Laurel Mountain Post :: August 2014

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST, September 2013 - 1

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST now featuring the

Homes of Westmoreland Countyo

FREE

August 2014

ISSN

233

0-66

29

Play is the Summer Assignment

Great Food, Great Atmosphere The Ligonier Chef Visits The Pier and Lupi & Leo’s

Empty Nest SyndromeRed CloverCarbs Are Not A VillainIt’s the Little ThingsOne Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest

2 - August 2014 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POSTPOSTPOSTPOSTPOST

Every Story Begins At Home. August 2014 - 3

The Laurel Mountain Post is an independent, monthly pub-lication produced at Fairview Farm in WestmorelandCounty, Pennsylvania. All material printed herein is sub-ject to copyright and permission to reproduce in any for-mat must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Thispublication is registered with the US Library of Congress,ISSN 2330-6629.

Cathi Gerhard, Editor & PublisherMegan Fuller, Managing Editor

Gregory Susa, Co-Publisher & Circulation ManagerMichelle White, Business Manager

Carol Gerhard, Copy Editor

Sales & Circulation: Jason Ament, Mary Carlson, Allison Car-michael, Nancy Clark, Gretchen Fuller, Scott King, Laurie McGinnis,Victoria Mull, Doug Richardson, Alice Susa, Gregory Susa, RobertWilliams. Columnists: please use contact information provided atthe end of each article or on our website.

Publisher cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy of the matterrepresented in the advertisements herein published. Please contactthe advertiser to verify details.

Laurel Mountain Post-style stories, links and photos EVERY DAY!

Laurel Mountain Post189 Fairview LaneDerry, PA 15627

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

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

LAUREL MOUNTAIN

POST

Please updateour address.

We are no longerusing a PO Box!

Summer’s Legacy“Sex is good, but not as good as fresh, sweet corn.”

– Garrison Keillor

August is never regarded for much. There are no holidays, specialevents or notable occasions. The eighth month of the year is sim-ply the hot and hazy final stretch of summer vacation, promotedonly for back-to-school sales – when trying on sweaters and jack-ets is truly unbearable.

I have an August birthday, and always received lots of won-derful new fall clothes as gifts. I tried them on in front of a box fan,set on high; then put them away in my closet for a much coolerday. The present I remember and anticipated most of all each yearwas from the field: sweet corn! Corn that was “knee-high by theFourth of July” meant corn would be ready for my birthday din-ner on August 5. If the Silver Queen was ripe for picking, it waseven better for a Leo like me.

My mum spent countless August mornings in the sweet cornpatch behind the barn, filling paper bags with dozens of ripe ears.Friends and neighbors would arrive by noon to collect their shareof the harvest, and Mum would spend the rest of the day coooking,cutting and freezing corn for winter. To her, fresh means within afew hours of picking - no sitting around for days, even in a refrig-erator. I stayed close by, grabbing an ear from each platter – eat-ing them smothered in butter and salt, or sometimes just plain. Ilooked like a squirrel on a typewriter. And I will admit that I stilleat sweet corn that way, in the privacy of my own home.

While tomatoes are the star of most home gardens, sweet cornreigns in mine. The Texas A&M Extension service calls sweet corn“As American As Apple Pie.” Today’s sweet corn can be traced backto prehistoric Peru. It hybridized somewhere in Guatemala, andwas carried by various tribes into southwestern America, spreadingnorth and east. The Iroquois gave the first recorded sweet corn (calledPapoon) to European settlers along the Susquehanna River in 1779.

Interestingly, the last war chief and diplomat of the local Sen-eca tribe was John Abeel, Jr., called “Cornplanter” (known asGaiänt'wakê (Gyantwachia - “the planter”) or Kaiiontwa'kon(Kaintwakon - "By What One Plants") in the Seneca language. Hewas half-white (father), half-Seneca (mother) and was given aland grant of 1500 western Pennsylvania acres in 1789 (formallyadopted in 1791) for his treaty work follwing the RevolutionaryWar. The entire local Seneca tribe became known as “Cornplanters.”

“Cornplanter had been commissioned by [George] Washing-ton to work for peace–which he did zealously and religiously.”1

He then worked with Quakers to bring farming to the Sen-eca. With their guidance, Cornplanter’s community became amodel: with roads, good houses, fences, plowed fields, and cattle.

“We wish our children to be taught the same principles bywhich your fathers were guided. Brothers! We have too little wis-dom among us, and we cannot teach our children what we seetheir situation requires them to know. We wish them to be taughtto read and write, and such other things as you teach your chil-dren, especially the love of peace.”2

Over the years, Cornplanter’s community slowly migratednorth to the larger Allegany Reservation in New York. In 1964,everything remaining was torn down and burned to make way forthe Kinzua Dam Project to create the Allegany Resevoir. Nearly600 descendents of Chief Cornplanter meet annually for a familypicnic on the Allegany Reservation each August to celebrate andremember his legacy.3

– Cathi Gerhard, Editor/Down on the Farm

1 “The Hatchet and the Plow: The Life and Times of Chief Cornplanter” By William W. Betts2 Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, Agricultural History3 Encyclopedia.com


Table of Contents 2014

Summer’s Legacyby Cathi Gerhard, Editor/Down on the Farm

Play Is the Summer Assignmentby Clair Ward

A Pain in the Backsideby Hayley Chemski-Horwat

Driverless Cars by Earth Talk

Great Food, Great Atmosphereby Scott Sinemus, The Ligonier Chef

It’s the Little Things by Nancy A. Clark

Is Empty Nest SymdromeA Cultural Phenomenon? by Megan Fuller

Off Trail by Joe Walko

Turning A House into A Homeby Brian Mishler

30

5

6

12

17

16

2019

2425

Red Clover by Granny Earth

Carbs Are Not a Villainby Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES

Book Reviews: Fathers’ Grief

Twenty Years and Growingby Mandy Sirofchuck

“Helen Keller” by Rev. Marjorie Rivera

August-SeptemberCommunity Calendar

Latrobe-Unity Parks & RecAwarded Recycling Containers

One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nestby Cathi Gerhard

14

August18

Would YouLike to

Subscribe?

Laurel Mountain PostPrint Subscriptions

189 Fairview Lane • Derry, PA 15627

Secure Online Ordering in Our Web Store:www.LaurelMountainPost.com

Print subscriptions are available for $30/year for 12 issues ($2.50 each), and will arrive via1st Class US Mail. To order, please complete and return this form with payment:

NAME: ____________________________________________________

ADDRESS: __________________________________________________

CITY: _____________________________________________________

STATE: ___________________ ZIP: _____________________________

EMAIL: ___________________________________________________

Where did you pick up this copy of the magazine? ________________________

Your subscription will start with the next issue following receipt of this order form. Weonly use your information to contact you regarding the Laurel Mountain Post. It will NOTbe shared with outside parties or added to any other list.

