joy, people often settle arguments under a holly tree.

Other beliefs included putting a sprig of holly on the bedpost to bring sweet dreams and making a tonic from holly to cure a cough. All of these references give light to “decking the halls with boughs of holly.”

“Then, heigh ho, the holly!

This life is most jolly!”

From a poem in the play As You Like It (Act II, Scene VII) by William Shakespeare

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 17

SAMA Auxiliary to Sponsor Holiday Home Tour The Auxiliary of the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is pleased to announce the Museum’s inaugural Holiday Home Tour. The tour features a self-driving tour of six of the area’s most beautiful and unique homes, all festively decorated for the holiday season. The Holiday Home Tour will be held on Saturday, December 10.

The tour begins at the Museum with check-in between 9:30 and 10 a.m. At the Museum, guests will be given information brochures and maps to the various stops on the tour. Holiday cookies, pastries and beverages will be provided at the Museum, where a wonderful collection of handmade Creches from around the world also will be on display. Tickets for the tour are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the event. Sales are limited to 500, so be sure to reserve your tickets early.

For reservations or more information, call the Museum at (724) 238-6015.

Upon leaving the Museum, it’s off to tour the Ligonier area homes in whatever order you decide. At Polly and Joe Artuso’s Ligonier home, you will find a perfectly maintained, charming Dutch colonial, featuring an extensive collection of St. Nicholas figurines and hand-crafted Nativity scenes. Marge and Peter Hermann’s majestic estate offers spectacular mountain views and spacious, airy rooms skillfully arranged to showcase their art, furniture and collectibles in a dazzling setting. A two-story holiday tree, ablaze with light and overflowing with ornaments, adds a festive touch to this treat for the eye.

At Phyllis and Richard Knupp’s home, you will marvel at the couple’s creative flair and fine eye for detail. The Knupps’ exquisitely decorated Cape Cod is filled with memorable holiday splendor. Marie and Arthur Miltenberger’s home exudes old world charm, as their lovingly restored formal estate boasts original woodwork, hardwood floors, fine fabrics, rare antiques and signature fireplaces.

Professionally decorated for the holidays, this home also features a giant holiday tree covered with heirloom ornaments.

Guests will enjoy the harmony, beauty and simple elegance of Dr. Joseph and Eve Novak’s Japanese-style home featuring one of the largest collections of George Nakashima’s custom-designed furniture in the country. Cross the threshold and be transported half a world away as you enjoy priceless oriental art and collectibles and a holiday tree resplendent with origami ornaments.

Cookie and Ed Soisson’s warm and inviting home in the heart of Ligonier features Victorian architectural details, beautiful antiques and vintage décor.

Experience gracious living and travel back to Victorian times for the holidays.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley is located at One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South in Ligonier. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. weekends. The Museum is open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the Museum or visit www.sama-art.org.

Giddy Up, Let’s Go! Let’s look at the snow . . . from the back of a horse or bundled in a blanket on the seat of a sleigh. Winter is the perfect time to take in the sights and sounds of the Highland hills.

Double K Stables in Somerset offers both Trail Rides and Sleigh & Cart Rides. Bundle up and head over to the bonfire for a cup of hot chocolate and some seasonal snacks! Call 814-443-1510 for complete details and pricing information.

Take a winter wonderland ride you’ll never forget at Hidden Valley or Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Located in the North Lot, call 814-352-7777 ext.

7285 for more information.

18 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

SPECIAL AY EVENTS HOLIDA HOLID

LIVE ONST AGE! ONSTA NEON SWING X -PERIENCE! X-PERIENCE!

November 27 at 7: 00 PM All Tickets $5.00 Reservations are not necessary.

VINT AGE FILM VINTA ALLEY VALLEY IN THE V THE WIZARD OF OZ

November 25 and 26 at 7:00 PM November 27 at 2:30 PM All Tickets $6.00

Ligonier Theater 208 West Main Street 724-238-6514, ext. 2 vpltheater@wpa.net www.valleyplayers.org www.ligoniertheater.com

A LIGONIER CHRISTMAS

December 3 at 8:00 PM December 3 and 4 at 2:30 PM $10.00 adults, $5.00 children 6-12 All children under 6 are free

THE GIFT OF THE MA GI MAGI

December 17 at 2:30 PM $5.00 Adults, $3.00 children 6-12 All children under 6 are free

Add Some Spice to the Holiday Season!

