Laurel Mountain Post :: May-June 2006

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine for the Heart of Westmoreland County

Every Story Begins At Home.

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

Meet the

Happiest Cows in Pennsylvania

May-June 2006: Muggsy Follows the Yellow Brick Road • The Language In Bloom • Homemade Caramel Sauce

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Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce

Bloomin’ Scavenger Hunt!

Main Office 136 Market Street Leechburg, PA 15656

Corporate Office 9013 Aspen Drive Champion, PA 15622

(724) 842-1841

(814) 233-3314

Saturday, May 20 in downtown Ligonier Shop the town and match our store names with the flower seed packets we have hidden inside!

Completed entry forms will make you eligible for prizes of $100, $50 or $25 in Chamber gift certificates.

Deadline for entries is 4:00 pm at the Bandstand!

Experience the best of Ireland and the British Isles without leaving Ligonier!

Sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 120 East Main Street • Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-4200

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Upcoming Events in the Ligonier Valley Sunday Evening Band Concerts Begin – May 28 at 7:00 pm Antiques On The Diamond – June 10 Community School Picnic at Idlewild Park – June 16 Summer in Ligonier Arts & Crafts – July 22, 8 am - 5 pm Stroll Through Ligonier: 50s Theme – August 11 Antiques On The Diamond – August 26

Celtic Culture Goods from Ireland and the British Isles

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We’re moving to a new location in downtown Ligonier this summer. Stop in today and take 20% off everything in the store!

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams

What Is More Gentle Than A Wind In Summer?

John Keats went on for some 400 lines to talk about the beauty of the earth and the good fortune we have to live on it. He wrote a sleepy poem, an ode to the peacefulness of nature’s rhythm that we often only sense at the time of twilight – when our busy, hamster wheel is at rest.

In one, long thought, he gave a hundred reasons to appreciate a hundred simple things that surround us on any given day – especially a sunny, summer one.

My cat, Sophie*, spends most of her time where there is a breeze. Sometimes she just perches in the open window looking out across the yard, watching the neighbors, and surveying her territory. When she sleeps, she chooses a spot under the ceiling fan or in front of one of the table fans I always have running.

The two of us seem to agree on the soothing aspects of good ventilation.

Perhaps it is the gentle sound of the moving air as much as the freshness of it. Both the motion and hum reassure us that the world is still turning. Weather, both good and bad, rides in with the breeze. Weather is the earth’s way of reminding us that Mother Nature is still in charge. Notions and implications of gender

aside, it is important to remember that the earth is our mother. We are creatures who are born from it and survive on its fruit. Nature rewards us as well as punishes. And just like children, we often don’t give the planet the respect it deserves.

My daughter is a member of a school organization called Save What’s Left.

My father refers to it as her “tree hugger” meeting. I suppose the history and interpretation of a certain past era is responsible for this attitude. However, today’s environmentalists are no Monkey Wrench Gang.

The world comes closer every day to facing the ultimate consequences of our post industrial revolution ways.

And each generation rightfully feels the future threat a little more than the last.

Two weeks after the September 11 tragedies, I traded in my minivan on a small Honda . . . mostly from anticipatory fear about the price of gas and other inflation as a result. But now that I have lived with a fuel-efficient vehicle for 5 years, I can’t bring myself to go back to a “bigger, better” type of transportation without any other reason than vanity and greed.

I am much more aware of wastefulness than ever before, and am working hard to simplify my ways and views of life. I want to be healthier and make less of a negative impact on the space in which I live.

Most of all, I try to stop and think about my choices and how each one affects other people, places and things. Consider the butterfly effect . . . flapping wings on the other side of the world generating exponential chaos. It’s a lot to grasp, but everything counts, even in small amounts.

advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com

Briana Dwire Tomack Cathi Gerhard Williams editor@LaurelMountainPost.com

*Sophie was adopted from Action for Animals in Latrobe 13 years ago and has been an important member of our family ever since!

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: MAY-JUNE 2006 (Volume III, Issue 2)

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.

Jim Brewer, Walt Brewer, Daniel Chicka, Carol Dwire, Ron Durika, Shelly & Carol Gerhard, Jim Kasperik, David “Muggsy” Miles, Ruth Richardson, J.B. Rossi, Michelle Schultz, Nicole Vitale Smith, Scott Sinemus, Elizabeth Srsic, Rick Tomack, Drew Williams, Robert Williams

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

PRINTED IN LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 3

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Happy Cows Growing up we used to ride along with my Dad when he had repair work & construction at different farms around the area. Of course we didn’t realize until years later we were free labor for chores no one else wanted to do, like picking up nails or trash, crawling into small spaces and, of course, gophering. One of the places we would stop when we had to go anywhere near Cresson was a very cool little dairy in Loretto. We always knew when we were going to Vale Wood because Dad would rustle up all the coolers he could find.

The ice cream was what we wanted the most, but Dad was always after the buttermilk, which had lots of pieces of butter at the top of the jug; and I am pleased to mention still does! After I graduated and moved away I resigned to let my creamy passions become fond memories. As time went

by Dad didn’t make it to the dairy very often, but every few years he would make the time to go and get his buttermilk, and always remembered to bring some Chocolate Butter Fudge ice cream for Mom. I was having lunch with Briana last month, we were chatting while we waited for the food to arrive, and she started telling me about her milkman. I was immediately jealous of course, and asked a barrage of questions. When she said it’s near Cresson in a town called Loretto, I inter-

rupted and asked, “Is it Vale Wood”? She was practically speechless but managed to reply with, “how did you know that”?

Throughout the rest of the luncheon we couldn’t stop talking about how she had found it when she took her boys one day to the fall hayride activities. When I found out that not only were they still in business, but also had grown steadily since our visits in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

As we were leaving the luncheon, Briana told me she was going to check and see when they were starting their spring barn tours for school groups.

But most importantly took an order for a few things to bring for me when she was coming to Ligonier. With the home delivery service, she said she could just add my stuff to her order anytime!

I was ecstatic and stopped to get a ten pound bag of Domino sugar on the way home, that way I could make caramel sauce as soon as I could unpack the cream. You see I didn’t know how to make caramel sauce when their cream was available to me. This

was going to be an event!

Even though the “From Moo to You” tours hadn’t started yet . . . in the first three weeks of May approximately 1500 children from around the area descend on the farm for a complete tour of the dair. . . . Carissa was willing to take us on our own tour, so we made arrangements to visit the following Monday.

We left Ligonier and headed north on route 711 to hit 22, a highway that seems to be perpetually under construction. I would definitely recommend taking route 219 to route 22, which is the way we came home and it was smooth sailing all the way.

The signs for the dairy are well marked and it’s a very short jaunt when you get off 22 and onto 164.

The views along much of the trip were extraordinary, something so many of us from around here seem to take for granted.

Before we got started on our From Moo to You tour, which meets at the dairy, we had some strawberry milk that really hit the spot. When everyone’s assembled, you go down to the barn where the cows and the milking facility are located about a mile away.

As you pull up in front of the shaded area where the cows are leisurely waiting for one of their three milkings each day, the first thing you notice off to your left as you step out of the car, is a row of little black & white calf heads looking in your direction.

I can’t think of many adults that don’t love seeing a brand new Holstein calf teetering around in the lush new spring grass, especially when they moo at you, but for the kids it’s probably almost too much.

We met Jan Itle the herd manager after they were finished cleaning up the milk room. I commented on how friendly her cows were, as they all seemed to come over to say hello to Briana’s little boy and his friend that came along. Jan immediately said thank you, and told us about how their farm is certified cow friendly. She said the concept is quite simple, happy cows make a better quality

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& more volume of milk than cows that are not as passionately cared for. It’s also one of the reasons Vale Wood milks at 4:00am, Noon and again at 7:00pm instead of the usual twice a day. It’s more comfortable for the cows. Jan also told us that they don’t use BHT or other hormones in their cows.

Of course when you find out the original ancestors, John and Joseph moved here from Switzerland in 1819, it’s not as much of a surprise; the Swiss take exceptionally good care of their cows, it’s one of the reasons their chocolate and cheeses are world famous. Having 12 of the 35 full time employees be from the 3rd and 4th generation, certainly helps to ensure the strict standards that made the reputation they’ve earned remain intact.

It’s in this first part of the tour that you find out that there are 200 head of registered Holstein cattle, each producing 78 pounds of milk every day! We also found out that a cow’s pregnancy lasts the same nine months as a human. And it takes about two years for a cow to produce milk.

All of the Holsteins on the property are bred and born on the farm; this is called a “closed herd”.

Although sometimes they do bring in sperm from outside, no other cows are introduced to the farm, which also makes Vale Wood a very healthy “clean herd”. These two points make the cows born very desirable to other dairy farmers from all around the surrounding area.

We were ready to hit the processing part of the tour after one last visit with the calves. It was on the way back that I asked Carissa about growing up on such a huge dairy farm. The original five acres granted to the family from Prince Gallitzin has grown to 500 acres! She said it was a wonderful experience, lots of work but also lots of play. I asked her if she ever considered bolting out of the business for an easier life doing something else after she graduated. I was fascinated to hear that not only did she leave the farm; she left it to spend six years in our nations capital, working as a lobbyist for the American Dairy Council! Brava Carissa! When it was time to raise her child (soon to be another), moving back to the farm was a no-brainer. She was quick to mention that although they moved back she decided to live in town, rather than see a house being built on the property. Fortunately most of her cousins and other relations share the same belief.

We were greeted in the plant with a smile and a nod from the man in the bright white hairnet slowly stirring the cottage cheese curds in a giant vat by hand. Perhaps the activity that fascinated us the most, was the machine filling and sealing the little half-pints of milk kids get in school. All five of us stopped and stared for several minutes at the perpetual motion of the vintage machine. After the cartons were filled, sealed, rinsed and packed into crates, they were stacked and placed on an in floor conveyor that takes them across a dock through a set of swinging doors and into the cooler or freezer.

This is where it gets sorted out for deliveries to stores, schools, restaurants and homes within about an hour radius of the farm.

The tour follows the crates into the cooler and out the far door, which opens into the store, where you can purchase all of the products offered from the

dairy, but more importantly get an ice cream cone!

The Teaberry was as creamy and luscious as I remembered. The Chocolate Butter Fudge found another fan in Jason, while Alex & Loryn each chose Vanilla in sugar cones. I of course filled a few coolers just like Dad taught us to, and then we headed off to check out some of the other sights around the area like Horseshoe Curve. The whole way home we kept saying to each other, “what an enjoyable way to spend the day”.

It’s not often that you run across a family business that’s successful after 200 years, and to have one so close to home with such a fantastic product makes all of us here in the Laurel Highlands a little blessed. continued on page 6

We arrived back at the dairy in a matter of moments. Off to the left as we walked along the building to where the milk is received we noticed some of the original 1930’s Divco delivery trucks.

There are hopes to one day have some refurbished to take ice cream to various festivals and parades.

Just past the Divco trucks is the bay where the trucks back in to unload the milk that’s just been collected at the barn. The milk is pumped from the bay into the pasteurizing room through large stainless steel pipes. It’s in the maze of pipes the milk is actually pasteurized. After that step, it’s ready for a myriad of applications from butter to ice cream.

THREE GENERATIONS OF ITLES: Joe, Jan, Matt, Pat, Andy, Dan, Tim, Bill LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 5

To schedule your tour or contact the dairy: Vale Wood Farms 517 Vale Wood Road Loretto, PA 15940 800.861.MILK (6455) www.valewoodfarms.com

Scott Sinemus is a Chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from the Pennsylvania Institute for Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh. He’s continued his education with classes from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and The Greenbrier; and has travelled internationally in search of authentic cuisine. To schedule a private cooking class, visit www.The LigonierChef.com.