August 2014

Advertising Deadlinefor Sepember: August 20

Call the Laurel Mountain Post Editorial Office at 724-537-6845or visit www.LaurelMountainPost.com

412-884-7788 • pittsburghmedium.com

Psychic Medium Rev. Marjorie RiveraPittsburgh’s Premiere Psychic & Party Reader

My mission is to prove the continuity of lifepast the transition we call death.

8

11

29

7

3


Play Is the Summer Assignment

by Clair Ward, Head of School at Valley School of LigonierTODAY’S EDUCATION

* * * * *

Clair Ward was appointed in 2008 to the posi-tion of Head of School at Valley School ofLigonier (www.valleyschoolofligonier.com).Ms. Ward holds an M.Ed. from Boston Collegeand a B.A. in English/Classics from HamiltonCollege. She lives in Rector with her daughterand husband, Bryon Williams, a doctoral can-didate at Duquesne University.

Take yourself back to the summers ofyour childhood. Remember the gamesof Kick the Can or lying on your backand watching the clouds? Sometimesthe best games of tag or episodes inthe stream came after wrestling withboredom. As kids, we were expectedto fill our time—adults did not consi-der it their responsibility to entertainus during those long summer days.

Summer for today’s children canlook quite different. The minute thefinal school bell sounds, parents arescrambling to fill the time with extralessons, specialty camps or play-groups. There is no question that someof this comes from the fact that manyhouseholds have working adults, butthe need to provide structure for to-day’s children also comes from a senseof responsibility that this generationfeels to entertain children and protectthem from boredom.

But what if I were to tell you thatunstructured play can help your childbe successful at school? What if, as itturns out, all of this structure that wework so hard to provide for our chil-dren in the summer can actually nega-tively correlate to school success?

Jessica Lahey, a correspondentfor The Atlantic and New York Timescontributor, recently published anarticle speaking to exactly this. In“Why Free Play is the Best SummerSchool,” Lahey refers to more than onestudy that links unstructured play(play initiated and led by children) tothe successful development of execu-tive function. Executive functioning isthe composite set of skills that allow aperson to follow directions, organizehis thinking, and successfully respondto learning and/or life skills. If you haveever made a list, grocery shopped,brought home the groceries and putthem away you have used executivefunctioning. When a child writes down

a homework assignment, puts the bookin her backpack at the end of the day,does the homework and brings it backto her teacher, she has used executivefunctioning. As Lahey comments,more than one psychologist has tiedunstructured play to executive func-tioning.

Lahey asserts that after studyinga group of six-year old children, theauthors of the study she cites “foundthat children who engage in more freeplay have more highly developed self-directed executive function.” It wasalso true that “the more time kidsspent in structured activities, theworse their sense of self-directedcontrol.” Fred Rogers, Dr. Spock andeven Piaget would agree that withoutunstructured play, children do nothave the opportunity to practice howand what they learn. In structuredactivities, children do not negotiatetheir own structure and test it throughtrial and error. Practicing the order ofoperations or multiple step directionsin play helps a child to strengthen thevery skills that can be used for successin the academic setting.

I am certainly not suggesting thatparents should eliminate all struc-tured play. Sports practices, violinlessons, and even chess club are allimportant experiences. Rather I amproposing that perhaps we shouldrelinquish any guilt we feel when chil-dren are bored—perhaps we shouldrelish a child having to create anddirect his own entertainment eitheralone or with friends. The researchtells us that play in this case is not anidle waste of time, but rather animportant reinforcement of the veryskills that will help our children besuccessful in the classroom. By learn-ing to self-regulate and negotiatethrough play, our children will standa better chance of doing that at school.

To that end, I offer you some thingsto keep in mind:

1. Analyze your child’s activities forthe summer. Which ones would beconsidered structured (adult-led andplanned) and which are child-led? Isthere a way to rebalance so that thechild is spending time in the creek orthe yard without a plan at least onceper week?

2. Resist the urge to allow eitheryourself or the iPad to rescue a childfrom boredom. Be aware that learningto evade boredom is a muscle thatmust be exercised. Allow the child tostruggle through it and see what be-gins to happen after a while.

3. Finally, and this one is a toughone, take a good hard look at how youare modeling play and boredom foryour child. When you are waiting in adoctor’s office or restaurant, do youautomatically pull out your phone? Ifthe answer is yes, you could be givingyour child the unintentional messagethat idle time needs a technologysolution instead of a social or self-regulatory solution.

So as you finish up summer, considerthe value of allowing children of ALLages—and maybe even yourself—toembrace the value of unstructuredplay. Feel confident that the researchsupports it. See if you can recapturethe childhoods of your youth for thesake of your children and evenyourself.


Largest Farmers Market in Western PAEvery Saturday (rain or shine) 8 am - noon

May 17 - October 4th, 2014Located at the intersection of West Main Street and Route 30 in Ligonier

Visit us at www.ligoniercountrymarket.comFresh Picked Produce, Meats, Eggs, Perennials & Annuals,

Hot Cooked Foods, and Handmade Crafts

A Pain in the Backsideby Hayley Chemski-Horwat, MSN, CNRA

Building Strength • Building Community • Building Bodeez

* * * * *Hayley is a Certified Fitness Trainer and the co-owner of Building Bodeez Fitness Center, locatedat 154 Pandora Rd in Derry, PA, as well as a full-time Nurse Anesthetist with the University ofPittsburgh Physicians, currently based at St.Margaret’s Hospital in Fox Chapel, PA. Hayleyoffers a wealth of fitness and health knowledge,serving as the Group Fitness Coordinator andWellness Programs Director at Building Bodeez.She has developed several programs at BuildingBodeez including initiation of the first ZUMBAclasses in the area, as well as AerobaDANCE andYogilates (her unique creations), and the wildlysuccessful Building Better Bodeez weight loss in-tensive program.

Building Bodeez is located at 154 Pandora Roadin Derry Township. 724-739-0105. www.buildingbodeez.net.

Struggle with a nagging pain in yourlower back, backside, or your leg?Fight with numbness or tingling orloss of strength? Does this pain affectyour daily living? Many cases of back/leg pain are associated with the sciaticnerve which emerges from the lowerback and runs the length of each leg.In my professional experience, thispain is noted as “Sciatica” or pain cre-ated by a herniated disk or a bone spurcompressing a part of the nerve. Thiscauses inflammation, pain and oftennumbness in an affected leg.

The sciatic nerve is the largestsingle nerve in the body and is com-posed of individual nerve roots thatstart by branching out from the spinein the lower back at lumbar (nearlumbar vertebra #3). The nerve thenruns the length of each leg, specificallyto the buttock, thigh, calf, foot, andtoes. Symptoms emerge as pain,numbness, tingling and in severe casesloss of bladder and bowel continenceas well as leg weakness. Sciatic painis characterized as a mild ache to asharp, burning sensation, or even a joltlike an electric shock.