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USMC - July 7, 2004 (pictured at right) HOMETOWN: Latrobe, PA CURRENT LOCATION: 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment Charlie Company JOB: mortarman in an infantry line company MISS MOST ABOUT HOME: friends & family FAVORITE PLACE ON THE JOB:California PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: I had the privilege to fight in the global war on terrorism FUTURE GOALS: attend some college courses, get promotoed, try out for recon

$45.95 Value

EXPIRES 12-31-05

Honoring Our Neighbors Serving in the United States Military

Chad E. Fenell

4195

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FRIENDS & HEROES

LCPL, US MARINES (pictured at left) HOMETOWN: Ligonier/Rector, PA CURRENT LOCATION: Camp Pendleton, CA JOB: Diesel Mechanic on Heavy Equipment MISS MOST ABOUT HOME: high school friend FAVORITE PLACE ON THE JOB: Hollywood, CA PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: Becoming one of the few, the proud, a United States Marine.

FUTURE GOALS:to become a drill instructor

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Embrace the warmth of friendship in a gracious home environment this holiday season. Visit consultant Briana Tomack at the show!

Todd Small

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includes • SHAMPOO • RINSE • DESIGNER CUT • COLOR • STYLE

LOWLIGHTS OR HIGHLIGHTS

Hollidaysburg YMCA Saturday, December 3 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM

We would like to keep in touch with our friends, family and neighbors proudly serving our country in the United States military across the nation and around the world. In each issue of the Laurel Mountain Post, we will feature some Westmoreland County area soldiers. To be included in future issues, simply fill out our online form and email us a current picture (or send the information to us at Laurel Mountain Post; P.O. Box 227; Latrobe, PA 15650-0227).

We can’t wait to hear from you!

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Unique One-Stop Shopping Since 1932 The dream that Rose Runbinoff had seventy-three years ago has continued to be a family tradition . . . The Rose Style Shoppe, a treasure of a shop now owned by Bette Buchman and managed by her daughter Ronda Goetz.

This third generation boutique is well known for stylish fashions and accessories.

You’ll find great-fitting jeans, cozy cotton sweaters, easy care separates . . . suitable for career and travel, embellished tees, and whimsical jewelry.

Ronda’s passion for making gift-giving a creative and special experience will amaze your clients, family and friends. She has selected a unique collection of decorative home accessories, candles, cookbooks, gourmet foods, baby essentials, girlfriend cards, and more.

She offers suggestions and helps you choose your perfect gift for everyone on your list. You can relax, she even wraps your purchases for you. Ronda will personally create a beautiful gift basket or choose one of her gifts ready to go.

Delicious gourmet treats are always a welcome gift. Here, you will satisfy cravings for traditional favorites to hard to find items. This delightful shoppe carries an assortment of fine chocolates, truffles, coffee, tea, cocoa, holiday jam, lemon curd, pepper jelly, Celebration breads and more.

Make Rose Style Shoppe your first stop this holiday season and be treated to warm personalized service, share a laugh, and experience the knowledge that three generations of women have brought to Latrobe. Shoppe hours are Monday to Friday 10AM-5PM and Saturday from 10AM-3PM. LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 19

THE CORNER STORY Drew Williams

“Copilots” The day before Thanksgiving, my Uncle David paid us a surprise visit. David was my father’s oldest brother, a forty-year-old pilot who delivered airmail for the postal service. The job was fairly routine — boring, to hear my father describe it — but Uncle David was a born storyteller and he could make a two-hour flight over the great lakes to deliver fruit cakes and book of the month club selections sound like an adventure worthy of the Flying Tigers. Of all my uncles and aunts, David was, by far, the most unique, and definitely my favorite.

On this night, my father and I were just finishing another supper of mac-n-cheese and cold cut sandwiches. Right after my mother’s funeral, my father and I ate quite well from the scores of casseroles and fried chicken dinners that we received from our neighbors. But within a month, those meals had been eaten and the Pyrex and Tupperware containers they came in were dutifully washed and returned, each with a personalized thank you card from my father. Since then we fell into a culinary routine that didn’t require any elaborate effort such as turning on the oven. My mother had never been what anyone would call a great chef, but she did know how to make a pot roast and stuffed cabbage. She also knew which side the fork went in a place setting and what a rolling boil was. As for my father, his command of the kitchen ended with the mastery of the can opener. In a way we were equally helpless, so we did what any two guys would do who were suddenly forced to fend for themselves. We ate a lot of meals out of paper bags, or whose preparations were no more complex than measuring cups of milk.

We were just about to do the dishes when we heard a car horn honking in our driveway. “Are you expecting someone?” I asked my father who shook his head in response. The horn blared a second time and we both rose from the table and headed for the front door.

I saw the brown and grey conversion van first.

“It’s Uncle David,” I said, turning to face my father.

“I didn’t know he was coming for a visit.”

My father peered over my shoulder and chuckled lightly. “Neither did I.” We walked onto the porch in time to see my uncle climbing out of the van. As usual, he was wearing his trademark faded jeans and brown, 20 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

bomber jacket. He waved to us, and I started to wave back when I saw the little black blur jump from the van and run a darting circle in our front yard.

“Winger,” I yelled.

When the beagle heard his name, he scampered toward the porch and then to my waiting arms.

“That’s Winger the 5th,” my uncle called when the dog reached me. “He’s only five months old.”

“Heya,” I said, scratching the pup behind his ears. “Ya like that?” In response the dog buried his face deep into my palm and started wagging his tail.

One of my uncle’s many eccentricities involved his pets. He would have only one; black and white beagles that he always named Winger. When one died he would go to the pound and adopt another, nearly identical dog. Back when he had Winger the 3rd, I asked him why he gave the dogs the same name.

“It’s short for Wingman,” he had told me. “You know, a copilot. Someone who’s going to be by your side no matter what. Everyone needs a copilot.”

That made sense. “But why Beagles?” I asked.

He thought about that for a few seconds before answering. “They don’t eat much.”

I didn’t know if that was true, but as I petted my uncle’s newest copilot, I could tell that dog hadn’t gone without too many meals. He had a solid puppy gut which I discovered had an especially ticklish spot near the right front leg.

“Bring him inside,” my uncle said as he reached the porch. “I mean,” he said, turning to my father. “If that’s okay with you.”

My father shook his head and laughed for the first time in weeks. “Do I have a choice?”

Uncle David draped his right arm over my father’s shoulder and gave him a hug. “Not really.”

The rest of the evening my uncle related his most recent adventures delivering the mail in the tristate region. To hear him talk, you would think he was one of those guys who flew planes into the middle of hurricanes, or that the Nazis had some hidden antiaircraft guns on the Pennsylvania/Ohio border and were waging war against the U.S. Postal Service. I once asked my mother why Uncle David always told such tall-tales, and she told me that he did that because the small ones weren’t worth telling. I didn’t know what she meant at the time, but

as I sat on the couch with Winger snoring on my lap, I think I finally understood. My uncle’s stories were outrageous, and that’s what made them so wonderful; a lot more wonderful, I imagined, than the unpainted truth.

Around ten o’clock, in the middle of my uncle’s third story about nearly “flaming out” at high altitude, I got up and told my father I was heading up to bed. “Already?” my uncle said, looking slightly disappointed that he was losing half his audience.

“Oh well, good night.”

My father told me ‘good night’ and I turned and headed up the stairs when I heard the shuffling of paws on the living room carpet. I turned and Winger was hopping up the stairs after me. “Come on, boy,” I said, leading him to my bedroom. “I’ll bet you’ve heard those stories a hundred times.” In response, the dog sneezed. ***** The next morning Uncle David was mad. “I cannot believe this,” he said, his head bobbing up and down as he scanned the contents of our refrigerator. “It’s Thanksgiving Day and you have no turkey. No stuffing. No cranberry sauce. Nothing!”

From the kitchen table, my father glanced up from the sports page. “We really weren’t planning on a big dinner,” he said. “After all, we didn’t know we were going to have company.” He reached down and patted Winger who was happily lapping up a bowl of soggy Honeycomb.

“Doesn’t matter,” Uncle David replied, his face still buried in the refrigerator. “The two of you can still have a decent dinner.” He stepped back and closed the door. “No turkey,” he muttered. “How can you have Thanksgiving without turkey?”

“We have canned ravioli,” I offered.

Uncle David just glared at me. “Not good enough.

I am not going to stand by and watch my family spend Thanksgiving Day dining on something that came from the kitchen of Chef Boyardee!” As if to show his agreement, Winger sneezed out a spray of milk onto the floor. “See,” Uncle David said quickly.

“The dog is on my side.”

My father got up from the table and headed to the kitchen counter to pour himself another cup of coffee. “Sorry to disappoint you, David. But we’re really not in the holiday mood.”

There was certainly no reason to ask why we weren’t much interested in Thanksgiving, and just about every relative we had would have let the matter drop right there. But not my Uncle David. “Tough cookies,” he said, reaching into his pants pocket.

He pulled out a twenty dollar bill and tossed it to me. “Here,” he said. “Take your father to the movies. Take him to see that one with the space ships

and the weird aliens.”

Looking at the twenty, I had to admit that it didn’t sound like a bad idea, but from the look on my father’s face I could tell he was of a different opinion. “I don’t think so, David.”

“Why not?” he shot back. “It’s not like you have anything better to do. You certainly aren’t going to be spending the day cooking a turkey. And when was the last time you two got out of the house? So I say, get your coat, get in the car and go see a movie. Have fun. And while you’re gone, Winger and I will whip together a Thanksgiving feast you’ll never forget.”

My father was about to protest more, but then he looked at me and I guess he noticed form my expression that I thought Uncle David was making some sense. “Do you want to go to the movies?” he asked me.

“Sure,” I said. “If you want to go.”

“And you want to see the alien movie?”

Well, the new Friday the 13th movie is out, and...”

My father held up his hand to stop me. “The alien movie,” he said.

Uncle David laughed and Winger sneezed. ***** For the first time since my mother died, my father and I actually spent an afternoon together.

Sure, just about every afternoon we were together, but since the funeral, being together didn’t mean that we did anything. For the most part we sat around not talking to each or watching TV. But this afternoon we laughed at Uncle David and his eccentricities, watched a fairly bad movie about a time traveling space pirate, and drank too many free refills of pop from the concession stand. Even my father had to admit as we were leaving the theater that this was one of his brother’s rare good ideas. I agreed. It was a day, for the lack of better words, felt normal. And that felt good.

When we got back home we were both eager to see what kind of Thanksgiving dinner Uncle David was able to whip together in three hours. “I don’t think you can cook a turkey in that short of time,” my father said as we pulled into the driveway. I told him that his brother may have decided to get some frozen turkey dinners from the Spee-D mart down the street. “I wouldn’t put it past him,” my father said.

When we got into the house it wasn’t the smell of turkey that greeted us. It was . . .

“Meatloaf?” My father glanced down at me. “Do you smell meatloaf?”

I nodded. The smell of meatloaf definitely filled

the air. We both walked to the dining room but didn’t see any sign of my uncle. “David,” my father called out. “Where are you?”

Getting no answer he walked into the kitchen and found a note taped to the refrigerator. “What does it say?” I asked him as he read it.

My father frowned slightly. “David had to leave.

His supervisor called and told him he was needed at work immediately. He says that two of the pilots have come down sick.” My father shook his head and stuck the note back on the fridge. “He says he’s sorry, and to enjoy the meatloaf.”

It wasn’t fair that my uncle had to leave, and I was about to tell my father that when I heard a wet sneeze coming from behind me. “Dad,” I shouted as a I turned around. “Uncle David forgot to take Winger!”

“No,” my father said. “He left him here on purpose.” When he saw the puzzled look on my face, he explained. “David was going to give him to you; we talked about it last night. He said you needed a copilot.”

I was too surprised to speak, so I bent down and scooped up the pup in my arms. “I told him I thought it was a good idea.” My father smiled and reached out and gave Winger a rub on his ticklish spot. “What do you say we eat?” He gave the dog’s belly another rub and turned to get the meatloaf out of the oven.

I nodded, squeezing my dog even tighter. I didn’t want to let him go, afraid that if I did he’d go running off looking for my uncle. I shouldn’t have worried; it was pretty obvious that Winger was quite content where he was.

“Will you look at that,” my father said, pulling the pan out of the oven. “He shaped the meatloaf like drumsticks.”

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***** I didn’t see my Uncle David until spring, and when he showed up on our driveway unannounced wearing his bomber jacket, a black and white beagle named Winger the 6th followed him into our house. He got along well with his predecessor, the two of them spending most of their time together napping or eating Winger the 5th’s favorite dinner, ravioli. Since it was the first I had seen Uncle David since Thanksgiving, I finally got a chance to thank him face to face for my pet.

“But what about this new Winger,” I said to him.

“Are you going to leave him to be my father’s copilot?”

Uncle David put his large hand on my shoulder. “No need,” he said, giving it a squeeze. “He already has one.”

NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES Teresa Whitacre office: (724) 537-0110 / cell: (724) 396-0670

TM

A native of McKeesport, PA, Drew Williams received his PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and teaches creatve writing at North Carolina Central University. His first novel, Night Terrors, was named Sime-Gen’s novel of the year for 2001. He lives in FuquayVarina, NC with his wife, two kids and a finicky cat. Keep up with Drew at his website: www.drewilliams.com or send an email to DrewWilliams@LaurelMountainPost.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 21

READER RECIPES Christmas Cookie Edition Sandtarts

Karen’s Brickle

Dutch Jingles

Submitted by Briana Tomack, Derry

Submitted by Linda Brewer, Latrobe

Submitted by Evelyn Williams, McKeesport

My Grandmother Barclay’s sandtart recipe-made every Christmas since I can remember!

Preheat oven to 350 Spray with Pam, a cookie sheet 11x17 with sides Place foil on sheet and spray again Line pan with saltine crackers, set aside Bring to a full boil 1 cup sugar, and 1cup butter (must be butter)

1 cup soft butter (or butter flavor Crisco) 1 cup sugar 1 egg, separated 2 cups sifted flour 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1 TBL water 1 cup finely ground nuts

3 1 3 4

cups Brown Sugar 1/2 cup margerine eggs 1/2 cups flour

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs. Mix until smooth. Add flour 1 cup at a time. Roll very thin. Cut out with seasonal cookie cutter shapes.

Brush cookies with a mixture of 1 beaten egg, 2T sugar, and 1/2t cinnamon. You may decorate with a whole walnut or pecan (my favorite), or colored sanding sugar. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350* F for about 10 min. Cookies will get brown and crisp. Enjoy! These are great with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pour over the crackers Spread evenly over crackers. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle a 12 oz bag of chocolate chips. The heat will melt the chocolate, then spread evenly like icing Refrigerate for 2 hours, then break apart and enjoy.

Date Marshmallow Balls Submitted by Linda Brewer, Latrobe

Submitted by Linda Brewer, Latrobe 1 cup flour 3 T. powdered sugar ½ cup oleo Mix and bake for 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Next mix: 2 beaten eggs 1 cup sugar ¼ cup flour ¼ t. salt ½ t.. almond extract 1 t. vanilla ½ t. baking powder ½ cup flaked coconut ½ c chopped walnuts ½ cup chopped drained maraschino cherries Mix this good and pour on crust as soon as it comes from the oven. Bake 25 minutes at 350 degrees.

Cool and cut into bars. Makes a 9 “ square pan or slightly larger one.

22 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Chocolate Bourbon Balls

This is very sticky but worth the trouble.

Submitted by Dorothy Ament, Ligonier

Mix together: 1 # chopped dates 1 # flaked coconut 1 # minature marshmallows 2 ½ c crushed graham crackers 2 cans Eagle Brand milk

1 chocolate wafer cookie crumbs 2 cups chopped pecans 1 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2 TBL light corn syrup 1/4 cup bourbon

Make into small balls and roll in ground walnuts, about 1 #. Makes 80 – 100 cookies depending on size.

Cherry Bars

Heat oven to 350o. Grease 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 pan.

Cream butter, sugar, egg yolk. Blend flour, cinnamon; stir into creamed mixture. Pat into pan. Beat water and egg white until frothy; brush over dough.

Sprinkle with nuts. Bake 20-25 minutes or until very lightly browned. Cut immediately into fingerlike strips. Makes 50 3 x 1-inch strips.

Coarsely grind cookie crumbs and 1 cup pecans in food processor. Add to large mixing bowl with sugar, corn syrup and bourbon. Mix thoroughly. Shape into 1-inch balls then roll in pecans.

Eliza Kate’s Highland Dandies Submitted by Elizabeth Srsic, Derry 1 cup butter 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 2 1/4 cups flour 1/4 tsp salt 1 cup coconut Mix thoroughly butter, sugar and vanilla. Work in flour, salt and coconut until dough holds together. Shape into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes at 400o until set but not brown. While warm, roll in powdered sugar; cool; roll again.

They should look like tiny balls of Highland snow. This recipe has many names and can be personalized by changing the shape and adding ingredients such as nuts and orange peel

Cherry Winks Submitted by Linda Brewer, Latrobe 2 ½ cups flour 1 cup granulated sugar 2 t. baking powder ¾ c shortening 1 t. baking soda 2 eggs 1 t. salt 2 T milk 1 t. vanilla 1 c chopped nuts 1 c. chopped dates 2/3 c chopped drained maraschino cherries 2 ½ cups crushed corn flakes Mix shortening and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and mix thru. Add rest of dry ingredients, then fold in dates, nuts and cherries. Drop by teas and roll in crushed cornflakes.

Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

1 2 2 1

cup Crisco cups sugar eggs cup sour milk (1 TBL brown vinegar in milk) 4-5 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp salt 2 tsp vanilla

Submitted by Carol Gerhard, Derry 1 TBL melted butter 1/8 tsp salt Add powdered sugar to thicken 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 1/2 TBL milk Food coloring Mix with electric beater and add more powdered sugar a bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

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Drop Sugar Cookies

Mix ingredients in a large bowl. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375o for 1215 minutes. Frost with Powdered Sugar Icing.

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Meet Me Under the Mistletoe Apricot Kiffel Submitted by Ann Marko, Aldan Apricot Kiffel 12 oz Cream cheese 1 lb Butter 4 egg yolks 5 cups flour Mix cream cheese, and butter, add eggs. Slowly add flour. Roll in small (I use a melon ball) size, and roll in powdered sugar. Place in ziploc bag or covered container and refrigerate overnight. Roll balls out, place a dollop of apricot filling in the center.

Roll up and place seam side down on baking sheet. Bake at 325 for 2025 min. They will be a light golden brown when done.

Several legends state that a kiss under the Mistletoe, exchanged by a couple in love, is a promise to marry.

In some countries, it is a prediction of happiness and longevity. In olden days, twigs of Mistletoe with berries were hung to indicate that all past grievances and hatreds were forgiven.

European farmers claimed milk didn’t sour as quickly around Mistletoe and that butter churned more easily. Thus, every farm had sprigs of mistletoe hanging in their cattle sheds.

The origin of mistletoe legend comes from a Norse myth, Mistletoe was said to be the sacred plant of Frigga, the goddess of love. When her son, Balder, dreamed of his death, Frigga rushed about seeking promises that her son would not die. Unfortunately, Balder’s enemy, Loki, tipped an arrow with Mistletoe and gave it to Hoder, the blind god of winter who killed Balder with it.

He was brought back to life by his mother when she shed tears that turned into Mistletoe berries, so Frigga kissed everyone who passed under the

tree on which it grew. From that time on, anyone who stood under the mistletoe would receive only a kiss; no harm could come to him.

In the scientific world, Mistletoe is actuually a parasite that survives by finding a host to live on. Oak is the most frequent host for Mistletoe, but Mistletoe has been found in more than a hundred other species of trees. When it attaches itself to the host tree, the roots of the Mistletoe penetrate the bark to enter the tissue of the tree where the water and nutrients are found. Although Mistletoe gets all of its water and minerals from the host tree, it contains chlorophyll which allows it to manufacture some nutrients needed for its growth. A Mistletoe plant usually lives for eight to ten years, although some have been reported to have survived for more than one hundred years. The longer the Mistletoe is attached, the more the host tree weakens and declines in health. Mistletoe berries are very poisonous – so be careful!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 23

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Unique Education Programs & Events Across Westmoreland County

Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School On September 4, 2001, the Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School was successfully launched, and PAVCS began providing a personalized education for students all across the Keystone State. This is an exciting time to join the journey in educational excellence. The Pennsylvania Virtual Charter School gives dedicated parents the opportunity to become active participants in their children’s education, tuition free.

Currently serving children in grades kindergarten through ninth grade, PAVCS is committed to putting a top-quality education within reach of thousands of students in Pennsylvania. This is an exciting, innovative adventure in learning.

It is the goal of PAVCS to provide students with an excellent education, grounded in high academic standards that will help them achieve their full academic and social potential. The school is an example of how parents, students, and teachers can work together in a partnership that is focused on high standards and achievement.

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sure children are achieving academic success by PAVCS is not only about lessons. School outproviding individualized instruction. This instrucings to museums, roller-and ice-skating parks, lotion is provided through the use of the K12 curcal zoos, and other interesting and enjoyable sites riculum and interactive technology that enables the bring families together and create real connections students to actively participate in classroom seswith the PAVCS community. Partners In Educasions with each other and the teacher. tion (PIE) is a parent-teacher organization who work Since PAVCS is a public school, all the materitogether to maximize the PAVCS experience and als and supplies are provided to our students. Each helps to fulfill the year they receive a PAVCS mission.

90 pound box of The Pennsylvania textbooks, chemisVirtual Charter try sets, art project School is one school kits and other tradicomprised of many tional materials they small learning comwill use throughout munities across the the academic year. state.

In a traditional Currently, in classroom, my relamore than 460 tionship with stutowns across the Screen shots from a third grade math lesson and of a middle school dents and their state, families can be life science lesson illustrating types of virus reproduction. families was limited. found experiencing Unfortunately, daily the wonders of webtime constraints and unexpected interruptions ofbased education. A partnership is developed beten limited my ability to get to know each student tween a student, an academic coach and an expepersonally. I knew little about their families. But rienced teacher who teaches, guides, and supports in PAVCS, I am able to develop strong relationships the family in this educational journey. PAVCS serves with my families, which in turn helps me focus on my all children, even those with special needs and chalstudents so they receive the best education possible. lenges.

One of my students is 7th grader Jesse Hozempa.

A student in PAVCS not only has all the benHis favorite school subjects are music and history efits of an experienced teacher, but will also receive and he particularly enjoys learning about wars and a computer, printer, materials, and curriculum presidents. PAVCS holds many school-sponsored needed for a positive learning experience. PAVCS events which have afforded him the opportunity to uses the K12 learning program which is rich and make new friends. In fact, his mother told me that rigorous. The program has more than 700 lessons he recently went on a big fishing trip with some of per grade level and is delivered through a remarkclassmates. I enjoy developing strong relationships ably easy-to-use Online School (OLS) with matchwith my students and their parents. And they bening texts and supplemental materials. Using this efit from it too. Jesse recently commented to his innovative learning program, PAVCS provides an mother that “Mrs. Perney is very interested in things education that meets or exceeds state standards, I participated in, like church plays and basketball. and students demonstrate their knowledge and Knowing she’s interested makes me feel very happy.” skills through state standardized tests. So chilThat sort of rapport builds academic confidence and dren are getting an education of the highest caliber trust - two vital components to learning. in a safe, comfortable learning environment.

PAVCS, like other public charter schools, are In this our local area, there are teachers and important because they offer parents a viable opstudents who are experiencing this innovative edution for students whose academic needs are not cational experience. One of these teachers is me, being met in a traditional classroom. It’s been an Diana Perney. I have been a teacher with PAVCS for three years and since then I have watched charoption that has benefited not only thousands of chilter schools and public cyber schools become one of dren in Pennsylvania, but many teachers, like myself. the most important educational alternatives available. Previously, I was employed in a “brick and Diana Perney is a resident of Ligonier, PA and has served for 2 years as a middle school teacher and is mortar” school as a teacher and administrator. But currently the lead teacher and an English teacher for the I was looking to challenge myself as an educator, Pennsylvania Virtual School high school. so I chose to join the virtual school.

The most common question I hear from parIf you are looking for a school of choice and school reform at its ents who are thinking about enrolling their chilbest and want to be an active participant in your child’s educadren in PAVCS is: “What’s it like?” and “How do the tion, go to http://www.pavcs.org for a closer look. It is not too late to join PAVCS. Enrollments are accepted throughout the students learn?” Most of the educational work takes school year. The education provided by PAVCS enables chilplace at home under the supervision of an academic dren to learn at their own pace, explore their passions, and coach who is usually a parent. Every student is achieve their academic potential. assigned a highly qualified, state-certified teacher, who works in partnership with the parent to en-

north

Pick Up A Copy of the Laurel Mountain Post Across the County & Neighboring Communities!

DERRY A Touch of Class AH Creations Allison Chiropractic Center Ameriserv Financial Barkley’s Beer Distributor Caldwell Memorial Library Camman Industries, Inc. Creative Dreams Crispin State Farm Insurance Dablock’s Beauty Shop Derry Federal Credit Union Derry Post Office First Commonwealth Bank George J Bush Kitchen Center Glassmart Herron Hollow Stonery Mastrorocco’s Market Dr. Morgan, DMD Palombo’s Bar & Restaurant Prakash K. Vin, M.D.P.C Pit Stop Quik Shop, Inc. Red Apple Kwik Fill Rite Aid S&T Bank Sunkissed Tanning GREENSBURG Academy of the Wagging Tail Advantage Resource Group American Indian Jewelry Art Tech Supplies Barnes & Noble Booksellers Bill & Walt’s Hobby Shop Cook’s Market Crossroads (Route 66) Denny’s (Westmoreland Mall) Derby’s Delicatessen Descendents Children’s Clothing Boutique The Dinner Pantry Dr. Philip Dahar, Orthodontist dV8 Expresso Bar Fantastic Sam’s - E. Pittsburgh St Fantastic Sam’s - WalMart Plaza Gander Mountain Gianilli’s II Glassmart Greensburg Care Center Ground Round - Westmoreland Mall Hampton Inn Herbs to Your Health Holiday Inn Express Hyundai of Greensburg Just Miniature Scale Katsur Dental Kids Korner Furniture Knit Wits Malloy’s Cameracade Memory Lane Hallmark Mountain View Inn Mustard Seed Gallery, Inc. Northwood Realty - Greensburg Northwood Realty - North Huntingdon Pagnotta Cafe Paouncic Chiropractic Life Center Penelope’s Pepperwood Grille - Westmoreland

Mall Phillip Pelusi - Westmoreland Mall Pizza Hut Pizza Siena Reese Teleservices Seton Hill University Sharp Image Hair Designs and Day Spa Sheraton Four Points Hotel Shop ‘n Save- Westmoreland Mall Sun Parlor Super 8 Motel Tom Clark Ford Toyota of Greensburg University of Pittsburgh Westmoreland Athletic Club Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce Worldwide Travel LATROBE Adam & Eve’s Pet & Hobby Shop Adelphoi Village Arnold Palmer Motors Inc Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Aqua Pets Bella Pasta The Corner Store Chiropractic Health Center Commercial National Bank Downtown and Lawson Heights Cosmetic & Family Dentistry Creative Expressions Denny’s Dino’s Sports Lounge DiNunzio’s Italian Chophouse DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant Dr. Philip Dahar, Orthodontist Dr. Scott Learn, DMD Eastern Alliance Tae-Kwon Do Falbo’s Rainbow Inn First Commonwealth Bank First National Bank - Latrobe 30 Plaza First National Bank - Downtown Frank’s Lounge Gino’s Pizza of Latrobe Hanna Insurance Agency Harvey’s Barber Shop Holzer’s Store Hostetter Club In-Sync Rehabilitation Services Jocelyn’s Beauty Salon Joe’s Store – Lawson Heights Kaye’s Tailoring Keffer Massage Therapy L & L Quik Lube Latrobe 30 Beverage Latrobe Animal Clinic Latrobe Art Center Latrobe Center Distributing, Inc. Latrobe Chamber of Commerce Latrobe Glass & Mirror Latrobe Hair Company Latrobe Hospital Little Shop Latrobe News Stand Latrobe Post Office Latrobe Senior Center Latrobe’s Pet Stop, LLC Len’s Jewelry Loyalhanna Care Center

Mosso’s Medical Supply Company Inc Mozart House National City Bank - Latrobe 30 Plaza Northwood Realty Olson’s Mozart Hall Pennywise Books Pizza Siena Ray Foot & Ankle Center Rose Style Shoppe Scotty G’s Pizzaria Sharky’s Cafe Sherwin-Williams - Latrobe 30 Plaza Shop-N-Save - Latrobe 30 Plaza St. Vincent College St Vincent Gristmill Tuxedo Room Van Dyke Styling Center Vickie’s Awesome Blossoms Vita-Charge Weiss Furniture Wingate Inn Youngstown Tire Zappone Sausage Company and Retail Outlet LIGONIER Abigail’s Coffeehouse American Indian Jewelry Beno’s Betsy’s of Ligonier Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse Celtic Culture Compass Inn ComTech Connections Store The Country Cupboard Crafts Unlimited Curves for Women Diamond Cafe Endless Possibilities Equine Chic Essentials The Fairfield Grille The Frame Place The Garret GetGo Giant Eagle Gino Gianelli’s Hair Parade Holiday Home Store The Hollow Tavern Ivy’s Cafe John Clark Jewelers Lady Bug Style La Rosa’s Barber Shop Laughlintown Post Office Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Inn Ligonier Outfitters & Newsstand Ligonier Palms Tanning Salon Ligonier Post Office Ligonier Tavern Main Street Deli Pamela’s Golden Touch Salon The Paper House & Baskitry Pathfinder Photo Persnickity The Pie Shoppe

west east south The Post and Rail The Road Toad Ruthie’s Diner The Treehouse in Ligonier Underneath NEW ALEXANDRIA Curves for Women Di’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Johna’s Hair Design Oasis Hotel Qwik Stop The Roadhouse NORTH Blairsville Pharmacy - Blairsville Dean’s Diner - Blairsville Fantastic Sam’s - Blairsville Guy’s Tavern - Avonmore Jerich Insurance - Leechburg Lonestar - Avonmore Melissa’s Cut ‘n Curl - Blairsville Northwood Realty - Blairsville Papa Sal’s Restaurant - Blairsville Pie Cucina - Blairsville SOUTH Coming Soon!

EAST ©Laura Petrilla Betsy’s Collections - Donegal Cogo’s - Bakersville Collections by Marty - Donegal The Country Pie Shoppe - Donegal Courtyard by Marriott - Altoona Darshana Yoga Center - Champion Hair Expressions - Seven Springs Foggy Mountain - Donegal Italian Gourmet Deli - Donegal Kreinbrooks Market - Jones Mills Living Treasures Animal Park - Donegal Log Cabin Motel - Donegal Lost Mountain Campground - Rockwood Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic - Stahlstown Mountain Horse Saddlery - Donegal Northwood Realty - Donegal Oakhurst Tea Room - Somerset Sarnelli’s Market - Jones Mills Seven Springs Mountain Resort -Champion Tall Cedars Restaurant - Donegal UniMart - New Florence Windy Lindy’s Mountaineer Crafts - Donegal WEST Courtyard by Marriott -Penn Ave (David L. Lawrence Conv. Ctr.) Would you like the Laurel Mountain Post delivered to your business?

Give us a call at 724-331-3936.

We’ll list your business name in the print and online editions!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 25

CUT TO THE CHASE COUPON VALUES 10% Off Any Purchase With This Coupon expires 12/31/05

Free cup of our homemade soup with any luncheon sandwich purchase.

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You’ll Love These Elegant Handcarved Boxes from This Crafty Family It’s a family affair for some local artists, brothers Bill & Wayne Fluke and sister Judy Forr. They started out 15 years ago making scrimshaw powderhorns.

Now all retired, they live and work together in their Bedford home researching, building, carving and painting one-of-a-kind decorative boxes based on Celtic designs. Bill researches the designs – all straight from The Book of Kells, then carves and burns them into the wood; Wayne is the carpenter who designs and builds each box; Judy adds the finishing touches with a brightly colored paint job. They started this project six months ago inspired by their grandmother’s Scottish ancestry and influences by Celtic artistry.

They also make some design from PA Dutch patterns in honor of their German roots. For more information on their unique craft, send an email to: flukes@bedford.net or visit the shops listed below!

These handcarved boxes are available at Celtic Culture in Ligonier (218 West Main Street, 724-238-2420) and Lord Nelson’s Gallery in Gettysburg (27 1/2 Chambersburg Street, 800-664-9797).

26 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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