LinenStudio The

Custom Embroidered Linens and Personalized Gifts Unique monogrammed gifts for everyone...and every occasion 2162 Wood Street. Latrobe, Pa 15650

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GOD BLESS AMERICA!

NORTHWOOD REALTY SERVICES Brenda Fillmore Perry

Homemade Caramel Sauce with Vale Wood Cream Materials needed: 10-12 qt. Stockpot 1-pt. Water 1- very long handled wooden spoon 1- quart Heavy Cream–room temperature 2- pounds of Pure Cane Sugar Begin by pouring the water into the stockpot, then add the sugar, make sure all of the sugar is wet with water before turning on the heat.

Place the pot over high heat. Allow the sugar to boil until all of the water evaporates; this will take several minutes. You’ll know the water is gone when the bubbles become larger and the solution will look thicker. The most important thing to remember is: do not stir the sugar at all while you’re waiting, the sugar may only be stirred after the cream has been added.

Continue boiling the sugar undisturbed until you see it beginning to turn a light amber color. At this point swirl the pot by its handles while it’s still making contact with the burner.

Stop swirling periodically checking for the color to deepen to a rich dark brown. *Once

the sugar begins to caramelize, it will be very quick to reach this point.

Immediately pour in the cream. BE CAREFUL! This is extremely dangerous! The mixture is going to bubble up the sides of the pot, and there is going to be a huge amount of steam rising out of the pot as well.

As soon as all the cream has been added begin stirring and scraping down the sides of the pot with a wooden spoon until you have a smooth sauce. When you add the cream, the sugar is going to form a large ball in the cream; it will dissolve fairly quickly to make the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium and stir periodically until you only see a wisp of steam rising from the surface. (Approximately 10 min) Remove from heat, and allow to cool uncovered until it’s cool enough to pour into clean sterile jars with tight fitting lids. The sauce should keep in the fridge for a few weeks, but somehow it never seems to last that long in anyone’s home.

office: (724) 537-0110 ext. 22 cell: (724) 396-2001 CALL FOR A FREE HOME ANALYSIS

GREEN MEADOWS at Latrobe An Emeritus Assisted Living Community

500 Brouwers Drive • Latrobe, PA 15650 724-537-5255 • www.emeritus.com

Barkley’s Derry King Route 217 Derry • 724-694-8552 Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!

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The Language In Bloom

by JB Rossi As I jog around our beautiful community, I am renewed by the freshness in the air. Everywhere I look, spring is blooming! Beds of yellow daffodils, pots of pink and purple pansies, tubs full of red, orange and white tulips are bursting forth.

What fabulous treasures Mother Nature is sharing with us.

Yet these beautiful blossoms are so much more than just a “pretty face”, so to speak. Since ancient times, flowers have transmitted an entire language of their own with many of the meanings based upon myths and legends.

the Victorian period. The specific meaning of the different types of posies grew into a social code for courtship. An entire bouquet would carry a secret message from its giver. For example, the number of leaves on a specific stem could indicate the time of a discreet rendezvous. The flower chosen would imply the purpose for the meeting.

If the flower of choice was an orchid, the lover should be prepared for an evening of ecstasy. A dogwood could mean a long night was ahead for

Because Nature uses the beauty and fragrance of her flowers for their reproduction, many of the “magical” meanings deal with enticing romantic partners.

The culinary Hollyhock grew fast and produced many seeds, so it magically brought fertility to its cultivators. The lovely yellow Honeysuckle winds its long stems around other branches, thus “captivating” its object of desire. The honeysuckle also produced a sugary liquid which was said to be an aphrodisiac. When placed on the eyelids of a sleeping lover, the Pansy enticed a great passion for the one who awakened him.

Once awaken, the lover was given a Violet to produce faithfulness.

And of course, who could forget the famous keepsake flower, the forget-menot. A long-lived and hardy flower, this bloom needs little care to flourish. Its legend tells of the story of a young knight walking along a swift river bank with his lady before going off to war. Though heavily armored, the boy stooped down to pick a bunch of blue wildflowers for his love. As he presented his bouquet to her, she promised to keep his memory alive forever.

Three other significant flowers speak to us about other important aspects of life.

The power of the Sunflower, as it moves its huge head to follow the sun across the sky, is well-known. It promises warmth, nourishment and loyalty. The delicate Hibiscus screams “seize this opportunity” as it blooms magnificently but for just one day. Finally, the deeprooted Peony with its tightly closed bud empowers secrecy, promise and prosperity.

But if you listen closely there are many other flowers that are speaking to us as well.

The lovely Camellia hosted the image of prosperity for the Japanese, while in the west, it stood for honesty, and excellence. Camellia was sent to a lover to convey the sentiment “My destiny is in your hands.”

In China, the Daylily symbolized fertility. But in England, the daylily represented flirtation.

The language of flowers really blossomed during

The hornlike Amaryllis was often sent to someone who had showed a little too much pride.

Standing far above the other flowers in the garden, the Amaryllis often left the smaller blossoms in its shadow.

Some flowers derived their meaning from the way they grew. The sweet pea symbolized lasting pleasure because it bloomed constantly. The first flower of spring, the crocus suggests youthful gladness. The Chrysanthemum is the bearer of hope in dark times since it blooms in November.

Most of us are aware that the red rose has been forever the symbol of true love.

The red coloring is said to come from the blood of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. As she rushed to comfort her lover, Adonis, who had been gored by a wild boar, Aphrodite pricked herself on the rose’s thorn and her immortal blood stained the petals forever. Therefore, the red rose has been reserved only for a deep, passionate love.

Just like people, flowers of different origins speak the languages native to their land. The aromatic Wisteria, for example, is the emblem of gentleness and obedience in Asia. But in England, Wisteria said, “I cling to thee.” Today, it is thought that Wisteria growing along the garden wall assures a life of luxury and ease.

If someone was found to be boasting, perhaps a gift of hydrangea would be awaiting him. The plant was thought to be boastful because it produces huge flowers but bears no fruit.

it symbolized endurance. Red heather promised passion, aster spoke of beginnings, and the lilac expressed the sadness of an impending farewell.

Sender beware, however. During this intense era, some flowers sent a not-so-pleasant message.

One example is lavender. A pot full of lavender would be sent from one young maid to another if suspicions arose, to say “I don’t trust you.” Still today, Lavender is often used to disguise a bad odor.

Whether you engage a specific flower to express undying love, or to cement a friendship forever, or to give a gift of gratitude, these beautiful blossoms are truly one of Nature’s most fascinating treasures and speak to us all of love, laughter and life! Listen carefully and enjoy them for all their splendor.

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

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 7

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Misty Memories Of The Prom The prom gowns are boldly featured on the cover of the catalogs in my mailbox. Shimmering, sophisticated and seductive, these young women do not look like they are in high school. I don’t remember any gowns like this, all those years ago when I was prom shopping. I’m pretty sure that all the girls at my prom had their tummies covered. And I’m also pretty sure ‘slinky’ was never used to describe our dresses. My husband says he doesn’t recall the girls in his class looking quite so, how can I phrase it - curvy? I guess we were curvy, but that was a secret we kept well hidden under non-spandex and much more loose-fitting outfits. My father would have laughed out loud at today’s formal selections…right before he grounded me. The most daring dresses I can remember were strapless. Not today’s super lifting – under wired - push-up wonder bodices, with slits up to there.

Ours had stays and sweet little lace or satin covered bodices, and none of them had even a hint of cleavage. If I remember correctly, between Mr. Stump and my dad, cleavage was on the list of things that were banned.

Each year Troutman’s and Royer’s Department stores would have a prom gown fashion show followed by a record hop.

The stores would send representatives to all the local high schools and choose several senior girls from each school to model the latest trends in prom fashion. One year, I was chosen for this honor. I felt quite extravagant for an evening, wearing the dresses that were way out of my price range. The girls who were chosen to model were given a 20% discount on any gown they selected, and that was a real bonus for us runway novices. Once you bought your dress at Troutman’s, Royer’s, or Horne’s, that style, your name and school were registered and no one else from your school could buy the exact same dress.

Shadow of Your Smile” and show tunes such as “Some Enchanted Evening” and “Three Coins in the Fountain”. It was pretty tame stuff for the likes of us. After all, we were rock and roll babies. Our record racks were filled with the Beatles, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, and all of Motown. But something about the bow ties, cummerbunds and little white gloves brought out our best manners.

As for the big event itself, our proms consisted of two completely separate events. The first was the actual prom, which was held at the high school gym and was preceded by the traditional grand march. The second part was the post-prom, which was not held at the school or affiliated with it in any way.

We slow danced appropriately, and daintily sipped the punch and nibbled on cookies delivered by our very “James Bond-ish” looking dates. There were also boys in attendance who escorted their dates while wearing their dress uniforms, since during the ‘60’s many young men were in the service. And let’s face it; there really IS something about a man in uniform! There were no uniforms at Latrobe’s prom, however, since no one was allowed to attend it except Latrobe juniors and seniors. If you had a boyfriend or girlfriend older or younger or one who attended another school, tough luck! You had to choose a classmate in those two grades or you didn’t attend their prom.

In 1965, the entertainment for this most formal event at the school was The Frankie Carroll Orchestra. He played standards like “Misty” or “The

As we finished the formal part of the evening in the gym, we knew the ‘real’ dancing would commence later that night. “The Prom” was over at midnight.

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After that, we went to the post prom. The parents sponsored this event, with Evie Chemski as chairwoman for many years. Evie was so much fun and knew instinctively what kind of event we ‘supermod’ 1960’s teenagers would want. She allowed us lots of input in every phase of the planning. My sophomore year, our post prom was held at the Latrobe American Legion; my junior year the theme was ‘Underwater Paradise’ and we had it at the Derry Community Center (about as glamorous then as it is now). And my senior year, we moved it to the brand new St. Mary’s Dome, where it continued to be held for a good many years.

While the school-sanctioned part of the evening was always considered the “Junior Prom” (Polynesian Paradise in 1966) and the junior class planned and sponsored it, the senior class organized the post prom. I was on that committee my senior year, and what fun we had. We researched all the nearby locations and chose the Dome for the very first time. Harry Lattanzio from the “Rink” (a.k.a. Harry’s Danceland) was the go-to guy for our floorshow since he was the booking agent for most of the entertainment in the area. He would hire whatever group you wanted for your prom, which was always held on a Friday night. Since post prom entertainment didn’t usually start until after our midnight buffet, the bands could book two events in one night. To make it more of an incentive for the bands to travel to our little towns, Harry would also have them perform at the Rink earlier that evening. Sometimes these groups would play again at the Red Rooster the next night, on Saturday.

The price of the prom tickets was quite reasonable, I seem to recall it being $10.00, and so we didn’t have a lot of money to work with to determine the caliber of entertainment. Therefore we decided to have fund-raisers to make up the difference. I still remember us asking Harry how much it would cost to get Diana Ross and the Supremes. They were actually available on our date and the price was $2,000.00. In 1966, it may as well have been $2 million. We settled on the Coasters for our main act, and filled in with local groups. The Coasters had lots of hits and were still pretty popular that year. There was a rumor, still undocumented, that the guitar player backing up the famous Coasters during that time period was none other that Jimi

Hendrix, and that he was, indeed, at my senior post prom. This was just months before he rocketed into super stardom.

