Laurel Mountain Post :: March-April 2006

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine for the Heart of Westmoreland County

Every Story Begins At Home.

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March-April 2006: A Visit to Parris Island | War In Their Own Words | Fresh from the Farm | STEELERS!

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MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams

We Could Be Heroes When I was very young, I wanted to be Batgirl. This heroine was quickly replaced in my heart by Wonder Woman. My son has been a Batman fan since he was a baby – but his favorite character is Robin, probably because of the Teen Titans cartoon on television today designed just for his generation. Every year for Christmas, Santa Claus has brought him a different super hero costume from the DC comics world of the Justice League or the Marvel Universe.

cessible than the abstract. But it is quality that makes life worth living . . . the things we can’t always measure and often take for granted. We forget about those who go to work in the middle of the night to make the doughnuts or keep the electricity on. There is food at the grocery store when I need it because somebody somewhere in the world still farms the land and tends to their herd. We

Everyone wants to be a hero when they grow up. Eventually the desire to wear a mask and save the world from evil villains is replaced by something a little more practical. From his superhero origins, my son has set his sights on being a New York City policeman . . . or a Broadway performer who makes us smile with a song and a dance number. He is still considering his options.

There are many different kinds of real people we’d like to be when we grow up: fireman and police officers are a great choice because they work every day to save and protect lives, often at the expense of their own. Teenagers hang posters on their walls of rock singers and movies stars, hoping to one day conquer the world with such fame and fortune. Sports legends appeal to all ages – everyone hopes to win the big game someday! Others admire great historical figures such as world leaders or civil rights pioneers. Parades are filled with politicans and war heroes who fill us with patriotic pride. We are awed by doctors who brilliantly heal our broken bodies and cure disease.

It is natural for us to choose the glamorous role models in front of us. Money, fame, accomplishments, power, bravery or a winning record are easy things to measure. The concrete is much more ac-

My daughter has reached the age of making those difficult and varied choices that will shape her adult life – what classes to take next year, what college to attend, and most importantly, what direction she wants to take with her life. I couldn’t be more proud of her attitude toward the whole wide-open future: “I just want to like what I do and be a nice person,” she says. At age 36, part of me still tries to be Wonder Woman every day, struggling with my identity and the things I want to achieve with my life; but my 15-year-old daughter already seems to have the right perspective and positive outlook.

A lot of superheroes in comics are a moody, brooding lot who do their job out of a sense of duty or obligation.

Most don’t seem to appreciate their talents or view them as a burden. They dwell on the things they’ve lost, blind to what they have achieved, and all that they can still do. True, it gives their characters a dramatic depth and obvious motivations for their actions. But what if they took all their strength and powers and coupled them with a better attitude?

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Briana Dwire Tomack Cathi Gerhard Williams editor@LaurelMountainPost.com

live in a free country because the military trains to defend it, during times of both war and peace. They are all there in numbers but working as one – for us, whether we thank them or not.

Gratitude, kindness, and respect. Those are the qualities I wish for my children over money, power and achievment. Having them all would be great, but our decisions inevitably lead us down diverse career and personal paths.

Imagine the things we could all accomplish in the real world if we took off our masks and focused our energy in a constructive way, doing the right things for the right reason with the gifts unique to each of us . . . if we could re-channel our grief, stress, and envy; and defeat our inner villains . . .

We could be heroes.

And not just for one day.

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 - MARCH-APRIL 2006 (Volume III, Issue 1)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly 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

Jim Brewer, Walt Brewer, Daniel Chicka, Carol Dwire, Ron & Deb Durika, Matt George, Shelly & Carol Gerhard, Jim Kasperik, Kathy Kasperik, Carma Lamm, Susan Ransel McBroom, David “Muggsy” Miles, Jeremy Olson, Ruth Richardson, J.B. Rossi, Richard Z. Rupert, Michelle Schultz, Nicole Vitale Smith, Scott Sinemus, Elizabeth Srsic, Rick Tomack, Drew Williams, Robert Williams

Special thanks to our advertisers for supporting this community publication!

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 3

Each year the U.S. Marine Corps hosts a series of Educator Workshops for teachers, guidance counselors and members of the media all across the country. Participants travel to Parris island, S.C. for a firsthand look at what it takes to become a Marine.

Last November (2005) Briana Tomack and Cathi Williams accompanied the Pittsburgh area group for this incredible experience.

FRIENDS & HEROES A Visit to Parris Island with the United States Marines Corps

The trip began with a 4:00 am wakeup call to catch a flight to Charleston and continued well into the morning hours of the next day before they were able to catch a few hours sleep. The schedule allowed participants to experience a glimpse of the same exhaustion, exhiliration, physical demands and other conditions that make up the Parris Island recruit training program.

Get on the Yellow Footprints

Recruits and Marines from the Westmoreland County area met with the Laurel Mountain Post and spoke about training and living as a U.S. Marine. With intense pride they discussed the education and skills provided at Parris Island, their individual acomplishments, transformations, and career plans for the future.

Recruits arrive at Parris Island by bus to begin training and are greeted by a drill instructor like Diana Ruiz from Chicago . . . tough as nails one minute, gracious and softspoken the next. The first thing each recruit does is stand on the yellow footprints and wait for instructions.

They are then led through a set of shiny metal doors at the recieving office – the one and only time they will ever enter those doors. Processing includes receiving sets of gear, more instructions, and the ceremonial haircut. Each recruit makes one phone call home and delivers a set script to confim their arrival and begin their journey toward becoming a United States Marine.

Every participant in the Educator Workshop received instruction and a practice round with the M16A2 service rifle on the firing range and observed training exercises in Leatherneck Square, a custom obstacle course environment for training Marines.

“If you need something, ask a Marine,” says Cpl. Darhonda Rodela, Media Chief of the Parris Island Public Affairs Office. Their department can tell you anything you want to know about the people and places of the Marine Corps . . . and track down just about anything else you are looking for. Managing information has become a career for Public Affairs Chief Gunnery Sgt. Jason Bortz (a native of Export, PA and 1992 graduate of Franklin Regional High School). He has traveled the world to such places as Japan and Spain with his work for the Marine Corps.

Photo by Pfc. Heather A. Golden.

We Make Marines Famous!

Lance Cpl. Mac has been the offical mascot of the US Marines Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island since September 2002. The English bulldog greets hundreds of Marines and visitors each week. Mac represents a tradition of the Marines Corps that began with a recruiting poster during World War I with an image of a snarling bulldog wearing a helmet – epitomizing a Marine’s unwavering tenacity and fighting spirit. Like all Marines, Depot mascots must uphold the Core Values of honor, courage and commitment. Mac’s last official day of duty was January 6, 2006, but continues to serve as needed until a successor is named. details from an article in The Boot by Cpl. Jennifer D. Brofer – September 16, 2005

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Gunny Bortz and Mac at the visitors center; Cpl. Rodela poses with a young visitor attending graduation ceremonies.

The Crucible A Rite of Passage for all Marines, the Crucible is the culmination of recruit training – a 54-hour physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles. Marines travel 43 miles on foot, complete 29 problem-solving exercises and consume three ready-to-eat meals (MREs - which were surprisingly tasty!).

Upon completion, recruits are treated to a Warrior’s Breakfast . . . all-youcan-eat steak, eggs and potatoes.

The Crucible was the best part of the Parris Island recruit training experience for Mitch Lander (a 2005 graduate of Hempfield Area High School). From Parris Island, he went to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina for combat training. After a brief visit home this winter (where he had dinner at his favorite local restaurant, The Texas Roadhouse) he left for El Paso, TX to begin training as a Military Operations Specialist – a Stringer Missle Gunner.

Future plans for Lander include a career teaching music and history. We will keep you posted on his progress!

Flat Stanley Pays A Visit to the Nearby Air Base Lt. Col. “Waldo” shows off his plane to Flat Stanley, a popular elementary school character, who came along with Seneca Valley High School teacher Jim Lucot, of Cranberry Township. We all learned that Marines can be pilots, too!

Graduation Day Our visit to Parris Island ended with watching the recruits become United States Marines as they recieved their Eagle, Globe and Anchor pin on the parade deck. Brigadier General Richard Tryon and his wife, Diane, hosted the event and even invited our small group back to their home where Mrs. Tryon gave us a personal tour and brief history of the generals quarters. As we made our way back home, exhausted and exhilirated by the trasformative experience and witness on Parris Island, we had many feelings for our Marines . . . gratitude and respect topped the list. It takes a special human being to give of yourself and meet the Marine Corps expectations as well as those of the United States of America.

Briana and Cathi meet Brigadier General Richard Tryon following the Eagle, Globe and Anchor ceremony.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 5

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Neighborhood Portraits - 1950’s I ride through town and all the empty storefronts make me sad. Every now and then an excited new proprietor moves in with high expectations and lots of energy. The community tries to be supportive as we watch them struggle to succeed. Then one day we drive past and the windows are vacant again.

For so many reasons, small towns don’t seem to be able to sustain small business’s any longer.

I remember a time in Derry when one business block of East First Avenue housed SIX grocery stores. If you started from South Ligonier Street where the Derry Credit Union building sits, we had Kist’s Market on the corner and Tony Basciano’s across the street. Continuing west on First Avenue past the Gem Theater and the Eagles, you came to Vitale’s Store. Right beside that was Mastrorocco’s, the only original store still in operation today. Crossing the street, still heading west you came to Murray’s Restaurant. They carried a limited stock of grocery items. (I remember the big bread racks right inside the front door. ) And last, on the western end of First Avenue was the A & P. These were located in just one little neighborhood. Several blocks away in each direction, new neighborhoods started and each was a self-sustaining little community as well.

All of us who lived in Derry in those days knew that calling us ‘Derry residents’ was too generic a term.

Although the post office assigned us all a Derry address, I personally knew I was not from Derry. I was from West Derry. Everyone who originally hailed from West Derry will confirm this. We were a town of neighborhoods that had names. My husband, Doug, was from Goosetown, and he will tell you that IT was the best, much better than West Derry.

The folks in Elmadale would have greatly disputed his assertion, to them Elmadale was even better.

And the New Derry natives - don’t even go there.

These rivalries could have led to a challenge that in days gone by might have led to blows. We were very loyal to whichever neighborhood we called home.

Although Derry Borough is less than one square mile in size, it contained several ‘towns within the town,’ including the aforementioned Goosetown and Elmadale. The strangest neighborhood nickname of all was for Derry’s business district. If you were from the northern side of the tracks, you called it ‘over town’ Some said they were going ‘over street’.

From West Derry, when we went into town to shop, we went ‘down street’.

Each little enclave was pretty self-sufficient. In West Derry, for instance, we had our own market. It was Solomon’s, and it was right next door to my house.

When I was very young, it belonged to my grandparents and was known as Parrish’s Store and Sinclair filling station, a sort of antique Sheetz. Later on we had our own gas/service station, Hall’s Sunoco. Our education was taken care of at West Derry school, and our religious instruction at The 6 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Ecumenical United Brethren, or EUB church. The largest industry was Provost’s Poultry Farm. We also had our own tavern. In the fifties it was owned

by Pete Pynos and later bought by ‘Uncle’ Al Matteo.

There was also Georgie Little’s store next door to the tavern. And let’s not forget our own four star restaurant from the ‘60’s, Bernie’s Diner. The unofficial and unelected mayor of West Derry was Louie Festa. I believe this was a self-appointed office, but we all supported his ascension to the throne.

Goosetown was also quite self-sustainable. All your grocery needs could be taken care of at either Dude Lunnen’s, Stemmler’s Market, Risings, or Dillon’s.