Risk factors for sciatica includeadvanced age, herniated disks andbone spurs, prolonged sitting or stand-ing, obesity, occupations requiringheavy-load lifts, diabetes (whichaffects nerve health), and weak trunkmuscles.

Although sciatic pain can be quitedebilitating, many cases can be treatedwith conservative at-home treatments,such as over the counter medications,ice/heat application, stretching, stressrelief, and abdominal strengthening.

If conservative measures such asanti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Tylenol,aspirin, Celebrex, ibuprofen, Motrin),ice and heat application, and stretch-ing fail one should attempt to streng-then the CORE muscles of the abdo-men. Strengthening these musclespromotes spinal alignment and lesscompression amongst nerve roots.Specifically muscles known as theextensors (back and glutes), the hipflexors (lower abdominal and iliop-soas), as well as the obliques (ab-dominal and paraspinal) can improveCORE strength.

Building Bodeez Fitness andWellness Center created a COREstrengthening group fitness programyears ago to combat this commoncondition. Instructors walk clientsthrough hour-long formats that in-clude functional training exercisesthat overload the muscle groups listedabove. Moreover, regular supervisedexercise decreases stress levels (whichcorrelates to nerve pain) and decreasesone’s risk for obesity and diabeteswhich limits risk of sciatica.

If mild/moderate pain persistslonger than 3-4 weeks despite conser-

vative measures and affects daily livingyour primary care physician should becontacted. Further evaluation andnon-invasive tests may be used todiagnose the crippling pain and pro-mote a solution (steroid use or surgicalintervention).

Don’t let a pain in your back crip-ple your healthy lifestyle.

SOURCES:• “Sciatica.” Mayo Clinic. Retrieved onlineat www.mayoclinic.org, 2014.• “Sciatica and Back pain.” Spine Health;Trusted Information for Back Pain Relief.Retrieved online at www.spine-health.com,2014.• “Sciatica.” MedLine Plus. Retrieved onlinea t w w w . n l m . n i h . g o v / m e d l i n e p l u s /sciatica.html, 2014.


What are the environmental implications of the so-called “driverless car”that Google and others are working on right now?

Just a decade ago most of us wouldn’t have dreamed we’dlive to see driverless cars whisking people around, but thingsare changing fast and analysts now think they will becommon by 2020 and account for the majority of cars onthe road by 2040. And with Google’s recent unveiling of itslatest prototype—complete with no pedals or steeringwheel—the future is indeed closer than we ever imagined.

Proponents argue that driverless cars—also called“autonomous cars”—are inherently more sustainable thantheir manned counterparts. For one, they say, once theyare widely available many of us will forego owning our owncars in favor of car-sharing, whereby the autonomousvehicle comes to you, charged and ready to go, as needed.Thus the result could be far fewer cars on the road thantoday. According to Steve Gutmann of the Seattle-basedsustainability think tank Sightline Institute, such a car-sharing scenario would also obviate the need for manyparking spaces. Today the typical private car spendsupwards of 90 percent of its time parked. Once we havemore driverless cars, we’ll need far fewer parking spaces,leading to less land being paved and reducing storm waterrunoff and heat island effects accordingly.

The networked brains of these vehicles will also reduceinefficient routes and decrease overall driving time, leadingto better air quality and lower carbon emissions. Also, theincreased safety of driverless vehicles—they obey speedlimits, can sense people, bikes and other cars coming towardthem, and accelerate and brake much more gradually thanhuman drivers—will mean that the cars can be lighter andrequire far fewer resources in manufacturing, reducingtheir overall environmental impact even further.

On the flip side, the advent of driverless cars meansthat many of us now not able to drive because of age orphysical handicaps will be able to use these cars to getaround, potentially leading to an increase in the number ofcars on the road. And Chandra Bhat of the Center forTransportation Research at the University of Texas pointsout that just because a car is driverless doesn’t mean we’llwant it to be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient. Hefears that driverless cars will engender a return to largervehicles because people will want “more comfortable space”when they are free to stretch out, relax, read, videochat,text or even nap during their trips. He adds that driverlesscars could lead to more urban sprawl as car commutingbecomes more tolerable without the hassle of actuallydriving.

Bhat also wonders what will become of the publictransit systems we’ve invested so heavily in if driverless carsoffer the same advantages—using the time en route to dowhatever one pleases—with the added benefit of privacyand route/timing flexibility.

Today four U.S. states—Nevada, Florida, California andMichigan—allow driverless cars on their public roads for

the purpose of testing; several other states are consideringsimilar allowances. Likewise, in 2013 the United Kingdombegan allowing the testing of driverless cars on its public

roadways. Besides Google, several leading automakers andother companies have developed their own prototypes. Carenthusiasts can expect to see such examples from the likesof Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Audi,Volvo, Tesla and others at auto shows over the next fewyears, and can look forward to getting “behind the wheel”of one within a decade. Whatever happens, it certainly isgoing to be quite a ride.

* * * * *

CONTACTS: Sightline Institute, www.sightline.org; Chandra Bhat,www.ce.utexas.edu/prof/bhat/home.html.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is aregistered trademark of E - The Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected].

Driverless -- or "autonomous" -- cars may be commonplace by 2020, someanalysts say, and are touted by proponents as more sustainable than theirdriven counterparts. But convenience factors could tip the scales the otherway and mean more and larger vehicles on the road. Pictured: Google'sprototype driverless car, a converted Prius, undergoing testing. Photo Credit:Steve Jurvetson.

“For every fog in August, there will be a snowfall.”

“If a cold August follows a hot July,it foretells a winter hard and dry.”

“If the first week in August is unusually warm,the coming winter will be snowy and long.”

AUGUST WEATHER FOLKLORE


THE LIGONIER CHEFby Scott Sinemus

Great Food, Great Atmosphere

continued on page 21

I am so pleased to announce I’ve hadtwo positive experiences in the lastmonth!! I don’t know whether it’s theweather or just that the time has comethat people are starting to construc-tively complain to restaurants aboutwhat is wrong with their meal. I oftenmention that I really don’t watchmuch on the food network; my hus-band, however, can’t seem to getenough of it. His cross to bear is havingme for a spouse. It has come to bebeneficial actually as when I mentionwhat’s gone wrong with our meal ifwe’re out; he mentions the very natureof my complaint with somethinghe’s watched on that network.

I was on my way back froma provisions trip to the ‘burghand realized I hadn’t had any-thing, except a mung bean pan-cake from a street vendor to eatyet; I was nearly home but stillin the middle of the stop lightstretch from hell ... Route 30, afew lights from Lupi & Leo’s. Ihad heard good things andreally needed a breather, so Ipulled in. The facade a bit be-guiling, I made my way in. AlbeitI was there during the limbo periodbetween lunch and dinner, the hostessand service were outstanding. Com-pletely knowledgeable staff is so in-herently wonderful to find.

The niftiest thing in the buildingare the sliding table top dividers whichinstantly turn all of the tables to “pri-vate” spaces to accommodate 2, 4 or6 by merely sliding the wooden appa-ratus. Clever but uniquely American,communal seating has afforded uswith some of the best experiences andchance friends we still keep in touchwith to this day. Nevertheless, the feelotherwise was very much pseudo-Mediterranean with food to match.

The pizza was fantastic, as was thewhite chicken chili; which isn’t somuch a chili at all: it’s more like abéchamel sauce with chicken andbeans suspended in it. What couldever be wrong with that?! The dessertswere also very cleverly presented – the“apple pie” stuffed into a mason jarwas the most memorable.

Lupi & Leo Unique Eatery201 West DriveGreensburg, PA 15601(724) 838-8160www.restaurantgreensburg.com

The best experience we’ve had latelyhas been a visit to The Pier atSharky’s. John, the owner, is alwayspleased to come and chat about therestaurant and his vision for it. Thereis a welcoming paragraph at the topof the menu about how difficult it isto get to your favorite beach destina-tion, so they brought it to you here. Theatmosphere is indeed very beachy,whether you sit indoors or out on thedeck. There is a canopy over half of it,which is a nice option if it’s raining ortoo sunny.

Last week when we were in fordinner, we ran into four tables of

people we knew from Ligonier. All ofthem had been there several times andcouldn’t think of a single unpleasantthing to say about the food or service.

The food is a tapas style menu;we love sharing small plates, so it’sperfect for us – the more friends wetake, the more things we get to try.

All of the food is cooked in 900-degree coal-fired ovens. The pizza isphenomenal! There are several pre-designed versions available; but de-signing your own is super easy withwonderful choices of toppings. Thepizza is very thin with a supremely

crispy crust you can only getwith a wood or coal-fired oven.

We order the pot roast dipwhen we order our cocktails; itis definitely not to be missed. Wealso usually always have thescallops, which have been per-fectly cooked every time.

They are open for lunch onthe weekends, and the brunchmenu should be in place by thetime this is printed. The salmonBLT pannini is an absolutemust-have, as are the stuffedFrench toasts with berries. My

favorite was the Nutella-stuffed.The Pier is open later than most

of the restaurants in our area, whichis nice if we’re working in the gardenand don’t finish up until the sun sets.Reservations are suggested, but youcan’t reserve a table outside on thedeck. However, if you reserve a tableinside and something is availableoutside when you arrive, it’s yours ifyou’d like it.

The service is also stellar – if youare lucky enough to have Julie, you willbe in for a treat. She’s knowledgeableand convivial with a great sense ofhumor.

The Ligonier Chef is taking on our “Shops Around the Corner” column towrite a multi-part series on local restaurants. This month’s article is part 1.


Located on the Diamond at100 East Main Street in Ligonier, PA

724-238-7003 www.EquineChic.com

Equine Chic

Mention this ad and Enjoy $10 off every $50 you spend

For Horse, Home & You!

Located on the Diamond at100 East Main Street in Ligonier, PA

724-238-7003 www.EquineChic.com

Help with Health InsuranceThe next Enrollment Period for obtaining health insurance

under the Affordable Healthcare Act begins again November 15!

We can help you find healthcareoptions NOW and year-round!Dan McCue, Financial & Group Services, Inc.“We Can Handle Your Health Insurance Needs from Cradle to Grave!”

For More Info: 724-593-2081 or [email protected]

Madeline Nagy is a 5-year-old girl who has endured many challengesincluding physical impairments, surgeries, and many nights spent in hos-pital beds instead of her own. She has been diagnosed with Turner Syn-drome and Trisomy 7. Because of her disclocated hips and knees, Madiuses a wheelchair to get around. Please consider making a donation forMadi’s family to assist in getting a wheelchair-accessible van. This willmake Madi’s trips to the hospitals and doctors a little less painful. It wouldbe amazing for Madi to be able to go to the hospital in comfort. Please giveas little or as much as you can – every little bit helps, and the family of thisprecious little girl would be very grateful.

Go to www.gofundme.com/madelinesvanto make a donation and follow Madi’s amazing journey!

This advertisement sponsored by Wraps By PJ.

Second Chapter Books

139 East Main StreetLigonier, PA 15658

724-238-7933fb.com/secondchapterbooks

New and Used Books • Children’s GiftsJewelry • Greeting Cards • Neat Stuff

Save 20-45% when you sign up for a yearof advertising in the Laurel Mountain Post!


New Alexandria Office: 724-668-5080412 W. Main St.

New Alexandia, PA 15670

New Florence Office: 724-235-3062213 Ligonier St.

New Florence, PA 15944

www.HewittRealEstate.net

Indiana Office: 724-349-8500957 Philadelphia St.Indiana, PA 15701

Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200213 E. Market St.

Blairsville, PA 15717

www.HewittRealEstate.net

Indiana Office: 724-349-8500957 Philadelphia St.Indiana, PA 15701

Blairsville Office: 724-459-9200213 E. Market St.

Blairsville, PA 15717

New Alexandria Office: 724-668-5080412 W. Main St.

New Alexandia, PA 15670

New Florence Office: 724-235-3062213 Ligonier St.

New Florence, PA 15944

Fairfield Township

Blairsville

#974000 – Beautifully maintained with amenitiesgalore.Fully equipped oak kitchen w/granite counter-tops,black appliances,oak wainscotting in DR, oak doorsand trim throughout, plenty of storage. Offered at $369,900

Indiana Blairsville

Indiana

Black LickBlairsville

Black Lick RobinsonIndiana

#994532 – 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath brick home located inBrookwood Estates. Home features, living room, diningroom, family room, sun room and a finished basement.Main floor laundry, large mud room. Enjoy the warmthof the 2 fireplaces, sit on the deck or relax on the backporch. Offered at $299,900

#997159 – Breathtaking Customized Home your familycan grow into. A new floor plan & newly remodeledwith real Oak Hardwood floors, crown molding, freshpaint newer carpeting,3 Fireplaces formal dining rmand Theater RM/Game rm reassessed lighting. Granitecounter tops. Deck 16x38 and Pool. Offered at $279,000

#988146 – House built around 1840. This home featureslarge rooms with a non working fireplace in almostevery room. Kitchen features the old built in stove forcooking (nonworking). BONUS: two bedroom garageapartment. Located on 1.17+/-. Swimming pool and hottub are included in the sale. Offered at $230,000

#1004806 – Beautiful all brick ranch. Move in ready.Firstfloor laundry and sunny family room. Lovely landscapedyard with privacy fence. Huge oversized 2 bay garagewith attic storage above. Offered at $164,900

#1008231 – Inviting and cozy this updated ranch featuresnew windows,plastered walls, George Bush kitchenwith Corian counters, updated bathroom,knotty pinepaneled family room w/wood burning fireplace, largebasement, new electric panel. Fenced garden and largeshed all on double lot. Offered at $139,500

#978955 – Beautiful 4 Bedroom Home, Newly remodeledKitchen w/Stainless Steel Appliances and Quartz countertops. Open Floor Plan to Dining area leads to coveredback porch. Sunken-in living rm w/wood burning F.P builtin bookcase and newer carpeting. Bedrooms have Lg clos-ets and Hardwood flooring. Newly remodeled upstairsBathroom .Newer double insulated garage door, Loft Stor-age, Newer Vinyl siding Large level lot. Offered at $139,000

#988643 – Well maintained brick split entry home locatedwithin walking distance to shopping & grocery stores. Fea-turing 3 bedrooms, 1 full & 2 1/2 baths. Original hardwoodfloors throughout the house, spacious rooms, open con-cept kitchen & dining room & plenty of natural sunlight inthe living room. 1/2 finished basement, brick wood burn-ing fireplace. Extra room in the basement. Two car inte-gral garage, central air & nice size lot. Offered at $129,500

#1003746 – Brick farmhouse on 18 acres, with barn. Excel-lent views, detached pole building for garage or horses.#bedrooms on Main floor, nice location in country. Pastureis sloping and gas rights not included in the sale. Offeredat $199,000.

#988361 – Well maintained one story home. Front porch7x23 and side porch 7x12, stove as is -oven not working,laundry area in kitchen, new double pane windows, 8yr old roof, storage shed included. United School Dis-trict. Offered at $37,000

Chestnut Ridge

#1008720 – Beautiful custom built cedar log home. Enjoythe rustic charm of its open floor plan. Located nearstate game lands it is a hunters paradise. The oversized2 car garage featured radiant floor heat, as well as thebasement which awaits your finishing touches. Enjoythe scenic view from the trex flooring deck or the cov-ered patio below. Offered at $269,000

Indiana

#1006466 – Take in the view of the town through thefloor-to-ceiling energy efficient windows, or enjoy thewarmth of the fireplace in the living room of this brickranch. This 3Br, 1.5ba home is situated on a nice lotwith a cedar backyard fence, deck and mature flowergardens. Offered at $184,000


It’s the Little Thingsby Nancy A. Clark

The most profound sermons aresometimes delivered by the most silentpreachers. Take Dutchess, for instance– an itty-bitty thing that taught melessons to last a lifetime.

Dutchess was a three-inch tallceramic salt shaker molded to look likea little Dutch girl. Bright blue bowspainted into her blonde pigtailsmatched the color of her eyesand dress. She sported a per-petual smile in spite of spiderycracks in her veneer, and herhands-on-hips posture formed“handles” to make her userfriendly. Mom poured salt intoher through the bottoms of herfaux wooden shoes and whentipped upside-down, Dutchessdispensed her all throughminiscule holes at the top ofher white three-cornered hat.Off duty, Dutchess, along withher pepper-shaker brother,Dutch, endured without complaintthe heat that surrounded her on thestove top between a percolating pot ofMaxwell House coffee, and a cauldronof bubbling venison stew.

My sister and I were forbidden to“salt” at the dinner table, but thefamily heirloom shaker was permittedto stand in the space between ourrespective dinner plates. We girls lovedDutchess and bestowed upon her thesame human characteristics we as-signed to our dolls.

Dutchess was a faithful servant inour busy kitchen, dependable to thevery last shake. That’s why her demisewas such a paradox to a life well-lived.During a rare outdoor adventure, andonly 40 feet from our back door, Dut-chess met her tragic end in a mannerthat literally brought me to my kneesand left her salt on my hands for alltime.

In the harvest season of my ninthyear, I was assigned to “search andrescue” any veggie left behind after thefinal garden picking of the day. Dur-

ing one such mission, I spotted agrossly deformed cucumber and threeoverripe tomatoes. Now, I loved cukesand ‘maters – especially with a dashof salt to enhance their flavor; andnobody but me knew they were still inthe garden, right? I had a plan, andall I needed was a little salt.

Mom was occupied with our babybrother when I slipped undetectedinto the kitchen and kidnapped theunsuspecting Dutchess. Clutching theceramic victim in the safety andwarmth of my right fist so as to insureher she need not fear, I wormed ourway through gnarled vines and rottingcabbages to the “left-behinds” toliberate the twisted cucumber and twoof the orphaned tomatoes. Then wedove into a row of free-standing cornstalks. There, in my private den ofiniquity, I carefully tipped and gentlyshook Dutchess’ bounty over thestolen treasures until those veggieslooked like they’d come through aKansas snow storm. Hankering formore, I wrapped my juice-sticky,soil-encrusted fingers around themuddied shaker and crawled backthrough the garden jungle to rescuethe last tomato.

That’s when I came up front andwaaay too personal with a trespasser… a gigundo groundhog, who reachedfor that tomato just as I was about to

rip it from its warty vine. Both thecritter and I froze when our pawstouched on the top side of that redglobe. We each issued a silent scream,reared on our hind legs, turned on ourrespective haunches, and ran on allfours – he toward the outhouse andme to the back porch. It wasn’t until Iwas tucked into my wee little bed that

night when real terror struck:I’d returned from the gardensans the salt shaker.

Because of me, Dutchesshad become a left behind.

Mom’s lingering dismayover the missing salt shakereventually drove me to confessI was the “perp” in the Case ofthe Missing Dutchess. Mypunishment fit the crime: tocrawl on my hands and kneesin the garden and “look untilyou find it.” Hours of searchingnetted a buffalo nickel and a

rusty skeleton key, but no Dutchess.I learned invaluable lessons from

this humiliating experience. Amongthem: a profound respect for “thoushalt not steal,” and the grace of for-giveness. I also learned that when Istand tall, stay cool and keep smiling,I can endure a lot of heat in life’s kit-chens … that when I’m turned upsidedown and shaken, I’ll eventually landon my own wooden shoes … that whenI maintain a posture of accessibility,I’m more user friendly. And when I’mempty, my ‘Keeper’ will fill me up andpreserve me for inevitable servings ofunsalted humble pie.

Sometimes it is the littlest thingsin life that teach the greatest lessons.Thank you, Dutchess, wherever youare.

* * * * *

Nancy Clark and her husband, Tom, rejoice in50 years of marriage, three children and threegrandchildren. She dabbles in freelance andmemoir writing when she isn’t baking, knitting,reading, or building a jigsaw puzzle.


by Megan FullerPOSTMODERN TENDANCIES

* * * * *

Megan Fuller is an applied cognitive anthropologistwith postmodern tendencies who grew up in theexciting Pittsburgh suburb of Pleasant Hills andhad the distinct pleasure of earning a Bachelor ofArts in Anthropology from IUP. In 1993, Meganmoved out West to get a Master’s Degree. She alsopicked up a husband and hasn’t quite convincedhim to move back to Western PA. To maintain herauthentic Pittsburgh accent she regularly watchesPittsburgh Dad and engages anyone wearing blackand gold sports gear in conversation.

Is Empty Nest SyndromeA Cultural Phenomenon?

“Ah, there you are. The holes in the pit of my stomach and the center of my heart. I had forgotten how much you hurteverytime I say goodbye to my baby. My philosophy of parenting is to give them roots and give them wings,

but let me tell you, the ‘wings’ part of that philosophy hurts like a SOB.” – Facebook post HRM

Is empty nest syndrome a culturalphenomenon? It would have to be,wouldn’t it? There are some culturesin which children never leave thefamily home, thereby never causing anest to be empty. Is an empty nestuniquely American? Probably not, butmy guess is that different cultures willhave diverse expectations.

In reading research on empty nestphenomena, I noticed discussion ofempty nest transitions and empty nestsyndrome. Empty nest transition re-fers to the time surrounding a childmoving out of the parent’s home. Dur-ing such transition parents may be sad,miss their child, and experience somestress over the child’s well-being; butgenerally, worries are short-term. If aparent experiences empty nest syn-drome they might slip into “depres-sion, identity crisis, and loweredhealth and well-being,” according toHeather Conover of Simon FraserUniversity.

In the past, it had been assumedthat only mothers would suffer fromempty nest syndrome because “wo-men mostly gain their identity fromtheir mothering role and usually haveno alternative roles to take on” (Con-over p. 19). However, as more womenwork outside the home and more mentake on child rearing responsibilities,recent research shows assumptionslike this are no longer born out inreality – even if the stereotype persists.Recent studies suggest that a parent’smental health during an empty nesttransition, and whether their sadnessis short-termed or they slide into adepression, is highly related to the

success of the child. “Parents whoseadult children have problems (i.e.mental, physical, or stress-relatedproblems) experience greater depres-sion than parents whose children donot have these problems” (Conover p.16-17).

Cross cultural studies suggest thatparents do have different ideas abouthow and when a child should leave thenest. Some cultures expect children toleave for college, some expect financialstability, some not until marriage, andsome at a certain age. However, thestudies found that across cultures,when the child left the nest at therespective “appropriate” time, parentsfound the transition easier. Whenchildren left home, and the timing was

considered “inappropriate,” parentshad a greater chance of suffering emp-ty nest syndrome.

Throughout Conover’s research,she found parents who were lookingat the empty nest transition as anopportunity rather than a misfortune.Parents were taking on new socialactivities, planning to travel, lookingforward to privacy and better financialconditions with a small household.Some studies found better maritalrelationships once the children hadmoved out, as well as, improved par-ent/child relationships.

Naturally, parents have some as-sumptions about how and when theirchildren should leave the nest, as wellas some assumptions on how havingan empty nest will affect them. WhenI close my eyes and think about myown kids moving out, I picture myselfjumping around doing cartwheels;but I expect I will be sad at the sametime. According to literature aboutempty nest transitions, this ambiguityis normal; but when parents are con-fident that children will be able tosuccessfully fend for themselves, a newadult relationship usually grows outof the empty nest transition.


OFFICE: 724.238.7600CELL: 724.972.8418

Calling All Sellers: Are You Ready to Move??If you've been on the fence about listing your home, now is the time.

With interest rates slowly creeping up, buyers are on the move.Ask any agent; we have buyers, we need listings to sell! Now is the time!

Call today for a no-cost market analysis on your home and LIST IT! OFFICE: 724.238.7600 • CELL: 724.972.8418

485 Laurel Summit, Ligonier Twp3br/2ba atop Laurel Mt. Enjoy thepeace! Lower level can be full guestquarters. Wrap around deck, oakhardwoods on main, 2 wood-burn-ers, level lot. Great mountain homefor entertaining/getaway. Enjoyhiking, cross country skiing, mtnbiking, hunting, fishing, ATV ... rightoutside your front door! $130,000

3015 Exeter Road, Greensburg2br/1ba ranch, immaculate home,one-level living. Covered patio, nice-ly landscaped, level lot. $175,000

1518 Darlington Road, LigonierSituated waterfront on ButtermilkFalls, 2br/3ba home full of characteron an absolutely amazing property,MUST SEE! $125,000

Misty Hegan

[email protected] • 115 S Market St • Ligonier, PA 156581382 Route 30, Laughlintown 3miles east of Ligonier

724-238-4983www.compassinn.com

Events sponsored byLigonier Valley Historical Society

This advertisement sponsored by Antiques On the Diamond in Ligonier.

This advertisement sponsored by Batter Up! Cakes.

Living History Weekend – August 16-17

Hammer Inn Blacksmith Day – August 30

OPEN ENROLLMENTfor the 2014-2015 Preschool Year at the

Ligonier Valley Learning Center Inc.

Our Pre-K Counts program is FREE to families thatare income eligible. A family of four can make

$71, 650. Our focus is on Kindergarten readiness.Children who are 3 need to have turned 3 by 9/1/14.If you have a child who is 3-5 and would like more

information, please contact us at 724-238-2115.

309 Village Court, Ligonier BoroOpen floor plan, eight years youngand well cared for, this home haseverything for care-free living. Greathome for entertaining inside andout with a lovely patio. 2 br up-stairs and den on main floor thatcould be 4th br. All necessities arelocated on main floor; master andbeautiful bath & laundry, 2 car ga-rage. Convenient to town. $247,900

610 WEST MAIN STREETLIGONIER, PA 15658

(724) 238-6606FAX: 724-238-9507

PHONE ANSWERS EVENINGS

Call Us Today For All Your Real Estate Needs!Serving the Valley Since the 1970’s

Ligonier ValleyReal Estate Co.

MON thru FRI: 9:00 - 5:00 SAT: 10:00 - 2:00 PMSUNDAY BY APPOINTMENT

Visit our website:www.ligoniervalleyrealestate.comEmail: [email protected]

®

Buck Run, New Paris/BedfordEnjoy peace & quiet at Buck Run II.Quaint 2br/1ba cabin on 1.17 acres.Ride quads, hike, fish, hunt!. Beauti-ful off-the-grid experience! $85,000

Charlotte Drive, LigonierVacant lot, great neighborhood, greatview, public water/sewage. $32,000


OFF TRAILby Joe Walko

Off Trail“The Earth has music for those who listen.” – William Shakespeare

Four miles into the woods, we turn offthe blazed, well-used trail. Finally! Wecut left, following down a thickly-tangledrhododendron-laurel studded, rainswollen, rocky mountain stream. Wehave to fight through the bramble andnavigate tricky stream crossings mademore challenging by our heavy packs,a terrible fall saved more than once byextended and straining hiking poles,and several times we are turned backwhen the brush is just too thick to cutthrough or the stream too deep andcurrent too swift. When the last cros-sing has been made and the tanglesthin out and the forest floor finallyopens in a stately, mature, and muchdarker hemlock grove, both me andmy backpacking partner Mark aresporting bloody gouges in our shinsand countless scrapes and bruises

But our hearts are pounding,adrenaline is pumping, muscles longdormant are screaming, and we arepulsing with the excitement of true

exploration through a section of themountain unknown to us before. Oureyes are wide open, the grins are earto ear, backs are sore, and we are along way from the ordinary here.That’s part of why we go off trail.

There is nothing wrong withperfectly good trails. In fact, most ofthe time, I prefer trails. Our bushwhack through the tangles was hard,our progress a snail’s pace, and thedanger of injury from a fall much,much higher than on a trail. (Thoughtruth be told, I fell while not payingattention on one of the flattest,smoothest section of trail! I chalk thatup to age and a lack of backpackingthe last two years!)

In fact, I love trails. Trails get meinto the woods, without fear of gettinglost. They make the going easy, theyallow my attention to focus on the floraand fauna, they carry me from pointA to point B without much attentionneeded. While walking trails I candaydream of past hikes or hikes tocome, of making new trails, planningtheir route through rock mazes andalong overlooks, criss-crossing streamsand valley hollers, picturing the perfectforest scene with my trail runningthrough it.

Of course, there would be hikerson that trail. And most times that ismore than okay. But sometimes, I justwant to get away, even from the out-door crowd.

And so it is that Mark and I leavethe well-trod trail, to escape to realwilderness, with a real friend, with nocell phone service or internet con-nection, no candy wrappers anddiscarded water bottles or beer cans.We are immersed instead in untram-meled beauty.

The hemlock forest is a completelydifferent environment from the hard-wood forest of the ridge top, which thetrail follows. Hemlocks like water, lotsof it, the more acidic the better – thetannin they produce often turning thewater brown. But the recent heavyrains have this stream sparkling purewhite, and it is lined with laurels andrhododendrons, too, creating a beautyunique to western PA. The rushingstream provides refreshing drinkingwater (when properly filtered!) andthe background music at our camp,accompanied by the winter wrens andevening thrushes at dusk.

The dainty needles of the pinesprovide more shade, make the forestdarker, like the low lighting of a inti-mate restaurant. Mark and I enjoygourmet camp food direct from ourJetBoils, chili and pasta dish with arich, creamy sauce. A carpet of brightgreen moss is our table clothe, an oldmassive downed hemlock supporting


This advertisement sponsored by Dan McCue, Financial & Group Services, Inc.

5048 Route 982 in Latrobe • 724-572-6243 • SanctusSpa.com

15% off any service for new clients!

A Full-Service Spa and Salon

our backs and setting the camp table. Dinner is good, a bitof dark chocolate for dessert and after dinner red wine.Conversation is easy, and without distraction we re-adjustto real time. We catch up on what’s important, family andfriends, and drinking in the beauty of the woods, often timesjust sitting in comfortable silence, letting the forest soundsand serenity percolate through us, too.

I notice our camp has anabundance of duel andeven a couple triple-trunkedtulip poplars. Is this a rareoccurrence, making thislittle unmarked, unknownspot in the map special?Probably not, given howmany I notice on the hike outthe next day, through thetrails. But I didn’t noticethem as we walked in. It tookuntil we slowed down, untilwe stopped trying to covermiles and make a desti-nation, before they seepedslowly into my notice. How

much do we miss, in this too fast paced world? How muchdo we rush right by, rush right through, without noticing,because we are not on nature time, but racing a humanfueled clock? Why don’t we have more time like this in ourdaily lives? Why is just sitting quietly, silently, such aforgotten art? Mark and I ponder, while sipping rye whiskeyin the fire glow that replaces sunlight in the late evening,lighting up our dual-trunked camp. Sleep comes easy tonight.

Golden sunlight high in the sky tells me I have slept inand well, a rarity for me. But I always seem to sleep well inthe woods. In the morning light, even more dual-trunkedtrees are discovered, and the moss glows bright green inthe low morning sun. Pink lady-slipper orchids, too, andlaurels bursting with buds. Funny the things you noticewhen allowed to slow down, to nature’s time. Funny howwell you feel, how connected to the deep peace within, whenallowed to stop and listen. Funny how even more gloriouseverything seems after adjusting to the lack of humanintrusion. This is why we go off-trail ...

* * * * *

Off Trail is a monthly column devoted to exploring our diverse and beautifulnatural heritage, especially the the hidden gems and special places off the beatenpath.

Joe Walko is a full time widowed parent to two beautiful but challengingboys, now unemployed by choice after a 25-year career in corporate finance.He is a writer and blogger searching for his voice, a seeker of his truth, anature and adventure junkie discovering whole new worlds and beauty inthe glorious struggle, in the ordinary, in his own backyard, and mostly, inhis heart. Contact him at [email protected].

* * * * *

Read more about Joe Walko’s first book, “Evening’s Light – AJourney with Grief,” on page 19 of the Laurel Mountain Post!


Call 724-537-6845!

HOME STUDYby Brian Mishler

Turning A House into A HomeDespite studies demonstrating that peopleliving as part of a married couple are heal-thier, happier and living longer, there arenever-ending jokes and fear about “takingthe plunge.” Much ado is made about theuncertainty of, well, certainty; we are mak-ing a commitment, and more importantlysomeone is making that same commit-ment to us. A wedding is a wonderful cele-bration of that commitment to one another.

When making the commitment topurchase a home, we call that wedding a“closing”, and during the time leading upto it, all too often the uncertainty of cer-tainty abounds. Did you ever see the movie“Everything was fine, and they lived hap-pily”? Of course not; no such thing exists.For some reason we humans are drawn todrama; our minds collect and save horrorstories, and ignore the “everything wasfine.” The vast majority of home ownersgo about owning their homes with littlefanfare or major issues; it’s the minority –the houses with major and or catastrophicissues – that are talked about on the news;it makes good television.

In class, students hear that my pro-fessional title – home inspector, is a mis-nomer. In fact, what I actually do is houseinspection. The difference –thank you forasking– is that a house is bricks and mortar,a roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and“stuff.” A home is the life that the occupantsmake inside that house; it’s the kids’ heightscratched on the doorjamb, the memoriesof Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas morn-ing, birthdays and anniversaries. Memories

that last a lifetime, and more often thannot, are things that went wrong, usuallyhysterically wrong. I can’t inspect a home;no two are alike and it’s never the samethroughout our lives; we change, the kidschange, our home changes.