As for our fundraisers, we made the most money from our submarine sales. We would take orders for weeks before the actual Saturday of the sale.

The sandwich assembly took place at the Loyalhanna Community Center. I’m sure they probably let us use their facility for free. We would start around midnight and the later the hour, the less productive that assembly line got.

All of the ingredients were lined up in big containers and all of us were assigned our spot on the line. I have to admit, some food throwing did occur, and as we all headed home around dawn we certainly did reek of onions.

After a quick shower, we were back to pick up our orders and deliver them before noon. When the subs were all dispersed, we would meet back at The Chuck Wagon in Snydertown (it was located in the middle of today’s Aero Die Cast pasrking lot) to turn in our money and grab a quick burger and Coke while we decided who could get the car that night to go to the Rooster.

Once the Big Day finally arrived, I would wait to see if Glenn Gundaker, from Gundaker’s Floral shop, would deliver my corsage. Prom flowers were always a surprise since the girl had no input in the flower choice or the design. The lady’s only responsibility was to tell her date what color her dress would be, and it was up to HIM to choose the rest.

You could mention your favorite blossoms casually in conversation, but anything further would have been considered rude - after all, this was a gift.

Sometimes your date would bring the flowers with him and present them to you when he picked you up. If Mr. Gundaker had brought them earlier in the day, they would be safely tucked away in the refrigerator until your date arrived and he would pin them on you.

Most of the preparation for this all-important night was devoted to just two things – The Hair and The Car. For us girls, rollers and dryers, teasing and spraying, French twists, and beehives would occupy the afternoon. My choice of coiffure expert was Marie’s Beauty Salon in Latrobe. That’s Marie Orvosh, Carol’s mom, and she did the best up-do in the world. For the boys, the day was spent washing, waxing, and detailing the most spectacular car they could weasel out of their relatives or friends for the evening. I don’t ever remember anyone arriving in a limo. Who could afford such an extravagance? Some couples came in the old family car, although it was very shined up and spiffy looking.

Others would borrow an uncle’s or grandpa’s Lincoln Continental or Cadillac. If you were really lucky, your boyfriend drove a Vette or T Bird, or at least he could get his hands on one for the night!

On any other date, a convertible was terrific, but with the amount of time we had just spent at the

beauty shop, there was no way we would let the guys put the top down anyway, so what was the point?

When your date arrived, a few pictures were taken with the Kodak Instamatic, and off you went. We sipped our punch and danced our waltzes in the gym, all the while chomping at the bit to do some real dancing. My date for the prom my junior year

was in the National Guard and his monthly guard weekend unfortunately coincided with my prom.

In those days, if you skipped even one day of any scheduled Guard responsibilities, you went to 1A draft status and could go immediately into the regular army, almost guaranteeing your being sent to Vietnam. Therefore, we had to leave my post prom at the glamorous Derry Community Center by 3:00 A. M. to insure he could report for duty at the appointed time.

At my senior post prom, we had literally transformed the Dome into Shangri La, our theme, and it was a site to behold. We felt very elegant and grown up.

The Coasters were fabulous, and joined us on the dance floor as they sang all of their hits. Although we were exhausted as the evening drew to a close (I even recall some classmates with their heads on the tables sound asleep) we had a wonderful time.

As the sun was coming up over the Chestnut Ridge, our beaus would walk us to the door and give us a sleepy goodnight kiss. Then they would tell us how long we had to nap before they picked us up again for the ‘picnic-after-the-prom’. I remember wrapping my glamorous French Twist (that was hard as a brick) in toilet tissue. I secured this makeshift turban with a bobby pin or two, and went to sleep for a few hours. When unwrapped, my hairdo was as fresh and brittle as the moment Marie gave me the final lacquer spray.

This ‘picnic-after-the-prom’ event was sanctioned

by NO ONE, and the ones I attended usually took place at Lynn Run State Park with a lot of picnic food prepared by the girls. I have heard rumors that some of the boys attending these picnics had

in their trunks, a quarter keg of Duquesne or Schmidt’s beer. Someone told me they were in barrels of ice with taps you had to pump, but that’s only a rumor, I couldn’t verify it for you….sorry.

All in all, it was a pretty tame weekend, although for my friends and me, it was the ultimate ‘red carpet’ event. We didn’t need metal detectors at the doors, because our moms had X-ray vision. We didn’t need a police presence, since the wrath of our dad was worse than anything the police could dish out. And we didn’t need a lockdown, because you couldn’t have dragged us out of there. We were in Shangri La, and we were having the time of our lives!

I helped chaperone the prom several years ago. By 1:00 A.M. a great many of the kids had changed into their jeans or sweats. The tuxes were discarded and the gowns were hung over chairs while their owners were swimming in the pool, playing basketball in the gym or racking up points on the video games. There was still dancing but everyone was scattered around to all the entertainment areas. I know they were having a good time, but what struck me was remembering the little white gloves and those handsome, formal young men fetching us a glass of punch, just like Rhett Butler to our Scarlet O’Hara.

Back in 1966 we were presented with a little booklet and pencil as we exited the grand march and I asked Mrs. Kist, our advisor, what it was for. She laughed and said “Why girls, it’s your dance card!”

We were to write the names of the boys who wanted to dance with us on the card. We all had a good laugh at that. But I saved mine. What a sweet custom, a handsome young man formally asking for a dance and the young lady writing his name in her book. At this year’s prom, amid the limousines, the $800 dresses, the $75 prom tickets, and the $100 flowers (for which the boy has no input at all, he just gets the bill), I wonder where that little dance card would fit in. I guess it’s a relic, much like me, I’m afraid. But I know what would make me feel young again – Johnny Mathis singing “Misty” as I slow dance in my living room with my favorite waltz partner and husband, whose name was written on that dance card all those years ago.

TRIVIA: How many Coasters hits that we danced to can you remember? See page 11.

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

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 9.

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The youth leadership workshop provides teens with the opportunity to learn leadership skills such as decision-making, teamwork, active listening, proactive coping, and conflict resolution. The workshop is designed to foster a team environment through active participation in activities, team building techniques, and group discussions. Workshop sessions will be held at the Mozart Hall, 338 Main Street, in Latrobe. There is a limit of 20 youth for each workshop.

2006 Youth Leadership Workshop Schedule Session 1:

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Teens entering 8th, 9th, or 10th grade during the 2006-2007 school year:

Workshop fee: $112.00 per person/per session Deadline for registration is July 1st.

For more information about the workshop and to receive a registration form, please call Jennifer at 724-668-8333, or e-mail thinkcafe@att.net. Registration forms are also available at the Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do / Mozart Hall office located at 338 Main Street, Latrobe, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

Dream Workshop

Saturday, June 24th 10am-3pm Mozart Hall, 338 Main Street, Latrobe Do your dreams fascinate you? Do you want to deepen your dream and life experiences? During the Dream Workshop, you will learn about the functions of sleep and dreaming, and the different types of dreams including lucid dreaming and nightmares. Symbolic representation and interpretation will be discussed to provide you with dream skills to help you journey through your own dream state.

Workshop fee: $65 per person, includes lunch.

Registration deadline: June 3rd.

For more information about the Dream Workshop and to receive a registration form, please call Jennifer at 724-668-8333, or e-mail thinkcafe@att.net. Registration forms are also available at the Eastern Alliance Taekwon-Do / Mozart Hall office located at 338 Main Street, Latrobe, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

DOWN ON THE FARM Shelly Gerhard

Make Hay When The Sun Shines Fabric Art

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

724-532-3542

TRIVIA from Page 9 Here are some favorite Coasters Hits:

Charlie Brown Little Egypt Searchin’ Yakety Yak Poison Ivy Alone Came Jones Young Blood Smokey Joe’s Café Framed Down In Mexico Love Potion #9 Besame Mucho Zing Went the Strings of My Heart

Hello from Fairview Farm. May and June are just about the most hectic months of the entire year down on the farm. We are going to plant 35 acres of corn and bale about 70-75 acres of hay. This all has to be done on weekends and evenings, with a couple of vacation days and a holiday or two because I work off the farm five days a week.

The cattle – cows and calves – are out on the pasture for the summer. We saved about five acres of sod that are to be plowed for corn so we can clean out the barn and hay feeding area one last time and spread the aromatic cleanings (manure) on them. Then we will plow up the remaining ground with this new batch of natural fertilizer.

The weather is starting to feel like summer, and I spent the last three evenings discing the corn ground down to prepare for planting.

It is May 5 – time to plant corn. I have ten bushels of hybrid seed corn and several tons of fertilizer loaded on my hay wagons and ready to take out to the fields. My brother, Calvin, said he would be able to help me for a couple of days to harrow and cultipack the corn ground while I plant the seed corn.

equipment and make necessary repairs on the baler, haybine, rake and wagons. Just getting all the tires aired up took half a day.

It is almost the middle of June, and we have been waiting for some nice haymaking weather. Over the years we have been very fortunate to have good help to unload the hay wagons and stack bales in the barn. When our two daughters were little, my wife and I would do it.

Carol would put the bales on the conveyor, and I would stack.

As the girls got bigger, they tried to help. Then their friends* from school started to help, and pretty soon the girls and boys were doing the whole job. All I had to do was bale the hay. All my wife did was cook to feed them all!

But now the boys and girls are grown up, and kids don’t come to help anymore. So now I bale little square bales until the three wagons are full. I make round bales from the rest. We unload the wagons while we wait for more hay to dry up enough to bale – or for the rain to stop. That’s how it is for the next couple of months . . . make hay when the sun shines.

See you next time . . . gotta go cut hay!

We did pretty good in two days, planting about 20 acres of corn. We ran tractors and equipment from dawn to dusk, and my wife, Carol, brought our lunch to the field both days so we could eat on the run.

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.

But the good three-day weather forecast only lasted two days. I was able to spend a little quality time with my family. The ground has dried up pretty well, so we are able to finish up planting corn. I worked one Saturday and two evenings spraying the corn and oats for weed control. Planting crops is done for this spring.

*Shelly’s daughters are Michelle Gerhard Schultz and Cathi Gerhard Williams (editor of the Laurel Mountain Post).

Friends included: Jim Brewer (also an LMP writer), Michael Brewer, David Brewer, Jeff Brewer, Jim Milani, Dean Edmundson, Derrick Edmundson, and Matt Hildebrand.

Now it is time to clean up and put away all the ground working and planting equipment – plow, disk, cultipacker, harrow, grain drill, corn planter, sprayer – and then change the oil and service the tractors. In my spare time, I worked at repairing fences – trimming overhanging tree limbs around the fields.

Before I know it, it’s time to get out the hay making

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 11

Get Ready for Local Summer Camps compiled by Briana Tomack

DERRY AREA RECREATION BOARD SUMMERCAMP 1st grade through age 12 June 7-Aug 13 Grandview Elementary School For more info: 724-309-3463 or www.darb.org 12TH ANNUAL BOBCAT BASKETBALL DAY CAMP Children grades 4-9 Blairsville HS Campus June 26-30 $125 session fee. Registration deadline June 9 For more info jonjef@email.pct.edu or 724-464-8265 CHILDREN’S SUMMER THEATER CAMP Ages Grades 4-8 1 two week sesion July 10-21 $150 registration fee For more info: vpltheater@wpa.net or 724-238-6514, ext 3 BASEBALL CAMPS Ages 6-9 June 6-June 9 Cost: $50.00 Ages 8-14 June 19-June 23 Cost: $100.00 For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us RECREATION FOR GIRLS Ages 5-12 Dates: June 5 to July 28 Cost is $55.00.

