Laurel Mountain Post :: November 2014

NOVEMBER 2014 | ISSN 2330-6629

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Gather Round the Table Lapp Family Market A Valiant Try At Pumpkin Pie The Iron Furnace Their Future or Our Past?

Candlelight Open House Things of Permanence ’Tis Almost the Season

1 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE of the LAUREL MOUNTAIN

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Proudly serving the Laurel Area Valleys and Highlands of Westmoreland County since 2004.

Set Aside A Day of Thanksgiving “The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.

No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving.”

– H.U. Westermayer

The LaurelMountainPostisanindependent,monthlypublicationproducedatFairviewFarmin Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is subject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any format must be obtained in writing from the publisher. This publication is registered with the US Library of Congress, ISSN 2330-6629.

Cathi Gerhard, Editor & Publisher editor@laurelmountainpost.com

Joe Walko, Managing Editor joe@laurelmountainpost.com

Megan Fuller, Web & Calendar Editor megan@laurelmountainpost.com

Nancy A. Clark, Contributing Editor nancy@laurelmountainpost.com

Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation Manager Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matter represented in the advertisements herein published. Please contact the advertiser to verify details.

Phone: 724-537-6845 Fax: 724-558-9548

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My favorite time of the year, along with so many of you, is the holiday season ... Halloween through New Year’s Day. It’s not just because there are so many parties, treats and other excesses. What means so much more to me is that our hearts turn back (along with the clocks) toward home, family, and friends.

Autumn brings so many opportunities to reflect on gratitude, and then act upon it. I struggle with All Saints Day and Veterans Day. I mourn the dead, both those I’ve known and strangers who have defended our nation. I remember my dad, my grandparents, aunts & uncles, and my childhood friend – I still miss them so much, and the tearful flood of memories often overwhelms me. But what always strikes me next is how grateful I am to have had such wonderful times with all of them. A lot of people will never know that kind of joy.

Then I turn to the living and revel in the preparations for the events yet to come: planning, decorating, baking, cooking, creating and writing cards, shopping, wrapping presents, and volunteering. There’a a lot of hard work that goes into the holidays, and while some people dread the season for it, I see the hassles and sweat as worthy efforts toward connecting with those I love. It’s the stuffing in tomorrow’s sweet nostalgia.

Thanksgiving is not just a time for grateful hearts to remember the past – it’s about today and tomorrow, as well. We take so many things for granted in our modern age, often overlooking the best parts of life – each other. Look around as you gather round your table, and savor the treasured moments with friends and family as often as you can.

– Cathi Gerhard, Editor

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Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 3

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Table of Contents

November 2014 5

A Valiant Try at Pumpkin Pie

6

Gather Round the Table

Mary Jo Culbertson Proprietor (724) 238-0497

by Nancy A. Clark

“Down on the Farm” by Cathi Gerhard

7

America Recycles

9

St. Clair Should Have Returned to Pennsylvania Sooner by RW Dick Phillips

and

110 East Main Street Ligonier, PA 15658 (724) 238-2226

Shop Small

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie Rivera Pittsburgh’s Premiere Psychic & Party Reader 412-884-7788 • pittsburghmedium.com My mission is to prove the continuity of life past the transition we call death.

11 Plastic Bag Ban by Earth Talk 12 How to lose weight fast and NEVER have to stress about it again “My Fitness Kitchen” by Mark Rullo

15 Journey of A Thousand Miles “That’s What They Say” by Rev. Majorie Rivera

17 Harvesting & Working Wood 18 Derry Area HS Wins Award Laurel Mountain Post Celebrates 10 Years 19 The Iron Furnace

by Judith Redline Coopey

20 Candlelight Open House 21 Their Future or Our Past?

“Today’s Education” by Clair Ward

22 Things of Permanence “Home Study” by Brian Mishler

26 Nov-Dec Community Calendar 29 Memory Lane

“Dear Diary” by Ruthie Richardson

30 ’Tis Almost the Season “End Notes” by Joe Walko

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A Valiant Try at Pumpkin Pie

by Nancy A. Clark Life is full of “firsts” – a first step, first day of school, a first kiss and the first try at baking a pumpkin pie. Without a doubt, the latter was most traumatic for me when, as a new bride, I set out to impress my family by making my first pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving dinner. And not just any pumpkin pie, mind you: my pie would begin and end with the flesh of a pumpkin from our first vegetable garden, the fruit from our first harvest.

“Use only Libby’s canned pumpkin and Carnation evaporated milk,” Mom advised, when she learned of my plan. “Trust me; they’ll never fail you“ Although I desired to emulate her success at presenting an award-winning “harvest custard pie,” I was determined to do it my own way. Mom offered one of her finest deep-dish pie plates, and sage, but unsolicited, advice.

“Remember, Libby’s and Carnation Evaporated Milk.” I accepted the pie plate but dismissed the rest.

Silly me.

The one to whom I did secretly turn to for guidance, however, was the world-renowned General Mills kitchen maven and cookbook author, Betty Crocker. Next to my mother, there was no other who could help this novice baker to create an impressive pumpkin pie. After all, if one couldn’t trust Betty Crocker to lead the way, who could one trust?

The pumpkins we picked from our dying vines weren’t as Halloweenorange as was our neighbor’s pumpkins; but the spotted, greenish-gray hue of our produce set them apart as unique and distinctive. This was especially true with the one we carved for our Hallween Jack-O-Lantern, so I assumed that one of Jack’s siblings would result in a unique and distinctive pie.

Silly me.

Betty’s instructions for making a mouth-watering pumpkin pie were so Every Story Begins At Home.

elementary that I – even I – could read it and follow along. She called for 1 ¾ cups mashed cooked pumpkin but offered no instruction on how to prep a garden pumpkin. I suppose she presumed that a semi-intelligent person could figure that out for oneself.

Reason (what little I had back then) said the outer skin didn’t belong in a

pastry shell, so I took a potato peeler to the rind. Nor did Betty suggest how to cook the pumpkin. Common sense (what little I had back then) dictated that I chop the peeled and seeded greenish globes into pieces small enough to stuff into the largest cooking pot we owned – a four quart sauce pan. Add water, cover and let simmer.

Easy as pie.

After three hours of simmering, the watery mush in the pan clearly didn’t need mashing. Tapping into a junior high Home Ec. lesson on thickening agents, I added a couple of tablespoons of cornstarch to the bubbling mush in the pan and concluded the white clots that formed would eventually melt in the oven.

Betty called for “three eggs or 4 yolks,” but I had only two eggs. Surely

a few more drops of milk would make up for the missing egg.

As for the milk: Mom’s words – Carnation Evaporated Milk – echoed in my head, but Betty didn’t specify.

Trusting my instincts (what little I had back then), I poured an extra splash of skim milk into the glob of super thick pumpkin puree solidifying in the pan and hoped for the best.

I may have overshot Betty’s specs regarding ground ginger, nutmeg and cloves, but what’s pumpkin pie without a lot of spice? An extra dash of cinnamon actually improved the color of the filling, and the aroma of that pie baking in the oven of our first apartment sealed the expectation that the mess I spread (not poured) onto the frozen pastry shell would attract every turkey that strutted to the Thanksgiving table.

The final product looked like cooked field grass sprinkled with white things in petrified gelatingone-bad; and the only turkey strutting up to that dessert was me. The Good Book promises Pride goeth before the fall, and, boy, did I fall. The price of pride was to “yum-m-m it up” and roll my eyes heavenward with every gagging swallow, pretending the pie was at least half as tasty as Mom’s. There were no other takers for the dessert, and we buried the remains in Dad’s garden.

Two salient facts were forever established for me that Thanksgiving: 1) There IS a difference between “pie pumpkin” and “Jack O Lantern pumpkin; and 2) When in doubt, trust Mom and her friend Libby: they’ll never fail you. ***** Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in 50 years of marriage, three children and three grandchildren. She dabbles in freelance and memoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting, reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.

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Gather Round the Table Lapp Family Market Opens in Latrobe There has been a lot of buzz the last few for business purposes, according to Javan bigger church house. All are welcome to months concerning the redevelopment of services at TMC, which begins with a Lapp, head of marketing for the family a property along route 30 east in Latrobe – store. He explained that all such decisions cappella singing and continues with bible about one half mile before the Kingston study and a sermon. A school has been esare made within the local community based Bridge. Previously this time of year, West on accountability and the traditional valtablished with two teachers and twelve stuChristmas Trees would fill the parking lot dents ranging in grades from 1-11. Merv ues of family and their basic Christian faith. with yuletide cheer. But this season, the site Lapp is also active in the Westmoreland Mennonites are taught to work in the is busy with shoppers at the new neighborCounty Meals on Wheels program. family business at a young age, with an hood grocery, Lapp Family Market, specialThis Thanksgiving, the Lapp Family emphasis on hands-on experience (although izing in bulk foods, whole foods, looks forward to gathering round deli meats & cheeses, natural and the table as a family for a tradigluten-free products and outdoor tional meal of roasht (bread filling living. They also offer a large sewith pieces of chicken or turkey, lection of delicious locally-sourced and gravy), board games (Settlers items, such as: honey, maple syrof Catan is a current community up, teas, milk and ice cream (by favorite along with dominoes and Moo Echo Dairy in Somerset), and some homemade games), and givfree-range eggs. After a soft opening thanks to God at a morning ing in August, their clientele grew church service and throughout the steadily by word of mouth until the day. Family is the cornerstone of family celebrated a grand opening their faith and lives. They enjoy and ribbon cutting with the Greatcooking, baking, gardening and er Latrobe-Laurel Valley Commuother traditional activities that can nity Chamber of Commerce on be done together.

October 17.

What’s next for the family busiFacebook then exploded with ness? Kendall explained, “While we “FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS” county-wide curiosity and positive do envision growth in the future Lapp Family Market is owned by the Mervin & Ina Lapp Family.

Mervin and Ina Lapp and their six children hope to provide Latrobe feedback about Lapp’s. Shoppers for Lapp Family Market, we want and surrounding areas with a unique shopping experience. are in love with the products and to make sure we can still offer prices (this writer included), and quality service and products. To are telling everyone about the new “Amish” ensure this, we do not anticipate rapid there are no restrictions on education, both store. But the Lapp Family are actually progrowth in the near future. We value fam1-12 and college). The entire Lapp Famgressive Mennonites, who do share a comily, both ours and our customers’, and will ily–parents/owners Merv & Ina, and their mon Anabaptist lineage with the Amish. grow as we see opportunities that will not children, ages 13-25–works in the market.

However, they are actually two distinct Javan and his wife, Rosina, (parents of negatively impact family. This being said, Christian groups (splitting in 1693 Europe, baby Arie), handle marketing; Kendall is we do plan to start offering deli sandwiches and settling in 18th century America). Menthe deli manager; Barbara is currently (pre-made and made-to-order) in the near nonites share some beliefs with the Amish: studying in Asia (but will join the family at future (stay tuned to our Facebook page).” year’s end); Brenda is the bulk food mana commitment to nonviolence and a desire – Cathi Gerhard ager; Rhonda works as cashier and in the to live simply as agricultural people. deli; and Keith Lapp is a cashier after school.

