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WELCOME TO LAUREL HIGHLANDS MAGAZINE! WE’RE GLAD YOU COULD JOIN US!
Are you a golfer? Perhaps a hiker or biker? Maybe you prefer to visit the local breweries and distilleries when exploring new area. Or do you prefer learning? How about culinary arts or leadership programs? This issue has you covered!
Tee up the perfect escape by exploring two of the area’s best golf courses, as well as various places to stay, on page 6. The Highlands Golf Club has courses at both Seven Springs and Hidden Valley.
A reworked rail-trail from Donegal to Mill Run offers more than just scenery. The Indian Creek Valley Trail also connects small towns and people, as well as opening up nature’s ecosystems for all to enjoy. Turn to page 14 for more.
If the culinary arts is where your future lies, look no further than Westmoreland County Community College’s culinary arts program, a hidden gem of a learning experience recognized throughout the U.S. Check out the program, meet an alum, and test your restaurant knowledge with a quiz. Turn to page 10.
Saint Francis University in Loretto has a new executive education doctoral program, headed by Dr. Tricia Giannone McFadden. Meet Dr. McFadden and learn more about her program on pages 18 and 19.
A couple of the students in the first graduating class are quoted in the article, with rave reviews for the university’s program.
No matter your interests, you will find something to love about the Laurel Highlands. Come visit, stay awhile and enjoy yourself!
HAPPY SUMMER!
JEAN
6 STAY Teeing Up the Perfect Escape
Enjoy a golf getaway in the Laurel Highlands.
10 PLAY Cultivating Culinary Talent
A taste of Westmoreland County Community College’s culinary arts program.
14
FEATURE Conserve Nature, Connect Communities
The vision behind the Indian Creek Valley Trail continues to expand.
18
FEATURE Questions of Right and Wrong Saint Francis University professor instructs on ethical advertising and leadership.
21 EVENTS
25 HIGHLANDS RESORT REALTY HOMES GUIDE
Teeing Up the Perfect Escape
Enjoy a golf getaway in the Laurel Highlands.
BY
Lumen Bardot PHOTOS COURTESY Highlands Ventures
The Laurel Highlands region is a haven for anyone craving a fun adventure and a serene retreat into nature. For golfers, this picturesque landscape offers an even more compelling reason to visit—the Highlands Golf Club at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley—two lush and pristine golf courses set against sweeping mountain vistas, with top-notch lodging options that make for an unforgettable getaway just minutes from two of the region’s most popular resorts.
Whether you’re planning a buddy trip, a couples’ weekend, or a solo golf retreat, the Laurel Highlands combines challenging layouts, luxurious lodging, and unbeatable stay-and-play deals to create a sports getaway that rivals the best in the country—without the cross-country flight.
36 HOLES TO WRITE HOME ABOUT
For golf enthusiasts seeking exceptional play and a variety of unique amenities and lodging accommodations, put the Highlands Golf Club at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley at the top of your list.
Tucked into the rolling Laurel Highlands landscape, these hidden gems offer two breathtaking mountaintop courses weaving seamlessly through the rugged and scenic terrain.
Stretching just over 6,500 yards, the Seven Springs course showcases the natural splendor of the Laurel Highlands at every turn. Its thoughtfully designed layout offers a welcoming experience for beginners while still delivering enough complexity and challenge to keep seasoned golfers on their toes.
A 10-minute drive will take you to the Hidden Valley course, known for its compact design, tree-lined fairways, sweeping views, and serene mountaintop setting. Designed to follow the natural contours of the terrain, the course offers more than 30 miles of breathtaking vistas that showcase the dramatic beauty of the surrounding countryside.
TAKE SOME TIME TO EXPLORE
The Laurel Highlands offers plenty to enjoy beyond the fairways. Take a scenic drive to explore covered bridges and mountain overlooks, or spend an afternoon at one of the area’s craft breweries or wineries. Outdoor lovers will find no shortage of adventure— adrenaline-packed whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, biking the Great Allegheny Passage, or hiking to one of the region’s many waterfalls. History buffs can explore sites like Fort Ligonier and the Flight 93 National Memorial, and architecture enthusiasts won’t want to miss a visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s magnum opus, Fallingwater.
Challenging yet approachable for golfers of all skill levels, Hidden Valley features a distinctive layout, smooth, fast greens, and immaculate course conditions. It’s a destination course that promises enjoyable and memorable play, time and time again. Morning tee times often come with a symphony of birdsong and a delicate mist draped along the valleys below. Afternoon rounds bask in vibrant light and panoramic views that stretch for miles. It’s the kind of golf that feeds your soul, not just your competitive drive.
After a day on the links, nothing beats gathering around a table with good friends and great food. In every direction, you’ll find local dining gems serving everything from elevated fine dining to classic comfort food.
STAY YOUR WAY
One of the biggest perks of a trip to the Highlands Golf Club is the variety of lodging options just minutes from the greens:
Highland Cabins
Want the cozy charm and ample privacy of a secluded cabin? Highlands Cabins offer just that. Tucked among the trees surrounding Seven Springs Mountain Resort—just minutes from the golf course—the seven unique and well-appointed rusticluxe retreats can accommodate four to 16 guests.
Each cabin is fully furnished with cozy living spaces, fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and porches perfect for early morning coffee with a lake view or a fireside nightcap under the stars. After a full day on the course, retreating to your own private cabin feels like a reward in itself.
Larger groups will appreciate the multi-bedroom layouts, offering plenty of space for families or golf buddies traveling together. Grill stations make it easy to host your own post-round cookout, and with ample room to relax, it’s the perfect setting to relive the highlights— and lowlights—of your game.
Resort Lodging
If you’re looking for resort-style amenities that combine comfort and convenience, the Seven Springs Mountain Resort hotel is an excellent choice. Just a short drive from the golf course, the
414-room hotel offers a variety of accommodations, including spacious suites, king rooms, double queen rooms, and executive rooms. Rooms are mere steps from an impressive range of amenities, including spa services, casual and upscale dining, a swimming pool, seasonal events, and vibrant nightlife—all centered around the main lodge.
A brief walk from the hotel and main lodge, the Classic Chalets and luxurious Tyrol Chalets offer elevated lodging options while keeping you close to the heart of the resort. These cozy yet stylish accommodations are ideal for those seeking a bit more space without compromising proximity to the action.
Further up the mountain and above the slopes, the resort’s mountaintop condos and townhomes offer a unique blend of comfort, space, and scenery. Each of the six communities has its own distinct charm, offering a variety of layouts and amenities to suit different tastes and group sizes.
At the peak sits Southwind, a private, gated luxury community. This exclusive enclave offers stunning views, upscale interiors, and, in the winter, ski-in/ski-out access. It’s the perfect blend of mountain seclusion and modern luxury.
GREAT STAYS, GREATER SAVINGS
Whether you’re booking a weekend getaway with friends, clients or coworkers; a couple’s golf retreat; or a solo escape, there are options designed to maximize both value and experience.
For More Info
GOLF www.highlands-golfclub.com
RESORT www.7springs.com
CABINS www.highlands-cabins.com
REGIONAL INFO www.golaurelhighlands.com
Golfers, in particular, may find the Swiss Mountain and Mountain Villas communities especially appealing. Both are located adjacent to the Seven Springs golf course, with Mountain Villas situated just steps from the clubhouse, making it easy to go from your front door to the first tee in minutes.
Guests staying at the Highlands Cabins enjoy an exclusive 30% discount on greens fees at both the Seven Springs and Hidden Valley courses. Simply mention this offer when calling to make your tee times and have your lodging confirmation number ready. Cabin lodging reservations can be made directly at www.highlands-cabins.com.
Golfers staying at the resort receive a 15% discount on lodging when visiting to play Highlands Golf Club. This offer applies to the hotel, chalets, condos, and townhomes across the resort’s expansive property. Epic Pass holders will continue to enjoy their standard 20% discount on lodging. Learn more and get started by visiting www.7springs. com or call the resort’s reservation experts at 866-437-1300.
A DESTINATION THAT DELIVERS
With two scenic and rewarding courses at Seven Springs and Hidden Valley, a diverse range of lodging options, and stay-andplay deals that offer exceptional value, the Laurel Highlands has everything you need for a golf getaway that goes beyond the game.
Tee off in the morning, explore the mountains by afternoon, and soak in the views all day long. It’s more than just a golf trip—it’s an unforgettable experience.
Cultivating Culinary Talent
BY Jodi Buchan
PHOTOS COURTESY Westmoreland County Community College Culinary Arts Program
“Yes, Chef.” “Heard, Chef.” “Behind.”
These are more than catchy phrases you hear on cooking-themed shows like Chopped or The Bear—they’re concise communication cues used in commercial kitchens where teamwork is essential and safety is paramount. Understanding food industry protocols and how to interact with others in the kitchen are among the skills that elevate cooking for personal pleasure to a career in the food industry. And that’s just a taste of what students learn in the Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) Culinary Arts program on the Youngwood campus.
“(The program) is not one note, one flavor. It’s a multipalate education,” says program director and professor Chef Cindy Komarinski. “The students get a little cross-training as well: the pastry chefs study a little savory and vice versa.”
Culinary arts encompasses all professions in the food industry: preparation, cooking, presentation, purchasing and service. WCCC offers three areas of study within culinary arts—culinary, baking and pastry, and hospitality. Each program offers both apprenticeship and non-apprenticeship associate of applied science (AAS) degrees, along with specialized short-term certificates. WCCC’s culinary arts, baking and pastry, and restaurant/culinary management AAS degrees are accredited programs recognized as “exemplary” by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation (ACFEF), a North American industry leader.
Like many community colleges, WCCC offers personal enrichment summer classes as well. Community members take stand-alone workshops to master gluten-free baking, “perfect the technique of grilling salmon,” or prepare and pipe buttercream flowers. First-year culinary arts students, however, begin like a multitier cake: with the foundation. This isn’t solely the “flour and eggs” of culinary 101 techniques and labs; it’s an educational foundation built on individual diversity.
MORE THAN ONE JOB
Culinary instructor Chef Scott Schmucker, who holds a smorgasbord of culinary certifications, says the first thing he likes to do is find out who the students are and what their dreams and goals are. “Some of them want to work as a sous chef in the kitchen, open a pastry shop or a food truck,” he says, adding that others look toward Disney and aspire to be on Food Network. Those initial lab classes and lectures are not only where students begin their path to the future but also where they discover ambitions they didn’t know they had.
During Chef Komarinski’s Introduction to the Hospitality Industry, students discover a diverse range of employment prospects, including country clubs, cruises, hotel resorts, casinos, hospitals, long-term care facilities, museums, and schools. They can pursue careers as food scientists, recipe developers, tour guides and more.
“We feel that part of our job here is to open them up to all the opportunities in the industry,” she says. “I think that’s how our program has stayed so relevant as we evolve and change, realizing that the jobs aren’t just in white tablecloth fine dining.” Besides culinary cross-training that expands their skill sets, students can choose paid apprenticeship options.
Culinary Knowledge Bowl Mock Quiz
1. What is the process by which yeast converts sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide?
2. What is the term for dusting food with flour prior to frying?
3. Where was the Caesar salad invented?
4. What are the five basic tastes?
5. What is the difference between broth and stock?
6. Which of these flowers is edible: nasturtium, pansy, or hibiscus?
7. How can you determine if an egg is fresh?
8. How can you correct an overly sweet dish?
9. What is a garde-manger?
10. What is tempering? Answers on page 13.
“It’s what differentiates them from other culinary programs,” Chef Komarinski says.
LEARNING ON THE JOB
The culinary arts apprenticeship programs pair education with handson job experience, giving students the opportunity to work in their field of study. They combine what they learn at WCCC with practical job-based knowledge while earning a paycheck.
The apprenticeship opportunities are a program centerpiece. Pastry and baking instructor Chef William Racin (National Pastry Chef of the Year, 2018, and gold medal World Semi-Finals Global Pastry Chef Challenge winner, 2019) says students from the Pacific Northwest to neighboring states to Pennsylvania’s own backyard seek out WCCC’s program due to its “history and longevity.” As of 2025, his pastry apprenticeship is one of only three in the country. It’s no cakewalk, though. “It’s a commitment,” he says.
Apprentices work 40 hours per week in their field of study while attending classes two days a week. They gain insight and abilities that open doors, expand their career choices, and broaden their peer network. They are “highly sought,” too, Chef Racin says. Establishments in the Laurel Highlands community—from hometown family favorites to destination resorts to white-cloth dining— hire the students for supervised on-thejob training.
GOING OUT INTO THE WORLD
As graduation nears, instructors guide the students’ transition into the professional world. They mentor their protégées through building resumes, developing portfolios, refining interview skills, and presenting themselves effectively on social media and in person. Mentors and graduates collaborate on six-month, oneyear, and five-year roadmaps that outline steps to help the new professionals achieve their goals.
When they’ve completed their programs, graduates test to become certified sous chefs or certified working pastry chefs, achievements that come with respected industry certification through the ACFEF. “Now they’re able to apply for positions that they probably wouldn’t have applied for before coming to school,” Chef Komarinski says.
This level of culinary expertise is achievable, in part, thanks to the support of industry and community partners such as career technology centers (CTCs).
The Culinary Arts program invites CTCs from around the region to bring students on campus for a half-day experience, allowing them to discover firsthand what it’s like to attend school at WCCC. They tour the campus, take part in a chef’s class, watch pastry demonstrations, and, of course, get lunch.
“We work with about 15 CTCs in our region,” Chef Komarinski says, adding, “and of those, eight have our students teaching.”
Chef Randy Shook (class of ’89) teaches culinary arts at Clarion County Career Center and owns The Brick Oven food truck. He chose to attend WCCC because of its apprenticeship program. He says it was a valuable, real-life experience. That apprentices get to “live the life” of a chef, “get the feel of a busy Saturday night. A busy holiday.” And there was camaraderie. “We pushed each other, commiserated,” he says, “and we succeeded together.”
The WCCC program boasts a large crop of successful alumni instructors, who are passionate not only about cooking but also about sharing their knowledge with a new generation. In fact, Chef Komarinski, program coordinator Chef Hunter Kalp, and his assistant, Chef Greg Nemchick, are all alumni. And though many choose education, Chef Racin says their “graduates are everywhere.” The culinary world is their oyster.
Heard, Chef.
FROM LEFT Chef Racin, Chef Komarinski, Chef Schmucker
Chef Shawn Culp
WCMC, MBA, CEC
The seeds of Chef Culp’s career were planted in his youth. “I always had the desire to create fresh (food) with fresh ingredients—make something that’s really delicious,” he says. “I always had a passion for it.”
Chef Culp’s first experience outside of the home was his senior year in high school when he worked at Jake’s Pizza in his hometown of Bel Vernon. There, he became captivated by the high energy and fast pace of a commercial kitchen. He decided to pursue an education in the culinary industry at Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC), committing to their threeyear apprenticeship program, which is accredited by the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
At WCCC, he found a “sense of family” in the culinary community of peers and professionals.
“It’s such a tight-knit group of folks who run that school,” Chef Culp says, “and they do it in such a way that the students feel like they’re part of something special.” Chef Culp says that everyone works together, helps each other out—including the faculty, who he says “want to see everybody succeed.”
Chef Culp certainly succeeded.
The credentials behind his name—WCMC (world certified master chef), MBA (master of business administration in hospitality management), CEC (certified executive chef)—barely scratch the surface of his accomplishments and experience. He is a certified food management professional, holding a bachelor of arts from Le Cordon Bleu and certifications from ServSafe for both manager and instructor/proctor roles. If you add his competition highlights (culinary Oscar, medals in the Regional Culinary Olympics, the U.S. Culinary Olympics, and the Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup), you have a recipe for success.
Somewhere between the cold plating and crème brûlée, Chef Culp “fell in love with teaching.”
Currently, Chef Culp is the culinary arts II instructor at Parkway West Career & Technology Center in Allegheny County, just west of Pittsburgh. He says he employs some of what he learned at WCCC in his classrooms, especially “that culture, that sense of family.” One component in particular, Chef Culp stresses to his students, is a binding
element emphasized in his apprenticeship program at WCCC: Become part of an organization like the American Culinary Federation.
“I try to build that into my repertoire as far as my classroom goes—networking, being part of an organization like ACF. … Getting to know as many people as you can. Because at the end of the day, that’s what’s really going to support your career.”
Fermentation; 2) Dredging; 3) Mexico; 4) Bitter, salty, sour, sweet, umami; 5) Broth is made with meat, not just bones; 6) All of the above—if untreated with pesticides; 7) It sinks onto its side in water; 8) Add an acid, like lemon juice or vinegar; 9) Chef in charge of cold food preparation and management, also known as a pantry chef; 10) The stabilization of ingredients when
hot.
By
Conserve Nature, Connect Communities
The vision behind the Indian Creek Valley Trail continues to expand.
Liz Brady Photos courtesy Mountain Watershed Association
Tucked into the rolling hills and quiet hollows of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is a project that blends recreation, conservation and community revitalization—mile by mile. The Indian Creek Valley (ICV) Trail, a 19-mile rail-trail stretching between Donegal and Mill Run, is more than just a scenic route through woodlands and waterways; it’s a corridor of connection—linking small towns, ecosystems, and passionate people working behind the scenes.
At the heart of this effort is Taylor Robbins, the conservation and recreation manager at the Mountain Watershed Association (MWA). Robbins has spent the past three years overseeing trail development, conservation initiatives, and community engagement for the ICV Trail—an abandoned rail line transformed into a multi-use path that’s becoming a vital resource for locals and visitors alike.
From Watershed to Trail System
“My background is in environmental conservation,” Robbins says. “I’ve always been drawn to water—sampling, monitoring pollution in our local watersheds. When I joined Mountain Watershed Association, my job included water-quality work but also trail maintenance.”
Trail maintenance initially involved removing fallen trees and clearing brush. As interest in the trail grew and gaps in the route presented challenges, Robbins’ role evolved. With experience in construction and community planning, she naturally stepped into managing the trail’s overall operations.
“Now I’m involved in closing trail gaps, overseeing construction projects, and making sure the trail is appropriate and accessible for the communities it runs through,” she says.
The ICV Trail is built on the abandoned Indian Creek Valley Railroad corridor. Of the 19 miles planned, 14 have already been developed. The remaining 5 miles, centered near Normalville, represent both the project’s greatest opportunity and its largest challenge.
A Dream of Connection
“The ultimate dream,” Robbins says, “is to connect the ICV Trail to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP),” the popular 150-mile trail stretching from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
“We want to make sure this project reflects the needs of the people who live here.”
Currently, the ICV Trail ends at the Indian Creek Gorge, where Indian Creek empties into the Youghiogheny River. Across that river lies the GAP. Making that final connection would complete the trail and link it to a vast regional network used by thousands of hikers and cyclists each year.
“There’s no safe way to walk or bike between Donegal and Mill Run right now,” Robbins says. “Just busy roads like Route 711, where there are frequent accidents. A continuous trail would mean safe, scenic travel, and it would bring in visitors who currently pass us by on their way to Ohiopyle or Fallingwater.”
The Cost of Progress
But completing a trail—especially one built on old rail lines, weaving through rural land and rugged terrain—is far from easy.
“New trail construction can cost up to $1 million per mile,” Robbins says. “And our annual maintenance budget is about $46,000, which we haven’t quite met yet.”
Maintenance itself can be as demanding as construction. The trail has weathered washouts, drainage issues, and erosion. One section near the gorge took years to
Taylor Robbins
repair after it was damaged by flooding. It recently reopened and is drawing increased traffic.
Robbins and her team monitor trail usage with electronic counters and user surveys. “Over 21,000 people used the trail last year, and that number’s growing,” she says. “When we added a new half-mile section in 2023 that includes the Styer Bridge—the longest crossing over Indian Creek—it brought in a huge crowd.”
Still, each mile of progress depends on outside support. The MWA relies heavily on donations and fundraising to close the remaining trail gaps and maintain what’s already been built.
Raising Funds, Building Community
To meet its goals, the association runs a year-round trail fund through its website, www.mtwatershed.com. But one of its signature fundraising events is the annual golf scramble at the Donegal Highlands Golf Course.
“It’s about $125 per person,” Robbins says. “You can come solo or bring a team, play 18 holes, and enjoy a steak dinner with homemade cookies. It’s a great day, and all the money raised goes toward trail construction.”
In addition to traditional fundraising, MWA recently applied for a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to update a 20-year-old feasibility study. The goal is to identify what remains to complete the trail, ensure it is ADA accessible, and estimate the final construction costs.
“We want to make sure this project reflects the needs of the people who live here,” Robbins says.
More Than a Trail
While the trail is a headline project, the MWA’s work has broad scope. What began around a kitchen table with a group of concerned locals has grown into a 15-person staff tackling issues from water quality to environmental justice.
“We have teams focused on advocacy, education, and outreach,” Robbins says.
“Advocacy helps with things like mine-related well contamination, air pollution from factories, or hazardous waste. Education and outreach get programs into schools, host events, and even teach science and fly fishing—we’re deeply involved with the community.”
Robbins is hopeful that the group will meet its fundraising goals as it continues to make progress.
“Once we close these trail gaps, it’ll be incredible—you’ll be able to walk, bike or ski from Donegal to Mill Run across two counties and three townships.”
If you would like to become involved with the Mountain Watershed and be part of the latest happenings in the community, visit www.mtwatershed.com.
QUESTIONS OF Right Wrong and W
Saint Francis University professor instructs on ethical advertising and leadership.
BY Kimberly Burger Capozzi PHOTO BY Kelsey Maline
hen Tricia Giannone McFadden started out as a young advertising executive, she felt she was a little different from her colleagues. Over long hours in the fast-paced industry, she found herself asking big questions about the advertising campaigns she was working on: Why were they targeting certain groups of people? How might advertising affect those consumers? Is this ethical?
It was a decision to try a stint as an adjunct university instructor that revealed how her curiosity could become a calling. McFadden, specializing in the ethics of communication and marketing, has since made a career in academia. She now leads a unique doctoral program at Saint Francis University in Loretto that draws on her work in the field and as an educator. The executive doctor of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership and innovation degree is designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in education, business, healthcare and nonprofit organizations.
McFadden was raised in Ebensburg and attended the University of Pittsburgh, then went to work in advertising firms in Pittsburgh and southern Florida. An early position at an advertising agency first raised ethical concerns when she questioned her employer’s business practices. “At the end of the day, I felt like I was hearing my mom in my head, and she wouldn’t approve,” she says.
She resigned from that company and found a job at another firm with a different approach to the work. “It was a good culture, good people, amazing clients. I learned so much on how ethical advertising and marketing can be done,” she says. Then came an opportunity to teach a course on advertising and social responsibility at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida.
In front of the recently completed Immaculate Conception Chapel, Dr. McFadden (center) is joined by Eric Horell and Dr. Sherri Link. Horell is a member of the Aggiornamento 2023 Cohort, and Link was part of the inaugural Francis 2022 Cohort, which graduated in May 2025.
“It changed everything about how I was practicing within marketing and advertising. The ethical component really shined,” she says. “I knew it was my calling to figure out a way to bring these two worlds together and still be able to provide something better, to give back. Through education and working with the next generation of these big decision-makers, that would probably be where I should be.”
Successful branding and marketing can be powerful tools, and professionals need to “understand that there is an influence on people. To do it in an ethical way, are you weighing the pros and cons, the rights and the wrongs? Are you paying attention to the cultural differences, the context of the situation?” McFadden says. “There is a lot that makes us who we are. And it’s not just being put into a demographic category. We have a heart, mind and soul.”
McFadden completed a master’s degree in strategic communications and an M.B.A. before eventually returning to Pittsburgh to complete her doctoral studies in rhetoric at Duquesne University, a field rooted in philosophy that she aimed to apply to real-world practice. She focused on integrated marketing communications and ethical branding.
She worked to make her dissertation “a tool that could move things forward, whether in a classroom or in an agency,” she says, believing that ethics should be more than an afterthought. “Advertising, if you peel it back, it’s persuasion. Peel it back a little bit more, it’s about rhetoric,” she says.
McFadden frequently refers to the writings of Aristotle and is a scholar of the Greek philosopher. She is also a fan of A.A. Milne, the author of the Winnie-the-Pooh stories. Her Catholic faith is a guiding influence, and she has found inspiration in the values of the Catholic institutions where she has taught, including Saint Francis University.
Time abroad was instructive. She taught at Duquesne University’s campus in Rome for over three years, and while living there, she enjoyed traveling throughout Europe and Northern Africa. “I was understanding how to be a global citizen, not just an American living in a global market,” she says.
The worlds of business and academia are known to be challenging for women,
and McFadden says that has been true for her, especially at the start. “I felt like I had to work a little bit harder, and that was probably me and how I was raised,” she says. “You see inconsistencies,” in the way men and women are treated, she adds. “But it has given me the opportunity to become stronger, and I learned from the experiences I went through, that I want to pave a better way for female leaders.”
In 2014, McFadden joined Saint Francis University as an assistant professor of marketing and later became an associate professor in the Shield’s School of Business. She has also served as professorin-residence through the university’s College in High School program. She is the faculty athletics representative.
Being at Saint Francis allows McFadden to raise a family in her hometown of Ebensburg, where she lives on a Christmas tree farm with her husband, Joe, three children and two retrievers. The family is academic and athletic, she says, and enjoys the outdoors. They are downhill skiers and frequent Seven Springs. When the weather permits, they also like to crosscountry ski on their property.
In 2022, McFadden was named dean of the Francis Worldwide School of Continuing Studies (now known as the Division of Professional Studies) at Saint Francis. The university had been collaborating with an advisory board to develop a research-based degree, and McFadden built upon that work to help launch the Executive Doctor of Education program. Since July 2022, she has served as program director. In several ways, it mirrors her own academic journey, engaging professionals who aim to be “scholar practitioners,” she says, and utilizing theory to inform their practice. McFadden’s signature course in the program is on innovation theory.
Developing servant leaders is a hallmark of the program. For McFadden, this means seeking positions of leadership in service to others, rather than pursuing career success or monetary rewards. “What I was always trying to figure out for myself what I was called to do in this world and how I can leave it a better place,” she says. “At the end of the day, you really have to think about the good that you’ve done for others.”
Transforming Leadership
In a time when leadership demands both courage and compassion, Saint Francis University has responded with vision. Launched in fall 2022, the executive doctor of education (Ed.D.) in organizational leadership and innovation degree set out to redefine what it means to lead in complex, rapidly changing environments. This May, SFU celebrated a significant milestone: The graduation of its Francis 2022 Founding Cohort—the first to complete this dynamic and mission-driven program.
Designed to cultivate leaders who innovate with integrity and serve with heart, the new degree program draws deeply from the university’s Franciscan values. Built on the pillars of servant leadership, a scholarpractitioner model, and a crossdisciplinary foundation, the program prepares students not only to earn a degree but also to make a profound and lasting difference in their organizations and communities.
SERVANT LEADERSHIP
At the heart of the executive Ed.D. is the commitment to leadership that begins with a genuine desire to serve others first. Students are challenged to shift from traditional models toward approaches that prioritize empathy, collaboration and empowerment.
Throughout the program, students explore how servant leadership fosters sustainable innovation, strengthens team cultures, and addresses complex societal challenges. Faculty members model servant leadership themselves, mentoring students with humility and purpose, and reinforcing the importance of leading by example.
“The executive Ed.D. was born from a commitment to develop leaders who combine bold innovation with servanthearted leadership,” says Dr. Tricia Giannone McFadden, program
director. “Watching the Francis 2022 Cohort grow into scholar-practitioners who lead with courage, compassion, and wisdom has been a privilege.”
A SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONER MODEL
True to its mission, the program follows a scholar-practitioner model that connects academic research directly to real-world challenges. Students engage deeply with leadership theories, but always with an eye toward application.
Students are encouraged to bring their professional experiences into the classroom, apply new ideas immediately in their organizations, and reflect critically on outcomes. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are reflective practitioners prepared to solve complex problems across a variety of industries.
The culminating research projects are another distinctive feature. Students design studies that address pressing organizational issues they are passionate about, ensuring that their work makes an immediate and lasting impact in their professional environments.
CROSS-DISCIPLINARY FOUNDATION
Recognizing that leadership challenges rarely fit neatly within a single discipline, SFU designed the executive Ed.D. program with a cross-disciplinary foundation. Drawing insights from business, education, healthcare, technology, and nonprofit leadership, the program prepares students to think holistically and creatively.
“The executive doctor of education in organizational leadership and innovation (program) at Saint Francis University offered a truly cross-disciplinary experience, blending insights from business, education, and healthcare that challenged me to think beyond traditional boundaries,” said Genaro Iglesias, city manager of South Miami, Florida, and current executive Ed.D. student. “The hybrid format—combining flexible remote learning with immersive residential sessions—allowed me to balance my professional responsibilities while engaging deeply with the curriculum. What made the journey even more rewarding was learning alongside a diverse cohort of accomplished professionals.”
Students explore leadership through multiple lenses, gaining exposure to diverse perspectives and practices. This interdisciplinary approach fosters critical thinking, adaptability, and innovation—competencies essential for navigating today’s interconnected, global organizations. Through exposure to varied fields and sectors, students also build an expansive professional network, enriching their ability to collaborate across industries and drive change at multiple levels.
PROFESSIONAL PATHWAYS
Graduates of the executive Ed.D. program follow diverse and inspiring professional pathways, unified by a commitment to ethical, transformational leadership. Many graduates advance into C-suite executive roles, driving corporate innovation with a servant-leadership approach. Others become school superintendents, university leaders, or leadership consultants, bringing research-based strategies to education, public service, and organizational development.
Some graduates launch or expand entrepreneurial ventures, translating their research and leadership insights into new business models and community initiatives. Others transition into consulting and coaching, offering strategic leadership development, change management, and innovation consulting to a range of industries.
Regardless of sector, all graduates leave the program equipped to advance their organizations’ missions—and to foster cultures of innovation, collaboration, and service.
REAL-WORLD SOLUTIONS
Research in the executive Ed.D. program is intentionally designed for real-world impact. Rather than focusing on purely theoretical issues, students engage with pressing, actionable challenges in their workplaces and industries.
The dissertation projects produced by the Francis 2022 cohort reflect the program’s mission to integrate scholarship and practice. Topics have included strategies for leading organizational culture change, innovations in educational leadership, models for enhancing employee engagement, and leadership during major industry disruptions.
CELEBRATING THE FOUNDING COHORT
The graduation of the Francis 2022 Cohort represents more than the conclusion of a rigorous academic journey—it marks the beginning of a new era of leadership shaped by Saint Francis University’s values and vision.
The founding students brought to the program rich professional experiences, diverse backgrounds, and a shared commitment to transformational leadership. They set a high standard for future cohorts.
“The executive Ed.D. program has been transformative for me,” says William A. Aurandt, principal of Westmont Hilltop High School and a member of the Francis 2022 Cohort. “The relationships I was able to form with professionals from all walks of life, while being challenged by faculty who are practitioners, created an innovative experience unlike anything I had been a part of previously in education. It has broadened my perspective on leadership, and I’m now better equipped to lead my school and community.”
McFadden says, “The Francis 2022 Cohort has truly been a blessing to Saint Francis University. Their courage to lead with heart, their drive to innovate with purpose, and their unwavering commitment to ethical leadership have already begun to make ripples across the sectors and communities they serve. I could not be prouder of the leaders they have become—and the leaders they will continue to be.”
With its unique blend of servant leadership, scholarly rigor, and cross-disciplinary innovation, the SFU executive Ed.D. program stands ready to continue shaping the leaders our world so urgently needs.
Applications are open for the Fall 2025 Cohort. For more information about the Saint Francis University Executive Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Innovation program, contact Dr. Tricia Giannone McFadden, director at tmcfadden@francis.edu or visit www.francis.edu/EdD
EVENTS
2025 events events
June 28
Mullet: Big ’80s Fun!
The Lamp Theatre, Irwin
$35
Love rock ’n’ roll? Remember the hair bands of the ’80s? Reminisce with Mullet as the band passionately recreates the energy and vibe of the era. Rock to the classic tunes of Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey and Poison. 8 p.m. www.lamptheatre.org/mullett
June 29
All dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the venue before leaving home.
June through mid-December
JUNE
Through September 20
Farmers Market
Historic Springs Museum, Springs Free
With more than 100 vendors, the Springs market is the place to be for fresh seasonal produce, freshly baked goods, honey and jams, handmade soaps and other items, flowers, handcrafted artwork and jewelry, plus antiques and flea market treasures. Saturdays , 7 a.m. to noon. www. springspa.org/farmers.php
Through September 27
Ligonier County Market: Saturday Market
Corner of Springer Road and West Main Street, Ligonier Free
Spend the morning browsing the booths of more than 130 vendors at the Saturday Market, and celebrate the market’s 50th season! Discover freshpicked produce, plants and fresh-cut blooms, beef and poultry, fresh farm eggs, specialty breads and pastries, and hot cooked food, plus local honey and maple syrup and unique handmade items. 8 a.m. to noon. www.ligoniercountrymarket.com
Through October 7
Ligonier County Market: Diamond Market
Main Street, Ligonier Free
The first Tuesday of the month brings vendors to downtown Ligonier for the Diamond Market. Wander the booths and find fresh produce, fresh baked goods, just-picked flowers, handmade crafts and artwork, and more! 2 to 6 p.m. www.ligoniercountrymarket.com
Through October 8
Latrobe Farmers Market
Legion Keener Park, Latrobe Free
Every Wednesday through October 8, join in the fun and enjoy the fantastic wares offered at the farmers market. You’ll find local produce, fresh baked goods, beautiful flowers, and handmade art from noon to 4 p.m. www.latroberecreation.org/market
Through October 8
Laurel Arts Makers Market
Laurel Arts, Somerset Free
From 5 to 8 p.m. every second Wednesday of the month, Laurel Arts presents the popular makers market. Local artists selling handmade arts and specialty products, food vendors from across the region offering a range of food for sale, and live music are all part of the festivities. www.laurelarts.org/makers-market
June 6 through August 29
Summer Sounds Concerts
In the Park, Greensburg Free
Each Friday, from June 6 to August 29, bring the family for music under the stars at the Summer Sounds, Greensburg’s Concerts in the Park. The 2025 artists include The Seven Wonders (6/6), Sinkane (6/13), The Michael Weber Show (6/20), Denitia (6/27), Elton Rohn (7/4), Copilot (7/11), Dylan Triplett (7/18), Cecily (7/25), Suns of Beaches (8/1), Awen Family Band (8/8), Tanglewood (8/15), David Clark’s All About Joel (8/22), and The Kentucky Gentlemen (8/29). Pre-music show starts at 6:15 p.m.; main show begins at 7 and runs to 9:45 p.m. www.summersounds.com/band-calendar
June 25–27, July 23–25, August 20–22
Family Nature Camps
Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe
$75 per family (up to six members); registration deadline one week prior
In June, join the fun with the Family Naturalist 101 Camp; in July, the Family STEM Camp; and in August, Family Nature Makers Camp. The camps are designed for families with children 5 or older, and at least one adult per family must attend and participate each day. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon. www.wpnr.org
Frankie Avalon
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$52–$102
Still touring at age 85, Frankie Avalon has been a household name for decades. He started as a trumpet player while still in grade school and later became a movie actor and a singer with multi-platinum records. 3 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/ frankie-avalon-2025
JULY
July 4
Fourth of July Fireworks
Idlewild and SoakZone, Ligonier
Season passes: Bronze, $89.99; Gold & Silver, $99.99; Platinum, $219.99
Individual tickets: $39.59–$65.99 (save online) Celebrate the Fourth enjoying family time at the park, riding rides and water attractions, visiting favorite characters, and meeting Daniel Tiger. The annual fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m., weather permitting. Check website for tickets and passes: www.idlewild.com/tickets--passes/tickets; and for special days and events: www.idlewild.com/discover-the-park/special-days
July 10
The Wallflowers
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$49.75–$65.75
Founded by Jakob Dylan, The Wallflowers straddle the musical genres of alternative and modern rock ’n’ roll. The band’s sophomore album, Bringing Down the Horse, put them on the charts in 1996, and they continue to record and tour with a comeback album, Exit Wounds, in 2021. 8 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust. org/events/wallflowers-2025
July 11-13
Seven Springs Rib & Wing Festival
This saucy festival is the ultimate backyard barbecue! Dig into mouth-watering ribs and wings cooked up fresh by award-winning pitmasters from all over the country, rock out to live musical entertainment, grab an ice cold beverage, play some fun yard games and much more!
July 11–13
Shrek the Musical
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown Reserved seats, $20; children 12 and younger, 415 All the beloved characters from the movies are on stage for a rollicking good time. Family fun
for children of all ages presented by the Main Street Theatre Co. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Sunday. www.statetheatre.info
July 12
Midsummer Family Country Dance
Historic Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown
Pay what you can; reservations required Bring the entire family to enjoy an afternoon of dancing led by Emily Barth. Dressing in 19thcentury style with bonnets, breeches, petticoats and waistcoats encouraged. Hands-on fun with fan painting and top hat decorating precedes the dancing. 2 to 5 p.m. www.compassinn.org/ eventcalendar/midsummer-family-country-dance
July 12, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1
Volunteer Trail Work Day
Ohiopyle State Park
Free
Put on your work boots and grab your gloves and water bottle to help your fellow volunteers maintain the trails in the park. Contact bawallace@pa.gov if you plan to attend. Registration required to learn meeting place. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ event/volunteer-trail-work-day-1674
July 19
Floyd Live
The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $33
This well-known tribute band brings the music of Pink Floyd to the stage, recreating a concert experience from the 1960s and ’70s. Using visual effects, stage sets, and lighting displays, Floyd Live performs music from the extensive catalogue of hits by the original band, including cuts from the albums The Wall, The Dark Side of the Moon, and The Endless River. 8 p.m. www. lamptheatre.org/floyd-live
July 26
Beach Party Boys
Arcadia Theater, Windber
$42–$50
North America’s ultimate beach party gets started with the music of this tribute band. Bringing the hits of California’s golden boys, The Beach Boys, to life, Beach Party Boys showcases the musicality, look, and harmony of the originals. 7:30 to 9 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com/event/beach-party-boys
July 26
Hammer In: A Blacksmithing Event
Historic Compass Inn Museum, Laughlintown $14 for adults, $12 for seniors 62 and older, $10 for youth 6 to 18. Children under 6 are free. Blacksmiths from the museum and the Pittsburgh Area Artists Blacksmith Association will demonstrate their craft throughout the grounds of Compass Inn Museum. One-of-akind items will be available for sale to support the museum’s educational programming. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.compassinn.org/eventcalendar/ hammer-in-a-blacksmithing-event-1
August 1–2
AUGUST
Tent Camping 101
Ohiopyle State Park
$10; registration required Participants will bring their own equipment for this introductory camping experience. Park personnel will help set up tents, start a fire, and cook on a campfire. The program includes dinner and breakfast. Registration required to learn meeting place. 5 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/tent-camping-101
August 1–3
Anything Goes
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown Reserved seats, $20; children 12 and younger, $15
Presented by the Main Street Theatre Co., Anything Goes is the story of boy meets girl, and anything goes. Music, dancing, and laughter highlight this classic tale. Friday and Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Sunday. www.statetheatre.info
August 3
Meadow Run Mushroom Hike
Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
The group will hike the Upper Meadow Run loop—2 miles of difficult hiking—to discover and identify mushrooms. The trek includes a stop at the Cascades waterfall. Registration required to learn meeting place. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/ meadow-run-mushroom-hike
August 8
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown Adults, $7; seniors/students, $5
Part of the State Theatre Classic Film Series, this Rodgers & Hammerstein hit continues to thrill audiences everywhere. Show starts on time, no previews; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. www.statetheatre.info
August 8
Top of the World: A Carpenters Tribute
The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $49
Relive the 1970s and ’80s when the brother/ sister duo of The Carpenters was at the top of the charts. Top of the World, featuring Debbie Taylor, faithfully reproduces The Carpenters’ unique sound and relates some of the stories behind the music. 7 p.m. www.lamptheatre.org/ top-of-the-world-the-carpenter-tribute
August 9
Backyard Brewfest
Cook Township Community Center, Stahlstown Entrance fee; ID required Featuring alcohol and craft vendors, the Brewfest will also include food and live music. Tap-It Brewery and Grill will be among the participants. 3 to 9 p.m. https://business. ligonier.com/communityevents/Details/backyardbrewfest-1335322
August 10, August 13
Perseids Paddle Yough Lake
Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
Hoping to view the Perseid meteor shower from the water, participants will take provided paddleboards or their own watercraft out from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Life jackets will be provided. Registration required to learn meeting place. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/perseids-paddleyough-lake
August 22
Great Allegheny Passage Bike Ride
Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
This 17-mile bike trip will take riders from Ohiopyle to Connellsville. The group will stop in several places to hear talks on the area and the trail. The trail has a 3% downhill grade for most of its length. No shuttles will be provided. Registration required to learn meeting place. 9:30 a.m. to noon. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/great-alleghenypassage-bike-ohiopyle-to-connellsville
August 22–23
Mr. Speed
The Lamp Theatre, Irwin $35
The makeup! The costumes! The music! You’ll think you’re at a KISS concert when you hear the tribute band Mr. Speed. The band members hope to bridge the gap between KISS fans from the 1970s and the new legions of the KISS army. 8 p.m. both nights. www.lamptheatre.org/ mr-speed-kiss-tribute
August 22-24
Seven Springs Wine Festival
The Seven Springs Wine Festival is the biggest end of summer garden party one can find! The Wine Festival features complimentary wine sampling from 24 Pennsylvania Wineries, the ability to purchase your favorite Pennsylvania wines, musical entertainment and much more!
August 23
5K Banana Run
Downtown Latrobe
5K Run, $25; 5K Walk, $25; 1/4-Mile Fun Run, $20
A part of the Great American Banana Split celebration, the 5K run takes participants through historic Latrobe. Packet pick-up starts at 7:30 a.m. at the concession stand of Latrobe Memorial Stadium. The race begins at 9 a.m. https://business.latrobelaurelvalley.org/events/ details/5k-banana-run-11184
August 23–24
The Great American Banana Split Celebration Latrobe Free
Plan to visit during the 12th annual festival in honor of the all-American dessert that started in Latrobe! Visit the website for schedule, events and vendors. www.bananasplitfest.com
August 31
Youghiogheny River Sojourn: Dawson to Layton Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
Join in the fun with this easy float from Dawson to Layton as part of this year’s Sojourn. It’s a 7.5-mile stretch of river; participants must bring their own watercraft and life jackets. A driver’s shuttle will be provided. Registration required to learn meeting place. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ event/youghiogheny-river-sojourn-dawson-to-layton
SEPTEMBER
September 5–7
Mountain Craft Days
Somerset Historical Center, Somerset General Admission, $10; children 6–17, $5; children 5 and younger, free
The tradition continues! Mountain Craft Days spotlights traditional crafts, country food, music and children’s activities. The event started in 1970 as a way to promote, demonstrate and preserve the heritage of Somerset County and the region. 10 a.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/news-events/ event-calendar.html/event/2025/09/07/mountaincraft-days/502517
September 7
Youghiogheny River Sojourn: Layton to Cedar Creek
Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
This year’s Sojourn continues with an 8.5-mile paddle that includes Class 1 rapids. Participants will provide appropriate watercraft and life jackets. A driver’s shuttle will be provided at the end of the journey. Interpretative programming will be presented along the way. Registration required to learn meeting place. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. https:// events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/youghiogheny-riversojourn-layton-to-cedar-creek-4381
September 11
Hotel California
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$33–$75
In the original tribute to the Eagles, Hotel California replicates the hits from one of the top bands of all time. Hotel California has traveled the world, bringing to life such hits as “Witchy Woman,” “Desperado,” and “Seven Bridges Road.” 7:30 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust. org/events/hotel-california-2025
September 13
Greensburg Music Fest Downtown Greensburg Free
Celebrate music, culture, and the community of Greensburg with the best Greensburg Music Fest yet! Enjoy live music from local and regional artists, food trucks and local vendors, fun activities for all ages, and even special surprises. Visit the website for schedule and details. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/artsinitiatives/greensburg-music-fest
September 14
Vicki Lawrence & Mama
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$50–$90
Expect the unexpected as this talented comedienne entertains as a stand-up comic and as her famous character from The Carol Burnett Show, Thelma Harper—better known as Mama. 3 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/ events/vicki-lawrence-mama
September 20
Hawk Watch
Ohiopyle State Park
Registration required
The Allegheny Front Hawk Watch is an annual event. Carpool to Allegheny Front near the Flight 93 Memorial and observe the fall migration of the broad-winged hawk. Registration required to learn meeting place. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/event/ hawk-watch
September 20
Rave On Arcadia Theater, Windber
$30–$38
The music of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly is brought to life by three musicians who love that old rock ’n’ roll. Prepare to hear the best of early legends from the 1950s and ’60s. 7:30 to 9 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com/event/rave-on-themusic-of-roy-orbison-buddy-holly
September 20–21
118th Annual Stahlstown Flax Scutching Festival
Monticue’s Grove, Stahlstown
$5; children under 12, free
Learn more about how to make linen from the flax plant during this annual festival. In addition to the demonstrations, you’ll find homemade food, arts and crafts, antique farm equipment, live music, and Civil War and covered wagon encampments. Check the website for schedule. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.flaxscutching.org
OCTOBER
October 3–4
67th Springs Folk Festival
1711 Springs Road, Springs
Adults, $7; children 6 to 11, $4; children 5 and younger, free
This annual tradition celebrates the foliage of the Highlands, plus the craftspeople, artisans, and entertainers who call it home. Nearly 10,000 people visit each year to watch artists create, learn about early farming, listen to great music, and enjoy delicious foods. There’s even an old-fashioned hayride! 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.springspa.org/folkfest.php
October 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Seven Springs Autumnfest
Every weekend of Autumnfest, explore a vibrant world of family fun. Enjoy live musical entertainment, discover the unexpected with a variety of novelty performers or hop on the
chairlift for an aerial view of the fiery colors of autumn. Artisans and crafters from far and wide will have their handmade creations on display.
October 8
The Vampire Circus
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$39.75–$89.75
A production combining circus cabaret and theater, The Vampire Circus will amaze your senses with acrobats, comedians, contortionists, jugglers and clowns. Illusions and daring feats will mesmerize the audience while Count Dracula plots his rise to world domination. 7:30 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/ events/vampire-circus-2025
October 10
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$35–$105
It’s the 50th anniversary of the original movie, and one of the stars of that production, Nell Campbell (the original Columbia), will host a screening of the unedited film. This celebration will also include a live shadow cast and, of course, full audience participation! Every ticket purchased includes one bag of props; no outside props will be permitted. The movie is rated R. 8 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/ rocky-horror-2025
October 18
Historical Halloween
Somerset Historical Center, Somerset Admission fee
Treat yourself to some trick-or-treating outdoors at the center. Put on a costume and tour the grounds, complete with treats and a hunt for the infamous Robber Lewis. Hot chocolate, maple kettle corn, and freshly pressed apple cider will be available. 5 to 8 p.m. www.somersethistoricalcenter. org/news-events/event-calendar.html/ event/2025/10/18/historical-halloween/490666
October 25
Hotel California
Arcadia Theater, Windber
$42–$50
A Canadian tribute band, Hotel California is recognized as the original tribute to the Eagles, recreating the sound and stage show of the original band. An all-new show! 7:30 to 9 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com/event/hotel-californiathe-original-tribute-to-the-eagles-canada
NOVEMBER
November 1
Ligonier Country Market: Holiday Market Corner of Spring Road and West Main Street, Ligonier Free
Having trouble finishing your holiday gift list? Here’s the solution! The holiday market offers everything under the sun; you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Noon until 4 p.m. www.ligoniercountrymarket.com
EVENTS
November 6
The McCartney Years Live
State Theatre Center for the Arts, Uniontown
$29.50–$49.50
Rescheduled show. The McCartney Years is the longest-running show celebrating the music of Paul McCartney—from the Beatles to Wings. The six-member band presents an authentic musical experience for the whole family. 9 p.m. www.statetheatre.info
November 9–10
Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$39.75–$159.75
This stage show was inspired by the global sensation from DreamWorks Animation. It’s a musical, with Gabby finding an acorn that needs the touch of a rainbow to grow. Features music from the original series, incredible puppets, and a cast of singers, actors and puppeteers. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/ events/gabbys-dollhouse
November 15
Twelve Twenty-Four Arcadia Theater, Windber
$42–$50
Start off the holiday season with the music of the Trans-Siberia Orchestra at this top tribute show. A six-piece rock band, multiple string musicians and a host of vocalists work yearround to bring audiences a memorable holiday concert. 7:30 to 9 p.m. www.arcadiawindber. com/event/twelve-twenty-four-music-of-thetrans-siberian-orchestra
November 19
American Ride: A Toby Keith Tribute
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$34–$75
Join Mike Sexton as he performs the goodtime country music of Toby Keith, including “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “That’s Country Bro,” and more. 7:30 p.m.
In his Rhythm Review 2025, Scaggs brings all his hits to the stage, including tracks from his 1976 Silk Degrees album through his 2018 Out of the Blues. He toured with the Steve Miller Band before going solo, took a hiatus during the 1980s, joined the New York Rock and Soul Revue in 1988, opened a nightclub in San Francisco, and is credited with helping to form Toto after Silk Degrees was released. 7:30 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/ boz-scaggs-2025
DECEMBER
December 6
Meet Santa Cook Township Community Center, Stahlstown Free
Children of all ages are invited to meet with jolly St. Nick and have their photograph taken with the red-suited elf. Cookies and hot chocolate will be available. 1 to 3 p.m. https://business.ligonier. com/communityevents/Details/meet-santa-1335325
Glades Pike Winery
December 7
Ethnic Traditions Dinner
South Main Street, Friedens
Admission fee
The Somerset Historical Center brings together the diverse communities of the area when local families gather to celebrate their cultures through food and music. Check the website for updates. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. www.somersethistoricalcenter.org/news-events/ event-calendar.html/event/2025/12/07/ethnictraditions-dinner/511548
December 13
Tapestry, The Carole King Songbook Arcadia Theater, Windber
$44–$52
Suzanne Davis stars in this musical tribute to Carole King. The audience will experience the sights and sounds of a 1970s Carole King concert focused on the 1971 hit album Tapestry. 7:30 to 9 p.m. www.arcadiawindber.com/event/ tapestry-carole-king-songbook
December 14
Sounds of Christmas
The Palace Theatre, Greensburg
$30–$50
Start off your holiday season with this show featuring the Latshaw Pops Orchestra, Victory Brinker, Mike Latham, Lindsay Fitzpatrick, Josie Crooks, and Frank Czuri. Of course, Santa will be part of the fun. 3 p.m. www.westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/ sounds-of-christmas-2025