I believe Dude himself could have been considered the elder statesman of Goosetown. The kids attended Third Ward school, worship took place at the Methodist church, and car repair at Richey’s service station. Several saloons quenched the thirst

Ruthie’s grandma, Veda Parrish and brother Keith behind the counter at Parrish’s Store in West Derry. [approx. 1950]

of this neighborhood, Rich’s Grill, near the Chestnut Ridge bus barn, Vince Borza’s and the Rod and Gun Club. The local eateries were Cordi’s Corner, and Bell’s Pizza. They had Ballantyne’s Plumbing, and Barchesky’s Auto Sales. There was a sporting goods store owned by Atkinson’s, Ernie Borazio’s Jewelry store, and if you really want to go back in time, they used to have a movie theater, The Victor, which is now part of the community center. You can still see its name inscribed near the roof of the brick building. This neighborhood was obviously concerned with health and exercise since they were home to the community pool, the little league field beside the pool, another ball field behind Price’s Machine Shop, and a makeshift football field beside McBrooms. The Goosetown Bonecrusher’s broadcast this ‘stadium’s’ games on radio station WROK, featuring on-air personality, Eric Tepper.

This was from a mobile station hooked to an extension cord run across Second Street from Doug’s house. Dude Lunnen advertised his weekly specials on this station. It was all quite illegal but that’s a story best told by the now grown-up 14 year old perpetrators. (They were eventually caught and

grounded). Winter sports took place on Windy Hill at the Mossholder. This neighborhood also hosted the most famous boxing match in Derry history.

You will have to ask Craig Taylor or Jerry Rich to fill you in on the details.

Elmadale was also fairly well equipped. They had Elmadale school, and the Presbyterian church was almost in Elmadale. There was Oliverio’s store for groceries, and the Uke’s for a cocktail. Their club was located in a little white house on Owens avenue back then. There was also Tierno’s Tavern and restaurant, located where Lakeside Lounge is today. Although technically not in Elemadale, the high school was close enough to qualify and next to it, where the administration building sits today, was the original Blue and Gold Luncheonette, complete with a juke box and pinball machine. They later moved to the other side of the school and became Gigi’s Blue and Gold, a famous Derry landmark/ gas station/restaurant/market, and all around hangout. Across the street on the corner, you could get a draft at The Tri Way Inn. First ward - I don’t ever recall it having another name, but Fifth and Sixth avenues in first ward were referred to as ‘the hill’. It was served by Fritz’s store, and Ault’s Grocery, run by Hammy Ault, who was a WWII hero and one of Merill’s Marauder’s.

My friend Suzie, who lived in that neighborhood, said they would display all of the neighborhood kids school pictures on their wall. At the end of South Ligonier Street was Betts’s Store, located right over McGee’s Run. It was previously owned by Hoffer’s who lived next door. This little village also supplied a service station, Manordale of Derry, with Chauncy Wherry as the unofficial manager. Just one block over was The Fourth Avenue Garage and car dealership. The gas pumps were right on the sidewalk and there was just enough room to pull off the street and fill up your tank. It later housed Barkley’s Beer Distributor, with a soft ice cream machine inside.

Derry’s original homestead, the one founded while there were still Indians about, became the famous New Derry, another totally self-sufficient community. Joe’s Red and White was the big grocery store.

Others I remember were Shines store, and Demagone’s Market. They had Babe Johns bar, still in operation to this day, and the Italian Club. St. Martins took care of the catholic souls and the Methodist Church attended to the Protestants. You could get the best pizza in the world right out of Mrs. Pennizi’s kitchen. You just parked the car in the driveway and knocked at her back door. She also offered the most wonderful fried dough.

Our neighborhoods were quite comfortably self-reliant. No one I knew had two cars back then, but you didn’t need the second one. If we had to be driven somewhere while my dad was working, mom

Goosetown gang hanging out on Dude’s steps. L to R: Dave Robb, Doug Richardson, Tommy Miller, Donnie Matteo, Craig Taylor, Danny Civitarese, Bill (Maw) Burns, and standing in the back, The Dude, himself. [approx. 1961]

had to take him to work, bring the car home, and pick him up at 3:30. Other than that, cars were not available during the day, they were at work with all the dads. A lot of moms didn’t even have a drivers license. So if mom needed to get any grocery items, your little neighborhood market would supply anything she might need. Our moms sent us to the store for them, it was one of our chores.

The stores were usually located within a block or two of our houses so our moms didn’t have to worry about us getting there safely. We didn’t have to take any money with us, either, and that was good since cash was scarce between paydays. I remember going to Solomon’s and getting a pound of chipped ham and a loaf of bread. We just told them to put it on our slip. If you were feeling really brave, you could add on a popsicle or some Necco Wafers, but be prepared to do some explaining when payday came around and your mom would go to pay her bill and find your unauthorized item on her slip. Doug tells me that Dude Lunnen offered charge accounts to the kids in Goosetown, as well as the adults, provided they kept them paid up weekly. Milk was never on my moms shopping list since the Bergman’s truck dropped it off at the front door, and stored it safely in the little silver insulated milkbox. The milkman would also leave butter, or any other dairy products you had checked off the list they supplied. We went to their office ‘down-street’ once a month to pay our milk bill.

I loved our little neighborhood, it had everything you could want. When I was really little, the egg

Ralph Parrish, Sr. Ruthie’s grandfather, at the pumps at Parrish’s Store in West Derry. [approx. 1945]

man came and delivered eggs once a week. If you had clothes to go to the drycleaners, you just put the little card in your front window and Shook Fulvio would stop and pick them up. When they were cleaned, he would deliver them back to you.

A different little cardboard sign in the front window would have Tony, the Schaller’s Bakery man, at your front door around 7:30 in the morning carrying a big tray of fresh baked goods for you to choose from. Tony had the thickest glasses I had ever seen and I wondered how he could maneuver that big Schaller’s truck around. Sometimes his bread was still warm from the oven. The insurance man came to the house too. We had Mr. Hendrickson with his big leather bound case, and Mr. Oliverio, too. If you were really sick, the doctor would make a house call, either Dr. Oliver or Dr. Blair. I remember one winter afternoon, Dr. Oliver was getting ready to leave after stopping to treat one of our childhood illnesses. My mom had her purse out and asked him how much she owed him. He was very aware that Westinghouse payday was on Fridays and this was a Thursday. He told her he was having a special and it was only $2.00 - American. Beneath that gruff exterior truly did beat a kind heart of gold. There were no HMO’s, no HIPA regulations, no insurance cards and no billing. Mom handed him the money and in his pocket it went. I wish I could get one more checkup from O.P. He was a thoughtful and caring man, not to mention a brilliant doctor.

I could name each family that lived in all the houses, up and down the streets in West Derry.

Many of them were my relatives. Entire extended families lived within blocks of each other. I know my husband can still rattle off most names and where they lived in Goosetown, as well. His grandparents lived three doors down and his aunt and uncle and all five cousins lived on the next block.

The summer before my dad passed away, in 2003, we sat on his back porch swing and he told me that other than himself, Ilene Hull, Mildred Wible, and Ben Hall were the only original West Derry folks left in the neighborhood. He knew some of his neighbors names, but not much else about them. He told me the old-time neighborhoods would never come back. I’m sure he was right. We are too busy with our hectic lives. We shop at the mega stores and think nothing of driving 20 miles to get groceries. Our children are scattered to the four winds. We wave to our neighbors but probably have never been in their kitchens. I don’t know very many little ones today that can say, “I’m running up to Grandma’s house for a minute.” Like my dad, I know those days cannot come back again. And I am so thankful I grew up knowing that life, one of security and familiarity, of trust and appreciation of our neighbors. I think it’s part of the reason it’s so hard for me to ever think of leaving this little ‘burg’ for good. It’s become a part of me, of who I am, even though it no longer exists. I know that many of us fondly remember what those days were like, and wish we could turn the clock back. Silly? I guess so, but no one ever said sentimentality was supposed to be sensible. If I could take my little town back in time to the way it used to be, I would do it in a heartbeat, to show today’s generation how wonderful it all was. What I would give for one more walk over to Solomon’s, for one more fudgesicle to eat on my way through all the back yards, and up to Grandma’s house.

TRIVIA QUESTION:

How many Derry neighborhoods can you remember?

(See page 16) Ruthie Parrish Richardson is a life-long resident of Derry. Her memories of growing up in such a wonderful small town are one of her greatest treasures.“I feel the lessons we learned back then were a powerful force in shaping the people we are today. Small town America may seem to be gone forever, but if, now and then, we take a moment to remember what those ‘growing-up years’ were like, we can keep the values we learned strong and pass the best of them along to the next generation.” Ruthie and her husband Doug have owned Richardson Construction in Derry since 1970 and have a daughter, Nicole, who lives in San Francisco with her husband, Russell. Write to Ruth at ruthelaine@LaurelMountainPost.com .

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 7

The Essential Rock of Life

by JB Rossi The large flakes of white fluffy snow fell slowly as I jogged briskly toward my warm haven on this cold February morning. I felt like I was running through a reenactment of last night’s pillow fight.

My daughter’s room had become a sea of goose feathers after her pillow burst open. Amidst the colliding noises of bopping pillows and the barking of excited puppies, a table lamp tumbled off the night stand. A truce was called and we all collapsed in a fit of giggles onto the bed. Thank goodness for the massive amount of feathers and stray pillows strewn across the floor. The lamp didn’t break!

So lost did I become in my reverie, that I failed to notice a huge patch of ice on the sidewalk in front of me. Suddenly before I realized what happened, I found myself feeling like the floor in my daughter’s room the night before. Flat on my back and looking up to the sky, the flakes quickly began to bury me. Then four concerned faces peered down at me and asked me that obvious question in quartet unison. “Are you all right?”

What kind of question is that anyway? Of course I was alright! I routinely lie down in the middle of busy sidewalks and gaze up into wintry skies, just so I can identify with the feelings of my daughter’s hardwood floor.

I shut my eyes in hope that, when I reopened them, I would awaken from this nightmare. But as the arms of my helpful neighbors pulled me back onto my feet again, I realized that all the dignity I had ever possessed drained from my face and was replaced with a deep red glow. Well, at least the heat of my embarrassment melted the snow that had collected on me.

After assuring all the numerous onlookers that had gathered that I was okay, I brushed the rest of the snow off, thanked my rescuers, and headed back home.

Once safely back in the confines of my office, I thought about what I would have given for a little bit of rock salt to melt away the ice and all my embarrassment. Surely this winter de-icer couldn’t be that expensive. So I decided to research this simple diamond-like crystal and was shocked to discover that this simple little rock has throughout history been more important and more valuable to life than any of my other favorite rocks, my precious gemstones.

8 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

This substance which we call “salt” (sodium chloride) has a fascinating history. An essential element of life, the use of salt dates back to prehistoric times. Early caveman as a hunter obtained his salt from eating the meat of the animals which he killed. As agriculture progressed, man’s diet changed. The vegetables he grew were rich in potassium but offered little sodium chloride. Instinctively, Man began to seek out the salty flavor that he was accustomed to and needed to survive. Man then began to use salt to preserve his food, cure hides, and heal wounds.

As time progressed, this simple compound became more and more important. Homer described it as a divine substance, while Plato deemed salt especially dear to the Gods.

The use of salt as a preservative was perfected by the Egyptians. The extraordinary good condition of their ancient mummies is a great testament to its powers of preservation.

Salt became so valuable that it was often used as currency. Roman soldiers were often paid with rations of salt known as “salarium argentum”, from which we get our English word “salary.”

It is not surprising that, as an essential element of life and a key ingredient of food preservation before the invention of refrigeration, salt became one of the most valuable commodities in the world. Thriving cities, countries, and empires derived their power by either producing or controlling the trade of salt.

It is even rumored that the income from the salt pan in southern Spain was largely responsible for financing the voyages of Christopher Columbus.

Salt has even been responsible for wars, playing a prominent role in history worldwide. A good example is the Seven Years War between England and France, which is also known as the French and Indian War. We all know of the importance our local region played during the French and Indian War and how a young George Washington helped ignite the fight not far from here. This confrontation is what many historians refer to as the first true world war. What many don’t know is that one of the significant causes of tension between England and France at that time was salt.

