LAURELA Magazine from MOUNTAIN the Heart of Western PennsylvaniaPOST

Hit Me With Your Best Shot! International Videographer Eric Pensenstadler Brings His Film Magic Home to Western

Take Five Minutes

Fireside Fiction

A Tiger Walks Among Us: The Fabulous Fabian of Fayette County

Senior Moments

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 FREE Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 1 2 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST “What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” elcome . . . – Ralph Waldo Emerson

JAN/FEB 2009 MOUNTAIN VIEWS W(Volume VI, Issue 1) Cathi Gerhard Williams The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly publication designed to focus on the people, places and events of Westmoreland County and the surrounding areas in the heart of western Pennsylvania. We print stories about Love Is All Around Us real people and their daily lives; feature lo- cal merchants, craftsmen and professionals; When people ask me how I came up I will always prefer the living that takes I LOVE that everyone in my fam- present short pieces of art & literature; and with the idea to create the Laurel Moun- place in small towns like the ones we ily is a patient of the down-to-earth never lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home. tain Post, I usually start with a com- have here in Pennsylvania. There are Dr. Howard Bursch. Not only does Most of our writers are not professional plicated answer. But part of my story so many things to love about living he remember who I am, but he also reporters, but accomplished local practitioners is very simple. This magazine is basi- here, and Valentine’s Day seems like knows all of our long medical histo- with years of experience in their respective cally an enduring love letter to my a perfect reason to share some of them ries by heart. His office is right fields who bring credibility and personality to every article. In October 2006, the BBC News hometown. with you . . . around the corner from mine (and quoted us as “the voice of Pennsylvania.” I never thought of myself as so is my awesome dentist, Dr. being from just “Derry” as much Mucci), so an appointment Laurel Mountain Post as Westmoreland County and doesn’t mean that I waste a P.O. Box 227 western Pennsylvania. My child- half day out of work. 206 Weldon Street hood life experiences were defi- I LOVE that we have “real” Latrobe, PA 15650 nitely not confined to the town- restaurants here, not just a ship surrounding our farm bunch of chains. My family eats 724-537-6845 (which had a Derry address, but Gino’s pizza every week, and the a Latrobe phone number). My St. Vincent Gristmill brews the Cathi Gerhard Williams Nan and Pap lived in New Derry, best cup of coffee with their own Editor & Publisher while my Grammy and Pappap’s beans. Palombo’s always has [email protected] house was in Cooperstown, just great dinner specials, and Joe down the street from my elemen- at the Tin Lizzy martini bar Briana Dwire Tomack tary school. My best friend was never forgets that I like Marketing Director in Ligonier, and we always went peaches (not cherries!) in my & Business Manager shopping in Greensburg. Pitts- mixed drinks. [email protected] burgh was home to our favorite These are just a few of my fa- sports teams, and Indiana was vorite things, the list you quote Proud members of the Latrobe, not a state, but rather the town when asked what you miss Ligonier, and Strongland where everyone went to college. about home when away from it. Chambers of Commerce, After I, too, graduated from But most importantly, it’s the The Pittsburgh Advertising Federation, IUP with bachelor’s and master’s tangible proof of the LOVE and The Pennsylvania degrees, I moved away to North around us. People who LOVE Newspaper Assocation Carolina. I tried to make a new what they do make us happy as Special thanks to our home for many years, but it customers and friends; people advertisers for supporting never seemed quite right. I who LOVE where they live take this community publication! missed too many things, people care of their home and usually and places – and was never com- stay a long time, treating us www.LaurelMountainPost.com fortable in the south. I shared to history and character. many phone calls and emails I invite each of you to stop with old friends throughout the and think about your own LOVE years, and they usually ended with dis- I LOVE that my son isn’t taught list for western Pennsylvania. Then cussions about all the things that by a bunch of strangers – I had some send me your favorites so I can share were so great about western Pennsyl- of the same teachers, went to school them with our readers as we continue vania – especially compared to where with others, and the rest know who I to celebrate our home in every issue we were “now.” Many of us had gone am. There is comfort in that for me – of the Laurel Mountain Post. to larger, more impersonal locations and a reminder for him not to misbe- Our distribution of 15,000 reaches where we were always “strangers in a have, or I’ll know about it before he As the Troggs sang in 1967, beyond Westmoreland County into the strange land.” We lived in brand new gets off the bus in the afternoon. Love is all around neighboring counties of Allegheny, transient, starter neighborhoods I LOVE that I can go see and talk It’s written on the wind Washington, Armstrong, Bedford, It’s everywhere I go Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Fayette. where people and businesses were to a real person when I need help – In 2006 our web traffic increased by constantly moving in and out. Rela- not a cost-effective call center in In- 53% and continues to grow. Every day, more and more readers and advertisers tionships never developed or were lost dia I can’t understand. Chad at Verizon across western Pennsylvania are in the journey toward “bigger and bet- always patiently explains how to use discovering the Laurel Mountain Post. ter” things. my new cell phone, and Bob Appleby Cities are nice places to visit, but solves my computer nightmares.

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 3 Hit Me With Your Best Shot! by Cathi Gerhard Williams Fairy tales do come true – at least “That really opened up my video time grammy-award winning Eric and Marger hired one per- for local brides, with the help of a career,” he explained. “I realized that Latin American artist Juanes son for the handheld camera, set local wedding videography com- video was a part of touring.” that is perhaps most significant up tripods, and did their own editing. pany. Owned and operated by Eric Eric toured with David for Eric. He joined a local company The wedding video process they de- Pensenstadler, a 1993 graduate Copperfield for the next three on the Juanes crew and met his veloped came from what they felt of Norwin High School, Video Ho- years, and mastered his craft. wife, Marger. At the time, neither was important and natural. rizons LLC brings professional, “I do what makes sense in my photojournalistic style to wedding signature, creative style.” videos. Drawing on years of expe- Eric and Marger do all of their rience in the music industry, Eric wedding videos together as a hus- and his wife, Marger, create beau- band/wife team. Not only does it tiful video storybooks of that spe- help keep costs down, but they cial day. It’s a far cry from drunk know how each other works after wedding guests and relatives with two and a half years together – so shaky handheld video cameras! things run smoothly. Eric’s interest in video produc- Marger, who has sinced tion began as a St. Vincent Col- learned English by taking some lege student majoring in liberal classes at the YWCA and simply arts and communication. He was being immersed in our culture, working for the campus radio/TV is also an event planner and station with a developing inter- bridal consultant at MB Bride. She est in nature photography and has evolved with their company to lighting design, when Alanis work with bridal parties on their Morrisette performed at the dresses and tuxedos. school during his junior year. He Together, Eric and Marger get persistently offered to assist the the best shots to create beautiful, stage crew, and eventually was “I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot of different things from visual memories that last a life- a lot of different people and cultures. I’ve been able to incorporate all of these influences allowed to help tear down the into my personal work. After my time as the camera operator on David Copperfield’s time on film. lighting. One discussion led to tour I established Video Horizons, LLC and was not impressed with the current For more information on Video another, and he was offered a wedding videography in western Pennsylvania. I thought that I could offer more to Horizons, LLC, visit their website: Pennsylvania’s brides and grooms, and so now my wife and I work together to create chance to intern for a summer some of the area’s most beautiful and professional wedding videos!” – Eric Pensenstadler www.videohorizonsllc.com or call with the professional company in their south Greensburg studio at Cleveland, OH. After completing 724-724-216-5803. his degree, he went to work for During the tour he learned digi- could speak each other’s lan- the company. tal editing while working on com- guage, but they kept trying to Following a hiatus as an Indy mercials and promo videos for communicate. When Eric left race car mechanic in the late 90s, Copperfield. He followed up with a South America, they used an in- Eric was chosen from a stack of ap- two-year Lynyrd Skynyrd tour, and stant messenger on their comput- plicants to join the David Copperfield a stint with Brooks & Dunn. ers and kept a language transla- tour crew as an illusion technician. He has traveled to four conti- tor window open. A close-up camera position opened, nents, 30 countries and all 50 “I’m going to Venezuela for a and Eric soon took over. states, but it was a tour with 12- date,” he told his parents and used up all his frequent flier miles visting Marger in three months. Soon, however, the couple decided a long-distance romance was too difficult and broke up. “That lasted about half a day,” Marger Pensenstadler he chuckled. “We were both mis- erable. I’m not sure who wrote first, but we both stayed logged into our instant messenger wait- In the Middle Ages, young men ing to hear a ding!” and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines Wedding bells soon rang when would be. They would wear Eric flew back to Venezuela to these names on their sleeves for meet the parents and propose. one week. To wear your heart on your sleeve now means that it is Marger returned to western Penn- easy for other people to know sylvania with Eric, and together how you are feeling. they began focusing on local videography. “The first wedding video I ever did was mine! I wasn’t satisfied Eric met Jay Leno at a motorcycle rally with what I found on the market while on tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd. and decided to try it myself.”

4 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST SENIOR MOMENTS Area Residents Share the Facts of Life Lottie Robb

Hometown: Latrobe, PA Place of Birth: Wels, Austria; raised in the Tyrolean Alps of Austria Maiden Name: Prast Number of Siblings: 1 brother, 2 sisters Schooling: Business Degree Spouse & Year of Marriage: Met Ray Robb in 1953, married him in 1954 and came to USA in 1955 Number of Children: 3 – 1 boy, 2 girls Former Vocations: Owned a knitting shop in Austria; after spending considerable time learning English in America, was employed as a seamstress by various area retail Ray & Lottie Robb establishments including Rose Style Shoppe Eric goes in for the well-lit and detailed close-up shot! and The Times (Latrobe) and The Post & Rail Men’s Shop (Ligonier); eventually opened her own seamstress shop which she operates to this day in Latrobe Present Avocation: Sewing – which is her therapy Favorite Quote: “Turn the other cheek.” Hidden Talent: Gardening Most Memorable Accomplishment: Reaching approaching 55th wedding anniversary Future Aspirations: Watching all of her grandchildren grow up; seeing granddaughter Courtney graduate from Notre Dame and become a doctor

Ray Robb

Hometown: Latrobe, PA Place of Birth: Derry, PA Number of Siblings: 5 brothers, 2 sisters High School Alma Mater & Class: Latrobe High School, Class of 1949 Advanced Schooling: Radio School, Military Intelligence School (where he was trained for top-secret classified work in European locations) Spouse & Year of Marriage: Married Lottie LMP Community Marketing Fund Prast Robb in 1954 Ray Robb (fourth from left in Tyrolean In late 2007, the Laurel Mountain Post began a marketing careers. Recipients will work closely Number of Children: 3 – 1 boy, 2 girls hat) with fellow Safety Rangers at Seven Community Marketing Fund in cooperation with with our staff and local nonprofit groups on Former Vocation: Steelworker (retired) Springs Mountain Resort. The Latrobe Foundation and supported by The community relations projects. We believe this McFeely-Rogers Foundation and The Arnold D. experience will nurture and encourage them to Positions Held: Latrobe Steel Company and Winifred W. Palmer Foundation. Through the learn even more about western Pennsylvania, Union Representative, American Legion Post 515 Past Commander fund, we have been able to assist with many and hopefully pursue professional careers right Present Avocation: Has worked for the last 14 years as a Safety Ranger at nonprofit public relations and marketing needs in here at home. Seven Springs Mountain Resort, having skied there for recreation since 1954 the community. These efforts have enabled these Please consider making a tax-deductible Hidden Talent: Hand-crafted woodworking organizations to educate the public and promote contribution to this exciting partnership and/or their valuable resources and services, resulting important educational experience. Gifts of all sizes Best Lesson Learned: “Work hard and do your best.” in stronger and more recognizable programming will be acknowledged (without reference to specific Most Memorable Accomplishment: Reaching approaching 55th wedding throughout Westmoreland County in the areas of dollar amounts) in each issue of the Laurel anniversary; attaining Top 10 in NASTAR PA in age-appropriate category Education, Health & Human Services, Cultural Arts, Mountain Post. (NASTAR is the National Standard Race, the largest recreational ski and the Environment, Economic Growth and Faith- We believe that every story begins at home, snowboard race in the world.)) based Initiatives. and will continuing working to bring you encouraging As we enter 2009, we would like to expand content about the people, places and things across Future Aspiration: Enjoying the Golden Years this program into a scholarship fund for local western Pennsylvania. Thank you for your investment college students interested in business and in our community and this wonderful program!