Kallaugher Pavilion at Lynch Field For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us SOCCER CAMP Ages 6-12 Dates: July 17 to July 21 Cost is $55.00 per child and $90.00 per family Lynch Field. For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us

12 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL Grades 4 through 9 Dates: Time to be announced.

Cost is $30.00.

For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us BOYS’ BASKETBALL Grades 1 through 8.

Dates: June 12-16 Greensburg Salem High School Gym Cost is $30.00 For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us TRACK AND FIELD CAMP Ages 6-15 Dates: July 10 to July 14 Cost is $35.00 per participant or $60.00 per family Greensburg Salem High School Track.

TENNIS ACADEMY Grades 4th through Adults Dates June 5-26 and July 10-31 Cost is $55.00 Mt. Odin tennis courts on Mondays For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us INTERMEDIATE TENNIS Grades 6-9 and High School/Adults June 6-27 and July1-Aug. 1 Cost is $55.00 Mt. Odin tennis courts on Tuesdays For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us TENNIS DAY CAMPS High School July 31-Aug. 4 and August 7-11 Cost is $190.00 Grades 4 through 8 June 26-29 cost is $95.00 For more info:724-834-4880 or www.city.Greensburg.pa.us CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF PA SUMMER SWIM CAMP Ages 10-18 3 1 week sessions: June 4-9, June 11-16, June 25-30 California University of PA $315 per session Registration deadline May 20 For more info: denny@cup.edu or 724-938-4328

IUP SUMMER BASEBALL CAMP Ages 7-18 June 19-22 Indiana University of PA Early registration $120, walk-up registration $130 For more info: jditch@iup.edu or 724-357-7830 SAMA LIGONIER VALLEY SUMMER ART CAMP Ages 5-12 2 one week sessions: June 19-30 and July 17-28 SAMA Ligonier Valley $175 per session For more info www.sama-art.org or 724-238-6015 I AM A WRITER! CAMP Ages grade 6-9 2 One week sessions: July 17-21, July 24-28 Ligonier Valley Middle/High School For more info hsc@iup.edu or 724-357-2120 SMALL WONDERS Ages 5-6 Fee: $70 One five-day session: June 19-June 23, July 17-21 Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA For more info: www.powdermill.org or 724-593-6105 NATURE ADVENTURES Ages 7-8 Fee: $75 One five-day session: June 26-30, July 24-28 Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA For more info: www.powdermill.org or 724-593-6105 OUTDOOR EXPLORATIONS WITH OVERNIGHT Ages 9-12 Fee: $90 (fee includes dinner, evening snack, and breakfast during the overnight session) One five-day session: July 10-14, July 31 -August 4 Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA For more info: www.powdermill.org or 724-593-6105 TEEN QUEST SUMMER CAMP FOR TEENAGERS Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA June 25-Aug 5 For more info: 800-288-8336 or www.superchargecamps.com PRE-TEEN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages 8-12 3 one week sessions: June 18-23, July 23-28, Aug 6-11 $499 per week Seven Springs Mountain Resort For more info: 800-452-2223, ext 7397 or www.7springs.com/ summer_outdooradventure TEENS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OVERNIGHT CAMP Ages 12-17 3 one week sessions: June 19-23, July 16-21, July 30-Aug 4 $499 per week Seven Springs Mountain Resort For more info: 800-452-2223, ext 7397 or www.7springs.com/ summer_outdooradventure SUMMER ART CAMPS AT THE CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART Topics include art and architecture, movement, color, and animals.

Visit www.cmoa.org/programs/camps.asp or call 412-622-3131 SUMMER CAMPS AT THE CARNEGIE SCIENCE CENTER Topics include Five Senses, Outer Space, Bugs, Railroad, Magicians, Robots, and inventors. Visit www.carnegiesciencecenter.org or call 412-237-1637

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Relay For Life at Latrobe The 2006 Relay For Life at Latrobe will be held June 24-25 from 11AM-11AM at the Latrobe Memorial Stadium.

Why Relay – The purpose of the Relay For Life is to raise money for the ACS while celebrating the lives of those who have survived cancer and honoring those who have lost the battle. The RFL is a team event to raise money for the ACS and increase cancer awareness in our community. Relay teams of 10-15 people take turns walking and/ or running around a track for a full 24 hours, (11AM-11AM). Participants range from pre-teens to senior citizens, forming teams of co-workers, families, youth organizations, school tams, or friends honoring a loved one dealing with cancer or lost to cancer.

For Vicki

These 24 hours are so much more than just walking around a track however. There are continuous activities for all, including food stands and music, for the general public who may choose to walk the track or not.

For more information on the RFL at Latrobe, contact Dawn Pruett of the ACS at 724-834-9081 or visit www.geocities.com/relayforlifeatlatrobe.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event held this past June 25-26 (2005) at the Latrobe Memorial stadium was named the recipi-

14 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

ent of a prestigious award, The Terry Zahn Award.

The state award was presented to Maria Peluso and Kendra Carlquist at the Pennsylvania Division 2005 Relay Leadership University held Oct. 14-15, 2005 at State College Pennsylvania. Surprised and elated by all, it was told that this was the first time a Relay in the State of PA had won an award on the National level. The Terry Zahn Award is designed to recognize the best practices in marketing and communicating the mission of the ACS through a Relay For Life event.

ON ST AGE A STA ATT THE TER THEATER LIGONIER THEA A CONCERT OF BRO ADW AY SHOW TUNES BROADW ADWA MA Y 19 A MAY ATT 8:00 PM All Tick ets $10 Tickets A STRANGER IN TOWN An Evening of Contemporar y Light Jazz Contemporary June 24 A ATT 8:00 PM All Tick ets $10 Tickets

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

FINAL CONCERT SERIES SHOW “ROUTE 66”

June 9, 10 at 8:00 PM June 11 at 2:30 PM All Tickets $10

VINT AGE FILM VINTA IN THE V ALLEY VALLEY

“SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN” June 2, 3 at 7:30 PM June 4 at 2:30 PM All Tickets $6

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May 20

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

May 20

Meet Sam Hossler, Author of Summer of 1763 12PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

May 20

John Noble’s 10th Anniversary Westmoreland Night of the Stars 645PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA;724-853-2296 www.thepalacetheatre.org or jnoble@mdbbe.com

Ligonier Valley Writers Event 2PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

May 20

Miss New York has Everything, Lori Jakiela reading from her memoir 7PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

Laurel Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty 2PM and 7PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

May 20

Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Bloomin Scavenger Hunt Ligonier Merchants, Ligonier, PA ; 724-238.4200 www.ligonier.com

May 20-21

Connellsville Geranium Festival Crawford Ave, Connellsville, PA; 724628-5500 www.greaterconnellsville.org

May 25-26

Small Business Development Center Lean Manufacturing Seminar 830AM-430PM, Westmoreland/Foundations Room, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4572. www.stvincent.edu

May 27

Ligonier Country Market Opening for the Season 7AM-Noon, Springer Road, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6702 www.ligoniercounrtymarket.com

May 27

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

May 26-29

Rockin’ Oldies Classic Weekend featuring The Vogues, Johnny Angel and the Halos, Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners and New Holidays Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA; 814-352-7777 www.7springs.com

May 27-29

Bill Seles Memorial Day Polka Festival Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA; 814-352-7777 www.7springs.com

May 28

Concert on the Diamond LVHS Jazz/LaurelValley Jr/Sr HS Bands 7PM, Bandstand On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

May 29

Blairsville Memorial Day 5k Run/Walk 8AM, Blairsville Community Cenetr, Blairsville, PA; 724-459-6790 blaircc@winbeam.com

May 31

Booksigning and Chat with Nancy Martin mystery author of Have your Cake and Eat it Too 1PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

MAY-JUNE 2006 COMMUNITY CALENDAR May 2

May 3

May 4

May 5,6

May 5-7

Environmental Education Center Natural Learning Workshop, Blue Bird Boxes 5PM, Science Center Reading Room,Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-805-2298 www.stvincent.edu

Ligonier Valley Theatre presents Enchanted 8PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com Spring in the Mountains Route 31, Donegal, PA; 724-443-2897

May 6

River City Brass Band’s Timeless Television Tunes 8PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org

May 6

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

May 6

Storytime with Spot the Dog 10AM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

May 6

Stage Right presents Are you my Mother, I’m a Manatee, and Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse 1215PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622 www.barnesandnoble.com

May 7

Ligonier Valley Theatre presents Enchanted 230PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com

May 7

Environmental Education Center Natural Learning Workshop, Wildflower Walk 1PM, Gristmill, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-805-2298 www.stvincent.edu

May 12

Elko Concerts presents Ronan Tynan 8PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

May 13

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

May 13

Westmoreland Choral Society’s The Great American Variety Show 8PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

May 14

Antiques and Collectibles Show Historic Hannahstown, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-1800 www.starofthewest.org

May 19

Action for Animals Humane Society presents the 3rd Annual Auction for the Animals Live and Silent Auction 7PM, Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-850-8802 or 724-593-6111 www.afa.petfinder.org

May 19

May 19

May 19-20

Onstage at the Ligonier Theater: A Concert of Broadway Show Music 8PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Family Team Rally Magic Show with Davo 630-830PM, Greensburg Civic and Garden Center, Greensburg, PA 412-471-1414 sspear@jdrf.org Ligonier Relay for Life Weller Field, 888-227-5445, ext. 1061 www.ligonierrelayforlife.com

16 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

June 1

Environmental Education Center Natural Learning Workshop, American Star Can 5PM, Science Center Reading Room, Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-805-2298 www.stvincent.edu

June 2,3

Vintage Film in the Valley presents Singin’ in the Rain 730PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com

June 3June 30

23rd Annual Quilt Show West Overton Museums, Scottdale, PA; 724-887-7910 www.westovertonmuseum.org

June 3

Ligonier Country Market 7AM-Noon, Springer Road, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6702 www.ligoniercounrtymarket.com

June 3

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

June 3

Latshaw Productions presents Jimmy Sturr & Boots Randolph 3PM and 7PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

June 4

Vintage Film in the Valley presents Singin’ in the Rain 230PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com

June 4

Concert on the Diamond-The Moonlighters Band 7PM, Bandstand On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

June 18

Concert on the Diamond-Blairsville Community Band 7PM, Bandstand On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

June 20July 2

Gristmill Productions presents Smoke on the Mountain Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown, PA; 814-629-9201 www.mountainplayhouse.com

June 22-25

Thunder in the Valley Motocycle Rally Johnstown, PA; 800-237-8590 www.visitjohnstownpa.com/thunderinthevalley

June 24

Gear & Beer Festival Falls City Restaurant & Pub, Ohiopyle, PA; 800-272-4141 www.fallscitypub.com

June 24

Ligonier Valley Theater presents A Stranger in Town: An Evening of Contemporary Light Jazz 800PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com

June 24

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

June 24-25

Westmoreland Relay for Life at Latrobe Latrobe Memorial Stadium

June 24

Concert on the Diamond-LVHS Jeannette Community Band 7PM, Bandstand On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

Ligonier Country Market 7AM-Noon, Springer Road, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6702 www.ligoniercounrtymarket.com

June 25

June 15June 18

4th Annual Laurel Highlands Bluegrass Festival Ligonier Twp Volunteer Fire Dept #1, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-8646 www.laurelhighlandsbluegrass.com

Concert on the Diamond-Graham Grubb Bands 7PM, Bandstand On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

June 28

June 16

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel region present The Fabulous Hubcaps 8PM , The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

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

June 29

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

June 30

Rolling Rock 5 Mile Run Latrobe Memorial Park, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-0597 www.rollingrock.com/5milerun

June 30

TOTO in Concert 8PM, Grey Rocks Amphitheatre, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA; 814-352-7777 www.7springs.com

June 6-18

June 9,10

June 10

June 10

Gristmill Productions presents The Chief Mountain Playhouse, Jennerstown, PA; 814-629-9201 www.mountainplayhouse.com Ligonier Valley Theatre presents Concert Series Show: Route 66 800PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com Ligonier Country Market 7AM-Noon, Springer Road, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6702 www.ligoniercounrtymarket.com Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

June 10

Antiques on the Diamond 8AM-4PM, On the Diamond, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

June 11

Ligonier Valley Theatre presents Concert Series Show: Route 66 230PM, Ligonier Valley Theatre, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligonier.com

June 11

Antiques and Collectibles Show Historic Hannahstown, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-1800 www.starofthewest.org

June 11

June 17

Ligonier Country Market 7AM-Noon, Springer Road, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6702 www.ligoniercounrtymarket.com

June 17

Teen Quest X-treme Activity Dayz Teen Quest Ranch, Somerset, PA; 800-288-8336 www.xdayz.com

June 17-18

Children’s Living History Weekend Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown, PA; 724-238-4983 www.compassinn.com

To add your community event to this calendar, please call 724-331-3936 or visit our website www.LaurelMountainPost.com LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 17

TAKE IT ON FAITH Pastor Ron Durika

Do Something Worth Writing About There is a saying that you should either write something worth printing or do something worth writing. As a pastor, the time of Lent in our liturgical year is when we are at our busiest. I believe it is also the most advantageous time for us to share with God’s people the truth and wonder of what Christ has done for us. I know that I am very excited during Lent, especially at each of the Sunday services, as well as each special worship we schedule.

My wife is often heard during this time telling me to, “Settle down, take a pill!” It’s her way of saying I have crossed the threshold of “normal” behavior and need to take a deep breath and slow down.

But, the excitement of how much God loves us and the grace and mercy shown to all of us is hard to stifle. I have been called to be a

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I am sorry that my article is so short this issue. I have even heard that there are a few people out there that read and appreciate it. But in this special season of Lent, I found myself being pressed for time to write something worth printing, and to all of you I apologize. I take solace in the fact that I am currently involved in doing something worth writing about, which is sharing God’s Word with God’s people.

Ron Durika is the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in New Florence (corner of Fifth & Chestnut Streets, 724235-2940). 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.

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

To Remember And To Carry On Thank you. In this issue of the Laurel Mountain Post, I’m using this article in a selfish way to reflect upon my family’s loss. Possibly, by reading this article, you will gain some insight into grief, begin to discuss end-of-life issues with your loved ones, and hopefully encourage you to live life to its fullest.

My life changed last June: my Dad, aged 76, died very unexpectedly and suddenly. Since then, life has been strange. This is to be expected as mental health professionals often report that the first year after a death of a close family member is the most difficult. Although I am enjoying the spring weather and love seeing the daffodils, forsythia and azaleas, and as I begin to plan summer activities for my boys, I also think about the numerous days I’ve cried over the past year. As I write this article on Easter Monday, I believe many of you were joyous yesterday as you celebrated Jesus’ resurrection- for me, it was another holiday without my Dad. Thanksgiving and Christmas were celebrated with mixed emotions.

Grief is lonely, but is an essential phase of the healing process. You certainly try not to let your sadness affect others, including your children. With me, however, occasionally I’ve had my boys cry with me. I believe it is good though, I am teaching them that it is healthy to show your emotions and to mourn those you love.

Austin, my five year old, has made some poignant remarks and as a parent you realize your child has a remarkable, and healthy perspective. He has helped me shed tears of joy when he recalls special times and tells favorite stories about his Pappy.

I miss seeing my Dad’s smile and I often say I wish Dad was here or I wish the boys had more time with him, but I am thankful for the years we did have together. This summer, we’ll all miss his yummy tomatoes and other vegetables, but now we will need to be the gardener! Many things remind me of him and that is a comfort-

ing thought. Also, I remind Austin and Owen that Pappy is always with us in our hearts, soul and mind. I explained that he is a part of us and we need to carry on his legacy and make him proud.

As we are reminded daily in our volatile world, tragedy can strike at anytime.

People of all ages die from illnesses, accidents, war, natural disasters, and disease. And while death is an unpleasant subject, it is important to share your thoughts on what type of care you would like to receive (or not) in an emergency situation or with a serious illness. Instead of having your loved ones guess at what type of care you want, a living will Voted #1would Salon in Westmoreland County! establish guidelines for them to follow when faced with difficult health decisions. Five Wishes is a written document that states your medical, personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. It is a legal document in Pennsylvania. You may order a copy of Five Wishes from the organization Aging with Dignity, at their web site: www.agingwithdignity.org.

Release

Time is precious. I hope you appreciate each day and recognize your blessings. When I worked for a Hospice agency, I received a copy of an inspirational poem entitled “The Dash”, written in 1996 by Linda Ellis. She writes about the line between the two dates on a person’s tombstone.

She encourages you to live and love during the special time between your birth and death. If you would like to read the entire poem, please go the following website: www.lindaellis.net. Take pleasure in the beautiful springtime with your family and make memories that you and your children will cherish forever.

Happy Mothers and Fathers Day! 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.

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Contact our advertising department today at 724-331-3936 or log on to www.LaurelMountainPost.com to visit our design studio and online portfolio.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 19

41st Annual Firefighters Blood Drive Challenge Slated for June 27-28

POETRY IN MOTION Linda Werner

Bending As he bent, Gently to nurture What Nature lent him, His thumb caressed The flower’s satin petals.

From those veined and hardened hands, With cuts and stains – Hands that weathered pain And hurt Of years of work and toil, Came so freely the love, The rain, the sun That single flower needed.

It, in turn, stood straight And strong, And would live on So long as those hands remained Above – A callused glove.

For over 40 years, firefighters from Greensburg, Hempfield and surrounding communities in Westmoreland County have joined with the American Red Cross to sponsor the Westmoreland Firefighter’s Blood Donor Challenge. In recent years the local police and military have become involved in this important community event as well.

The two day blood drive will take place at The Four Points Sheraton in Greensburg on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 27 and 28 from noon to 6:00pm.

This blood drive will be tied into our summer campaign theme, “Keep the Motor Runnin’ — Give Blood.” All presenting donors will receive a black biker t-shirt and become eligible to win a Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle.

The goal for the Blood Drive challenge is to collect 200 units of blood to assist hospital patients during the Fourth of July holiday week. The need for blood increases dramatically during this time due to higher traffic accident rates, summer vacations, and the loss of high school donors due to summer break.

The Firefighter’s Blood Drive challenge is an outstanding way to honor your local firefighters and to provide hospitals with the vital blood products that are needed to save lives.

The blood drive is especially important to the communities of Westmoreland County as the American Red Cross provided over 20,000 blood products (red blood cells, platelets, plasma) to county hospitals last fiscal year.

Donors may schedule an appointment to donate blood by contacting any Greensburg or Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Department, by calling 1800-GIVE LIFE or scheduling online at www.givelife.org. Walk-ins are always welcome.

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***** Local residents and patients are among those served through American Red Cross Blood Services, Greater Alleghenies Region. This Region directly serves hospitals, patients and donors in a 100-county area in Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, and also supports blood needs experienced by patients elsewhere in hospitals served through Red Cross Blood Services.

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

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Reel Good Times Spring is in full bloom and that means it’s time to go outside. It’s time to light up the grill and play catch and croquet in the back yard. But if you’re like me and have allergies, spring is a time to stay indoors. Which makes it the perfect time to watch movies! So here’s a list of recent films you may have overlooked at your local video store but are certainly worth watching.

Sure, there’s a lot of gore in it, but what do you expect from a movie that calls itself a “comic love story-with zombies.” And the language is heavily laden with profanity, but for some odd reason, people swearing with British accents actually seems kind of funny. The movie has a well-deserved R rat-

1) BIG FISH When this film came to the theater I’ll admit I had no interest in seeing it. Directed

by Tim Burton of Edward Scissor Hands fame, the strange cast of characters and fantasy elements did little to excite me about this movie, but once on dvd, I gave it a shot, and I am glad I did. Big Fish is the life story of Edward Bloom, played by both Ewan McGregor and Albert Finney, and Edward’s relationship with his son, Will, played by Billy Crudup.

Estranged from his father, Will tries to uncover the “truth” about his father’s life, but discovers that the fantastical and exaggerated tales Edward has been spinning all his life tell more about his father than what the truth can. Big Fish is about family, love, and the simple fact that everyone’s life is an ongoing story. This is a great film and suitable for the whole family.

2) SAINT RALPH Convinced that only a miracle can awaken his mother from a coma, fourteen-year-old Ralph Walker sets out to win the Boston Marathon. Since Ralph has never run a race in his life, and winning the marathon would “be a miracle,” as his track coach tells him, Ralph sets out to do the impossible and save his mother’s life.

Of course no one believes Ralph can do this, but with the encouragement of a local priest (and former distance runner), and some help from his friends, Ralph ends up winning a few races on his way to Boston. Starring Campbell Scott and Adam Butcher, as the witty and somewhat conniving Ralph, this film exemplifies the values of perseverance and faith. Though Ralph is certainly no saint, Saint Ralph is a winner.

3) SHAUN OF THE DEAD This is a classic love story where boy meets girl; boy loses girl; and boy gets girl back. Of course to get the girl back, the boy has to battle an army of flesh eating zombies. This British import is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Its star, Simon Pegg as the slacker, Shaun, and Nick Frost as his best friend, Ed, have an outstanding on screen chemistry much like that of Hope and Crosby or Abbot and Costello.

Brian Herzlinger sets out to get a date with his lifelong crush, Drew Berrymore. The only problem is that Drew Berrymore has no idea who Brian is. It doesn’t take long for you to start cheering him on as he documents his attempts to find someone who actually knows Drew Berrymore while simultaneously trying not to appear as a crazed stalker!

With appearances by Eric Roberts and Cory Feldman, My Date With Drew is a great film about having the courage to go after your dreams as well as a cautionary tale for big time electronic stores to rethink their return policies.

5) VALIANT While Disney’s Chicken Little got most of the attention last year (and just so you know, I loved it) another animated tale of an heroic piece of poultry hit the big screens. Valiant is the story of an undersized bird who sets out to accomplish big things. In this case, Valiant wants to become a courier pigeon and help England defeat the Germans in World War 1. Told he is too small and too slow, Valiant flies feathers first into battle, taking on an assortment of furry creatures with sharp teeth, and an overprotective mother who won’t let him leave the nest without a hot meal. This is a great movie for the kids, and adults will get a kick out of it too. (But if all the copies of Valiant are already rented, pick up Wallace and Gromet and the Curse of the Were-Rabbit. It’s good.)

ing and isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a fan of George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead, you will absolutely love this witty and satirical take on the genre. And it’s a lot better than Romero’s last zombie flick, Land of the Dead.

4) MY DATE WITH DREW What’s an unemployed twenty-something guy in Hollywood to do with his $1100.00 winnings from a game show?

Make a movie, of course. Armed with just a little over a thousand dollars, a video camera from Circuit City that has to be returned in thirty days, and a friend or two who knows someone who might know someone in the movie business, first time filmmaker

6) CINDERELLA MAN While films like Brokeback Mountain, Crash and Walk the Line were winning Oscars and accolades, my vote for best movie of 2005 goes, hands-down, to Cinderella Man. The story of James J. Braddock, one of boxing’s most unlikely heavyweight champions, this is not your typical sports movie. Sure we see Braddock overcoming improbable odds to become champion, but if that is all this film offered, you might as well go watch Rocky II. Instead, this movie uses boxing as a backdrop to tell the story of the biggest challenge in Braddock’s life- keeping his family safe and together during the great depression. Crowe’s soft-spoken portrayal of the champion is a flawless illustration of the true meanings of courage and dignity. Of any sports movies I’ve TM seen, Cinderella Man is the one that best delivers the message that true champions are made outside of the ring or playing field. Cinderella Man is a gritty and gutsy story of a man who knows exactly what he is fighting for. Do yourself a favor and see it.

– Drew Williams

The Action for Animals Humane 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 three ways: by donating an item, becoming a sponsor, and or attending the event. Entry fee is $15. 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. Items will be accepted until the date of the auction. To view items we have acquired, please visit www.ezauctionservice.com or our website.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 21

THE REC ROOM Jim Kasperik

Golfing Days Are Here Again A few days ago, I found myself having a very bad case of cabin fever. The winter had not been that severe, but these cold temperatures were definitely getting to me. Then it happened as it usually does here in the Laurel Highlands – the turn from the winter doldrums to the excitement and beauty of spring. The grass starts to turn green, the buds start to appear and the golf courses prepare to open.

All right so that last one typically only matters to golfers like me and the millions all over the United States. The seventy-degree weather means that a sports nut like me can now go out and spend the

better part of a day chasing around a little white ball on beautifully landscaped grounds! I would venture to say that to golf in the Laurel Highlands is to golf in one of the most beautiful places anywhere. The scenery, especially in spring and the fall, can be breathtaking. The question is – can you actually enjoy the scenery while playing golf?

Some people will automatically say yes, while others will say it depends on how their game is that day! But for me, golf is a great way to relax, clear my mind of the daily grind and, of course, spend quality time with friends.

A Good Walk Spoiled? I Think Not! The last statement in the previous paragraph is really the reason I golf. Where can you spend a day hanging out with good friends walking and talking about important things – world politics, and not so important things – who will win the Masters? Oh wait – maybe the Masters winner IS the important topic! Seriously though, the times on the course for five hours with friends cannot be shared anywhere else. In our busy worlds, where can we actually find five hours to relax and talk with friends?

Not only can this be done during golf, that is what makes the round worth every penny paid.

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So, during this past week I called two friends, and we made a tee time early in the morning. The air was a bit brisk as we readied to tee off shortly after 8:00 AM, but as we approached the third hole, the sun was so warm that each of us had peeled off our long sleeves and were beginning to realize what a nice day was in front of us. For slightly less than five hours, John, Kevin and I walked and talked about everything on our minds. We laughed at each other, we made fun of each other’s game – well mostly mine was ridiculed – and we strolled under completely sunny, blue skies.

As we approached the sixteenth hole, Kevin said what we all were thinking – “are we at the sixteenth hole already?” How come a good day golfing goes so fast and a normal day sometimes seems so long?

When we came to the eighteenth hole, we had a few more moments of laughter, as my brand new pair of shoes broke apart into two pieces! The round was over before we knew it. We all played well, but that was not what was important to me. What was important was that I spent five hours with good friends in great weather in beautiful Western PA. A League of Our Own Many of my friends are involved in golf leagues through their work or with friends. My group of friends is no different in that regard, however we play several “major tournaments” per year that

count towards points on the “Phat Tour.” The name is just something we came up with for fun, but when we get together, the play often turns a bit serious.

There have been many times where rules have been questioned – “was that really just a practice swing?”

– and “gimme putts” have not been allowed!

But as I stated, playing in leagues is a way of life for many. Every week you partner with someone and take on another team for bragging rights and the all-important points. Where I work, the golf league is very popular and also gets very intense as the year moves forward. Each year there is a final golf outing to decide who wins the championship. I play golf for fun, but others play to win!

Where to Play?

The beauty for a golfer who lives in the Laurel Highlands is there are so many places to play. Not only that, there are so many different styles of courses to play also. A golfer can play a five-star design or a design for beginners. They can also play on a traditional type of course or a links style layout within several miles of each other. In fact golfers here have the chance to play over seventy different courses all within our beautiful area.

Why Golf?

So the next time you are out playing a round with friends and you have a quadruple bogey, you are speaking like a sailor and you start to question why you are playing this game, look around you. Look at the beautiful surroundings and look at who is in your group. Is there a better place to be? In many cases the answer will be no! You are playing a fun – yet sometimes extremely frustrating – game, and you are sharing the day enjoying the company of people that are great to hang out around. Would you rather be in the office on a blue sky, eightydegree day or would you rather be on the course “working” on your golfers tan? I think that most of the golfers out there would pick the latter.

So as the golf season gets into full swing, I would recommend trying this game to the people who have yet to do so. Get out there and “hack around” when you can. Because it is important to remember it is not about how well you play, but who you play the game with and enjoying the great outdoors in the Laurel Highlands.

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

WHERE’S MUGGSY? STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Come On Over to Your Neighborhood Market Mastrorocco’s has everything you need right in downtown Derry. Still a familyrun 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.

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Providing All Of Your Insurance Needs Since 1959 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 23

FRIENDS & HEROES Honoring Our Neighbors Serving in the United States Military

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 We can’t wait to hear from you!

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 CURRENT LOCATION: Greensburg, PA 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 JOB: rifleman with 3rd platoon kilo com12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 pany 3/25 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 MISS MOST ABOUT HOME: friends & 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 family 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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 Iraq 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 FUTURE GOALS: become a Marine Corps 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 CURRENT LOCATION: combat and job 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 training 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 JOB: aircraft mechanic 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 MISS MOST ABOUT HOME: playing pool 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 and eating at Turillo’s Steak House 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 FAVORITE PLACE ON THE JOB:Iraq 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT: taking the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 step and gaining discipline 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 FUTURE GOALS: see what the future 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123 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Jack Kenney

Daniel Keenan

24 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

VETERINARY CLINIC, INC. Henry L. Croft, Jr., VMD Lynn Springer, DVM 397 Hauger Hood Road Stahlstown, PA 15687 Telephone: 724.593.6111 www.loyalvet.com dedicated to providing high quality care for your dogs, cats, exotics, and pocket pets

THE CORNER STORY Drew Williams

The Bottom Line The worst part about being damned is the bureaucracy. Thousands of documents had to be signed and stamped, notarized and duly filed before the recently deceased could be officially classified as residents of Hell and receive their working permits. The most agonizing part of the whole system is the thousands of lines that stretch for hundreds of miles. In those lines, a soul could wait for years just to move one step forward. And even when that soul reached the front of the line, invariably there was some screw-up with the paper work. Usually, some midlevel demon signed off in the wrong spot, and the poor soul would have to start the classification process all over again. Such was the true essence of Hell; waiting in line.

Seventy-nine years after his death, Page finally received his working permit. He was assigned to the Department of Deadly Sins; specifically, Page was to be the assistant to the Director of The Mortal Sins division, a demon named Azarel.

For reasons unknown to Page, Azarel’s previous assistant had been reassigned to the Department of Defecation and Filth. For the bureaucratic machine of Hell, Page’s processing time was relatively short. For Page, however, the wait proved twelve years longer than the time he spent on Earth.

“So you are Page,” the director said when Page reported for his first day of work. “One of the more recently damned?”

“Yes sir,” Page replied, wisely not making eye contact with the director.

Azarel eyed the thin, angular man in the illfitting black suit who stood nervously in front of him. “Did you spend time in The Pits of Flame?” he asked.

A pained expression crossed Page’s face. “Yes, Director, thirty-four years.”

“And you do not wish to return, I presume.”

“Yes, Director,” Page replied. The Pits of Flame was only the second ring of Hell, but even thinking of it was enough to make Page shudder.

Azarel pointed to a spot adjacent to his desk and told the man to stand there. “Good. Obey every command and you will not have to return.”

Page stood where he was commanded.

“You were a lawyer, I see,” Azarel began. “Very adept at twisting the letter of the law so much that its spirit was lost. Very nice,” Azarel chuckled as he glanced through Page’s documentation.

“It also says that you do not believe you have been properly assigned.” Azarel shot a glance at Page with such intensity that it made the poor soul tremble. “Is this true?”

“Yes, Director,” Page replied quickly, making certain that his eyes stayed cast to the floor.

“And why is that?” Azarel asked after a few seconds pause. “You may speak freely.”

Page could feel Azarel’s stare boring into him.

He shifted his weight nervously and swallowed hard. “It’s just that I did not commit any grave sins on Earth, sir.”

Page heard Azarel chuckle softly. “Yes, I see that in your files,” Azarel said. “No murders, no rapes. Some drunkenness. A few petty indiscretions. All relatively minor sins, wouldn’t you say?

Certainly nothing that should have resulted in your eternal damnation, right Page?”

“Yes, Director,” Page said softly.

“Let me tell you one of the truths of our organization,” Azarel began. “There is no such thing as a minor sin. In fact, the sins most of the living think of as minor prove to be the most damning because they become routine. Here in Hell, the sin we encourage the most is the sin of apathy.

You see, Page, the truth of the matter is that most people are damned, not for what they do, but for what they fail to do. Namely, they fail to do good.

And from looking over your files, it is obvious that you belong right here. Don’t you agree, Page?”

Page screwed his eyes shut and felt his stomach flip. One of the cardinal rules of hell prohibited lying at all times. A lie, even the smallest one, would result in the soul’s transfer to the Pits of Blackness, a circle of hell even Dante could not imagine. Page had no choice but to speak the truth. “I do not agree, Director,” Page offered weakly.

Azarel laughed out loud and slapped his hand against his desk. “Excellent,” he said. “Now let’s get to work. Tell me, Page, do you know what we do in the Department of Mortal Sins?”

Nervously, Page confessed that he did not..

“Our duty is to make the living ignore their responsibilities to HIM. To make them forget that they owe HIM their lives and souls. That is our singular goal. We use whatever means necessary to achieve this, but the vast majority of our efforts are exceptionally subtle. Sublime temptation, you might call it. Ultimately, our main function is to make sin as mundane as possible, something that the living hardly bother to think about.

By doing this we encourage slight missteps in humans, occasional lapses in virtue which, over time, become habitual vices. Do you understand?”

Page nodded his head. He had not been damned so long that he could not remember the petty vices and habits that had marked his time on Earth; the petty vices that ultimately led him to eternal damnation. “Yes, Director.”

“Good.” Azarel pointed to a clipboard at the edge of his desk and told Page to pick it up. “Our meeting list for today. Who’s first?”

Page read the name at the top of the list. “The Reverend Hamilton Keeting.”

The director pursed his lips and nodded slightly. “An interesting case, Page, one that we must handle very delicately. This Keeting is one of HIS spokesman, a televangelist with a weekly audience of over four million souls. That, Page, is a significant number of souls that our Chief would like to claim. So today, we are going to see if we can convince Reverend Keeting to shift his allegiance and work for us.” The director drummed his fingers against his desk. “Yes, we must handle the reverend very delicately, indeed.”

Azarel’s face remained expressionless, but Page knew the senior demon was deep in thought.

Finally, Azarel broke the silence. “Show him in, Page, but keep this in mind. You are to say nothing unless I ask you a specific question. Only then may you speak. And no matter the question, you must answer with the truth. Even if it is displeasing to me, you must always speak the truth. Is that clear?”

Page said he understood.

“Good. Now please open the door for the reverend. I’m sure he has waited long enough.”

Page turned from the director and strode easily to the large, mahogany door at the far end of the office. He opened it to find a tall, portly man wearing a red, silk bath robe with his fist raised as if he was about to knock. At the sight of Page, the man’s round face quivered, and he took a quick step back. “Who are you?” he asked. “Where am I?” Page stepped to the side and motioned for the Reverend Keeting to come into the office. Keeting hesitated a moment before he lowered his fist and stepped into the open doorway. “Where am I?” he asked again.

Page simply held out his right hand and directed Keeting to his superior.

“Reverend Keeting,” Azarel said warmly. “It is certainly a pleasure to meet you.” The demon came out from behind the desk and extended his hand toward Reverend Keeting who accepted it automatically. “I am so glad we have the opportunity to talk face to face.” Azarel ushered Keeting to a plush, wing-back chair. “Please have a seat, Reverend Keeting. Be comfortable.”

Keeting slid into the enormous chair as Azarel moved back to his seat behind the desk. Still clutching his clipboard, Page stepped unobtrusively to the corner of the office where he would wait, unmoving until Azarel commanded him to do so.

“This may be an awkward question reverend, but do you know where you are?” continued on page 26 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 25

Keeting looked about the room. “I think I’m in Hell,” he said blankly.

Azarel nodded. “An administrative wing, but yes, this is Hell.”

Keeting glanced nervously about the spacious office. “And you’re the devil,” he said when his eyes returned to the director.

Azarel nodded again. “A devil,” he said. “Not the Chief, of course. But one of his inner circle.”

“But I’m not dead,” Keeting began. A puzzled expression came over the reverend’s face as his glance shot quickly from Azarel to Page, and then back to Azarel. “And I’m not afraid,” Keeting said.

“I should be afraid, but I’m not.”

“Correct on both accounts, Reverend Keeting.

At this moment, you are in perfect health, sleeping peacefully in your bed. As for the fear, we discovered long ago that the living mind is incapable of grasping the immensity of Hell. One brief glance of it is enough to drive the living insane.

We have found that it is much more productive to temporarily numb the part of your mind that registers fear. That makes for much more productive conversation.” Azarel paused and pointed a long, thin finger at Reverend Keeting. “During your time here, you will experience no fear, but I do assure you, you are in Hell.” Azarel straightened himself in his chair and chuckled softly. “As a visitor, of course.”

Reverend Keeting brought his hand forward and opened his mouth to speak, but all that came out was a weak, croaking noise. He tried again, but with the same results.

“Oh, another thing,” Azarel said, looking slightly amused. “We’ve also numbed the part of your mind that compels you to preach HIS word.

I assure you it is temporary, but our meeting time is brief, and it would be counterproductive if most of that time was spent with you damning the damned. No, we must use our time to have a civil, polite conversation.” Azarel emphasized the word ‘polite’.

Unnoticed, Page found himself nodding in agreement at the simplicity of Azarel’s logic.

The reverend, however, seemed less impressed. “Why did you bring me here?” Keeting demanded. “I cannot be tempted. I am a man of God.” “Exactly,” Azarel said, slapping his palm against the top of the desk. “That is exactly why this meeting has been arranged. As you say, you are one of HIS men, but we would like you to change your allegiance and come and work for us.” The director rose from his chair and came out from behind the desk. “You could be a very important person in our organization,” he said.

“Very important.”

“I don’t understand,” Keeting replied.

Azarel brought his palms together and held his forefingers against his chin. “It’s a simple matter of numbers, reverend. You see, Hell is not unlike any other large corporation that has its eye on the bottom line. But instead of stocks, we market in souls, and you, Reverend Keeting, have quite a large portfolio of souls to trade.” Azarel glanced over his shoulder and removed a scrap of paper from his desk. “This weeks Nielson’s,” 26 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

he said waving the paper in front of Keeting. “An audience share of nearly five million viewers. Very impressive.”

The Reverend Keeting allowed himself to relax a bit. “Yes, our ministry is growing beyond our expectations.”

“Exactly,” Azarel said. “Beyond anyone’s expectations. Your stock is rising every day, and that, Reverend Keeting, could damage our bottom line. So, what I would like to propose is that you work for our organization, and help us claim those souls for our Chief. What do you say?”

“You want me to preach the gospel of Satan?” Keeting shouted.

“Impossible!”

Azarel slapped his hand against his knee and laughed out loud.

“Oh, nothing so dramatic as that, reverend.

In fact, there would be very little change on your part. All we would ask is that you modify your message a bit.

Tone down the attacks on our Chief, and make the path to HIS realm seem just a tad bit easier than it really is.

That’s all. And in exchange, we’ll see to it that your viewership triples within the next two years. Three times the audience, three times the sponsorship.”

Azarel folded his arms across his chest and leaned back against his desk. “So what do you say?”

“Three times the audience?” The words came slowly out of Keeting’s mouth.

Azarel’s grin broadened. “Probably even more.”

For a moment, Page thought that Keeting was going to accept the offer. In a lifetime of litigation, Page had seen the looks on the faces of hundreds of men who had only a few seconds to decide their fate after the judge asked for their plea.

It was an agonized, trapped expression; an intense look that told the world that the accused’s fate would be determined by the next word he spoke. Keeting’s puffy face now wore that same trapped intensity as he debated Azarel’s offer. And from his experience, Page knew that the longer a man deliberated an offer, the better the chance that offer would be accepted. So it came as a surprise a minute later when Keeting said “no.”

“That would mean my damnation,” Keeting finally said. “I cannot do that.”

Azarel pursed his lips slightly and frowned.

“Of course. I understand,” he said. “You have your principles, and I respect that. But I think it only

fair to tell you that our Chief has specific designs on your congregation, and if I am unable to come to an agreement with you today, I am to quadruple our efforts to claim your congregation’s souls.”

Keeting’s expression changed from one of deep thought to alarm. “I....I don’t understand.”

Azarel shrugged his shoulders and returned to his chair. “It is simple really,” he said, sitting down. “I’ll pull a few strings and have an additional ten million demons assigned to tempt your congregation. That will be quite an effective concentration of demon-power. A massive logistical headache, to be sure, but I think by the end of the year, we can tempt about eighty percent of your congregation to turn the channel.”

Reverend Keeting’s face went ashen. “You can’t be serious,” he said, rising from his seat. “My congregation would never forsake me like that.”

Azarel smiled broadly, and for the first time since the meeting began, it bore a slight trace of avarice. “Instead of tuning in at eight every Sunday morning, your congregation will find other things to do.

Many of them will find the morning paper too interesting to put aside; many will linger a few extra minutes over their Sunday breakfast. Most of your congregation, however, will just choose to sleep in and miss your service.

You see, reverend, your flock won’t be forsaking you; they will simply be forgetting you.”

Keeting’s face flushed red, but before the reverend could respond, the director held up his hand.

“That is unless we can come to some kind of agreement.”

For a brief second, Keeting scowled at the demon sitting across the desk. “What kind of agreement?” he asked before slipping back into his chair.

“Well, you’ve already turned down my original offer, so that is out of the question. But I do happen to know that in your youth, you were a bit of a sporting man.” Keeting started to protest, but Azarel silenced him with a wave of his hand.

“No use denying it reverend, this is Hell, you know.

We keep very meticulous records of everyone’s vices. Even yours.”

Keeting mulled that revelation over for a mo-

ment before asking Azarel what he proposed.

“Well,” Azarel began. “I’ve always been a fan of the old fashioned soul wager. Now I know that sounds hopelessly dated, but I love the classic deal-with-the-devil thing. Don’t you?”

“What do you have in mind?” Keeting asked softly.

“That we have a contest. Me against you in anything you like. If I win, you accept the terms of our original deal. If I don’t win, I will no longer trouble you or your congregation. Now that sounds fair, doesn’t it?”

Keeting took a few minutes to think about the proposition before asking the director if he had the authority to make such a deal.

“I make them all the time,” Azarel replied. “So do you accept?” Azarel leaned across his desk and held out his hand.

“And I get to pick the contest?” Keeting’s hand rose slowly upward.

“Certainly,” Azarel said, inching his hand out further. “Anything you want. Chess. Checkers.

Mathematical computations. You name it.”

“Agreed,” Keeting said. He snatched Azarel’s hand and pumped it, sealing the deal. “Then I chose Tic-Tac-Toe.” “Tic-Tac-Toe,” Azarel repeated, withdrawing his hand from Keeting’s grip. “That is an unusual request.”

“You said anything I wanted. I choose Tic-TacToe.” Azarel shrugged his shoulders. “So be it.” He slid open his desk drawer and removed a white sheet of paper. “Come here Page and act as a witness.”

Page hurried to the side of the desk and watched as Azarel drew a Tic-Tac-Toe board on the paper. Keeting also watched Azarel draw the board. “There,” the director said when he finished.

“Who will go first?”

Keeting took the pencil from Azarel and marked an X in the center square. Azarel took the pencil back and drew an O directly below Keeting’s mark. Thirty seconds later the board was full and neither the reverend nor the demon had three marks across. “We seem to be at an impasse,” Azarel said after drawing his final O. “Not at all,” Keeting quickly replied. For the first time since the meeting began, Keeting smiled.

“You failed to beat me, so now you must leave my congregation alone.”

For a second, a puzzled look spread across the director’s face. “Explain yourself, reverend.

You did not win this contest.”

Keeting laughed and waved a fat finger at the demon. “I didn’t have to. You specifically said that if you won, I had to accept your deal, and if you did not win, you would leave my congregation alone. Obviously,” Keeting said, waving his pudgy hand over the piece of paper with the Tic-Tac-Toe board on it. “You did not win our contest. So by your own words, you must leave me and my congregation be.”

Azarel spun around and glared at Page. “Is this true?”

Reluctantly, Page told Azarel that Keeting was correct. “You never made it a condition that the

reverend win, Director.”

Azarel stood stunned. He balled his hands into tight fists, fighting to keep his composure. “Very well,” he said through clenched teeth. “This meeting is over.” Turning back to Page, Azarel told him to escort the reverend to the door.

Page ushered the still smiling Keeting back to the exit. “I still think this is one, crazy dream, but I’d be careful if I was you,” Keeting told Page.

“Your boss looks a little peeved.” Laughing, Keeting stepped into the dark hallway.

Page closed the door and turned to face the wrath of Azarel.

But no wrath came. Instead, Page saw Azarel sitting in his chair with his feet propped up on the desk. “Amazing,” Azarel said, a broad grin spreading across his face. “Simply amazing.” He glanced toward Page who was still standing in the doorway. “You have questions. Come forward and speak freely.”

Page hurried to the side of Azarel’s desk. “I do not understand, Director. You lost the wager and must forfeit tempting this man’s congregation.

That is the loss of four million souls, yet you seem pleased.”

“We haven’t lost a thing,” Azarel said. “Most of those four million are already well on the path to Hell. You see, Page, most of the reverend’s congregation feel that his hour of Bible thumping is a perfectly acceptable substitute for actually going to church. They sit around in their pajamas and drink coffee while that oaf babbles on about Hell and brimstone. They are so smug in their own righteousness that they don’t realize how much they are slighting HIM. Remember the power of apathy, Page. Keeting’s congregation reeks of it.”

“Then why this meeting, Director, if we already have claim to most of his congregation?”

“Ratings,” Azarel said, sliding his feet off his desk. “Reverend Keeting has been a very valuable asset in our recruitment efforts, but, unfortunately, his popularity has peaked. He has grown bland and fat, and if he does not get some energy back into his preaching, he will certainly be off of network television within a year. That would be a terrible waste of free advertising. As such, Keeting is too valuable a commodity to us right where he is, so our meeting was arranged to provide him with a much-needed infusion of hypocritical selfrighteousness.”

“You see, Page. Like most of his brethren, Reverend Keeting believes himself to be a pious man, but fortunately for us, his purity pales in comparison to his arrogance. He is more concerned with being a celebrity than truly doing HIS work. Now imagine how enthused he will be, how inspired he will be, to tell the world how he stared into the eyes of a demon and outwitted him. This will become the cornerstone of his new and improved ministry; his humble revelation that not even the devil, himself, could tempt the Reverend Hamilton Keeting.” Azarel began to chuckle, and to his surprise, Page joined in.

Page abruptly stopped, realizing that he hadn’t been given permission to laugh. Azarel ignored the outburst, but Page knew someday he

would have to answer for that momentary indiscretion.

“Ego, Page. Ego and pride, the two oldest sins in the book are what will consume the good reverend’s ministry. And we should not underestimate the effect of ego on Reverend Keeting’s appeal. With a little fire in his belly, he can be a most entertaining man, capable of doubling his congregation. And all those souls who get seduced by the reverend’s new-found zeal, will be poisoned by his arrogance. They will come to treat us with disdain rather than fear, and in time, they will think us no threat at all. And Reverend Keeting will certainly not dispel that idea. In fact, he will promote it. He will call our Chief a coward and a weakling. He will call me an imbecile while he exalts himself. Soon, his congregation of millions will not look toward HIM for salvation; they will turn to the Reverend Keeting, the very pious and humble man who faced down the devil.”

“You see, Page, as a result of this brief meeting, we not only strengthen our hold on the good reverend, we will claim, at least, an extra million souls before the end of this quarter. Those kinds of numbers are very pleasing to the Chief, I assure you.”

A million damned souls because of one man’s arrogance; the harsh truth both shocked and impressed Page. He had not been in Hell so long that he had lost all compassion for the living — though he would in time; nor was his nature so cynical that he accepted the adage that misery loved company. Part of the humanity that he was allowed to keep in Hell despaired for the million who would soon find themselves trapped in the lines of the damned. But another part of his humanity, the sterner part that thrived on the cold dictates of rationality, admired the skill and ease by which Azarel was able to acquire the additional million souls. It was this dominant side of Page’s nature that defined his living years, and it was this side that allowed him to recognize the perfect efficiency of the Director of Mortal Sins.

For a moment, an emotion abandoned decades ago in one of the endless lines of Hell resurfaced in Page with such a force that he thought he might explode. Pride, the first original sin, erupted within the deepest part of his soul and filled him. Of all the souls who had been damned over the eons, he, Page, had been given the honor to serve such an exquisitely perfect master as Azarel.

If his eyes were capable of weeping, he would.

“So,” Azarel said. “What is next on the agenda?”

Page glanced at the sheet on his clipboard. “A meeting with the Undersecretary of Sloth, Director.”

“Damn,” Azarel said. “He’s never on time.”

Azarel pointed to the chair in front of his desk and told Page to sit. “You might as well get comfortable, Page, we have quite a wait ahead of us.”

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

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 27

Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2006 Promotes Fire Prevention Calendar of Events •

Alle-Kiski-Connie Sojourn: Canoeing/kayaking and touring on the Conemaugh, Kiski and Allegheny Rivers… day trips or overnight.

May 19 – 22, 2006; For more information call the Chamber office at 724-845-5426.

•

Tour de Trout Fishing Tournament: Great family event …. lots of cash prizes and trophies to be awarded.

7am – 2 pm, Saturday, June 3rd Northmoreland Park, Allegheny Township.

Cost: $5.00

•

22nd Annual Golf Outing: Prizes include, $20,000

cash, a new car, savings bonds and more!

Friday, June 23rd, The Links at Spring Church, Apollo Cost: $115 per person Tee Sponsorship: $100

• 18th Annual Tour de StrongLand Bike Race: A two-day event!

Saturday, September 9th, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Roaring Run, Apollo. Off-Road Races range from 5 miles for the novice to 15 miles for the expert. The race traverses through woodland trials, over hills and through streams.

Sunday, September 10th, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Kunkle Park, Washington Twp., Apollo. On-Road Races range from short sprints to 50 miles. This race is being held in conjunction with the Fort Hand Festival and includes children’s activities, the A-K Classic Car Show, food & craft booths, flea market, music, fireworks and more! Admission is free to the public; bike riders - $15; Kid’s Lap Race - $5; Children’s Event, free. Information: 724-845-5426; http:/ /www.strongland.org; or email us at strongland@alltel.net.

Mother’s Day – May 14 • Fathers Day – June 11 28 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

March18th, 2006 was the day for which Cheryl Cameron had been waiting. She has been competing in the Mrs. Pennsylvania International pageant over the last 10 years. This year would be bid number 8 for the title that seemed to be just out of reach.

Placing in the top ten once, being named third runner-up once, second runner-up once and 1st runner-up four times through the years just made the goal of winning the crown and title of Mrs. Pennsylvania International more significant.

Persistence with a purpose finally triumphed when she was crowned in Altoona at the Jaffa Shrine.

That purpose changed from a platform of volunteerism to fire prevention when on December 20th, 2004 the Cameron family lost their house, two beloved dogs and practically all of their worldly possessions to a fire. Being thankful while contemplating the fact that no humans were home when fire broke out, the nagging question of “what if”? still lingered. The answer spurred Cameron into getting involved with fire prevention and family preparedness. Working with the local fire department and office of emergency services in Crawford County has been a springboard and network to more opportunities.

One of the first things that Cameron did after being crowned was to speak to an elite group of high school students who had earned the honor of singing in the Pennsylvania State Chorus. Ironically this took place in her alma mater, Springfield High School, which coincidentally suffered a huge fire while she was in middle school. The damage was devastating and the school had to be rebuilt. She took a commemorative picture in the archway, the only thing left standing of the old high school after the fire had done its damage. Coincidentally, the weekend was April 1st, the weekend clocks were to be changed. The

big campaign has always been to change your clocks AND check and change your batteries in your smoke alarm. Cameron told the students to not only do that, but to run a home fire drill as well. This event could save your life!

Fundraisers, speaking engagements at dinners and club meetings have been the educational strategy thus far. Plans are in the works for many other appearances! June will have her in the Altoona area for the Firemen’s Association event at the Railroader’s Museum.

Plans are also being made for a Hometown Hero Event, a Fire Safety Day in Conneautville, her hometown, a Mothers of Preschoolers Banquet and a Fire Prevention weekend at the Boyds Bear Barn in Gettysburg!

Now it wouldn’t be fair to just talk about her platform without sharing some important points that she wants you to remember.

1. Have WORKING smoke alarms in your house!! Have one for every 600 square feet of living space. You can never have too many!

2. Know your escape route! Know two ways out of each room in your house and practice your fire drill two times a year!

3. Know your meeting place and get there as soon as humanly possible so the firefighters can be alerted to anyone who may still be trapped inside.

4. Keep a flashlight handy in all parts of your house, especially in every bedroom. Fire and smoke are dark and the light will help you find your way out!

Remember: Educate, reiterate the importance of fire safety and family preparedness because the best way to combat a fire is to stop it before it starts.

Don’t be scared, be prepared!!

If you would like to learn more about fire prevention and family preparedness, or would like Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2006 to speak at your event, please contact her via e-mail at gleche@alltel.net or by telephone at 814-587-3592.

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NEW ALEXANDRIA Curves for Women Di’s Pizzeria & Restaurant Johna’s Hair Design Oasis Hotel Qwik Stop The Roadhouse

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 Italian Gourmet Deli - Donegal Kreinbrooks Market - Jones Mills Living Treasures Animal Park - Donegal Log Cabin Motel - Donegal Lost Mountain Campground - Rockwood Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic - Stahlstown Mountain Horse Saddlery - Donegal Northwood Realty - Donegal Oakhurst Tea Room - Somerset Sarnelli’s Market - Jones Mills Seven Springs Mountain Resort -Champion Tall Cedars Restaurant - Donegal UniMart - New Florencel WEST Courtyard by Marriott -Penn Ave (David L. Lawrence Conv. Ctr.) If you would like the Laurel Mountain Post delivered to your business location for distribution to the community, please give us a call at 724-331-3936!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 29

COUPON VALUES FREE CUP OF SOUP with the purchase of a summer salad Latrobe-Derry Road in Bradenville, PA expires 06/30/06 (LMP)

(724) 539-3441

Scotty G’ s Pizzaria G’s Original Large 1-Topping Pizza

$6.99

Academy of

The Wagging Tail

Pet Grooming and Express Pet Wash

FREE Moisturizing Treatment and Teeth Brushing with Full Groom

pick-up only or delivery

expires 6/15/06 (LMP)

expires 6/15/06 (LMP)

815 East Pittsburgh St. Greensburg, PA 15601

724-532-2242 907 Ligonier Street, Latrobe

724-834-BARK

ZAPPONE SAUSAGE COMPANY RETAIL STORE Long’s Road in Latrobe, PA • 724-539-1430 • ZapSausage@aol.com Specialty, Gourmet & Italian Foods

Put your coupon in this space for only $25 per issue!

Celtic Culture

15% OFF ONE

REGULAR-PRICED ITEM

Does Not Include Consignment - expires 6/30/06 (LMP)

106 E. Main Street in Ligonier

724-238-7003 www.EquineChic.com

Heavenly Hair

Buy 10 Tans Get 10 FREE

MOVING SALE 20% OFF THE ENTIRE STORE

Massage by Kathy

xpires 06/30/06 (LMP)

Route 982, 1/2 mile from Derry Area High School

e

218 W Main St in Ligonier

724-238-2420

1 Hour Massage $30

724-694-2696

The Wallpaper & Decorating Shoppe, Inc.

FREE • FREE • FREE • FREE • FREE • FREE

310 S. Penna. Ave. in Greensburg

1 pound bag pasta with a $12 dollar order

FREE NIGHT LIGHT*

expires 6/15/06

Eq uine Chic F or Hor se & Home Equine For Horse

724-832-1060

*with any purchase of $35 or more select in-stock lights while quantities last

Mozart House Restaurant FREE GIFT on Mother’s Day with coupon – exp. 5/14/06 (LMP)

340 Main Street in Latrobe 724-537-5199

Buy one cup of coffee at the Gristmill Coffeehouse, get the other for half-price. expires 06/15/06 (LMP)

Saint Vincent Gristmill, Beatty Road, Latrobe

www.gristmillcoffee.com

Advertising deadline for the July-August issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is Thursday, June 15.

Call us today at 724-331-3936 to reserve your space in the newspaper everyone in Westmoreland County is talking about!

we put the fun back into advertising. find the marketing plan that’s right for you, with the Laurel Mountain Post and beyond.

www.biffBOOcommunication.com 30 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Equine Chic For For Horse, Horse, Home Home & & You You

Kids Starter Package Jodphurs, Boots, Helmet and Gloves All for under $125!

Get Riding Early!

EQUINE CHIC 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

Selling Florida . . .

One grain of sand at a time!

1.800.536.2309 patrickoates@kw.com