Prior to the war, there had been years of coexistence between the two countries because of a

mutual dependency of trade. The large British fishing fleet relied on French sea salt from the region of Brittany (still famous for sea salt today) to preserve its catch. In return, the French obtained income and goods from the British industry. As long as this balance existed, animosity between the two countries was on hold. Yet neither country enjoyed relying on the other and sought its own sources to alleviate this dependency.

Eventually, the British won the war and with the development of the great salt mines in Cheshire, England, the British no longer depended on the French salt. The town of Liverpool soon rose to become the prime exporting port for the world’s salt in the 1800s.

In the American Revolutionary War, the rebel’s salt supply was intercepted by the British and thus their ability to preserve food was destroyed.

This same tactic was employed in the American Civil War when the Union forces captured the town of Saltville, Virginia. By destroying the Confederates’ supply of salt, the southern soldiers were not able to preserve rations and had to spend their time foraging for fresh food instead of fighting.

Salt also has tremendous symbolic importance.

To seal loyalty and friendship, the use of salt represents longevity, permanence, and immutability because the essence of this mineral does not change.

Salt has also come to symbolize purity and has been used on altars, stages, and holy grounds to scare away the evil spirits. Hence by “throwing spilled salt over our right shoulder,” we are scaring away the wickedness that caused us to knock over the shaker.

Salt was often given in the dowry to the parents of the finance’ in marriage and is rumored to have great powers of fertility.

This mineral has even sparked the coining of popular expressions still in use today. Have you ever heard of the expression “salt of the earth”? This term is used to describe a person of great goodness. The term “not worth his salt” is an expression derived from ancient Egypt where slaves were traded for salt. Skeptics unsure about stated facts are often said to “take it with a pinch of salt” Even the Bible has over 30 references to this substance.

Today salt is still an essential element for our health. Biologically, the adult human body contains about 250 grams of salt. This compound is used by every cell to maintain the normal volume of blood and to digest food. It is the main component of blood, sweat and tears (not the rock group but the real thing). Salt is a mineral which the human body cannot manufacture. Therefore, it is necessary to replace this substance from an outside source.

In the kitchen, salt has become a connoisseur’s treat. Everything from basic table salt to gourmet blends from around the world is now available and comes in a wide variety of colors and textures. Sal de Mer or sea salt is a broad term to define unrefined crystals which come directly from a living ocean or sea and still contain a lot of the other trace minerals including iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium and iodine. Sea salt is considered to be

continued on page 23

FOCUS ON CHILDREN Nicole Vitale Smith, M.S.W.

Ready, Set . . . Wait?

“Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit people. Put things back where you found them. Clean up your own mess. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone. Wash your hands before you eat. Flush. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. Take a nap every afternoon.

– ROBERT FULGHUM, All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten

One of my favorite books! Too bad that making the decision to send your child to kindergarten isn’t as simple and straight- forward as the author’s words! Today, many children have received one or two years of structured preschool and are prepared for a more academic kindergarten than the one that you and I enjoyed as many as three or four decades ago. Robert Fulghum’s book could be renamed “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Preschool” these days. Some parents are concerned that increased academic expectations coupled with some child’s immature social skills may be affecting our children’s appetite for education and their ongoing excitement to learn. These concerned parents often feel that their child is not ready to begin kindergarten at age 5 and are waiting an extra year to start their child’s school career. Parents are recognizing that a good kindergarten experience is a significant step to their child’s ongoing school success.

The decision to delay your child’s entry into kindergarten is difficult. My husband and I, along with a few good friends, are currently struggling with this complex issue. We are parents of boys, boys with a summer birthday. Since most school districts around the state use September 1st as the cut-off date to begin kindergarten, boys and girls who turn five the summer before school starts are the youngest children in their class.

Some people argue that there will always be older

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and younger children in a classroom, while others believe that the youngest boys have a disadvantage. Peg Tyre reports that boys are biologically, developmentally, and psychologically different than girls (The Trouble with Boys, Newsweek, January 30, 2006). In the same article, she also states that boys are falling behind girls in elementary school. Two of the country’s leading child psychologists, Dan Kindlon, Ph. D and Michael Thompson, Ph. D support this claim. In their book, Raising Cain, they assert that the average boy is developmentally disadvantaged in the early school environment. One example is in reading, which they have found favors girls at a young age.

Boys do not feel as able or valued as girls in reading and other central learning tasks of elementary school.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children emphasizes that for a child to be successful in school, he/she needs to be ready in all areas of development: cognitive, physical, social and emotional. When trying to make up your mind about sending or delaying, I strongly believe that you should listen to the recommendation of your child’s preschool teacher. In our situation, we were fortunate that our son had his preschool teacher for two years and she did feel that he was ready for kindergarten. She did note, however, that if she were to hold a child back, she would repeat the kindergarten year instead of waiting until first or second grade. Asking your child’s pediatrician for his/her input may aid in your decision and visiting the kindergarten classroom(s) may be helpful. Contacting the elementary school guidance counselor to discuss your child’s development and to review the pros and cons of the situation may be beneficial. Remember that each child is unique and a decision should be made based on the student’s individual needs. Consider all your options before making a decision.

If you would like further information on the subjects of school readiness and special issues pertaining to boys, I recommend the following books: “Summer Children: Ready or Not for School” by James Uphoff, “Real Boys” by Dr. William Pollock, “The Minds of Boys” by Michael Gurian. The Gesell Institute of Human Development, which helps parents and educators understand how children grow and learn, provides a checklist of signs and indicators that will assist you in making your decision about kindergarten. The publication is entitled “Understanding Your Child, A Parents Guide to Starting School” and may be purchased for $ 2.50 on the internet at their website gesellinstitute.org.

Personally, I have questioned many parents about their child’s kindergarten experience. Most of

them have said that they do not regret their decision to wait an extra year, whereas a few of them stated that they feel they made the wrong decision in sending their child when he had just turned 5. Many of them mentioned feeling better about their child having an extra year to deal with the emotional aspects of the middle school years.

Like any parent, my husband and I want the best for our son. As we contemplate Austin’s school fate, we know that we are not able to look into a magic ball and predict his future at high school or college, but we do realize how critical the early years are in forming a positive school experience. I hope you find a good fit for your child’s kindergarten and that he enjoys and thrives in his first exposure to the school environment! Remember, you are your child’s first teacher and best advocate through the education system.

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 3 years old.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 9

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Mary Had A Little Lamb . . .

There are just too many things about springtime to pick a single one to be the best. That being said, I have to put lamb up there in the top 10. It’s a shame more people in the States don’t appreciate lamb. Older folks have a bad connotation with it, as in the not too recent past mutton was frequently passed off to be lamb. Mutton is a fully matured older sheep, which can indeed be too strongly flavored to be enjoyed in any cooking application. The younger set can’t quite get past how cute & fuzzy the sheep are to consider having them for dinner.

When my brother & I were just kids, we raised a sheep my Dad insisted we call “Lamb Chop”, that way we would always be reminded that one day he was destined to be dinner! So, I can truly relate to the cuteness factor; but will mention, no one in the family aside from my Dad could bear to eat Lamb Chops’ Chops… On the other hand I couldn’t wait to see “Jethro” on the table. Now I take the approach: since it’s an animal that virtually every part can be utilized for something, I’m ok with it. Let’s face it, it’s one of the meats that has been celebrated & revered for millennia, by nearly every single culture, and one that often includes the word ‘Spring’ in it’s marketing, “Spring Lamb”, when written on a menu still makes me salivate almost instantly.

With the farming & shipping today it’s possible to have affordable, delicious lamb any time of the year.

And we always hope Dad wins the bidding on the market lamb at the fair.

We are very fortunate to have some of the worlds best lambs being raised right here in the Laurel Highlands by John & Sukey Jamison. Renowned Chefs across the country clamber to have it on their 5-Star menus. I enjoy it myself; some of the best legs of lamb I’ve ever had, have been Jamison Lamb.

Call me what you will though, I still prefer my chops to be the larger but still as tender New Zealand Lamb.

There are a myriad of classic lamb preparations from Roast Leg of Lamb, Lamb Chops, Rack of Lamb, Braised Lamb Shanks, Irish Lamb Stew, Curried Lamb, etc. And for the record: Shepherds Pie is not Shepherds Pie unless it is made with lamb!

I’m not going to give a specific recipe this month; instead rather I’m going to give a couple of “methods” for preparation. Think of them as enhancements to your favorite recipe.

Before I start though, since I’m advocating a roast, please go and get yourself a digital thermometer with a probe! They are wireless now and at around $30, less than the price of one single roast you’ll ruin without one. The reason a probe is essential: there are too many factors that go into making a roast cook according to the time in a recipe, for in10 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

stance: How cold was it when it went into the oven?

How tough is the connective tissue? Is your oven actually at the temperature you think it is? Are there bones in it? What kind of pan it is in and where is it placed in the oven?

Now that you have your probe you may feel the freedom of knowing that your dinner is going to be exactly as you like it every single time! Be certain to always remember; when you remove the roast from the oven; there will be “carry over cooking”, which is always good for raising the temperature at least 5-10 degrees after the meat has been removed from the oven. If you’re not sure what temperature equals what you like on the doneness scale, there is a little chart that comes with your thermometer.

And ALWAYS let your roast rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting it (no matter how hungry you are or how good it smells & looks). On that note, do not remove the probe either. Instead take this time to finish making your sauce, heat your vegetables, tend your starch etc. You will be handsomely rewarded for your patience with a juicy succulent roast. Slicing your roasts on the thinner side against the grain of the meat will also help to encourage tenderness and enhance the meat’s flavor.

Using a probe will also afford you the chance to roast your meat by a method instead of the ticking of a clock. Too many times I’ve seen even so-called professionals, repeatedly puncture a roast several times with an instant read thermometer towards the end of cooking trying to find out what doneness it is inside. The amount of juices lost to this method is clearly measurable and completely unacceptable.

Even the old ‘shove in & leave in’ thermometer you’ve probably found buried in the back of your mom’s gadget drawer is better than that.

When roasting meat it is essential to remember that the air in the oven when you start your roast has got to be very hot & very dry. I like to start off at 425 f for a smaller roast and go up to 450-475 f for the larger roasts. I leave the meat in for 30 minutes then turn the oven down to 225 f without opening the door! In about an hour open the door, insert your probe into the thickest part of the meat~ but not near a bone, quickly close the door, set your temperature, then decant & try your wine.

When you’re making Roast Leg of Lamb, instead of slicing it all over and shoving garlic into the slits (as most recipes call for you to do) try this instead: • Remove the roast from the bones, trim out the sinew & extra fat bits, reserve. This isn’t as daunting a procedure as you might think, all you need is patience to follow the sinew thru the tissues and a sharp flexible boning knife.

• Smear chopped garlic, fresh herbs & pepper on the meat. Do not use salt, as it draws moisture out

of the meat, which isn’t what you want to do.

• Fold in the pieces, reshape and tie it up with cotton butchers twine. I usually let mine marinate on a wire rack over a sheet pan in the refrigerator, covered only with a linen towel overnight & thru the next day; removing it to the counter one hour before cooking, grinding salt & pepper on the outside before roasting.

• Roast the bones & trimmings in the oven with some Mirepoix (carrots, onions, celery) to create a stock to become a sauce, this should be done on day 1 immediately following butchering, that way if you only have one oven, you’re not compromising the roast to make sauce.

• There aren’t going to be many bones in your lamb leg, if you supplement the same amount of veal knuckles as you have lamb bones, you’ll be able to make more stock. Better still would be, if you have a rapport with your butcher… which I truly suggest starting if you don’t have one already, getting additional lamb bones to make a nice full stockpot won’t ever be a problem.

• When slicing, only slice as much as is needed at the time. The leftovers are much nicer sliced fresh off of a large chilled piece; however, there should always be a few pieces left on the platter when you put it away, making for an easy nibble when you’re staring in the fridge for a quick bite later.

Consider making Rack of Lamb instead of Lamb Chops • Trim excess fat off the back of the rack, pat dry with paper towel, salt & pepper • Sear (fat side down first) in a very hot dry cast iron skillet, only until the fat is browned, remembering to touch each end of the loins to the skillet for a moment before removing from the heat and placing on a wire rack, over a sheet pan • Allow to cool, then smear a healthy layer of Dijon mustard across the fat • Then dip into a mixture of fresh breadcrumbs & herbs (including Lavender buds, Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley, Chervil, Garlic & whatever you fancy) I use a standard premixed “Herbs de Provence”.

• Then roast in a 425 f oven to your desired doneness, which hopefully is Rare • Allow racks to rest for 5 minutes if they’re petite, but no longer than 10 even if they’re large • If you’re serving the petite chops for hors d’ oeuvre, be sure to “French” them. This means scraping the visible bone completely clean of any meat, fat or sinew • If you’re grilling over an open flame ALWAYS take a second to wrap the bones with foil, particularly if you haven’t Frenched them 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.

DOWN ON THE FARM Shelly Gerhard

Gearing Up for Spring Planting The Ligonier Chef’s Spring Picks 2006 Jamison Farm Latrobe, PA www.jamisonfarm.com 171 Jamison Lane · Latrobe, PA 15650 Toll Free: 1-800-237-5262 Fax: 1-724-837-2287 Jamison Lamb can be purchased directly from their website. I definitely recommend saving their site to your favorites. It’s updated regularly, and has a myriad of information, including recipes, ordering information, links, etc. Sukey also gives cooking classes in the Wexford kitchen, classes are small 6-8 people and fill up fast; the next one is March 18.

John & Sukey are also involved with the Jean–Louis Palladin Foundation, www.jlpfoundation.org that carries on Jean-Louis’ work of mentoring young chefs and meticulously searching for the very best ingredients on the planet. The Jamisons are hosting another intern again this spring. The farm is also Certified Humane for it’s second straight year. www.certifiedhumane.com

Loebel’s, Manhattan, NYC Lobel’s of New York 1096 Madison Avenue (at 82nd St) New York, NY 10028 1-877-783-4512 Loebel’s is a fantastic meat market in Manhattan; there are many more specialty meat items available besides lamb. Be certain to check out the heirloom beef! All of it now available for online purchase, but it is always nice to stop in if you’re ever in New York. It’s a great atmosphere, not to mention practically an institution in the city.|

The Kitchen Collection, Somerset, PA The Factory Shoppes at Georgian Place 113 Georgian Place Somerset, PA 15501-1600 814-445-3449 Yes, they are still in the Georgian Place!

This store is still worth a trip up to Somerset. They’ve got great prices on lots of essentials including almost all of the Kitchen Aid mixer attachments for less money than you’ll spend buying directly from Kitchen Aid. There’s even a wacky “as seen on TV” section of things! This is also the best price I’ve found on the wireless probe thermometer, $39.99, the standard non-wireless are about $10 less. If you have any questions, just ask Erin Baker the manager, she knows almost instantly if they have what you’re looking for and it’s precise location in the store!

Anyone who has ever driven through the back, country roads of Westmoreland County has come across some of the most beautiful farm land in the state. Folks always slow down to take a look at the horses grazing in the fields, or the cattle that like to stick their heads through the fence and take a gander at the passing cars. Time can even stop for a moment along the rolling hills and neatlyplowed fields.

There’s no denying it certainly is pretty down on the farm, but there is a lot of work to be done behind that peaceful, country setting. In fact, it’s a year-round job.

People might imagine that the winter months are a slow time around the homestead, but as winter begins to loosen its grip, that’s when we start to think about spring. At Fairview Farm, Groundhog Day doesn’t tell us that spring is coming as much as it says it’s time to get to work!

February is the time to clean out the barn and spread manure on the fields. We also need to sack up oats and take to the feed store for cleaning.

Another important job this month is to check on the cows who are preparing to have spring calves. A cow remains pregnant for nine months, just like humans, so for the cows who are seven or eight months along by now it’s very important to make sure they are comfortable and eating well. Set up a clean area inside the barn with lots of bedding, increase their grain ration and pamper them as much as you would any pregnant members of the family.

While you’re counting the days until your new herd arrives, you should also be counting your hay bales to make sure you’ve got enough stocked up to keep feeding the cattle until the grass starts to grow in the pasture again. If you are lucky enough to get a nice, clear, sunny day with no wind, it’s a good time to plant grass seed in the fields where you grew fall/winter barley. The freezing and thawing of the ground will cover the seeds as the old man winter continues his blustery ways.

It doesn’t matter if March comes in like a lamb or a lion, this is the month to check the machinery, fix things, and get ready to go back out in the fields and start plowing.

Plowing is done based on a specific but simple plan for when a field can be worked and seeded. Some crops are rotated seasonally, while others are left alone. A sample six-year plan for rotation on a tract of land is: • plow up old sod and plant corn one year • plant oats there the following spring • harvest spring oats

• • •

work up the ground again; plant barley or wheat in the fall the following spring, plant alfalfa and clover seed (this is called frost planting). the field then stays in hay for three years

Oats and barley are minimal-need plants, but in early spring you should fertilize hay fields. Spread manure on your alfalfa and clover strips to add nitrogen to the soil, which helps the corn you plant in the future. Alfalfa and clover are legumes, like beans, which also produce nitrogen and help nourish corn (a grass). Without rotation, hayfields will return to weeds.

Another important aspect to healthy soil for crop production is the ph level. When getting ready to plant corn, take samples from the old hay field you plan to plow. You’ll need to know how much lime to work into the ground to reach the proper ph level of 7. Contact your local Penn State extension office for more information about soil test kits or to have samples tested in their labs.

After the plowing and seeding is under way, it’s time to turn our attention back to the newly-cleaned barn where the pregnant cows have been brought in for calving. Most of the babies will arrive by the beginning of April, weighing in between 80-100 pounds. The calves stay with their mothers until Thanksgiving, by which time they will gain another 400500 pounds on the nourishment of mother’s milk and grass alone.

While you spend time in the barn with all the cows, itchy to get back out into the fields, don’t forget to keep the local “nannies” well-fed and healthy . . . your farm cats work hard to keep the mice population down as the weather starts its slow warm-up.

By the time spring is in full bloom and the cows have had their calves, the work on the farm is still demanding. Besides mending fences and the other endless odd jobs that couldn’t be done in harsh winter weather, there are fields that still need to be worked up: sow oats by the middle of April and get ready to plant corn next month. But that’s another story.

Shelly Gerhard is a native of New Derry and lifelong farmer. Together with his wife, Carol, he has owned and operated Fairview Farm in Derry Township since 1964 raising beef cattle, chickens, pigs, horses and a variety of crops including corn, oats, barley, wheat, soy beans and hay. He studied Agriculture at Penn State University and as an avid reader continues to learn about a variety of subjects every day.

Penn State Cooperative Extension Service www.extension.psu.edu | 724-837-1402 | Donohue Center, Greensburg

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 11

“They Say There Was A War” edited by Richard David Wissolik Center for Northern Appalachian Studies, St. Vincent College (Excerpts from these oral histories of local World War II veterans reprinted with permission)

Clarence Kindl

Dale Allen Bullock

Seventh Air Force, 46th Pursuit Squadron, 15th Pursuit Group, Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, Wheeler Field, Oahu, Hawaii

United States Navy, Chief Pharmacist Mate (Ret.), U.S.S. Rotanin (“Named After a Star”)

Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania

We were at church on December 7, 1941. After church, three buddies and I went to the mess hall to see if we could scrounge up some late breakfast. When we got there, they were cleaning the place up. The mess hall was an old, one story wooden building. We sat down at a table. The guy on KP asked us, “Would you all mind moving over one table?” We moved, and because of that we owed that guy our lives. As soon as we moved, there was a big explosion outside. I said, “What the hell was that?

There’s no flying today. maybe soemthing happened out on the line, a gas explosion or something.” Then there was another explosion, then another, then another. I walked over to the door and looked out. I saw a plane go by that had big, red balls on it. “Christ,” I said. “There are Jap planes out there!”

Jeannette, Pennsylvania

Of course, with all the monotony on board ship, a sailor starts thinking about getting liberty in the next port. It had been a long time since we had liberty. Well, that’s how the famous Fiji Islands incident occurred. The Rotanin docked there and the captain granted the crew liberty. This of course was one of the stories that developed into Tom Heggen’s screenplay for the movie “Mr. Roberts.” Tom Heggen was an assistant communications officer on the Rotanin. His experiences on the Rotanin and another ship he was assigned to became the inspiration for the book and later the movie. The character of Mr. Roberts was in many ways modeled after many men on the ship. But more than anyone else Don House was our ship’s Mr. Roberts.

Antonio “Tony” Martin Priolette Greensburg, Pennsylvania

Joseph LaValle

South Greensburg, Pennsylvania

United States Third Army, 17th Field Artillery, POW We started walking. We walked all night, and we walked right into an ambush. Boom, boom, boom, the Germans started shooting and all hell broke loose. Our guys were dropping like flies! God was with me, because when they opened up and oh my God, I just hit the dirt and all I got was a little flesh wound. Every time I think of it, it hurts. It really hurts. Seeing all my buddies, laying there dead and wounded, nobody doing anything for them. It was enemy territory. It was awful.

24th Infantry Division, 21st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company I The next day, our Jeep boy, the one who drove the captain around, was going down to the field hospital on an errand. I asked him to find out about Sergeant Sliven. He came back and told me, “The sergeant can’t talk too well. I had ot put my right ear up near his mouth, but he said he was , okay.” Then he told me that Sliven had the whole side of his jaw blown off below the ear by shrapnel, that all he could see were Sliven’s eyes, nose, and mouth. The rest of his head was bandaged. He also told me that the docs were going to take a jaw off a dead man and try to use it to replace the one Sliven had lost. He said that Sliven kept saying, “It’s okay. It’s okay.”

Peter Talarovich

Nicholas P. Matro

26th Infantry Division, 101st Infantry Regiment Third Battalion, Headquarters Company

Twentieth Air Force, 6th Bomb Group, 313 Wing, 39th Squadron Boeing B29 Lucky Strike

Bradenville, Pennsylvania

Crabtree, Pennsylvania

We came upon these dead Germans in a barnyard. This one was a giant of a fellow. he had his whole rear-end shot off. Must’ve been a direct hit.

One private looked at me and said, “You know, his sergeant must have really chewed his ass out.” I mean that’s that type of humor you found. I guess it’s about the only thing you could find in a place like that.”

We lived in tents for a long time and each crew had their own tent. Our tent was at the end of a line of tents. Prior to getting there, the Army or Marines, I don;t know which, had hung, from a tree near the tent, about twenty Japanese skulls painted different colors like Christmas tree ornaments. They swung back and forth in the breeze. We saw them every day, and never thought a thing about it.

Harvey Waugman

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

87th Infantry Division (“Golden Acorns”), 346th Regimen When it was time for bed, the family gave us their beds to sleep in. It was the first time in months we had seen a bed. We slept between clean sheets, under feather ticks. We were in Heaven! When we awoke in the morning, we found that the family had washed and dried our clothes. Before we left, even though their food was in short supply, they gave us breakfast. All they had was eggs. Off we went again. We never forgot those people, and I’m sure they never forgot us.

Harvey and wife Gladys (a Nurse Cadet during the war) at the ceremony honoring veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, December 2004.