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Please make all checks payable to: The Latrobe Foundation Community Marketing Fund Contribution Card LMP Community Marketing Fund PO Box 110 Name: ______Latrobe, PA 15650

Community Fund: ______Address: ______Phone: ______Scholarship Fund: ______TOTAL: ______ Red ($25) Purple ($50) Blue ($100) Green ($500) Gold ($1000+) Orange ______

In Honor: ______In Memory: ______

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 5 EARTH TALK Questions and Answers About Our Environment How can I determine if it is more eco-friendly to fly or drive somewhere? The simple answer is that driving in a energy development. TerraPass, among relatively fuel efficient car (25-30 miles per others, makes it easy to calculate your gallon) usually generates fewer greenhouse carbon footprint based on how much you gas emissions than flying. In assessing the drive and fly (as well as home energy global warming impact of a trip from consumption), and then will sell you offsets to Boston (about 300 miles), the accordingly. (Monies generated through environmental news website Grist.org carbon offsets fund alternative energy and calculates that driving would generate about other projects, such as wind farms, that will 104 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2)—the ultimately take a bite out of or eliminate leading greenhouse gas—per typical greenhouse gas emissions). medium-sized car, regardless of the number Of course, an individual’s emissions Greensburg, PA 15601 of passengers, while flying on a commercial from riding a bus (the ultimate carpool) or jet would produce some 184 kilograms of CO2 a train (many of which rely solely on per passenger. electric power generated by their own What this also means, of course, is that motion) would be significantly lower. Paster while even driving alone would be slightly adds that a cross-country train trip would better from the standpoint of greenhouse gas generate about half the greenhouse gas emissions, carpooling really makes emissions of driving a car. The only way to environmental sense. Four people sharing travel greener might be to bicycle or walk— a car would collectively be responsible for but the trip is long enough as it is. emitting only 104 kilograms of CO2, while the same four people taking up four seats CONTACTS: Grist, www.grist.org, Salon, on a plane would generate some 736 www.salon.com; AAA Fuel Cost Calculator, SALES ASSOCIATE, RECS/ASR www.fuelcostcalculator.com; TerraPass, kilograms. www.terrapass.com. Journalist Pablo Päster of Salon.com extends the comparison further to a cross GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send it country trip, and comes to similar to: EarthTalk, c/o E/The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; conclusions. (Differences in the math are submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/ attributable to the use of slightly varying thisweek/, or e-mail: [email protected]. assumptions regarding fuel usage and Read past columns at: www.emagazine.com/ source equations.) Flying from San earthtalk/archives.php. Francisco to Boston, for example, would generate some 1,300 kilograms of greenhouse gases per passenger each way, Most experts agree that driving in a while driving would account for only 930 relatively fuel efficient car usually kilograms per vehicle. So again sharing generates fewer greenhouse gas emis- the drive with one or more people would sions per capita than flying – and it lower each individual’s carbon footprint only gets better when you carpool. from the experience accordingly. But just because driving might be greener than flying doesn’t mean it always makes the most sense. With current high gas prices, it would cost far more in fuel to drive clear across the United States in a car than to fly non-stop coast-to-coast. And that’s not even factoring in the time spent on restaurants and hotels along the way. Those interested in figuring out driving fuel costs can consult AAA’s nifty online Fuel Cost Calculator, where you can enter your starting city and destination as well as the year, make and model of your car to get an accurate estimate of what filling ‘er up will cost between points A and B. LINDA EARNEST Once you’ve made your decision MARGARET DIVIRGILIO whether to drive or fly, consider purchasing 646 S. URANIA AVE. BOOK YOUR PARTIES EARLY! GREENSBURG, PA 15601 SEE OUR SALADS AT NATURE’S WAY MARKET carbon offsets to balance out the emissions 724-834-2020 WWW.EARNESTGOURMET.COM you are generating with cash for renewable Getty Images

6 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Adams Memorial Library Welcomes Bestselling Author Meet George D. Shuman February 11 On February 11, Adams Memorial Library commander of the Metropolitan Police welcomes thrilling author George D. Academy; and lieutenant commander in the Shuman as a guest speaker at our regular Public Integrity Branch, Internal Affairs book club, The ABCs. The book club will be Division. He lives in Pennsylvania and North reading and discussing Mr. Shuman’s first Carolina. 18 Seconds was his first novel. The novel, 18 Seconds, that evening at 6:30 at the follow up Last Breath novel was released on main branch (1112 Ligonier Street in Latrobe). August 7, 2007. George D. Shuman is a twenty-year The national bestseller 18 Seconds, veteran of the Washington, D.C., which is set in Western Pennsylvania, has Metropolitan Police force, in which he served been translated in 19 languages and is as an undercover narcotics detective; a nominated for: Best First Novel by the sergeant in the Special Assignments International Thrillers Association and The Branch, Internal Affairs Division; operations Shamus Award. The event will be open to anyone, not just members of the ABC book club, and should be a fascinating night. We invite ev- eryone to come and enjoy the enhanced book club experience that having the au- thor present will allow. People must call to register (724-537-2821), as a sizable crowd is expected. Also, please plan ahead and obtain a copy of the book to read in advance of the event. There is no cost for the group. Wake Up and Smell the Corpse a Comedy Mystery by Colleen Ryan Take one coffee shop. Stir in two dysfunctional more bodies, they become prime suspects to semi-alcoholic forty-something female friends, a the detective assigned to the investigation, who cup of neurotic customers, a scoop of incompetent Maddy secretly – she thinks secretly – lusts teenage employees, and a generous sprinkling of after. Through sheer drunken wit that would animosity. Voila! The perfect brew for murder. baffle Sherlock Holmes, the two stumble to prove their innocence and almost become Wake up and Smell the Corpse is a victims four and five. character-driven comedy/mystery with two From July 1999 until July 2000 Colleen dysfunctional, sexually-frustrated protagonists, Ryan co-owned and operated a coffee house Madison (Maddy) and Chloe, best friends with in downtown Latrobe at the corner of Main bad taste in men, who travel through life and Ligonier named eclectica. That provided with brains clouded by dirty martinis and the setting for the book and also explains Jack Daniels and Coke. Their insatiable the title which is a play on the saying, “Wake need for chaos leads them to embark on up and smell the coffee.” Her partner in the opening a coffee house with no business coffee shop, Charlie Roble, a Latrobe resident sense, and no money, in a small town not and best friend, was the inspiration for the ready for $5 lattes – or them. While sailing Chloe character in the book, and she drew on their entrepreneurial ship of hope, they on eccentricities of several of our customers haphazardly discover three murder victims, and a few friends for some of the characters all in a bizarre manner, and all patrons of – in addition to the ones created out of her their shop. The first victim is discovered twisted mind. when Maddy trips on her stilettos and falls Author Colleen Ryan was born in Latrobe between the corpse’s enormous fake and has lived in this area except for the seven breasts. The second victim, one of their years she spent in California. She graduated favorite customers, is discovered when from Derry Area High School, received an AA Maddy goes into an alley to relieve herself from WCCC, a bachelor’s degree from Geneva unaware that she’s aiming at a body. The College, and a master’s in Writing Popular Ruthie Richardson third victim is discovered when Maddy and Fiction from Seton Hill University. Chloe break into his house to make sure “I’m the poster child for ‘it’s never too West Derry, 1954-55 he’s all right. Maddy trips over his body, and late.’” Ryan explained. “I earned my while nudging him to see if he’s alive, bachelor’s at 59 and my master’s at 61, and Hope you had a great holiday! accidentally gets her stiletto heel stuck in so when I should have been planning for a private area of his body. Since the first retirement I started a whole new career.” She See you in the next issue of the corpse is found buried in the basement of has been adjunct faculty at WCCC since 2000 Laurel Mountain Post. Love, Ruthie their coffee house, coupled with the and has appeared in Who’s Who among uncanny coincidence of discovering two America’s Teachers twice in consecutive years.

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 7 REPARTEE FOR TWO Barbara M. Neill A Tiger Walks Among Us: The Fabulous Fabian of Fayette County

How did a half-century pass so Singing lessons were provided and Club. In a curious linguistic twist Branson, MO are another great quickly? I asked myself this he consequently appeared on Dick as Senator Clinton of New York she team, since they both have a flair question as I watched a bewigged Clark’s American Bandstand. He tapped another Fabian – Nunez – for putting on a good show. He still Derek Hough performing a killer won the Silver Award for “Most to serve as a national campaign co- hosts and performs there as one of jitterbug with Brooke Burke on Promising Male Vocalist of 1958,” chair during her US Presidential the Original Stars at ’s Dancing With The Stars last October. but his earliest singles didn’t catch bid in 2007.) American Bandstand Theater I was recalling another young man on with the public and stardom Fabian later became involved Complex. with a full head of hair from the proved temporarily elusive. In 1959 in numerous television acting You needn’t worry about Fabian late . Pompadours and pony “I’m a Man,” “Tiger,” and “Turn Me projects and made guest being forgotten during his golden tails, poodle skirts and pigskin Loose” quickly put Fabian at the top appearances on such popular years. (He will turn 66 on February shoes were hot items in those days. shows as Laverne & Shirley and 6th.) In 2000 the Philadelphia But, in my mind the epitome of cool Murphy Brown. However, one of his Music Alliance honored the singer was Fabian. (I have been partial to most memorable and acclaimed TV with a star on their Walk of Fame individuals of Italian descent from roles was in a 1961 episode of the and on January 8, 2002 he was the a very young age it seems.) anthology series Bus Stop entitled recipient of another stellar symbol During one of my late “A Lion Walks Among Us” directed on the prestigious Hollywood Walk elementary school summers I by . The network of Fame. Ever appreciative of his spent several days visiting a was unable to find companies that fans, he humbly dedicated his star distant relative. Trudy was a would agree to sponsor a program to them on that day. At a private teenager at the time and featuring the unthinkable reception and ceremony held at practically a grownup in my scenario of Fabian playing a the Chestnut Ridge Golf and youthful estimation. A country- homicidal maniac. Determined to Conference Center in Blairsville raised farm girl, she led a very air the show, the episode was the in October 2008 Fabian received different existence from my own first one-hour segment in the James M. Stewart Museum town-dwelling life. She certainly television history to run without Foundation Harvey Award, thereby had more field, hill and dale to roam commercials. (Haven’t viewer adding his name to a list of than I could ever begin to imagine. On the prowl ... tastes and TV sanctions changed?) deserving recipients. And for someone whose only pets The entertainer ventured into Fabian and his wife, Andrea swam in a goldfish bowl, the production earning an Emmy Patrick-Forte, a former Miss assorted animals roaming the nomination for the PBS Pennsylvania USA (1980) and Miss barnyard and pastures were awe- documentary series The Wild West West Virginia America (1983), have inspiring. However, we did have and he presented Fabian’s Good recently built their dream house something – or more correctly, of the pop charts. By the time he Time Rock ‘n’ Roll, a TV special in the Connellsville-Uniontown someone – in common. Our was 18 he had recorded dozens of featuring legendary heyday acts, area. Andrea, a Fayette County weekend revolved (literally and hit singles, 8 albums and earned 2 before a crowd of 85,000 in Baton native, is the owner/CEO of the figuratively) around her copy of gold records and a gold album for Rouge, LA. He has had a productive Patrick Talent Agency, a full- Fabian’s hit recording of “Turn Me “The Fabulous Fabian.” commercial career, representing service agency representing talent Loose.” Trudy’s cache of fan When became corporations such as Pepsi, nationwide. She also heads the magazines only added to our whirl passé in the 60s, Fabian was still Denny’s and NutriSystem and fun clothing and product line of girlish glee. Smiling or sneering, a highly marketable young man. providing commercial and radio Once Upon a Dream. Together the Fabian was photogenic perfection. Hollywood came calling and couple raises awareness and Suffice it to say, the chicks and he appeared in 10 films money for the American ducks got short shrift from Barbie between 1959 and 1964. He Diabetes Association and the that weekend. shared the silver screen with American Heart Association. Philadelphia seemed to Indiana, PA legend Jimmy The entertainer also hosts a manufacture teen idols in the Stewart in 2 comedies, Mr. Celebrity Golf Tournament 1950s and 60s. Bob Marcucci and Hobbs Take a Vacation and in North Carolina that Peter DeAngelis of Philly’s . He was also cast benefits veteran’s causes. Chancellor Records had already in dramas and action flicks, Fabian has two children from discovered . These including The Longest Day and a previous marriage. producers/promoters knew well North to Alaska, with such Daughter Julie, an animator, that presentation is all. After fabled actors as , and son Christian, a Dick Clark (l) with the future Golden Boys - chancing upon 14 year-old Fabian Robert Mitchum, Henry Fabian, Bobby and Frankie screenwriter, both reside in Anthony Forte on his front porch, Fonda, Rod Steiger and Sean California. they made a few adjustments to his Connery. Teen genre films, appearance and apparel and although they didn’t afford the * * * * * presented the public with a Kodak- opportunity to rub shoulders with voiceovers. For 20 years fellow ready one-name wonder – Fabian. the big guns, compensated with an Philadelphians Fabian, Frankie BMN: Do you think your Italian (The singer is named for his abundance of generously-endowed Avalon and have heritage gave you an unfair paternal grandfather Fabiano Forte, -clad costars. (What’s in a toured as The Golden Boys. The advantage with female fans? but the shortened form of the name? During this era high rock and roll icons have also starred name – Fabian – is the Christian schooler Hillary Rodham was the together on television specials and name on his birth certificate.) President of the Fan awards ceremonies. Fabian and

8 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST BMN: As a young man you were a bit of a puzzle – considered by some a “dangerous I’ll bet he drove date” and by others the “boy next door.” Did the little girls wild! this disparity prove beneficial when casting agents were looking for a versatile young actor?

FF: I think what they were looking for was someone that would bring in the younger audience. I don’t believe they were looking for any specific type – like a James Dean.

BMN: Although Fabian, Frankie Avalon and Bobby Rydell were not a singing group as young men, do you think the music of The Golden Boys would adapt well to a Broadway musical based on your interwoven lives on the order of Jersey Boys, the documentary- style musical based on Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons?

FF: Yes, I do as a matter of fact. Sometimes we kid about that. We’ve never pursued it, but it’s kind of a fun idea.

FF: No, not at all. (I believe I detected a slight BMN: As host and headliner in Branson you chuckle after this response.) are a highly recognizable presence. At this point in your career is autograph signing BMN: If you hadn’t skyrocketed to fame as a exasperating or flattering? singing at such a tender age, what career path might you have followed and FF: It’s more flattering than anything else. why? It’s a way of thanking the people that have stood by you all these years. FF: Probably civil engineering, because I was great at drafting. BMN: What is your opinion of the return of vinyl? BMN: Singers famously come to hate the songs that are most identified with them. FF: I was hoping that would happen, since Are you one of them? I’m not a big fan of digital. Vinyl’s a much softer and warmer sound. FF: Is that true? Well, if it is, I am absolutely not one of them. (Fabian indicated that his BMN: Well then, what’s spinning on your personal favorite is “Turn Me Loose.”) turntable?

BMN: Were there Fabian impersonators? FF: Bob Seger

FF: The only one that comes to mind is BMN: In 1993 you were nominated for an Nicholas Cage in Peggy Sue Got Married. Emmy as co-executive producer for the informational PBS mini-series The Wild West. Is producing a creative outlet you are pursuing today?

FF: I left my company in LA when I moved here, so I’ve been out of that business 8 or 10 years. It’s a “hands-on” kind of thing and you really have to be there.

BMN: You have looks, charm and a big Boomer fan base. Would you ever consider putting your jive skills to the test on Dancing With The Stars?

FF: My wife wants me to, but I don’t think I’m going to. I feel there’s only one dancer in my family and that’s my wife. When recently asked the following question, Mrs. Patrick-Forte’s reply was heartfelt. “Your husband was a rock and roll prince BMN: Since you are the host of a celebrity golf and you were a pageant princess. Who rules the roost today at Casa Forte?” tournament, I presume you are an avid golfer.

“I would have to say our marriage is an equal partnership; I think that is why our relationship works. From the time we met FF: I enjoy it, but I’m actually a mediocre 17 years ago I have understood Fabe’s career because I grew golfer. My main “forte” was always up in the entertainment industry and he has always supported and understood my need to continue working and to grow my racquetball. Wolf Man Jack, when he was businesses. I think to have a lasting marriage you first have to still with us, had a charity golf tournament have someone you are passionate about, be best friends with and support with all of your heart. We are both lucky and blessed to have found this in our lives.” continued on page 17

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 9 Take Five Minutes by Jennifer Smoker

She could bring home the bacon, fry it up in a statement or some key words to remind yourself take a few days for the person to get back to pan and never let you forget you’re a man! She’s that it’s okay, I’m allowed to take care of me. you. Now, with instant messaging and e-mails the WOMAN! Actually, she was the Enjoli woman After a while these exercises become mini those days are a thing of the past.. Just because intent on selling perfume, but to my vacations. They make you relax. And guess we have e-mail doesn’t mean we have to read it impressionable child’s mind, the message was what? The world didn’t fall apart. You still got a or even check it every hour. Designate certain clear. Girls rule, hear us ROAR! ton done and you’ll feel rested. (Note to the reader: times of the day to check the mail and stick to At 16, my Grandma asked me what I wanted I took Diana’s suggestion and failed miserably for it. Even the telephone– just because it rings to be when I grew up. I didn’t have a clue. She the first couple of days but I stuck with it and am doesn’t mean you have to jump up and answer looked at me and with absolute certainty, said, happy to report that two weeks later, I feel like a it immediately. That’s what the answering “Honey, you will do whatever you set your mind calmer version of myself) machine is for. It might seem like little things to and God help the man who tries to stand in but they end up taking huge amounts of time. your way!” I acted all shocked, and we laughed; LMP: Is this just a female thing? The idea is to organize your time so that you but I knew then and there that I was going to create space in your life. prove her right. DF: It’s an everybody thing! This multi-tasking I could do anything! The world was mine to idea has gotten out of hand. Just because we This doesn’t mean you fill the space up with conquer! But, somewhere along the line, are capable of multi-tasking doesn’t mean we more tasks from your “to do” list. Think about something got lost in the translation. The should. It’s time to face reality. We can not do the things that you want to do. It just doesn’t concept somehow evolved into I should do everything, which is a jolt to realize, but once occur to most people. We are not taught how to everything! The world is depending on me! you do, you can turn it around and go, “okay focus on our own needs. When we do have time Sounds egotistical, I know. I ran from one thing what do I really want to do?” That’s where I think on our hands we are lost. It’s a retraining at to another, excusing it all saying, “I’m hyper, we make the mistake, we try to do everything this point, especially if you’ve been living this and a type A personality.” All my friends are instead of thinking how do I want to live my way for a long period of time. But everyone the same way so I shrugged it off as life. This life? What do I really, really, want in my life? benefits. Children see their parents taking the is normal, right? Then go after that! As women we want to be time to examine what’s important in this life. In October 2007, The American Psychological liked. We are suppose to be nice …we don’t want Ask yourself, can you be happy making a living? Association reported “One third of Americans are to get anybody upset or hurt feelings. We want So, what makes you happy? Try to fit more of that living with extreme stress and nearly half of to be all things to all people and you can’t. Once in your life and less of the thing that doesn’t. Americans (48 percent) believe that their stress you realize that it can be freeing. You need to has increased over the past five years.” toughen up. Okay, realize … they may not like Yes, we have responsibilities. We have certain (www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html) So, I am me…don’t care. We have to give ourselves things we have to do like earn a living but not alone in feeling stressed and overwhelmed. permission to look out for ourselves because there’s a lot of other time in there. It’s all But, as Murrysville’s Total Health Coach and everything comes from that. We’ll be well fed, choices. How are we choosing to spend that co-author of the book Creating Space 38 Strategies healthy and rested: we can handle more. time? It’s always a choice. You know we choose to Help You Make Time for What’s Important, Everything falls into place. to run ourselves ragged, we choose to stay up Diana Fletcher points out, “Just because people and watch that TV show instead of getting to have gotten in the habit of ending their day It’s time to ask for help. We take on too much sleep. There are choices all along. Some are exhausted and stressed doesn’t make it right. and don’t ask for help and then feel guilty when made for us like obviously a job, but when you We are always focused on what’s next. We don’t we drop the ball and the ball is going to drop at think about it there a lot of other choices we even enjoy life because we are in such a hurry. some point. Write down everything (Yes, all of could make a different way if you give yourself The key is to start looking at how you are it) you do in one day. Now look back and see if permission. Determine what you want and focus spending your time and start enjoying the there is anything you didn’t have to do? Realize your energy there. Prioritize what will make moment, no matter what you are doing... be in that there are other people that can do some of you happy without hurting anybody else. Know the moment.” the things we take on. If you can’t afford help that people may not understand slowing down, you can exchange help. Something that is but so what! This is for you! LMP: Look, I’ve never understood that…”Just easier for you and you don’t think of as a big be?” I know that I need to slow down (People deal can be a big deal for someone else. You’re The good news is adults are allowed to have fun. tell me that all the time) but honestly, I don’t not necessarily trading the same amount of Imagine taking time to run through a sprinkler know how. time; it may be something you can combine. or look at clouds. Play like you did as a child. Don’t feel guilty because things aren’t getting Your brain will thank you because you will be DF: We get caught up and become so busy that done. Try to get them done in other ways. For more creative and get more done. If only we we don’t see a way out. Because I have that instance, use your kids to help. So what if you would let ourselves rest and goof off a bit, but we same tendency (I will get up in the morning can clean the bathroom better than anyone in forget. We get caught up in all we have to do. and not stop until night) what I would suggest is the world. That doesn’t mean you have to do it Why do we have to be grown-ups all the time? that you stop what you are doing and sit down all the time. When your children were little, you Balancing work and play means we are going to for 5 minutes out of every hour. Take some deep packed their lunches. Now, they’re bigger and be happy. Time is going to go by no matter what, breaths, rest your eyes and relax.” you’re still packing their lunches. Let go of these and at the end of the day, I’ve never heard preconceived notions. Your kids may not be as anyone say, I should have worked more. We’ve LMP: What about this running “to-do list” in my fast or as good as you are but by getting them all heard that saying before. Sometimes, you head? involved you are not only teaching them can hear it said a thousand times, in three responsibility but also freeing up your time. different ways and it still doesn’t sink in. A wise DF: The voices will keep going but you have to person once said, “How we live the minutes of re-train your brain. Realize that you didn’t Start creating new habits. Life keeps speeding each day is how we live our lives.” So, take five become this way over night and it takes a while up in this technology driven world. It used to be minutes and see what happens. to undo those patterns. I am a firm believer that that we had built in windows of time. You could change happens in baby steps. Come up with a write a letter or make a phone call and it could If you would like to learn more about Diana or her books go to www.dianafletcher.com

10 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor Celebrates Abe Hanna Insurance Agency Lincoln’s 200th Birthday On February 12, which would be In Pennsylvania, much of the 208 Weldon Street • Latrobe, PA 15650 Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday, Lincoln Highway was constructed by Adams Memorial Library (1112 Ligonier improving and linking up pre-existing Street in Latrobe) will host the Lincoln roads, including the early turnpikes, like Highway Heritage Corridor as they ex- the Chambersburg and Bedford Turnpike, plore everything there is to know about and Forbes Road. It was a focal point of the highway named after our 16th presi- the Good Roads Movement, which would dent. The event begins at 6:30 pm and ultimately lead to the development of will highlight the stretch of the famous decent highways all over the nation. road as it cuts across Pennsylvania. The creation of the highway had a The Lincoln Highway Heritage significant impact on how people Corridor (LHHC) is one of 12 heritage traveled. No longer were they held to areas in the Commonwealth of the schedules of railroads. Instead, more Pennsylvania. All are nonprofit and more people chose to tour America Weathering organizations, and part of the by driving the Lincoln Highway. As Pennsylvania Heritage Areas Program, automobiling became more popular, the under the Department of Conservation face of the roadside changed. and Natural Resources. Filling stations, tourist cabins, the storms of life motor courts, and restaurants lined the the storms of life The mission of the LHHC is to identify, conserve, promote, and Lincoln Highway to service travelers. As interpret the cultural, historical, natural, competition for the travelers’ business with you . . . recreational, and economic resources increased, entrepreneurs became along the Lincoln Highway in creative in their attempts to solicit Westmoreland, Somerset, Bedford, customers. They built unique structures, Fulton, Franklin, and Adams Counties. like the giant Coffee Pot in Bedford PA, Through these regions, the original in which to run their business. since 1959! highway is marked with red, white and The Lincoln Highway was also blue signs. crucial to the development of commercial The LHHC was established to create traffic. During World War I, railroads were opportunities for preserving and unable to handle the amount of freight interpreting resources associated with being sent to the eastern seaboard ports. the Lincoln Highway and the more than The favored alternative to the railroad 200 years of regional transportation was the use of truck convoys over the history that preceded it. Lincoln Highway. In 1913, the automobile was still in By 1925, the transcontinental route its infancy. Those that had cars found was completed. However, in that year, road conditions were unsuitable for the United States instituted a system of driving. City streets were often paved, numbered highways and eliminated As your life changes, but rural roads were primarily dirt tracks name designations. In Pennsylvania, the we are there to keep you fully connecting farmlands. Lincoln Highway became Route 30. In A group of visionary business-men 1928, Boy Scouts across the country insured. Our agents and client from the automotive industry led by erected concrete markers along the route Henry B Joy and Carl Fisher formed the - some of which still remain today- in representatives have 15-35 years of Lincoln Highway Association (LHA). The order to preserve the identity of the LHA successfully spearheaded the Lincoln Highway. In 1940, the Pennsy- professional experience providing creation of a publicly-funded road that lvania Turnpike, with its tunnels blasted the coverages you need and the stretched from New York City, NY to San through the mountains, provided a Francisco, CA. The road would be the quicker and easier route across the state. personal customer service you first transcontinental highway. The LHA There is no cost for this event, but engaged in very little actual road registration is required to attend. Please deserve. building, but it did fire the public’s call the library at 724-537-2821. imagination and soon their project was under way. When it was done, it History reprinted with permission from the Come in from the cold stretched 3,389 miles. organization website: www.lhhc.org and stop by our office today for a free quote and evaluation of all your insurance needs.

John Hanna, Owner PHONE: (724) 537-5140 • FAX: (724) 537-0687 www.hannainsuranceagency.us

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 11 We’ll Solve Your Tax Puzzle!

Loren M. Means, CPA Glen W. Vance, CPA St. Vincent College Class of 2001 St. Vincent College Class of 2000 [email protected] [email protected] • Individual & Business Tax Preparation • Free Electronic Filing • For-Profit, Non-Profit Save 20% on & Local Government Audit previous year’s and Attestation Engagements individual or business • General Accounting and tax preparation! Bookkeeping Services Must provide invoice for previous year’s tax return. New clients only. Member of American Institute of Certified expires 12/31/09 (LMP) Public Accountants and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants

5927 Route 981, Suite 4 Latrobe, PA 15650 724-539-2299

Ligonier Ice Fest: January 24-25

Ice artists create masterpieces from blocks of ice located on the Diamond and around town. Carving starts at 10am on Saturday, Noon on Sunday. Sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce 120 East Main Street • Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-4200 • www.ligonier.com

12 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST SHOPS AROUND THE CORNER Getting To Know Unique Local Businesses and the People Behind Them In Currant Thymes In current times exploring consumers never appear cluttered. Shoppers Artistic and unique, with simple designs shipment may have just arrived at Currant should consider it fortunate to find normally tend to notice eye-level products, representing local non-profit organ- Thymes. An impressive selection of Emile themselves in Currant Thymes. Now that but don’t forget to look high, low and in izations, they are handcrafted from pre- Henry cookware, Lodge Cast Iron and penny-pinching is all the rage, this retail the nooks and crannies at Currant consumer recycled glass. Each purchase Cuisipro tools are among the many quality establishment is a sanctuary for those Thymes; you’re sure to see something you provides the local chapter of the affiliate kitchen items. The Cuisipro peanut butter of us who want to economize, but have may have missed on previous visits. organization with 15% of the proceeds. and jelly spreader is a great hit with kids no intention of foregoing all purchased Among the wide-ranging and parents. Other novel, yet pleasures. The Ligonier home and garden home choices to be found in useful, accessories are aprons, lifestyle center that opened in June of Currant Thymes are the soy kitchen towels, oven mitts, 2007 is situated on a tiny throughway candles of the Hexeberg Candle baskets and gadgets. The that connects West Main Street and North Co. Locally manufactured in chilewich place-mats, while a Fairfield Street. But, don’t let its cozy Markleton, PA (Somerset little pricey, are glorious corner setting deter you from taking a County), these candles add combinations of color, texture mini-detour off the well-beaten trade ambience and fragrance to the and serviceability – a classy routes. You’ll find a not-quite-hidden home in a ecologically sensible choice for shower and treasure chest filled with lustrous loot. fashion. They last housewarming gifts (or a Currant Thymes proprietors Heather approximately three times birthday present for this writer). and Bob Kuban are expert at seeking out longer than those made with MadMats give me the merchandise that is never run-of-the- petroleum-based wax, produce perfect segue from indoor to mill, always top-of-the-line and, luckily, minimal soot, and are non-toxic outdoor inventory since these within the budgets of inveterate and biodegradable. The candles intricately woven and multi- shoppers. Personable and knowledge- also do double duty stimulating colored rugs can be used in able, they are happy to explain vendor the economy with their sales both quarters. A Mariachi backgrounds and the particulars of their and generating income for the Imports product, they don’t trap wares. “I’m basically living out my dream American farmers who grow water as most plastic mats on right now. I’ve always loved retail, but I the soybeans that provide their the market do and help protect also enjoy the interaction with my wax. Heather stocks a variety Positioning her wares is Heather Kuban of Currant Thymes. wooden decks if used outside. customers. As a new proprietor, I’ve of scents including fruit, food, Currant Thymes has several found Ligonier to be very supportive,” floral and fresh. excellent examples underfoot to claims Heather. Represented well is the Pittsburgh- The Green Glass Co. is also in demonstrate their indoor appeal. Always The Kubans have a clever eye for based Riverside Design Group. The glass chromatic evidence. Although their “Rock a sucker for ceramics, the Danko product placement: the lines of their artware company’s distinctive Plates 33” Tumblers made from reclaimed display space are clean without seeming with a Purpose look down on customers Rolling Rock bottles are not always continued on page 23 stark and the many commodities on view from a plate rail in Currant Thymes. available at the company website, a A Store Named Joe’s I find life to be most satisfying when it’s onsite. Margaret proudly explains that breakfast rolls and breads for the baked What you see isn’t always what you a mixture of the expected and the her chicken salad was voted “The Best” goods case. (Note to self: Dainty Pastry can get at Joe’s. Behind the scenes unexpected. The much-cherished time by her customers. The novelty ice cream orders can be placed at Joe’s.) Margaret prepares catering selections I spend with my nephew Zach provides case is stocked with a variety of choices, Many a family Easter egg hunt and that more than live up to their home- the perfect illustration of this point. With childhood celebration was supplied with style claim. (I truly appreciate the lovely his adventurous nature, agile mind, droll treats from Joe’s specialty candy section. fruit trays I have purchased and the sense of humor, amusing turn of phrase (What are aunts for, if not sweet assorted cheese cubes for my appetizer and ability to make friends instantly, I surprises?) And kids aren’t the only ones platters. Although I do make my own dips, never know what our day will hold. But, who can get a sugar rush here. salads and entrees for picnic and parties, when he comes to our house, there is Grandma’s Jams & Jellies, Shanholtz if given the choice of “me chop” or “you one thing I’m sure will not vary. At some Orchard Apple Butter, and Black’s Bee chop” I almost always opt for the latter.) point during the visit I will be asked, City, U.S.A. Honey work as well served Want a meal delivered? The custom “Are we going to Joe’s?” Joe is not at your breakfast table as they do serving catering menu has a diverse choice of another relative or acquaintance, but the as host or hostess gifts. The Grandma’s hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entrees and establishment that bears his name is a Pineapple-Apricot Jam might find a niche salads. “I’ve been called to cater meals family friend to many. in my next gift basket creation. (A “bit o’ for the ill or elderly and have taken Joe’s Store & Deli is a “Mom and Pop” honey” trivia – Norman Black of Black’s home-cooked lunches and dinners to located in the Lawson Heights section Bee City was originally from Derry.) quite a few people,” says the owner. Joe’s of Latrobe, Unity Township. Although There are plenty of traditional finds party menu classics are always in the original owner was ‘a guy named Joe,’ at Joe’s (e.g. Natrona Bottling Company’s demand for resident gatherings and local the business has been owned and Red Ribbon beverages and Lions Club business functions. operated by Margaret Guidos since 1988. brooms), but the store does stay up-to- I can’t depart Joe’s Store & Deli A small venue as convenience stores go, date. A wide-ranging selection of without a mention of the Pittsburgh it offers a little bit of everything, unlike standard sodas and mixers are found, Steelers. For years the outside marquee megastores which often offer a whole however an entire cooler is devoted to has welcomed the players and staff to lot of nothing. Of course, you do find healthful drinks of the “no high fructose training camp in July, promoted team the staples (milk, bread, eggs, canned corn syrup” variety. DVD rentals are spirit throughout the season and goods, snacks, paper products, etc.), but Proprietor Margaret Guidos amidst the popular stocked with new releases added congratulated the squad on its game PA-produced Middlesworth chips available at Joe’s. you never know what else you might find. regularly. The establishment is also very victories and championships. Inside a The deli case is especially helpful convenient for area residents with an special section is devoted to Steeler if you don’t feel like a trip to the strip eye on the prize – the PA Lottery prizes merchandise. It goes without saying that mall grocery or superstore. Lunchmeats including old favorites like Klondikes, to be specific. Lines are much shorter “black and gold” is a recurring color and cheeses are name brand and high ice cream sandwiches and hard-to-find than those found elsewhere and you can scheme here. quality; mini-subs, tasty salads, and a single serving Dixie cups. Latrobe’s pick a copy of the Laurel Mountain Post at daily hot sandwich special are prepared Dainty Pastry Shoppe supplies cookies, the lottery sales counter! continued on page 23

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 13 January 8 @ 7:30 pm January 17 @ 6 pm January 31—February 2 Ain’t Misbehavin’ Bravo for Blue Grass Groundhog Day 2009 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 Ruben Studdard, Frenchie Davis Carriage House in the Laughlintown Information about the festivities during COMMUNITY CALENDAR Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Inn . Dinner and show for $30 per the long weekend will be available University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, person. For reservations, call (724) at an information station at the 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 238-6514 ext. 3. Celebration Tent in Barclay Tickets range from $33—39 and are Square and at an Through January 18 available by calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or January 17, 9am - 3pm information booth Imagine Toys: Holiday Exhibition (814) 269-7200 or by visiting the American Red Cross on Gobbler’s Knob. sponsored by Highmark website www.upjarts.com Babysitter Training For lodging information, Westmoreland Museum of American $37. Flex: $35. Student: $33 AMRC building in Latrobe. Pre-register www.Punxautawney.com Art, 221 N. Main Street, Greensburg by January 14, 724-537-2057. www.groundhog.org For information, call (724)837-1500 or January 9—11 @ 5:00 pm www.latroberecreationcenter.org visit www.wmuseumaa.org Gourmet Getaway Weekend Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Wednesdays January 21 - February 25 Through February 14 Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs Belly Dancing Class Southwest Council for the Arts Two nights of lodging, six cooking YWCA of Westmoreland County, 424 January 31 & February 1 @ 8:00 am th 13 Annual Regional classes and two seminars. $399 per N. Main Street, Greensburg. 8 pm. Appalachian Telemark Association Juried Art Exhibition couple and includes lodging or $125 Classes cost $40 + YWCA membership Ski & Snowboard Races Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at per person for classes and seminars ($17/yr). For information, call Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Ligonier Valley, One Boucher Lane only. For weekend reservations and (724)834-9390 or email Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs and Route 711 South, Ligonier information call (800) 452-2223. For [email protected] 1-day pass $79, two-day pass $99, kids For information, call (724) 238-6015 or day package only, call (866) 703-7625. under 16 are free. www.telemarker.org visit www.sama-art.org January 21 & February 18 @ 10:00 am January 9 Tiny Wonders Time February 2 @ 7 pm Through February 15 Murder Mystery Dinner Show Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve at Saint Car Seat Safety Covered Bridges: Spanning the Mountain View Inn, Route 30, Vincent College, Latrobe. Classes for Auditorium A, Latrobe Area Hospital, American Landscape Greensburg. Tickets cost $39.95 per children ages 2 to 4 accompanied by an Free to the public but registration is Altoona Heritage Discover Center, person and are available by calling adult. To register, call (724) 537-5284 required. Call 1 (877) 771-1234 or A421-1427 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, PA (724) 834-5300 or by emailing email [email protected] Admission is free. For information, [email protected] January 23 @ 7:30 pm call 814-940-1922 January 24 & 25 @ 12 February 3 @ 2pm January 9 &10 @ 7:30 pm Aladdin Jr. Senior Social January 2 & 3 @ 8:00 pm January 11 @ 2:30 pm Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Country Cafe & Video, Pleasant Unity Comedian Ralphie May Patsy & Friends 951 Old Salem Road, Greensburg 724-537-2057 Seven Springs Mountain Resort The Ligonier Theater, 208 West Main The afternoon shows include lunch. www.latroberecreation.org Ticket prices range from $10-18 and Street, Ligonier Seats are $10 Call (724) 832—7464 or are available by calling (866)703-7625 Concert featuring songs by Patsy (724) 836-8000 February 3—27 or online at www.7springs.com Cline, Loretta Lynn & Johnny Cash. Exhibit: Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for January 24 @ 8:00 pm Supernova-asteroid-comet-sun… January 3 @ 10:00 am students. Make reservations by calling Nunsense, starring Sally Struthers Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Your Changing Body for Boys (724) 238-6514 ext. 5. State Theatre, 27 East Main Street, Sprowls Hall, Kipp Gallery Auditorium A, Latrobe Area Hospital, Uniontown. Tickets range from $28— Artist lecture on February 5 in G42, West Second Avenue, Latrobe January 10 @11:30 am & 3:30 pm 36 and may be obtained by calling 724- Delaney Hall. Admission is free. For A program designed for boys aged from Winter Trails Free Snowshoeing Day 439-1360. information, call Fine Arts Public 10 to 13. Free but to register, call 1 Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Events Office at (724)357-2547 or (877) 771-1234 or email Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA January 24 & 25 email [email protected] [email protected] Reservations are required. Call (800) Ligonier Ice Fest 452-2223, ext. 7396 or 7932 On the Diamond in Ligonier February 4 @ 8pm January 3 & February 7 @ 10:30 am For information, call (724) 238-4200 or Jesus Christ Superstar Read the Movie…Discuss the Book January 12 @ 8:30 am visit the website www.ligonier.com IUP - Fisher Auditorium. featuring Rebecca by Daphne Du AARP Driver’s Safety Program www.onstageatiup.com Mauier. Ligonier Valley Library, 120 Conference Room D, Westmoreland January 30 @ 8:00 pm W. Main St, Ligonier. (724) 238-6451 Hospital, 532 West Pittsburgh Street, Squonk Opera Presents… February 3 @ 2pm Greensburg. AARP members pay $12, ”Indiana County: The Opera!” Senior Social January 8 @ 2:00 pm non-members pay $14. To register, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Valley Dairy (Jefferson St) in Latrobe Diabetes Support Group: call 1 (877) 771-1234 or email Fisher Auditorium. For tickets, call the 724-537-2057 Know Your Numbers [email protected] Fine Arts Public Events Office at (724) www.latroberecreation.org Conference Room 1, Frick Hospital, 357-2547 or email [email protected] 508 S Church Street, Mt. Pleasant January 15 @ noon February 7 @ 8:00 pm To register, call (877)771-1234 or Lunch a l’Art January 30 & 31 New York Chamber Soloists email [email protected] Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at February 6, 7 @ 8 pm, Saint Vincent College, Robert S. Carey Ligonier Valley. One Boucher Lane & February 8 @ 2:30 pm Performing Arts Center, Latrobe Route 711 South, Ligonier, PA The Odd Couple (Female Version) Tickets and dinner cost $35, or tickets To register, call (724) 238-6015 or visit The Ligonier Theater, 208 West Main only cost $20, and are available by the website www.sama-art.org Street, Ligonier. Tickets are $15 for calling the Concert Series Box Office adults, $13 for seniors, and $7 for at 724-805-2565 January 15 @ 7:30 pm students and are available by calling Westmoreland Society: Ray (724)238-6514, ext. 5 February 7 Ryan New Orleans Riverside Band Winterfest Westmoreland Museum of American January 30—February 1 Ohiopyle State Park, Sugarloaf Art, 221 N. Main Street, Greensburg Winterfest at Mystic Mountain Sledding Area, Ohiopyle, PA For information, call (724) 837-1500 Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, 1001 For information, call (724) 329-8591 or ext. 27 or visit the website LaFayette Drive, Farmington, PA www.dcnr.state.pa.us/statePark www.wmuseumaa.org For information, call (866) 386-6957 or WINTER BARN HOURS visit their website, www.nemacolin.com February 7—15 Tuesday through Friday January 16, 17, &18 WTAE TV’s Winterfest 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Fire and Ice Festival January 31 @ 8:00 pm Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 st 1 Saturday ONLY of each month On the streets of uptown Somerset Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. www.somersetincpa.org/fireandice.html the National Tour Admission is free. For information, CLOSED Monday and Sunday or call (814) 443-1748 to learn more. Palace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street, call (866) 703-7625 or visit their Greensbur. Tickets are $30, 35 & 40 website at www.7springs.com http://facweb.stvincent.edu./eec/ January 17, 9am - 1pm and are available by calling (724) 836- Trails Open Year Round American Red Cross First Aid for Dogs 8000 or by visiting the website February 11 @ 10:30am YWCA Mansion, Greensburg. Pre- www.thepalacetheatre.org Wednesday Morning Free Movie 7 Days a Week, Dawn to Dusk registration required, 724-834-9390. Center for Student Creativity www.ywcawestmoreland.org Greater Latrobe Senior High School

14 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST February 12 @ 2:00 pm February 21, 9am - 3pm Diabetes Support Group: American Red Cross Know Your Numbers Babysitting Certification Diabetes Clinic, Medical Commons 1, YWCA Mansion, Greensburg. Pre- Christmas “Tree-cycling” 2009 Westmoreland Hospital, 350 South registration required, 724-834-9390 Street, Greensburg. To register, call www.ywcawestmoreland.org Westmoreland Cleanways would like to encourage everyone to continue (877)771-1234 or email the spirit of giving by recycling your live Christmas tree. After the festivities [email protected] February 22—28 are finished, you can take your tree to one of 20 drop-off sites located The Gift of Art—Exhibition throughout Westmoreland County. The trees will either be chipped into February 12 @ 8:00 pm Westmoreland Museum of American mulch by the municipalities and used to beautify community parks, or The Four Tops Art, 221 N. Main Street, Greensburg placed in natural areas to provide wildlife habitat. Palace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street, Celebrate the museum’s 50th There has been recent debate as to whether it is more eco-friendly to Greensbur. Tickets range from $35— anniversary with gifts of art from the purchase a live tree or an artificial one. Real trees are a renewable and recyclable resource. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, 75 and may be purchased by calling past 50 years. For information, call in the United States and Canada, there have been an estimated 40-45 (724) 853-4050 or 1 (800) 528-7429 (724) 837-1500 ext. 27 or visit million trees planted in 2008. There are an estimated 446 million trees www.wmuseumaa.org growing on farms in the U.S. and these tree farms support complex eco- February 13 @ 7:30 pm systems. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, while each acre of trees growing Get the Led Out February 24 @ 8pm provides the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people. There are Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Golden Dragon Acrobats approximately 500,000 acres in the U.S. used for the production of growing University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, IUP - Fisher Auditorium, Indiana. Christmas trees, with much of it preserving green space. Tickets are $31—37 and are available www.onstageatiup.com In contrast, 85% of artificial trees are factory-made in China, using by calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or (814) methods that consume natural resources. Typically, the type of plastic that 269-7200 or by visiting the website February 25 @ 7:30 pm artificial trees are made from is PVC, which can be a potential source of www.upjarts.com Stig Rossen— lead. Lead-containing PVC can be harmful to children and pets. The A Singer with a Big Voice plastic used in manufactured trees is also a petroleum by-product. They February 13-14 Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, are non-biodegradable and not recyclable or renewable. Most will eventually Valentine Special at Chestnut Ridge University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, end up in landfills, where they will remain for centuries. Resort & Conference Center Tickets are $10—32 and are available Recycling your Christmas tree returns it to nature, completing the recycling loop and making every part of it beneficial. Once the tree is 132 Pine Ridge Rd, Blairsville. by calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or (814) chipped, the chips can be used for mulch or as a surface for hiking trails. 724-459-7191. 269-7200 or by visiting the website The chips then decompose into valuable humus, nourishing and renewing www.chestnutridgeresort.com www.upjarts.com the soil. Many communities depend on recycled Christmas trees to provide wildlife habitats, prevent beachfront erosion, improve shoreline stabilization February 13 @ 9:00 pm February 27 - March 7 on rivers and lakes, and improve fish habitat. Valentines Dinner Dance with Life Is A Dream Last year, as a result of tree-cycling, roughly 4 tons of mulch made Johnny Angel & the Halos Seton Hill University, Reeves Theatre. from approximately 1,600 trees collected in Westmoreland County was Mountain View Inn, Route 30, Greensburg. 724-838-4241. diverted from landfills and used in local communities. Greensburg. Tickets are $45 per www.setonhill.edu Tree-cycling is truly giving a gift back to the community. Now that the person for dinner and dancing or $30 holiday festivities have ended, extend the spirit of giving by recycling your per person for the show only and are February 28 @ 8:00 pm live Christmas tree. available by calling Carolyn at 724- Cynthia Ortiz-Bartley, 834-5300 ext. 556 mezzo-soprano Armbrust Lower Burrell University of Pittsburgh in Wilkinson Nurseries Burrell HS February 13 & 14 @ 6:00 pm Greensburg, Campana Chapel Lecture Route 819 Environmental Club Dec 26 thru Jan 18 Open Dropoff Municipal Building February 15 @ 1:00 pm Hall. For information, contact Chris January 3 & 10, 10am – 1pm Beehive Bartley at (724) 836-7120 or email Allegheny Township Greensburg Country Club, Route 130 & Chris at [email protected] Maintenance Building Mount Pleasant Borough Pleasant Valley Road, Greensburg 1169 School Road Municipal Compost Site The costs for dinner and a show are February 28 @ 7:00 pm Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff Kennedy Ave. & N. Depot St $42 for adults and $15 for students Hollywood Party at the Palace Dec 26 thru Jan 31 and may be purchased by phoning Palace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street, Derry Borough Mon-Fri 8am – 1pm Borough Garage (724) 832-7464 or (724) 836-8000 Greensburg. Call (724) 836-1123. East 1st Avenue Murrysville Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff Murrysville/Export February 14 @ 8:00 pm February 28 @ 8:00 pm Rotary The Temptations New Shanghai Circus Derry Township Municipal Building Windstream Building State Theatre, 27 East Main Street, State Theatre, 27 East Main Street, 5321 Rt. 982 (adjacent to parking area) Uniontown. Call (724) 439-1360 for Uniontown. Tickets are $26—34 Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff Old William Penn Highway ticket information Call (724)439-1360 January 10 & 17, 9 am - 1pm Donegal Westmoreland Woodlands Assoc New Florence February 14 @ 8pm February 28 @ 7:00 am ¾ Mile North of Donegal on Rt. 711 PA Game Commission Chris Higbee Project Masters of the Slope, sponsored by Echo Valley Lane - Look for signs State Gamelands – Look for signs (formerly Povertyneck Hillbillies) Vector Security and Children’s January 2 thru 31 Open Dropoff January 1 – 12 Open Dropoff Casino Theatre, Vandergrift Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation 724-567-5049, www.casinotheatre.org Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Harrison City N. Huntingdon Twp Public Works Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PA Alwine Community 4-H Club 12319 Route 30 West. Weekends in Schramms Farms & Orchards January, Sat and Sun 8am-4pm February 14 @ 8:00 pm Day of skiing to benefit Children’s Harrison City-Export Road Love Notes! Presented by the Hospital of Pittsburgh. Full registration January 3 & 10 9am – 1pm Scottdale Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra is $150, $110 for those who have a Greenridge Reclamation Landfill Palace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street, season pass for Seven Springs. Dinner Hempfield Township RD 1 Landfill Road, Dec 26 - Jan 31 Greensburg. Tickets range from $9—37 tickets only, $50. For information, email Hempfield Park, Route 66 North Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm and may be purchased by calling [email protected] (Look for signs) Saturday, 7am - 9am (724)837-1850 December 26 thru January 31 Open Dropoff Unity Township February 28 @ 1:00 pm Municipal Building February 18—20 @ 8:00 pm Strength in Autism Irwin 154 Beatty County Road February 21 @ 2:00 pm Memorial Conference Center, Valley Landfill Jan 5 – Jan 30 Open Dropoff Cole Porter’s Anything Goes Westmoreland Hospital, 532 West Pleasant Valley Road Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh St, Greensburg. For families December 26 thru January 31 Youngwood Fisher Auditorium. For tickets, contact dealing with an autistic child. Free. Mon-Fri 5am – 4pm Borough Maintenance Building the Fine Arts Public Events Office at Registration is required (877) 771-1234 Behind Youngwood Auto Discount Level Green Dec 26 thru Jan 16 (724) 357-2547 or [email protected] or email: [email protected] Community Women’s Club, PTARC Bldg Mon – Fri, 7am – 3pm Rt. 130 & Murrysville Road February 20 @ 8:00 pm Dec 26 thru Jan 11 Open Dropoff Yukon Kris Kristofferson To submit your community ARC Technologies Corporation Palace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street, event to this calendar, Ligonier 226 Lumber Street Greensburg. Tickets are $35, 40, & 47 please email complete information to: Loyalhanna Watershed Assoc Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff and are available by calling (724)836- Carey School Run Watershed [email protected] Corner of W Main & Springer Rd. 8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org Questions? Call 724-537-6845 Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 15 DOWN ON THE FARM 18th Annual Farming for the Future Conference - February 5-7, 2009 The Worldwide Search for Food Sovereignty: Finding Your Foodshed What path does your food travel from the Water Research Center in Avondale, PA). farm to your table? Like the flow of water, We’ve planned in-depth pre-conference most of our food travels the entire earth tracks from forestry, cheesemaking and before it reaches us. We have little control regional advocacy to organic vegetable over the processes in between, and most of production, grass-fed beef, and green living our food isn’t even “real food” anymore once for high school students. The Thursday it hits the dinner plate. Fact is, many of the evening program continues to be filled with world’s eaters, particularly in urban areas good food and musical fun for the whole and, increasingly, very rural areas as well, family, while our Friday and Saturday have too few choices available. workshops cover topics such as farming with In many ways, we have surrendered our the seasons, renewable energy, composting, food choices to a system that is built for the and marketing. sake of extracting profits for the few in the We prepare to gather this year having name of providing “cheap food” for the many. experienced in recent months some of the What can we do to change this? The solution most extraordinary events in American goes far beyond a superficial effort to just history. We could hardly have guessed back “look harder for the good stuff,” and reaches in the summer just how relevant our theme a place where we as a community must be would seem by winter. For years, keynote intentional about defining our “foodshed” and speakers at our conferences have warned of insisting on the sovereignty to make choices the potential collapse of a global economy that will reformulate and strengthen it for our that values commodities more than families and communities well into the future. communities, and now it is suddenly more relevant than ever to begin thinking in earnest about where our food comes from, how it is produced and what channels we must go through to obtain it. But the words “change” and “hope” are not new to our community – we have known all along that a better path exists, particularly if we pledge to learn from and help each other along the way. We look forward to welcoming you one of the largest and most respected gatherings of sustainable ag enthusiasts anywhere in the country. Come join us as we seek food sovereignty for all people and a viable approach to building foodsheds that will sustain a world as hungry for good neighbors as for good food.

The Worldwide Search for Food Sovereignty: Finding Your Foodshed Pennsylvania Association Each year the PA Association for for Sustainable Agriculture’s 18th Annual Sustainable Agriculture’s Farming for the Farming for the Future Conference Future Conference helps farmers and eaters come together as a community to do just that. Attracting more than 2,000 participants from February 5-7, 2009 over 36 states, the conference features 13 pre-conference tracks and over 75 Friday and Penn Stater Conference Center Saturday workshops. This year our 18th State College, PA 724-834-4688 annual gathering welcomes two keynote speakers – Raj Patel (a writer, activist and 271 Frye Farm Rd. academic serving as a voice of justice for all PASA • PO Box 419 • Millheim, PA 16854-0419 Greensburg, PA 15601 those stuck at the bottom of the world’s food (814) 349-9856 • www.pasafarming.org chain), and Bernard W. Sweeney (Director and Senior Research Scientist for the Stroud

16 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST FABULOUS FABIAN, continued from page 9 Jerry D. Felton, P.T. that provided the children of veterans integrating traditional and alternative with college educations. When he physical therapy services passed away, his wife asked me if I would take over the charity and I jumped at the chance to do it.

BMN: Are you acquainted with one 2000 Tower Way, Suite 2039 • Greensburg, PA 15601 - thru Jan 31 of our hometown legends Arnold 425 Frye Farm Road • Greensburg, PA 15601 - starting Feb 1 Palmer? Phone:(724)834-7400, (724) 537-0700 • www.JerryDFeltonPT.com

FF: I wish I was. I passed by his house once, but I wouldn’t just drop in for a visit of course. Providing Value and Relationships to Real Estate Closings

BMN: Born and bred in Philly you have lived on both sides of our Keystone state. What makes your southwestern PA “dream house” a “dream home?”

FF: Andrea designed the “dream house” and, basically, it’s a “dream home” because she’s here. We have 20-odd acres with no one around. There’s a pond where I fish and I built trails in the back for my ATV. I also enjoy the people of south- EBOOST is now available at EQUINE CHIC – western PA very much. save the shipping charges by picking up your supply today, Mary Catherine Janicki right on the Diamond! BMN: One of your songs includes 15 East Pittsburgh Street personalized facials the line “the world is such a EBOOST is an orange flavored vitamin supplement Greensburg, PA 15601 nufree hair removal that increases energy levels, supports your wonderful place to wander through.” body’s immune system, aids in recovery and Phone: 724.219.3680 dermalogica products Where do you and Andrea like to electrolyte replacement, and boosts focus and performance. We recommend EBOOST . . . wander? on the trail or around town! (also endorsed by Oprah and Lance Armstrong) FF: We love traveling to St. John’s and Maui, where I proposed to 100 East Main Street in Ligonier Andrea. www.EquineChic.com • 724-238-7003 BMN: Most everyone has a few regrets. If it were possible, is there any “remix” you would request for your life?

FF: Yeah, I wish I would’ve started when I was a little older, so I would’ve known more about what I was doing.

BMN: Of what achievements are you most proud?

FF: The charities would be number one, followed by my star on Hollywood Boulevard and the Jimmy Stewart Harvey Award.

* * * * *

There is no overestimating the enjoyment that Fabian has brought to his fans over the years. In 2002 Pat H. Broeske stated in the St. James Encyclopedia of Pop Culture, “More than any of the others, Fabian and Frankie Avalon set the standards against which the 1950s teen idols were measured.” The charismatic entertainer continues to delight aud- iences, garner accolades and claim awards to this day. As we usher in 2009, the 50th anniversary of Fabian’s “triple hit” year, let’s raise a toast to the “Tiger.” It seems he’s not walking among us at all – he’s having a hell of a run. (And yes, Mr. Neill has a quantity of Italian blood coursing through his veins.)

Photos courtesy of www.fabianforte.net

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 17 Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful! by Brian Mishler As we look out the frosty window, recommendations to seal, insulate cozy next to our sweetie by the fire, and ventilate the house. Using this with the scent of candles, a glass of report, you can devise a plan to wine, romance in the air, our improve the thermal envelope, and thoughts naturally turn to… “Why manage moisture. Besides comfort is that window frosty”? Much easier and utility cost benefits, there are to explain than why I’m such a also financial and tax incentives to hopeless romantic. improve your homes thermal While the importance of efficiency. More information and a list insulation and sealing aren’t of energy auditors can be found at apparent during the warmer months, www.pahomeenergy.com. Some the cold outside gives us visual recommendations you’re likely to see Featured Price evidence. Windows frost because in the report: moisture in the interior air is drawn • Adding attic insulation. A no- to the cold surface of the window. brainer, right? Not so fast! Improperly MOST 95 People, animals, cooking, bathing, installed, attic insulation can be one etc. all give off loads of water vapor of the worst moisture trapping +Tax to the air. Conversely, cold removes offenders in the house. It must be CARS 30 moisture, which explains chapped installed in accordance with the lips, dry skin, and many other winter manufacturer’s instructions, and roof INCLUDES: Valvoline® All-Climate® Motor Oil 5W-30 maladies. ventilation must be provided to protect 5 Qts Oil, Filter for Most Domestic & ® ® An older window that’s not the shingles from excess heat buildup, Foreign Cars and 12-Point Check Valvoline All-Climate Motor Oil 10W-30 thermally efficient allows the cold and the underside from moisture. Taking Care of the Family Vehicle for Over 18 Years! to transfer to the inside pane of • Adding wall insulation. Properly Angelo Caruso, Jr. and James Deglau, Owners glass, where it meets moisture, and installed this can be a great help, frosts over like a beer mug. If your but one place most folks forget about house has marble window sills, this is called the “rim” or “band” joist. L&L Quik Lube, Inc. is one reason, to catch said water; This is usually located in the 100-1/2 Depot Street • Latrobe, PA limiting moisture damage to the basement, just on top of the surrounding wall framing. Even if we foundation. Properly installing Behind Domino’s 724-537-9329 can’t see it; moisture (and heat) is insulation between the floor joists migrating to the cold surfaces in can be a big help. what is known as the buildings’ • Windows, doors and other thermal “envelope.” For a visual entrances. Just like Microsoft, old reference, take a typical letter windows cause lots of problems, and mailing envelope. With the flap are usually the single greatest source closed, it represents the con- of heat loss in a home. And don’t ditioned (heated/cooled) space of forget those ancient basement a home. Opening the flap windows!! Upgrade those to dual represents the attic, an uncon- glazed windows or glass block ditioned space, intended to be depending on how the basement is cold, and to transfer moisture to used. Because doors are used more the atmosphere. often, their weather sealing needs Heating bills shouldn’t to be periodically checked and skyrocket as predicted earlier, but maintained, including the sliding are still expected to rise 15 – 24% glass door out to the deck that you’re A Family-Owned and Operated Provider of Delicious this winter. Making our homes not using this time of year. more thermally efficient can save • Insulating behind and above Pennsylvania Table Wines that are sure to please every palate upwards of 20% on utility bills, and outlets, recessed ceiling light while vehicle traffic gets the most fixtures, junction boxes and other Complimentary Tastings Daily media attention in relation to electrical fixtures in a home can greenhouse gas emissions, heating reduce a large source of drafts. Again, Large Groups by Appointment and cooling homes actually it’s important this is done properly, produces 40% of the greenhouse gas otherwise a fire could result. 638 Turner Drive, Blairsville, PA. 724-459-0132 emissions in this country. • Proper venting. Having proper Before you run amok caulking, venting of the bathrooms, kitchen Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday, 12 PM - 6 PM sealing and insulating everything in and dryer to the exterior is important Sunday, 1-6 PM. Closed all Major Holidays sight, read on, and finish that glass to reduce moisture vapor levels in of wine… the home, and reducing that winter Proper insulation and musty smell. Visit our website for more information on upcoming special events! weatherization of a home takes • Caulking and sealing the exterior thought and a little planning. If joints of windows and doors isn’t very We are now taking orders for Valentine’s Day. we don’t manage the cold drafts practical this time, of year, but if you Gift baskets and custom-labeled wine bottles available! and the moisture that naturally didn’t do it in the fall, add it to your occurs we may end up with a warm, “honey do” list for spring. Please stop by during business hours or call for information. moldy home! Your best plan of action is to If all this sounds too expensive, ContactWe invite : SueAnn you to visit Walnut Zippi Hill Winery, make yourself comfortable hire an energy auditor. This person bear in mind none of it has to be Independent Consultant will come to your home with tools tackled all at once. Have a couple and enjoy the tasteful atmosphere. Treat yourself to complimentary samplings that can find the sources of air / windows replaced at a time, buy and 724-681-3184of our flavorful wines created by Al McClinton, one of the owners. heat leakage in the home, (All install one roll of insulation at a homes leak regardless of age; they time, keep improving the thermal [email protected] have to, otherwise, we’d suffocate efficiency of the house gradually; a in our airtight abodes!) and make little is better than none.

18 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Courtyard by Marriott Greensburg 700 Power Line Drive • Greensburg, PA 15601 Phone: 724-834-3555 • www.courtyardgreensburg.com Managed by Concord Hospitality Enterprises. *Quality *Community *Integrity *Profitability www.concordhotels.com Fireside Fiction by JB Rossi The excitement of the holiday season is over Chief. With no previous military experience you are a stranger. With the second cup, you and it’s back to the drudgery of the ordinary before becoming president, Lincoln established become a friend… And with the third, you join everyday routine. The long cold hours of himself as the greatest Commander in Chief our family… For our family we are prepared to darkness come early and pass at a snail’s pace in American History. Often working against do anything, even die.” as the deep freeze of the winter sets in and his senior commanders, Lincoln’s strategic This fascinating story is true celebration of takes hold. The sunshine and warmth of the insight changed the course of the war and saved the power of the human spirit and is sure to spring seem so far away. How will you ever pass the union. A bestselling historian of the Civil become a classic in the years to come. the time? War, McPherson delineates how Lincoln created After you get through all of these titles, then Don’t despair. I have a plan. First things first. the role of Commander in Chief as we know it perhaps you’ll be ready to plan your first Spring You will pile the logs high on the fire and then today. This is an interesting portrayal for those adventure. For this task I recommend snuggle down in that favorite lounge chair who enjoy both politics and history. Romancing the Trail by Dane Cramer. In this completely wrapped up in a soft plush blanket My next pick is an excellent choice to inspire volume Cramer delineates the lesser known with a hot toddy in one hand and a great book in young women everywhere. Martha Frick mysteries and history of the Laurel Highlands the other. You take a sip of the warm liquid Symington Sanger enlightens us on the Hiking Trail. A must-read for hikers and nature and feel it slowly trickle down your throat turbulent early life and the lustrous legacy of enthusiasts as well as non-hikers, this bringing you body temperature back up to a one of the youngest and richest single women entertaining account is contemplative, reasonable degree. You glide your hand over in twentieth century America with her new insightful, and detailed-oriented. the soft leather that envelopes the wisdom of a book, Helen Clay Frick, Bittersweet Heiress. This If you are not one to spend lots of time alone, legendary author, anticipating the adventure complex, often misunderstood young woman I suggest joining one of the area’s many book into which you will be swept up. Suddenly you built an extensive empire despite her tragic clubs so that you can share your insights with begin to worry again. Are there enough hours home environment and became a mag- others. Book clubs usually meet once a month left in this winter season to peruse all the great nanimous philanthropist and humanitarian, to discuss the details of a particular novel and books you want to read? devoting her efforts to social welfare, environ- vary in size from four to twenty or more Not to worry. The book guru is here to help. mental issues, and visual arts. Beautifully members. Certain book clubs meet in the The book guru has traveled high and low, illustrated, the large volume also makes a great morning while others prefer evening sessions. climbed steep mountains and trudged through coffee table book. [Editor’s Note: See the March/April Some clubs concentrate on only one type of book deep valleys to bring you the latest and greatest 2008 issue of the Laurel Mountain Post for the feature while others choose a variety of titles. If you of the new reads for the season. article “Ivory Dominoes” by Barbara M. Neill] are interested in joining a book club, contact Let the mysteries begin. Local author George Perhaps you are looking for a classic. My your local book store to find one that suits your Shuman provides us with a new thriller entitled recommendation is John Steinbeck’s East of preferences. Lost Girls in which his blind psychic, Sherry Eden. A recreation of the Adam and Eve saga, One fun group took their discussion to a new Moore, pursues her most perilous and provoking East of Eden is set in the rich farmland of level. After reading the wonderful fiction novel case. Moore is known for her ability to see the California’s Salinas Valley and follows the lives by Nancy Horan entitled Loving Frank, a fictitious last eighteen seconds of a deceased person’s of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons, love story involving Frank Lloyd Wright, the memory, thus helping to solve the crime. This as they reenact the venomous rivalry of Cain members arranged to have lunch at Fallingwater. exciting adventure begins with a high flying and Abel. What fun! rescue on Mount McKinley and keeps this fast If you prefer something a little more modern, If you belong to a book club that is currently pace throughout the read. I recommend Three Cups of Tea by Greg seeking new members, contact me at the Laurel Another of my favorites is The Private Patient Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. After a failed Mountain Post and we will make sure that the by P.D. James. An Adam Dalgliesh mystery, attempt to climb K2 in 1993, Greg Mortenson word gets out. this fast-paced story revolves around found himself in an impoverished Pakistan All of the titles that I wrote about are investigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn as she village in the Karakoram Mountains. Touched currently available through Second Chapter goes into an exclusive surgical spa to have a bit by the kindness of the villagers, Mortenson, Books on West Main Street in Ligonier. of elective aesthetic surgery done to remove an upon leaving, promised to return and build a So stoke that fire and get reading. Time is old scar. Unfortunately, she ends up dead two school for them. This is the riveting story of wasting. The days will be getting longer now and days later. Something went drastically wrong how Mortenson fulfilled that promise and built soon you will have to go back out and begin and it is up to Dalgliesh to clean up this mess. not one, but fifty-five schools, some especially planting. So crack that cover open, put those Perhaps you are more in the mood to read for girls, in this forbidding terrain that spawned +2.0 readers on, and immerse yourself in a about real people. Author James M. McPherson the Taliban. great novel. There may not be enough winter leads off our biography section with his new book, “Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan) we drink left to get every title done! Tried by War, Abraham Lincoln as Commander in three cups of tea to do business. The first one,

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 19 Art to Wear Fashion Show & Luncheon January 23 – Latrobe Art Center Please join us for the annual Art to Wear Fash- The Center for Student Creativity helps to ion Show & Luncheon at noon on January 23 create a community of learners who, through where we showcase Greater Latrobe students’ the integration of the arts into all aspects of original clothing designs. A catered lunch is curricular and extracurricular activities, will available for $6.00 per person. grow in knowledge and skills, who will realize more fully their potentials, both academically The mission of the Art-to-Wear Program is to and socially, and who will develop a lifelong provide students with the opportunity to cre- desire to learn and create. ate original clothing designs. Students must apply for this program and only 16 students Art to Wear students prepare for the project are selected. The program is funded by the with a field trip to fiber artist studios and a McFeely-Rogers Foundation and is sponsored visit to the Society for Contemporary Crafts. by the Center for Student Creativity’s Culture Students then create clothing under the guid- Across the Curriculum program at Greater ance of their teachers: Nancy Burford – Tanya Latrobe Senior High School. Guadino, Family & Consumer Science; Lydia Ross –Amy Balko, Fine Arts. Students had 5 afternoon work sessions to design and create the clothing.

The 2008 class includes: Michelle Dickson, Sam Brant, Lauralee Markle, P.J. Semo, Emily Petrarca, Cassy Dowler, Katie Shannon, Tessa Eline, Jennessa Thomas, Katie Ferguson, Kelsey Owen, Candida Sylvania, Kaitlin Tryon, Eric Palanko, Mandy Weber, Anne Penrose Brianna Saddler, and Tori Vallana.

To reserve lunch, please RSVP with payment to Mrs. Jessica Golden by January 16. Send to GLSHS (checks payable to Center for Student Creativity) - 131 High School Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650. Phone: 724-539-4220. Email: [email protected]

Interactive Videoconferencing Series hosted by the Center for Student Creativity

The Cleveland Museum of Art Distance • February 17, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) Learning program connects people from all over Lesson 1: America Emerging - 1700’s the country and beyond with the museum to Developing American identity, folk art, the enrich their studies of history, languages, influence of the Age of Reason, the effect of the science, math and the visual arts. Through live mercantilist economy, and underlying causes Winter Foreign Film Series videoconferencing, participants view art and of the Revolution. artifacts from around the world while sharing February: 3, 9 & March 4, 11 in two-way conversations with museum • February 24, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) educators. Lesson 2: America Expanding - 1801-1861 All films begin at 7 pm. The Greater Latrobe Frontier life, the results and impact of westward World Languages Department and the By examining American art and artifacts from expansion, landscape painting, Jacksonian Center for Student Creativity(CSC) are pleased to announce that we are the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, this democracy and genre art. continuing our foreign film festival series. series promotes discussion on America’s Our goal is to reach out to our students and national character and heritage. Participants • March 3, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) the community that surrounds Latrobe and may register for classes individually or as the Lesson 3: America Transforming increase cultural and linguistic awareness via the art of cinema. The beautiful CSC is the series. Class will be held in the Greater Latrobe 1860-1918 perfect setting for this with its drop-down Senior High School’s Center for Student Momentous social changes brought about by 12 ft. X 12ft. screen and ample space to Creativity. COST: $8.00 per class or $30 for urbanization, industrialization, immigration find just the right spot for viewing. The all four classes. Maximum of 40 attendees and technological inventions. movies are projected from above and subtitles are approximately 12"-24" in per class. For more information contact the height. We offer complimentary popcorn, Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation office at • March 10, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) coffee and water to boot!(Mmm...!) Best of 724/537-4331. Lesson 4: America Enduring - 1913-1945 all, the films are FREE! For that price, Unprecedented prosperity, The Great you can afford to bring some friends for a fun night out! CSC phone: 724-539-4220. Cleveland Museum of Art’s Depression, ensuing social and political change America’s Story Through Art Series during the inter-war period, reaction to Topics for each lesson include: European influence: Regionalism.

20 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Love Is A Moment That Lasts Forever THE GARDEN GUYS Jim & Joe Prengaman Planning for Spring While the evenings are still cold and the should try to plant an area you can main- nights long, many of us begin to look for- tain easily – or the project may become ward to the coming spring. One sure sign more work than fun. A small garden that spring is around the corner are the seed is maintained properly will actually pro- and gardening catalogs that begin to fill duce more yield than a larger one that is the mail box. The bright colorful photos let to run wild. Perhaps you live in a apart- entice us with thoughts of fresh salads ment, or have no space to plant even a or succulent strawberries picked and small garden, then container garden- eaten just as they have ripened on the ing is for you. Fresh herbs and veg- vine. Well let's not get ahead of ourselves! etables grown on a deck or balcony are Before any of this can occur you should not only a great compliment to any meal take several things into consideration. but are also an attractive addition to There are dozens of mail order cata- outdoor living spaces. logs that offer seeds, plants, and supplies Next you will want to decide what types for the home gardener. Burpee and of things you want to grow and how much Gurney's are two of the suppliers that of each to order and to plant. Generally our father always ordered from and we in our garden, we plant a good bit more have continued to use them for our own than we can use. This has never really gardening needs. Their catalogs can be Equine Chic - for horse, home & you! found online at www.Gurneys.com and www.Burpee.com. Seed catalogs are a 100 East Main Street • On the Diamond in Ligonier wealth of information on specific plants 724-238-7003 • www.EquineChic.com and how to grow them. We always look for some new varieties to try that will help compliment our old family favorites. For the best results some prior plan- ning will aid in the success of your gar- den. The location of a vegetable garden is one of the most important factors con- tributing to its success. Soil types vary in different locations but ideally you will want a level location with a well drained soil. Avoid areas with heavy clay and rock content. If you need to, many nurs- eries and garden centers can deliver a screened topsoil or planting mix to amend the soil in your chosen location. Sunlight is another factor when choos- ing a spot for your new garden. Most plants will need an average of six to eight been a big problem. Canning and freez- hours of sunlight for optimal growth, so the ing your own vegetables is a great way to more the better as far as sunlight goes. save money and ensure you have qual- Trees and shrubs will be in direct compe- ity foods on the table year round. It should tition with the garden plants for moisture, also be noted that your neighbors and B. P. Insurance, Inc. sunlight and nutrients so keep clear of friends will be a little more neighborly Brian E Panichelle those areas as much as possible. and friendly after receiving a basket of [email protected] Time is another important factor home grown goodies from your garden. 3720 Rt 711 Suite 9 when determining the size of your gar- We hope you are all inspired to start Ligonier, PA 15658-5004 den plot. After sowing the seeds and planning this springs garden. Whether (In Ligonier Valley Mini-Mall ) transplanting the bedding plants you will large or small, working outside in a gar- (724) 238-2148 need to weed the plot weekly. You may den is a wonderful way to relax from the also need to water during times of re- craziness of everyday life . Spend some duced rainfall. Most plants will also re- time with your kids or spend some time quire the use of fertilizers and possibly alone. We have found over the years that insecticides to increase their yield. All the greatest harvest is often much more of these things do take time, so you than just fresh fruits and vegetables.

Deadline for the March-April issue is Friday, February 13.

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 21 TECH TALK Bob Appleby Getting Your Family Connected

In this issue I will be discussing some of the things as a wireless device that the notebook could print to Change the SSID on the router and then turn off you should consider when connecting your systems wirelessly, or have an Ethernet port that allows it to be the broadcast feature once you have your systems setup. together in your home. By no means is this a connected wired to the network and then be available Think of the SSID as the name of your router (service comprehensive list, but it will give you some insight to all other network devices. set identifier). This will prevent your router from and keep you on the right track. Take note of all the The Network Storage is wired into the network sending out its name looking for other devices to connect different options and you should be able to determine and acts as a central repository for all of your data that to it. which ones fit your specific situation. can be accessed from the notebook through the Wireless Make sure you change the default administrator Why Network? There are many benefits to Router and by the desktop computer through the wired login and password. These are well known and if you connecting your computer and other devices together. connection. don’t change them can allow easy access to the router The primary reason for doing so is to communicate and from someone trying to access your system. exchange data. Networking is all about sharing, and it Set up security for your wireless network. Many allows your computers to connect to the Internet, talk new wireless systems make it easy to setup your new to each other, and share resources like files and printers router so that it is secure. Follow the directions that and can help you save money by sharing those devices. Figure 1 come with your unit because each one is different. Make Networking adds a lot of flexibility in the way you work sure that you document everything and place the and spend time with your computers and other electronic information in a secure location. If you lose this devices. information you will have to reset all of your devices Let’s take a look at the two primary methods of back to factory default settings and start from scratch networking, Wireless and Wired. Wireless to reset up the network. communicates using radio wave technology while wired Which wireless technology is best for you? You communicates through data cables. Two questions come will need to consider the four current standards for to mind... Is one better than the other? How do you wireless computing: Wireless-A, Wireless-B, Wireless- choose? G and Wireless-N. With wireless networks you don’t have to string Wireless-A (802.11a) operates at a frequency of cables for your devices to connect to each other. A low 5GHz which is considerably less crowded then 2.4GHz grade radio wave is used that is very similar to the way where telephone and microwaves can cause a cordless phone work. The advantage of a wireless interference. Although the speed is up to 54MPs, the network is mobility and the freedom from having a fixed maximum range is only 75 feet. Wireless-A is connection. Other benefits of wireless technology incompatible with Wireless-B and G because it operates include but are not limited to: at a different frequency. Wireless-B (802.11b) operates on the 2.4GHz • Mobility – work anywhere within connection frequency band and can transmit data at speeds of up to 11Mbps within a range of up to 100-150 feet. Wireless distance of your wireless access point range can be affected by reflective or signal-blocking • No Fixed Connection restricting your connection obstacles, such as mirrors, walls, devices and location, to your network whether indoors or outdoors. This is an older wireless • Quick and effortless installation technology and not suitable for video sharing at all. Wireless-A and B came out roughly at the same • No cables to purchase time and are the older technology. Laptop technology • Save cabling time and hassle To attach a workstation to your wireless network today is widely using Wireless-B in public access areas you will need to add a Wireless Adapter to your machine. like airports and restaurants. • Easy to expand your network The easiest way is to purchase a USB NIC that simply Wireless-G (802.11g) features the same benefits as plugs into any USB port on the outside of you machine. Wireless-B, but offers 5X the speed at up to 54Mbps. Wired Network technology today revolves around This will work with a laptop as well that supports USB Wireless-G currently offers the best combination of the standard known as Ethernet. The data cables can connections that doesn’t have a built-in wireless radio. performance and value. Wireless-G is compatible with have different ratings that tell you the bandwidth or On a notebook you can also add a PC-Card into the Wireless-B equipment, but you will lose the higher speed your network has the capacity to run. If you can, PCMCIA slot in the side of your unit if you don’t have a performance speeds of Wireless-G. try to use either Category 5e or Category 6 cabling to built-in radio. Either method makes it easy to connect Wireless-N (draft 802.11n) the current generation take advantage of your router’s speed. Why is this your systems to your wireless router. of high-speed wireless networking is capable of important? With the use of Video on your computers Don’t forget to secure your wireless delivering the range and capacity to support today’s and other devices today you will need as much speed connection. If you don’t apply the security that is built- most bandwidth-hungry applications like streaming as possible. This is one of the limitations that we see in to most wireless devices then you could be vulnerable video. Wireless-N builds on the previous wireless with wireless when compared to wired networks and to access from someone within proximity of your standards by adding multiple-input multiple-output is why we usually suggest using as much wired wireless router. I use three steps to secure my wireless (MIMO) technology. Wireless-N is a draft standard, technology you can to give you the best performance network. meaning The Institute of Electrical and Electronics possible. We are beginning to see Gigabit Ethernet as the new standard which is being driven by video requirements for support and training. For most of us a hybrid of both technologies will probably be the best choice. Parts of your network will be better supported with wired technology, while roaming around the house with your laptop or connecting systems in hard to reach locations are better suited to wireless technology. In Figure 1, you see a typical home setup using a cable modem, wireless router and a high speed network switch to form the communication base. The Notebook in this case is connecting to the system through the access point on the router. This gives the notebook access to all of the devices on the network and of course the Internet. Figure 2 The printer is shown with the three primary connectivity options. It could be hooked up to the workstation and shared through the USB port, or setup

22 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Engineers has not yet adopted it. Most devices supporting Wireless-N will work together but some of the companies are adding special functions to Five Things You Learned About differentiate their product from others so be careful. Dual-Band Wireless-N (draft 802.11n) dual-band Networking from Your Mother routers are compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Non-concurrent dual-band routers only allow usage in one of the frequency bands during set by Michelle Donovan up and configuration. In a concurrent (or simultaneous) dual-band router both radio bands work at the same Mothers are a beautiful thing. They care for us, nurture you, handwriting a note of thanks to a referral partner time, substantially expanding the available channel us, and teach us the dos and don’ts of life. I’ve learned will enhance the possibility of future referrals. bandwidth and allowing more data flow. a lot from my mother. Especially when she taught me Have I totally confused you? I hope not. Remember all about life, love . . . and networking! I’m sure she “Clean up after yourself.” that if you can wire, do it and use Category 6 to “Futurize” didn’t realize she was teaching me about networking at your wired infrastructure. If you are planning to share the time. But she was. And I bet your mom taught you What does cleaning up after yourself have to do with video across your network you will need to consider about networking as well. Perhaps the words of my networking? As kids, there was always one last thing Wireless-A or N to get the best bandwidth. Wireless-N mom will sound familiar to you. to do when we played with our toys: Put them away. will also provide better range than Wireless-G and B. That was our quiet lesson in follow-up. As kids, we And, if you want the best that wireless can provide “Share your toys.” ended every play time with a consistent behavior of cleaning up after ourselves. As adults, one huge consider a concurrent dual-band router. I can’t remember how many times my mom told me to component of networking is follow-up and, more I hope that this information will help you design share! She felt it was important that we knew how to importantly, our ability to do it consistently. Meeting your own home network. If you are still not quite sure give to others. Growing up in a large family, I had to people and building relationships mean very little if of what you want to do or need to bounce ideas off of share almost everything. Sharing is good to learn when we never bother to follow-up with them. Making our design specialists you can contact me at you’re young, because it’s a skill that makes us promises to help someone without efficient follow-up [email protected] or call Computer Connections approachable. is vain. This homegrown lesson in follow-up might be at 800-640-7506. Networking wouldn’t be networking if we didn’t the most important networking lesson of all. share. We build stronger relationships with people when These five lessons grounded me as a person and we’re willing to share our resources. Some of our best helped me develop into a successful professional. I can resources include time, money, connections, still hear my mom saying, “Some day you’ll thank me!” information, knowledge, and skills. People appreciate So, Mom, thanks for teaching me lessons that would us when we’re willing to give to the relationship. Giving one day help me to be an effective networker! More Shops Around the Corner people are approachable and reap the benefits of reciprocity. Perhaps it’s time you thanked your mom, too. CURRANT THYMES “Walk, don’t run.” continued from page 13 Michelle R. Donovan, The Referability Expert and I used to hear this phrase no matter where we were: owner of Pinnacle Training Services and Referral Handmade Bulgarian Pottery and Alfresco vases are forever Institute in Sewickley, PA. Michelle teaches a referral tempting me. Certainly among the most interesting of the house, grocery store, mall, church, or school! As a kid, I was always in a hurry to get to the next exciting generating system that provides business owners with the garden collection items are the Down Under Pots. a continuous never-ending stream of word of mouth Intended for hanging from porches, trees or even thing. There always seemed to be someplace more interesting than where I was at the time. My attention referrals. She can be reached at 412-741-1926 or by indoors, these Australian terracotta creations are quite email [email protected]. Visit her unique, since the plants they hold face downward. was short, and my mom wanted me to learn patience. Patience is a virtue when it comes to networking. website at www.pinnacletrainingservices.com or her blog Disconcerting at first, but perfect for those of us who at www.ptsnetworking.blogspot.com. She is the co-author like to have the world turned upside down on occasion. A fast-paced networker misses the true essence of the event and can very easily blow right past a tremendous of the soon to be released book, “The 29% Solution: 52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies.” Why don’t you allow Currant Thymes to play cupid opportunity. Fast-paced networkers tend to build for you this Valentine’s Day? Host an impromptu picnic shallow relationships that offer little or nothing of value for the significant other in your life by purchasing a to their business. On the other hand, patient networkers paisley cooler, jute wine tote with flip flop wine glass build deep, long-lasting relationships that lead to the coasters and fill your acquisitions with romantic food growth of their business. Establishing a network that and beverage choices. Coincidentally, Heather stocks a has depth far exceeds one that is shallow. number of gourmet food items and suggests the Spicy Apple Garlic Jam of Earth & Vine Provisions wrapped “You have to work for it.” with brie in puff pastry and accompanied by a dry white. Sounds like seductive rendezvous fare to me. Indulging Nothing in life worth having comes easy; you have to in a little retail therapy in Currant Thymes could go a work for it! My parents taught me this lesson by long way toward curing your winter and fiscal blues example. Both of my parents worked hard for what D’s Windy Cottage this year! they accomplished and gave to their five children. They Visit Currant Thymes at 106 N. Fairfield Street in were determined to provide a wonderful life for their Specialty Gift Items Ligonier. To contact call 724-238-2930 or email family—and they did. Today, in their retirement, they and Home Decor [email protected] are reaping the benefits of their labor. Networking is – Story & Photos by Barbara M. Neill no different. That’s why it’s called, net-WORK! It’s not 745 Lloyd Avenue Extention net-SIT or net-EAT! Building relationships takes not only time, but effort and energy. It also takes commitment (Behind Auto Zone) * * * * * and dedication to the process. Some people put their faith in the six degrees of separation theory, which 724-537-5283 JOE’S STORE tells them that they’re connected to anyone by only six Tues-Sat 10AM-6PM, continued from page 13 degrees. In fact, this theory is flawed. This study Closed Sun & Mon actually shows that only 29% of the population is indeed Although my nephew is going to outgrow those Ice separated by six degrees! So, for the majority of us, Age DVDs and Gummi Pizzas in the not too distant we’ve got to work hard to get into the 29%, and work future, I like to think there will always be something hard to just stay there. The reward for accomplishing for Zach and his Aunt Barbie when they visit a store this task is great, beyond what we can even imagine. named Joe’s. Our mothers had foresight, didn’t they? – Story & Photos by Barbara M. Neill “Say thank you.” Framed Art, Heirloom Dolls, Gund Bears Not long after we began to speak my mom was making sure that we knew how to say thank you! As most kids Soy Candles & Warmers do, I wanted to know why it was important to say thank you. Being a fast paced kid, there seemed to be no time Kites, Spinners & Flags for saying thank-you. In true mom form, my mother would reply, “It’s the right thing to do.” Before I knew We have a year-round Christmas Room! it, saying thank you became second nature—and it felt Gift Certificates Available right, too. Now it’s part of who I am and how I operate. Saying thank you to those who have helped you in some way shows your gratitude, expresses your appreciation, and solidifies the steps made towards further developing the relationship. It seems as though these two little words don’t pack much of a punch these days. But I can assure

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 23 BUSINESS BITS Five Lines for $15 Per Issue: Call 724-537-6845

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24 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

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Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 25 READER RECIPES Favorite Formulas from Neighborhood Kitchens The Burgh’s Boilermaker Beer Soup “A ‘shot an a beer’ tradition from the good old days, is reincarnated as a comfort food!”

2 cups of chicken broth (may substitute vegetable broth) 1 ½ cup coarsely shredded carrots ½ cup sliced green onions 1 clove of garlic (or substitute with diced garlic from a jar) 2 ½ cup of milk 4 TAB. flour 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 cup of your favorite beer 1 “shot” of your favorite whiskey 2 3-ounce packages of cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped ( or one 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained) Salt and pepper to taste PITTSBURGH’S Original Sports SauceTM in a condiment squeeze bottle

In a large saucepan combine the chicken broth, carrots, onions, garlic, beer and whiskey. Combine milk, flour, dry mustard, and stir into broth. Cook and stir over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 more minute. Pour about 1 cup of the hot broth mixture over the cut up cream cheese, stir until well blended. Stir this cream cheese mixture into remaining broth mixture in saucepan. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add tomato. Ladle into bowls. Now you can use the Sports SauceTM squeeze bottle and decorate the soup with a big “S” for “STILLERS” or write your favorite players numbers, or names. This is now one “HOT” bowl of comfort soup! May also garnish with bacon bits.

– Courtesy of PITTSBURGH’S Original Sports SauceTM Available at Currant Thymes in Ligonier, PA

Swamp Mush

3 13-ounce bags of frozen broccoli florets 2 Tablespoons of butter 1 can cream of broccoli soup 1 15-ounce jar of mayonnaise 1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (roll to make crumbs) 9 x 13 oven safe pan or 3-quart casserole, lightly buttered

Preheat oven to 350o. Put broccoli into a pot of boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes, drain, reserve a 1/4 cup water and put broccoli back into pot. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan. Add cream of broccoli soup and 1/4 cup of water from broccoli. Heat over medium heat till blended. Add soup, mayonnaise and 1 1/2 cups of cheese to broccoli in the pot and blend. Put mixture into casserole dish, cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350o until bubbly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on top, add cracker crumbs on top of cheese. Put back in oven uncovered and remove when crackers start to brown (about 5 minutes).

– Submitted by Margaret Guidos, Joe’s Store & Deli in Lawson Heights Loyalhanna Care Center Providing you peace of mind and continuity of care. Taco Bake SERVICES AVAILABLE 24-hour nursing care, wound care, hospice, respite, intravenous therapy, respiratory, 1 lb. ground beef 1 onion, chopped enteral feedings, beauty and barber services, newspaper delivery, and telephone 3/4 cup water 1 package taco seasoning 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 8-ounce package shells, cooked/drained REHABILITATIVE SERVICES 1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese physical, occupational, speech, falls management, and dysphasia Contact : SueAnnACCOMODATIONS Zippi Brown beef and onion in skillet. Drain fat; add water, seasoning, sauce and bright and attractive private and semi-private rooms, mix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in macaroni, Independentcable Consultant television in every room free of charge chiles and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Pour into 1 1/2 quart greased baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 350o for 30 minutes. 724-681-3184WE ACCEPT Medicare, Medicaid, Security Blue, and most insurances [email protected] – Submitted by Bonnie Kocon, Leechburg For additional information or to arrange a tour, please call 724-537-5500

26 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST Indiana County, PA EXPLORE OUR WINTER WONDERLAND

Experience our outdoor recreation

Enjoy a theatrical performance

Relax at a spa

Shop our quaint stores

Stop By Our Visitor Center or Call Us For Your Complimentary Visitor Guide

INDIANA COUNTY TOURIST BUREAU 2334 Oakland Avenue – Indiana Mall – Indiana, PA 15701 1-877-7INDIANA – WWW.VISITINDIANACOUNTYPA.ORG

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 27 28 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST