Laurel Mountain Post May-June 2009

Every Story Begins At Home. May/June - 1

MAY/JUNE 2009 FREE

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

for the CourseTony Mediate

“Pa”

Give Me A “Z!”

Weight Training& Technology for Golf

Delicious Depression?

Showers, Flowers and the Thrill of the Race

Give Me A “Z!”

Weight Training& Technology for Golf

Delicious Depression?

Showers, Flowers and the Thrill of the Race

2 -May/June 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Get Riding Early!

Kids Starter PackageJodphurs, Boots,

Helmet and GlovesAll for under $125!

Tuesday, May 19Hampton Inn & Suites Meeting Room

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8:30 - 9:00 am Registration & Coffee/Open Networking9:00 - 10:15 am FORE!: Words, the Architecture of Communication----------------------- Break10:30 - 11:45 pm COLORED FLAGS: Branding & Identity Strategies11:45 - 12:45 pm Lunch Buffet at Grille 3712:45 - 2:00 pm LINKS: On Par with Social Networking----------------------- Golf and Spa Experiences

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Seminar registration is $100, and includes the following:

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Register by calling the Laurel Mountain Post at 724-537-6845 by May 15.For more information, please visit www.LaurelMountainPost.com

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elcome . . .MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Cathi Gerhard Williams

MAY/JUNE 2009(Volume VI, Issue 3)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthlypublication designed to focus on the people,places and events of Westmoreland Countyand the surrounding areas in the heart ofwestern Pennsylvania. We print stories aboutreal people and their daily lives; feature lo-cal merchants, craftsmen and professionals;present short pieces of art & literature; andnever lose sight of what makes this area agreat place to call home. Most of our writersare not professional reporters, but accom-plished local practitioners with years of ex-perience in their respective fields who bringcredibility and personality to every article.In October 2006, the BBC News quoted usas “the voice of Pennsylvania.”

Laurel Mountain PostP.O. Box 227

206 Weldon StreetLatrobe, PA 15650

724-537-6845

Cathi Gerhard WilliamsEditor & Publisher

Briana Dwire TomackMarketing Director

Barbara M. NeillFeatures Editor/Advertising Sales Director

Carol A. GerhardAdministrative Assistant/Copy Editor

THANKS TO:Carol Dwire, Heather Haines,Chris Kantorik, Pat Kintigh,

Doug Richardson, Michelle Schultz,and Devin Winklosky

Proud members of the Latrobe, Ligonier,and Strongland Chambers of Commerce,

Pittsburgh Advertising Federation,and The PA Newspaper Assocation

Special thanks to our advertisers forsupporting this community publication!

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

W

Our distribution of 15,000 reachesbeyond Westmoreland County into the

neighboring counties of Allegheny,Washington, Armstrong, Bedford,

Cambria, Indiana, Somerset and Fayette.In 2006 our web traffic increased by

53% and continues to grow. Every day,more and more readers and advertisers

across western Pennsylvania arediscovering the Laurel Mountain Post.

Village Mentality

“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.”– Kenyan Proverb

My boyfriend is a great coach, onand off the fencing strips at St.Vincent College and the LigonierY. He values people and motivatesthem to work together to achievesomething wonderful with theunique and equally important giftsthey each have to offer. We spentlast weekend (those gorgeous, first85-degree days in late April), fish-ing and building a fieldstone firepit next to our pond. It was a truecommunity project: my son andniece helped us pick stones fromthe pile and a neighbor’s newly-plowed garden; in a cart borrowedfrom my sister we loaded firewoodcut and dried by anotherneighbor; we transported theloads down to the pond on apath carved out and mowed bymy brother-in-law; and to-gether, my boyfriend and I builtthe pit. It was amazing how theodd field stones – years in themaking, and from scatteredparts of earth – seemed to fittogether so well . . .

Over the past severalmonths, I’ve been re-con-necting with dozens of “longlost” friends through Face-book. Years ago I was intro-duced to MySpace by mydaughter, but the concept ofsocial networking never re-ally clicked until now. Mostof these new online friends arepeople I went to school with in Derry– some I had not spoken to sincejunior high or even elementaryschool at Grandview. In somecases, I knew these people allalong, but didn’t run in the samecircles. Regardless, the common-ality of our alma mater brought ustogether in this newly-created vil-lage. As adults we find that we are

all in the same clique now, thanksto the internet.

It only takes a few minutes tolog on and see what everyone is upto . . . who is happy, who is sad;who did what and where. And itseems like most have kind wordsto share. There is constant en-couragement, praise and enthusi-asm going around. Unlike sendingemails to specific people and hop-ing for a reply, Facebook allows youto post your thoughts, simple orextended, and they are seen by allof your friends, and then exponen-tially by their other friends as well.There are also lots of games to play,

many of which involve others onyour friend list.

Obviously one could easily“waste the day” on this type of thingand become addicted. But as withany activity, discipline is key. I cancheck on Facebook with my Black-berry if I want to, and do – becausesometimes that five minutes offeel-good contact is all I need to re-focus and get back to work.

My business has also benefit-ted from this trend in social net-working. It has given me anotheroutlet to promote what I do, makenew professional contacts, and –most importantly – generated newideas and stories for the LaurelMountain Post. One of those oldfriends, Brian Gillingham, foundme on Facebook, and now he is tak-ing over our environmental col-umn with excerpts from his onlineblog You Save The Planet, begin-ning with this issue (page 9).

There are lots of other storiesthis time about ways in whichpeople are coming together for the

good of each other and theworld. Chef writes about com-munity gardening, and DownOn The Farm discusses thesymbiotic benefits of com-panion planting. ExcelaHealth has put together aseries of group programs forpeople facing many differentcancer circumstances. Andthere are several listings forevents such as the HeroWalk, Race for the Cure andthe Steelers basketball gamefundraiser in Hempfield.

I used to think of groups innegative ways, as in the clas-sic image of and angry mobchasing monsters or out-casts with torches. Other

icons included cults, gangs, activ-ists, and even governing bodies.Distrust evolved into isolation andthe misguided belief that I coulddo everything myself. But I’ve cometo understand the power of shar-ing and the importance of what oth-ers can bring to our tables, both bigand small.


REPARTEE FOR TWOBarbara M. Neill

“Pa” for the Course: Tony MediateWhen tallying the scorecard ofsecular holidays, Mother’s Day isconsistently up there near the topof the leaderboard; Father’s Dayfrequently finishes a little fartherback in the pack. This could bebecause women tend to be moresentimental than men and acceptall the presents and attention astheir due on their designated day;men often try to bypass the fussattending any celebration of self.Few would dispute the importanceof nurturing Mother Love, but TheFather Factor figures significantlyin the family equation as well. So,let’s take a swing at veneratingdads this vernal season.

Father’s Day was initiated in1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd ofSpokane, WA. Along with hersiblings she was raised by herfather after her mother’s deathduring childbirth. Father’s Day wasrecognized by a joint session ofCongress in 1956 and in 1972 was

established as a permanentnational observance to be held onthe third Sunday in June. It’s a dayfor honoring, remembering andcommemorating the fathers andthe father figures of our lives. It’salso the perfect time for fathers totalk about themselves and theirfamilies.

Greensburg’s Tony Mediategrew up in the tiny railroad town ofWall, the son of Italian immigrants.Like so many southwestern PAboys he was interested in sportsand Tony excelled at several. Withaspirations for a career in baseballhe pitched several no-hitters inhigh school, was chosen to

represent AlleghenyCounty in Pittsburgh’sSun-Tele(graph)-HearstAll-Star game and wenton to work out with thePirates, Phillies, Cubsand Cardinals. (Aftercatching the trolley atWilmerding and ridinginto Oakland in the mid-50s he often pitchedbatting practice and ranlaps with the likes ofPittsburgh Pirate greatsRoy Face and Vernon Lawat Forbes Field.) When acareer in baseball didn’tmaterialize, Tony de-cided to follow a familybarbering tradition andwent on to become theowner/operator of thewell-established Greens-burg hair salon Anthony’s.The business will markits 49th year this June.

In 1960 Tonymarried his wife, theformer Donna Emerickof Greensburg. They arethe parents of threegrown children – Rocco,Nicole and Gina – and

the proud grandparents of five –Rocco Vincent, Nicco, and Marco(the sons of Rocco and his wifeLinda) and Blake and Logan (thedaughter and son of Nicole and herhusband Pete Levey). RoccoVincent is named for his father andRocco’s deceased brother, Vincent,

who succumbed to a brain-relatedcondition at the age of three.

Although baseball was Tony’sfirst love, he grew to enjoy thegame of golf in his youth when hecaddied for various Churchill

golfers who would let him use theirclubs on Mondays. Years later whenthe young Rocco served as a caddiefor Tony, little did they suspect thatthe son of the father would be ranked47th in the world golf standings andreceive the Christopher ColumbusOutstanding Italian-AmericanAthlete Award in 2008. Rocco alsoplayed baseball in his younger days,but somewhere along the way hissporting interest took a sharp hookand he traded in his LouisvilleSlugger for a long putter. Theswitch didn’t prove to be ahandicap, as those with even apassing knowledge of fairways andgreens will know. A golf standout forthe Moccasins of Florida Southernin 1983-84, he joined the PGA Tourin 1985 and the rest is the stuff ofgolf history and local legend.

While Tony is not one who likesto call attention to himself, he didagree to fill in the blanks for meabout his paternal and parentalexperiences. (You might say weplayed the executive course thisedition.) Son Rocco has donecountless interviews, but thisFather’s Day the paterfamilias of

the Mediate tribe takes the driver’sseat and puts himself in the fore.

* * * * *

BMN: One of the things I miss themost about my own father is ____.

TM: Since he died when I was 13,the thing I miss the most is thefather that I didn’t have after hepassed away.

BMN: It takes a lot of ____ to be agood father.

TM: Love and patience

BMN: I remember ____ on the daymy son was born.TM: Once I knew that he was ahealthy baby I remember askingthe doctor if he thought my sonwould be a big boy, because I hopedhe would play baseball someday.

BMN: ____ are harder to raise than____.

TM: Girls are harder to raise thanboys.

BMN: If I told my kids once whenthey were growing up, I told them1000 times “____.”

TM: Don’t fight with each other,you’re family!

BMN: Of my three children, I wouldhave to say that ____ is a chip offthe old block.

TM: Well, Gina looks like me andhas a lot in common with me – weboth like to cook and feed people.Rocco and I are athletic and Nicoleis Nicole.

BMN: I always tried to teach mychildren to ____.

TM: Treat people the way you wouldlike to be treated.

BMN: “Father knows best” about____ in the family Mediate.

TM: A little bit of everything

The debonair and tonsorialTony Mediate.

The gang's all here! Tony (left) with friendsNick "Nini" Sonovic and John "Spanny"

Pekich. (Sneaking a peek is Bobby Bachy.) Niniand Spanny still call on their childhood buddy

at Anthony's to catch up and reminisce.


BMN: My kids would probably saythat “life with father” was (and stillis) ____.

TM: Exciting

BMN: I prefer to watch Rocco playin golf tournaments ____.

TM: In person – following himthroughout the round as he plays

BMN: The emotion I felt at the endof the 2008 US Open was ____.

TM: Pride. I was so very proud ofhow Rocco handled himself. Donnaand I watched at home and I wasjust spent when it was over.

BMN: ____ is my favorite area golfcourse.

TM: Hannastown Golf Club

BMN: My son aside, the golfer Imost admire is ____.

TM: I really like Tiger, but I wouldhave to say I most admire ErikCompton. He is a PGA tourmember who has had 2 hearttransplants and I really respecthim. (Erik, 29, received his firstheart transplant in 1992 at the ageof 12. His most recent transplantwas performed after he had a heartattack while fishing in 2007.)

BMN: The foods I like to preparefor my family are ____.

TM: Oh, we like so many things –pasta fagioli and pasta with peas,marinara sauce, potatoes, peppers& sausage, beans & greens, and inthe summer a salad of tomatoes,hot peppers & onions. We like winewith our meals; I prefer merlot.

BMN:____ is my favorite familyholiday tradition.

TM: The Christmas Eve celebration.When I was a little boy I would waitfor that day when my family wouldgather together for the meal of the 7fishes. It was so wonderful. (The Feastof the 7 Fishes, also known as LaVigilia di Natale, is one of Italy’s mostillustrious traditions.)

BMN: I love to take my grand-children to ____.

TM: The park – they’re sports-minded, so they like to swim andride their bikes.

BMN: The best Father’s Day gift Iever received was ____.

TM: Rocco’s 2nd place finish in the2008 US Open (Rocco was tied withTiger Woods only to lose during thefirst hole of sudden death.)

BMN: One of the greatest blessingsof my life is ____.

TM: My children

BMN: ____ is the glue that holdsour family together.

TM: Donna (A little birdie told me Tony’swife had a firm grip on family matters.)

* * * * *

It looks like Papa Mediate hasaced this interview; no mulligannecess-ary. (Glad I don’t take apenalty for punnery – that wouldreally tee me off.)

– cover photo by Barbara M. Neill

Miners’ Memorial Day Weekend

June 19, 20 & 21 2009Windber, Pennsylvania(Northern Somerset County)

Live music, ethnic food, children’s activities

Large car cruise-in on Father’s Day

Motorcycle Show/Cruise-in Saturday

A Festival that celebrates the life of the coal miner and his family.

A project of the Eureka Coal Heritage Foundation, Windber, PAwww.echf.windberpa.org

Tony Mediate surrounded by his familyduring a Christmas celebration in Florida. (circa 2006)


Greensburg, PA 15601

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Stay At Home

SENIOR MOMENTSArea Residents Share the Facts of Life

Phyllis HumphreysHometown Today: Derry

Birthplace: Latrobe

Siblings: 3 brothers – Lemont B. McCracken, Rev. DavidB. McCracken, Joseph McCracken (deceased); 1 sister –Diane Confair (deceased)

High School Alma Mater & Graduation Year: DerryTownship, Class of 1942

College Alma Maters & Graduation Years: Seton HillCollege, 1953 B.A. English; Indiana State College, 1961M.A. Education

Spouse & Year of Marriage: James W. Humphreys, March20, 1945

Children: 1 son – Richard A. Humphreys

Vocation: Educator

Positions Held: One-room School Teacher (Atlantic, Derry Township School District);English and Reading Teacher for grades 7-12, Reading Coordinator grades K-12, PublicRelations Director (Derry Area School District); Instructor (I.U.P. and Penn StateUniversity); G.E.D. Instructor

Past & Present Affiliations: Derry Presbyterian Church, Derry Area Historical Society,Friends of Caldwell Memorial Library, Derry Area (School District) Retired Employees

Avocations: Teaching church school, reading, collecting antiques, visiting with formerstudents, and enjoying family time

Favorite Charitable Causes: Derry Presbyterian Church, Caldwell Memorial Library, DerryArea Historical Society, American Red Cross

Favorite Quote: I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness Ican show, or any good thing I can do for any fellow being, let me do it now, and not deferor neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. (attributed to William Penn)

Hidden Talent: Not many people know, including my husband of 64 years, that I can milka cow, separate cream from skim milk and churn the cream into butter or buttermilk.

Role Models & Mentors: My parents – Lemont “Mont” E. and Cecil B. McCracken, Mr.Major H. Stump, Mary Garrigan Cuneo, and Mary Vittone Lesko

Best Lesson Learned: I could have handled old age better when I was younger.

Most Memorable Accomplishments: Finding a perfect husband and along with himraising a good son

Future Aspirations: To stay alive and contribute to my family and community as long as Iam able

Second Annual

Boogie For A Cure Benefit DanceAmerican Cancer Society

2009 Relay for Life: Latrobe

Saturday, May 23 8-11PMDerry Ukrainian Club, 315 Dorothy Street

$10 Admission includes: Food, Snacks, Door Prize Chance. Cash Bar Available.

Awesome Entertainment by Area Bands.For tickets call Matt: 724-694-5863 or Ron: 724-537-6093

Organized by Team: GLSD Schools & Admin


FOR SALE: 11-year-old Greensburg Salon & SpaIn operation – still and has 11 years of loyal clientele.

Stylists want to stay! Need to sell soon due to new job.$59,000 includes everything but building. 412-610-9612

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHTPaula J. Forte

Future Business Leaders of AmericaState Leadership Conference

Four students from Derry Area High Schoolrepresented Region 3 at the 2009Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders ofAmerica State Leadership Conference onMarch 30 through April 1 held at the HersheyLodge and Convention Center in Hershey,Pennsylvania. Thestudents were ac-companied by theirchapter advisors,Mrs. Florence Pratoand Mrs. AngelaBumar. JacobBooher, CharlesKirkland, ScottMaljan and BlaisePezek qualified toattend the statecompetition byscoring exception-ally well at tests thatthey took at theRegional LeadershipConference forRegion 3 held atCambria Rowe Business College inPittsburgh in January. In addition toqualifying for the state competition, BlaisePezek was one of four students whoreceived a four-year FBLA Scholarship atMt. Aloysius College.

Even though they placed first in each oftheir divisions at Cambria Rowe, thestudents agreed that getting to the statecompetition was not easy. Jacob was theonly one who said that his event—Intro toBusiness—was not difficult because theinformation required for the test was similarto what he had studied in class. He was notsurprised that he took first place. Charles,on the other hand, only completed four of theeight production tasks that he was requiredto finish in one hour for the Word ProcessingII competition and was worried. Obviously,however, the other contestants were slowerthan he since he won the competition. Mrs.Bumar said, “Charles did an awesome jobon the test.” Scott admitted that theAccounting I multiple choice test that hetook at Cambria Rowe contained some termsthat he wasn’t prepared for. However, heconfided that, after some further study, hewas ready for the state test. Mrs. Bumarfurther explained that the test was based ona full-year of accounting class and that Scotthad only taken a half year of accountingwhenever he took the test. All of the

students looked forward to their competitionin Hershey and had been preparing for thecompetition with after-school study sessions.

Unfortunately, the students did notqualify to attend the national FBLAcompetition at Hershey. They were surprised

at how extremelycompetitive thestate competitionwas. Only CharlesKirkland placed fifthin the opencompetitions forComputer Oper-ating Systems.However, everyoneagreed that it was awonderful learningexperience for all ofthe students. Mrs.Prato said that shewas extremely proudof the students wholearned many valu-able lessons at

Hershey—not the least of which was timemanagement. The students attendedmeetings, workshops, and competitiveevents and had a chance to network withother talented students from all across thestate. Scott, in particular, thought that theexperience was wonderful because helearned how to speak more clearly andsuccinctly in front of an audience throughhis attendance at the workshops. Mrs. Pratosaid that the trip was very worthwhile. “Thestudents earned their opportunity torepresent the region through their hard workand took away a lot from working with thebest of the best,” she said.

Although Derry had a chapter of FutureBusiness Leaders of America in the past, itwas defunct by the time Mrs. Bumar cameto teach in the district twelve years ago. Sheand Mrs. Prato resurrected the club this year.Mrs. Bumar said that she was excited aboutrestarting this club because “this organ-ization is preparing the students for life skills—for their future careers.” Mrs. Prato, who hasbeen teaching business at the high school fortwo years, said, “This is only our club’s first yearof existence, and we are proud that the studentsdid so well at their first competition.” Both Mrs.Bumar and Mrs. Prato wanted to thank theschool for their support in allowing them toresurrect the club and their help in preparingfor the competition.

Derry’s Future Business Leaders of America went to Hershey,Pennsylvania to compete in the state competition. Standing areBlaise Pezek, Jacob Booher and Charles Kirkland. Seated are

Mrs. Florence Prato, Scott Maljan, and Mrs. Angela Bumer.


THE REC ROOMZachary Teich

If you want to hit a golf ball further,you need to have a stronger andmore powerful swing. Obviously,one thing you should do to developa better swing is to work with a golfpro at improving your techniqueand eliminating any flaws that youmay have. Another thing you shoulddo is resistance training, at leasttwice a week in the off season andonce a week during the golf season.

Why? Because resistancetraining will strengthen the musclesinvolved in the golf swing. Thestronger you are, the further theball will fly (as long as yourtechnique is still sound). You notonly want to become stronger, butmore powerful. More power meansfaster movement. Faster move-ment means more club speed.More club speed means moredistance on the ball.

In order to keep things simple,let’s just look at rotation. Rotation,after all, is what the golf swing is.So, if you want to rotate your bodyfaster and with more strength, youshould start to train rotation. Asimple exercise you can start withis the trunk rotation, which isdescribed below. Before you startworking out though, be sure to warmup with a few minutes of lightwalking, and mimicking themotion you are about to do, slowlyat first and without weight.

Trunk Rotations

• Hold one dumbbell or weightwith both hands, in front of yourstomach, with the elbows bent at~90°. Stand with your feet aboutshoulder width apart, and keep aslight bend in your knees.• Rotate your torso side to side,continuously, as far as your rangeof motion lets you go comfortably.Your hips will also rotate some-what, which is fine.• Start with a light weight (maybe5 to 10lbs. for most people) and doabout 10-15 repetitions, 2-4 sets.

To develop strength, you mustincrease the amount of weight youuse. Be careful though whentraining for golf. Too much weight

isn’t a good thing because thespeed of your movements will becompromised. You will get stronger,but you will lose power when usingheavier weights. The weight shouldprovide resistance, but still allowyou to rotate at, or just a bit slower,than your golf swing speed.

A step above trunk rotations isan exercise called ‘golf swings,’ thatwill mimic the real golf swing.

Golf Swings

• Hold one very light dumbbell orweight with both hands.• Get into your golf swing stance,holding the weight just where youwould hold the club.• Swing the weight back andforth, mimicking your golf swing asclosely as possible. Try to keep thesame speed that you do for youractual golf swing, or perhaps just alittle slower.• Start with a 1-2lb. weight, orjust slightly heavier than yourdriver, and progress up very slowly.If the speed of your swing feels tooslow, you are using too muchweight. Do anywhere from 3-15repetitions, and as you are able toincrease the weight, cut down therepetitions to 3-8. Do 2-4 sets (ormore if desired).• After weight training, stretchthe muscles you have worked. Onestretch you can do is the lying hip-crossover stretch. Lay down on thefloor with your arms spread out.Take one leg and cross it over theother one, twisting your body soyou’re on the side of your hip. Onthe leg that’s crossed over, you caneither keep your knee bent orstraight, depending on what feelsmore comfortable or what gives youa better stretch. Hold the stretch for20-30 seconds or more if you can.Repeat for the other side, and youcan do each side several times.Stretch as far as you can comfortably.

Zachary Teich is a Certified Personal Trainer,Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist(CSCS), and owner of Fitness To You PersonalTraining, providing in-home and officepersonal fitness training throughout the areasince 2005. For more information on thebenefits of weight training, please visitwww.fitnesstoyoutraining.com.

Weight Training for Golf

May MartWest Overton VillageHOURS 9:30am - 1:00PM

Some of our vendors and products will include:

Arona Road GreenhouseSunny Sprouts

Matteo's Herbs GaloreAssortment of Heirloom

and Unusual Tomato Plants

One Good Cookiewill be selling their wonderful bounties.

Opening DayWest Overton Museums

FREE ADMISSION to the Museum all daySee a Civil War encampment

and bread baking in the Summer KitchenHours are 9am - 5pm

Visit our new Uncle Martin'sCOMPANY STORE & Gift Shop

Savor our West Overton Signature Teas

For those of you travelling from afar makereservations or just drop in to Miss Martha's Tea Room,

which is a short way down the road.

WESTOVERTONMUSEUMS

Saturday May 9, 2009

West Overton VillageScottdale, Pa. [email protected]


Courtyard by MarriottGreensburg

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More than 20 years ago, a friend signed myyearbook with “to a good friend who will findthe exact value of pi and discover the curefor cancer.”

I know that it isn’t likely that I’ll doeither of the above. I am sure that I won’tfind the last digit of pi - and I won’t discoverthe cure for cancer, but for some irrationalreason, I have always held that thought insome area of my mind. Even though manyyears have passed, and I haven’t taken thepath of somebody research-ing diseases, I frequentlyconsider things in our worldthat contribute to diseaseslike cancer.

This all brings me totoday – and my project“YouSaveThePlanet.” It’squite an ambitious project –given my failures to discoverthe last digit of pi – and curecancer. Cancer rates aremuch higher in the industrialareas of the world: ourpollution is killing us. So, perhaps in a way, Iam still at task on curing cancer.

The funny thing is that the cure tocancer may simply be to discover theCAUSES for cancer. It may take another 100years before we know enough about biologyand chemistry to reverse the disease, butwe understand a lot more about the largelist of things that do cause cancer. As longas we know the causes, we can avoidexposure to these things — no?

I guess that the point I am trying tomake is that more people need tochallenge themselves with the seeminglyimpossible task of saving the planet. Evenif you’re not the one who invents whateverit is that replaces oil you may “touch” theone who does save the planet — challengeeverybody you know.

You are going to be the one who savesthe planet. I just know it.

I’ve put together a list of the top 10 thingsyou can do to save the planet. This list ispurely opinion and subjective,and is inorder of greatest amount of change to leastamount of change – in my opinion.

1. stop reproducing at such a high rateThis is listed first since it gets to the sourceof the problem: humans. If there were 8billion humans today, wouldn’t there be alarger environmental problem? Consider howquick the earth could recover if we continue

YOU SAVE THE PLANETBrian Gillingham

to increase the human population (along withincrease most of the resource needs of thatever-growing population). Even if sciencediscovered ways to make enough energythrough renewable sources, there would stillbe many problems associated with otherresources.

2. stop eating meatThis is the best thing that you can do to savethe environment — that is, if you still eatmeat. It’s great that I’ve seen a significant

percentage of my extendedcircle begin to eat less meat– especially red meat. Ifyou’ve cut down on your meatconsumption by eating onlyone vegetarian meal perweek, you are helping tolower the horrible impacts ofthe meat industry. Switchingfrom a meat-based diet to avegetarian diet is equivalentto taking between 1.3 and1.7 cars off of the road —that’s BIG. Becoming a

vegetarian has the greatest combinationof benefits to the environment the self.

3. stop consuming anything created from oil

Oil is used especially for gas and plasticproducts. Most of the plastics created with oilwill be around for thousands of years.

4. reduce, reuse, and recycleReduce as much as you can by seeking outproducts that have minimal or biodegradablewrappings. When you do purchase things,recycle as much of the packaging as you can.Reuse items when you can to make the mostuse of a resource.

You should also seek out products thatare made from recycled materials. Boxesclearly indicate when they have been madefrom “post-consumer recycled materials” orsome percentage of old and new.

5. grow as much of your own food as possible

This item combines the benefits to theenvironment with benefits to the self as well.

6. drive lessThis goes without saying, but it isn’t alwaysclear where you can save miles. Whendriving anywhere, remember that over 95%of the fuel that a car consumes is used tomove only the weight of the car — a hugeweight to add to a 170 pound human whoneeds to get across town. It really helps to

continued on page 22

Who Else Is Going to Do It?


B. P. Insurance, Inc.Brian E Panichelle

[email protected] Rt 711 Suite 9

Ligonier, PA 15658-5004(In Ligonier Valley Mini-Mall )

(724) 238-2148

Spring into Maintenance!by Brian Mishler

As a home inspector of 15 years, most ofthe defects I see everyday are basicmaintenance issues that have beenignored, sometimes for decades.

We all get used to coming and goingfrom familiar surroundings, and don’ttake a good look at things we’ve gottenused to. So, on one of these spring days,either with real sun, or with “Pittsburghsunshine” falling from the skies, takean hour to get an unbiased look at yourhouse the way I might:

Grab a pair of binoculars, go outside,and pick a corner, any corner as astarting point. Back away from thehouse, and look at the roof through thebinoculars. The shingles should be flat,and have an even covering of granularmaterial on them. The gutters shouldnot look like planters! Proceed aroundthe house looking at every roof / guttersurface until you return to the cornerfrom which you started. While you’re atit, take a look at the chimney. It too,should have relatively smooth walls, itstop should be clean, and there should bea weather cap on top to stop rain andcritters from entering. Also look at theother higher components, the soffit,fascia, etc. If the roof, gutters, chimneyor anything up there looks out of place,like a greenhouse, or a high schoolbiology experiment, call a roofing orgutter cleaning company!!!

We all depend on water to survive,but disregard its destructive capability.Frequently water in a basement startedout on the roof; but the drainage systemis damaged or ineffective, and water findsits way back in. Simple and inexpensiverepairs can often correct these types ofissues; you just have to outwit gravity!

If you’re not comfortable roof / ladderwalking, hire a gutter cleaning companyto clear out your gutters and downspouts.It’s also a good time to have a rooferevaluate, and perform minor repairs suchas resealing shingles before they becomea major problem, like shingles blowing offin a thunderstorm.

Starting at “your” corner, now walkthe opposite direction looking at thelower portions of the walls, windows,foundation, lot grading, porches, decks…you get the idea. Yes, looks can bedeceiving, but, they can also tell a lotabout a house. The bushes you planted20 years ago need to be trimmed back atleast 1 foot from the walls. The lot shouldslope away from the foundation.Downspouts should discharge 6 feet awayfrom the house. The walls, windows, etc.should all look square, straight and true.If not, there may be an issue. Does thehouse need a coat of paint? Stain? Now’sthe time to get bids or plan the work.

Many folks are comfortable tacklinglandscaping, but there are manycompanies willing to help. Ideally, thelot should fall away from your house at

one inch per foot for at least the firstsix feet.

The rumors circulating abouttermites being shipped in mulch up fromLouisiana aren’t true, but mulch, anymulch should be kept away from thehouse walls. Wood mulch against thehouse can harbor insects, especially thewood destroying kind like termites, andkeeps the soil moisture high. Stone, lavarock, and other such materials are best,rubber mulch made from recycled tires,is better, but not ideal.

How are the sidewalks and driveway?Any chance a visitor might trip?

Once you’ve got a good look at theexterior and have a plan of action, takea stroll through the interior. Similarmethod, pick a corner of a level,(basement, garage, first floor, etc.) startthere, and look at everything until youreturn. Is the basement dry? Any signsof mold, bugs, movement, cracks,framing rot, cracking, etc.? Don’tassume, look! Our houses age just aswe do; slowly and sometimes not sonoticeably!! Take a look under sinks,put your leg against the toilet, and try torock it gently, if it moves, it needssecured, or possibly a new wax ring.Operate all the faucets, do they leak?Don’t assume! How about the sinkdrains? Turn the lights on and off. Anybad light bulbs, fixtures, switches? Anyunusual buzzing, humming, odors?Operate the garage doors, do the openersreverse when the “beam” is broken? Dothe doors track smoothly? Are theynoisy? These are usually the heaviestitems in the house, and used every day;make sure they’re in good working order!Don’t assume; check, or have it checked!

Now (before air conditioning season)is the time to schedule your heatingservice company to come and do annualmaintenance on the central air. Theywill check the refrigerant level, and theoperation of the system. Now is also thebest time to have your fireplace, oil orsolid fuel burning appliance chimneyscleaned. This will help prevent odors overthe summer, and have the system readyfor use in the fall.

As you perform your spring mainten-ance check, take notes. Some repairs don’tneed to be done immediately, and you cankeep track of and plan your maintenanceinto the future. By contacting competentprofessionals, you can also plan upgradesand other improvements down the road.

This article is not intended to be acomprehensive plan of inspection, butgive the reader a general idea as how tocheck for various deficiencies.

Brian Mishler is a 15-year veteran of homeinspection and is a past president of PRO-ASHI,

the local chapter of the American Society of HomeInspectors. You can get more information about

home inspection at www.pro-ashi.com

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Fore Groundsby Cathi Gerhard Williams

In the summer of 2005, I “covered” the Se-nior PGA golf tournament at Laurel ValleyGolf Club in Ligonier. I put that verb inquotes because I attended as a member ofthe press, but I knew NOTHING about golf.It was a big event for our area, so I decidedto find out what all the fuss was about.

I greatly appreciated being able to seeArnold Palmer play in his final professionalappearance, as well asmeeting other stars on thecircuit and the journalistswho report on the sport. Awalk in the woods is al-ways my idea of a goodtime, and so following theplayers on the course wasenvironmentally beauti-ful and relaxing for me.But golf was still just oneof the things I meant toget around to one day.

Four years later, I de-cided to hit the links atlast. First I travelled to Ari-zona in March to visit mycollege roommate. Theweather was gorgeous,and the golf courses at theresorts even more so. Istarted to understand justhow relaxing and fun itcould be – just to spend theday among such beautifullandscapes. The shopswere full of great classicclothes, equipment andgadgets, but I didn’t knowwhat to do with any of it.

When I returned fromvacation, it was time to getserious and decide on aplace to start. RoccoPanucci, General Managerat Chestnut Ridge Golf Re-sort and Conference Centerin Blairsville, invited me tocome out and spend the dayat the Tom’s Run coursethere. Knowledgeable andavid golfing buddy in tow, Itook him up on that. Concerned for the sanityof my friend on his mission to teach me, how-ever, I wondered – what makes Chestnut Ridgean equally great experience for novice and ex-perienced players alike?

“Like most resorts, we have four sets oftees so you can tee it up from a shortercourse if you are a beginner or from the Tipsif you are a low handicapper,” Rocco ex-plained. “Also we have 36 holes, so we canaccommodate golfers at all skill levels.”

We were greeted by an exceptionallyfriendly staff who pointed us in all the right

Scenes from the links at Chestnut RidgeGolf Resort and Conference Center.

directions, and started down the path to thefirst tee. Several weeks earlier, my “coach”had me practice driving with some whiffleballs in the field. This was my first attemptwith a real ball. Still uncomfortable with thefeel of a proper golf swing, and terribly tempt-ing to bend my arm, I made it even worse bylooking up. Taking my eye off the ball as Iswung, I sent it skidding across the grass

like a stone on a pond. Butwith the second swing, ittook flight. Several ganglysmacks later, the ball fi-nally found its way home.

The second tee waspositioned on a cliff over-looking the green, whichwas surrounded by severalhazards, including a lovelymeandering stream andold-fashioned stone walls.With a 4-iron, I sent theball soaring into the air,and then watched it plopright onto the green below.Giddy as the proverbialschoolgirl (which is sounlike me), I jumped upand down with excitement.Several people have toldme that there will alwaysbeen one shot that keepsyou coming back to playanother day. The tee-offfrom number 2 was mine,and the lucky 4-iron re-mained tenaciously grippedin my hand for the rest ofthe course.

“My first time was atLyndenwood in PetersTownship when I was 16years old,” recalled Rocco.“At that point it was a littlefrustrating, but after youhit a few good shots, youwonder why you neverplayed this game before.”

At my age (coming upon 40 this year, with badknees and a growing inter-

est in caftan fashion), there aren’t many sportsleft to start or even continue. Golf isn’t a lei-surely stroll in the park – it’s a long, enduringwalk that requires endurance and corestrength. But with some proper stretching (seepage 8) and lots of patience/practice, it’s look-ing like a great way to keep my body and mindin great shape. Unless, of course, I indulge in afew too many tempting and refreshing dollardrafts back at the Spike Bar every time I play around on a hot, summer day.

For more information about Chestnut Ridge,visit www.chestnutridgeresort.com


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There have been only 11 winners of the Triple Crown. The elite horsey setincludes Sir Barton (1919), Gallant Fox (1930), Omaha (1935), War Admiral(1937), Whirlaway (1941) Count Fleet (1943), Assault (1946), Citation (1948),Secretariat (1973), Seattle Slew (1977) and Affirmed (1978).

Sports writer Charles Hatton is often given the credit for coining the termTriple Crown in 1930 when Gallant Fox became the second horse to win all3 races.

Jockey Eddie Arcaro rode to two Triple Crown wins: the first on Whirlawayin 1941 and the second on Citation in 1948.

The last living Triple Crown winner, Seattle Slew, died on May 7, 2002.

In 1973 Secretariat became the only horse to ever break the 2-minute barrierat the Kentucky Derby with a time of 1:59-2/5. The horse face of the princelychestnut champion graced the covers of three national magazines and hewas voted Male Athlete of the Year.

Only 3 fillies have won the Kentucky Derby: Favored Regret (1915), GenuineRisk (1980) and Winning Colors (1988).

A tradition since 1909 the weathervane at Pimlico is repainted with the colorsof the Preakness Stakes winner after that horse crosses the finish line.

Black-eyed Susans do not bloom in Maryland until June, so the PreaknessBlanket is constructed of intertwined garlands of daisies with centers sprayedwith black lacquer.

First run in 1867 the Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races.The initial Preakness Stakes followed in 1873 and the first Kentucky Derbyin 1875.

The official drink of the Belmont Stakes was originally the White Carnation,but was replaced with the Belmont Breeze in 1998. (Find the peaches-and-creamy recipe for the White Carnation in this edition’s Reader Recipes atright on page 13.)

Triple Crown Trivia

Take any long road trip and you are boundto see signs for the “world’s largest this…”or the “world’s smallest that…”along theroadside. Roadside Giants, super-sizedstructures that were common during theearly days of both the Lincoln Highwayand Route 66, were designed as a creativeway for business owners to attractmotorists. Structures like Bedford’s 2 ½story Coffee Pot and York’s Shoe Houseare great examples of Roadside Giants.Some are losing their visibility due toland ownership changes and road work.The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor(LHHC) plans to change that as theirorganization nears the completion oftheir latest project, Roadside Giants ofthe Lincoln Highway.

This project will allow studentsfrom vocational and technical schoolsalong the Lincoln Highway (Route 30in PA) to design their own structuresfrom start to finish. It is a great wayfor students from all departments towork together towards a common goal,while adhering to a budget and meetingdeadlines.

Funding for the LHHC’s RoadsideGiant Project was one of 230 regionalgrant applications received, and one ofonly twelve projects chosen to be fundedby The Sprout Fund of the CommunityConnections ~ Pittsburgh 250th group.The Sprout Fund (founded in 2001) is a

Students “Pumped Up” over RoadsideGiants of the Lincoln Highway

nonprofit organization supportinginnovative ideas and grassrootscommunity projects that are catalyzingchange in Pittsburgh.

Students from career and technologycenters along the 200-Mile LincolnHighway Heritage Corridor, have beenbusy creating their giants sinceSeptember 2008. Graphic arts studentsdesigned the structures. The weldingstudents have played the largest role byfabricating and welding the giant out ofsteel and iron. Building trade studentshave been working with the weldingstudents to determine the best way toinstall the giant, and horticulturestudents may have the opportunity to dosome minor landscaping. Finally,culinary arts students will design andbake a giant cake in the same shape asthe school’s structure, to be shared withthe community at each school’sinstallation celebration.

“I love art and education. TheRoadside Giants of the Lincoln Highwayproject combined the two, and involvedthe community. It will create anothergreat photo op for all Lincoln Highwayroad trips this summer,” said OlgaHerbert, Executive Director of the LHHC.

The first of five giants, 21 ft.replica of a 1940’s gas pump designedby the students at the EasternWestmoreland Career & TechnologyCenter (EWCTC), was installed on April15 at the intersection of Routes 30 and259 in Ligonier Township, where theLHHC plans to build the LincolnHighway Experience welcome centerand attraction.

Just as important as the studentswho work on the project, are thecommunity committee members whohave participated in each of themeetings. Committee members includeartists, tourism promotion partners,business owners, and municipal officialswho have lent a hand with offeringadvice and ideas on the project, andhave contacted companies to assist theschools with the transportation and theinstallation of each giant. EWCTCcommittee members include JackieCavanaugh, Chuck DeNunzio, Jeff Kitsko,Ann Nemanic, Diana Nicolai, Bruce Shirey,Joanna Stillwagon, and Ron Weimer. Inaddition to the committees, a professionalstructural engineer has been hired tooversee each project.

For more information on this project, contact LeahCominsky, LHHC Marketing Manager, at 724-238-9030.


READER RECIPESTriple Crown Trifecta

The recipes included in this edition’s Reader Recipes are each associated with one ofthe jewels in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing: the original drink of theBelmont Stakes named for the race’s official flower; a crab casserole that could proudlybe served at Maryland’s Preakness; and a bourbon-laced dessert worthy of the sultriestsouthern belle and “the greatest two minutes in sports” – the Kentucky Derby. ATriple Crown Trifecta for our foodie readers!

– compiled by Barbara M Neill

White Carnation

2 oz. vodka ½ oz. peach schnapps2 oz. orange juice sodasplash of cream crushed ice

Stir liquors and soda together and pour over ice in a highball glass. Splashcream over top then garnish with an orange slice.

– www.horseracing.about.com

Crab Casserole

2 large eggs2 C. milk2½ C. seasoned croutons1 lb. fresh crab meat½ C. finely-chopped red pepper

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 1-1/2 quart baking dish with cookingspray. In a large bowl, beat eggs and milk together. Stir in croutons, crabmeat, diced red pepper, cheddar cheese, Old Bay, pepper and parsley. Pourinto prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.

– www.kidscooking.about.com

Bread Puddingwith Bourbon Sauce

1 lb. French style bread3¼ C. milk3 eggs2 t. vanilla¾ C. granulated sugar¼ t. cinnamon¼ C. pecans¼ C. raisins (optional)

Tear bread into medium pieces. Add sugar and cinnamon. Mix milk, lightlybeaten eggs and vanilla. Add to bread mixture. Place half of the mix in acasserole dish. Layer pecans and raisins, if used. Top with the rest of themix. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. To make sauce, combine allingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil for one minute. Serve warm withwarm bread pudding.

– www.kentuckyderby.info

Neigh Rides:A Horse for All Seasons

Showers, Flowers and the Thrill of the RaceI have seen flowers come in stony places

And kind things done by men with ugly facesAnd the gold cup won by the worst horse at the races,

So I trust too. – John Masefield

The May flowers that the Aprilshowers bring are truly thecrowning glory of spring and nonemore so than the 554 red rosesthat are placed upon the winner ofthe Kentucky Derby. However, bythe time you read this it’s likelythat that horse will have crossedthe finish line. The first leg of theTriple Crown of ThoroughbredRacing is held on the first Saturdayin May at Churchill Downs inLouisville, KY and is as celebratedfor its two minutes of lightning-like speed as it is its legendarymystique. The Horse is “the force”at the course, of course, but, vyingfor win-place-show behind thescenes are pre-and-post-race fêtes,trainer-owner backstories, cele-brity jockey stats and the fashionstatements of 155,000 mint julep-inspired spectators. Two weeksfollowing the Derby the PreaknessStakes is run at Pimlico RaceCourse in Baltimore, MD andpresents the winning three-year-old with a blanket of black-eyedSusans. The Belmont Stakesbrings up the rear three weekslater with a profusion of “winnerwhite” carnations at Belmont Parkin Elmont, NY. Although the secondand third races don’t generate quiteas much media flap as The Runfor the Roses, they are just as

essential to America’s classic trioof The Sport of Kings. (See TripleCrown Trivia at left for an historicalcompendium of the holy trinity ofhorseracing.)

I recently took my horse-lovingniece, Brandie, to Pittsburgh’sCarnegie Museum of NaturalHistory to view The Horse*, awonderfully informative exhibitthat examines the relationship ofman and the horse through theages. A sports history time capsuleworth the price of admission forthis writer was the encased displayof trophies belonging to Citation,the 1948 Triple Crown champion.Among many equine tidbits wetook away with us was theastounding cardio factoid that ahorse’s heart is the size of abasketball!

Not a betting woman by nature,I do feel a wager among friends onthe day of a Triple Crown race isnot unseemly or out of thequestion. For those readers whofollow the ponies on a more regularbasis, or would like to, below youwill find a listing of tri-state horseracing venues where you canspend a day at the races. If ever indoubt about which horses to placeyour bets on, you might want tofollow Woody Allen’s advice and “gowith your hunches.”

PennsylvaniaThe Meadows – Pittsburgh – www.themeadowsracing.com or 724-225-9300

Penn National Race Course – Grantville – www.pennnational.com or 717-469-2211Philadelphia Park – Bensalem – www.philadelphiapark.com or 1-888-238-2946

Pocono Downs – Wilkes-Barre – www.poconodowns.com or 570-831-2100

West VirginiaCharlestown Races – Charles Town – www.ctownraces.com or 1-800-795-7001Mountaineer Race Track & Resort – Chester – www.mtrgaming.com or 1-800-80-40-HOT!

OhioBeulah Park – Grove City – www.beulahpark.com or 614-871-9600

Lebanon Raceway – Lebanon – www.lebanonraceway.com or 513-932-4936Northfield Park – Northfield – www.northfieldpark.com or 330-467-4101Raceway Park – Toledo – www.racewayparktoledo.com or 419-476-7751

River Downs – Cincinnati – www.riverdowns.com or 513-232-8000Scioto Downs – Columbus – www.sciotodowns.com or 614-491-2515Thistledown – Cleveland – www.thistledown.com or 216-662-8600

*For more information about The Horse at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History visitwww.carnegiemnh.org or call 412-622-3131. (Exhibit on view through May 24, 2009)

– Barbara M. Neill

8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese1 t. Old Bay seasoning½ t. freshly-ground black pepper1 T. dried parsley½ C. grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce:

1 C. granulated sugar6 T. butter, melted½ cup buttermilk1 T. bourbon½ t. baking soda1 T. white corn syrup1 t. vanilla


MAY/JUNE 2009COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Tuesday, May 5 through May 15Westmoreland County Senior GamesMammoth Park and several otherlocations within the countyRegistration fee is $12. To register,contact the Westmoreland CountyBureau of Parks & Recreation bycalling 724-830-3950 or by visitingwww.co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks.

Wednesday, May 6 and Thursday, May7 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pmACS Relay for Life Basket Auctionand Plant SaleMemorial Conference Center Alcove,Westmoreland Hospital, 532 WestPittsburgh Street, GreensburgFor information, call 724-830-8505.

Wednesday, May 6 @ 10:30 amWednesday Morning MoviesGreater Latrobe Senior High SchoolCenter for Student Creativity, 131 HighSchool Road, Latrobe, PAFree to the public. To register, contactLatrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation at724-537-4331 or by [email protected].

Wednesday, May 6 @ 6:45 pmWestmoreland Night of the StarsThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets are $20and may be purchased by calling 724-853-2296.

Friday, May 8 @ 7:30 pmSt. Vincent College presents aSpring Wine and Tapas TastingMimi’s Kitchen, 520 Clay Avenue,Jeannette. Tickets are $20 and may bepurchased through the St. VincentAlumni Office by calling 724-805-2568or by emailing [email protected]

Saturday, May 9 @ 8:00 pmWestmoreland Choral Society presentsGershwin, Berlin and FriendsWestmoreland County CommunityCollege Science Hall Theater,Youngwood. 24-853-2763.

Saturday, May 9May Mart - West Overton Museums9:30 am - 1:00 pmwww.westovertonvillage.org

Sunday, May 10 @ 7:30Antiques and Collectibles SaleHanna’s Town, Forbes Road,Greensburg. Admission is $3 per car.For information, contact theWestmoreland County HistoricalSociety at 724-836-1800.

Sunday, May 10 @ 10:00 amMother’s Day Brunch at SevenSprings Mountain ResortSlopes Dining Room in the ConventionHall, Seven Springs Mountain Resort,777 Waterwheel Drive, Seven SpringsTickets are free to children under 3,$8.95 for children between the ages of4-7, $14.95 for children between theages of 8-12, and $29.95 for teens andadults. Reservations can be made bycalling 1-800-452-2223, ext. 6000.

Sunday, May 10 @7:30 pmElko Concerts presents QueensrycheThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets are $35,40 and 45 - Ticketmaster

Tuesday, May 12 @ 11:00 am –12:00 pmStage Right Presents“Books Come Alive 2009”Jeannette Public Library, 500 McgeeAvenue, Jeannette. Free to the public.For information, call Hope Sehring @724-523-5702.

Tuesday, May 12@ 7:30 pmWestmoreland Cultural Trust presentsMichael Flayley’sLord of the DanceThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets are $35and $45 and may be purchased bycalling 724-836-1123.

Wednesday, May 13 @ 10:30am, 1:30pmPittsburgh Public Works presentsTeddie’s Treasures: Fun FactoryReed Room, Adams Memorial Library,Latrobe. Pre-registration is required.Call 724-537-4383 or [email protected].

Wednesday, May 13 @ 6:00 pmPittsburgh Public Works presentsTeddie’s Treasures: Fun FactoryUnity Library, 156 Beatty-County Road,Latrobe. Pre-registration is required.Call 724-532-1480.

Wednesday, May 13 at 1:30Greater Latrobe Community ChorusBarnes House, Latrobe

May 15-16May Mart Flower and Craft FestivalS&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike,Indiana. Over 100 Vendors. Kid’sKorner. Orphan’s Court Plants at aDiscount! IGC Kitchen anddemonstrations. For more information,call 724-349-8763.

Friday, May 15 @ 7:30 pmWestmoreland Cultural Trust presentsMagic Tree House: The MusicalThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets range from$28 through $12 and may bepurchased by calling 724-836-1123

Friday, May 15& Saturday, May 16 @ 3:00 pm2009 Ligonier Relay for LifeWeller Field, LigonierRegister by contacting the AmericanCancer Society in Greensburg724-834-9081

Friday, May 15 @ 7:00 pmAction for Animals Humane Society’sAnnual Auction for the AnimalsGiannillis II, Route 30, GreensburgTickets are $20 and may be purchasedby calling Gretchen at 724-961-7363.

Tuesday, May 19 @ 9:00 amthrough 9:30 pmLatrobe-Unity Parks & RecreationBus Trip to Meadows/Tanger OutletMemorial Stadium Parking Lot, LatrobeTickets are $20 and may be purchasedby contacting LUP&R at 724-537-4331.

Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00Greater Latrobe Community ChorusNew Haven Court, Greensburg

Wednesday, May 20 @ 10:00 amFlower Power: A Saint VincentCollege Tiny Wonder PresentationWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve, St.Vincent College, LatrobeThe program is designed for 2 through4 year olds accompanied by an adult.Registration reqd by, 724-537-5284.

Wednesday, May 20 @ 8:00 pmElko Concerts presentsThird Eye BlindThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets are $25and $30 and may be purchasedthrough Ticketmaster

Wednesday, May 20 at 7:30The Iron Furnacesof Westmoreland CountyWestmoreland County HistoricalSociety, Stark Building. 41 WOtterman St in Greensburg. Lightrefreshments, reservations: 724-836-1800. $3 members, $5 non-members.

Wednesday, May 20 at 10:00 amTiny Wonder Time: Flower PowerWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve inLatrobe. www.wpnr.org 724-537-5284

May 21-23Greensburg Community DaysSummer fun begins at Lynch Fieldwith the 15th annual GreensburgCommunity Days on Thursday, May21st at 6 p.m. until Sunday, May24th at 5 p.m. Enjoy free liveentertainment, food and craft booths,carnival rides for the kids, and thefabulous Zambelli fireworks display at9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 23rd. Thisyear, the fireworks display willfeature a special memorial tribute toWayne Johnson, a foundingCommunity Days Committee memberand City Councilman.

Thursday, May 21 through Sunday,May 24 @ 7:30 pmCelebrate PoeThe Geyer Performing Arts Center,111 Pittsburgh St., ScottdaleTickets are $8 and may be purchasedby calling 724-887-0887 or by visitingwww.geyerpac.com

Friday, May 22: 11:30 am – 2:00 pmVintage Paper Dolls: Memories ofChildhood Play and Records ofPopular CultureRedstone Highlands, Greensburg. Tealuncheon will be served. WestmorelandHistorical Society, 724-836-1800

Saturday, May 23Springs Farmers MarketOpen Saturdays for the season throughSeptember 12. 8 am - 1 pmwww.springspa.org

May 25 Memorial Day Activities –Blairsville Underground Railroad.11:00am – 3:00pm. The “Passport toFreedom” group will participate in theparade which starts at 11:00am andends at the cemetery for services. TheUnderground Railroad will be open forvisitors following the services. TheCenter features several exhibits,including “Day in the Life of anEnslaved Child” – The Center will beopen from Memorial Day until LaborDay on Saturdays from 10:00am –2:00pm and on Sundays from 1:00pmuntil 3:00pm.

Tuesday, May 26 @ 6:30 pmJoining the DAR: Tips from a ProLigonier Valley Library, 120 West MainStreet, Ligonier

Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 pmCabaret Night - Patriotic PicnicDinner and acoustic music at LigonierCountry Inn. Reservations 724-238-6514.

Friday, May 29 @ 7:30 pmBig Brothers, Big Sisters presentThe Fabulous HubcapsThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, GreensburgTickets are $20.

May 29-31Happy Birthday Westmoreland!A weekend of festivities for the wholefamily celebrating the WestmorelandMuseum of American Art’s illustriouspast and a look forward to an evengreater future. 221 N Main St inGreensburg. 724-837-1500.www.wmuseumaa.org

Sunday, May 31 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Ligonier & Laurel Valley High SchoolJazz Bands

June 1 at 7:00 pmWhiskey, Music and Magic: AnotherView of the Scots-IrishWestmoreland Historical Society, StarkBuilding. 41 W Otterman St inGreensburg. Free for members, $3 fornon-members. 724-836-1800

June 2 - August 23Rogers McFeely Memorial PoolOpen seven days, 1-8 pm.724-537-6401

June 2 at 7:00 pmHarrold Cemetary Walk:Civil War VeteransFree. Rain date: June 14 at 2 pm.

Thursday, June 4 through Sunday,June 7 @ 7:30 pmAnnie Get Your GunThe Geyer Performing Arts Center,111 Pittsburgh St., ScottdaleTickets are $8 and may be purchasedby calling 724-887-0887 or by visitingwww.geyerpac.com

June 5-6 at 7:30 pmPatsy & FriendsLigonier Theater. 724-238-6514www.valleyplayers.org

Friday, June 5 at 5:00 pmGreater Latrobe Community ChorusFirst Church of God, Latrobe

June 5-7Saltsburg Canal DaysCanal Park, Saltsburg, PA Fri: 6:00pm-10:00pm; Sat: 9:00am – 10:00pm; Sun:12:00pm – 6:00pm. This weekend’sactivities include a quilt show, duckrace, flag retirement ceremony, paradeand fireworks. Also be sure to stop bythe Herb Society behind the museum.Call for more information 724-639-9413.

Saturday, June 6, 9am - 2pmSt. Michael’s of the Valley59th Annual Country FairRoute 381 South in Rector.


To submit your event to this calendar,please email complete information to:[email protected]? Call 724-537-6845

Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 amPlanting Your Own Native WildflowerLandscape – A Walk and TalkWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve inLatrobe. 724-537-5284. www.wpnr.org

June 6 thru AugustCountry MartThistle & Pine, Rte 119, MarionCenter. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday.Vendors: Sign up for a space at theCountry Mart! Call between the hoursof 10:00am and 5:00pm or leave amessage on the machine. Ask forTeresa. Vendors: Farmers withproduce, Booster organizations,Crafters. Call for more Information724-397-2442.

Sunday, June 7New Alexandria Antique Car Cruisewww.newalexpa.com.

Sunday, June 7 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Swing City

Tuesday, June 9 through July 7Movies, Motoer & Memories:Pennsylvania’s Drive-In TheatersExhibitPennsylvania Room, Ligonier ValleyLibrary, 120 West Main St, Ligonier.For information call 724-238-6451.

Wednesday, June 10 @ 10:30 amWednesday Morning MoviesGreater Latrobe Senior High SchoolCenter for Student Creativity, 131 HighSchool Road, Latrobe, PA. Free to thepublic. To register, contact Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation at 724-537-4331 or by emailing [email protected]

Thursday, June 11 @ 10:30 amLatrobe-Unity Parks & Recreationpresents Rugrats in the WildCreekside Pavilion, Legion-KeenerPark, Latrobe. Designed for childrenaged 3 or 4, fees are $8 for Latroberesidents and $10 for non-residents andmay be made by calling 724-537-4331.

Thursday, June 11 @ 1:00 pmLatrobe-Unity Parks & Recreationpresents Insect SafariCreekside Pavilion, Legion-KeenerPark, Latrobe. Designed for childrenaged 7 through 12, fees are $8 forLatrobe residents and $10 for non-residents and may be made by calling724-537-4331

Friday, June 12 @ 11:00amthrough 5:00 pmBus Trip to Mountain PlayhouseMemorial Stadium Parking Lot, Latrobe$65 fee includes transportation to andfrom the theater from Latrobe, ticketsto the play I’ll Never be Hungry Again,and lunch at Our Coal Miner’s Café.For tickets, call Latrobe-Unity Parks &Recreation at 724-537-4331.

Saturday, June 13Antiques on the DiamondDowntown Ligonier, 8am - 4pm724-238-4200 www.ligonier.com

Saturday, June 13 @ 2:00 pm & 7:00 pmLaurel Ballet presents Equinox,Golden Book, and Four PauseThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg. Tickets are $20,$15 & $10 and can be purchased bycalling 724-836-8000.

Saturday, June 13Annual “Pick- A – Dilly Herb Faire”Dillweed Bed and Breakfast, 7453 Rte403 Hwy South, Dilltown, PA.10:00am – 5:00pm Annual Herbextravaganza! Vendors, artisans, areagrowers, free demonstrations.Sponsored by the Indiana County HerbGroup. Call for more information 814-446-6465.

June 13- 14Jimmy Stewart Airport FestivalIndiana County Jimmy Stewart Airport,389 Airport Road. Indiana, PA.Celebrating the 50th anniversary of theairport being named in honor ofIndiana’s favorite son, Jimmy Stewart.There will be activities for childrenand Chapter 993 of the ExperimentalAircraft Association will be providingfree airplane rides for youths eightthrough seventeen. There will also befixed wing aircraft rides for a fee, andan all you can eat pancake breakfasthosted by the local Civil Air Patrolsquadron, as well as various foodvendors. Call for more information724-463-3883.

June 13-14Jimmy Stewart Museum FestivalJimmy Stewart Museum, 835Philadelphia Street, Indiana.Hometown Hero Festival ’09.TheJimmy Stewart Airport and JimmyStewart Museum will, this year,partner for their annual publicfestivals. Both events honor Indiana’sHometown Hero, international filmicon and ace bomber pilot, JamesStewart.www.jimmy.org 724-349-6112.

Sunday, June 14 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Jeannette Community Band

Sunday, June 14, 2-5 pmMahajibee BluesConcerts at the BandshellLegion Keener Park in Latrobe

Sunday, June 14Modern Masters – WestmorelandMuseum of American Art221 N Main St in Greensburg. 724-837-1500. www.wmuseumaa.org

Sunday, June 14 @ 7:30 amthrough early afternoonAntiques and Collectibles SaleHanna’s Town, Forbes Road,Greensburg. Admission is $3 per car.For information, contact theWestmoreland County HistoricalSociety at 724-836-1800

Monday, June 15through Friday, June 19 @ 10:00 amYWCA of Westmoreland Countypresents RoboLab Camp IYWCA, 424 North Main Street,Greensburg. Technology camp for girlsaged 11 through 14, cost is $110 formembers and $130 for non-members.Register by calling the YWCA @ 724-834-9390 or by [email protected].

Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 amTiny Wonder Time:Summer Storms and SunshineWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve inLatrobe. www.wpnr.org 724-537-5284

June 18-196th Annual National RoadChainsaw Carving Festival8am - 8pm, Addison’s CommunityPark. 814-395-3469www.carvingfest.org

Friday, June 19Aerobic CenterThird Annual Golf OutingMt. Odin Golf Course. Four-personscramble with 9am shotgun start. $60/person or $240/foursome. Appetizersdonated by WingStop; dinner donatedby Texas Roadhouse. 724-834-2153.www.theaerobiccenter.org

Friday, June 19 @ 7:30 pm, Saturday,June 20 & Sunday, June 21 @ 2:30 pmValley Players of Ligonier presentSchoolhouse Rock, Jr.Ligonier Theater, 208 West MainStreet, Ligonier. Adult’s tickets are $8,children’s tickets are $6, childrenunder 5 are free. 724-238-6514.

June 19-20Miners’ Memorial Day WeekendWindber. www.echf.windberpa.org

Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21Children’s Living HistoryCompass Inn Museum, Laughlinton724-238-4983 www.compassinn.com

Saturday, June 20 @ 7:00 pmSound StageThe Geyer Performing Arts Center,111 Pittsburgh St., ScottdaleTickets are $5 and may be purchasedby calling 724-887-0887 or by visitingwww.geyerpac.com. Tickets cost $7 ifpurchased at the door.

Sunday, June 21 @ 6:30 pmJohnny Angel and The HalosIrwin Park AmphitheaterFree concert. For information, callIrwin Civic Activities Committee at724-864-3100.

Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Blairsville Community Band

Saturday, June 27 @ 8:00 pmWestmoreland Cultural Trustpresents David BrennerThe Palace Theater, 23 W. OttermanStreet, Greensburg Tickets are $25 &$28 and may be purchased by calling724-836-1123.

Sunday, June 28 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Glass City Swing Band

July 1-535th Annual Polka FireworksSeven Springs Mountain Resortwww.polkafireworks.com 814-352-7777

July 3Latrobe 4th of July 5-Mile Run

July 3-5Celebrate Our Countryin the CountryEnjoy a complimentary Horse DrawnWagon Ride Saturday & Sundaythrough the OLD SMICKSBURG PARKand learn the history of Smicksburg. ABluegrass band and he KittanningConcert Band will perform. Sign up towin a 2-night stay at the IndianaHoliday Inn. Visit the Many SpecialtyShops. www.smicksburg.net.814-257-0192.

GCC ScholarshipAwardees Named

As part of the organization'songoing efforts to foster theideals of higher education theGreensburg College Club hasannounced its 2009 highschool scholarship winners.Receiving this year's Eliza-beth Spangler MemorialScholarship of $1000.00 isAshley Contino of the Hemp-field Area School District.Shayna Cohen and AshleyYagla, also of Hempfield Area,will receive $1000.00 each.Greensburg Salem SchoolDistrict's Hannah Tatro andAmber Trumbetta will beawarded amounts of $500.00.

July 4• Picnic celebration at WestmorelandMuseum of American Art• Greater Latrobe Community Chorus –Latrobe Country Club (7:00 pm)• Latrobe: Parade (10:30 am),Fireworks (9:30 pm)• Indiana Lions Club 4th of JulyCelebration (10 am. to 10:30 pm)Indiana County Fairgrounds• Idlewild - Fireworks (10:00 pm)• PA Hero Walk Benefit Concert (noon)Valley High School, New Kensington

Sunday, July 5 at 7:00 pmLigonier Summer Band Concert –Scottdale Area Concert Band


Major American CancerSociety Study to Take Placeat Latrobe Relay For Life

The American CancerSociety’s Cancer Preven-tion Study-3 (CPS-3), willtake place at this year’sLatrobe Area Relay For Life,June 20-21, at LatrobeMemorial Stadium.

As always, the Amer-ican Cancer Society invitesyou to form a team and comeout and participate in thefun and excitement of RelayFor Life to raise vital fundsfor the American CancerSociety’s programs of cancerresearch, education, advo-cacy and patient services,all of which are offered freeof charge to cancer patientsas well as their families.

This year, however, theLatrobe Relay For Life willhave more importance thanever before, as it will be ahost site of the nationalresearch study – CPS-3.

The study, which willenroll a diverse populationof half a million peopleacross the United States,will help researchers betterunderstand the lifestyle,environmental, and geneticfactors that cause or pre-vent cancer, and willfurther efforts to eliminatecancer as a major healthconcern for future gener-ations. Latrobe will be one

of over 200 enrollment sitescurrently scheduled for2009, nearly double thenumber of sites that tookpart in 2008.

Participants must bebetween the ages of 30 and65, must never have beendiagnosed with cancer, andmust be willing to make along-term commitment tothe study, which simplymeans filling out follow-upsurveys at their homeperiodically. To enroll in thestudy, individuals will beasked to complete a briefwritten survey, provide awaist measurement, andgive a small blood sample atthe Relay enrollment site,in addition to completing abaseline survey at theirhome. And for the first timein more than 50 years ofconducting these kinds ofstudies, the Society ismaking it possible forparticipants to completetheir baseline and follow-upquestionnaires online.

The Latrobe Relay ForLife on June 20 at LatrobeMemorial Stadium, from 1PM to 5 PM, will be the onlytime CPS-3 will be enrollingin Western Pennsylvaniathis year. While initialenroll-ment takes just 20 to

30 minutes, the study isexpec-ted to produce benefitsfor decades to come. Whilescience can do a lot to explainthe biology and genetics ofcancer, some of the mostvaluable information wehave is a direct result of thecontributions of dedicatedindividuals over severalgenerations.

We are once againlooking to the dedication,compassion, and generosity ofAmericans to come throughand help us provide answersthat we know will save livesand improve the outlook forfuture generations.

For more information orto learn how to becomeinvolved with CPS-3, visitwww.cancer.org/cps3, [email protected], or call toll-free 1-888-604-5888. Wehope that we can count onyour participation!

Pennsylvania Division – Western RegionServing the counties of Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler,

Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana,Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango, Warren,

Washington & Westmoreland

320 Bilmar Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205t) 1-888-ACS-5445 f) 412.919.1101

Cancer Information 1.800.ACS.2345 www.cancer.org

The official registration and financial information of theAmerican Cancer Society, Pennsylvania Division may be

obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State bycalling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800.732.0999.

Registration does not imply endorsement

Confused AboutThe Stimulus Plan?

Ask An Expert!

Providing Value and Relationships to Real Estate Closings

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Accounting

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ROBERT LYNN, OWNER

RD 1 - BOX 1074 • RUFFSDALE, PA 15679

Phone: 724-696-3162

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009(Pub.L. 111-5) is an economic stimulus packageenacted by the 111th United States Congress andsigned into law by President Barack Obama onFebruary 17, 2009. There are lots of tax creditsavailable to consumers, including:• 30% Energy Efficiency credits for homeimprovements such as HVAC, insulation, windowsand doors.• Up to $8,000 credit for new home purchases andconstruction.• Mid 2009 maximum tax rebates of $600 forunmarried persons and $1,200 for married couples.Plus an additional $300 per qualifying child.

There is a lot of buzz going around right now aboutthese funds and how to qualify for them. The completeplan is available at: www.recovery.gov. But if you wouldrather talk to a live person who can help you sortthrough the material, consider contacting one thefollowing experts in the related stimuls fields:

The latest exhibition at the Southern Alleghenies Museumof Art at Ligonier Valley celebrates the picturesquelandscape of Western Pennsylvania with works by two ofthe region’s most accomplished artists. In A ChangingLandscape: From the City to the Countryside, viewerswill find nearly 100 plein air and impressionisticpaintings created by Pittsburgh artist Ron Donoughe andBedford artist Kevin Kutz. The exhibition of urban andrural landscapes and industrial scenes opens May 1 andwill remain on view through August 1.

The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art at Ligonier Valley islocated at One Boucher Lane and Route 711 South in Ligonier.Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday throughFriday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. The Museum is ahandicapped-accessible facility and is open to the public freeof charge. For more information, please call the Museum at724-238-6015 or visit www.sama-art.org.


John Hanna, OwnerPHONE: (724) 537-5140 • FAX: (724) 537-0687

www.hannainsuranceagency.us

Hanna Insurance AgencyHanna Insurance Agency

John Hanna, OwnerPHONE: (724) 537-5140 • FAX: (724) 537-0687

www.hannainsuranceagency.us

Weatheringthe storms of life

with you . . .since 1959!

Twenty-seven students from schools in southwest Pennsylvania were hon-ored at Ligonier Valley Writers’ eighteenth annual Student Poetry Awardsceremony Saturday at the Barnes & Noble in Greensburg.

The winners of the Paul Spencer Poetry Award for rhymed verse (spon-sored by Kathleen and Paul S. Brittain) are Evan Gerney of North Star MiddleSchool in Stoystown (first place for “Green”), Caleb Smith of Bellmar MiddleSchool in Belle Vernon (second for “Milk and Cookies”) and Breann Saxberg,also of Bellmar MS (third for “Art”).

Winners of the Chestnut Ridge Literary Award for unrhymed verse (spon-sored by Lou and Barbara Steiner) are Paisley Adams of Aquinas Academy,Greensburg (first place for “Waterfall”), Ashley Kelly of North Star MS (sec-ond for “Red”) and Thomasina Hinkle of New England Elementary School,West Mifflin (third place for “A Family of Seven”).

Winners of the Hayden Savinda Memorial Award for haiku (sponsoredby Ron Shafer) are Tiernie Singleton (first prize for “Summer Sky”), KanePeterson (second for “Freeze”) and Kristin Cenerosky (third for “Noisy Birds”).All three go to Bellmar Middle School.

Winners of the Highview Farm Award for traditional verse (sponsoredby Bruce and Sally Shirey) are Cody Menges of Bellmar MS (first prize for“Poetry”), Scott Bauer of Central Cambria Middle School, Ebensburg (secondfor “The Home Run”) and Taylor Maldonado of Bellmar MS (third for “TheInvisible Girl”).

Winners of the Shirey Poetry Award for free verse (sponsored by Bruceand Sally Shirey) are Chris Nischalke of Central Cambria MS (first prize for“W*I*R*E*D”), Kelcie Sztroin of Bellmar MS (second for “Typical . . . like allthe rest”) and Kara Goughnour of Central Cambria MS (third for “Monday”).

Winners of the Ogden Nash Award for light humorous verse (sponsoredby Anita Staub) are Isaac A. Mastalski of Indiana Area Junior High (firstprize for “Freddie the Frog”), Taylor Maldonado of Bellmar MS (second for“The World beyond My Closet”) and Emilie Samella of Greater Latrobe JuniorHigh (third for “The Language of Dogs”).

Winners of the Log House Award (in memory of Tina Thoburn) are KathyGates of Albert Gallatin High School, Uniontown (first prize for “Apollo Unde-fined”) and Brittany Spencer of Indiana Area Senior High (third for “Influential”).

Winners of the Wordcrafters Literary Award (sponsored by GwenLoughner) are Emmaly Bridge of Derry Area High School (first prize for “WhatI Believe”), Hala Ben Salamh of Indiana Area Senior High (second for “Gone”)and Azi Ben Salamh (third for “Confess”).The winner of the Marie Martin Memorial Award (sponsored by Phil andMary Lou Fleming) is Ashley Carmo of Palmyra Area High School in Palmyrafor “I Am Waiting.”

The Walter McGough Memorial Award is for the best of the best in itscategory. Winners are Adam Trexler of Central Cambria MS for “Sad,” ZachZadrozny of Bellmar MS for “The Drag Races” and Jackie Fyock of AlbertGallatin HS for “Infatuation.”

The winning students read their poems aloud to an audience of proudfamily members, teachers and others. They received certificates, bookletscontaining all the winning poems, and cash prizes (which many promptlyspent on books).

Ligonier Valley Writers holds the Student Poetry Contest for studentsin grades 4-12 every spring. This year, more than 200 entries were re-ceived. LVW is a nonprofit group serving writers and readers throughoutwestern Pennsylvania. It offers events throughout the year, including theinteractive mystery play, the summer conference, and various talks andworkshops. The conference is July 18 this year. For more about any LVWevents and publications, as well as lessons on writing poetry, visitwww.LVWonline.org.

First row, l to r: Thomasina Hinkle, Evan Gerney, Paisley Adams, BreannSaxberg, and Kristin Cenerosky. Second row, l to r: Ashley Kelly, IsaacMastalski, Chris Nischalke, Caleb Smith, Kara Goughnour, and TaylorMaldonado. Third row, l to r: Zach Zadrozny, Jackie Fyock, Kathy Gates,Brittany Spencer, and Emilie Samella.

Local Students Win Poetry Awards

Witness For The Prosecution - May 1 & 2 at 8 PM and May 3 at 2:30 PM.Tickets: Adults (18+) $15, Seniors (62+) $13, Students $7.

Schoolhouse Rock, Live! Jr. - June 19 at 7:30 pm and June 20 & 21 at 2:30 pm.Tickets: Adults & Seniors $8, Students (6-18) $6, Children (5 & under) FREE.

Patsy & Friends - Musical Tribute featuring the hits of Patsy Cline (Cathi Rhodes),Johnny Cash (Eric Harris) & Loretta Lynn (Kasey Zemba).

June 5 & 6 at 7:30 pm. All seats $10.

Cabaret Night - 'Patriotic Picnic' featuring dinner & acoustic music at LigonierCountry Inn on May 28 at 6:30 pm. Reservations and ticket info: 724-238-6514.

All Shows (except Cabaret) at the Ligonier Theater, 210 West Main Street, Ligonier. Reservations: 724-238-6514or email [email protected]. Visit our website for more info: www.valleyplayers.org.

People Around the World Love the Laurel Mountain Post!Manas Shirgaokar shares our holiday 2008 edition with a friend outside the

Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai, India last November.


Contact : SueAnn ZippiIndependent Consultant

[email protected]

SpringsFarmersMarket

A wide selection offresh produce,

home baked goods(fresh donuts made

Saturday mornings!),quilts, antiques,plants, tools, etc.

SaturdaysMay 23 - Sept 12

8 am - 1 pm

www.springspa.orgRoute 669

Springs, PA

Excela Health sponsors supportand education programs for thosewith cancer or those newlydiagnosed with cancer and theirsupport persons at locationsthroughout its service area.

Programs are held incooperation with the ArnoldPalmer Pavilion, a UPMC CancerCenter and joint partnership withExcela Health, Mountain ViewMedical Park, Greensburg.

The Power of Low-Fat:Nutrition for Breast CancerSurvivors meets 2:30 to 3:30p.m., May 7, Arnold PalmerPavilion. Participants meet witha registered dietitian for anintroductory session and one-on-one counseling to implement thislifestyle improvement regimen.

Cancer Education SupportGroup, offered 6:30 to 8 p.m., May14, Arnold Palmer Pavilion, isespecially for those diagnosed withcancer and their support persons.

Look Good, Feel Bettermeets 6 to 8 p.m., May 5,Conference Room A, First Floor,Frick Hospital and 3 to 5 p.m.,May 11, Arnold Palmer Pavilion.A workshop that deals withemotions, appearance andsociological side effects related tocancer and its treatment, thisprogram is held in cooperationwith the American CancerSociety. Call 1-800-227-2345 formore information.

Leukemia and LymphomaSociety Family Support is

Cancer Care ProgramsOffered at Excela Health

offered 6:30 to 8 p.m., May 21,Arnold Palmer Pavilion. Thisgroup is for those with bloodcancer such as myeloma.

Nutrition Therapy isavailable 10 to 11 a.m., May 28,Arnold Palmer Pavilion. Patientsmeet with a registered dietitianduring this informal Question andAnswer session to have specificnutrition needs addressed.

Other programs offered atExcela Health include:

Breast Cancer SurvivorEducation Group, held 6 to 8p.m., May 5, Conference Room D,First Floor, Westmoreland Hospital,is an on-going support group forthose with the diagnosis of or thoserecovering from breast cancer.

US Too Prostate CancerSupport meets 7 to 9:30 p.m.,May 28, Conference Room D, FirstFloor, Westmoreland Hospital.

To register or for moreinformation, visit www.excelahealth.org or contact ExcelaHealth’s Call Center, toll free, 1-877-771-1234.

Excela Health, Westmoreland County’slargest employer, joins together some800 physicians and allied healthprofessionals in 35 specialties toprovide health care to WestmorelandCounty and parts of Fayette andIndiana counties. With a workforce of4,800, Excela Health offers traditionalinpatient care through hospitals inGreensburg, Jeannette, Latrobe andMount Pleasant, outpatient treatmentand specialty services to rank as theregion’s third largest health carenetwork.

SteelersBasketballFundraiser

Farmers' Markets ofCentral Westmoreland

Local ProducersServing Your Community

PA Farm Market Vouchers Accepted. Organic Products AvailableFor more information call: 724-834-2334

DoDoDoDoDownwnwnwnwntototototownwnwnwnwn RoRoRoRoRouuuuute 66te 66te 66te 66te 66

G G G G Greensreensreensreensreensbbbbburgurgurgurgurg Farm StandFarm StandFarm StandFarm StandFarm StandWestmoreland Museum of American Art Business Route 66NTuesdays 3-6pm (May–Oct) Thursdays 3-6pm (July–October)

Lynch FieldLynch FieldLynch FieldLynch FieldLynch Field TTTTTedededededdddddy’s Restay’s Restay’s Restay’s Restay’s RestauranuranuranuranurantttttFFFFFarararararmers Mmers Mmers Mmers Mmers Marararararkkkkkeeeeettttt MMMMMarararararkkkkkeeeeetttttRt. 119 N. Lynch Field Park Rt. 30 N. HuntingdonSaturdays 9am—noon (June–October) Saturdays 8am–noon (June–October)

Hempfield Area School Districtinvites the community to meet theSteelers Basketball Team onSunday, May 17, as they take onHASD staff members. The event isa fundraiser for Fallyn McNamara,a student at West HempfieldElementary, who has a diseasecalled Epidermolysis Bullosa. She isawaiting a call to go to the Universityof Minnesota for a bone marrowtransplant (more information isavailable at the “Friends of Fallyn”website www.helpfallyn.org).

The Steelers decdided to extendtheir basketball season to supportFallyn’s cause. A halftime autographsession is planned, as well as rafflesfor autographed jerseys, a signed SuperBowl program, and photos. Copies ofNorwin graduate Jim Weixel’s bookSteeler Nation will also be available with$12.50 from each purchase untilFather’s Day benefitting Fallyn.

Doors open at Hempfield’s newgym at 12:30 pm, the game beginsat 2:00 pm. Tickets are $7, andrefreshments will be available.


THE LIGONIER CHEF

Delicious Depression? O-tay!I can’t help but notice recently howmany people are consideringplanting a garden this year. I’veread articles on the internet, thesustainable agriculture conferencehad it’s biggest turnout ever, andwatched several how-to televisionshows. However, my favoriteindication though was a couple thatwas at Lowe’s in late March askingfor vegetable plants. I overheardthem telling the sales assistantthat they were planting a gardenfor the first time ever and wantedto get started early. The sales clerkwas trying to explain that theywouldn’t be getting any plants infor several more weeks becauseit was too early to plant. Thecouple was relentless andexplained they needed tohave the plants now,because in a couple ofmonths they’d be too busy toplant their garden. Theexasperated clerk asked ifthey weren’t going to havetime to plant the gardenlater, when were they goingto have time to tend it. It wasperfectly clear that neitherhad ever planted anything intheir lives before.

I had to walk away shortlyafter listening to the clerkexplain to them that gardensneed to be tended to nearlyevery day. As I was walkingaway the last thing I heardthe couple say, “we’replanting a garden to savemoney on our grocery billlike they did during thedepression, since we’rehaving another depressionnow.” Wow!

Growing up I lived rightacross the yard from mygrandmother, who incident-ally, survived the depression.I remember her tellingstories of how people wouldcome to her house to washclothes because her wellhadn’t gone dry. Or how theneighbors would barter everythingfrom vegetables and meat toservices and furniture. It was veryclear through all the stories that

the only reason they survived isbecause they all worked together.

I know that their communitydidn’t have the number of peoplein it that we have now, but what agreat concept. What if that couplethat didn’t have time to tend totheir garden everyday approachedtheir neighbors and asked them ifthey’d like to join in their garden-ing adventure? Surely they wouldsucceed if they had some addi-tional help. It would be a small-scale community-supported agri-culture project.

I know that we had an enor-mous garden growing up eventhough there wasn’t a depression.My brother and I had little help

tending to it, and it was aninordinate amount of work. Wecould clearly see why people gotaway from it. There really issomething to be done everyday.

Whether it’s watering, weeding,fertilizing, hilling up the potatoes,picking ripe product … which, ofcourse, then needed to be cleaned,cooked and canned for the winter.

One day we were planting a 25-yard row of green beans, and I wasbelligerent and crabby. When I wasasked why I was crying about it Isaid, “I’m thinking about how longit’s going to take to pick them”.

Now that I garden for myself(and it’s not an acre patch) Iappreciate having learned how togrow everything from watermelonsto haricots verts.

Perhaps one of my favoritestories from my grandmother andthe depression was over dinner one

night. Since we lived onlysteps away we all atetogether frequently if noteveryday. One night wewere having stuffedcabbage and mashedpotatoes. Not one of myfavorite meals, but “inthose days” … which, bythe by, were not that longago ... you ate what wasserved for dinner or youdidn’t eat. There was noneof this nonsense of makingFrench bread pizzas forchildren who didn’t likewhat was made for dinner.After my first bite Irealized that these werenot Granny’s typicalstuffed cabbage. They hada unique and deliciousflavor. I tore through the firstone and was finished beforeanyone else at the table andasked for another. I told my grandmother theywere delicious and askedwhat the “round things” werein it. She said they werebuckwheat groats. Duringthe depression rice wasapparently a commodity.Buckwheat was easy to growhere: so many people used

it in place of rice. After my secondhelping I told her again how deliciousthey were. Without missing a beatshe said, “this is depression food— you’re not supposed to like it!!”

My regular readers know thatI believe that recipes are a spring-board idea, unless of course you’rebaking. “Cooking is an art, bakingis a science,” is a mantra I firmlybelieve in. With that in mind thenext time you’re making stuffedcabbage, why don’t you try usingSavoy cabbage and buckwheatgroats instead of the dead commongreen cabbage and rice? It’s not onlybetter in flavor it’s more nutritionalas well.

I like to hope that we can cometogether as a nation and stop beingso divided. Perhaps if we steppedback a little and remembered thatin the grand scheme of things weare one race: human. Even on theback of a one-dollar bill it says “E.Pluribus Unum,” loosely translated,“from many come one.” I’mconvinced this mind set is the onlyway we are going to emerge fromour current woes.

If you are considering plantingsome vegetables this year to saveon your grocery bill, why notconsider either asking yourneighbor to join the adventure withyou? Or at least plant an extraplant or two and give the extraproduce away. Surely once yourneighbor gets a taste of howdelicious something freshly pickedfrom your back yard tastes they’llbe onboard for helping out nextyear. Also, if you are planting,consider buying your plants from alocal greenhouse instead of acorporate conglomerate.

One piece of advice I find fun,if not really helpful, comes fromAlan Titchmarsh, the BritishMaster Gardener: after you’vefinished planting something,stand up, look at it, and say, “grow,you bugger, grow!!”

Scott Sinemus is a Chef with adegree in Culinary Arts from the

Pennsylvania Institute for CulinaryArts in Pittsburgh. He’s continued

his education with classes from theCulinary Institute of America at

Greystone and The Greenbrier; andhas travelled internationally in search

of authentic cuisine.

Uncooked buckwheat.

Scott Sinemus


Greensburg, PA 15601

724-834-4688

271 Frye Farm Rd.

THE GARDEN GUYSJim & Joe Prengaman

One of the biggest factors in planning asuccessful landscape is determining theamount of light an area will receive. Colorfulareas with flowers and shrubs bloomingthroughout the growing season are whatmost people want and expect, but mosthomes have areas of full and part shadewhere even the grass does not thrive andmud and barren patches of soil are the norm.These areas can be challenging to designbecause the plants that thrive here are notalways the most spectacular, but they canbecome a lush cool area to escape from thesun and heat.

There are three basic types of shadyareas:• Light shade areas are bright and maybe shaded completely for several hours of theday by a fence wall or building, and also fromlarger shrubs.• Partial shade areas are blocked fromdirect sunlight for most of the day. They mayreceive sunlight during the mornings andevenings such as an area under a maturetree.• Full shade areas receive almost nosunlight all day or only reflected light. Thesemay include areas under decks and steps,as well as heavily wooded areas.

If you have an area where you have haddifficulty growing either lawn or plantsbecause of the lack of light a shade gardenis a great solution. You will first want todetermine the type of shady area you willbe working and some areas may incorporatemore than one type. The soil in shady areascan be very dry due to competition from thelarger trees. Shady plants generally like togrow in a rich sandy loamy soil. The existingsoil should be amended with compost or well-rotted organic matter. It is a good idea toplant around tree roots rather than removingthem as this may stress the tree. It willalso make the actual planting less workand more fun.

Most nursery plants are marked andtagged according to the amount of lightneeded or tolerated by the individual plant.Bright bold colors are not the norm in a shadegarden. Flowers are not as abundant onshade loving plants, but you can look forplants with unique leaf variegations andtextures.

Shade gardens can accommodate a widevariety of plants from shrubs and groundcovers to perennials and annuals. Severaldifferent types of ground cover includingJapanese spurge, (pachysandra), CarpetBugle (Ajuga), Periwinkle (Vinca), or one ofthe many varieties of English ivy can be usedto replace turf grasses in areas where there

Made in the Shadeis little foot traffic.

There are both flowering and non-flowering shrub choices depending on yourtastes and need. Rhododendron, Azaleas,Viburnum, and the Pennsylvania state flowerthe Mountain Laurel, provide early summercolor and year-round evergreen texture.Trees like Canadian hemlock should also beconsidered. In the wild they grow and thrivein the forest understory and are statelyadditions to any landscape.

Perennial plant choices include Astilbe,Phlox, Lamium, Primrose, Hardy Geraniums,Bleeding Heart, Aster, Sweet Woodruff andcertain types of daylillys for flower and color.Ferns and Hostas provide different types ofvariegation and texture. For the ornamentalgrass lovers try northern sea oats or one ofthe low growing carex selections.

Recently their has been increasinginterest in using moss in the landscape andsome native varieties do well growing in yourshade garden. Rather than removing themallow the plants to grow and thrive as a lushgreen carpet.

As your landscape matures, plants thatonce did well may continually decline withthe lack of light and increased competitionwith maturing trees and shrubs. Limbing upor thinning out branches on larger treesabove the garden will help let in valuablelight. Large trees above shade gardens uptakemassive amounts of water every day. A goodwatering once a week especially during warmweather will help insure your plants getenough moisture.

This spring when you are out at thegarden center resist the temptation to againgrab that bag of shady grass seed mix. Let’sface it, it didn’t work last year. Instead checkout some of the great plants that grow well inthe shade and bring a few home. After all,more garden and less lawn mowing is alwaysa good thing!

Primroses (Primula Vulgaris)


Give me a “Z”! Give me a “U”!Give me an “M”! Give me a “B”!Give me an “A” What’s it spell?ZUMBA! What is Zumba? Zumba isthe latest dance-style exercisecraze to hit since jazzercise. It’sfun, exciting, and rewarding. If Isound like a cheerleader for thisnew style of aerobic exercise,then you know that it must beextremely special. After all, I amnot the best example of anexercise guru, even though yearsago I was dubbed with thenickname “Peppy Jo.” The “Peppy Jo” nickname wasgiven to me during my shortcareer as an aerobics instructora few years back while I was incollege (okay, maybe it was morethan a few years ago). I was indesperate need of a part-time jobto help with school expenses. Isaw an ad for a jazzercise instruc-tor and decided to apply. I sawmany personal benefits to acquir-ing this position. Not being muchof an exercise person in college(who has the time for thatanyway), I decided that this wouldbe the perfect part time positionfor me. First of all, it would forceme to add aerobics into my dailyroutine. Second, it would tightenup my already athletically curvedbody (so a person can dream,right? ). Last but not least, itwould provide me with the muchneeded additional funds for myother extracurricular activities. Ijumped into my spandex andlaced up my Nikes. The first part of the two-hourapplication process was toperform the exercise routine forone hour followed by the personalinterview. This first hour wasinvigorating. Peppy Jo bouncedinto the interview and was invitedto return for a second meeting.Hour #2 of jazzercise was a bitmore strenuous, but still, PeppyJo spoke well through interview#2. As I climbed up the corporateladder, I was asked to make athird appearance that same dayat one of the Pittsburgh centersso that a regional manager couldspeak with me. I drove to Pitts-burgh and performed Hour #3 ofjazzercise before panting throughthe third interview. One more togo, I was told. Peppy Jo took a tenminute water break and thenperformed Hour #4 under theauspices of the Head Instructor.A-little-more-tired-but-still-peppyJo completed the fourth hour ofaerobics that day and earned theposition as the new Westmore-

land county Jazzercise instructor.I went home and collapsed. I can honestly say that this wasthe first and ONLY job that I haveever had to call off sick on my firstday because I couldn’t get out ofbed (literally). My muscles were sosore after doing four hours ofaerobics that just breathing hurt.There wasn’t enough Ben-gay inall of Westmoreland County toheal my strained body. I spent thenext three days soaking in tubsof Epsom salt. Although my early career as anaerobics instructor was short, myinterest in this type of exercisenever dwindled. So when I saw anad for Zumba, my curiosity wasonce again piqued, and I pouncedon this new opportunity. I jumpedback into my spandex and headedfor a Zumba class. Zumba is a series of easy-to-follow dance style moves set toLatin Rhythms. The music rangesfrom the beginning slow, warm upmusic to the quick high steppingparty beats and then back to thesoothing, relaxing rhythms for thecool down. The engaging routinefeatures intervals of fast and slowaerobic dancing and resistancetraining. When I arrived at the gym formy first class, I was a littleintimidated. It had been a fewyears since I had done any type ofdancing, and I was having troublerecalling the proper steps of theLatin samba. But the music hadalready started and so I took myplace at the back of the class. Thewarm up steps were easy and fun. Then the music quickened. Iwatched as the lovely coordinatedinstructor performed the nextstep. She demonstrated for usthree different levels of doing thesame dance moves. Each personchose which method they wantedto do depending on their fitnesslevel. I began to sweat immediately,but was too excited about doingthe dance to care. By the end ofthe third song, I was hooked. Themusic and I were one. After each song, we paused amoment or two, and then went rightinto the next dance. I could feel mymuscles tone, my heart race. Mybody was burning fat and I washaving fun. What a revolution! Bythe end of the 45-minute session,I felt invigorated, pumped, andenergized. Peppy Jo was back! Since its inception in the1990’s, Zumba has been hookingpeople like me all over the world.Colombian slang for buzzing likea bee or moving quickly, Zumba is

the single most influentialmovement in the fitness industry. Zumba was created by thecelebrity fitness trainer “Beto”Perez in his native country ofColombia, South America. It isrumored that Beto walked into hisexercise class one day andrealized that he had forgotten hisaerobics music. So he grabbedwhatever tapes he had in his car.These cassettes were comprisedof the traditional Latin salsas,rumbas, and merengues that heso loved. Beto improvised theaerobic movements to fit the beatof the Latin music and Zumba wasborn! Zumba soon became themost popular class in his facility. After his success in Colombia,Beto brought Zumba to the UnitedStates in 1999. Partnering withentrepreneurs Alberto Perlman andAlberto Aghion, Beto created theZumba fitness philosophy andbegan to spread this new phenom-enon all over the world. Beto’ssimple philosophy: Make it fun.Make it playful. Make people dance. The huge success of the Zumbavideos created a high demand forclasses and instructors, so in 2002the Zumba instructor training wasinstituted. Today Zumba fitnessparties are springing up everywhereincluding health clubs, schools,community centers, skatingcenters, YMCA’s, corporations, andliving rooms. In our area alone, Ifound more than 75 classes offeredwithin a 25 mile radius.

And Zumba continues toexpand and develop new ideasevery year. In 2003, Zumba teamedwith Kellogg’s to produce a fitnesscampaign for Hispanics. Zumba“Gold” is a class specificallygeared for seniors. And in 2008,Zumba released its third DVDcollection featuring new surpriseslike the use of Zumba’s Toningsticks and Zumba LIVE. So on with my Nikes and off Igo to the Zumba party. I figurethat when I get good enough, Imight just give “Dancing with theStars” a try! So what do you say,Peppy Jo? Give me a “Z”!

Give Me A “Z!”by JB Rossi

6th AnnualNational Road

ChainsawCarvingFestival

by theConfluence Lions Club

www.carvingfest.confluencelions.org

June 18-20, 2009Thurs-Fri-Sat

8 am - 8 pm Daily

Addison’s Community Parkat Fike Lane off Main St.

Addison, PA30 miles south of Somerset, PA25 miles east of Uniontown, PA

US Route 40

Carving Auction

Saturday - 3 pm

814-395-3469FREE ADMISSION

Food VendorsBenefits Somerset County

Blind Center

Father’s Day is June 21

J.B. Rossi wishes to thank allthe family and friends who havegenerously supported all of her

recent endeavors. Specialthanks go out to her loving

husband who has the wisdomof a sage and the patience of asaint! You are my everything!


RuthAnn KalinowskiIndependent Beauty Consultantwww.marykay.com/rakalinowski724-989-4979

have more than one thing to dobefore going out on a drive. In otherwords, it doesn’t make good sense todrive to the grocery store and the postoffice on separate evenings if youcould go to both on the same drive.

Also, try to reduce the amount offuel wasted by driving moreefficiently (drive slower – read: “Drivenaked for better gas mileage” atwww.yousavetheplanet.com).

If you are about to purchase anew vehicle sometime soon,consider MPG of the vehicle as ahigher priority than horse poweror towing capacity.

7. switch to a green careerThe more green careers the better.If you are one of the newunemployed Americans, now is thetime to seek out a green career!

8. plant some treesNotice that it doesn’t just say “planta tree”? You shouldn’t just stop at

one tree — or even one tree peryear. A great idea would be to starta family tradition on an earth dayor arbor day to go on a tree plantingadventure.

Consider the location whenplanting new trees. Good placesinclude areas that recentlysuffered logging of mature trees,abandoned towns, abandonedfarms, or any other land that hasbeen stripped bare by otherindustries.

9. buy green productsBeing a consumer of green productsis something that creates a sort offeedback loop. Competition for themoney will drive companies to bemore green. Activism on this levelalso feels really good.

You can help our site make alittle bit of money to pay the billsby shopping through our GreenProducts pages. Currently, theAmazon aStore we have set uphas many of the environmentallyfriendly consumer choicesavailable from the entire Amazoncatalog.

10. share ... spread the information

There’s still many people out therewho don’t know how important itis to start doing something. Asevery day passes, more damage isdone. Alarmingly, scientists arebeginning to warn that many ofthe global climate change modelshave been wrong - that everythingwill likely be worse than theirprevious “worst-case” scenarios.

“Green” is spreading fast, andthis gives me a lot of hope. Thecompetition among companies tobe the “greenest” can only lead tobetter products.

YouSaveThePlanet is an environmentalblogging community where members writeabout anything that deals with “saving theplanet”. Join the community online athttp://yousavetheplanet.com. You save theplanet. Who else is going to do it?

Brian Gillingham is a former softwareengineer (recently unemployed) and creatorof several websites including YouSaveThePlanet. He graduated with a B.S. inCivil Engineering from the University ofPittsburgh. While never starting a careeras a Civil Engineer, his work featured acombination of creativity and logic. Tryingto save the planet from home, he is also awriter for YouSaveThePlanet.

continued from page 9


DERRY REMEMBRANCESRuth Richardson

See Spot RunAnd All The Other Crawly, Furry Pets From My Childhood

I live beside Ethel Springs Lake inDerry, which gives me theopportunity to observe a myriad ofwildlife. The baby mallards arehatching and those little brown andyellow puffballs are just too cute.Since I have several bird feederson my patio, I get to observe lots ofspecies of birds, and the seeds andcorn also draw a big audience ofsquirrels and chipmunks, orgrinnies, as my father-in-law,Vaughn used to call them. I don’thave as big an affinity for theCanada geese as I do for all theother critters. They make a hugemess in my yard every summerwhen they can’t fly, and can bequite annoying. I have always loved animals.When I was a little girl we usuallyhad some sort of pet, and I use theterm ‘pet’ loosely. They didn’t havemuch in common with today’sexotic choices, or the purebreddesigner dogs I see on TV that comecomplete with wardrobes. My dadwas an avid hunter, so his huntingdogs were the pets I mostremember having as a kid. Thelong eared, loyal, weird howlingbeagle was his dog of choice, andmy opinion didn’t seem to swaythat choice very much. One of myfavorite television programs wasLassie and I wanted a collie. It wasnot to be. We had a whole series ofbeagles; the first one I rememberwas named Lady. Lady had nointerest in anything but hunting.She never seemed to want to playwith us; as a matter of fact, I don’tthink she even liked us very much.My dad’s hunting dogs livedoutside. Lady had a little housewhere she was hooked to a longchain and could run pretty far outinto the yard. A few years later hebuilt a fenced-in pen with a rampleading to a little doghouse insideof our garage where they could beout of the weather. The purebred beagles were theonly ones of value for hunting,according to my dad, so a close eyehad to be kept on the mating habitsof his female dogs. I remember twotimes Lady turned up ‘in the family

way’ quite by surprise. The daythose puppies were born, an oldtimer from the neighborhood wholived up on the ridge came to thehouse with a shoebox to collectthem after my dad left for work. Wenever even got to see them. Hesaid they were all just sleeping, butwe knew better. It was not easy inthose days to find homes forpuppies. Adding a pet to yourhousehold was an expense, and inthose days, everyone I knew had apretty tight budget. We didn’t evenbuy dog food on a regular basis.Whatever we ate, the dogs ate the

leftovers, from mashed potatoesand roast beef to pancakes andsausage. Those hounds ate it all.I can’t remember any of our petsever going to a vet, either. Wewere lucky to be able to afford toget ourselves to the doctor, letalong a dog. When Lady had her last litterof puppies, we kept one of them.He was a darling little black andwhite furball who always tripped onhis ears when he ran. Weimmediately christened him

“Spotty”, probably after the famous“Spot” in the Dick and JaneReaders. Turns out he was actuallySpotty number one since therewere two others who followed him,Spotty 2 and Spotty 3. Since the first Spotty startedhis life with my brother and meplaying with him every day, heturned into a much better pet forkids. He loved playing with us asmuch as he loved hunting. Iremember dressing him in my dollclothes and playing house, withhim as my baby. He would even stayin my baby buggy for a few minutes

while I wheeled him around. Andhow he would pant when we tookhim in the house with us, whichwasn’t very often. Daddy saidhaving him inside would ‘ruin hisnose’, whatever that meant. Ithink he just didn’t like the idea ofanimals living in the house. Come hunting season, daddywould be up at the crack of dawn.After he loaded up all his huntingstuff, he would open the trunk ofthe car, and then open the door tothe dog pen. I can still hear that

distinctive howl that only a beaglecan make. When they saw my dadin his small game coat, they wouldrace around in circles, noses to theground, and then jump all over himto smell that coat. You would havethough it was doused with filetmignon gravy. As soon as theynoticed the open trunk, in theywould dive, still howling. Much as I loved Spotty 1, 2, and3, the pet I really wanted was akitten. And not just any kitten, Iwanted a grey fuzzy kitten with apink velvet bow around it’s neck,just like the one in my storybook.It’s what I always asked Santa tobring, as well as both of mygrandmothers when they askedwhat I wanted for my birthday. Itwas never in the cards. Daddyhated cats. We also had a long list of otherso-called pets. God bless my mom.Every time a new ‘something’would take up residence with us,whether it was a little bird that hadfallen out of his nest, or all theselections we brought home fromthe 5 & 10, mom always ended uptaking care of them. We would“cross our hearts and hope to die”that we would do everything wecould to take care of the latestanimal addition, and we always did.For about a week. Murphy’s 5 & 10 in Derry had alittle pet department in the back. Irecall a large aquarium filled withpainted turtles. They were 50 centseach and my brother and I wouldeach get a new one every spring.We didn’t have an aquarium at ourhouse, just a fish bowl. But boy, didwe make a wildlife habitat in thatlittle glass bowl. We would scout thewoods next door to our house for theperfect flat rock and a nice fat stickfor the turtles to crawl out of thewater and sit on. We added all kindsof plants from mom’s garden, too.Half the time, we could hardly seethe turtles for the stuff. They atebread and bits of fruit. Come tothink of it, they would eat aboutanything we dropped in there. And

Lady and me, with Spotty #1 closest to his mommy.

continued on page 24


I remember filling the bathtub withwater and plunking them in towatch how fast they could swimunder water. This activity usuallyhad my mom marching into thebathroom and ordering us to getthose germy things out of her cleantub. We carved our initials intotheir shells with my brother’s BoyScout knife: in case they ran awayfrom home, they could beidentified. We had races in theliving room with them, too, but theturtles weren’t really interested inracing, and we werequickly distracted bysomething else, only toreturn a few minuteslater and find themgone. They usuallymade a beeline for mydad’s gun cabinet, theheaviest piece offurniture in the housethat got moved only oncea year to clean behind.That is when we wouldfind the sad remains oftheir dried up littleshells, the letters R andE (Ruth Elaine) stillslightly visible. My Grandma Vedacame to visit us everysummer from Miamiand one year shedecided we needed aparakeet. This wasbeyond thrilling for us.We made the trip to theLatrobe 5 & 10 for this spectacularpurchase since the Derry storedidn’t sell birds. We chose abeautiful turquoise and white one,picked out his cage, his little ferriswheel, and all of his food. Wechristened him Billy. Billy loved mydad. When Daddy came home fromwork every afternoon, he would goover to Billy’s cage and open thedoor. Billy would chirp and singexcitedly and fly a few laps aroundthe living room before landing onDaddy’s shoulder. Every once in awhile daddy would let him remainthere while we ate supper andsometimes feed him little bitesfrom his plate. Billy’s favorite thingwas mashed potatoes. He would alsowatch my dad pour a glass of beerand perch on the side of the glass,lean forward, and take a sip, and tothe delight of my dad, he wouldshake his head vigorously to getthe foam off his beak. All goodthings must come to an end, andso was the tale of Billy. My brother

and I ran into the house oneafternoon and as luck would haveit, the screen door stuck open. Assoon as we saw Billy having a littleflyover in the living room, we ranto get that door closed – a fractionof a second too late. I can stillremember running through theyard, crying and calling to him asthat little turquoise speck gotfurther and further away until wecouldn’t see him any more. We putBilly’s cage on the back porch andleft it there, with the door open fora week. But we never saw Billyagain. We were heartbroken until

Daddy told us he had probably flownto Florida and was living at ParrotJungle, where he would be the nextbig star. We had been to ParrotJungle before and that storysounded very plausible to us. Andit certainly was better than theone we knew in our heart ofhearts was true.

Another pet, or should I saypets, from my childhood came bythe dozen. I remember one year,my Uncle Jim showed up for Easterdinner at our house carrying acardboard box with holes poked inthe lid. My brother and I could hearlittle peeping noises coming fromthe box as we excitedly uncoveredthe surprise. Inside that box were12 darling, little, newly hatchedchicks – in every color of therainbow. Each spring, for a weekor so before Easter, the 5 & 10 inDerry would fill their front windowswith baby chicks and ducks. Iremember one window lined withstraw and dozens of little chicks,

all dyed every pastel shade youcould imagine. There were pinkchicks, and green chicks, purple,blue and of course, yellow. How theygot this way was anybody’s guess,but we knew no chicken in naturecame in those colors. Therefore,they must have been specialdelivery from the Easter Bunny.The second window was filled withbaby ducks. It seems to me that theducks weren’t dyed like thechickens, but they were just ascute. I also remember severalyears when they had a thirdwindow, just for little baby bunnies.

There were white oneswith pink eyes, brownones, black ones andsome multi-coloredones. There wereusually kids outsidethose windows laughingand hoping the EasterBunny would bring oneof those new littlebuddies to their houseon Easter morning. Asmuch as my brotherand I begged our momfor one of these adorablebabies, she just clickedher tongue, shook herhead, and hurried usaway from the window.Her brother obviouslydidn’t share her dist-aste for chickens,because there he stood,with a whole box full.Mom was not quite asthrilled as we were with

this gift, and made no bones aboutscolding her brother and informinghim that HE was the one who couldbe in charge of taking care ofthem. Those little chicks stayedadorable for about two weeks. Thenthe white pinfeathers started toappear and the colored down wasgetting thinner every day. Also, theywere starting to turn into CHICKENS.We didn’t want chickens; we reallydidn’t even like chickens. Luckily,daddy knew someone who had a farmwho was willing to take them off hishands. At least the four or five thatmanaged to survive our tender,loving and constant care. There were other petsthroughout the years. In the spring,we collected tadpoles from theponds and watched them turn intofrogs in our glass fish bowl. One yearon our return trip from visiting myGrandma Veda in Miami westopped at a roadside attractionwhere they were selling littlealligators for $2 each. Daddy talked

my mom into letting us each getone. They were about 6 to 8 incheslong and much as we tried, wecouldn’t get them to like us. In theblink of an eye, those cute, yetvicious little reptiles would spinaround and sink their needle-sharp teeth into our fingers. Theydidn’t take to Pennsylvaniaweather very well. Neither did thejars of chameleons we caught inGrandma Veda’s back yard andbrought back home. They somehowgot out of the jar in my bedroom andwe never found any of them. My momused to tell us it was our fault herhair was turning gray. I’m sure shewas right. But she took care of them all.She filled their water dishesseveral times a day during thosehot summers, and trudged throughthe snow every day all winter to feedthose bawling beagles. And, sheaccompanied us to our littlecemetery under the big maple treein our yard to help us have funeralsfor all our dearly departed critters –all the little birds who fell out of theirnests and didn’t make it, no matterhow hard we tried to feed themworms; and all the goldfish we wonat Idlewild or bought at the 5 & 10and found floating on top of thefishbowl. I remember her giving usone of her good tablecloths to wrapold Spotty in the day he happilydashed out of the yard on the trailof a rabbit and ran directly into thepath of a speeding car coming downWest Fourth Avenue. There have been so many littlefurry friends, and so many tearsshed for them all. When we lost ourlast dog, Romeo, I vowed to neverput myself through that again. It’sjust too hard. So we still have myhalf-Persian half-HimalayanMaxwell who will be 18 on hisbirthday next march. With him, Ifulfilled the dream of that long-haired gray kitty. And I also havemy little 8-year-old Magpie, achubby stray calico. I love themboth dearly. But they too, will notbe on my lap forever. I will have tosuffer that pain and loss again, andI ask myself, is it really worth it?Is it worth falling in love with anew little buddy knowing I will haveto part with him or her down theroad? Time will tell, but in all theseyears, ever since I was seven yearsold and Spotty was in a baby bonnet,I have had pets. And I suppose I justcan’t really imagine my life beingcomplete without one.

Daddy holding my cousin Buddywho liked to wear Billy as a hat!

Ruth loves to share memories with you.Email her at: [email protected]

or look for her on Facebook!

continued from page 23


Barkley’s

Named Best Hot Fudge Sundae by The Ligonier Chef!

Derry KingRoute 217 Derry • 724-694-8552

Coming – Our 1st Country Mart!1st and 3rd Saturdays of June-July-August

(vendors call or email to apply) [email protected]

Country & CelticCollectibles

7570 Route 119Marion Center, PA

Tues-Sat 10-5www.thistleandpine.com

The Laurel Highlands Garlic FestivalCome Celebrate the Miracle of Garlic“The Stinking Rose”“The Stinking Rose”“The Stinking Rose”“The Stinking Rose”“The Stinking Rose”

August 15-16, 2009

Faranda’s FarmFaranda’s FarmFaranda’s FarmFaranda’s FarmFaranda’s Farm1171 Penn Avenue in Hollsopple, PA

½ mile off Rt. 219, 15 miles from Johnstown & Somerset

814-479-7109http://farandafarm.net/garlicfestival.html

KeystoneState ParkEarth Day

Celebration

“Spring Cleaning”Saturday, May 9, 2009

8:30am-2pm

Join us at Keystone StatePark for this special EarthDay celebration! Volunteeryour time and energy toimprove your environmentand park by helping with avariety of projects, such astrail maintenance, litterpick-up, and landscaping.Meet at the James A. KellVisitor Center at 8:30 a.m.for work assignments andregistration for prizes. Ourworkday will start at 9:00a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m.

Please call 724-668-2566,or email [email protected] byMay 7, to register. Lightrefreshments and work sup-plies will be provided; pleasebring a bag lunch. Inaddition to helping us“spruce up the park,” youwill also get the chance tovisit with Smokey Bear andwin prizes during lunch!

For nature program and visitorcenter information call 724-668-2566, or email your question [email protected]. For generalinformation call the Park officeat 1-724-668-2939, or try the toll-free State Parks number 1-888-PA-PARKS. Visit us on the webat www.visitPAparks.com/parks/keystone.aspx or visitDCNR at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

If you need an accommodationto participate in park activities dueto a disability, please contact thepark office or the PennsylvaniaBureau of State Parks at: 1-888-PA-PARKS (Voice), 1-888-537-7294 (TTY), 1-888-558-2711(international TTY), or 1-800-654-5984 (PA AT&T RelayService). The PennsylvaniaBureau of State Parks will gladlydiscuss how to accommodateyour needs.

Mother’s Day is May 10


TECH TALKBob Appleby

Let Technology Help Your Golf Game

“too much fun for such a small town”check upcoming events and our menu

on line at www.ligoniertavern.com

Sun. 12:00 pm to 8:00 pmMonday -Thurs. 11:30 am - 9:00 pm

Fri. & Sat 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

When I was told that this issue had a golfing theme forspring, I began to think about all the wonderful gadgetsthat are available for the golfer to help enhance yourgame. I was surprised by the amount of choices thatare available in so many different categories. The fewthat I have chosen here are good representatives ineach of their categories. I’m sure you can tell me manymore that you have used. Feel free to share them and Iwill post your items on our product blog.

Golf score counters come in a variety of formatsfrom simple mechanical to sophisticated electronicdevices. If you have a Smart Phone, you may be able touse a product called mScorecard™. For less than $20you can add software to your phonethat will give you the ability tocalculate scores, handicaps, side-games and advanced roundstatistics for up to five playerssimultaneously. The mScorecard™is compatible with java-enableddevices that support J2ME™MIDP 1.0 or 2.0, including mobilephones, BlackBerry, PalmOneand Pocket PC devices. It will storecomplete game histories andadvanced round statistics on yourphone along with an unlimitednumber of courses, players androunds. You can also post them on their server fordetailed analysis. You can use your phone’s built-inGPS to view your distances to the green. The softwarein this product will calculate and track your handicapindex automatically. Wager and play popular side gamesincluding Skins, Nassau, Match Play, Stroke Play,Stableford, Greenies, Longest Drive, Birdies and Eagles.Share scorecards and stats with your friends via e-mailand extend the technology that you already own byadding this software program to your phone. I have always liked Garmin products and when Isaw the Garmin Golf Logix GPS Unit I thought, boy isthis neat! This device offers the latest in golf GPStechnology, where it gives you the exact computerreadout of the distance to the green for each shot you

play - perfect for folks whoalways seem to come up shorton their approach shots or hittoo hard at all times. My handis raised on that one. The Garmin GolfLogix IIGPS-8 Golf GPS System is ahandheld USGA and R&Asanctioned waterproof GPS withaccess to over 18,000 courses.The unit is simple to use andaccurate without all of the bellsand whistles that you find onother systems. Loading the

courses on the unit will wear down the batteries quitequickly so I would suggest using rechargeables if youcan. Being a gadget freak, that’s the only kind of batterythat I have lying around. Battery life on the course forstandard batteries is about 17 hours. Most of the usercomments that I have found on this device say that itwas worth the purchase and they would not want toplay without it. Priced around $299, the lowest priceI found on the internet was $269.

When spring time comes I like to start out my golfseason by going to the driving range to work out thekinks from my winter sloth. This product will helpyou gauge your swing speed on all of the clubs that youare practicing with. The Medicus Golf Power Meteradvertises that it will help you increase your Golf ClubSwing Speed, which in turn will help you increase

your Swing Power. Hit longer and straighter shots byincreasing the power of your speed. Get instant feed-back to improve consistency and control. With theMedicus Golf Power Meter, you’ll discover that tryingto swing harder can actu-ally cause you to swingslower. You’ll learn how touse your body to increaseclub head speed and clubswing speed. A golf swingspeed meter such as theMedicus PowerMeter al-lows you to have a Con-trolled Power Swing sothat you consistently hitthe ball farther andstraighter! Unlike othergolf swing speed metersthe Medicus Power Meter is easily interchangeable be-tween golf clubs. It can work on woods and irons andis specifically designed to tightly fit on any shaft size.With programmable swing performance settings youcan dial-in your actual golfer and club specifications.It has a large easy to read LCD, 5 stroke programmablememory and will read clubhead speeds and golf clubswing speeds up to 145 MPH. List price is $129.95but you can find it for $19.95 in many places on theInternet.

Golf Range Meters can run you from $29 up to$500 depending on what you are looking for.

Bushnell makes sev-eral products in thiscategory that use lineof sight to determinedistance to pin. Onthe low end is their5x20mm Golf ScopeRange finder and onthe top end is theBushnell Pinseekerthat helps you deter-mine compensationfor slopes as well.

This unit can be found on the web for around $335. Ifyour favorite courses are not available on the Garminthis would be another way to help you to be the bestgolfer that you can be.

This last item brings you into 21st Century Roboticswith a motorized golf caddy cart. While this would be abudget breaker for me, if you have a little green floatingaround that needs to be spent this could be that onedevice that makes all of your Golf Buddies green withjealousy. Called the Shadow Caddy, this nifty robotfollows a small transmitter attached to your belt. Itis completely hands-free, no joysticks to mess withand makes your trip around the links a more leisurelystroll then a gruesome lug match. The Shadow Caddyis equipped with a sophisticated object detectionsystem which pre-vents collisions withpeople and otherobjects on the course.It can also carry yourrefreshments enhan-cing your golfing ex-perience as much aspossible. Originallyreleased in Australia,look in the future forthis product to beavailable for rent atyour local golf courses.

It’s amazing the number of products that are availableto enhance your golf experience. I could probably fillthis entire issue with a small sample of what is availableto you. I’ve spent enough time in front of the computer.It’s time for me to get out on the course; maybe I will seeyou out there!

Bob has been working in the computer field since 1975and started Computer Connections with his partner Jude Daigle

in 1981 at the beginning of the personal computer revolution.Bob grew up in Ligonier and graduated from Ligonier H.S. in 1972.

Bob graduated from George Washington Medical University in1978 and he is currently living in the Greensburg area. You can

see more tech tips and product reviews in Bob’s Blog pages athttp://www.bobstechtalk.com and you can contact him at

[email protected].

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What It Is ForThe “PA. HERO WALK” was organizedby a small group of patriots in westernPennsylvania to help spread theawareness of the Wounded WarriorProject in this country. Our walk willbegin in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 21,2009, and on July 4, 2009, we will passthrough Leechburg, Pa., which is thehome of our nations first Iraq warmemorial built to honor the men andwomen that have served this countryduring the “War on Terrorism”. Thismemorial was dedicated on May 25, 2007and was recognized nationally by CNN.The walk will then be completed a coupleof hours later at Valley High SchoolStadium in New Kensington, Pa. wherewe will have our benefit concert.

Our goal is to raise $250,000 tosupport the WWP and their efforts inhelping our severely injured returningheroes. Our group is currently acceptingmonetary donations through this site,for which all proceeds benefit theWounded Warrior Project. We are alsoaccepting IN-KIND donations such asroom and board, food, bottled water foralong the walk, and any other necessitiesto enable our group to walk the 311 milecoarse. These donations can be made bycontacting Al Pulice at 724-382-1008 orby email at [email protected]

Benefit Concert!This 4th of July WWP benefit concertwill begin at 12 noon and will concludeat 10pm with a patriotic firework show.The Little River Band will be performingas the national act. The local bandsperforming that day will be; The Jaggerz,Gary Rakin and The Studio E Band,American Pie, On the Ridge, Tom Watt(The “Buffet” Man), Barn Hill and RushHour. All proceeds will benefit the WWP.

About The WoundedWarriors ProjectThe mission of the Wounded WarriorProject is to honor and empower woundedwarriors. Here are some of the ways inwhich the WWP help our heroes:

Welcome to Warriors to WorkWounded Warrior Project’s Warriors toWork program helps individualsrecovering from severe injuries receivedin the line of duty connect with thesupport and resources they need to builda career in the civilian workforce. It canbe tough to transition into civilian life.It’s even tougher to adjust to life after aserious injury.

WWP OutdoorsThrough activities such as hunting,fishing, archery, hiking, and camping,wounded warriors continue theirrehabilitation in the great outdoors.

WWP Outdoors helps participants buildlife-long skills they can enjoy in theirhome communities.

Patient and Family SupportOur services don’t end when injuredservice members are ready to check outof the hospital. Programs such as FamilyAssistance and Benefits Counseling aredesigned to meet the long-term needs ofwounded warriors.

Family AssistanceInjury can create an added financialburden on wounded warriors and theirfamilies. During rehabilitation, we helpwith necessary expenses for families ofthe wounded, including housing, food,child care, and transportation costs tothe hospital so the service member doesnot have to recover alone.

Benefits CounselingBenefits counselors work with severelywounded service members as soon asthey return to the United States.Counselors provide guidance and helpto navigate government benefits availableto military personnel and their families.They also help build connections be-tween wounded warriors, establishinga network of peers to provide thenecessary assistance, friendship, andinspiration.

About Soldier RideThe Wounded Warrior Project SoldierRide is a rehabilitative cycling programfor wounded warriors. For many of thesecombat-wounded veterans, Soldier Rideprovides the first steps in the return toan active lifestyle.

Many of these men and womenhave been physically active throughouttheir lives. Soldier Ride offers thesebrave individuals the chance to get ona bike and prove to themselves, “I canstill do this.” Soldier Ride is not aboutpolitics; it’s not about the war. It’ssimply about the soldiers.

Cool Careers with WWPWant work that matters? Join TeamWWP and get a job that earns more thanjust a paycheck. Spend each day work-ing with a team of passionate peoplewho do what it takes to help ournation’s injured service membersthrive.

Who We WantWe’re looking for dedicated, passionatepeople who get the job done. We wantpeople who are committed to living ourcore values of fun, innovation,integrity, loyalty, and service. Veteransare especially encouraged to apply.

Why Work with WWP?It’s not just the satisfaction of a job welldone. We see members of the WWPTeam as part of an extended family,and we take care of our employees likefamily.

Deadline for the next issue of the Laurel Mountain Post is:Monday, June 15


DOWN ON THE FARMPractical Advice from Old Dad’s Agricultural Library – Cathi Gerhard Williams

“Synergy — the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.” – Mark Twain

I didn’t know what “organic food” wasuntil I went to college. At least I wasconfused about the term, thinking it hadsomething to do with hydroponics. Tome food was simply what we grew andraised on our family farm – and it wasdelicious! I suffered from no allergies (ex-cept penicillan), maintained a healthyweight and enjoyed a balanced diet. Iloved to eat oats and barley straight outof the graineries in the barn or chew ona piece of grass from the hay field. I of-ten plucked a carrot or kohlrabi from mymother’s garden, rinsed it off, and had asnack outside. Long summer days werespent picking and canning vegetablesand fruits so that we could enjoy themin winter. And every animal we raisedwas practically “free range,” anotherword I would discover later.

My mother supplied me with asmuch food as she could while I was awayat school, but eventually I had to go tothe grocery store on my own. What Ifound there was shocking: it looked andtasted nothing like what I knew as food.And I soon learned what so much of therest of the world had been eating sincethe so-called “food scientists” took overthe marketplace. Chemicals and process-ing had manipulated food into a corpo-rate profit, with little culinary or nutri-tional value left behind for us.

Science has eased our current gen-erations right into a world of forgottenknowledge and skill, and what we eatis a great example. We look for easier,cheaper ways to do everything ratherthan take our time to achieve the bestresult. Fed up with this cycle, this yearI decided to plant a garden again, Butnot before I went back to basics andresearched a few things about what isnow known as “organic gardening.”

My favorite subject, gleaned from oldagriculture books and new websitesalike, is the concept of “companion plant-ing.” Judi Stefek-Bondurant, owner ofGolden Harvest Organics in Ft. Collins,CO explains:

Many plants have natural sub-stances in their roots, flowers, leavesetc. that can alternately repel (anti-feedents) and/or attract insects depend-ing on your needs. In some situationsthey can also help enhance the growthrate and flavor of other varieties. Expe-rience shows us that using companionplanting through out the landscape isan important part of integrated pest man-agement. In essence companion plant-ing helps bring a balanced eco-systemto your landscape, allowing nature to doits’ job. Nature integrates a diversity ofplants, animals, and other organismsinto every ecosystem so there is no waste.The death of one organism can createfood for another, meaning symbiotic re-lationships all around.

By using companion planting, manygardeners find that they can discourageharmful pests without losing thebeneficial allies. There are many varietiesof herbs, flowers, etc. that can be usedfor companion plants. Be open toexperimenting and find what works foryou. Some possibilities would be usingcertain plants as a border, backdrop orinterplanting in your flower or vegetablebeds where you have specific needs. Use

plants that are native to your area so theinsects you want to attract already knowwhat to look for! Plants with open cupshaped flowers are the most popularwith beneficial insects.

Companion planting can combinebeauty and purpose to give you anenjoyable, healthy environment. Thefollowing are just a few ways to “workin harmony with nature.”

ANISE: Licorice flavored herb, good hostfor predatory wasps which prey onaphids and it is also said to repel aphids.Deters pests from brassicas by camou-flaging their odor. Improves the vigor ofany plants growing near it. Used in oint-ments to protect against bug stings andbites. Good to plant with coriander

ASPARAGUS: Friends: Aster familyflowers, dill ,coriander, tomatoes,parsley, basil, comfrey and marigolds.Avoid: Onions, garlic and potatoes.

BASIL: Plant with tomatoes to improvegrowth and flavor. Basil also does well withpeppers, oregano, asparagus and petunias.Basil can be helpful in repelling thrips. Itis said to repel flies and mosquitoes. Donot plant near rue or sage.

BAY LEAF: A fresh bay leaf in each stor-age container of beans or grains willdeter weevils and moths. Sprinkle driedleaves with other deterrent herbs ingarden as natural insecticide dust. Agood combo: Bay leaves, cayenne pepper,tansy and peppermint. For ladybuginvasions try spreading bay leaves aroundin your house anywhere they are gettingin and congregating. They should leave.

BEANS: All bean enrich the soil withnitrogen fixed form the air. In generalthey are good company for carrots, celery,chards, corn, eggplant, peas, potatoes,brassicas, beets, radish, strawberry andcucumbers. Summer savory deters beanbeetles and improves growth and flavor.Keep beans away from the alliums.

BEET: Good for adding minerals to thesoil. The leaves are composed of 25%magnesium making them a valuableaddition to the compost pile if you don’tcare to eat them. Beets are also beneficialto beans with the exception of runnerbeans. Runner or pole beans and beetsstunt each other’s growth. Companions forbeets are lettuce, onions and brassicas.Beets and kohlrabi grow perfectly together.Beets are helped by garlic and mints. Garlicimproves growth and flavor. Rather thanplanting invasive mints around beets useyour mint clippings as a mulch.

BUCKWHEAT: Accumulates calcium andcan be grown as an excellent cover crop.Attracts hoverflies in droves.

CABBAGE: Celery, dill, onions andpotatoes are good companion plants.Celery improves growth and health.Clover interplanted with cabbage hasbeen shown to reduce the native cabbageaphid and cabbageworm populations byinterfering with the colonization of thepests and increasing the number ofpredatory ground beetles. Plant Chamomile

with cabbage as it Improves growth andflavor. Cabbage does not get along withstrawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants,rue, grapes and pole beans.

CARAWAY: Good for looseningcompacted soil with it’s deep roots soit’s also compatible next to shallow rootedcrops. Plant it with strawberries.Caraway can be tricky to establish. Theflowers attract a number of beneficialinsects especially the tiny parasiticwasps. Keep it away from dill and fennel.

CARROTS: Their pals are leaf lettuce,onions and tomatoes. Plant dill andparsnips away from carrots. Flaxproduces an oil that may protect rootvegetables like carrots from some pests.One drawback with tomatoes andcarrots: tomato plants can stunt thegrowth of your carrots but the carrotswill still be of good flavor.

CATNIP: Deters flea beetles, aphids,Japanese beetles, squash bugs, ants andweevils. Use sprigs of mint anywherein the house you want deter mice andants. Smells good and very safe.

CELERY: Companions: Bean, cabbagefamily, leek, onion, spinach and tomato.Flowers for celery: cosmos, daisies andsnapdragons. Foe: Corn.

CHIVES: Improves growth and flavor ofcarrots and tomatoes. A friend to apples,carrots, tomatoes, brassica (broccoli, cab-bage, mustard, etc) and many others.Keeps aphids help to keep aphids awayfrom tomatoes, mums and sunflowers.Chives may drive away Japanese beetlesand carrot rust fly. Planted among appletrees it helps prevent scab and amongroses it prevents black spot. You willneed patience as it takes about 3 yearsfor plantings of chives to prevent the 2diseases. A tea of chives may be used oncucumbers and gooseberries to preventdowny and powdery mildews. Avoidplanting near beans and peas.

CUCUMBERS: Cucumbers are great toplant with corn and beans. The threeplants like the same conditions: warmth,rich soil and plenty of moisture. Let thecucumbers grow up and over your cornplants. A great duet is to plant cukeswith sunflowers. The sunflowersprovide a strong support for the vines.Cukes also do well with peas, beets,radishes and carrots. Radishes are a gooddeterrent against cucumber beetles. Dillplanted with cucumbers helps by attractingbeneficial predators. Nasturtium improvesgrowth and flavor. Keep sage, potatoes andrue away from cucumbers.

GARLIC: Plant near roses to repelaphids. It also benefits apple trees, peartrees, cucumbers, peas, lettuce andcelery. Garlic accumulates sulfur: anaturally occurring fungicide which willhelp in the garden with diseaseprevention. Garlic is systemic in actionas it is taken up the plants through theirpores and when garlic tea is used as asoil drench it is also taken up by theplant roots. Has value in offendingcodling moths, Japanese beetles, root

maggots, snails, and carrot root fly.Researchers have observed that time-released garlic capsules planted at thebases of fruit trees actually kept deeraway. Concentrated garlic sprays havebeen observed to repel and kill whiteflies,aphids and fungus gnats among otherswith as little as a 6-8% concentration! Itis safe for use on orchids too.

GERANIUM: -Repels cabbage worms andJapanese beetles, plant around grapes,roses, corn, tomatoes, peppers andcabbage. Geraniums help to distract beetleafhoppers, carrier of the curly top virus.

KOHLRABI: May be planted withcucumber, onion and chives. Kohlrabiand beets are perfect to grow with oneanother! Do not plant kohlrabi with polebeans, pepper, strawberry or tomatoes.

LAVENDER: Repels fleas and moths.Prolific flowering lavender nourishesmany nectar feeding and beneficialinsects. Lavenders can protect nearbyplants from insects such as whitefly,and lavender planted under and nearfruit trees can deter codling moth. Usedried sprigs of lavender to repel moths.

LEEKS: Use leeks near apple trees,carrots, celery and onions which willimprove their growth. Leeks also repelcarrot flies. Avoid planting near legumes.

PEAS: Peas fix nitrogen in the soil. Plantnext to corn. Companions for peas arebush beans, Pole Beans, Carrots, Celery,Chicory, Corn Cucumber, Eggplant,Parsley, Early Potato, Radish, Spinach,Strawberry, Sweet pepper and Turnips.Do not plant peas with onions.

PETUNIAS: They repel the asparagusbeetle, leafhoppers, certain aphids, tomatoworms, Mexican bean beetles and generalgarden pests. A good companion totomatoes, but plant everywhere. Make atea with the leaves for a potent bug spray.

RHUBARB: A good companion to allbrassicas. Try planting cabbage andbroccoli plants in your rhubarb patch andwatch them thrive. Rhubarb protectsbeans against black fly. Some otherinteresting companions for rhubarb are thebeautiful columbine flowers, garlic, onionand roses! It helps deter red spider mitesfrom the columbines. A spray made fromboiled rhubarb leaves, which contain thepoison oxalic acid may be used to preventblackspot on roses and as an aphicide.

SUNFLOWERS: Planting sunflowerswith corn is said by some to increasethe yield. Aphids a problem? Definitelyplant a few sunflowers here and therein the garden. Step back and watch theants herd the aphids onto them. We havebeen doing this for years and it isremarkable. The sunflowers are so toughthat the aphids cause very little damageand you will have nice seed heads forthe birds to enjoy. Sunflowers also attracthummingbirds which eat whiteflies.Talk about a symbiotic relationship!Copyright © Golden Harvest Organics LLC™

www.ghorganics.com


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LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

Please make check payable to Laurel Mountain Post,and return with mailing information to:

PO Box 227, Latrobe, PA 15650


Contact : SueAnn ZippiIndependent Consultant

[email protected]

Remember, you are just an extra in everyoneelse’s play. I wish I had said it first, butFranklin Delano Roosevelt gets the creditfor that pithy observation. It’s meant to be ahumbling pronouncement and it’s a pointvery well taken. But, study the flipped script:you are the star of your own play. As the überplayer in an ultra-personal multi-act drama,you unashamedly upstage everyone in thecast in every scene of It’s All About You:The Epic. Even the prequel, The Way YouWere, and the sequel, Forever You, rely onyour scintillating star power to fill thehouse. (Bear with me here, readers andtheatregoers.)

The edict of the title seems to be thedefault expression uttered when someoneis displeased with what a person has doneor said and is usually trotted out to putthat person in their proper place – secondor worse. Competing for top billing in our dailyscenarios are the moral principle of puttingothers before self and the less-honoredprecept of putting oneself first. It’s a dualitythat creates neverending and unfortunatecircumstances. (Personally, I have tried tohonor the wishes and boundaries of otherseven when I found them unrealistic,unreasonable, irrational or blatantly bizarre.Interestingly, much woe has come to mewhen I have attempted to defend my desiresor set a few limitations of my own.)

It’s All About YouIt’s always about the individual no matter

how giving or compassionate that person maybe. You are the only person experiencing yourlife. It’s your body doing the seeing, hearing,tasting, smelling and feeling. It’s your mindprocessing the information you encounter,formulating your goals, imagining yourdreams; your emotions surfacing whenconfronting conflict or discovering content-ment; your soul experiencing your innerexistence. No one really knows whatanother person’s life is now or has been.And although the therapists give it theirbest shot, no one can conclusively discernwhat someone else is thinking or why theybehave as they do. Humans are lucky if theyunderstand their own thoughts and actionsmuch of the time.

It is all about you. It’s your life and beglad of it. However, when receiving yourostentatious floral tributes at the footlightsyou might want to acknowledge thesupporting cast members and extras inyour show. Hopefully, they’ll know a cuewhen they hear one and be considerate ofyou, an extra, when headlining their ownblockbuster. I’ll lower the curtain on thisfeature with another metaphorical morselif only I had strung together – Life is not adress rehearsal. (Rose Tremain)

–Barbara M. Neill

69 103

The first event is a Team Paintball Tour-nament, benefiting both the ChestnutRidge Chapter and the WestmorelandCounty Chapter of the American Red Crosson Saturday, May 16. The event starts at8:30 AM at the All-American Paintball Parkon Route 30 east of Greensburg. The en-try fee for the event is $400 for a four-person team or $300 for a four-person stu-dent team. The entry fee includes equip-ment, commemorative t-shirt, food andprizes. Competition will be categorized byskill level.

“This is the first fundraiser of its kindin the area”, says Jason Rigby, Event Chair-man and Chestnut Ridge Chapter BoardMember. “I am extremely excited about thisevent which has generated a lot of enthu-siasm on the part of the Park’s owners andthe Professional Paintball Team, Philadel-phia Americans, against whom qualifyingteams will play for a chance at a week longvacation at a private, oceanfront condo inMyrtle Beach and $500 cash,” added Rigby.

Sponsorships are still available andthose interested in registering a team cancall 724-537-3911 or visit www.redcross-crc.org and download a registration form.

The second event is the rebirth of theAmerican Red Cross Golf Outing atLigonier Country Club on Monday, June15. Registration begins at 11:00 AM with ashotgun start at 1:00 PM. The format willbe that of a Four-Person Shamble and willinclude a “Red Cross Golf Ball” event. Theentry fee for the golf outing is $125 per per-son and includes golf & cart, lunch, dinnerand prizes. There will be skills competitionthroughout the course including a chanceto win a new car. A registration form andsponsorship details are available on ourwebsite, www.redcross-crc.org or you cancall the office at 724.537.3911. BarryNovotny, Golf Committee Chairman saysthat all golfers will receive a complimen-tary pass for a return visit to play golf atLigonier Country Club.

Proceeds from both events will benefitlocal disaster relief. The American RedCross responds to disasters 24 hours a day/7 days a week. The aid we render is pro-vided at no charge. We receive no govern-ment funding and rely solely on the gener-osity of the citizens of our communities. Please support the American Red Crossso we can help when we’re needed most.

American Red Crossannounces two fundraisers

for local disaster relief


INDIANA COUNTY TOURIST BUREAU2334 Oakland Avenue – Indiana Mall – Indiana, PA 157011-877-7INDIANA – WWW.VISITINDIANACOUNTYPA.ORG

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

Indiana County, PACOME FOR FUN, TAKE HOME A MEMORY!

Take a trip to Indiana County

to enjoy our community festivals,

outdoor recreation, historic sites,

unique shops and museums.

Summer in Ligonier

For more information, please contact us:120 East Main Street • Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-4200 • www.ligonier.com

FREE Summer Band ConcertsSundays, May 31 through August 30 at 7pm

Antiques on the Diamond - Celebrating Its 26th Year!June 13 and August 22, 8am to 4pm

70 quality antique dealers set up shop around the center of town.

Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!Celebrate the Rhythm of the Valley!

Discover All You Can DoAt Chestnut Ridge.

132 Pine Ridge Road • Blairsville, Pa 15717 • Route 22 at the Indiana exit in BlairsvilleChestnutRidgeResort.com

Located in the foothills of the Laurel Mountains, theChestnut Ridge Golf Resort & Conference Center is the perfect

getaway for the day or a long, relaxing weekend.

Bring your friends for golf on our two 18-hole championship courses –Chestnut Ridge and the 6th best public course in Pennsylvania,

Tom’s Run. Discover how good we’ll make you feel at our new Chestnut RidgeSpa & Salon that offers every service imaginable. Enjoy a delicious dinner atour 37 Grille restaurant featuring a variety of freshly prepared dishes. Forovernight stays, choose from our golf course condos or our new on-site

Hampton Inn & Suites with complimentary breakfast.

All this and more is here for you to discover, all season long.For reservations or information on our affordable Stay & Play Packages,

call 724-459-7191 or visit ChestnutRidgeResort.com.

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Documents

Laurel Mountain Post May-June 2009