“They believe in and require for mem“Interaction with local people is definitely bership a true spiritual experiences of the Lapp Family Market the highlight of this work,” says Javan. “We New Birth that Jesus said must be experi216 Kingston St have a great base of local customers who we enced to enter the kingdom of God and be Latrobe, Pennsylvania get to see regularly, and we look forward saved. The power to be faithful in all things (724) 879-4848 www.LappFamilyMarket.com to expanding that customer base.” they hold must be from and by the Holy The Lapp Family and other members of Spirit dwelling within. It should be noted their Mennonite community moved to that the use of modern things such as auStore Hours Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Latrobe in July 2012 to establish the Trauger tomobiles, electricity and telephones can be Saturday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Mennonite Church (formerly Forty Martyrs used by Mennonites with careful and proper Closed on Sundays Catholic Church) on route 981. Merv Lapp control. But Mennonites do not find the use is the pastor there to seven families who of radio or television to be for them since Trauger Mennonite Church chose to move here after their community these are largely under the control of the 4375 Pennsylvania 981 Mt Pleasant, PA 15666 at Weavertown Amish Mennonite Church carnal world and mostly harmful to true (724) 424-9430 in Lancaster County became too large. The and pure spiritual living.” (jamesportmissouri.org) Nonetheless, the careful use of computmembers there decided that some would Find them both on Facebook! ers and the internet are allowed, especially look for new territory rather than build a 6 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

NOVEMBER 29, 2014

Shop Small Saturday – and Every Day! Here at the Laurel Mountain Post, we are big believers in the power of small business. For every $100 spent at a locally owned business, $73 remains in the local economy, and only $27 leaves. For every $100 spent at a non-locally owned business, $43 remains in the local economy, and $57 leaves.

If you enjoy the Laurel Mountain Post, please shop on “Main Street,” and especially the merchants who advertise with us. Tell them you saw their ad on these pages. Their decision to invest part of their valuable marketing dollars with us shows their continued support for bringing our local magazine to you!

America Recycles Day 2014 On Saturday, November 8, Westmoreland Cleanways will celebrate America Recycles Day at its Recycling Center, joining thousands of local organizers holding recycling events across the country to celebrate America Recycles Day, the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States.

Westmoreland Cleanways Brings National Recycling Celebration to Westmoreland County.

The Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, located at 113 Innovative Lane, Latrobe, PA 15650, will be open on Saturday, November 8, from 8:30 a.m. to Noon, to collect electronics, tires, Freon appliances, cardboard and paper, and other hard-to-recycle items. Children can visit the America Recycles Day tent for a special recycling activity and light refreshments.

“Westmoreland Cleanways honors the spirit of America Recycles Day all year long,” said Ellen Keefe, Executive Director. “America Recycles Day gives us the opportunity to join like-minded people across the country to raise awareness for recycling as a way to protect our environment and conserve our natural resources.”

“Keep America Beautiful proudly supports Westmoreland Cleanways’ America Recycles Day event and commend their efforts to promote recycling in Westmoreland County. Recyclable items we use every day, like that cereal box and milk jug in the morning–are recoverable resources that can be manufactured into new and valuable products. Together, we can reduce the billions of dollars’ worth of material thrown away each year and work to give that “garbage” another life through recycling.”

For a complete list of materials that can be recycled at the Westmoreland Cleanways Recycling Center, or for more information about recycling in Westmoreland County, visit www.westmorelandcleanways.org, or call 724-879-4020.

America’s leading companies are proud to make America Recycles Day possible. National sponsors of America Recycles Day are: Amcor, America Chemistry Council, the Johnson & Johnson Family of Consumer Companies, Pilot Pen, and Waste Management.

Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 7

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8 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

St. Clair Should Have Returned to Pennsylvania Sooner

By RW Dick Phillips, Author & Historian After serving as President of Congress in 1787, Arthur St. Clair should have returned to Westmoreland County to rebuild the life of his family. He had already spent his first ten years in western Pennsylvania, working with and for Governor John Penn, helping him protect the early settlers and develop Bedford and Westmoreland counties.

As a retired British officer, he had become disgusted with the British treatment of the settlers and colonists and made the momentous decision to meet with President John Hancock, renounce his allegiance to Great Britain and accept a commission as Colonel in America’s Continental Army, serving eight years in the Revolution as one of Washington’s most trusted Major Generals.

After the war, St. Clair again returned home to begin rebuilding his family’s finances, only to be elected as a Pennsylvania delegate to Congress in 1785, and then elected by Congress as its President in 1787.

St. Clair had already been actively engaged in America’s military and public service for 21 years and he and his wife, Phoebe, had invested much of their funds to help Washington’s army. When he returned home for a brief stay during his last days as president, he had reached the pinnacle of his career. He was again looking forward to building the private life and finances of his family.

Unfortunately, on his return he found that Congress had elected (some say appointed) him as the first Federal Governor of the Northwest Territory, which was mostly wilderness and two-thirds the size of the original 13 colonies. The entire arrangement had been orchestrated by one of the shrewdest lobbyists of the time, Dr. Manasseh Cutler. He knew that his proposal to buy 1.7 million acres of the Ohio territory would sail through Congress much easier if he had St. Clair, who was knowledgeable about the Ordinance and less likely to be a troublesome land investor as well as Federal Governor.

Congress’ passage of the bill was obviously based on acceptance by St. Clair and all concerned sold the necessity of this first great American expansion and the prestige Every Story Begins At Home.

of leading it and promised the resources to support this massive project. Based on their past non-performance in so many areas, he should have known better.

If ever Arthur St. Clair should have said no, or at least negotiated to have his family’s war contributions paid back, he did neither. All of his knowledgeable Pennsylvania friends in Congress and government strenuously advised St. Clair against accepting the position. However, when the sellers of the plan played the honor-dutycountry cards, St.Clair, again, did not say no.

He had spent the first decade of his 40 years in America’s military and public service in western Pennsylvania’s Westmoreland County, where he ultimately was appointed magistrate by Governor John Penn.

After his retirement as a British officer, St. Clair’s cousin, General Thomas Gage, commander of the British forces in North America, persuaded him to oversee the British forts along the Forbes Road; i.e.

Bedford, Ligonier and Duquesne, which became Fort Pitt. This job was short-lived

as the British moved St. Clair’s troops to other assignments, leaving the settler’s in villages around the forts vulnerable to Indian attacks. St. Clair put together his own company of experienced rangers who volunteered to patrol the Forbes Road and taught the settlers to better defend themselves, using the forts as necessary.

When Governor Penn learned what St. Clair had done, he persuaded the legislature to appropriate funds for muskets, ammunition and salaries for the rangers. In less than a year St. Clair was able to report that the Indian raids had subsided, and Governor Penn began to count on St. Clair more and more. At that time, St. Clair was not aware that the Indian raids were being instigated by British Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia. Dunmore’s future acts would make him the constant adversary of Governor Penn and St. Clair before the war.

During the Revolutionary War, St. Clair’s gallantry earned him recognition as a Major General, a congressman and the president of Congress in 1787, the most crucial year in our young nation’s existence. It was the year that the U.S. Constitution was debated and passed and put out for approval by each state and the Northwest Ordinance, which was passed by Congress and set forth the guidelines for the development of the American states west of the Ohio River, all the way to the Mississippi.

St. Clair always sought to do the right thing, even when his successful strategy and actions were inconvenient truths for his superiors, including Congress. So many of his contributions were either unreported or totally misreported to the media, resulting in many years of negative publicity for St. Clair.

So why did this great American patriot, statesman and founding founder and his family endure so much hardship throughout St. Clair’s 40-year, American military and public service career?

More questions, examples, plausible answers and reasons can be found in the author’s new book entitled Arthur St. Clair, The Invisible Patriot (pictured at left) – available at Amazon.com.

November 2014 - 9

Jo Vernon

Westmoreland Financial Services of Pennsylvania Inc. Phone: 724-995-8297

Email: jvernon@westmorelandfinancial.com

Disclosures Licensed by the Department of Banking, NMLS 136138

10 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

What’s the latest on efforts to ban plastic bags?

California made big news recently when it announced the first statewide ban on plastic shopping bags set to kick in during the middle of 2015. Beginning in July, large grocery stores, pharmacies and other food retailers in the Golden State will no longer be able to send shoppers home with plastic bags, while convenience markets, liquor stores and other small food retailers will join the ranks a year later.

Back in 2007, San Francisco became the first U.S. municipality to ban plastic shopping bags. In intervening years upwards of 132 other cities and counties in 18 states and the District of Columbia instituted similar measures. Of course, Americans are late to the party when it comes to banning plastic bags: The European Union, China, India and dozens of other nations already have plastic bag bans or taxes in place.

But the trend here toward banning plastic shopping bags comes in the wake of new findings regarding the extent and harm of plastic in our environment. Since plastic isn’t biodegradable, it ends up either in landfills or as litter on the landscape and in waterways and the ocean. Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose and releases toxins into the soil and water in the process.

Littered plastic is also a huge problem for the health of wildlife, as many animals ingest it thinking it is food and can have problems thereafter breathing and digesting. The non-profit Worldwatch Institute

reports that at least 267 species of marine wildlife are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of marine debris, most of which is composed of plastic; tens of thousands of whales, birds, seals and turtles die every year from contact with ocean-borne plastic bags. A recent European Commission study on the impact of litter on North Sea wildlife found that some 90 percent of the birds examined had plastic in their stomachs.

Photo Credit: Taber Andrew Bain, courtesy Flickr

Another reason for banning plastic bags is their fossil fuel burden. Plastic is not only made from petroleum—producing it typically requires a lot of fossil-fuel-derived energy. The fact that Americans throw away some 100 billion plastic grocery bags each year means we are drilling for and importing millions of barrels worth of oil and natural gas for a convenient way to carry home a few groceries.

It’s hard to measure the impact of preexisting plastic bag bans, but some initial findings look promising. A plastic bag tax levied in Ireland in 2002 has reportedly led to a 95 percent reduction in plastic bag litter there. And a study by San Jose, California found that a 2011 ban instituted there has led to plastic litter reduction of “approximately 89 percent in the storm drain system, 60 percent in the creeks and rivers, and 59 percent in City streets and neighborhoods.”

Environmental groups continue to push for more plastic bag bans. “As U.S. natural gas production has surged and prices have fallen, the plastics industry is looking to ramp up domestic production,” reports the Earth Policy Institute. “Yet using this fossil fuel endowment to make something so short-lived, which can blow away at the slightest breeze and pollutes indefinitely, is illogical—particularly when there is a ready alternative: the reusable bag.” ***** CONTACTS: Worldwatch Institute, www. worldwatch.org; Earth Policy Institute, www.earth-policy.org.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@emagazine.com.

TWISTED HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE – NOVEMBER 15, Noon - 8:00 PM AFTERNOON: Light Refreshments & Drinks; EVENING: Mechants, Food, Cocktails & Tunes ... see our Facebook Page for details!

Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 11

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

How to lose weight fast and NEVER have to stress about it again In the weight loss industry, we see individuals constantly struggling to lose weight and keep it off while others are able to lose the weight and maintain it all their lives.

What separates the two? It is simple. Those who are successful long-term have established the proper foundation.

We would never build our dream home on a poor, weak foundation and expect it to last through a lifetime of obstacles. The same is true with weight management. For any weight loss to be successful over the long-haul, it has to be built on a solid foundation of proper nutrition and exercise and not from quick fix diets and fads.

There are four levels in building this foundation that will allow any individual to become empowered on their weight loss journey so their short-term success can be maintained long-term.

Level 1 - Education “Knowledge is Power!”

Learning how weight loss works is the first and most crucial part of the process. With all of the misleading diet and exercise information that is out there, it can be easy for someone who is not knowledgeable on the subject to become lost in it all and find themselves unsuccessful. By learning the process and the science behind it, you will find what works for you and you will be able to reach and sustain your desired goals all on your own.

The.good news is the education is quite simple; the bad news is most individuals allow misleading information to cloud their comprehension and make it more difficult than it needs to be.

Education begins by gaining a firm understanding of the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss.” The hierarchy begins with caloric management without regard to exercise.

Once that is achieved, exercise can then be incorporated into a weight loss program to achieve maximum results. The most effective form of exercise to shed fat is having concern for muscle through what is called progressive resistance training. A far less effective option, which is almost always misconceived, is cardio exercise. By understanding the hierarchy, a weight loss program becomes much more realistic for any individual and will make their weight-loss goals much more achievable.

12 - November 2014

Level 2 – Equation “Personalization” Once individuals have the correct understanding of the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss,” a personalization of one’s nutritional formula can be established. Having this created eliminates any guesswork in the weight management process. This “recipe” of defining one’s personal metabolism makes it clear, simple, and straightforward of exactly how your body should be fueled so a desired weight can be achieved allowing individuals to eat their favorite foods on THEIR TERMS for THEIR RESULTS. This is so important for long term success. Many individuals have been able to drop the weight, typically by restricting the foods they love. This can only last so long before it is too difficult to maintain.

The problem in this type of restrictive diet lies in that they have no understanding or experience of how to introduce those foods back into their lifestyle without over doing it and ultimately putting back on all the weight they lost and then some.

For the longest time we were only able to manage one side of the caloric equation – calories consumed. With today’s technology we now are able to monitor both sides of the equation (calories consumer and calories burned) allowing for the true personalization of a nutritional program.

Level 3 – Execute “Just Do It”!

Now with an understanding of their personalized “recipe” or nutritional formula in place, the next level of establishing the foundation is taking action. This action is typically the “trial and error” stage. This means no one should expect to be perfect with their caloric intake management at the onset of their weight loss program.

The science is black and white in that one pound of fat is 3,500 calories. Therefore, when a net accumulation deficit (burn more calories than you eat) totals 3500, an individual should see a one pound loss on the scale. Although that science is clear, our ability to accurately calculate the daily calories consumed is not.

Variables that can cause unintentional errors in our daily caloric calculation include portion distortion, FDA labeling loopholes, and BLT’s (Bites, Licks and Tastes) that go unaccounted.

As a weight loss/management facility, here at My Fitness Kitchen® we recommend minimally 30-days of daily caloric monitoring with weekly accountability check-ups to identify possible errors in this process.

This extended time of daily monitoring isn’t to make individuals miserable as we understand no one likes having to count calories. However, it is this exact process that enables individuals to NOT have to count calories the rest of their life if they want to make any weight loss last long-term.

This combination of daily monitoring along with week to week check-ins allows individuals to focus in on the possible errors being made that could easily be overlooked during the early stage of the weight loss success. This high frequency of caloric monitoring and weekly check-ins will also enable individuals to learn the correct size and caloric value of THEIR FOODS for easy management of weight without daily logging.

The weekly check-up should consist of both scale weight and body composition (e.g., % Body Fat). This ensures that the weight being lost is primarily fat and not any active lean muscle tissue (aka your metabolism). A failure to monitor the composition of weight lost is another huge factor in making the long-term management more difficult. Most weight loss programs are willing to sacrifice an individual’s metabolism (muscle) in exchange for a short-term loss of weight on the scale. This is an example of how a cardio-only exercise program as well as starvation diets will be unsuccessful later down the road.

Level 4 – Winning the Majority “Making Every Day Better”!

This is the lifestyle stage we hear every health professional preach. As we tell all of our clients/members; “There is no finish line on the road toward a healthy lifestyle”.

While in pursuit of a particular weight loss goal, the focus should be there, hitting on all cylinders in relation to caloric management and exercise. However, it ultimately has to be a lifestyle change and for that to occur you can’t expect to run uphill full-speed all year long. Therefore, ultimately, there will be a lapse in your daily LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

nutrition and exercise routine from time to time. The key is to understand and accept this, and that winning the majority of the time is what is important. Again, while in pursuit of a short-term goal, the attention to detail will and should be much greater and then once you’re at your “Happy Zone”, it is okay to let off the pedal some.

Winning the majority is simple. Start with the week, then the month and then the year. Each week if you can make the correct nutrition choices and exercise at least 4 of the 7 days you will win that week.

For each month, if you have at least 3 winning weeks where you are in the majority of positive behaviors, you will have won that month. The same holds true for the year. If you have 7 or more months where you’re in the majority of positive behaviors, you will have WON that year.

When we look at the trending inactivity and obesity of our society, it is easy to see those individuals who have lost the war on the majority of positive behaviors for proper weight management and a healthy lifestyle.

In the end, the choice is yours with which side you want to be on and the good news it doesn’t require perfection, but rather just the majority of “Making Every Day Better”!

For more information, please feel free to consult with any of the fitness professionals at My Fitness Kitchen®. Additionally, as an ongoing thank you to Laurel Mountain Post and its readers, mention this article for a FREE, no obligation, personalized, metabolic nutritional formula and fitness program that will leverage the “Hierarchy of Fat Loss.” If you are serious about achieving a body transformation goal, then you need a program, as any goal without a plan is really only a wish!

As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, by mentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article, you will receive $25 “Kitchen Cash” to be used toward our norisk, no obligation, 100% money guaran-tee 30Day Weight Loss JUMPSTART program at My Fitness Kitchen®, as a courtesy of the Laurel Mountain Post.

It’s all about telling our member’s stories ...

The Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Community Chamber of Commerce is working hard to transition to new facilities on Route 30 in Sharky's Cafe & The Pier Plaza.

The end-result will be a modern, technology-focused Visitor & Information Center! www.gllv.org

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My Fitness Kitchen® is located in Latrobe 30 plaza, Latrobe PA. My Fitness Kitchen® is a weight loss and body transformation center that also happens to have a fitness center connected to it. From the moment you enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your age, fitness level or experience, it’s all about “You.” The supportive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and friendly members combine to create the most unique and comfortable environment for your weight management and fitness success.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 13

14 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

THAT’S WHAT THEY SAY

Thought-Provoking Insights on Common Quotations

by Rev. Marjorie Rivera “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu Who hasn’t heard this little gem? Every journey, no matter how small or how epic begins with putting your one little foot before you and making that effort to move forward, yes. I do agree with the thought that the physical action of lifting one’s leg and raising one’s foot and coordinating the muscles in one’s extremity is the causal act1ion, but my question to you is— what happened in your mind before you even raised your foot to move? You raised a thought.

Consider this for a moment; can you raise your hand without sending a thought to your hand to lift? Try it….

It’s the thought that creates the physical reaction. On a purely physical level, thought creates movement.

There are things that we control with our mind, such as a smile, or a frown.

There are things we don’t control with awareness like the act of breathing or blinking. Life sustaining activities are relegated to the workings of our autonomic nervous system, so that we don’t have to think about our survival.

Things that don’t necessarily have an impact on our survival are things we actually have to think about in order to do. We have to think about raising a foot, to take a step. So my proposition here is that our intention is what creates an action. The action supports the intention. Furthermore, a more accurate redesign of the statement above might actually sound like; A journey of a thousand miles begins

with your intention to take the first step. Add to all of this, who takes a journey without first doing some planning? Planning is intention setting.

It is with intention that we create action. Our actions directly support our intention. Whether or not you know what your intention actually is, you are creating actions in this world that support your intention. Why not be more clear about what your intentions are when beginning a new journey? That might make it easier for you to produce the outcome you actually envisioned.

For more inspirations on this topic, please visit the Pinterest board I have dedicated to intention: http://www.pinterest.com/ aPGHmedium/intention/ Suggested Reading: “The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav Connect with me: Rev. Marjorie Rivera Pittsburgh Medium Tweet tweet https://twitter.com/PGHmedium Like me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PGHmedium Pin with me: www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/ Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com

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Every Story Begins At Home.

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Indiana Office: 724-349-8500 957 Philadelphia St. Indiana, PA 15701

New Alexandria Office: 724-668-5080 412 W. Main St. New Alexandia, PA 15670

Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200 213 E. Market St. Blairsville, PA 15717

New Florence Office: 724-235-3062 213 Ligonier St. New Florence, PA 15944

Blairsville

#1022045 – Country living near Routes 22 and 119, this lovely home offers kitchen w/granite counters/ appliances,beautiful oak woodwork. French doors to 15'x31' covered Vermont slate patio. Heated 5 car garage; Professionally landscaped. Blacktopped circular driveway. Survey in office. 3.4 acres. Offered at $299,900

Indiana

#994532– 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath brick home in Brookwood Estates. Home features, living room, dining room, family room, sun room and a finished basement. Laundry is located on main floor and home also includes a large mud room. Enjoy the warmth of the 2 fireplaces, sit on the deck or relax on the back porch. Offered at $275,000

Blairsville

#1027319 – Elegant home offers vaulted ceiling in living room and gas log fireplace. Custom white kitchen with island, electric cooktop, wall oven, pantry, breakfast area,and French doors to large covered patio. First floor master, bath has jet tub, shower, vanity, walk in closet.

First floor laundry. Huge family room. Attached garage.

Lots of great landscaping. Offered at $235,000

Armagh

#1011621 – Quiet country living close to Rt 22! Lovely perennials. Open living room and dining room, new maple laminate floor,sliding door from dining room to enclosed side deck. Updated bath. Huge family room with wall of storage,double deck, 6' fence enclosed yard,brick patio, large pavilion with lighting, swing set, nice shed, grape arbor, fruit trees,extra lot. 3 acres mowed. Offered at $175,000

Fairfield Township

#1010823 – Country living with privacy and peace, beautiful views and magnificent view of stars and constellations, olde farmhouse with greatroom addition, open kitchen,dr,lr, finished apartment downstairs, generator, well and spring water, 4 outbuildings, Amish cook stove, gas rights negotiable, agent owned.Bring your horses, fenced in pasture...home warranty. Offered at $299,000

Derry Township

#1011943 – Country Living! Farmette property with almost 6 acres and no zoning. Features 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, w/ updated kitchen. Hot tub room, pool, barn, garage outbuilding. Lots of room and storage - must see!! Offered at $254,900

Fairfield Township

#1003746 – Brick farmhouse on 18 acres, with barn.

Excellent views, detached pole building for garage or horses.# bedrooms on Main floor, nice location in country. Pasture is sloping and gas rights not included in the sale. Offered at $199,900

Loyalhanna

#1029570 – 1.5 story brick home w/ 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Gas fireplace, hardwood floors, finished basement.

Walk-in closet. 2-car garage, 12x16 shed. Enclosed rear porch and deck. Living room hutch included. Offered at $159,900

Penn Run

#1014231 – Beautiful 2 bedroom log cedar home, Located on a 12.92 +- acre lot surrounded by woods. Included is a two car garage with bonus room above.

Plenty of space outside to entertain friends and family.

Near Yellow Creek State Park. Offered at $289,000

Blairsville

#1011285 – Beautiful 3 bedroom 2.5 bath ranch w/stone fireplace, oak kitchen and trim thru out. Inviting deck & pool with shed & playgym. Move-in ready.Huge finished lower level w/bar & plenty of storage. Complete with 2 car garage, on a double lot in the Walnut Hills area of Blairsville. Easy access to Rt. 22. Offered at $239,900

Brush Valley

#1028218 – Enjoy the view of this 2 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath ranch home situation on 4.05 +/- acres. Potential for 3 bedrooms. Home also includes a deck overlooking a nicely landscaped yard. Use the barn for extra storage.

Located close to Yellowcreek Park for all your outside adventures. Offered at $185,000

Salem Township

#1025635 – Move-in condition, full basement. Master w/ full bath and garden tub. Fenced rear yard, oversized det garage w/ storage. New windows, newer roof, provate.

New furnace, updated electric. Small barn. Must-see property! Offered at $159,900

www.HewittRealEstate.net 16 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

WWIA to Host Program About Harvesting and Working Wood The Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association will host a talk on Tuesday, November 18, in the Westmoreland Conservation District headquarters (the J. Roy Houston Conservation Center behind the Donohoe Center).

The speaker is BA Harrington, assistant professor of woodworking in the art department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She will discuss IUP’s Harvest-to-Use program, which uses trees felled on campus to build objects that serve IUP and the broader community. It also provides a unique teaching opportunity in the field of woodworking. The program was started by IUP professor emeritus Chris Weiland in 2004.

IUP is one of only a few universities with a wood program capable of harvesting local lumber in-house, due to the acquisition of a Wood-Mizer sawmill in 2004. "The project exposes students to the cyclical pro-

Chris Weiland trains BA Harrington on the Wood-Mizer.

cess of harvesting lumber using sustainable, low-impact technology," Harrington explains.

"The Harvest-to-Use program instills a sense of responsibility for the future production of meaningful objects. It also explores renewable resources, community sustainability, collaboration, and regional identity, as well as the ideas of place and emotionally laden materials."

Harrington is developing curriculum for courses that will count toward the newly proposed minor in sustainability studies at IUP. She received her traditional training in the cabinet and furniture-making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. After a decade of building custom furniture, she returned to academia and her studio art background, graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an MFA in wood and an MA in art history.

She creates sculptures and other art, both solo and in a collaborative multimedia practice with Chele Isaac, a Madison-based video and sound artist.

Harrington's artwork has been shown nationally. She has been the Windgate Artist-in-Residence at San Diego State University and at Purchase College, State University of New York. She was recently named co-director of The Wood Center at IUP. Her most recent research explores connections between new discoveries in cognitive science and traditional craft practices.

The talk is free to Westmoreland Woodlands Improvement Association members and costs $5 for nonmembers. If you’re a

WWIA member (or former member or soon-to-be member), please join us before the program for dinner. Come early for a social half hour at 5:30. There will be a buffet dinner at 6:00 p.m., followed by a brief business meeting. The presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.

Freshly milled logs are stacked outside the drying shed.

Bring a side dish or dessert if you like; it’s not required. If you plan to attend the dinner, please call Sandy at WCD, (724) 8375271, by Friday, November 14, to register.

One lucky attendee will take home as a door prize a serving board made from Westmoreland County hardwoods by WWIA president John Hilewick.

WWIA’s mission is to encourage good management of woodlands for aesthetics, timber, water quality and control, wildlife habitat, plant propagation, and recreation. The group holds regular programs and field trips throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.westmoreland woodlands.org.

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Every Story Begins At Home.

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November 2014 - 17

Derry Area Senior High School Wins “S&T Bank My School, My Award” Program Schools across S&T Bank’s 12-county footprint were invited to apply for the second annual “S&T Bank My School, My Award” program. As part of the application, schools were asked to explain how they would use the money to help increase educational opportunities for students. A selection committee that was made up of S&T Bank personnel reviewed applications, and the winner was selected on September 5, 2014.

Derry Area High School plans to use the money to support its Agriculture/Horticulture program and provide new tools such as farming and gardening equipment as well as other landscaping tools which will be put to use to help distribute and donate fresh produce, landscape local businesses and assist those on fixed incomes to grow their own food.

What made Derry's application stand out from the rest?

“Derry plans to use the $5,000 toward a community service initiative and their agricultural program. They will use the money to purchase supplies such as tillers, shovels, wheel barrels and other items to improve the community and get the students involved,” explained the selection committee. “This stood out to us in that other schools wanted to use the money mostly for electronics. It was nice to see kids getting out there and taking care of their community and getting their hands dirty (literally).”

Jerome “The Bus” Bettis (former Steelers football running back and S&T Bank ambassador) presented the check during an assembly at Derry Area Senior High School on October 24. Pictured in the photos at right with Bettis is S&T Bank President & CEO Todd Brice.

"Giving back to the schools in our region that provide an educational foundation to foster youth development is part of S&T Bank's commitment to community," said Brice. "The 'S&T Bank My School, My Award' program recognizes local schools who are helping to build successful and thriving communities and we are proud to award Derry Area School District with this contribution."

Last year's winner was Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh. The school used the award money to develop a team of trained adult and peer tutors, working with students in an after-school setting in an effort to empower students, strengthen their academic skills and foster an environment of academic success.

18 - November 2014

Laurel Mountain Post Celebrates 10 Years!

Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce members celebrated the Laurel Mountain Post's 10-year anniversary with owner Cathi Gerhard at a special Fall Reception and a Chamber "Ribbon Cutting Ceremony"! Thanks to our friends at the SpringHill for the complimentary quesadilla appetizers and an amazing "Anniversary Cake" by Mary Carlson from Batter Up! Cakes in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Members and guests enjoyed everyone's favorite new drink, the "GLLV Chamber Mixer" and the SpringHill’s new-for-fall "Spiced Amaretto Cider." Photos by Carly Hall Photography and Designs

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Life on a Pennsylvania Iron Plantation

by Judith Redline Coopey We’ve all seen them – those old stone iron furnaces tucked away in rural valleys with streams running close, remnants of a by-gone era when iron making was a mainstay of Pennsylvania’s economy. Almost every county has a few tumble-down truncated limestone pyramids offering mute testimony to what was once a thriving industry and way of life.

My interest in Pennsylvania’s iron industry was awakened when I started writing Pennsylvania historical fiction. I like to research and write about topics that haven’t been worn out over the years, and I grew up in Blair County near one of the best preserved iron works in the state–so I got curious about Mt Etna, near Williamsburg.

Mt Etna, on the Lower Trail, part of the Pennsylvania Rails to Trails project, is a great day trip for hikers and bikers alike.

What you’ll find there when you go is the iron master’s mansion, built in 1828, now undergoing renovation, and three of the original workers’ log cabins, used as residences as recently as the 1970s. A short walk brings you to the ruins of the furnace itself and some very well-preserved buildings that were once the center of a thriving iron plantation. There is the company store, now a beautifully restored private residence, a tenant house, the original dwelling built in 1796 which now serves as a guest house, and a huge old stone bank barn which housed a hundred mules in the 1800s.

What fascinated me in my research was how self-sufficient an iron plantation was. Usually located in a remote rural area near a fast-flowing stream, the far-flung operations included ore mines, limestone quarries, forests for charcoal burning, farms for food production, the furnace itself, often with a forge nearby, a grist mill, a saw mill, a church, a school and various forms of transportation. An iron plantation was a tight little community with both skilled and unskilled workers pulling together to produce iron for household implements, tools, machine parts, musket balls or iron rails.

The iron master was a paternalistic employer whose company store provided for the needs of the workers, stocking food, clothing, household necessities, medicines and even alcohol. The iron master usually kept a close eye on alcohol consumption in the interest of uninterrupted production, so alcohol purchases were often restricted.

Once in blast, the furnace ran day and night, six days a week. It was usually banked on Saturday night prior to the Sabbath, but production resumed on Sunday evening. It was loud and hot, very strenuous and dangerous work. The wages were high for the times, and housing, schooling, a garden plot and access to firewood, hunting and fishing were included. Workers pulled twelve hour shifts six days per week.

By nature of their isolation, iron villages were close knit communities, but workers were free to come and go as there was always work at another furnace, forge, quarry or ore mine. Many a life was lived from the cradle to the grave on a single iron plantation.

People knew one another, worked together, worshipped together, shared life’s trials and triumphs in the seclusion of the village.

Some villages were laid out in a circle with a village green in the middle where people came together to share the news or the labor. The community well was often located within this common area, and sometimes the area might be used as a community garden. Children played, fished, hunted, picked berries, had sledding parties, school and church picnics or sporting contests all within the village or its environs. Many iron plantations had their own cemeteries which now offer mute testimony to the lives which played out in the shadow of the ever present furnace.

Iron plantations varied in size, depending on production needs, with an average

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Every Story Begins At Home.

of 75 to 100 workers employed, giving a population of 300-400 including families.

Not all workers lived in the village. Some came from nearby farms while others boarded with local families.

While the design of workers’ houses varied, a plain two story log cabin with two rooms downstairs and two up was common. Heat came from a fireplace or, later from a cook stove. Candles or kerosene lanterns and lamps provided light. Since there was usually no indoor plumbing, water was carried from the common well and disposed of on the garden. Each cabin had its own “necessary” out back.

As far as food was concerned, most workers’ houses included a garden plot, a chicken coop and maybe a pig sty. People grew, preserved, pickled, butchered, dried and salted their own winter supply including the products of the local woods, streams and meadows – fish, game, nuts, roots and berries. The company store carried preserving supplies like salt and exotic foods like oranges at Christmas time. Otherwise, the villagers were on their own.

Family members learned the value of hard work at a young age. Boys tended the garden, fished and hunted for the family, hired out to local farms at haying or harvest time. There was plenty of work for girls as well: tending the chickens, helping with the washing which was done outside over an open fire, sewing, mending and various kinds of needle work. Young women often earned a little pocket money by doing laundry and mending for unmarried workers.

While the work was hard, and the life demanding, living on a 19th century iron plantation offered its own rewards. Families were close, friendships lasted a lifetime, life’s triumphs were shared as were its woes. People were self-reliant, resourceful and resilient, capable of facing life’s hardships with courage and faith in themselves and their God. Next time you drive past one of those old furnaces, take a long look and appreciate the way of life that paved the way for your own. Despite the conveniences of modern technology, you’re not as far removed from it as you may think. I like to think I could go back to that time and place and thrive. Maybe.

How about you?

Judith Redline Coopey’s book “The Furnace” is now avalailable through Amazon.com.

Visit her website, www.judithredlinecoopey .com to learn more about her other Pennsylvania historical fiction.

November 2014 - 19

Candlelight Open House Historic Hanna’s Town will be open on Thursday, November 13, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. for a candlelight gathering at the Tavern, and an opportunity to preview the new holiday merchandise at the Museum Shop. We will be recreating the ambience of an 18th century evening of camaraderie and commerce, and celebrating life in Westmoreland County – then and now.

• Roll some wooden dice and learn to play a game of Draughts or Nine Men’s Morris.

• Taste some beer from All Saints Brewery and wassail made from a Colonial Williamsburg recipe served from the “bar” at the Tavern.

• Stroll by candlelight from the Tavern where you will enjoy the games and savory snacks to the Shop where we’ll serve sweets – including Sally Lunn and Gingerbread with our own private labeled jams and jellies, and freshly brewed gourmet tea.

• Browse all our other unique gift items selected with an eye for that early American flair and a Made in America label.

The Candlelight event is free and open to the public. For the holiday season, the Historic Hanna’s Town Shop will be open on November 15 and 22 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm during the Fall Tea and Coffee events. Special discounts will be given to program attendees. The Shop will be open from 1:00 to 4:00 pm on Novem0ber 29, December 6 and the 13. December 13 will be our last day, and our “End of Season” sale.

A Time to Be Thankful

Shop Our Four Rooms of Unique Gifts & Home Decor Flags • Kites • Yard Spinners Hot Air Balloons • Windsocks • Slates

New Steeler-Penguin-Pirate Items as well as their new heavy flags!

2014 is Rudolph’s 50th Anniversary and Jim Shore has outdone himself!

Please stop in to see his whole line of figurines from one event to another: Wizard of Oz • Mickey • Angels Santas • Snowmen • many more!

You will be pleasantly surprised!

Tues-Fri, 10 am - 5 pm,; Sat, 10 am - 3 pm Closed on Sun & Mon All Credit Cards Accepted

Cottage D’s Windy 724-537-5283 745 Lloyd Avenue Extension • Latrobe, PA 15650

Historic Hanna’s Town is located 3 miles north of Greensburg at 809 Forbes Trail Road. The village was founded in 1773 by Robert Hanna and was the site of the first English court west of the Allegheny Mountains prior to the Revolutionary War. The settlement was attacked and burned by Indians and their British allies on July 13, 1782. Hanna’s Town never recovered and court was moved to Greensburg in 1786.

Please visit www.westmorelandhistory.org and follow our activities on the Westmoreland County Historical Society Facebook page, and on Twitter @WCHistory. Call for information about Historic Hanna’s Town and the Westmoreland County Historical Society at 724-532-1935.

20 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

TODAY’S EDUCATION

by Clair Ward, Head of School at Valley School of Ligonier

Their Future or Our Past?

Educators have escalated the conversation about 21st century skills as we consider what students will need for tomorrow’s jobs. The primary lens for this is building skills that our students will need for their futures and not educating them according to our past.

For example, many of us recall having to memorize pivotal and famous speeches from our forefathers. But perhaps requiring students to recite the Gettysburg address is not as powerful as being sure they can speak about Lincoln and the ways in which his view of government can serve us even today.

Skeptics argue that we are already well enough into the 21st century that such talk seems outdated. They also worry that our curricular pendulum will swing too dramatically from teaching exclusively content to exclusively softer skills like collaboration.

Nevertheless, we can all agree that we are becoming increasingly nervous that the educational paths we have laid out for our children—paths not so different from our own—may not guarantee them the same future that those paths secured for us.

How different this conversation looks than the same conversation we had before 2000! At that time, we spoke about the importance of learning specific content and skills related to the exploding technology world. The conversation asked us to consider the following: “Kids need to know how to do…”—fill in the blank. But no longer are we speaking about what kids need to know how to do. Now we are talking in terms of behaviors, and how kids need to know how to think. It is becoming increasingly clear to us that unless they know how to think and adapt, they will lack the mental and behavioral flexibility to reinvent themselves the estimated 5-6 times that their career paths will likely require.

Many schools are favoring mind-sets such as stewardship, globalism, communication, self-advocacy and innovation. This does not mean replacing content, but ensuring that the content we choose to present to children helps us to advance these increasingly important ways of looking at the world and at learning. But let’s be honest.

What we crave is the confirmation that this will be the right path. How will we know these things are right if we do not have a crystal ball?

Every Story Begins At Home.

Allow me to share with you one external benchmark. In February of this year, the New York Times published an Op Ed piece on an interview with Senior Vice President of People Operations (otherwise known as HR) from Google—a man named Laszlo Bock. Now whether or not you or your children aspire to a future career at Google, we cannot deny that a company such as this has to stay nimble in today’s technology market place.

According to Bock, here are the most crucial hiring attributes for Google: 1. General cognitive ability as characterized by an individual’s ability to learn—not by their IQ 2.Emergent leadership as characterized not only by your ability to step in and lead when necessary, but also to step back and let someone else lead when it is better for the group.

3.Intellectual humility and ownership Last on the list? Expertise. Because according to Bock, an expert will come up against a problem they have seen 100 times and choose only the predictable solution instead of the creative solution.

The author of this article issues a warning to young people as a result of the Google example: “Beware. Your degree is not a proxy for your ability to do any job. The world only cares about — and pays off on — what you can do with what you know (and it doesn’t care how you learned it.)

And in an age when innovation is increasingly a group endeavor, it also cares about a lot of soft skills — leadership, humility, collaboration, adaptability and loving to learn and re-learn.”

I promise you that most educators are not solely focused on producing workers for the marketplace. However, it is possible that this is an age when the philosophy of education that you will find in many schools could not be a bigger mismatch for what our children actually need for their futures.

Curricular emphasis on test prep, emphasis on grades over learning, on product over

process will never lead to the kind of employee that Google is describing. The more we focus on grades as the learning outcome instead of the learning itself, the more we narrow our children’s academic experience and mindsets. Such is the consideration for the 21st century.

Allow me to share three ways to raise a 21st century learner: • Our children will function in an entirely different marketplace than the one we have known. So if your child’s school feels different to you than your own schooling felt— celebrate! Curriculum should be a means for us to develop mindsets toward learning and the world. The content is not the goal— the mindset is.

• Academic success can be helpful, but success without creativity will fall short.

Children who feel burdened by the benchmark of grades do not have the ability to entertain creativity in their learning. Allow teachers to partner with you in making children care about the pursuit of learning, not the pursuit of status.

• Discipline yourself to avoid focusing on the product—you can expect your child to work hard, you can have consequences for her not working hard without ever mentioning grades. Do not let the grand-parents pay them for A’s or link the acquisition of some long sought-after gift tied to her GPA. Rewards of this nature do not raise intrinsically motivated children. And intrinsic motivation is their only key to the decades of learning and invention that face them.

Let us commit ourselves as a community to raising our children in a way that keeps them most relevant for their future in the 21st century and beyond. ***** Clair Ward was appointed in 2008 to the position of Head of School at Valley School of Ligonier (www.valleyschoolofligonier.com). Ms. Ward holds an M.Ed. from Boston College and a B.A. in English/ Classics from Hamilton College. She lives in Rector with her daughter and husband, Bryon Williams, a doctoral candidate at Duquesne University.

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November 2014 - 21

HOME STUDY

by Brian Mishler

Things of Permanence Mentioned previously in these pages, Carol and I just returned from a wonderful trip to Ireland. While photos can show the beauty, nothing can relate the sense of wonder around every corner. This sometimes can be momentarily replaced by a sense of terror as driving on the left side of the road on what can only be described as two-way one lane roads edged with stone walls.

If ever you have the chance to visit Ireland, – go. It is easy to understand the mythical and magical tales that have sprung up from such a small region; not only the magnificent landscape but a people so friendly and ornery all at the same time!

As a self-proclaimed building geek one of the (many) things that struck me during our trip was of course the architecture. One thing that I love is seeing history through construction – not so much the architecture itself, but the actual construction; how things were and are put together. The materials, tools (or lack thereof), techniques, fasteners and components used through time.

For instance, we all know for the most part that humans through time have used nearby materials to build their homes; Native Americans used animal hides and wood from the land to build their “mobile” homes. American pioneers felled trees and built log structures, Eskimos and igloos, so

on and so forth. But today one might not give it much thought or think that’s changed with the advent of shipping technology.

However, here in our region asphalt roof shingles are the norm, and slate the exception. In Ireland slate is the norm; not an asphalt shingle roof to be seen! This is amazing to me, as the skill and labor necessary to install a slate roof is easily twice what it is to install shingles. But in a country where diesel fuel is $6.88 per gallon and rock is abundant, perhaps a petroleum based roofing material doesn’t make sense.

Here in this country and particularly our region we consider construction to be old at about 100 years, give or take a few decades. In one conversation I had with a realtor who had emigrated from the UK, he told me the oldest building he’d ever sold was built in the 1300’s. It didn’t really sink in how old that is…

Our trip began in Dublin where we rented a car; funny little thing– steering wheel on the wrong side, stick shifts only thank you–we jumped in and headed down the highway on the “wrong” side of the road.

It wasn’t long before we were off the major highways and onto the smaller roads gasping at the breathtaking sights, and marveling at the abandoned castles. Abandoned – there to be had, imagining we could own a castle! All it needs is a little fixing up!

After a day of exploring, and determined not to let jet lag get the best of us, we checked into our bed and breakfast – upon which our hosts told us we should go into downtown and explore Kilkenny and grab a bite and a pint at Kyteler’s tavern.

Kyteler’s was established by Dame Alice Kyteler who, as it turned out, had four husbands die a mysterious death. The local bishop declared that she must be a witch, and should be destroyed! Ms. Kyteler escaped, but unfortunately her hand-maiden was burned at the stake in her stead. And so began the witch hunts and executions we read about in school. [editor’s note: see http://www.kytelersinn.com/kytelers-innhistory.asp] Her inn, built between 1263 and 1324, remains. That’s 690 years old folks. The United States? 238. And, the Kyteler inn while unique in history is not so in age.

As we roamed the country, we saw examples of architecture around every corner dating to the 12th century – must have been a building boom – some places we visited boasted of having been remodeled; in the 1800’s.

One place that I “inspected” called a beehive hut was constructed some-where around 2,000 B.C. – 4,000 years ago. As we circumnavigated Ireland, the abandoned churches, castles, friaries and other ancient structures became commonplace; they’re around every corner, and they all have a story to be told. History so rich, legends so grand, tales passed down through millennia.

One thing that struck a chord within me – during the protestant occupation of Ireland in the mid-1600’s, among other restrictions and atrocities, Catholics were forbidden to construct stone churches; they had to be built of wood. In our land, where wood is the most common building method, this may seem a minor annoyance rather than a harsh punishment. But there, a wooden structure is not considered “permanent.” Wood rots. Those abandoned buildings that need some “fixing up?” Not only have their wooden floors, ceilings and roofs decayed and fallen in; they’ve rotted away to nothing. Except for the beam pockets in the stone, there’s no trace they were ever there.

Here in the ‘states we consider our homes and buildings to be “permanent,” yet they are designed with only a 50 or so year

The author “inspecting” a beehive hut, and unabashedly self-promoting!

22 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Carol and I with Connor Pass in the background.

life expectancy in mind. Does that mean we intend they be demolished after 50 years?! No. We intend that they will need significant renovation or remodeling after 50 years. Rooms with water in them are intended to need significant remodel-ing or renovation every 20 years. On the surface, and especially considering the 30 year mortgage, this may seem too short a life cycle – not to mention cost prohibitive.

But let’s consider the downside of permanence. To “fix up” one of our abandoned castles, we would not only need to replace the wooden substructure, but add minor conveniences – like indoor plumbing, electricity, windows, and all the other modern comforts that we take for granted today. Additionally, should we need to widen a road or add living units like an apartment building, demolishing a piece of history may seem like a crime.

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Farmette for Sale in Somerset County

***** Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., and a 20-year veteran home inspector. He began performing home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convinced him that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president of the Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors (PRO-ASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, a nonprofit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans, assisting them with prerenovation inspection and selection. Brian also teaches a variety of real estate related classes, and has mentored other seeking to become home inspectors.

He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half Carol, their Boston terrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students. When spare time is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hiking in the area. He can be reached at brian@homestudyinc.com.

Every Story Begins At Home.

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For more details or to schedule your personal showing: Office 301-895-8064; Cell 301-501-3283; StanczykProperties@gmail.com November 2014 - 23

Vernon Realty Ad - page 1

24 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Vernon Realty Ad - page 2

Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 25

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.”

through early May Latrobe Indoor Farmer’s Market Cooperstown Event Center, 2541 Thomas Street, Latrobe. Tuesdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local food vendors and crafters will have items for sale. Eat-in or take home containers will be available.

11/6/2014 Mad for Style Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.1123 westmorelandculturaltrust.org Following the runway event, attendees will gather to sample delectable desserts while enjoying an opportunity to do some early holiday shopping in at our merchant emporium.

11/7/2014 Commemoration of George Washington’s Friendly Fire Incident Fort Ligonier, 200 South Market Street, Ligonier, PA 15658. 6-8 pm An evening program presented by noted artist, Chas Fagan. A Ligonier native, and a graduate of Yale University, Chas Fagan has gained national prominence and recognition as an accomplished and gifted portraitist, sculptor and painter.

11/7/2014 2014-2015 Classic Film Series: Full Metal Jacket State Theatre Center for the Arts, 27 E. Main St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.439.1360 statetheatre.info 11/7/2014 to 11/9/2014 Holiday Healthy Eating Wellness Workshop Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, 1001 Lafayette Dr., Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.8555. nemacolin.com Spend time with health experts and Nemacolin Chefs to learn the secrets to healthy eating during the holiday months. Part of Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s Wellness Workshops, enjoy everything from cooking classes to holistic massages... and time to unwind.

11/9/2014 Pests and Pathogens of Wild Game Powdermill Nature Reserve Sunday Lecture Series, 1 pm, Parker Rm Join us in the Parker Room of the nature center on the second Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. for a seasonally relevant nature talk.

Weather permitting, each lecture will be followed by a brief foray into the field for an interpretive hike. Free; registration not required. 724) 593-6105 11/8/2014 Princess Tea Party Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts, 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.6574. missmarthastearoom.com In addition afternoon tea, each child will make a special craft to take home.

26 - November 2014

– WJ Cameron

11/8/2014 to 11/8/2014 The Wizard of Wonderland The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com admission $12 11/8/2014 Putt Putt Party Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30, 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA Step up to the tee to raise a little green for the Greensburg YMCA and Westmoreland Museum of American Art children’s programs! Join us as we turn the Museum into an indoor mini golf course with putt putt holes designed by local artists, refreshments from your favorite local restaurants and more.

11/8/2014 UFO-Bigfoot Conference Westmoreland County Community College, 145 Pavilion Ln., Youngwood, PA 15697 724.836.1266, mufonpa.com 7th annual UFO Conference at Westmoreland Community College. Six speakers including Nick Redfern, Derrel Sims, John Ventre, Fred Saluga, Brian Seech and Terry Ray. Separate dinner with speakers also.

11/8/2014 Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest Community & Recreation Center at Boyce Mayview Park, 1551 Mayview Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15241 412.221.1099. twpusc.org Join us on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 11 AM- 4 PM at the Bounty at Boyce Mayview Park Fall Fest. There will be familyfriendly activities including fall crafts, hay wagon rides, cider tasting, apple slingshots and s’more making. Also, live music will be playing all afternoon in the entertainment tent where you can sit and enjoy lunch from one of our many food trucks/vendors.

11/8/2014 – 11/21/2014 Thanksgiving Food Drive St. James Roman Catholic Church, 306 Saint James Lane, New Alexandria, PA. All non-perishable Thanksgiving-oriented food donations should be deposited in the vestibule of the Church only. Ministry members will then assemble boxes and baskets which will be distributed the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23 to the needy of the Church. The remaining Thanksgiving Baskets or Boxes will be given to the needy of New Alexandria from a list given to the Church. Keep in mind, all names will remain completely confidential. If one wishes to donate potatoes, turkeys or hams, he must first contact the Parish rectory at 724.668.2829, so one will be present to refrigerate or freeze the items before the dates of distribution. Any food donations remaining will be taken to the local Food Pantry at No Walls Ministry or Delmont Food Bank. There are many families who need assistance this time of year.

One’s generosity will make the difference. If everyone would do his part, there would be more than enough to go around. Even if one isn’t a member of the Church, everyone can drop off something prior to or after the following Masses: Saturday, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and daily, 8 a.m.

11/8/2014 Beers of the Burgh Winter Warmer Lower Lawrenceville, 3511 Butler St., Pittsburgh, 412.509.2942 beersoftheburgh.com The Beers of the Burgh Winter Warmer is a one-of-a-kind festival featuring seasonal offerings from 25+ Western Pennsylvania breweries to help you gear up for another Pittsburgh winter.

11/9/2014 Pittsburgh Polish Festival 2014 Fourth Floor, Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15260 814.969.5940 Polish demonstrations of cooking, ethnic foods, surname origins, paper cuttings, live barnyard animals and a variety of Polish folkarts. So join Radek Fizik and his Polish Folk Songs and Fran Yakima and her Polkas, Obereks and Mazurkas for your listening and dancing pleasure beginning at noon. The “Lajkoniki Polish Folk Dance Ensemble will entertain as well as the “Living Traditions Folk Ensemble. Family Fun & Free Admission !

11/10/2014 Tea History Social and Fundraiser Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery, 300 Fraser Purchase Rd., Latrobe, PA 15650 724.804.2188. mccarlgallery.org Discover the fascinating history of this much-loved beverage! Tea was first introduced to England in the 17th century. At first it was used for medicinal purposes and sold in London’s early coffee houses. Only when Catherine of Braganza (an avid tea drinker) of Portugal married England’s Charles II did tea become a social beverage. In 1840, Anna the 7th Duchess of Bedford is credited with inventing the custom of Afternoon Tea, a tradition that was embraced by Queen Victoria. Understand the difference between High Tea and Afternoon Tea and learn proper tea etiquette and customs.

This program will last approximately one and a half hours and will be broken into different sections featuring tea foods, etiquette, sweets, etc. Registrants will be able to be served tea in an antique or vintage tea cup which they will get to keep. Cost to Attend $35 11/11/2014 Veteran’s Day Fort Necessity Battlefield, 1 Washington Pky., Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.8124 nps.gov/fone In honor of Veteran’s Day, enjoy free admission to National Parks.

11/13/2014 Close to You Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200, upjarts.org Close to You: The Music of The Carpenters brings these classics back to the stage with spoton renditions performed by singer Lisa Rock and her six-piece band.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

11/13/2014 to 11/15/2014 Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe Saint Emma Monastery & Retreat House, 1001 Harvey Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.834.3060, stemma.org Runs Thursday, November 13 (Early Bird Evening 4-7 pm, $5/person admission), Friday, November 14 (10-7) and Saturday, November 15 (10-3).

11/14/2014 Art on Tap 5.2.7 Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30, 4764 State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.837.1500, wmuseumaa.org Experience happy hour and the latest PopUp Exhibition at Westmoreland @rt 30! Enjoy beer from All Saints Brewing Company, wine, music by Detention, a scavenger hunt and fun with friends! This month’s sponsor is Mountain View Dental.

11/14/2014 to 11/16/2014 Christmas Open House Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House, 36 E. Church St., Uniontown, PA 15401 724.437.5500, neubauersflowers.com Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House is kicking off the Christmas season with their Annual Open House at the Market House. During the event there will be a special preview of their holiday collection. Refreshments will be served.

11/15/2014 Hike Murrysville Duff Park Hike. 9 am. Please meet at the Pavilion in Duff Park. For information, please visit www.murrysvilletrails.org.

11/15/2014 Taste of Italy Wine Tasting BARC Flatiron Building Heritage Museum & Visitor Center, 16 Race St., Brownsville, PA 15417 724.785.9331, barcpa.org The event showcases talented local vintners’ who provide their homemade wines for tasting & an array of appetizers to compliment the experience. There is also a Chinese Auction & a Grand Auction of Wines.

11/15/2014 Colonial Teas at Historic Hanna's Town 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA. 11:30 am - 4:00 pm Back by popular demand, Historic Hanna's Town will be hosting two sittings of this annual event. Guests will be served tea in the Klingensmith House, original early 1800's house, by servers dressed in Colonial period garb. Refreshments include sandwiches, scones, cakes and dessert with lashings of tea!

Reserve your seat now! 2 sittings -11:30 am and 2:00 pm. The Gift Shop will also be open from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Tickets - $20.00 each. Call Westmoreland County Historical Society at 724-532-1935.

11/15/2014 Hands-On Glass Cutting Class Mount Pleasant Glass Museum, 402 E. Main St., Mount Pleasant, PA, 724.547.5929 Come join us and listen to Peter O’Rourke discuss how to cut glass and then do a little cutting of your own and take it home. The class is two hours long and the cost is $15. This is a family friendly activity suitable for all ages!

11/15/2014 to 12/20/2014 Snowflake Showcase Greensburgh Art Center/Rowe Gallery, 230 Todd School Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.6791. greensburgartcenter.org

Every Story Begins At Home.

Shop an exciting selection of hand-made crafts, paintings, prints, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, ornaments, and other type handmade items for your holiday gift list.

11/16/2014 Holiday Arts Open House Glades Pike Winery, 2208 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501 814.445.3753 gladespikewinery.com Local artisans bring their works together for a holiday shopping experience – have a glass of wine while checking off that list!

11/19/2014 Lee Alverson Christmas Show Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House, 450 Main St., Rockwood, PA 15557 814.926.4546 rockwoodmillshoppes.com Join Lee Alverson as he treats you to a Winter Wonderland of Holiday favorites. The show features nostalgic trivia, warm hearted stories and songs of the season. Starts at noon.

11/20/2014 to 11/23/2014 Bah Humbug The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com 11/20/2014 Westmorland Jazz Society Concert featuring Donna Bailey Westmoreland Museum of American Art @rt 30, 1 Seton Hill Dr., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org 11/21/2014 - 1/1/2015 Overly’s Country Christmas 116 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg (724) 423-1400, www.overlys.com Celebrate the season at Overly’s Country Christmas®, a nonprofit committed to creating holiday memories with a Christmas Village that’s filled with an array of old-fashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols ‘round the bonfire, revel in the model train display, have your picture taken with Santa (in the days before Christmas), take a horse drawn wagon/ sleigh ride or shop for gifts in the C. Edgar & Sons General Store plus much, much more as you experience the beauty of this traditional winter wonderland!

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. For your best holiday experience in Christmas Village, arrive early or at least 1 hour before the scheduled closing time. Inclement weather such as high wind, ice and rain may result in an early closing or complete closing. By the Carload. $12, M-T. $15, F-S. $22 - commercial vans. Call for group pricing. 5:30 - 9 pm daily.

Be sure to visit the historical displays in the Sleigh Room, featuring Christmas issues of the Laurel Mountain Post!

11/21/2014 to 11/23/2014 17th Annual Greater Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Holiday Spectacular Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville.

724.863.4577. www.familyfestivals.com Friday 10-9, Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5 Don’t miss over 280 booths in two huge exhibit halls. Pittsburgh’s biggest Christmas arts and crafts show! Jewelry, clothing, functional & decorative wood, florals, candles, photography, decorative paintings and more!

Sample delicious pre-packaged foods - dips, mixes, nuts, candies, chocolates and more! Kids will enjoy Santa, clowns and a puppet show!

The Carrola Brothers will provide musical entertainment. Acres of free parking! Don’t miss the area’s biggest Christmas craft show!

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www.chicoras.com 11/21/2014 to 11/23/2014 Fiddler on the Roof The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Tony Award-winning classic musical is filled with humor, warmth and honesty. Leaves audiences crying tears of laughter, joy and sadness. Featuring Tony and Renata Marino as Golde and Tevye.

11/22/2014 Three Centuries of Coffee at Historic Hanna's Town Historic Hanna's Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg, PA. 11:30 am - 4:00 pm www.westmorelandhistory.org Escape the inevitable hustle and bustle that comes with preparing for the holiday season by indulging with a friend or two in the ambiance of Historic Hanna's Town. Sample delicious fare and learn about the popularity and social role tea, coffee, and chocolate played in early America.

Hot, 'stimulating' beverages like tea, coffee and chocolate were first introduced to Europeans in the early 1600s. These drinks were exotic and prohibitively expensive for everyone but the elite. It was primarily the aristocracy who could afford the ingredients, refined sugar, and special equipment, as well as the leisure time needed to enjoy these beverages.

By the end of the century these hot drinks were enjoyed by the broad spectrum of society. In America, the popularity of coffee and chocolate increased during the Revolutionary War when many boycotted English products like tea.

Coffee and Chocolate will be served on Saturday, November 22nd with seatings at 11:30am and 2:00pm. Guests will meet in Hanna's Tavern for a sampling and a brief history of the beverages. Heartier fare will be served in the Klingensmith House, and dessert in the Museum Shop.

Tickets are $20 per person. Seating is limited and advance booking is a must. Please call 724-532-1935 x210 for reservations. A special Open House will be held at the Hanna's Town Shop during the teas from 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

November 2014 - 27

11/29/2014 Ligonier Country Christmas Market Ligonier Valley YMCA, 110 W. Church St. 10 am - 3 pm. ligoniercountrymarket.com Join us in a Holiday shopping experience with some of your favorite Market Vendors.

11/29/2014 25th Annual Festival of Lights Braddock Trail Chapter, NSDAR, Warden Mansion - Mount Pleasant. 724-423-3275 Trees and lights are given to individuals and organizations that in turn decorate the trees and donate them back to the Festival.

11/29/2014 Christmas Comedy Play Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Opera House 450 Main St., Rockwood, PA 15557. 814.926.4546 rockwoodmillshoppes.com Get into the spirit of Christmas as the Rockwood Players provide heartwarming entertainment filled with joy and holiday cheer. If you have visitors in for the Thanksgiving holiday, bring them to the show for a night of fun. Or, reserve a few tables for this event for your company’s annual holiday party. Starts at 6pm!

11/22/2014 Farm to Table Dinner at Foxley Farms Ligonier Country Inn, 118 Foxley Lane, Ligonier, PA 15658 724.238.3651 ligoniercountryinn.com 11/22/2014 23rd Annual Holiday Parade City of Greensburg - Noon. Beginning at the top of North Main Street by the Middle School to 4th and Main Streets at City Hall 11/27/2014 Thanksgiving Day Buffet Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts, 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, 724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com 11/27/2014 Thanksgiving Family Style at the Stone House Historic Stone House Restaurant, 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA. 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com 11/28/2014 Junie B in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust 11/28/2014 Santa's Arrival & Diamond Lighting Ligonier, 6:30 pm. visitligonier.com 11/29/2014 5th Annual Small Business Saturday Held every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010 to support the small businesses that create jobs and boost the economy. Since its inception, Small Business Saturday has served as the ceremonial kickoff to the busy holiday shopping season for independently-owned businesses.

Just as important, it has driven high visibility and appreciation for the unique role that small businesses play in local communities. In 2013, consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reported spending $5.7 billion with independent merchants on the day, an increase of 3.6% from the previous year.

28 - November 2014

12/4/2014 Bumper Jacksons Downtown West Newton, 101-111 N. Water St. 724.872.0100. dwni.org. bumperjacksons.com DWNI is honored to have one of D.C.’s finest traditional folk bands perform on stage at Simeral Square. “Bumper Jacksons sound is a unique blend of “roots jazz, country swing and street blues deeply rooted in their love for early swing, blues, and old time country.”

12/5/2014 Annual Night of Lights First United Methodist Church, 3916 Old William Penn Hwy (in Town Square). 6-8 pm There will be a food drive for the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and donations will be accepted for Toys for Tots. A Gingerbread House contest will be held, so please contact the Recreation Department at 724-327-2100, Ext. 131 for details and rules.

12/5/2014 to 12/7/2014 Dickens of a Christmas 300 W. High St., Ebensburg, PA 15931 814.472.8414. ebensburgdickens.com Ebensburg’s 9th annual Dickens of a Christmas is a family-oriented Christmas celebration based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Many vendors and other participants are clad in period costume. Let us be your host as you enjoy this old-fashioned Christmas weekend.

12/5/2014 Motown Experience The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org A world-class vocal group assembled from former members of The Contours, The Miracles and The Temptations featuring dazzling choreogrpahy and impeccable harmonies for an unforgettable show of Mowtown favorites.

12/5/2014 to 12/6/2014 Scrooge!

Greensburg Garden & Civic Center, 951 Old Salem Rd., Greensburg, PA 15601 724.836.3074. ggccevents.org This timeless Christmas classic is full of festive songs, memorable music and rhyming verse for a sleigh-full of holiday fun that audiences of all ages will love!

12/6/2014 Breakfast with Santa Chestnut Ridge Golf Resort, 132 Pine Ridge Rd., Blairsville, PA 15717. 724.459.7191 chestnutridgeresort.com Breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, a visit and gift from Santa, a commemorative photo.

Reservations required.

12/6/2014 Christmas Brasstacular The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Go into Christmas overdrive with River City Brass! Our Brasstacular features carols, choirs and Santa Claus along with the world premier of Symphony of Carols by Drew Fennell.

12/6/2014 Gingerbread House Contest Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658. 724.238.4200 visitligonier.com Create your own gingerbread house, or bid on your favorite! Donations go to a local charity.

12/6/2014 to 12/9/2014 Festival of Lights Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658. 724.238.4200 visitligonier.com This winter wonderland opens the first Saturday in December. The display of trees and wreaths are decorated by local families, businesses and groups. Many of the trees and wreaths present a theme. These items are for sale and available for pick-up after the Festival closes. In addition to the exhibit, there is a raffle table and a complimentary cookie café.

12/6/2014 Holiday Open House Christian W. Klay Winery, 412 Fayette Springs Rd., Chalk Hill, PA 15421.

724.439.3424. cwklaywinery.com This festive event will be held in the beautifully decorated barn. The event will feature popular carols, hot and cold appetizers, wine tasting and sweet treats.

12/6/2014 Holly Jolly Christmas in Latrobe Latrobe Art Center & Café, 816 Ligonier St., Latrobe, 724.537.7011. latrobeartcenter.org Start the Holiday Season off right by Shopping at the Latrobe Art Center… Unique, One of a Kind, Handmade Gifts. Latrobe Art Center artists set up tables with jewelry, stained glass, clothing, paintings, woodwork and pottery while the Neighborhood Cafe provides break-fast & lunch specials. Homemade Baked Goods from Maddy’s Bakery and Happy Camper Cakes. Latrobe Art Center and Neighborhood Cafe Gift Certificates make great stocking stuffers! This holiday season, give two gifts in one! Support your local Art Center, while purchasing a gift for a friend or loved one!

12/6/2014 to 12/7/2014 It’s a Connellsville Christmas Connellsville 139 W. Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA 15425 12/8/2014 Hawaiian Christmas in the Highlands Ligonier Theatre, 208 W. Main St., Ligonier.

724.853.4050, latshawproductions.com These authentic Hawaiian men and women are skilled in drums, hula, incorporating traditional dance. You’ll feel like you are right in Hawaii for the holidays while enjoying these sensational performances.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

12/10/2014 Christmas with the Annie Moses Band Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, 450 Schoolhouse Rd., Johnstown, PA 15904 814.269.7200. upjarts.org Experience the beauty of the Christmas season with the Annie Moses Band as the acclaimed classical crossover ensemble performs stunning arrangements of holiday favorites. Strings, harp, and soaring vocals take the stage to reimagine classic melodies and to debut originals that are sure to become classic. From the electrifying rhythm of “Carol of the Bells” to the breath-taking beauty of “O Holy Night,” “Christmas with the Annie Moses Band” is a cinematic journey audiences are sure to love.

12/11/2014 to 12/14/2014 The Nutcracker The Geyer Performing Arts Center, 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.0887. geyerpac.com 12/12/2014 to 12/14/2014 North Pole Express Stage Right! 105 W. Fourth St., Greensburg 724.832.SING. stagerightgreensburg.com

MEMORY LANE

by Ruthie Richardson

Dear Diary: October 30, 2014 Wonderful evening seeing the Beachboys for Dougie's birthday. They sounded exactly as I hoped they would. Terrific show and a little backstage time with Mike Love. What a great guy!!!

“The Warmth Of The Sun” was absolute perfection ... my favorite! Mike signed my copy of the Laurel Mountain Post with the article about what the Beachboys meant to me. And I gave him a copy, he said he would love to read it!

It was truly Fun Fun Fun!

12/13/2014 Breakfast with Santa at the Stone House Historic Stone House Restaurant, 3023 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437 724.329.2020. stonehouseinn.com Bring the whole family to have breakfast with Santa at the Stone House.Breakfast items will be served as well as activities for the children.

12/13/2014 Buddy the Elf & Friends Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St. 724-537-7011. www.latrobeartcenter.org This year, Buddy and Santa will bring along Mrs. Claus, Katie the Elf, and Miss Gwyn with her Happy Christmas Camper! The children will paint their own gingerbread house, do an artful scavenger hunt, have a sing-a-long and then end the day with a sweet treat right from Gwyn's Happy Christmas Camper! Stay tuned for more details, but it's definitely a weekend you don't want to miss! (Register early!)

Session 1: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Session 2: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: $16 for members; $20 for non-members (half off for additional sibling) 12/13/2014 Holiday High Tea Miss Martha’s Tea Room & Gifts, 165 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale, PA 15683. 724.887.6574 missmarthastearoom.com With the stress of the season in full swing, take an afternoon to relax with friends and family at our Holiday-themed tea. In addition, each guest will make a keepsake ornament to take home. $16.50/person 12/13/2014 Light Up Night Ohiopyle Stewart Community Center, 15 Sherman St., Ohiopyle, 724.329.1444 ohiopyle-stewart.org 12/13/2014 to 12/14/2014 The Nutcracker The Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601. 724.836.8000 thepalacetheatre.org Revel in the holiday magic when the Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra, featuring the Laurel Ballet, performs Tchaikovsky’s timeless Nutcracker for three performances.

Every Story Begins At Home.

November 2014 - 29

END NOTES

by Joe Walko

“To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring.” – George Bernard Shaw

’Tis Almost the Season The colorful leaves are gone, the wind blows colder, the days are noticeably shorter and gray; bleak is the adjective that most use to describe the season. A late fall cold November rain will soon be December snow, followed by buttoned up coats and wind chill warnings, snow delays and shoveling – sigh, high time to head indoors until the spring thaw.

But that doesn’t have to be the case.

The outdoors still has many gifts and beauty, and can still be enjoyed, even in the “bleak” days and long winter nights of the season. And just like a good friend, being outside, even during the rain and snow and cold, can pick you up, if given the proper preparation and attitude. True, you may need more protective clothing, and the duration of outdoor activities this time of year might be shorter than during the long hot days of summer, but the gifts are the same.

The other day I was suffering major writer’s block, the words just not flowing, despite hours in front of the computer, my attitude stuck in the confining walls of my too small basement home office, deadlines, and bills to pay. This modern world offers many comforts and advantages that I would not trade, but that comes with responsibilities that pay for those comforts.

It is too easy to get sucked into a selfinflicted cage, which had me feeling trapped now. So I decided to take a break and go outside, if only for some fresh air and to rake leaves.

The air was chilly, but soon the activity of raking had warmed me up. A layer came off, and it felt good to be moving, and the fresh air was invigorating. A big changing sky of puffy white and gray clouds racing across a blue palette was freeing, my imagination expanding once freed from a ceiling and four walls. There was even some late season birdsong, and squirrels and chipmonks ran noisily through the leaves, collecting acorns and nuts and birdseed for winter storage. I thought of their duty, collecting for winter, their life depenent on their success; but they didn’t seem as worried as I often am. Maybe I need to let go sometimes, like the animals do. Blue jays screamed from the treetops, and sparrows and juncos scratched at the ground under the feeder. A few white flakes even danced through the air, the first of the season; but it felt good, it brought the anticipation of the gifts of a new season. It cleared my 30 - November 2014

head, just the few hours spent outside, doing some physical work, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the freedom of the outdoors. I know I will do this again, throughout the remaining fall and winter season, whenever a pick me up is needed.

So don’t let the cold and weather and the long nights of winter get you down! Get outside, even if it’s not ideal weather.

Rake up those brown autumn leaves!

Make a big pile! Jump in them, just like kids do! It’s still fun!

Before a big holiday meal, sign up and run a turkey trot 5k and enjoy the feast knowing you’ve earned those extra calories, or get outside with family and friends for an impromptu Turkey bowl after the big meal. The activity will keep you warm.

Or go for a brisk walk on a cold night: just throw an extra layer on, and come in when you’re chilled. Bring Fido. Enjoy the silence, with no cell phones or email or loud holiday visitors, accompanied by only the crunch of fresh snow underfoot.

Gather the family, and go pick out and cut down a live tree, warm up with hot cocoa and a fire at the gift shop (see all our ads in this issue), and bring a little of the great outdoors inside! The smells of the fresh pine boughs will elict warm memories no matter the temperature or wind chill outside.

Cabin fever creeping in? Do something different. Go for a moonlit hike through a forest on a full moon night, after a bed of fresh snow has fallen. Turn off your flashlight or headlamp, you’ll be amazed at how much light the moon provides, especially as it reflects off the white snow. Try follow-

ing and identifying the tracks of the winter animals. Maybe you’ll follow turkey tracks until they take flight for their treetop winter roosts, or even spy a coyote or deer, not used to seeing people at night in the woods in the winter.

When the snow comes, go sled riding, or try cross-country skiing or snowshoing!

Our friends at Venture Outdoors offer plenty of outings in these activities right here in our local parks (www.venture outdoors.org). Of course we have world class resorts at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, with slopes of all levels for downhill skiing, and snow tubing too, and warm winter lodges filled with good cheer and glowing fires. Is there anything better than coming in from the cold and thawing out in front of a roaring fire? Share a hot chocolate or glass of wine or a winter warmer, curl up in front of that fire on the bearskin rug with a good book, a furry companion, or a good partner.

Just a simple walk through your neighborhood is so different in the winter! Or go to the local park down the street, or a visit a county or state park – we have so many good ones! Cedar Creek, Twin Lakes, Bushy Run Battlefield, Duff Park, Kooser, Laurel Hill, Keystone or Linn Run State Parks. A winter walk can be so quiet you can hear the snowflakes tumbling down through the delicate green hemlock boughs, you can hear your own head clearing, you can feel a little of that sought after holiday peace.

The waterfalls freeze, and you have your own picture perfect holiday postcard.

Even in the “bleak” season”, just getting outside for a bit, to capture some of nature’s blessings and gifts, will pick you up and lift your spirits.

***** Off Trail is a monthly column devoted to exploring our diverse and beautiful natural heritage, especially the the hidden gems and special places off the beaten path.

***** Joe Walko is a fulltime widowed parent to two beautiful but challenging boys, now unemployed by choice after a 25-year career in corporate finance. He is a writer and blogger searching for his voice, a seeker of his truth, a nature and adventure junkie discovering whole new worlds and beauty in the glorious struggle, in the ordinary, in his own backyard, and mostly, in his heart. Visit his website at joewalko.word press.com and contact him at jwalko1019@ gmail.com.

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

MistyHegan OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418| MISTYHEGAN@THEPREFERREDREALTY.COM

mistyhegan@thepreferredrealty.com • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 15658

Calling All Sellers: Are You Ready to Move?

309 Village Ct, Ligonier Boro Open floor plan. Great home for entertaining inside and out with a lovely patio. 2 br upstairs and den on main floor that could be 4th br. All necessities are located on main floor; master and beautiful bath & laundry, 2 car garage. Convenient to town. $245,900

If you've been on the fence about listing your home, now is the time. With interest rates slowly creeping up, buyers are on the move. Ask any agent: we have buyers, we need listings to selll!

Now is the time! Call today for a no-cost market analysisonyourhomeandLISTIT!

305 Ligonier St , Latrobe Charming and full of character, this 2story home features a detached garage, tile, wall-to-wall carpet, hard wood floors, 1 fireplace, Gas,Forced Air heating, and central air. Two bedrooms, and 1 full bath. $99,999

683 E Old Lincoln Highway Ligonier Township Just minutes from the diamond, impeccable condition! This Ranch Style home features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Also included are Disposal, Electric Stove, Microwave Oven, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Window Treatments, Wall to Wall Carpet. $149,900

1506 High St, Bradenville Derry Twp Amenities galore! Granite counters, master suite/spa, Jacuzzi cabana, 2 garages, extra lot. 3 bedroomsand 2 full bath. Also included are Automatic Garage door opener, Dish Washer, Electric Stove, Jet Spray Tub, Refrigerator, Washer/Dryer, Wall to Wall Carpet. $147,000

485 Laurel Summit, Ligonier Twp 3br/2ba atop Laurel Mt. Enjoy the peace! Lower level can be full guest quarters. Wrap around deck, oak hardwoods on main, 2 wood-burners, level lot. Great mountain home for entertaining/getaway. Enjoy hiking, cross country skiing, mtn biking, hunting, fishing, ATV ... right outside your front door! $130,000

1526 Broad Street, Greensburg Zoned C1 in S. Greensburg, duplex, office or convert to single resident.

Large lot, great location, exceptionally cared for property. $137,000

1518 Darlington Rd, Ligonier Situated waterfront on Buttermilk Falls, 2br/3ba home full of character on absolutely amazing property, MUST SEE! $125,000

3015 Exeter Rd, Greensburg 2br/1ba ranch, immaculate home, one-level living. Covered patio, nicely landscaped, level lot. $175,000

Buck Run, New Paris/Bedford Enjoy peace & quiet at Buck Run II. Quaint 2br/1ba cabin on 1.17 acres.

Ride quads, hike, fish, hunt!. Beautiful off-the-grid experience! $69,000

Charlotte Drive, Ligonier Vacant lot, great neighborhood, great view, public water/sewage. $28,900

OFFICE: 724.238.7600 | CELL: 724.972.8418 MISTYHEGAN@THEPREFERREDREALTY.COM

Every Story Begins At Home.

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November 2014 - 31

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32 - November 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST