Laurel Mountain Post :: November-December 2006

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST A Magazine for the Heart of Westmoreland County

Every Story Begins At Home.

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006: The Shop Around The Corner • Second Hand Roses • The Wiggles!

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Celebrate Christmas

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November 24: Light Up Night/Santa’s Arrival 6:00 PM, On the Diamond

December 3: Ligonier Town Wide Open House featuring strolling singers, Kettle Korn Man and Twisted Pretzels, Noon-5:00 PM all around town Covenant Presbyterian Church will present an organ recital from 5:30 to 6:30 pm Mark Your Calendars: Ligonier Ice Fest, January 27-28, 2007!

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

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MOUNTAIN VIEWS Cathi Gerhard Williams

A Million Falling Stars Snowflake crystals are being formed in our atmosphere at a rate of one million billion per second. Over the history of time on earth, ten times the mass of the planet has fallen down upon it as tiny diamonds made of ice and born from water droplets inside the clouds. Each snowflake is made up of tiny, perfect little facets, although the crystal itself is far from symmetrical and perfect as we like to think.

Microscopic imagery reveals the uniqueness found in every sparkle.

Snow is peaceful and quiet as it makes its way down from the sky, but it demands our attention. It requires our respect, and sternly tells everyone to stop what we are doing and wait until it is finished.

There isn’t much else on earth that can do that these days. For me, a snowfall is often a welcome respite in the middle of chaos. Who doesn’t remember the comfort and satisfaction of an impromptu “snow day?”

There are moments in our life that make up our own unique set of memories. Sometimes we can’t see just what made them special until we take the time out to look at them closely. No two are alike, and a lot of work went into creating each one.

Facets we took for granted can be revealed upon closer inspection and re-

flection. Each time we remember, we find a new sparkle.

Some of my favorite memories actually involve the snow, rather than the ice crystal simply being an analogy for a good story. I went for a horseback ride with my neighbor, Derrick, one day across the snowy

fields of the farm. And now that day is the first thing that comes to mind when I remember the happy, playful years of childhood . . . the last time I felt totally free and secure.

My son was two weeks old one Christmas Eve, and had to be rushed to the pediatrician. On the way home it started to snow, and for whatever reason, I relaxed for the first time since he was born. I was sad and miserable to be away from home for that first Christmas, but as a million little stars came falling

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

down around me, I was overwhelmed by all the things that WERE right in my life. A montage of happy moments formed in my head, and I felt happy again.

Snow can be a blanket of white – an empty, endless field on a bleak midwinter day. But when you consider that black is the absence of colors and white is actually the combination of them all in light, it doesn’t seem so desolate. It turns out that snowflakes are the frequent rainbows in our lives that we never seem to notice.

They are all around us, and they come back every year, just like Christmas.

It is that time again, when our eyes turn toward the holiday season. We might feel rushed and harried as we work toward the ultimate goal of celebratory perfection. But when that first snowflake falls, remember to stop, look, and listen. It really is the best advice as we travel down the road of life.

From everyone at the Laurel Mountain Post – staff, family, and friends – I would like to wish you all the brightest of holidays. May the coming year be filled with sparkles and rainbows for you to treasure always.

advertising@LaurelMountainPost.com

Briana Dwire Tomack Cathi Gerhard Williams editor@LaurelMountainPost.com

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

Proud member of the Latrobe and Ligonier Chambers of Commerce

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS: NOV-DEC 2006 (Volume III, Issue 5)

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.

Walt Brewer, Daniel Chicka, Barry Dwire Jr., Carol Dwire, Ron Durika, Steve Gaul, Shelly & Carol Gerhard, Joy Monticue, Barbara M. Neill, Ruth Richardson, J.B. Rossi, Michelle Schultz, Nicole Vitale Smith, Jennifer Smoker, 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

DERRY REMEMBRANCES Ruth Richardson

Christmas At Derry B – 1962 I recently attended my twentieth class reunion. OK, I can’t get away with that statement, since unfortunately it is widely known that I was a member of the Derry Area class of ‘66. For the first time, we combined our reunion with another class, 1965. Throughout the evening, there were many hugs, much laughter and a whole lot of ‘Do you remember the time...?’ At one point in the evening, I sat at my table studying all those dancers as they laughed and strutted their stuff. I found that if I looked past the laugh lines, the salt and pepper hair and the somewhat slower pace of the ‘frug’, I could still see a flash of those teenage faces I remembered so well. I could hear the young and enthusiastic laughter that had once echoed down the halls of Derry Area High.

While venturing back in time even further than high school, a group of us recalled our exploits in junior high at Derry B. Our graduating class had been separated into two different junior highs - Derry A (Derry Area) and Derry B (Derry Borough). In the fifties, Derry also housed two separate high schools. Imagine, the little town of Derry having two high schools. Today, most of the grades are amalgamated into one big campus, at the site we called our senior high. This complex has nothing to do with how we think of good old Derry High. What they call the ‘middle school’ is the Senior High to us, and always will be. Next door is our junior high. We don’t care how they refer to it, we know it is Derry A.

the sunlight to pour in. Each morning, we would start the day off with Mrs. McKelvey selecting a student to come to the front of the class and read a verse from the Bible. You were allowed to choose it or she would find one of her favorites for you to read.

Next we all stood for the Lord’s Prayer, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. I remember our Catholic friends remaining silent after the ‘deliver us from evil’ part of the prayer, and allowing

Only half of the Derry B building is still standing.

Sadly, Derry A has been razed and completely replaced by a new structure, complete with indoor swimming pool. At least when you round the corner at West Fourth Avenue and Y street, you can get a small feel for what a beautiful old building Derry B once was. The wide front steps we hung out on are long gone, but not if we close our eyes. I can still see them, framed by the ornate yellow brick walls and the big double windows. I remember the huge chestnut trees that shaded the ramp down to the auditorium on the left side of the building and the music room on the right side. And I can recall the names of most of our teachers, and our principal Mr. Rupert.

the Protestants to complete our version. No one complained or felt threatened, no parents went to the school board, and no law suits were filed. I cannot recall any harm ever coming to anyone from that early morning 10 minute ritual.

After you pushed through those big front doors with the windows that had metal screening between the glass, you entered the vestibule. From there you went up the wide center staircase to the classrooms on the second and third floors, or down the side stairs to the auditorium. Mrs. McKelvey’s room was on the first floor, the first door on the right side of that long center hall. This was my homeroom for eighth grade. It was in the front corner of the building and had three sets of those huge windows that allowed 4 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

During the holiday season, we could feel the excitement coursing through the halls of Derry B. We would arrange our schedules for the flurry of activities ahead, dividing our time between family get-together, school, church, and parties at our friends houses. “Winter Break” was still “Christmas” in those days, and we celebrated it in all it’s glory. Jesus was front and center during His holiday, and our decorations reflected that, complete with manger scenes in the classrooms, and out front. I recall taking home colored pictures in elementary school, and painting Christmas scenes on our classroom windows with poster paint. The designs were not only of Santa and Rudolph, but equally of baby Jesus, the star of Bethlehem, and the three wise men.

As a student council member at Derry B, I was allowed to get out of class to help decorate the school,

including the huge Christmas tree in the hallway.

The members would also plan a holiday dance in the gym, which we decorated with all the Christmas splendor that remained in the storeroom beside Mr. Bucci’s room at the end of the hall. If I remember correctly, this storeroom was also where he would take the troublemakers to dole out one of his famous paddlings. The Saturday night before Christmas vacation started, we would meet in the gym and slow dance to all of our favorites 45’s. To add to the aura of this special time, we would also include Nat King Cole singing Chestnuts roasting on an open fire...and jitterbug to Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock.

During that long winter break, friends would sometimes host Christmas parties, or even more exciting, one on New Year’s Eve. On that night, we were actually allowed to stay out until midnight. Our parents, however, were parked in the driveway waiting to pick us up at 12.15.

Other evenings, we would go to the Gem Theater to see a movie, and afterwards gather at Murray’s Restaurant. They had a juke box in the back and we would play ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ by Brenda Lee and dance in the aisle until Mr. Murray came out of the kitchen and yelled at us because he didn’t have a ‘license for dancing’. Although we had never heard of such a thing, it would not have occurred to us to argue with him (or any adult, for that matter). We just sat back down in the booths, never questioning his authority.

My Derry B gang consisted of at least 20 of my best friends, boys as well as girls, and we would coordinate the holiday festivities on our marathon phone calls.

My number was OX 4-9116, OX for OXbow. The Latrobe prefix was KEystone. I wish I could remember the other ones, but I never used them. I wasn’t allowed to call anywhere else, even Blairsville or Ligonier because they were toll calls.

I remember chatting with David Allison every day after school until my mom threatened to hang up the phone herself if I didn’t get off. David’s girlfriend was Cherie Roadman, my best friend, so we had lots’ to chat about. I also talked endlessly with Terry Rubino, who we tragically lost in a car crash right before graduation. He was ‘going steady’ with another best girlfriend, Annie Craver, and I was the designated go-between when they were having a fight. We sometimes would switch steadies’. One week my boyfriend was Tommy Ehman, and the next, it would be Tank Caviggia. Then Tank would like Judy Sylvester and Cherie would be going with

Tommy. We were figuring out how to relate to the opposite sex, I guess, and what an exciting and innocent time it was. We all remain great friends and still laugh about our revolving door romances.

We also remember and miss you, Terry. Are you still laughing with us?

Later, in high school when we were able to drive, we could take advantage of winter activities that required a car, like ice skating at St. Vincent Lake or skiing at Laurel Mountain or Bear Rocks. But in Junior High we had to make do with Derry’s local recreation. I remember ice skating at Laddie Slavek’s’s pond near the Kingston Cutoff. The boys would play hockey there, too. There was also ice skating on Ethel Spring Lake, but that had to be done on the sly. Sometime later, they would flood the tennis courts beside The Derry Pool for skating. But after the first couple of years, they discovered that all that freezing and thawing was not the best thing for the surface of a tennis court.

In the fall of 1962 I saw a pair of ice skates at Troutman’s in Latrobe and thought the world would come to an end if I didn’t get them for Christmas.

The only problem was, they were $29.95. They came in either ice blue or white and had white fur trim around the ankles. I had seen a similar pair on one of the girls on American Bandstand. Sometimes Dick Clark would have a theme show that wasn’t filmed in the studio. I remember a hay ride location at a farm and a horse back riding/western-themed episode. On the skating episode they had taken the show on the road to a suburban Philadelphia farm for the Christmas/winter production, and the Bandstand regulars were ice skating on the farmer’s pond, complete with bonfire and cute skating skirts.

American Bandstand was where we got most of our information on everything from the latest dance crazes to the latest fashions and hairstyles. After watching that show, I pestered my mother to death about those skates. She said they were just too expensive and maybe we could get them later in the season if they went on sale. Big deal, winter would be over by then. On Christmas morning, after all the other gifts had been opened and we were gathering up the wrapping paper, Daddy brought out a box from the bedroom that had a big bow on top.

With a smile, he placed it in my lap. Inside were those fabulous skates. Today I am aware of the financial struggle it was for my parents to provide us with such ‘luxuries’ and I will never forget the feeling as I folded back the tissue paper and gazed into that box. I took those fur trimmed beauties to bed with me and sat them up on my night stand so they would be the first thing I saw when I woke up in the morning. What a glamour queen I felt like as I glided across the ice in West Derry. Those skates are still in my attic and I have never skated

in another pair since that Christmas. They are one of my most prized possessions.

I can still recall that Christmas so vividly, how can it have been 44 years ago??? When did we all grow up so completely? Where are all those youthful smiling faces I remember so well? I saw a shadow of those handsome teenage boys at my reunion. And the giggles of my girlfriends sounded exactly the same as they did in ninth grade. I caught a fleeting glimpse of the beautiful young girls who used to sip Cherry Cokes at Murray’s while whispering secrets in my ear.

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How have all those years slipped away so quickly?

We asked each other that question at my reunion and talked about how our ‘small town Derry’ upbringing has shaped our lives. We realize now how much we treasure the memories of growing up in our little town, the same one we couldn’t wait to leave. Several classmates who moved far away from Derry years ago seemed melancholy about not giving their children what they now value so much - a foundation of having lots of relatives just down the street and knowing the names of most everyone in your hometown. Our classmates reminisced about so much of it that night, and we shared a feeling that’s hard to put into words. We became those kids again, for just a little while, and we realized what a wonderful, almost magical time those years were for us. Maybe we’re looking at it through rose colored glasses. If so, I say hand me a pair. I want to remember every lovely detail while allowing all the long-ago hurts and disappointments to melt away.

Thank you, my friends, for giving me memories that will sustain me, for all of my life.

TRIVIA How many of Derry B teachers can you recall?

Answer on page 19.

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 and daughter, Riley.

Write to Ruth at ruthelaine@LaurelMountainPost.com .

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

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 5

Come Visit The Shop Around The Corner

From our cover “First Snowfall” by George H. Rothaker, printed exclusively for the Jimmy Stewart Museum. The unveiling of a new Rothaker print will be held December 2.

Start your own Bedford Falls Christmas Village with pieces from either the ceramic collection (above) or the popular Cats Meow series (below). For a complete online catalog, or to learn more about authorized merchandise, please visit the Museum’s website at www.jimmy.org or call 1-800-83-JIMMY!

6 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

When I was a freshman at Indiana University of Pennsylvania my roommate, Megan, and I found out that most of the kids living in our dorm had never seen It’s A Wonderful Life. So we rented out a room in the college library and held a screening party one night in early December.

When you think of college parties, beer and raucous activities come to mind. But on this night, we all had a great, old-fashioned popcorn and laughter night at the movies. The simple storytelling that had seemingly been forgotten by recent decades of special effects and violence in film took hold of our young minds. And 30-some members of our postmodern generation fell in love for the first time with an American classic . . . Jimmy Stewart.

He was born and raised right there in Indiana, Pennsylvania. When I later moved to off-campus housing on Water Street, I used to walk past his family home atop Vinegar Hill every day. Once you have lived in Indiana, it is hard not to make the comparisons to the immortalized Bedford Falls in the movie. You can almost see George Bailey running down Philadelphia Street. And I can’t help but picture Nap & Josephine Patti as Mr. & Mrs. Martini. The timelessness of the town and its people lives on, and the life and times of Jimmy Stewart are forever immortalized just down the street and around the corner.

The Jimmy Stewart Museum is located in the Indiana Free Library building on the corner of 9th and Philadelphia streets. It includes several galleries, each with a different focus: • It’s A Wonderful Life Gallery: Two murals depicting scenes from the movie adorn the walls. Highlights include photos of cast members, posters, excerpts from Director Frank Capra and loads oft r i v i a .

Read a few behind-thescenes stories from the beloved holiday classic.

• Indiana Gallery celebrates the early years of the Stewart family and the rich history of Indiana County. A 30-minute audio tour, narrated by Nick Clooney is available. Family scrapbooks, artifacts from the family hardware store, a full-size replica of the Jimmy Stewart statue and an exhibit depicting Jimmy’s radio career highlights this popular gallery.

Video presentations run continuously and spotlight Jimmy’s childhood, career and visits back home.

• Hollywood Gallery: Jimmy Stewart’s extensive film career is depicted in chronological order from 1934 to his last picture in 1991 (voice of Wylie Burp in An American Tale: Fievel Goes West).

He was nominated five times for an Academy Award and won the Oscar for his role in The Philadelphia Story. Here you will find something from all 81 of his films – black and white stills, original film posters, scripts and

costumes. Highlights include Jimmy’s western costume from Night Passage, and an autographed propeller blade – a gift from the cast of The Flight of the Phoenix, Jimmy’s personal sketch of Harvey, and his commemorative Winchester rifle.

• The newly enlarged Military Gallery exhibit is in the 1940s section of the Hollywood Gallery. Jimmy Stewart proudly served his country during World War II, flying combat missions. The Military Gallery houses photographs and awards from his distinguished Air Force career. Brigadier General Stewart’s military tuxedo with medals, a dress ble uniform and two flight suits worn during his active duty training with the Air Force Reserves are on display.

• Film Theater: The 50-seat space features classic theater seating with a professionally installed sound and screen system. Film biographies are shown daily, and the theater is also available for private parties and seminars.

• Awards Gallery: Dozens of Jimmy Stewart’s awards are on display, including the prestigious American Film Institute Award, Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Award and the Golden Boot Award.

Mr. Stewart’s personal desk and chair are flanked by his U.S. flag and Brigadier General flag.

A Celebrity Tribute Dinner and presentation of the Museum’s prestigious Harvey Award is held each year. Past honorees who have appeared in person at the Museum to receive the award include June Allyson, Janet Leigh, Shirley Jones, Ernest Borgnine and Rich Little. This year’s winner was James Best, known for his role as Roscoe P. Coltrane on the Dukes of Hazzard and who also appeared in Shenandoah, Firecreek, Mountain Road and Winchester’73, with Jimmy Stewart. Mr. Best received his award on October 20.

Before you go, be sure to stop in and visit The Shop Around The Corner.

The official Museum store features high quality memorabilia for th true Jimmy Stewart fan! From T-shirts, sweatshirts, books and posters, to the famous disappearing Harvey mug!

Choose from over 60 Jimmy Stewart classic films onn video. Plus, they offer the largest assortment of It’s A Wonderful Life collectibles this side of Bedford Falls! No admission fee is charged to shop in the store, and you can shop online any time by visiting www.jimmy.org.

Museum hours run MondaySaturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Sundays and Holidays, noon to 5 pm; closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, military and college students, $3 for children 7-17, and free for kids under 7. Group rates are also available by calling 1-800-83-JIMMY. –Museum information and artwork provided by the museum curator, introduction by Cathi Gerhard Williams

Celebrate With Joy and Singing (and Pipes!)

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Some things just seem to go together – love & marriages, horses & carriages, rocking chairs & porches, and organs & churches. No one is more aware of this than the members of the Latrobe Presbyterian Church. They have been working toward their goal of a new organ for approximately two years. Michael S. Long, Director of Music, and the Organ Project Committee have succeeded splendidly in leading them forward.

During a seven-month period the Main Street Church organ was extensively renovated by the Schantz Organ Company of Ohio. This company, located near Akron, was founded in 1873 by A.J. Schantz. The company, which is still under founding family management, is the oldest and largest American pipe organ builder with this distinction. Early in the twentieth century Schantz was well-known regionally. However, after World War II their company gained national recognition creating new organs, or rebuilding and restoring existing instruments. Today the firm accepts commissions world-wide for projects of many sizes, including some of the largest halls, churches, and cathedrals.

To explain the renovation briefly, the word rank should be defined. A rank is a set of 61 pipes, one for each key, or 32 pipes, one for each pedal. Each rank of pipes emits a different sound based on the length, diameter, and pipe shape. The new L.P.C. organ contains 57 ranks of pipes (some re-used and some

new). The organ console, wind chests, and air reservoirs were replaced. In addition the electronic controls were updated.

To celebrate the completion of their organ project a dedicatory concert featuring renowned concert organist Alan Morrison will be held at the church on the evening of November 5th at 7:30 p.m. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Mr. Morrison has been inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. He is a graduate of The Curtis Institute of Music and The Julliard School of Music.

Morrison, at the age of 33 was appointed Head of the Organ Department at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He has recently been honored with the Hass Charitable Trust Chair in Organ Studies at Curtis.

– Barbara M. Neill Mark your calendars and join the L.P .C. L.P.C. in a celebration of joy and singing and pipes!

Alan Mor rison, Organist Morrison, Sunday, November 5th – 7:30 p.m.

Latrobe Presbyterian Church 428 Main Street Latrobe, PA 15650 Ticket Donation $10.00

For further information or tickets call 724-537-3631, Ext. 15 or e-mail music@latrobepc.org All proceeds benefit the mission endeavors of the L.P.C.

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Tel: 724.238.5675 Fax: 724.238.6710

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 7

There’s No Place Like Home

by Barbara M. Neill The Laurel Mountain Post and Whirl Magazine have much in common. The LMP showcases the people, places, and events of Westmoreland County and its neighboring counties. Whirl does the same for Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas. Whirl celebrated five years, and the LMP turned two years old in October. Both publications have evolved over time. In early July I contacted Jack Tumpson, the publisher of Whirl. He told me that he and his wife, Christine, Whirl’s associate publisher, would be delighted to meet with me. After the NBL All-Star Game and its festivities were concluded, we met at the Whirl Offices atop Mt. Washington.

As we began our discussion I asked Jack to provide me with some biographical background on the Tumpsons. “My family and I moved back to western Pennsylvania. Both my wife and I were born and raised in western Pennsylvania. I grew up in the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon. My wife grew up in Washington, PA. My mother was from Bridgeville and my father was from Somerset. My wife’s parents were from Crafton and Greensburg. We have pretty strong extended roots to western Pennsylvania. We had the good fortune to move away and live in another area. We lived in Nashville, Tennessee for about four years. The reason I say good fortune, is because, when we came back, we saw this area with new eyes. Since we’ve been publishing Whirl our appreciation for the area and everything it has to offer has grown. There are so many people that move away from this area and then come back.

People talk about the “brain train” and how our youth are leaving; we think that’s a good idea. It’s great for them to get another perspective and bring that back home with them. This region is probably the greatest area in the country where you can

raise a family. We have a very strong work ethic and deep-seated educational values here in western PA. We also have a cultural infrastructure that doesn’t exist anywhere else. You have to live in New York or Los Angeles or Chicago to come close to the cultural offering that exists here in western Pennsylvania. No other city will ever be able to recreate it, because of the great foundation and support that exists here. This goes back to the industrialists at the turn of the century. We lived, as I said before, in Nashville. Nashville had a wonderful, young, vibrant population. People loved living in Nashville, and we did, too. But they don’t have a symphony orchestra, they don’t have a Carnegie Museum, they don’t have a National Aviary, they don’t have a Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.” To this I added “They don’t have a Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center and Western PA Sports Museum.” Jack replied, “You’re right. Those things don’t exist there. They don’t have the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the arts and entertainment offerings that we have here. Having said that, I would like to add that the mission of our magazine is to promote this region in a positive light. Whirl wants to show the people who, what, and where.”

Jack and I touched on a variety of local concerns and issues. Jack explained the extensive construction that is being done on Grandview Avenue, the home of the Whirl offices. He also chatted about the many new project sites in the city of Pittsburgh. We spoke of “Forbidden Broadway”, a spoof on the classic Broadway hits and performers

Jack & Christine Tumpson of Whirl magazine with LMP writer Barbara M. Neill (center) atop Mt. Washington in July 2006.

8 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

playing at the CLO’s The Cabaret at Theater Square. DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant in Latrobe also came up in our conversation. The Tumpsons and the Neills have a mutual acquaintance in Joey DiSalvo. (In fact Jack had just seen Joey during the All-Star Game celebrations in the city.) Pictured in Whirl’s July issue was a gorgeous Citrus Jumbo Crabmeat Martini created by Gaetano DiSalvo, Joey’s father. I also mentioned how well the July issue of Whirl was selling in Westmoreland County. The issue with a cover story of the late Roberto Clemente, complete with many previously unpublished photos, was attracting a lot of attention. In fact several of the stores which carry Whirl were completely sold out of that issue when I went to buy it for friends and family.

Whirl specializes in eye-catching covers. In their April 2006 issue Whirl celebrated 50 issues with model Beth Ostrosky posing for the cover and feature story. Beth, a Fox Chapel native and girlfriend of Howard Stern, has a career that is skyrocketing. Since I was curious which of the 50 covers were among Jack’s favorites, he pointed out several of the over-sized covers hanging in the Whirl offices. The Jerome Bettis September 2002 and the December 2002 Dawn Osthoff (pictured) covers are two of the covers dear to his heart.

Whirl is very attuned to fashion and style. I am a faithful viewer of Whirl Wednesdays on KDKA’s Pittsburgh Today Live where Jack and Christine often discuss fashion trends and hot retail items.

(You can also Get the Dish on Wish at 99.7FM. They air a Weekly Whirl Report with Jack & Christine on Mondays at 11:45 a.m.) Whirl even sponsors an annual model search. Asking a few personal questions, I found that the Tumpsons do the bulk of their personal clothes buying in the Pittsburgh area. They feel that our local retailers are every bit as good as those in any other city in the country.

In fact they find the service provided to be outstanding. Jack mentioned Larrimor’s, Charles Spiegel, Larry Altman, and Moda as top-notch men’s apparel stores. I recently made a purchase at Serendipity in One Oxford Center where Christine is well-known, and was interested in knowing what perfumes were Christine’s favorites. Unable to give me that information personally, (“She always smells great!”), he had an editor call upstairs to find out what perfumes his wife wears. The answer came back – Rive Gauche and Chanel No. 5, classics to be sure. About this time Christine entered the offices ready to leave with Jack for a local version of “Dancing with the Stars.” Before they left she took me on a guided tour of the offices and joined Jack and me for one of the photos shown here. She is a very attractive, upbeat, and enthusiastic woman. Jack is a witty personality and an astute observer of the world around him. Together they are a dynamic and extremely positive couple.

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2007 PA Trout Stamp Collector Series 2006 marks the end of the paper stamps produced by the PA Fish & Boat Commission for use as trout fishing permits. The trout fishing permits will be electronically processed and sold as a point-of-sale item by the Commission and licensing agents. With the end of the lick & stick stamp process, collectors would be unable to purchase the stamps and additional items relating to the program. The publisher of the program, Wilderness Editions, is now producing the Pennsylvania Trout Stamp-Collector Series.

Pennsylvania Trout Stamps, limited edition prints and collectible patches are available. As the official publisher of the 16 year PF&BC’s program collectors can be sure the PA Trout Stamp Collector Series will be of the same high quality .

This new stamp is not a fishing permit. The series is a program which enables collectors the opportunity to continue collecting a series of trout prints, patches and stamps. The Collector Series will be an annual program highlighting images of trout and Pennsylvania stream scenes.

The First in the series features a brown trout painted by Pennsylvania artist George LaVanish. George has worked with many state and national organizations over the past 30 years producing illustrations for magazines, books, and print programs. His paintings and prints have been collected internationally and has worked with many well known authors, politicians, and television personalities, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.

Limited edition print, collector patch and stamp information is available by calling Wilderness Editions at (800) 355-7645 or at www.wildernesseditions.com.

Loyalhanna Care Center Providing you peace of mind and continuity of care.

••• SERVICES AVAILABLE ••• 24-hour nursing care, wound care, hospice, respite, intravenous therapy, respiratory, enteral feedings, beauty and barber services, newspaper delivery, and telephone ••• REHABILITATIVE SERVICES ••• physical, occupational, speech, falls management, and dysphasia ••• ACCOMODATIONS ••• bright and attractive private and semi-private rooms, cable television in every room free of charge ••• WE ACCEPT ••• Medicare, Medicaid, Security Blue, and most insurances For additional information or to arrange a tour, please call 724-537-5500 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 9

Where Do You Like to Go In Your Big Red Car? Today, I had the pleasure to meet with Jeff Wiggle and ask the questions on the minds of preschoolers all over Westmoreland County. (Greg was out sick and good friend Sam was filling in – get well soon, Greg!)

Anthony, 4, from the Greensburg YWCA Preschool: “Where did you learn to dance?”

Jeff said they have a great choreographer, Leanne Ashley, and a whole team of fabulous Wiggles dancers to accompany them.

When I asked Jeff this question posed by an adult reader of the LMP “Were you influenced at all by the popular cult phenomenon “Star Trek” when choosing your outfits?, Jeff had this to say, “no, but we get asked that quite a lot, I can see where people may think that.

There is a similar look . . .”

Joey, 3 years old, from Ligonier asks, “Why does Greg never take turns and let any other Wiggles drive the big red car?”

Jeff answers, “I am always falling asleep, Anthony is too busy eating, and Murray is entertaining us with his music. It’s only right that Greg drive. He is the only one free to do it.”

I asked Jeff what his favorite tune was: “Rock a Bye Your Bear” (also my personal favorite). I also very much enjoy “Stop at the Light, and Henry’s Underwater Big Band. He said all four are a part of the creative songwriting process and that they try to write songs they know kids can relate to, often taking cues from children.

Jaida, 4, from Martinsburg: “Where do you like to go in your big red car?”

Jeff: “We love to go anywhere- the beach, to State College, the zoo, anywhere!”

After my opportunity to speak with Jeff, the team from the Bryce Jordan Center presented the group with their very own PSU football jerseys. They modeled them for us (left).

Issac, age 4 from Roaring Spring: “Why aren’t there any girl Wiggles?”

Jeff: “Because we all met in college while we were studying and formed a group for a project. That’s just how it happened, because we were all friends. Of course, we have a female choreographer and lots of girl Wiggle dancers . . .”

They were charming, gregarious, and a joy to talk to. Thanks, Wiggles! We love you!!

– Briana Tomack

Let’s Say Thanks to Our Troops!

Specialist Tommy Brooks from the 2-130 Illinois Infantry Battalion served a 12-month tour in Iraq - and says there’s nothing like getting mail from home.

“A letter has a sense of warmth and is more personal than e-mail. With regular mail, it’s all yours to keep and take with you when you’re on the move,” said Brooks.

You can send your appreciation to U.S. soldiers like Specialist Brooks through a new Web site sponsored

by Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) at www.LetsSayThanks.com.

Launched in June, the site allows you to write a personalized message on postcards - drawn by kids across the country - which will be printed and sent to deployed forces in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Following the success of local community card drives in Atlanta and Phoenix, which delivered thousands of postcards overseas, Xerox created www.LetsSayThanks.com to 10 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

give people a way to show their support no matter where they live. Visitors simply click on their favorite design,

drawn by children ages 6-14, and write a personal message to a soldier.

The colorful postcards are then

Card Designed by Lillian, age 9 – Ford City, PA

printed on a Xerox iGen3™ Digital Production Press and mailed in care packages by the military support organization Give2theTroops.

“We started this effort so specific communities could get even more involved with supporting their local servicemen and women,” said Mike Brannigan, president of Xerox’s United States Solutions Group. “But when we saw the reaction not only from the public but also from the troops overseas, we moved to an online effort that will allow people from across the U.S. and around the world to send postcards to the men and women of the armed forces.”

To send one of these cards, visit www.LetsSayThanks.com, click on your favorite postcard design and personalize it with your message, and then hit submit. If you live in the U.S., you can request a copy of the postcard and message to be delivered to you as well. In addition, postcard designs will continue to rotate with new artwork, so visit the site for details on how to submit new drawings for consideration.

DOWN ON THE FARM Shelly Gerhard

Reap What You Sow Hello again from Fairview Farm. We are just finishing up picking corn which turned out quite nicely this year. I don’t bother with yield checks and things like that when all the cribs are full, and I have to put six or eight loads on the barn floor . . . then I know it was a good year. The weather this fall has been really nice. Here it is November 10 and 50 degrees and sunny. I remember many years picking corn in cold rain, snow and mud. None of which are very much fun to deal with.

This year was a pleasure — even I could not complain. The corn picker never broke down, no flat tires on wagons, no broken elevator chain. I had good help, as always: my hard-working wife and children kept the wagons unloaded for me while I was picking corn, and my brother helped a couple of days.

This weekend will be devoted to cleaning up the corn picker and putting it away for another year. It works two weeks and sits idle for 50 weeks. Try to find a place to store the corn wagons. The weather is still good, and I will start chopping corn stalks today. Chopping the stalks helps them to deteriorate faster so they will work into the ground better in the spring.

Since the weather is still warm and dry I am going to round bale some of

the stalks for cow bedding. It really works well, is very absorbent, and the cows love it. They eat a lot of it as soon as you spread it around. The weather is not usually this good in November; some years it is so wet and cold I can’t chop the stalks till spring.

That is about it for field work this year.

The equipment is all under roof for the next few months. I’ll install the snow plow on my tractor, and I’ll be ready for winter.

Now is the time to sell feeder cattle.

These are the calves that my cows raised this summer that now weigh 400500 pounds. I have a lot of hay and grain, so I will keep 10-12 feeder calves over winter and sell them in the spring as heavy feeder cattle. They will weigh 700-800 pounds. If prices are good, they will pay for most of my spring expenses: taxes, fertilizer, seed, chemicals, etc.

Some years, if I am short on hay and grain, the calves all have to be sold in the fall. I am also keeping 3-4 nice heifer calves to replace some of my older cows. The barn is going to be extra full this winter with 16 steers and heifers in addition to my cows.

There will be tons of manure to haul.

The barn will have to be cleaned every 2-3 weeks as opposed to every 4-6 weeks normally.

So I think I’ll have plenty to do all winter long. I will cut some firewood for our wood stove. I try to keep enough cut to stay a year ahead so it is always good and dry. I need to trim some tree limbs that overhang some of my strips.

Our farm is hilly, and we farm what is known as contour strips. The idea being that rows of corn, for example, are always running level around the contour of the hills, as opposed to running up and down hills. This controls the flow of rain water so that instead of water running the row to the bottom of the hill, the rows being level act as little dams to hold water in and let it soak into the ground.

I guess I’ve bored everybody long enough for this issue. I’ll talk to you all next year. Have a great holiday season. I’ll see ya!

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. This day-in-the-life account of small town rural farming is based on a composite of his life experiences. He studied Agriculture at Penn State University and, as an avid reader, continues to learn about a variety of subjects every day.

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 11

THE LIGONIER CHEF Scott Sinemus

Four and Twenty Game Birds Baked In A Pie Growing up here in the mountains it would be nearly impossible not to have been exposed to wild game meals. I do enjoy venison as long as it’s a deer that nibbled a farmer’s corn instead of acorns from the ridge. The acorns seem to make the fat very yellow, and gives the meat a strong flavor. My favorite venison meal is probably medallions that are marinated, pounded with a tenderizing hammer, dredged in seasoned flour, sautéed and deglazed with some wine and brown stock. It’s quick & easy and doesn’t masque the flavor of the meat.

The wild boar I had in France near Versailles was some of the best wild meat I’ve ever had the pleasure to consume. It was moist, dark but not pungent, and surprisingly tender.

My favorite wild meat though has got to be the game birds. Chukker, grouse, bobwhite, pheasant and wild turkey are all at the top of the list. I don’t know how anyone could enjoy domestic turkey after having its wild cousin. Actually I do know why, sadly most people cook their meat until it’s so dry, stringy and tough that no one could enjoy it.

When a friend of my parents was in taxidermy school he would give me his turkey carcass with no skin left on it at all but with all the meat intact. I brined the bird overnight, dried it completely, wrapped it with slab bacon I had sliced into sheets instead of slices before baking, and not a single person that tried it could believe it was wild turkey. The only drawback with game birds is making sure all of the buckshot is removed during butchering.

The other peril with wild game is the men that shoot it somehow seem to think they know how to cook it. Men that never offer help to their wives with any other meal throughout the year filthy up the kitchen and turn out the requisite jerky, stew, steaks…and let’s not forget about all the concoctions they come up with for the burger.

Pheasant is the game bird that is most available for me. My mother in law finally approved of me after I shot a pheasant at the farm. This was no ordinary pheasant; it was huge and taunted me all summer while I was tending to the horses. It seemed to strut around knowing that I didn’t have a gun with me. Finally one day in the fall I said to Dorothy, “get me that .22 and put the water on.” I dropped that bird with one shot between the shoulder blades, plucked most of the feathers off (to make a wreath with) and cleaned the rest off with the plunge into the boiling water. All the while listening to Dorothy telling me, “I don’t know why you’re bothering, pheasant is too dry and stringy to eat.” After I had the bird cleaned & dressed it weighed in at nearly seven pounds! I told you it was huge.

12 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

When I got home I gave it a soak in brine for most of the day. Before I started making dinner I dried it and gave it a rub with herbs and oil, then wrapped it overnight for the following days grilling. I use a hardwood and a fruitwood to grill with when cooking virtually any poultry; for the pheasant I chose hickory and apple wood . . . it was absolutely divine!

Dorothy couldn’t believe that it was the pheasant, and said it was the only time she’s ever enjoyed it.

My friend, Mary, used to make a Scandinavian dish with pheasant that was pure decadence. She cubed the meat, seared it with sweet onions, then covered it with heavy cream in a casserole dish and let it reduce for hours in the oven. It was fall apart tender, and the cream sauce was sublime for dipping crusty artesian bread in.

Pheasant Ragout & pheasant potpie are the two applications I seem to make the most. By caramelizing the meat and all the vegetables and reducing the brown stock made from the bones, it’s such a rich and flavorful meal we rarely ever have leftovers. Of course there aren’t many things under flaky golden puff pastry ever left over.

Hopefully you’re fortunate enough to have someone that enjoys hunting enough that you’ll have pheasant at your disposal. If not, it is readily available for purchase over the internet from several companies. It is fairly expensive (averaging around $25 a bird), but when you consider going to a preserve and shooting your own is nearly the same price, having them arrive in the mail cleaned and ready to go seems worth the extra few dollars.

The following recipe is for pheasant, but is equally delightful if you use rabbit, chukker, or even chicken.

Pheasant Pot Pie For the stock: 1 large sweet onion – large dice 2 carrots – cut into ½” thick slices 2 celery stalks – cut into ½” slices 3 pheasant carcasses rinsed and cleaned of breast & thigh meat 2 juniper berries 1 whole clove 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns 1 teaspoon each: thyme, rosemary, parsley, marjoram & sea salt 3 Tablespoons of tomato paste 1 cup red wine Chicken stock to cover Place the bones in a large shallow baking dish and roast in a 425-degree oven until browned. Then add

onion, carrots and celery and continue roasting, stirring periodically until the vegetables are browned. When the bones and vegetables are brown, incorporate the tomato paste and roast for five more minutes. Remove pan from oven and pour the red wine over the mixture. Using a spatula scrape the fond from the bottom of the pan. If the wine evaporates too quickly add some chicken stock and continue scraping until all of the fond is released.

Transfer the contents of the pan to a large stockpot, add remaining ingredients, cover with chicken stock and simmer for 3 hours. Strain with a fine mesh sieve into a wide pot or Dutch oven and reduce by nearly half.

For the pot pie: 1 large onion – cut into ½” dice 2 carrots – cut into ½” dice 2 celery stalks – cut into ½” dice Breast & thigh meat from 3 pheasants cut into 1" pieces – check for buckshot!

Flour for dredging 1-2 sticks unsalted butter 1 sheet of puff pastry 1 egg beaten for egg wash 1 cup peas – optional Salt & pepper to taste Sauté the onions with 2 T. butter in a large skillet until brown, when browned add 1 T. flour, stir quickly and deglaze the pan with a small amount of stock then pour into a large bowl. Repeat procedure with the carrots and celery. Toss the pheasant with flour and sauté in butter until browned. Remember not to overload the pan or it will not brown. Deglaze with stock between batches. Stir all of the browned ingredients together in the bowl add peas and transfer into a large casserole dish, add stock to cover. Stir to combine the stock. Then allow to cool to room temperature. Unfold and roll the puff pastry until it’s large enough to cover your casserole dish. Brush the rim of the dish with egg wash then cover with the pastry. Brush pastry with egg wash and drag a fork across the top making a lattice pattern or design of your choice. Place into a 400degree oven until brown and puffed up, approximately 45 minutes to an hour, allow to rest for 15-20 minutes then serve and enjoy!

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.

Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons SQUIRREL: GROUSE:

Oct 24-Nov 25, Dec 11-23, Dec 26-Jan 27, 2007 Oct. 14-Nov. 25, Dec. 11-23 Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2007

RABBIT:

Oct. 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 11-23 Dec. 26-Feb. 3, 2007

PHEASANT:

Special season for eligible junior hunters (1216 years old), with or without required license. Cocks only Oct. 7-13

PHEASANT:

Cocks only Oct. 21-Nov. 25. Cocks or hens Oct. 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 11-23 & Dec. 26-Feb. 3, 2007

QUAIL:

Oct. 21-Nov. 25

VINT AGE FILM VINTA IN THE VALLEY “A Star Is Born Born”” November 10 and 11 at 7:30 PM November 12 at 2:30 PM All tickets $6.00

CONCERT SERIES

SPECIAL EVENT

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

A Ligonier Christmas

All Tickets $10.00

December 2 2:30 and 8:00 December 3 at 2:30

Back By Popular Demand

November 17,18 at 8:00 PM November 19 at 2:30 PM

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

$10.00 Adults, $5.00 Children 6 thru 12 All children under 6 Free

SNOWSHOE HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2007 GROUNDHOGS:

No closed season except during the regular firearms deer seasons and until noon daily during the spring turkey season. Hunting on Sundays is prohibited.

CROWS:

July 1-Nov. 25 & Dec. 29-April 1, 2007, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.

WILD TURKEY:

FALL SEASONS: (Male or Female): S bow and arrow only) Oct. 28-Nov. 11 Shottgun & bow and arrow only) Oct. 28-Nov. 18; Oct. 28Nov.11; 3C, 3D, 4C & 4E - Oct. 28-Nov. 18 (Shotgun & bow and arrow only) Oct. 28-Nov. 3 SPRING GOBBLER: (Bearded bird only) Statewide: April 28, 2007-May 26, 2007

BEAR:

BOW & ARROW ONLY: Nov. 15 & 16.

STATEWIDE: Nov. 20-22, Nov. 27-Dec. 2.

DEER:

ARCHERY (Antlered & Antlerless) Statewide: Sept. 30-Nov. 11 & Dec. 26-Jan. 13, 2007.

DEER:

ANTLERED & ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Nov. 27Dec. 9.

ANTLERLESS DEER (Statewide): Oct. 19-21 for Junior and Senior license holders

DEER:

ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 14-21.

DEER:

ANTLERED or ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 13, 2007.

DEER:

ANTLERLESS Dec. 26-Jan. 13, 2007.

DEER:

ANTLERLESS Dec. 11-23 & Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2007

ELK:

ANTLERED & ANTLERLESS: Nov. 6-11 ANTLERED & ANTLERLESS: Sept. 17-22, 2007

Second Hand Roses Consignment: the process of transferring care. This is exactly what consignment store owners deal with daily. They accept clothing, accessories, jewelry, and sometimes gift items and furniture in excellent condition from their consignors to be sold to discriminating buyers. Consignment buying affords you the opportunity to purchase designer items for a reasonable price. In other words, you, the buyer, get more bang for your buck! (Incidentally, Oprah Winfrey and Barbra Streisand are devoted consignment shoppers.) In addition there is a personal touch you that don’t always get at a retail store.

Some owners will contact you if they know they have received something that interests you. Many owners will ship your items, if you can not pick them up at the store.

Shopping in a consignment store can definitely save you some bucks. Not as much as thrift store shopping of course, but it does have the advantage of not having to comb over your garments as closely as you do at a thrift store.

Having a good idea what the retail prices were on the clothing you’re looking at is probably the best tool at your disposal. Since the original owner, and the storeowner are both making a profit on the resale, sometimes the price is higher than it would be at a season clearance sale at a department store.

Shopping the thrift and consignment route is probably the most fun you can have shopping: it’s like a game… you never know what you’re going to find. If you’re looking for something specific, odds are you wont find it the day you’re looking. If your search is for trousers and not a specific color or style you won’t be nearly as disappointed.

Of course the biggest consignment store in the world is on the net, e-Bay! It seems that more and more people are selling their items on the net instead of taking them to either consignment or thrift stores. It’s a gamble of course, but if you’re selling a couture item or significant piece of art it makes more sense to offer it to a worldwide audience for bids.

There are quite a few consignment stores that will even list your items on eBay for you. This is a trend that seems to benefit everyone involved. The seller gets positive feedback and a good reputation, the buyer has peace of mind dealing with a respected seller, and the consignor makes a little more money than a local market might provide.

During this holiday season consider visiting a local consignment store. Most establishments have extensive upscale holiday merchandise. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you will find - quality items and a bargain to name just two!

– Thanks to Dolores Bailey of Twice As Nice and Scott Sinemus at Equine Chic

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 13

A Thing Of Beauty Is A Joy Forever The weather turns cool, the trees start to turn rich shades of gold, and red. It is fall in western Pennsylvania and that means just one thing to the thousands of licensed hunters . . . time to get your shotguns and rifles cleaned and sighted. Hunting season is now upon us. Growing up in a family of hunters, I know first hand what this means: a day off of school for the first day of buck season. A predawn rise for all the hunters in the family, usually an entire day spent in a tree stand, freezing, waiting for the perfect shot. With four hunters in my family, we usually always had a freezerful of venison for the winter. And I do remember many mounted heads in the hunting camp, but only one in our own home. That is my very limited experience with the art of taxidermy.

Until recently, I never enjoyed the hard work, time and attention to detail that goes into producing a one-of-a-kind likeness of a dead animal. I had the opportunity in March, to attend the PA Taxidermy show at the Blair County Convention Center, which is the largest in the country. I took my two young boys, Sam and Alex, who are fascinated with all sorts of animals. I thought it would be fun for them. They were enthralled with the lifelike variety of things to see. I was amazed at the fine details that made each piece a work of art…a deer drinking from a stream, a black bear holding a bee hive shown with bees buzzing around his nose, a beautiful wild turkey with tail feathers spread wide.

14 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Since having an animal mounted can be pricey, a few suggestions for choosing a taxidermist:

Bob “Hutch” Hutchinson at work.

It is here that I met Mount Pleasant taxidermist Bob “Hutch” Hutchinson. I met with him recently, where I saw him mounting a deer in his shop. He has been doing this work for 23 years and can still find new things to learn. In fact, he just returned from training with world champion Mike Rohanna, honing his whitetail deer techniques. Taxidermists travel all over the country taking their best specimens to be judged.

Hutch has participated in many shows and conventions and has won countless awards, by professional judges and crowds alike.

There is a certification program through the PA Taxidermy association. Make sure they have a good reputation locally. Usually, if you ask around, you will get a plethora of information about someone’s work. Ask questions about guarantees and what types of materials will be used, and make sure you see samples of the work. This is usually the best indicator of the quality of the job you will receive. If someone is not willing to show their work, be suspicious. Also, make sure you get several estimates, keeping in mind that there will be a range for varying quality of work and materials used. Remember the old saying, “you get what you pay for.” This holds true of any purchase where there is competitive pricing within a range.

However, if a price seems too good to be true, there is usually a reason for it. Spend your money wisely, this is a trophy you will be looking at for a long time!!

– Briana Tomack Web Links for more information: www.hutchstaxidermy.com, www.taxidermy.net, www.pataxidermy.com, www.pgc.state.pa.us, www.nra.org, www.taxidermy.net/wtc

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ELECTION DAY NOVEMBER 7, 2006 If you’re fed up with a government that does not listen to the people . . .

If you believe that absolute power corrupts . . .

If you believe, as our Founding Fathers did, that the checks and balance system is the best protection to guarantee the peoples’ voice is heard . . .

Its time for a change!

thu Dec 9

Santa For Seniors Angel Tree Latrobe K Mart; 724-836-5798

thru Nov 5

Tom Savini’s TerrorMania Century III Mall, West Mifflin, PA; 724-684-3684 www.terrormania.net

Thru Nov 19

Ansel Adams: A Legacy SAMA Ligonier Valley; Ligonier, PA 15658; 724-238-6015 www.sama-art.org

Thru Nov 11

Fabulous Fall Exhibit & Sale Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-701 www.latrobeartcenter.org

Thru Nov 30

The Nature of Landscapes, Watercolors by Elmer Knizer Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-7011 www.latrobeartcenter.org

Nov 1

First Fridays Soup Luncheon 1130AM-1PM, Saint Vincent Gristmill, Beatty Road, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-0304 www.benedictine.stvincent.edu/gristmill

Nov 1

Elko Concerts presents Paul Stanley of Kiss “Live to Win” Tour 8 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 1-8

Juried Photography Show Featuring Westmoreland County Photographers Ligonier Valley Library, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6451

Nov 2

Ligonier Valley Rail Road Virtual Tour 6PM, Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-1972 for reservation

Nov 2

Greater Latrobe School District Art Conservation Trust Annual Art Gala 6PM, Greater Latrobe Senior High School, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-4225 Press 8 X 5206

Nov 2

Second annual Step Into Fashion Fantasy hosted by WTAE personality Jennifer Miele The Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-1123 www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org

Nov 2

Senior Social 2PM, Valley Dairy, Jefferson St., Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

Nov 3

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

Nov 3

22nd Annual Loyalhanna Watershed Wildlife Art and Benefit Auction For more information call 724-238-7560

Nov 3

Elko Concerts presents The Musical Box “Selling England by The Pound” 8 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 3-5

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

Nov 4

River City Brass Band presents Birthday Bash 8 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 4-5 Weekends Thru the 26th

Candlelight Tours at Compass Inn Compass Inn, Laughlintown, PA; 724-238-6818 www.compassinn.com

Nov 4

Storytime with Madeline 10AM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

VOTE Bob Casey U. S. Senate Ed Rendell Governor Catherine Baker Knoll Lt. Governor US Congress Jason Altmire. ….4th District John Murtha …. 12th District Chad Kluko ….. 18th District Pennsylvania State Senate Richard Kasunic …. 32nd District Jim Ferlo .………….38th District Barry Stout .………..46th District Pennsylvania State Representatives Joseph Markosek....25th District Deberah Kula……. 52nd District John Pallone.……..54th District Joe Petrarca ..…… 55th District James Casorio…….56th District Tom Tangretti …….57th District Ted Harhai ………..58th District The party that gave you Workmen’s Compensation, Unemployment Compensation and Social Security wants to ….

Keep your job from going overseas Safeguard our Social Security system Provide affordable Health Care for all Americans Balance the budget Increase the minimum wage Implement all the findings of the 911 Commission to provide you and your family with real Homeland Security

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 15

Nov 4

Best Of Biavia featuring the Biava Quartet 730PM, Cecilian Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA; 724-830-4626

Nov 4

Saint Vincent College Series: Manhattan Piano Trio 8PM, Carey Performing Arts Center, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565

Nov 4 Nov 5

Nov 5

Nov 15

Foreign Film Festival presents Together/”Han Ni Zai Yiki”/ “He Ni Zai Yi Qi” (PG) 615PM, Center for Student Creativity, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-4225 www.grlatrobe.k12.pa.us/greaterlatrobe

Nov 16

Westmoreland Jazz Society presents ORSINI BAND Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,2PA 724/837-1500 ext. 27 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

Booksigning with Rebecca Drake, author of Don’t Be Afraid 11AM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

Nov 16

Organ Dedication Concert with organist Alan Morrison 730PM, Latrobe Presbyterian Church, 428 Main Street, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-3631x15 music@latrobepc.org

Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Ligonier Country Inn, Laughlintown, PA; 724-238-3651 www.ligonercountryinn.com

Nov 17, 18

Author Dane Topich signs copies of his newest book, Ultimate Pittsburgh Trivia.

1PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

Stage Right presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man 8 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 17,18

Valley Players of Ligonier Concert Series presents Smokey Joe’s Café 8PM, Ligonier Valley Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.valleyplayers.org

Nov 17

Special Event Fundraiser Bon Voyage to Born of Fire 630-830PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,PA 724-837-1500 ext. 29 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

Nov 18-19

Colonial Holiday Tea Historic Hanna’s Town, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-1800 www.starofhtewest.org

Nov 6

Cancer Benefit-Fundraiser for Relay for Life Ligonier 6PM, Ivy’s Café, Ligonier, PA; 995-1050 www.ivyscafe.net

Nov 8

Relay for Life Kick Off Party 6-8PM, Ligonier Town Hall, Ligonier, PA; www.ligonier.com/relay

Nov 7

Elko Concerts presents Queensryche: Operation Mindcrime I & II 745 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 7

Senior Social Country Café & Video Pleasant Unity, 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

Nov 18

Saint Vincent College Department of Fine Arts Recital 6-1030PM, Robert S. Carey Performing Arts Center, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-532-6600 x 2186 www.stvincent.edu

Nov 8

Foreign Film Festival presents Downfall/ “Der Untergang” (R) 7PM, Center for Student Creativity, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-4225 www.grlatrobe.k12.pa.us/greaterlatrobe

Nov 18

AARP Diver Safety Program 9AM-5PM, Westmoreland Hospital, 877-771-1234 www.Excelahealth.org

Fourth Annual Spirit of Giving Gala 6-9PM, Greensburg Country Club, 724-832-8400; www.greensburg.wpga.org

Nov 18

Broadcast pioneer Eleanor Schano signs copies of her story, Riding the Airwaves: Five Decades in the Public Eye . . . and Counting 11AM-1PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

Holiday American Marketplace Opening Reception 6-9PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA; 724/837-1500 ext. 27 www.wmuseumaa.org

Nov 18

Music of War and Peace 8PM, Cecilian Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA; 724-830-1079 www.wswinds.org

Vintage Film in the Valley presents “A Star Is Born” 730PM Friday and Saturday; 230 PM.Sunday, Ligonier Valley Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.ligoniertheater.com

Nov 19

Stage Right presents Meredith Willson’s The Music Man 2 PM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 10Jan 1

Overly’s Country Christmas Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Unity Twp, PA; 800-968-3759 www.overlys.com

Nov 19

Nov 10-12

Heritage Holidays in the Alleghenies Craft & Gift Show Blair County Convention Center, Altoona, PA; 800-842-5866 www.allegheneymountains.com

Valley Players of Ligonier Concert Series presents Smokey Joe’s Café 230PM, Ligonier Valley Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.valleyplayers.org

Nov 19

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Autumnal Fantasies with Karen Lynne Deal, guest conductor 8 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Holiday Craft Show Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300 www.mountainviewinn.com

Nov 19Thru Jan 28

Author Dick Wissolik and veterans from WWII sign copies of their book, They Say There Was A War 11AM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

Holiday Toy and Train Exhibition Sponsored by HIGHMARK BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA 724-837-1500 ext. 27 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

Nov 21

Second Saturday Studios - Art Animals 10AM-Noon, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,PA 724-837-1500 ext. 19 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org Registration is required

Car Seat Safety Checkpoint By appointment at Latrobe Area Hospital; 877-771-1234 www.excelahealth.org

Nov 21Jan 3

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

Great Train Expo Expo Mart; Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100; www.pghexpomart.com

Nov 24

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents A Little Princess Christmas 10AM, The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Nov 24

Light Up Night/Santa’s Arrival 6PM, On the Diamond, Ligonier; PA; 238-4200 www.ligonier.com

Nov 9

Nov 9

Nov 10-12

Nov 11

Nov 11

Nov 11

Nov 11-12 Nov 12

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

Nov 13

Book Discussion : The 13th Tale by Diane Setterfield 7PM, Barnes & Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622

16 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Nov 24-26

Christmas Arts & Craft Show Expo Mart, Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100, www.pghexpomart.com

Nov 24

Celebration Reception The Art of Toys: Holiday Toy and Train Exhibition sponsored by HIGHMARK Blue Cross Blue Shield 1-4PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,PA 724-837-1500 ext. 29 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

Dec 5

Kenny Loggins-Celebrate Me Home for Christmas 8PM, The Theatre on 5th, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315 www.onstageatiup.com

Dec 5

Senior Social Country Café & Video Pleasant Unity, PA; 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

Nov 24

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

Dec 7

Senior Social 2PM, Valley Dairy Jefferson St., Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

Nov 25

Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents Shirley Jones 8 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 9

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Nutcracker Ballet 3PM, 8PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 1

Latshaw Productions presents The Oak Ridge Boys 2PM, 8 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 9

Second Saturday Studios – Puppet Party 10AM-Noon, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg,PA; 724-837-1500 ext. 19 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org Registration is required

Dec 2

2nd Annual Gingerbread House Contest Ligonier Chamber of Commerce; www.ligonier.com; 724-238-4200

Dec 9

The Guys 8PM, The Theatre on 5th, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315 www.onstageatiup.com

Dec 10

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Nutcracker Ballet 8PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 10

The Westmoreland Cultural Trust hosts an International Christmas for Children The Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-1123; www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Ligonier Country Inn, Laughlintown, PA; 724-238-3651 www.ligonercountryinn.com

Dec 12

Dec 2

River City Brass Band presents Christmas Wrapped in Brass 8 PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 2

Valley Players of Ligonier presents A Ligonier Christmas 230PM and 8PM, Ligonier Valley Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.valleyplayers.org

Dec 2-3

Comedy Production “Noises Off” 730PM, Greater Latrobe High School Auditorium, Latrobe, PA; 724 537-5207 www.grlatrobe.k12.pa.us/greaterlatrobe

Dec 2-3

Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles Expo Mart, Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100; www.pghexpomart.com

Dec 3

Ligonier Town Wide Open House featuring strolling singers, Kettle Korn Man and Twisted Pretzels.

Noon-5PM, Around Town, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com; Covenant Presbyterian Church will present an organ recital from 5:30 to 6:30.

Dec 3

Valley Players of Ligonier presents A Ligonier Christmas 230PM, Ligonier Valley Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514 www.valleyplayers.org

Dec 13

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

Dec 14

Riches, Rivals, and Radicals: 100 Years of Museums in America 7PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,PA 724-837-1500 ext. 10 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

Dec 16

Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra presents Home for the Holidays 8PM The Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850 www.thepalacetheatre.org

Dec 19

Car Seat Safety Checkpoint

By Appointment at Westmoreland Hospital; 877-771-1234 www.Excelahealth.org

Dec 21

Westmoreland Jazz Society presents The Strangers 730PM, Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg.,PA 724-837-1500 ext. 27 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org

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

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 17

18 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Greensburg Mom Goes Beverly Hills! and nutritious snacks for herself and her children. Being a mom, wholesome snacks that provide energy and nutrients were so much more important than feeding children snacks with empty calories. “I firmly believe in the importance of healthy and wholesome foods for children and families.” What began as a quest to create delicious, but nutritional cookies for her small children has turned into a flourishing company: 2 Sweet Kidz (named in playful honor of her two children), and the creation of Truly Wize Brand Organic Gourmet Cookies, Biscotti and Unique Filled Shortbread artisan gift boxes. Three years after creating her company, Truly Wize Organic Cookies can be Medium Gift Box Tower Assortment found on her web site and other national sites. Caren has showcased her products at events and fundraisers throughout Western PA over the past several years. Her company is growing at unbelievably rapid rates and Caren is diligently baking to get Truly Wize products in the hands of consumers and businesses nationwide.

Truly Wize unique filled shortbread cookies and biscotti, created and lovingly baked by Greensburg’s own Caren Weaver, were featured at the L.A. Femme Film Festival held October 5–8, 2006 in Beverly Hills, CA. The L.A. Femme Film Festival is a premier festival that focuses on women filmmakers’ platforming their commercial films for the world wide audience. It is a Festival for women who want to have an equal opportunity in commercial entertainment desiring to change, enhance, or become leaders in the industry as a Director, Writer, Producer or Director of Photography.

The final night of the Festival, from 9 PM to midnight, was a closing night mixer. The evening featured finger foods, desserts, cocktails and a chance to mingle with the winners.

Truly Wize organic cookies, biscotti and unique filled shortbread were included in the gift bags given to attendees. What better place to feature a female-owned, environmentally healthy, gourmet product than a venue in which successful women are being recognized and empowered?

Vanilla Shortbread Filled with a Tart Cherry Carbernet Preserve

Growing up on Long Island, New York, cooking was a hobby for Caren Weaver. Little did she know her hobby would develop into a passion that became her calling. After obtaining a Culinary Degree from the Culinary Institute of America, New York, investing several years as a professional chef in numerous four-star restaurants and hotels and then owning her own food service business, Caren was only getting started. Relocating to her husband’s hometown of Greensburg, PA and deciding to stay home to raise their two small daughters, Caren kept her hand in the culinary world by teaching gourmet cooking classes at the local YWCA, hosting doit-yourself dinner parties and began experimenting with her own recipes for delicious

Truly Wize organic cookies, biscotti and unique filled shortbread are produced with the finest quality 100% organic ingredients and prove to be a delicious, wholesome, gourmet snack. All cookies are mixed in small batches and baked under Caren’s watchful eyes and artistically packaged. Her exquisite line of gift boxes are all works of art. Each order is created when received and with the customer in mind.

Truly Wize takes the utmost pride in baking as well as packaging. The goal is to provide an outstanding product supplied in the finest quality packaging. All products and packaging are ecofriendly, unique and delicious! Truly Delicious, Truly Organic, a Truly Wize choice! Visit the 2 Sweet Kidz web site at: www.2sweetkidz.com or call 1-866-896-5439 (TWO KIDZ).

TRIVIA ANSWERS from page 5 Here are the ones I remember . . . Mrs McKelvey, Mr. Stemmler, Mr. Bucci, Mrs. Nicely, Mrs. Poli, Mrs. Humphreys, Mrs. Carbonara, Miss Bergman, Mr. Burd, Mrs. Ridley, Mr. Joe, Mrs. Albright, Principal - Mr. Rupert, Janitor - Johnny Lyle

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REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill

All’s Well That’s Cogswell: IUP’s Miss Olive Fornear My undergraduate years and most of my graduate years were spent at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I was a music education major with a voice major and a piano minor. A very large percentage of my time was spent at Cogswell Hall, the campus music facility. This structure, named for one Hamlin Cogswell, was built to accommodate 200 undergraduates and a faculty of 20. The present music department has grown to a total of nearly 350 undergrads, 15 grad students, and 34 faculty members. A state-of-theart renovation of Cogswell took place during the course of eighteen months, culminating in a grand reopening on January 17, 2006. I had seen the work in progress in September of 2005 on a drivethrough tour with one of my former I.U.P. instructors, Miss Olive Fornear. Olive, who is now ninety-four, and I went back this summer for an inhouse tour of Cogswell.

This informal tour was conducted by Hally Dravecky, an I.U.P. student, with assistance from instructors James Dearing and Dr. Susan Wheatley.

The Cogswell that I knew is almost unrecognizable. The new and improved Cogswell now has 49 practice rooms (up from 14), 4 rehearsal spaces, a fabulous music library complete with electronically-controlled bookshelves, and 28 new Steinway pianos. We finished our tour in the office of Dr. Lorraine P. Wilson, music department chair. (Dr. Wilson is a New Orleans native. Cogswell and her hometown have a lot in common – rebuilding and rebirth.) In August Olive and I sat in her living room and conversed about Cogswell, I.U.P., and her life in general.

LMP: Olive, would you tell me a little about your early life?

OF: I was born in Monaca, PA. When I was a small child we moved to the Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh. My father was a Methodist minister, and he was transferred to a church there. Later we moved to Beaver Falls and then Homestead.

My father died when I was eleven years old.

Mother was determined that we all receive a college education, and we did. She worked very hard to see that this happened. (Olive had two 20 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

sisters, Ivys and Jean, and a brother, Frank. She is the only surviving sibling today.)

LMP: How is it that you came to be a music teacher?

OF: My mother was a fine musician. She studied piano for two years in Berlin, Germany in her youth. We had a baby grand piano in our home, and my mother began teaching me how to play it when I was five or six years old. Actually, our whole family was always interested in performing of some kind. When I was a freshman in high school we had the first music teacher that came to our town. She was a graduate of Indiana State Teachers College (today’s I.U.P.). She played a baritone, and I had never seen a woman play one of the bass instruments. I did a great deal of piano accompanying for her. When it was time for me to make up my mind about what I wanted to do with my life, I decided to also attend Indiana. I was there as an undergraduate from 1929 through 1933 and received a B.S. in Music Education. Later, I went to W.V.U. for my Masters. I first taught music in the public schools of Windber, PA. In 1958 I began my collegiate teaching career here in Indiana.

LMP: Can you give me your impressions of how Cogswell Hall has evolved over the years?

OF: The music department during my college days was housed in an annex over the dining room of John Sutton Hall. It had two floors – the studios were on the first floor, and the practice rooms and classrooms were on the second floor. The Cogswell Hall that you knew was adequate for that era, but, as of late, the music department had simply outgrown that building. Now, with the renovation completed, the students and faculty have ample space and a wonderfully updated facility.

LMP: Would you elaborate on the awards that are displayed in your home?

OF: I was very surprised to receive The President’s Medal of Distinction. During the intermission of

a concert in Fisher Auditorium, Dr. Petit (I.U.P. President at the time) presented me with that award and Michael Hood, Dean of the Fine Arts Department, contributed some remarks. I also received an Honorary Professor Emeritus plaque.

Another award you see is the Indiana Arts Council Distinguished Service to the Arts Award.

LMP: Could you tell my readers a little bit about what you’ve enjoyed doing since your retirement?

OF: I’ve done a lot of traveling. I’ve visited the Middle East, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Spain, Greece, Italy, and several times the British Isles.

I went with several friends, Mrs. Harrold and Miss Mervine. We had some marvelous times. Closer to home, I played the piano at my church for a number of years. I still attend all the football and basketball games at the University. I was even recognized at an athletic department banquet. I was an active member of the Indiana Arts Council, planning trips and events, and I also enjoyed playing bridge.

LMP: With all of this said, Olive, to what would you attribute your longevity?

OF: Barbara, I think I have the genes of my mother.

She lived to be eighty-three and was never sick a day in her life. I guess I’m a lot like her.

Would that we all could have such genes! I tip my hat to Olive and her mother – survivors both.

Make Way for the Griffins: Seton Hill University’s Dr. JoAnne Boyle Seton Hill University has been an outstanding academic institution for a very long time. Founded in 1883 by The Sisters of Charity, Seton Hill became a university in 2002. S.H.U. offers eighteen varsity sports for men and women. However, missing from the list of available athletic programs was football. Happily, this situation has been rectified. Seton Hill is now the proud home of the Griffins. Early in September I met at Maura Hall with Dr. JoAnne Boyle, S.H.U. President, to find out more about the Griffins. (Dr. Boyle has been President for eighteen years, and was named a 2006

Entrepreneur Award Winner in the nonprofit category by Pennsylvania Business Central.)

LMP: Tell me about you’re early memories of football.

JB: I grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. I can remember as a young girl of, perhaps, fourteen going to see Charleston Catholic playing at Laidley Field. It was a very small school, but we had a very powerful football team.

Never would I guess that I would someday be affiliated with a football team, but later this afternoon our team is heading down to Charleston for a game.

LMP: I understand your football team is called the Griffins. How was the team name decided upon?

the mascot approached she ran to the huge Griffin.

LMP: I decided to contact you after seeing you interviewed on the Fox News Channel discussing the Griffins.

How did Fox hear about the Griffins?

JB: Fox News got the story idea from a New York Times article about the strategies American colleges are using to address the inequity of male enrollment. Typically, females account for 60% of total enrollment and males 40% in college populations today. Since the inception of our football team, Seton Hill has achieved a 50% female and 50% male balance.

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LMP: This is the Griffin’s second season. My podiatrist, Dr. Jim

400 Thompson Street Latrobe, PA 15650 724-537-6831 800-894-3838

JB: We had a student contest to determine the name of our new football team. Some students submitted as team, and some submitted individually. The students proposed a name, a reason for their name choice, and also a logo. We had three finalists.

One of the more compelling reasons for the choice of the name Griffins was the fact that there did not seem to be any other team with that name. The mythological creature itself with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion seemed to embody the fierceness, courage, and spirit which we thought identified our athletic program well.

LMP: Do the Griffins have a mascot?

JB: Oh, yes. In fact something really funny happened at our last game concerning the mascot. I have a lot of young grandchildren, and one of them is a girl of two. She came to the game, and I held my arms out to greet her.

She resisted my embrace, but when

Montgomery, would like to know why you changed from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II this year.

JB: That’s a good question. We had been planning to make that change ever since we decided to have a coed athletic program at Seton Hill. The NCAA is better known in this part of the country. The NAIA is very big in the Midwest and Texas. For travel reasons it is much better to be in a conference close to home. Belonging to the NCAA Division II allows us to play away games with the least amount of interruption to the student schedules.

LMP: How has your young team progressed?

JB: Last season everyone was a freshman. They really weren’t expected to do very well. They won one game, had a few close games, and continued on page 28 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 21

EARTH TALK Questions & Answers About Our Environment While there is no crystal clear answer to the age-old “real versus fake” Christmas tree debate, most environmentalists, “tree-huggers” among them, would agree that real trees are the better choice, at least from a personal and public health standpoint. Some might make a case for fake trees, because they are re-used every year and thus don’t generate the waste of their real counterparts. But fake trees are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC, otherwise known as vinyl), one of the most environmentally offensive forms of non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic.

Furthermore, several known carcinogens, including dioxin, ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride, are generated during the production of PVC, polluting neighborhoods located near factory sites. Most of those factory sites are actually in China, from where 85 percent of the fake trees sold in North America originate. Labor standards there don’t adequately protect workers from the dangerous chemicals they are handling.

In addition to PVC, fake trees contain lead and other additives designed to make the otherwise rigid PVC more malleable. Unfortunately, many of these additives have been linked to liver, kidney, neurological and reproductive system damage in lab studies on animals. The Children’s

Health Environmental Coalition warns that fake trees “may shed lead-laced dust, which may cover branches or shower gifts and the floor below the tree.” So heed the advice of the label on your fake tree telling you to avoid inhaling or eating any dust or parts that may come loose.

The primary downside of real Christmas trees is that, because they are farmed as agricultural products, they often require repeated applications of pesticides over their typical eight-year lifecycles.

Therefore, while they are growing— and then again once they are discarded— they may contribute to pollution of local watersheds. Beyond the run-off issue, the sheer numbers of trees that get discarded after every holiday can be a big waste issue for municipalities that aren’t prepared to mulch them for compost.

The most eco-friendly way to enjoy a Christmas tree is to buy a live tree with its roots intact from a local grower, and then replant it in your yard once the holiday has passed.

However, since trees are dormant in the winter, live trees should spend no more than a week indoors lest they “wake up” and begin to grow again in the warmth of your home. If this happens there is a good chance the tree will not survive once it is returned to the cold winter outdoors and replanted.

CONTACTS: Children’s Health Environmental Coalition, www.checnet.org; About.com’s “How to Care for a Live Christmas Tree,” http://forestry.about.com/ od/christmastrees1/ht/living_x_tree.htm.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.

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TAKE IT ON FAITH Pastor Ron Durika

Have We Become Preoccupied With Our Own Well-Being?

How do you feel about your church? Do you think it is being faithful in its calling to follow the teachings and commandments of God? I know there is room for interpretation in the way that a church fulfills this, but do you believe that your church is being faithful to God, or is it being led by what the world would call it to be?

In the Bible, Matthew’s account of Christ’s life concludes in the 28th chapter with what is commonly known as “The Great Commission.”

Here we have Matthew’s last recorded words of the risen Christ which are, “All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always to the very end of the ages.” These final words recorded here are meant to instruct the church in what to do after Christ has ascended to heaven and where the church’s priorities must lie. We as Christians are to go and teach what Christ has shown us about ourselves and about God. Day by day we are constantly trying to make better lives for ourselves and this has carried over into the church today. Many churches seem to be slipping away from what they have been called to do, and instead of going out they look inward.

We are more concerned about the comfort of the people in the pews than we are for the salvation of the lost. Have we lost sight of the purpose of the church, which is to save people, and instead become preoccupied with our own well being?

I came across a story I would like to share with you that illustrates this problem with the church today. There was once a rocky coastline that was a danger to shipping, and many lives were lost. One day a few concerned people who lived by that coast decided that action needed to be taken to stop this tragic loss of life. They formed an organization that would do all it could to save people from this danger.

They built a small hut on the beach and stored a boat there so that when the people who were in peril at sea were spotted, they had a way of rescuing them. They all trained very hard and used their boat to head out into the treacherous waters to save many who would otherwise be lost.

As time went on, news of their unselfish bravery in saving people brought in many new people who wished to join in this cause.

One day someone suggested that they build an addition onto their small beach dwelling so that they could cook hot meals for the survivors and give them a place to rest and regain their strength. They did this and enjoyed an even greater success in saving people. Soon the people who had been saved, as well as the people who

lived in that area, were coming down to the beach to offer their assistance in this noble cause.

Since their numbers were growing so large and there was a new found bond between them to save others, someone thought they should build yet another addition so that they would have a comfortable place to meet and enjoy fellowship together. They did this, and the rescue organization grew in numbers and in spirit towards one another.

One day a ship struck the rocks, and the volunteers had a difficult time getting out to save them. They nearly lost their lives but managed to bring them safely to shore. Later, as the rescuers told the others about the hazardous time they encountered in saving these people, someone suggested that they train full time professionals to risk their lives saving those in need and that they would now maintain the rescue station.

Some thought this was a great idea, but a few others felt that this was getting away from what they had originally been organized to carry out. A lively discussion followed, and the group that had been so unified in their ideas now split.

Those who decided that they must maintain an active part in rescuing the lost moved further up the beach and erected a small hut with a boat stored inside. This small group now went out into the dangerous waters rescuing those in peril, and they soon began to grow in numbers as their fame spread. One day someone suggested that they build a small addition onto their hut so they could offer food and shelter to those who were rescued. This was accomplished and found to be successful. As word of their saving work became known, more and more wished to join them in saving those in danger of being lost.

One day, when many of them were gathered on the beach, someone suggested that they build another room so that they could meet in comfortable surroundings and enjoy each others company while waiting for the next rescue opportunity. Before too long someone else thought that maybe it would be better if they stayed on shore to direct rescue operations while paying a few professionals to do the dangerous work. A lively discussion followed on just what they were to do, and a few who felt this was the wrong direction to go broke away and built a small hut further up the beach with a boat inside, and the process started over again.

After many years had passed, a visitor to that area of the shore noticed many fine buildings along the beach where people enjoyed fellowship with each other. But the visitor also noticed that the people in those buildings didn’t seem to notice or be concerned with the tragic loss of life that was occurring just off shore. The people had by now forgotten their original intent to save the lost.

In the 4th chapter of Matthew we learn of Jesus approaching two fishermen named Peter and Andrew. Jesus commands them to drop their nets and to follow Him for He will make them “fishers of men.” As I mentioned earlier, in the 28th chapter of Mathew, Jesus’ final words were to continue on in this role as fishers of men throughout the entire world by baptizing, teaching, and following the commands of Jesus. Are you and your church being faithful to this call, or have you become like the buildings erected on that beach that once were full of faithful people committed to saving others, but eventually have fallen to looking inward at their own comfort? Have you stopped being a fisher of men and instead become a keeper of the aquarium? It is never too late to examine yourself and the direction your church is going to make sure you are still on the right path.

I would like to thank everyone for the calls and letters I have received concerning my column. I am going to try something new; I will answer questions you have if you would e-mail me with them at godsaveme@verizon.net. I will do my best to respond, and with your permission, maybe even print some of your questions in the hope of helping you and others in our walk with God. Ron Durika is the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in New Florence (corner of Fifth & Chestnut Streets, 724-235-2940).

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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Happy Trails: Traveling With Children With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, you are probably starting to think about visits to see family and friends. Some of you may be anxious about keeping your brood happy!

Traveling with children does not have to be an unpleasant task. With a little preparation and some flexibility along the way, you can make your trip a little less daunting!

As I write this article, I am sitting under the brilliant blue sky, among the olive tress in a rented Tuscan farmhouse. My family is on vacation in Italy! We are having an incredible time, but it is unbelievable all the toys, books, and snacks we needed to bring along for the boys!!

When planning for our trip, a friend lent me a book entitled “Italy with Kids” by Open Road Publishing. The book provided practical information and great tips that helped me tremendously. As I worked on our weekly and daily itinerary, I tried to balance the activities for my husband and I and our boys. The book came in handy when looking for kid-friendly restaurants. In Florence, we used a brilliant idea from the book. At the Uffizi, we shop first and bought postcards then had a scavenger hunt in the Art Gallery. The kids loved the search while my husband and I enjoyed the magnificent paintings!! Similar books are written for other tourist locations.

Another friend had a good find on the internet when planning her family vacation. The helpful list is called “Travel Toys aka: Sanity Savers” by Vicki Lansky. The author suggested preparing three bags of toys- 1 for the trip, one for the destination, and one for the trip home. She suggested to make surprise packages by wrapping several toys and books to use when things get tense. We used this idea for the plane and one other time and it was a perfect distraction! The boys loved opening a little gift and enjoyed their new toy. We also brought along special treats for the boys when they needed to be persuaded! Swedish fish, m and m’s, and tootsie rolls work magic!!

The author also suggested buying travel size versions of board games. A good idea but we decided instead to bring our favorite card gameswar, old maid, and Scooby playing cards. They worked well on the plane and fit nicely in my purse for a quick game on the piazza. She mentioned that hand held video games may be worth the investment for older children and we did bring Austin’s Leapster L’max. Both boys have played it in the car. And while we are exploring the countryside and driving to the hilltop towns, we try and play games so Owen

24 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

doesn’t constantly say” Are we there yet?!” A favorite is “I Spy” and “We’re going on a trip…” We like to tell stories and sing too. Other ABC and number games are fun. The author noted that washable markers are better than crayons in the summer since crayons will melt. She also recommended a supply of stickers which we brought along and used.

With our accommodations in Italy, we’ve had a satellite TV but very few English channels. In between our sightseeing, we’ve watched little television but the boys have been satisfied with watching soccer and baby TV in Italian and Sponge Bob and Winnie the Pooh in German!! We did bring a comfort from home- my husband’s laptop! The boys were able to watch their movies on the plane and in our hotels and villas. We did purchase a headphone splitter that allowed each boy to use his own earphones on the plane. We also brought along a couple of computer games that they’ve played in the evening while Chris and I enjoy some wine!

You may consider packing your computer and some videos to give the adults a break from the kids!

Any travels with children, be it a two-hour car ride, a three-hour flight, or a trip overseas, can be difficult. Just all the extra “stuff” you have to bring along is overwhelming. Add the patience and energy you need to keep them happy, you’re exhausted!

However, with proper planning for your baby, toddler or older child, your trip will be a good experience for your family.

We still have a week to go on our adventure. Just as everyday life, we have had good and bad moments! We’ve adjusted our schedule a little to meet the needs of our boys- for example, time to run around and play soccer instead of looking at another church! And, with the suggestions I found on the internet and travel book, we’ve had many smiles and few tears! Sure, there were frustrating instances, but our time together in this beautiful country has been amazing. We’ve made many special memories. Hopefully we will have continued success on our flight home?! I have a couple of surprises left for the boys, although I’ll probably need to buy a few new snacks!

I wish you and your family safe, wonderful, and peaceful holidays! Ciao!!

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 6 and 3 years old.

THE CORNER STORY Marge Burke

Selling The Trees When I was seven, I had all the confidence in the world that my little sister, Kathy, and I could sell all of the Christmas trees lined up in our front yard.

The tree stand was our Dad’s master plan to make extra money for holiday gifts, and we were all for it.

Kathy and I watched in awe as our dad painted the advertising signs that were taller than we were. He put them in our car and drove to the bottom of the hill where the main road connected to ours. We thought $2.00 was a lot of money for a tree, but that was just the big trees. Some would be priced as low as fifty cents.

Dad took 2x4s and built braces for the trees to lean against. The slope of the yard dictated that it was almost a maze when it was finished. He strung electric lines with bare bulbs dangling every so many feet among the rows. Then he ran the extension cord through the kitchen window and plugged it into the outlet that could be controlled by the light switch.

It was an exciting moment when Kathy and I finally saw the huge flat bed truck creep around the corner and pull in front of our house. The trees were bundled tight with twine, and we couldn’t figure out how anyone could choose a tree if they all looked like green pencils in a case. But when Dad got home from work, he took out his pocket knife, cut the string, and the trees sprang open like magic. We danced and clapped and watched as all the trees bounced to life. We lined them up along the wooden braces like fat, green ballerinas.

That year we had one of the worst snowstorms of the decade, and school was closed for days. The snow did not, however, stop my dad from going to work, nor did it stop the customers from trekking through the 2x4 maze to choose their trees. Mom decided to have us earn our allowance that week, and sent us out to handle the customers. It was a very smart move on her part, because we were so exuberant that no one could resist our sales presentations.

The deep snow didn’t stop us from climbing from row to row to find the exact tree requested by our ‘clients.’ We built tunnels to get to the other rows quicker, disappearing from one spot and popping up in another. When we shook out a tree to spin it around, we went with it. In the process, all the trees in the row went tumbling like dominos on top of each other. It took Kathy and I both to hold the chosen tree straight enough to judge its character, and mostly that was not very straight. We pointed out the biggest, most expensive trees and usually sold them.

Occasionally we were given a small tip – pennies, sometimes – but carefully counted out the money and took it directly to mom for verification. Most of our customers were honest, pleasant people who wanted a good tree for a good price and were delighted with their tiny salespersons.

I think it amused my parents that Kathy and I fell into the selling process so readily. It was contrary to our normally

quiet, reticent natures. I would rather hide behind a chair than actually speak to a stranger. But there was money involved here - and the thought of more and bigger Christmas presents - so we tucked our timidity into our belt and headed out into the green and white maze.

Those two confident, little girls in snow boots and TM woolen mittens made their father proud that year.

The pooled resources were enough to purchase a beautiful diamond watch (I know now it wasn’t really diamond!) for Mom, which she still has, fifty years later.

We learned the value of hard work, and the value of a dollar, quite literally, and the blessings of giving.

And we also had another delightful page to add to our Christmas memory book.

Marge Burke is a Greensburg native, has worked at Smail Automotive since high school (thirty plus years), and is a 2001 graduate of Seton Hill’s Master of Arts in Writing Popular Fiction program. She has two grown children; Kelly (husband Matt and son Peyton) and Nathan (fiancée Lori - Lori’s son Jacob, his daughter Autmn Rose, and their daughter Christina). Marge writes for several local magazines, including the FOCUS First Person Singular (Tribune Review), and is published in a mystery anthology for Ligonier Valley Writers.

Her hobbies are historic research, volunteering at Historic Hanna’s Town, and writing. Her spaniel/lab mix, Tazz, keeps her company, her flower gardens keep her busy, but her grandbabies keep her smiling.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 25

The Gift Guru Gets Groupies

by JB Rossi Being somewhat of a social person, I have found that jogging can become quite a lonely endeavor.

Well, after two years of this solitary exercise routine, it was time to try something new. I needed a jogging partner. I surveyed my entire group of close friends, new friends, social acquaintances, and future friends seeking to fill this capacity. No takers.

Although everyone agreed to meet me for lunch afterwards, they apparently were all too busy to do the jogging hike before. Except one.

He, too, was up for lunch afterwards, but enthusiastically agreed to take the jog first. He was honored and thrilled to be asked, so said his body language. His big brown eyes were bright, his body was poised, and his muscles were limbered up. He was eager to begin. Polo and I jumped into our matching jogging suits, I attached his leash, and off we went.

Things were going quite well at first. I was able to keep up with Polo’s lively gait and his flirty antics kept me amused. We jogged up through the alley, down towards the gazebo, and around the bend towards the park. I followed obediently wherever he led.

Then suddenly, he stopped. I tripped over him and fell flat on my face. When I finally managed to collect myself and straighten up, I turned in his direction. He was sitting on his back haunches with his front paws up, vigorously wagging his tail. Across

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26 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

his face was the biggest puppy smile I had ever seen.

We headed out toward our next destination, Second Chapter Books at 209 East Main Street.

What had captured his attention so abruptly?

While Josephine and Polo checked out the variety I looked in the direction he was facing. There she was, sitting in the shop window properly ignoring all of of breeds on the pet memo pads, Josephine’s owner Polo’s attentions. A young female puppy all dressed up and I looked for some good reads. in a pink faux fur coat and matching hat. She appeared My three recommendations from local artists to be a much smaller Bichon Frise, a well-groomed include a new mystery novel from law enforcement veteran George Shuman entitled white puff ball with a curly tail. Polo 18 seconds. Stephen King has was in love! What a delightful sight!

I tugged on Polo’s leash and been quoted as saying that asked him to continue our jog. He Shuman is the next up-anddidn’t move a muscle. He just sat coming great mystery writer. 18 and stared at the puppy. I tugged a Seconds is about blind Investigative Consultant Sherry little harder. Nothing. I bent down Moore, who uses her psychic to pick him up and started to go.

He whined. ability to help solve crimes. This As luck would have it, a door taut tale will keep you gripped for Polo is proud to show off his new near the puppy opened and an hours. black “Polo” from Chez Chien. elderly woman emerged.

On the lighter side, for those who enjoy pets of the feline variety, is “Can I help you?” she asked. “Is the book entitled Cat Poems by local there a problem?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but my celebrity Dave Crawley. A delightful puppy seems to be enchanted by collection of poetry for young and old yours. She is quite an alluring alike, Crawley pays tribute to the sight all dressed up in her fur coat.” classic cat antics with humor and affection. Polo and Josephine The old woman smiled. couldn’t wait to read this one.

“Josephine and I were just on our way out. We would be happy to show My third selection, My Grampy you the little shop where I Can’t Walk, written by local author purchased her outfit. It’s just up Vanita Oelschlager and illustrated Josephine is ready for the hunt dressed in her

by Robin Hegan and Kristin the street a bit.” red coat and carrying her fox squeaker from Blackwood, is an upbeat look at a Polo barked excitedly. His tail Fox & Hounds available at Chez Chien. devastating disease. A colorful wagged double-time.

A few minutes later, the four of us walked into picture book, My Grampy Can’t Walk is the story of Chez Chien, the new Pet Boutique and Barkery how a Grandpa hasn’t let his illness, which has located in the back of the Victorian Manor at 219 East confined him to a wheelchair, interfere with his enjoyment of his grandchildren. Upbeat and Main Street in Ligonier. The owner, Lynn Frederick, passionate about life, this grampy shows us all how welcomed us with a smile and puppy treats. to live life to the fullest.

Both puppies laid down together to chew their treats side-by-side, so Frederick took this opportunity On the road again, Polo led our group down to our to show us around her shop. Chez Chien has been final shop stop for the day. I suddenly remembered it opened for only about 6 months, but carries a wide was time to order Holiday cards. In addition to the traditional greeting cards, The Stationery Shop at 108 range of designer pet clothing, collars, leashes, toys, S. St. Clair Street has an amazing assortment of fun treats, and accessories. Frederick carries all the alternatives. I liked the new three dimensional cards. well-known pet designers such as Diva Dog leashes collars, and charms, Douglas Paquette matching I wanted the one with the bouquet of poinsettias or human and pet accessories, and Fox & Hounds the other with Rudolph sitting on a park bench. Both clothing, squeakers, and carriers. cards pop-up into a three dimensional scene when opened. How cool! Polo preferred the card with the The dog biscuits that Polo and Josephine were black Labrador enjoying Christmas instead. I wonder enjoying came from Pawsitively Gourmet out of why? Josephine pawed at a card with Angels being Colorado.

Chez Chien also features watercolor artwork both playful and ornery. from Martha Murphy as well as a selection of her It was time to jog home. Unfortunately, Polo wasn’t signed underglass metal ornaments and her famous ready to say goodbye to his new friend. The whining began from both puppies. But as fate would have it, I pet party hats and collars. And don’t forget those learned that Josephine was a rescued puppy living in great shampoo and conditioners from Pet Aromatics a foster home and was ready for adoption. Polo didn’t to keep all your favorite friends smelling fresh and alluring. (I believe that little vixen Josephine must have to say goodbye after all. And the Gift Guru got not have used these products to lure my sweet, just one but two new groupies to help her. My innocent Polo!)

Christmas wish has come true already!

Too soon it was time to go, but Frederick invited J.B. Rossi wants to thank the staff of the Laurel Mountain Post for us back for her next “Yappie hour” where she’ll be allowing her the opportunity to share her stories with the great serving special libations for her human and pet people of our community. Thank you also to the loyal readers of this fabulous publication. We’re getting bigger and better all the patrons. What fun! time because of you!

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Closely Bound To Thee: Covering the Derrian for Fifty Years Looking for a unique Christmas gift this season? Look no further than Derry Area High School! To celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Derry Borough/Derry Township jointure, history teacher Tom Tatone and the high school yearbook staff have compiled a scrapbook entitled Closely Bound to Thee: Covering the Derrian for Fifty Years celebrating all fifty years at Derry Area High School.

It’s all there! From the first elected school board to the high school donkey basketball games to the inception of the new middle school. Each page celebrates two years—from 1956 to 2006—by highlighting some of the people and activities that rocked each school year. Delfino Calvo, who led the band from the beginning and wrote the alma mater, is featured along with the words he penned. His wife, Susannah Calvo, who directed the musicals from the sixties through the nineties, can also be found in the pages of this book. See how celebrities such as Ken Rice, Myron Cope, Jack Bogut, and Joe DiNardo have also been a part of Derry’s rich history.

Tom Tatone spent over two years compiling the data he used to publish this book. A history teacher and a board member of the Derry Area Historical Society, Tom naturally enjoyed exploring our local history. When asked why he undertook such a huge task, Tom said, “The number fifty was magical. I asked myself, ‘When would anyone do this again? In seventyfive years, the next logical time, many of the people who were alive from the beginning would no longer be around to interview. Would anyone be able to do this? It would be too cumbersome.’” When Tom was in high school, he was a standout on the wrestling team.

Today, in addition to teaching and working as the yearbook advisor, he also coaches the girls’ tennis team.

The book is eight-by-eleven-inches, the same size as the Derry Middle School yearbook, and is a great conversation starter. The cost is thirty dollars. Only two hundred copies of the book are being printed, so someday it may be a collector’s item. It can be ordered through Tom Tatone by calling Derry Area High School at 724-694-2780. Want to see more of Dr. Shirley, Mr. Akins, or Mr. Burchill? Call Tom and order your copy of the book today.

Mr. Tatone, in addition to teaching history in the middle school, also acts as advisor for the senior high yearbook staff and coach for the high school girls’ tennis team.

Mrs. Calvo was Derry’s musical director for thirty years and the widow of Delfino Calvo who wrote the alma mater whose words sparked Tom’s creative interest in this project.

Mr. Tatone dressed as Sinatra/Garcia/Jackson to pitch the idea of working on the project to the yearbook students. The students, in turn, felt the need to get a picture of the event for posterity.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 27

FRIENDS & HEROES Honoring Our Neighbors Serving in the United States Military – LT Nathan Durika

Anchors Away “I’ve set foot in nine countries on three different continents in four years. Seeing the world and experiencing differant cultures is a great benefit of being in the Navy,” says Nate Durika, a 1997 graduate of Derry Area High School who also earned a B.S. in Political Science in 2001 from Carnegie Mellon University before joining the military. “I joined the armed forces out of a sense of patriotism and duty for my country . . . and the Navy specifically as a result of the influence of local navy veterans.”

USS Seattle AOE-3; as well as in operations for the USS Trenton LPD-14, both in Norfolk, VA.

His favorite port so far has been Nova Scotia . . . outside of going back to Derry to visit his family (brother Aaron and Mom Deb pictured top right - Dad Ron writes for LMP!)

Liz will remain in Port Hueneme for another 6-8 months, while Nate is scheduled to train with Naval Intelligence in Virginia. He is slated to report to Pearl Harbor in late 2007 and looks forward to a lifelong career with the Navy.

Currently stationed at the naval Surface Warfare Center in Port Hueneme, CA, Nate works in the Lean/6 Sigma office processing improvement/efficiency reports. Previously, he was in the engineering department of the

His wife, Liz (pictured below at their 2003 wedding), is also in the Navy. Originally from Vienna, VA, she is another graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (2003 B.S. in Civil Engineering), and is returning home from a six-month deployment to Guam where she served as a Seabee with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40.

“I was deployed on USS Seattle for part of Operation Eduring Freedom in Iraq. It is a great experience being able to take part in something bigger than yourself.”

Monticue Construction GARY E. MONTICUE General Contractor

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128 Monticue Dr. Stahlstown, PA 15687 724-593-2079 monticueconstruction@lhtc.net “Griffins” continued from page 21 played some very exciting football. This year the members are sophomores, so they are still playing against far more mature players. All things considered, I think they are doing amazingly well.

LMP: Has the football team impacted the University overall?

JB: Oh, yes, Barbara. When you have 120 guys on campus as big as those fellows you are definitely aware of it. I know the head of our Food Service would agree. The players eat a lot. We certainly had to make adjustments in the dining hall. They also had to have training and work out sessions.

We built a second fitness and training center, which is actually a field house. This facility is for all of our teams that play on the field.

LMP: Are there any other new athletic teams on the S.H.U. horizon?

JB: We added wrestling this year. I’m a big proponent of woman’s ice hockey. Maybe we can consider hockey down the road. Right now we want to let the teams we have settle in.

LMP: Before we finish today, I would like to briefly mention your Fine Arts Department. I know, having been a former music teacher here in Westmoreland County, that you have a wonderful music program. I have also been made aware of your art department. Becca Jessman, a S.H.U. student who is a greeter at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, told me of a concept that she and the students of assistant professor of art, Pati Beachley, have formulated.

Recently, they discussed the possibility of creating a design formation on campus called a “labyrinth”. This would be a group project for a walking path that would actively involve the Seton Hill students and the community. What are your thoughts about a “labyrinth”?

JB: We love it when the students get creative and come up with project ideas. Without knowing the particulars, I think it sounds like an exciting and intriguing idea. In general, anything positive that the students propose, we support.

What a perfect ending for our interview – another innovative idea for a progressive institution of higher learning. Oh, yes, and…GO GRIFFINS! Barbara is a 1968 graduate of Derry Area High School. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1972, and subsequently earned a Master’s Eq. She taught music in the Ligonier Valley School District for 32 years, and since her retirement in 2004, she has been actively involved in the Women’s Committee of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art and as a volunteer in An American Marketplace at the museum. Barbara and her husband, Kent, live in the Lawson Heights section of Latrobe.

28 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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A Touch of Class AH Creations Allison Chiropractic Center Ameriserv Financial Caldwell Memorial Library Creative Dreams Crispin State Farm Insurance Dablock’s Beauty Shop Derry Federal Credit Union Derry Post Office First Commonwealth Bank Glassmart Herron Hollow Stonery Mastrorocco’s Market Palombo’s Bar & Restaurant Prakash K. Vin, M.D.P.C Pit Stop Quik Shop, Inc. Red Apple Kwik Fill Rite Aid S&T Bank

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Academy of the Wagging Tail Advantage Resource Group AG Jeweler’s Bench Alternative Bodywork Center Amazon Cafe American Indian Jewelry Art Tech Supplies Barnes & Noble Booksellers Beeghly and Company Bill & Walt’s Hobby Shop Cheryl Ann’s The Computer Clinic (Jeannette) Crossroads (Route 66) Denny’s (Westmoreland Mall) Derby’s Delicatessen Descendents Children’s Clothing Dr. Philip Dahar, Orthodontist dV8 Expresso Bar Earnest Gourmet Eat N Park (Jeannette) Eat N Park (North Huntingdon) Fantastic Sam’s (E. Pittsburgh Street) Fantastic Sam’s (WalMart Plaza) From the Ground Up Gander Mountain GB Plaza Cleaners Gianilli’s II Glassmart Greensburg Care Center Greensburg Post Office Ground Round (Westmoreland Mall) Hampton Inn Holiday Inn Express Jerry Felton, PT Jing Huang Chinese Restaurant Just Miniature Scale Katsur Dental Knit Wits Malloy’s Cameracade Montgomery Foot & Ankle Center Mountain View Inn My Sissy’s Closet Mustard Seed Gallery, Inc. Northwood Realty (Greensburg) Northwood Realty (North Huntingdon) Pagnotta Cafe Palmer Pavillion The Pawn and Jewelry Exchange Pepperwood Grille (Westmoreland Mall) Petals ‘n Ponds (Jeannette) Phillip Pelusi (Westmoreland Mall) Pizza Hut Pizza Siena Prudential Insurance Reese Teleservices

Seton Hill University Sharp Image Hair Designs/Day Spa Smail Mazda, Acura Sun Parlor Tanning Salon Super 8 Motel Thomas Vince, DMD Tom Clark Ford Twice As Nice The Victorian Tea Lady Westmoreland Athletic Club Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce Westmoreland Dermatology Associates Westmoreland Intermediate Unit Westmoreland Museum of American Art Wilder & Co. Worldwide Travel and Tours

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Adelphoi Village Aqua Pets Arnold Palmer Motors Inc Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Awesome Blossoms by Al Bella Pasta Bement’s Flower Shop The Corner Store Chestnut Ridge Primary Care, Ltd., Weldon Chiropractic Health Center Coffee Bean Cafe Commercial National Bank (Downtown and Lawson Heights) Creative Expressions Dainty Pastry Shoppe Denny’s Dino’s Sports Lounge DiNunzio’s Italian Chophouse DiSalvo’s Station Restaurant Dr. Mucci & Dr. Picciano Dr. Philip Dahar, Orthodontist Dr. Scott Learn, DMD Drs. Hansen & Torba Dream Maker Weddings Falbo’s Rainbow Inn First Commonwealth Bank First National Bank (Downtown, Latrobe 30 Plaza) Frank’s Lounge Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co. Gino’s Pizza of Latrobe Green Meadows Hanna Insurance Agency Harvey’s Barber Shop Holzer’s Store In-Sync Rehabilitation Services Jazzercise (Loyalhanna) Jocelyn’s Beauty Salon Joe’s Store & Deli (Lawson Heights) L & L Quik Lube Latrobe 30 Beverage Latrobe 30 News Stand Latrobe Animal Clinic Latrobe Art Center Latrobe Card & Gift Latrobe Center Distributing, Inc. Latrobe Chamber of Commerce Latrobe Elks Latrobe Family Cinemas Latrobe Glass & Mirror Latrobe Hair Company Latrobe Hospital ER Latrobe Hospital Little Shop Latrobe News Stand Latrobe Post Office Latrobe Senior Center Laurel Nursery/Garden Center Dr. Gregory R. Lauro Lazor Furniture Len’s Jewelry

Loyalhanna Care Center Mosso’s Medical Supply Company Inc. National City Bank (Latrobe 30 Plaza) Northwood Realty Olson’s Mozart House Pennywise Books Pizza Siena Plaza News Stand The Pond Ray Foot & Ankle Center Roadman’s Country Living Shop Rose Style Shoppe Scotty G’s Pizzaria Sharky’s Cafe Sherwin-Williams (Latrobe 30 Plaza) Shop-N-Save (Latrobe 30 Plaza) St. Vincent College St. Vincent Gristmill Tuxedo Room Van Dyke Styling Center Vita-Charge Vittone Eye Surgical Associates Weiss Furniture Wingate Inn Youngstown Tire Zappone Sausage Co & Retail Outlet

LIGONIER

Abigail’s Coffeehouse American Indian Jewelry Beno’s Betsy’s of Ligonier BP (CoGo’s) Carol & Dave’s Roadhouse Celtic Culture Champion Lakes Compass Inn Connections Store The Country Cupboard Crafts Unlimited Curves for Women Diamond Cafe Endless Possibilities Equine Chic Essentials The Fairfield Grille The Finishing Touch First National Bank Fox’s Pizza The Frame Place The Garret Giant Eagle Gino Gianelli’s Graytok Family Vision Care Greensburg Post Office Hair Parade Highland Chiropractic Holiday Home Store The Hollow Tavern Ivy’s Cafe James Vincent Salon John Clark Jewelers La Rosa’s Barber Shop Laughlintown Post Office Ligonier Chamber of Commerce Ligonier Country Inn Ligonier Outfitters & Newsstand Ligonier Palms Tanning Salon Ligonier Pharmacy Ligonier Post Office Ligonier Tavern Ligonier Theater Ligonier YMCA Main Street Deli Pamela’s Golden Touch Salon The Paper House & Baskitry Pathfinder Photo The Pet Corner

Persnickity The Pie Shoppe The Post and Rail RK Mellon Elementary School Ramada Inn The Road Toad Rosalie Jioio’s Little Italy Ruthie’s Diner Sewickley Spa Standard Bank Subway The Stationery Shop The Treehouse in Ligonier Underneath

NEW ALEXANDRIA

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

NORTH

Bentz Pizza Time - Leechburg Blairsville Pharmacy - Blairsville Blue Ridge Family Restaurant - Blairsville Bonfire Rest - Leechburg Cuttin’ Loose - Leechburg Dean’s Diner - Blairsville Devita’s Pizza - Leechburg Fantastic Sam’s - Blairsville First Commonwealth Bank - Leechburg Guy’s Tavern - Avonmore ©Laura Petrilla Happy Day Cafe - Leechburg Jerich Insurance - Leechburg Jimmy Stewart Museum - Indiana Lake’s Roadhouse - Leechburg Lonestar - Avonmore Marble Kitchen - Leechburg Melissa’s Cut ‘n Curl - Blairsville Nails 4 You - Apollo Northwood Realty - Blairsville Papa Sal’s Restaurant - Blairsville Pie Cucina - Blairsville Rivertown Pub - Leechburg

EAST

Courtyard by Marriott - Altoona Darshana Yoga Center - Champion Flower Barn - Johnstown Foggy Mountain - Donegal Italian Gourmet Deli - Donegal Green Gables - Jennerstown Johnstown Flood Museum Kreinbrooks Market - Jones Mills Living Treasures Animal Park - Donegal Log Cabin Motel - Donegal Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic - Stahlstown Mountain Horse Saddlery - Donegal Mountain Playhouse - Jennerstown Northwood Realty - Donegal Oakhurst Tea Room - Somerset Pat Catan’s - Monroeville Sarnelli’s Market - Jones Mills Seven Springs Mtn. Resort - Champion Tall Cedars Restaurant - Donegal UniMart - New Florence

WEST

Courtyard by Marriott -Penn Ave Levin Furniture - Monroeville Spitzer Toyota - Monroeville Whirl Magazine Offices - Pittsburgh Whole Foods - Pittsburgh

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST - 29

COUPON VALUES Equine Chic

Buy one dinner entree get 2nd at 1/2 price (equal or lesser value) Latrobe-Derry Road in Bradenville, PA expires 12/31/06 (LMP)

FREE GIFT

Your next service at our salon

Good until 12/31/06

(expires 12/31/06)

724-845-2171

750 South Leechburg Hill Road in Leechburg, PA

(724) 539-3441

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

$6.99

pick-up only or delivery expires 12/15/06 (LMP)

724-532-2242 907 Ligonier Street, Latrobe

Academy of

The Wagging Tail

Pet Grooming and Express Pet Wash

10% Off Full Groom expires 12/15/06 (LMP)

815 East Pittsburgh St. Greensburg, PA 15601

724-834-BARK

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

FREE 1 pound bag pasta with a $12 dollar order expires 12/15/06

The Wallpaper & Decorating Shoppe, Inc. 310 S. Penna. Ave. in Greensburg

724-832-1060

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

www.starofmybook.com

Buy your Gift Certificates for Christmas Now! 1 Hour Massage $30 Route 982, 1/2 mile from Derry Area High School

724-433-3882

106 E. Main Street in Ligonier

724-238-7003 www.EquineChic.com

Buy 2 pair in stock Robeez soft-soled leather footwear and get 3rd pair

50% off

(excluding boots) expires 12/31/06

Distinctive Children ’s Clothing & Gifts Children’s 134 West Main Street in Ligonier, PA 724-238-4608

10% OFF Your Next Purchase (expires 12/31/06)

219 E. Main St. in Ligonier

Miss Maddie’s Gifts & More

Massage by Kathy For each personalized book purchased, Santa Claus will send a FREE letter (for adults AS WELL AS children) Use code – LMLTR when ordering

w/coupon and $75 purchase

Buy one cup of coffee at the Gristmill Coffeehouse, get the other for half-price. expires 12/15/06 (LMP)

Beatty Road, Latrobe

www.gristmillcoffee.com

15% OFF Total Purchase – expires 12/15/06 18 West 2nd Street Greensburg, PA 15601 (724)834-0358

Advertising deadline for the January-February issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is December 15.

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

Effective, personalized treatment in cases of work-related injuries, MVA (motor vehicle accidents), sports injuries, neck/back pain, headaches.

• Various forms of Bodywork including Massage, Soft Tissue Mobilization, Acupressure and Trigger Point Work • Myofascial Release • Craniosacral Therapy • Muscle Energy Techniques • Muscle Kinesiology • Primal Reflex Release TechniquesTM • Laser Therapy • Microcurrent and Color Light Acupuncture • Bowen Therapy

2000 Tower Way, Suite 2039 Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone:(724)834-7400 Fax:(724)834-7402

Jerry D. Felton, P.T. integrating traditional and alternative therapy services

30 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

NEED A SOFA? WE HAVE 81,983!

ORDER BY 11/27 FOR HOLIDAY DELIVERY!

Equine Chic On the Diamond Happy Holidays from the FOR PEOPLE WITH MORE TASTE THAN MONEY Free Delivery Free Removal Free 1-Year Financing

Original

in Country and Urban Chic for Horse, Home and You! Open 7 Days a Week Through Christmas!

106 E. Main St. • Ligonier, Pennsylvania www.EquineChic.com • 724.238.7003

A leader in t he public ser vice insur ance mar ket the service insurance mark With three active fire fighters, two Flight 93 crash site ambassadors, one EMT and one former councilman on staff, we have the hands on experience and knowledge that is invaluable in understanding the special needs of the Fire Companies, Ambulance Services, Townships, Boroughs, Water Authorities, Sewage Authorities and Counties that we insure.

It is our honor to protect the property and lives of the men and women who protect our communities with a strong focus on service and lower premiums. Have your secretary or administrator call us today to set up a free review of your insurance needs. The time to find out that you are not covered correctly is before you have a claim! With today’s changing exposures we can ensure that you are protected as well as you protect all of us.

Insuring Heroes since 1944 We also protect normal humans’ homes, autos, businesses, lives, health, boats, motorcycles

Main Office 136 Market Street • Leechburg, PA 15656

Corporate Office 9013 Aspen Drive • Champion, PA 15622

(724) 842-2822

(814) 233-3314