The Saint Vincent College Center for Northern Appalachian Studies seeks to document the heritage of the multifaceted region of Northern Appalachia using the tools provided by a variety of disciplines and community-oriented he her as A W ar” may be mail-ordered from: The Center for Northern Appalachian Studies, projects. “T “The heyy Sa Sayy T Ther heree W Was War” Saint Vincent College, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, 15650. Please make checks payable to The Saint Vincent College Center for Northern Appalachian Studies. E-Mail orders acceptable: rwissolik@email.stvincent.edu. Copies are also available through Barnes & Noble Booksellers.

12 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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

Have Your Cake (or Pie) and Eat It Too! Unfortunately, there is no cure for diabetes. Fortunately, diabetes is a disease which can be controlled with a few behavior changes and/or medications. Control comes from appropriate eating habits with or without medications. The medications for diabetes are totally dependent on the way you eat to work effectively. “Borderline diabetics” can definitely improve their health and possibly prevent the onset of diabetes by eating better and increasing their activity or in other words decreasing their time on the couch or lazy boy.

I’ve often hear from patients, “My doctor told me I can’t have ice cream or candy because I’m a diabetic”. In the past this was the way that physicians and dietitians taught diabetics to eat, but over the years this advice has been detrimental to many unwitting diabetics. It’s amazing to me how strongly some clinicians will hold onto a particular belief or technique when the evidence is overwhelming that what they are saying and what they are doing is without merit and even harmful to their patients.

The science of nutrition is relatively new compared to other sciences and as more research is completed many of the old beliefs will need to be set aside to make room for what we find to be closer to the correct answer.

The major myth with diabetes is the thinking that avoiding high sugar foods is the best way to keep your blood sugar under control. At first blush, this seems to make sense. Your blood sugar is high so if you avoid high sugar foods your blood sugar will decrease. It’s like telling you to finish a puzzle but you only get half the pieces. Success is not likely.

I’ll try to explain why this belief can be harmful.

Diabetes is a complex disease process and would take far more paper to explain in detail than I have available here. So, in brief, diabetics either have a problem with their pancreas or a problem with their cells. Insulin from the pancreas or as an injection is the piece of the puzzle that carries blood sugar (also called dextrose) from the blood, unlocking the cell to deliver sugar to your cells, where it is used for energy production. Diabetics either have a pancreas that does not produce enough insulin or has cells which are resistent to insulins ability to place sugar within the cell. Oversimplified yes, but hopefully I haven’t lost you to something more interesting.

There are medications specific to both situations depending on your circumstances, but the interesting thing is that no matter what the cause of your diabetes, or medication you take, the way you think about eating should be the same.

The word “Homeostasis” means “to stay the same”.

Homeostasis is what your body is working for and is easy to understand if you ever tried to lose weight.

Your body fights your attempts to change its weight by lowering metabolism and holding onto fluids etc. wanting to stay homeostatic or “the same”. Diabe-

tes is a medical problem in which your body has lost its ability to regulate. Your body now needs your help to maintain that homeostasis in regard to blood sugar. The diabetic diet is really not a diet at all, but instead more like a stable way of eating with as few differences between meals as possible.

The principle is called “Carbohydrate Counting” which has nothing to do with “Low-Carb” diets. Low carb diets are not recommended for diabetics.

Carbohydrate counting in its simplest form is just eating the same amount of starchy (carbohydrate) foods at each meal. The goal is not to overwhelm the body with too little or too much carbohydrate at one time. Notice I did not say eat the same foods, but eat the same amount of foods at each meal.

The premise of carbohydrate counting is understanding how much carbohydrate is in the foods you eat. A simplified daily menu might look like this.

• Breakfast: Boiled egg, 4oz juice(15g), and two pieces of toast.(30g) • Lunch: turkey sandwich(30g), and an orange(15g), diet soda.

• Dinner: Pork Chop (unbreaded), 1 med baked potato(LF sour cream)(15g), 1 piece apple pie.(30g) (These foods are not recommended by this author but an example of what someone might choose to balance the carbohydrates throughout a day. Consult your dietitian for a meal plan that fits your needs)

Each of these meals has about 45grams of carbohydrate each. Your body will better adapt to similar carbohydrate levels, not being overwhelmed by one meal. Consult with your dietitian to discover what carbohydrate level fits your needs. Eliminating high sugar foods from your diet does not solve the problem. For instance, even though you don’t have the apple pie, and only had the potato, you could still potentially overwhelm your body with excess carbohydrate if your portion size of potato is too large. It would make more sense to have a smaller portion of potato and have the pie if you understand how many carbohydrates your getting from each and your meal is not significantly higher than your other meals.

If you think about the problem, which is your bodies’ inability to handle high levels of carbohydrate, then it makes sense to only provide that much carbohydrate your body is able to process. If you eat more carbohydrate than you have insulin, the excess sugar will not be put it into the cells then you have all this extra sugar floating around in your blood. This extra sugar in the blood for too long a period of a time can cause damage. Think about sugar as you see it in a sugar bowl. It’s white and crystalline in shape. Even though dissolved in blood, sugar continues to be a crystal like structure and can scrape the inside of your arteries and veins causing damage over time. This damage heals and creates a layer of scar tissue. And guess where cholesterol likes to stick? This causes plaque and clogged arteries. That’s why diabetics need to watch

Hop On Over to Your Neighborhood Market Mastrorocco’s has everything you need right in downtown Derry. Still a family-run business headed by great-grandson Vince Mastrorocco, they provide a full-service grocery store (including bakery, deli, meat, and produce) and offer a small delivery service to their customers. Be sure to buy your Easter Ham the next time you stop by!

33 East 1st Avenue 724-694-2788 their saturated fat intake as well. Too much sugar in the blood can cause damage to the tiny veins behind the eyes, and around the kidneys and around nerve cells in the feet and hands. Controlling the amount of carbohydrate you eat at each meal can make a big difference in helping your body maintain its blood sugar levels where they need to be. All diabetics should learn carbohydrate counting and this way of eating.

This is a brief review of carbohydrate counting principles. Not to be mistaken for medical advice. For more information please consult your Registered Dietitian preferably that has a certification in diabetic education.

Useful websites: http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp American Diabetic Association http://www.eatright.org American Dietetics Association 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.

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 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 13

MARCH-APRIL 2006 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

March 10-12 Antique Show and Sale Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300; www.mountainviewinn.com

Through April 23

Familiar Faces: Photographs by Sallie Zoerb Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Altoona; 814-946-4464 Altoona@sama-art.org

March 10May 14

Balcomb Greene: Abstractionist Against the Tide 2PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Johnstown; 814-269-7234; Johnstown@sama-art.org

Through

Between Heaven and Earth: The Paintings of Martha Mayer Erlebacher Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Altoona; 814-946-4464 Altoona@sama-art.org

March 11

Gallery Tour for International Regional Artists 2PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920; loretto@sama-art.org

March 11

Government and Policy Education lecture series presents James H. Lambright 730PM, Science Center Amphitheater - St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4597; www.stvincent.edu

Saint Vincent Concert Series presents Svetoslav Stoyanov, percussionist 8 PM, Science Center Amphitheater, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565; www.stvincent.edu

March 12

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

Opening Reception: Artists of the 21st Century student art exhibition Noon-5PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier; 724-238-6015; ligonier@sama-art.org

March 14

Gallery Tour for International Regional Artists 11AM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920 loretto@sama-art.org

March 15

Latshaw Productions presents Spirit of the Dance Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 30 March 1

March 3

March 3

First Friday Wine Tasting - The Fingerlakes 8PM, Green Gables, Jennerstown, PA; 814-629-9201; www.mountainplayhouse.com

March 3April 9

Artists of the 21 Century student art exhibition 2PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier; 724-238-6015 ligonier@sama-art.org

March 16

March 4

Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society presents The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra 8PM, Greater Latrobe Senior HS Auditorium, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-5518

Westmoreland Jazz Society presents Harold Betters Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500 www.wmuseumaa.org

March 16

Lunch and Art/Garden Party Hat Tea Noon, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier; 724-238-6015; ligonier@sama-art.org

March 17

Lunch and Art with Dr. Graziella Marchicelli 12Noon, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Altoona; 814-946-4464 Altoona@sama-art.org

March 17

Learn How to Write A Query Letter Led by Barb Miller, Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction Program; FREE; 3-4:30 pm, St. Michael’s Church in Rector; sponsored

by Ligonier Valley Writers; info: scribe@internet.net; www.ligoniervalleywriters.org

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents The Spencers Treatre of Illusion Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 18

Gallery Tour for International Regional Artists 2PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920; loretto@sama-art.org

Relay for Life at Latrobe Kickoff Celebration, American Cancer Society Fundraiser 7-1130PM, Four Points Sheraton, Greensburg, PA;724-532-3151 or mwpeluso@aol.com www.acsevents.org/latroberelayforlife

March 18

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s March Melange Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850; www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 19

Groucho: A Life in Review State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360 www.statethetre.info

March 22

Center for Economic Policy and Education lecture series presents Dr. Chris Pelham Unger 730PM, Science Center Amphitheater, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4597 www.stvincent.edu

st

March 4

River City Brass Band’s Toote Suite 8PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222; www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 5

Opening Reception: Artists of the 21st Century student art exhibition Noon-5PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920 loretto@sama-art.org

March 5

March 8

March 9

Arts ONSTAGE Entertainment presents Broadway! The Star Spangled Celebration Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA; 724-357-7553; www.onstageatiup.com

March 9-12 Derry Area Senior High School presents Beauty & The Beast 7:30 PM Thursday-Saturday; Matinees at 2:00 PM Sat-Sun. Derry Area Middle School Auditorium

March 23-26 Savoir Affair Cultural Event Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA; 724-329-8555 or 1-866-386-6957; www.nemacolin.com March 24-25 Greater Latrobe Senior HS presents Bye, Bye Birdie 730PM, Greater Latrobe SHS Auditorium, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-2086 Tickets are $10 adults; $8 students (college & below); $5 children under 8 and seniors over 65; available at the door.

March 24-26 Stage Right presents Jesus Christ Superstar Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org March 24

Annual Art Exhibition and Sale Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, PA; 724-329-8555 or 1-866-386-6957; www.nemacolin.com

March 24

Westmoreland Human Opportunities Wine Tasting 5-9PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-5678; www.wmuseumaa.org

BEAUTY & THE BEA ST BEAST ST:: (from left) Carly Rick, Ashleigh Heiple, Melissa Gearing, Caitlin Jones, and Lauren McCurdy March 10-11 Greensburg Central Catholic High School presents Oklahoma!

8PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-0310, ext. 303 www.thepalacetheatre.org

14 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

BYE, BYE BIRDIE: Lydia McClain as Kim McAfee and Andrew Bangor as Conrad Birdie.

March 24August 13

April 7

Lecture program Balcomb Greene: Abstractionist Against the Tide 2PM, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Johnstown; 814-269-7234 Johnstown@sama-art.org

The Trip to Bountiful State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360or 800-397-2554; www.statethetre.info

April 7July 23

A Symphony of Color: The Lyrical Paintings of Joseph Holston Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920 loretto@sama-art.org

April 8

Artists of The Commonwealth: Realism and its response in Pennsylvania Painting, 1900-1950 Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500; www.wmuseumaa.org

Arts ONSTAGE Entertainment presents Eric Burdon and The Animals Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Fisher Auditorium, Indiana, PA; 724-357-7553 www.onstageatiup.com

April 8

Opening Reception for A symphony of Color and Ansel Adams: A Legacy Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920 loretto@sama-art.org

April 8

In the Mood State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360 or 800-397-2554 www.statethetre.info

April 10

Blue Monday Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Altoona; 814-946-4464 Altoona@sama-art.org

April 12

Small Business Development Center Learn Manufacturing Seminar 830AM-430PM, Placid Hall, Westmoreland and Foundation Rooms, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4572 www.stvincent.edu

April 20

Westmoreland Jazz Society presents Trio Bravo Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-5678 www.wmuseumaa.org

April 20-23

Ligonier Valley High School Musical – Oklahoma!

730PM, LVHS Auditorium

April 21

Lunch and Art with Chas Fagan Chas Fagan: A Retrospective Exhibit through August 13 Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Ligonier; 724-238-6015 ligonier@sama-art.org

April 22

Westmoreland Earth Day 2006 Carey Student Center Performing Arts Center and Gymnasium 12Noon-4PM, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-805-2330 www.stvincent.edu

April 22

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s Season Finale Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 22

Saint Vincent Concert Series presents Chengzong Yin, pianist 8PM, Science Center Amphitheater, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565 www.stvincent.edu

April 23

Laurel Highlands Doll Show Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300; www.mountainviewinn.com

April 25

Small Business Development Center presents The First Step: Small Business Start Up Workshop 6-8PM, Foundations Room, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4572 www.stvincent.edu

April 28

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents An Evening with Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000; www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 28-29

Hollow Tree Players presents Little Red Riding Hood by Charlotte B. Chorpenning Fri 7PM, Sat 11AM, Ligonier Town Hall, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-5283

April 28-30

Seton Hill University Theater presents I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change Fri 1030AM and 8PM, Sat. 8PM, Sun. 2PM; 724-838-4241; www.setonhill.edu

April 29-30

Sale for Kids Children’s Consignment Sale Sat 9AM-4PM, Sun 11AM-3PM, Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Unity Township, PA; 724-396-0006 www.saleforkids.com

Ansel Adams: A Legacy Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art-Loretto; 814-472-3920 loretto@sama-art.org

March 25-26 Pennsylvania Maple Festival Meyersdale, PA; 814-634-0213 or 866-858-0213; www.pamaplefestival.com March 25

March 26May 21 March 26May 21

Carole Werder Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500 www.wmuseumaa.org

March 29April 2

Pennsylvania Maple Festival Meyersdale, PA; 814-634-0213 or 866-858-0213; www.pamaplefestival.com

March 30

Small Business Development Center presents Malware-Security and Disaster Recovery PCs 830AM-1PM, Placid Hall, Westmoreland Room, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4572 www.stvincent.edu

March 30

The Fred M. Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media and the Threshold Lecture Series presents Jonathan Kozol “The Lives of Children and the Conscience of a Nation” 8-10PM, Robert S. Carey Student Center Auditorium, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA;724-537-4556 www.stvincent.edu

March 31

Big Band Dance Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300; www.mountainviewinn.com

CINDERELL A : at piano, Cassie Dudurich, front: l to r- Carly Marsh, Candida Sylvania, Angela CINDERELLA Palombo, Ariel Fodor, Michelle Dudzinski Back: l to r- Kris Vatter, Lucas Sweeney, Mark April 1-2

Greater Latrobe Junior High School Theater Dept. presents Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella Sat 7PM, Sun 2:30PM, Latrobe Elementary School. Cost of tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door.

April 1

River City Brass Band’s Stompin at the Savoy 8PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 4

Small Business Development Center presents The First Step: Small Business Start Up Workshop 530-830PM, Foundations Room, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4572 www.stvincent.edu

April 5

Latshaw Productions presents Charlie Prose 2PM, 8PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 6

Environmental Education Center Natural Learning Workshop: Easter Basket 5-6PM, Science Center Reading Room, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-532-6600,x2298 www.stvicent.edu

April 7

First Friday Wine Tasting 6-8PM, Green Gables, Jennerstown, PA; 814-629-9201 www.mountainplayhouse.com

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

LAH Aid Society Presents the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra The Latrobe Area Hospital Aid Society, headed by Susannah Calvo and Dorris Parker (pictured below), presents the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at the Greater Latrobe High School on March 4th. Proceeds will benfit the Excela Health Latrobe Hospital Emergency Department Expansion. The Aid Society itself has already pledged a $250,000 donation to the project. Since 1991, they have made over $1,161,252 in charitable contributions. They provide community education services like Books for Babies, where each baby born at LAH (over 1,000 annually) is provided a book. They host an annual Children’s Health Fair, now in it’s 27th year. They also provide other programs like Facts of Life for Girls, Getting Ready for Baby, Kidsafe, Teddy Bear Clinic, and Women’s Health Services, as well as provide $10,000 in annual scholarships for volunteers who serve over 200 hours.

The Aid Society conducts fund raising at various levels, selling products such as baked goods, books, fudge, handbags, and jewelry. Lights of Love is a very popular program which receives an average of 460 donors annually. Ornaments are placed on the community Christmas Tree in memory of a loved one. Donors are invited to the tree lighting ceremony and reception each December. A few of the larger fundraisers the Aid Society has conducted are American Girl Parties, These Three Tenors, and now, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Through the hard work of dedicated individuals who participate in the fundraising efforts of the Aid Society, this organization is able to truly make a difference in the lives and quality of care our community residents receive at LAH.

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DERRY NEIGHBORHOODS TRIVIA ANSWER - from page 7 Here are the ones I could think of, let me know if I missed any!

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16 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Martial Arts at the Mozart – Historically Traditional When Latrobe’s Master, Jeremy Olson, purchased the Mozart Hall in downtown Latrobe it was for more than the appeal and mystique of the Hall. Olson also believed that the history of the Hall would blend perfectly with the traditions of the martial art he has been learning for the last quarter century and has been teaching for more than a decade. He immediately moved Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do, llc to this location.

Although Taekwon-Do was born in 1955 (65 years after the Hall itself), its traditions and customs are built on thousands of years of Korean and Eastern philosophies. Taekwon-Do’s Founder, General Choi, Hong Hi, was a student of the Great Philosophers of the East- Lao Tzu, Confucius, Xun Tzu and many others. General Choi also studied how the human body functioned and how people could concentrate the entire make-up of their bodies to create phenomenal power at will. He firmly believed that with the cultivation of a great mind and the scientific application of power from the body, there was no obstacle a person could not conquer.

He then spent his life proving it.

so applicable to all aspects of life, it is unbelievable. The mental training to overcome any obstacle, from a bad boss to the furnace dying. The overall preparedness to face any challenge. It is really phenomenal.”

One of his favorite quotes in the Arts is found in a book called Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People by Corcoran and Farkas: ‘A practitioner must realize and accept the fact that to stand and defend one’s life means to risk losing it. Accepting the likelihood of death, fear cannot distract him, an opponent cannot intimidate him, and he is free to perceive and concentrate on the opponent’s weaknesses, rather than his own.’

Master Jeremy Olson with Grandmaster Hwang at an Instructors’ Certification course in Syracuse, NY.

The General formed an Art based on modern science and ancient wisdom which is now studied by more than 60 million people worldwide. Why has Taekwon-Do captured the attention of so many in so little time? Its premises call for the “building of a more peaceful world” and the development of “Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit” in its practitioners. What more can we ask for in a world dominated by instant self-gratification, lies, deceit and the “sacrifice of others to get ahead” thought processes of so many in our time? Taekwon-Do has even been listed as a factor in the possible reunification of Korea which split into North and South Korea after WWII!

Olson believes the essence of this quote is that anything worth fighting for will cost something. It is only that cost that makes it worth fighting for. We must be willing to pay the price for the fight and that by doing so, we are able to release internal fear and trepidation and to focus on external factors standing in our way. Only then can we overcome ourselves and others; and, only then is life truly rich.

Building- are applicable to all aspects and stages of life: from respect and coordination for children; identity and morals for teenagers; physical stamina and challenges for young adults; stress reduction and exercise for middle adults; and, use of memory, exercise and socialization for older adults. With its attention to the needs of all ages, Taekwon-Do is the perfect positive activity for the family or the individual looking for an ‘edge’ anytime in life.”

He summarizes his feelings towards instructors who do not grasp these facts and their neglect in duty this way, “it’s like selling you your first new car, taking out the windows, the seats and the brakes and then letting you drive it around. Sure, it will get you somewhere, but you won’t be protected against the elements, you won’t be very comfortable and you won’t be able to slow down or stop to really enjoy life when you want to. You are at the whims of nature with no control. They seem to be saying, ‘the students will never know any better and will be happy just to have a car.’ This attitude ruins the Arts for so many good students and instructors both, it really disgusts me.”

While Master Olson reports that he has not met many negatives in his life, mainly due to his belief in the teachings of Taekwon-Do, he tells of many positive incidents the Art has brought him.

One of the major highlights of Taekwon-Do was a recent visit by one of the highest ranking martial artists in the world. Grandmaster Kwang S. Hwang, IX Degree Black Belt, was in Latrobe the weekend of February 17-19 and presented seminars on the history, traditions and techniques of this Korean born art to students and instructors from several states. IX Degree is the highest rank possible in Taekwon-Do and Grandmaster Hwang is one of only three people in the world to have achieved this rank by training directly under General Choi. Also during the weekend, Unity Township resident Stephanie Kirk was tested for and promoted to the rank of First Degree Black Belt by Master Olson, after direct observation by Grandmaster Hwang.

It is interesting to note that TaekwonDo would never have existed if World War II had lasted three more days.

During the war, General Choi had become an outspoken critic of the Japanese occupation of Korea since the early 1900’s. He called for the expulsion of the Japanese and the return of Korea to Latrobe’s Master works hard to mainits independence. As such, he was captain this kind of connection to the traditured and sentenced to several years in tions of the Art. “So many martial arts Master Olson being inducted into the military prison by the Japanese leaders. instructors today have turned away 2004 World Wide Martial Arts Hall of Although he was sentenced to time, he from the Arts and into making money,” Fame as Instructor of the Year by Master Tom Merritt, President of the International was subject to a secret plan to execute Olson states. “This has left us with Taekwon-Do Union. him and fellow critics on August 18, schools solely for children or with stated 1945. As a condition of the surrender goals and missions directed at children of the Japanese, they were to exit Korea. Choi was rewhile offering classes to adults as well. Schools like that leased from prison on August 15, three days before his kind of say ‘when you become a teenager, the martial scheduled execution! arts are no longer for you.’ This is very sad because the Arts really are a life-enhancing adventure for everyone.”

Master Olson saw the potential of Taekwon-Do more than 25 years ago and began an earnest study of the Art. He Olson continues, “rather than worrying about taking your tells us that the Arts have taught him more than how to money and babysitting, a good instructor will understand defend himself in a physical altercation; “Taekwon-Do is that the base of the Arts- Self-Defense and Character

Some of the students from Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do kicking to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Good instructors are easy to spot. Master Olson says that they will be continuing to train themselves, they will be recognized and respected by the leaders of the Arts and they will be attentive to the needs of all their students.

Olson finishes with this, “the most important people in my life are the students who walk through my door and ask me to help them learn to navigate this world. For them I will always learn and I will always sacrifice. For them, I live ‘Only the Art.’ ” That’s the way it was meant to be.

Check out our Parris Island Educator Workshop Scrapbook Online at www.LaurelMountainPost.com!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 17

The Power Of Pink Pink is a rather simple color. All you do is mix red with white, and presto, you can make a pink concoction in varying shades. It is primarily associated with girls, especially babies. It is generally a ‘happy’ color: think about flowers or candles; dresses or bows; crayons or paint; cotton candy or ice cream. When these things are pink, we smile. If we are “in the pink”, we are deemed to be healthy. If we are “tickled pink”, we are joyous and content. We associate it with gladness or laughter, and things that are pretty. And often, at a very young age, we recognize that color can be significant to one’s identity. Just ask anyone who has even heard the words ‘breast cancer’ to tell you the color of the disease, and they will tell you it’s Pink. Now, is this really a way to describe one of the most deadly cancers among women? A “happy” color? Yes, it is. Because for those affected by breast cancer in any way, the ultimate goal is a cure of course. But the immediate goal is survival. Survival may come from acceptance or understanding. I think, though, that it comes first from awareness.

The pink ribbon is the universal symbol for breast cancer awareness. It was created in 1991 by Evelyn H. Lauder, founder & president of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Alexandra Penney, then-editor of Self Magazine. And their ribbon has blossomed into an industry of sorts.

You can find it on just about any type of merchandise. In fact, I plugged the words ‘pink ribbon’ into an Internet search, and yielded over 1,000,000 possible results.

And I am a major contributor to the cause. But the primary reason I buy pink ribbon “stuff” is so that I am a constant reminder to myself, my family, my friends and any woman, to be aware of breast cancer. This is why I feel so strongly that the Power of Pink can save lives. Awareness is one thing about which we can be certain. It is actually something we can control.

So in the spirit of awareness, I encourage you to do a few simple things: 1) Know Your Body: Be able to see and feel changes in your breasts.

18 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Strive to maintain good breast health.

Make it your personal mantra that early detection is the key.

2) Get The Facts: There is a wealth of information out there. And it can be overwhelming or confusing at times. But try to learn as much as you can about the disease, especially risk factors and signs. I invite you to read, listen and absorb something new about the disease on a regular basis.

3) Get Your Mammogram: Can we say “early detection?” If you are over 40 and female, this radiological examination of your breasts should be the second appointment you make every year, right behind that ‘other’ yearly visit.

4) Have a Plan: I hope I never get the disease. However, since I know the facts, I think about it a lot. I am concerned about it, even scared. But I feel less threatened because I already know how I would proceed if I were ever diagnosed. And please, I am not asking you to dwell on it. I am simply encouraging you to be prepared on some level.

5) Get Involved: As the Pittsburgh Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation embarks on it’s 14th annual Race For The Cure, I urge you to think about yourself and all women in your lives. Be supportive of the Race. Volunteer your time. Offer support. Visit their website at www.pittsburghraceforthecure.org or call 412-521-CURE (2873) to learn more about this fabulous organization.

It is the power of a symbol that causes people to acknowledge something. It is the power of a symbol that causes people to take action. For breast cancer awareness, it is the Power of Pink ... the Pink Ribbon!

Kathy Kasperik is a Derry High Graduate and received her Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State University. Kathy is also extremely passionate about the Komen Race for The Cure® after losing family members and friends to the disease. She has been a volunteer with the Pittsburgh Affiliate for over 10 years. Kathy will always be seen wearing some form of a pink ribbon, the universal sign for breast cancer awareness.

Everyone needs to THINK PINK!

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Salvation MEET OUR STAFF Learn more about our writers, artists, and everyone else who works to put together each each issue of the Laurel Mountain Post.

Click on the Staff Bio section of our website: www.LaurelMountainPost.com

If you could create a whole new world of your own, what would it look like? Would it be one without many of the painful realities we have now? Would there be no pain, no suffering, no jealousy, without a single thing to fear?

Would it be free from even death itself? Would it be filled with love, justice, understanding, trust, and freedom? That is exactly how God originally created the world.

Fortunately, out of love, mercy and grace, God did not forget His people. God had a way to get us back in good regards so that once again some day we will be back with God in paradise. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to take our sins upon himself and to sacrifice Himself as penalty for our sins. So when we stand before God someday, we will be welcomed home back into a perfect place.

The Bible says that when God created the world he saw all that He had made and it was good.

The Creator of all things did a perfect job of bringing all things into being. The problem came when, out of God’s love for His creation, He gave humankind free will. God didn’t want mindless people who obeyed His every whim with no thought of their own. He wanted us to be wise enough to experience things on our own and make the right decisions. Sadly that didn’t quite work out the way I would have liked it.

To receive this tremendous show of unmerited love, we must accept what Christ has done and believe that He truly is our Lord and Savior. This act of faith is the only way our God has given us to once again enter into a perfect relationship with Him. This new paradise that is coming will have no suffering, no evil, and death will finally be a thing of the past. We will also be reunited with all the people who have placed their faith and hope in the work of the Son of God.

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Sin is being disobedient to God. Adam and Eve let themselves get greedy and disobeyed God’s one command to enjoy everything but the one object in all of creation singled out by God. This caused the perfect relationship they enjoyed to be destroyed, and humankind was cast out of a perfect place. Their new surroundings were a much harsher place to live. Even worse, sin multiplied and it seemed as if there was no hope.

An eternal life awaits those who will take this step of faith. If you haven’t done so, make every effort to open your heart and mind to receive this blessing from God. It is the most important gift you will ever receive.

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.

Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do teaching martial arts and character development to the Latrobe area since 2003 It’s a great time to stop in and try our classes.

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(724) 532-2358 eatkd@yahoo.com www.geocities.com/eatkd MASTER JEREMY OLSON Certified International Instructor and Owner LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 19

THE CORNER STORY Richard Z. Rupert

A Youngster’s View of World War II For youngsters in 1941, it didn’t take much before all other games were set aside and replaced with “war games.” Wood grenades, pistols and rifles quickly appeared ranging from crude to presentable, depending on access to one’s grandfather’s carpenter shop. It was a time when tires with inner tube liners and old inner tubes could be quickly converted into the power source and missile of the wicked hitting inner-tube gun.

A nickel would buy a small paper bag of “carbide” from the local hardware store. Carbide was the base ingredient used in miner’s lights. When water was added to a few carbide stones, a gas was generated, which was flammable and explosive if confined too severely. Old fashioned metal cans with pressed in closures made an ideal cannon. Add several pieces of carbide, pour in a little water, slap in the recessed lid, shake quickly to generate the gas necessary for propellant power, hold can under one foot with lid end pointed toward the “enemy”, a lit match to the touch-hole and BA-BOOM! A sub-culture of highly trained, well armed kids militia soon developed.

With women and men working long hours in basic industries and war plants, kid power was soon tapped to be “gofers” in scrap metal and paper drives. Youngsters went up and down streets knocking on doors to collect scrap metal in the form of cans, pots, old pipe, and metal of all kinds. Many of these drives were organized and led by local schoolteachers. In fact, two large World War I cannons mounted in front of Derry High School were donated to the scrap metal effort. Even pieces of old rusted quarry cable were dragged off “the ridge” and added to the collection.

Another school sponsored war drive was going to the rural fields and road edges and picking the pods of milkweed before they burst. The milkweed fluff was used as “Kapok”, a buoyant stuffing in “Mae-West-Life Jackets” for sea use. Jackets were so named for their “chest-endowing feature.”

A less exciting but very important aspect of student activity was the buying of “saving stamps” and their transfer into a “savings bond” when the stamp book was filled. A book representing eighteen dollars and fifty cents could be turned in for a savings bond worth twenty-five dollars at maturity. Teachers would collect and supervise the stamp sales, and then make sure the student posted the stamps properly into the savings book.

20 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Times were “tuff” and any extra restrictions necessary due to the demands of the war effort were taken in stride. We were tough and we got tougher. All were in the same boat, so to speak, and all rowed or bailed as necessary. No sugar; eat Karo®, no coffee; use chicory, no meat; eat beans. No bath soap! Use yellow-brown FelsNapha or Octagon.

Immediate shortage of gasoline and rubber for tires called for a method or rationing while still allowing workers to get to vital manufacturing plants to support the war effort. Individual jobs were evaluated by an appointed “Ration Board” and gas use was allocated based on one’s job pri-

ority in relation to the war effort. The distance traveled from home to job and return and the ability to car pool with other workers would determine whether one received an “A”, “B” or “C” sticker that was posted on the vehicle’s window.

The amount of gasoline for a monthly period was based on the letter of the gas sticker. Civilian tire and new vehicles became a thing of the prewar past. Gas rationing restricted civilian pleasure travel and saved on tire and vehicle wear and tear. Substitute! Re-use! Scrimp! Do without! All

became a new way of life on the home front.

Starting on December 8, 1941 lines of young enlistees presented themselves for induction into various service branches in response to the call for volunteers. It would be the first time many enlisted personnel were ever away from home.

Local Draft Boards were appointed, and all males 18 through 40 years of age were classified according to job type, physical ability, and family obligations. Classifications ran from “A” to “4F.” Target areas for enemy bombers were recognized by local authorities. Plants producing steel and munitions were supposedly on enemy list for bomb attacks. The government responded with Civil Defense programs. Among other things, on the home front, this entailed Air Raid Wardens, air raid drills, incendiary fire fighting equipment; buckets of dry sand and long handled shovels to control magnesium devices. Blackout curtains appeared at windows, no exposed lights were allowed, wardens patrolled for any “bombs” or light violations. Wardens had “CD” armbands and special small lanterns for blackout use.

A candle stub inside a heavy circular glass with three color shaded sections and a vented shielded top was used in enclosed stairways to allow lighted passage within a house. Test drill “bombs” were made from a cardboard tube with ribbons attached as streamers. Upon finding an “incendiary bomb” the fire suppression personnel would use the buckets of dry sand and long-handled shovels to “contain” the fire.

Air raid drills were also held in the schools and amounted to crawling under desks or going down into basements or cellars. In retrospect, crawling under desks, when the classroom had a maximum amount of high single pane glass windows, allowed no protection from flying shards of knife-like glass flying across the room.

Some of the more sobering remembrances of the war were the service flags hanging in the windows of homes honoring those who served in the various branches of the military. A small banner flag with a red centered star designated active service of a loved one. A gold star indicated a service person that had died. Kids walked quietly past gold star houses.

Most people had a family member or close relative on duty. A father or possibly an uncle serving in the Army Air Corps in Europe or a minister/ uncle serving as a military chaplain in the Pacific

or a future brother-in-law in the Marine Corps throughout the Pacific Theatre of Operations (P.T.O.), the war hit home.

Once during the war, a large munitions factory just south of Derry experienced a fire and multiple explosions of ordinance. The women workers bailed out of the bunkered small buildings and scaled the high barbwire security fence lickety-split. In order to attack the fires, with ordinance exploding in all directions, the local volunteer fire company had to crawl and drag fire hose up the sunken bed of a nearby creek. These volunteers had the distinction of “baptism by fire.”

Victory in Europe, VE Day was memorable.

Teachers and students gathered in the second floor hall of The Second Ward Elementary School. Joy-

ful enthusiasm, an appropriate prayer of thanksgiving and singing of patriotic songs marked the assembly. The town went wild with jubilation when VJ Day was announced. Church bells and school bells rang and clanged. Spontaneous street dancing in the form of “clangers and bangers” hauled on hand pulled wagons made a merry rattle. Mixed musical instruments made noise. The entire town business stopped and all participated in the joyous occasion. Heady stuff for any youngster!

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Richard Z. Rupert is a lifelong resident of Derry and a local history buff who has served as a local volunteer fire company member for 54 years, and is active in emergency services. He is also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War era.

Congratulations to the Laurel Mountain Post’s

Ruth Richardson

who was recently pucblished in the online edition of Reminisce Magazine with her story on learning to drive (originally published in the Laurel Mountain Post Fall 2005) www. Reminisce.com.

Her 2004 feature on Christmas shopping was also reprinted in the latest edition of The Loyalhanna Review.

Try us out for one week FREE exp. 4/15/06

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THE REC ROOM Jim Kasperik

What A Ride!

Anyone who is a fan of sports has heard athletes say they have dreamed about playing for the world championship. We have heard many Steelers players after years of hard work express that sentiment. As improbable as their playoff and championship run was this year, it captivated our area and members of the Steeler Nation around the world.

I also had the best playoff run of my “career!” Let me explain and describe to you my travels from the Laurel Highlands as I followed the Steelers on their incredible journey.

About halfway through the second quarter of the wildcard playoff game against Cincinnati, I started to feel comfortable with how the game was progressing. As I watched on a sixty-inch wide screen TV (thanks to my wife’s family for getting that!), I realized the best seat to watch the game is in the living room – there are great replays and no lines for the restroom or food.

But any die-hard fan knows there is just nothing like the atmosphere and the excitement of being live at the game to root the Steelers to victory.

Jim Kasperik with his wife, Melanie, covering the victory in Detroit (above); and with Steeler legend Merril Hoge (below) who was doing an interview with Andrew Stockey for WTAE sports on the ESPN set.

As Big Ben took the throwback pass from Randle-El and launched a perfect pass to a wide open and waiting Cedric Wilson, my mind started to wander.

The Steelers had just clinched a return trip to Indianapolis to meet the vaunted and already heavily favored Colts. Immediately I thought – should I make the return trip also? My wife, Melanie, and I made the trip out there for the Monday night game earlier in the year where I was sure the Steelers would end the Colts run at an undefeated season. As most remember, it did not happen. We did however have a great time and the fans were very cordial as well. So back to my thoughts of returning to Indy which I had trouble hiding. Should I go, shortly turned into who will go with me! Therefore Monday morning after the Steelers victory in Cincy, I purchased my tickets to go to Indianapolis.

The Saturday before the Indianapolis game, I set out to make the six-hour drive to see my beloved Steelers 22 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

play. As I made the trip on I70 West the Steeler Nation was well represented. Almost every car seemed to have a Terrible Towel or some other black and gold item on display. What a great experience to see be a part of the Steeler Nation going to root for the team.

As I picked up my Sister in Ohio, we both agreed that the Steelers would play great. But we could not get rid of a nagging thought – would it be enough to win?

As game day arrived the excitement of being there began to grow. When we left the hotel for the short walk to the RCA Dome, I started to feel even better about the game. Everywhere we looked we could see black and gold and hear the chants of Steelers fans – it was going to be a good day! I could not help but notice how confident the Indy fans were. Maybe that was because all of the “experts” picked them to not only beat the Steelers, but also beat them handily. In fact when I spoke to the couple that my wife and I sat beside at the first Colts game, the idea of over confidence was quite evident. When I noticed that his wife was not with him, I asked where she was, and he stated, “She is coming next week for the AFC Championship game.”

As the game was played, I was so excited and the crowd, who was incredibly loud during the regular season game, was non-existent. Even after an Indy touchdown made it 21-10, there were no worries among the Steelers faithful – and then it happened.

Troy Polamalu made a fantastic play, and intercepted Peyton Manning at midfield! But as Indy challenged the play, the referee stayed under the replay hood for what seemed like forever. Everybody in the stands knew that it was an interception – Steelers and Colts fans alike discussed it together and agreed. But the referee had another opinion – incomplete pass, Colts ball.

After that, everything seemed to change. The Colts marched down the field scored a touchdown and when they tacked on the two-point conversion it was a mere continued on page 24

The Action for Animals Human Society will hold their third annual Auction for the Animals (to benefit Westmoreland County’s largest and oldest no-kill animal shelter) on Friday, May 19 at 7:00 PM at Mountain View Inn, located on Route 30 in Greensburg.

In order to make this fundraiser a success, you can participate in two ways: by donating an item and/or becoming a sponsor. Donors and sponsors will be recognized in our auction program and on our website: www.afa.petfinder.org If you can help the homeless animals of Action for Animals Humane Society, please contact Laura Guskiewicz at 724-850-8802 or Dr. Hank Croft at 724-593-6111. We would like to secure all auction items no later than May 5. You may contact Laura or Hank for pickup or you can mail items to: Action for Animals Humane Society, P.O. Box 814, Latrobe, PA, 15650.

To view items we have acquired, please visit www.ezauctionservice.com or our website.

Happy 3rd Birthday

OWEN March 21

Love Mom, Dad, and A ustin Austin

WHERE’S MUGGSY? On the Scene with David “Muggsy” Miles

Super Bowl XL - Steelers in Detroit Detroit, MI – Our man on the scene was there . . . for all the excitment and action of the Pittsburgh Steelers victory in Super Bowl XL.

Along for the fun were McKeesport native John Williams (left) and Rudy Mauro of Harrison City (center).

continued from page 8

healthier and more flavorful than traditional refined table varieties.

One of my favorites is “Grey Salt” which is a moist unrefined sea salt from France. Its color comes from the clay found in the salt flats and is considered by the culinary world to be the best quality available.

While the shaker is still proper for the refined sorts, the use of a grinder is recommended for the coarser varieties. When using a grinder, remember to use only a salt mill with a ceramic or plastic grinding mechanism. Salt will corrode all metal grinders and adversely affect its flavor.

What discussion on salt would not naturally include the mention of the successful American company, Morton Salt. One of the most notorious contributions of this company was the patented spout on the top of their dispenser invented in 1910.

Their famous advertising symbol of the little girl with the umbrella brought worldwide fame to the company in 1911. Morton was also the first company to add iodine in their product to help prevent goiters.

Today there are more than 14,000 known uses for this mineral rock. In industry, salt is used in the manufacture of paper, in the production of soaps and detergents, and in the setting of dyes on textiles and fabrics.

Other uses include Epsom salt from the mineral rich waters of Epsom, England for relaxing muscles and drawing toxins from the body when dissolved in warm bath water. Rock salt is applied to roads in cold climates to help reduce the freezing point of water to prevent ice. It might be a little too late for me to take advantage of the rock salt, but maybe I should try the Epsom variety to soothe these aching bones!

The next time you grab that shaker, just think of how lucky we are to have such an important mineral so accessible at our finger tips. But user beware, everything in moderation. While I like to think of other rocks such as diamonds and emeralds as being essential to life, there is really only one. Salt! The Essential Rock!

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!

A Night At the Opera Always the Renaissance Man, Muggsy stepped out for a night on the town and attended a mid-winter performance of The Phantom of the Opera at Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center in January. His favorite musical number was the showstopping “Masquerade.”

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 23

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Harrold Middle School - Hempfield Area School District

As part of a unit on capitalization rules, 6th grade students in Mrs. McCaffrey’s and Mrs. Courtney’s English classes were asked to write lyrics for a new Steelers fight song.

Get ready for next season with these:

“We Will Beat You” (to the tune of “We Will Rock You” by Queen) Lyrics by Cody Montell, Emily McDonald, Becca Mitlo, Travis Minear

Polamalu, Porter making a play.

We’re gonna win the Super Bowl Sunday.

We’re gonna look good, all day long.

Steelers gonna put you back where you belong.

Singing We will, we will beat you defeat you.

We will, we will beat you defeat you.

Offense, defense, looking real hot.

Let’s show the Seahawks what we got.

Seahawks don’t have nothing on us, Because we have the unstoppable Bus! Singing We will, we will beat you defeat you.

We will, we will beat you defeat you.

“Oh, Steeler Town” (to the tune of “O, Christmas Tree”) Lyrics by Karmen Spallone, Heather Paullett, Travis Holway, Thomas Kistner

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town, How we all love the Bus. His wheels go round and round and round As he knocks everyone else down.

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town, How we adore Big Ben His tackle was game saving And his throws are amazing.

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town , How we all love Hines Ward.

His catches are so breathtaking His smile is amazing.

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town, How we all love out Troy.

His hair is long and crazy His tackles makes heads hazy.

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town , How we love Bill Cowher.

His chin is large and scary His mustache is so hairy.

Oh, Steeler town, Oh, Steeler town , How we love our Steelers.

STUDENT LYRICISTS BA CK: Cody Montell, Emily BACK: McDonald, Karmen Spallone, Thomas Kistner FRONT FRONT:: Becca Mitlo, Travis Minear, Travis Holway, Heather Paullett

continued from page 22

three-point game. The Steeler Nation who had been out cheering the home fans all day were suddenly drowned out by the rejuvenated crowd. But the defense sacked Peyton on fourth down and the Steelers celebrated with only a little over a minute left on the clock. It was just up to the Bus to get the clinching touchdown. You all know what happened next – the Tackle by of all people the best quarterback on the field that day! The Steelers were on the way to Denver!

Well, “the should I go” thought was back again as I made the six-hour drive back to PA late that Sunday night. There was the flight, the hotel and of course the ticket – was it too much? Then an even better idea popped into my head – why not save money and go to the Superbowl? So there I was again, watching the AFC Championship on the big screen, hoping that the Steelers could make history and win three playoff games on the road to reach the big game. As each minute ticked off the game clock, the reality of the Steelers earning a trip to the Superbowl became closer and closer. Like many people, I had to ask myself, “was this really happening?’ After so many close calls in the years past, were the Steelers finally going to be Superbowl bound? Fortunately for the Steeler Nation, this time the answer was yes!

Early in this article, I mentioned football players always state they dream of playing in the Superbowl.

Well my dream was just slightly different – I dreamed of watching the Steelers play in the Superbowl in person. So because of this, before the Denver game ended, I had made the purchase – two tickets to the big game. Melanie and I were going to be in Detroit for Superbowl XL. What a trip it was. The pageantry and production that is the Superbowl was awesome. As the game approached, you could feel the tension in the air – I could only imagine what the players were feeling. Even though the game started slowly for Pittsburgh, every play that day seemed huge – one play could make or break the entire season. I have been to many football games and I have never felt this way at any game. A nagging thought that kept running through my head during the early parts of the game was did the Steelers have anything left after such a great run in the playoffs? Well as everyone saw or heard, they had enough to make history with class and send Jerome Bettis out like the champion he is. It was well deserved by an organization, a head coach and players that do it the right way. Not only the right way, but also they all realized what the Steeler Nation means to their success. Steelers 21, Seattle 10 – the fifth championship for a storied franchise and we were there!

What a great year for football fans in Western Pennsylvania. The Steelers got one for the thumb and the city of Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas showed their true colors and passion. As we drove home from Detroit, Melanie mentioned we should start a new slogan for next year’s season – “how about one for the other hand?” she laughed.

I could not help but think of people telling me how this trip may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. But I think not! As we made it home, my thoughts were already on sunny Miami – the host city for Superbowl XLI! GO STEELERS, AND THANKS FOR A GREAT RIDE!

24 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

north

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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 Alternative Bodywork Center 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 Penelope’s Pepperwood Grille - Westmoreland Mall

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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 Co.and Retail Outlet LIGONIER Abigail’s Coffeehouse American Indian Jewelry Beno’s Betsy’s of Ligonier BP (CoGo’s) 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 First National Bank Fox’s Pizza The Frame Place The Garret Giant Eagle Gino Gianelli’s Hair Parade Holiday Home Store The Hollow Tavern Ivy’s Cafe John Clark Jewelers Lady Bug Style Lady of the Lake Bed & Breakfast La Rosa’s Barber Shop Laughlintown Post Office Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Inn Ligonier Outfitters & Newsstand Ligonier Palms Tanning Salon Ligonier Pharmacy Ligonier Post Office Ligonier Tavern Ligonier Theater Ligonier YMCA Main Street Deli Pamela’s Golden Touch Salon

west east south The Paper House & Baskitry Pathfinder Photo The Pet Corner Persnickity The Pie Shoppe The Post and Rail Ramada Inn The Road Toad Rosalie Jioio’s Little Italy Ruthie’s Diner The Sandwich Shoppe Second Chapter Books Standard Bank Subway The Stationery Shop 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 ©Laura Petrilla 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 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 Marble Kitchen - Leechburg 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.)

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 25

COUPON VALUES ONE FREE DESSERT with the purchase of two dinners entrees Latrobe-Derry Road in Bradenville, PA expires 04/15/06 (LMP)

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Advertising deadline for the May-June issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is Saturday, April 15.

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

724-532-3542 www.biffBOOcommunication.com 26 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Wild Horse Stoneware Collection from Home Branded (Equine Chic is the exclusive retailer east of the Mississippi)

The Official Toby Keith Hat

by SCALA

Look what just turned up at

The Original Atlas Glove “Fits like a second skin”

Equine Chic

Heirloom Quality Brass

by Mayor Mill Brass Custom Pillows

by Mill Crossing

Distinctive Equestrian Jewelry

by KABANA

ALL NEW FOR

2006 EQUINE CHIC (For Horse Home & You!) is located at 106 E. Main Street on the Diamond in Ligonier, PA

724.238.7003 Store open Tuesday-Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm | www.EquineChic.com