The certainty in marriage as well ashome ownership is change. Things will gowrong, I promise you. At some point yourspouse will fall short of your expectations;(and if you’re reading that correctly, itmeans you and I) and the water heater orsome other piece of “stuff” in the house willgo kablooey just as the in-laws are walkingin for a holiday dinner or at some otherinopportune time. It’s the stuff of stories andlegends for us to frighten future generations.

Similar to relationships, our home andhouses need maintenance. Rarely is a nicehouse the result of a huge remodel, but ofconsistent and faithful maintenance. Justas we and our relationships age and ma-ture, so do our houses.

Since the dawn of time, when peoplefirst sought shelter in caves for their familiesour houses have served not only to protectus from the elements, but from predatorsas well. As time as progressed, so to haveour houses; becoming increasingly com-plex, they protect us from the cold, heat,and boredom, they provide a place to cookand provide privacy so that we may dothose things that we must do in a sanitaryfashion. In just the last 150 years our houseshave transformed from a basic log cabinwith an outhouse to a sophisticated pieceof technology.

The idea of a home, of family, of havingour own “place” has never changed; whenwe’re buying a home, we are making anemotional commitment. It’s the place ourhopes and dreams will be realized, ourfamily will grow, our time and money willbe spent. But you can only buy a house; ahome, you must “build.”

Our region has an abundance of olderhomes, some dating back to the18th centuryand a few even earlier. Just like people, theolder a house is, the more maintenance itwill require. Gather as much informationas you can, not only about the house, butabout yourself. People fall in love with thecharm of a home –someone else’s home atthe moment–and later discover that it’s nota good fit. Nothing major wrong with thehouse, nothing wrong with the buyer, justmore maintenance or repair than thatperson or family would like to do. Some ofus are tinkerers; we like to work on “stuff.”Others like to come home, enjoy activities,and leave the “stuff” to professionals. In anold home that can get expensive quickly.Even if you do like to work on homes, somecan be more time and money consumingthan what we anticipate.

Even a brand new house requiresmaintenance, and upkeep. But one mustbear in mind that most components of ahouse have on average a 20-year designlife. So, even a relatively young house couldneed big ticket items in the not too distantfuture. Again, the certainty of uncertainty,sooner or later the brakes on your car willneed replaced; so to your furnace, roof, etc.No one enjoys buying this stuff; we’d ratherget furniture or a pool. But just as we don’tjunk the car because it needs brakes, we fixthe house as it dictates.

Unlike a marriage, and even the “Ameri-can dream,” we tend not to stay in any onehouse for long. The average family changeshomes every 7 years. So relatively speaking,even uncertainty of any specific house weown tends to be short-lived.

Just as you did with your spouse, makesure you “fit” not just them to you, but youto them. There will be bumps in the road;that’s what “You Tube” is for, but you’ll getover them, and live happily.

* * * * *

Brian Mishler is the owner of HomeStudy Inc., anda 20 year veteran home inspector. He began per-


Use your Neighborhood Card to save with the Laurel Mountain Post:Readers – save $5 off our annual subscription priceBusinesses – take 50% off the first ad, and 10% off all other ads

Call 724-537-6845!


Please Recycle This Magazine!

NATURAL HEALTHHealing with Mother

Nature’s Weedsby Granny Earth, ND

Red Clover(Trifolium prantense)

Red Clover is a perennial ‘weed’, growingup to16 inches tall. It has a hairy uprightstem, leaves with 3 oval leaflets with a whitecrescent marking and pink/purple egg-shaped flowers. Although from Europe andAsia, Red Clover’s been ‘naturalized’ inNorth America, where we cultivate it forhay and as a ‘nitrogen-fixing’ crop. Farmers growit as feed for their cows, orfor turning under, to helpthe soil. But, you can alsofind it growing wild.

The parts used for ‘heal-ing’ are the flower heads.If you see them growing wild, just pick thetop part and hang them in a shady spot todry, or else simply spread them out on ascreen till they’re dry. Then store them in aglass container for further use. The ‘cres-cent markings’ on the leaves were onceconsidered to be a sign that ‘clover’ wouldhelp eliminate cataracts.’ This was inaccordance with the ‘Doctrine of Signa-tures,’ which says that a plant’s appearanceindicates the ailment that it is suited to treat.So who knows? It might be worth a try tomake a tea of the whole plant as a treat-ment for cataracts. It sure wouldn’t hurt.

In the past, Red Clover’s been used totreat breast cancer. A concentrated de-coction was applied to the tumor site, whichencouraged the tumor to grow outward andeventually clear the body. Since Red Clovercontains ‘coumarins,’ it does have mildblood-thinning properties, which make ituseful for chronic degenerative conditions.It’s also become known as a ‘blood cleanser’and a detox weed, being used for skincomplaints: eruptions, psoriasis and ec-zema, among other things.

Having a reputation for the treatment ofcancer and tumors, Red Clover works wellwith other weeds, such as: Chaparral, PokeRoot, Burdock Root, Dandelion Root,Barberry Root and Echinacea – for thispurpose. It’s also known to have ‘estrogeniceffects’ and is therefore useful in treatingmenopausal complaints.


Every Wednesday through August 27, 5 – 8 pm

What’s for dinner? On Wednesdays, families will have a wide choice of options from 8 select restaurantswho will be set up under the trees at the Lincoln Highway SupperMarket, 3435 Route 30 E,

near Kingston Dam, midway between Ligonier and Latrobe. www.LincolnHighwaySupperMarket.org

If you love magazines as much as wedo, chances are you’ve got overflow-ing piles of old issues cluttering upyour home. Newsprint is easy to re-cycle, but the glossy pages of maga-zines and catalogs present some eco-logical challenges. Here are some greatideas for clearing out the back stackswithout flooding the local landfill:• Consider making some eco-friendlypacking material. Why waste moneyon fancy bubble wrap or foam peanutswhen you can run some old magazinepages through a shredder instead?• Create festive garland from the mostcolorful pages – flowers, triangles,whatever looks pretty!• Donate to charities or businesses.Some suggestions include: libraries,

nursing or retirement homes, militarytroops, women or family shelters, phy-sician waiting rooms, preschool anddaycare centers for crafts, or friendsand relatives. Be sure to remove youraddress label before you donate!• Websites like Pinterest, buzzfeedand other creative posts are full of craftideas that use magazines.• Some titles retain their value, likeNational Geographic. Check out eBayor local vintage shops to see what onesmight be worth listing for sale.

We love that our readers will savethe Laurel Mountain Post, or passthem along to others. But when thetime comes, please remember to re-cycle every issue!


by Mark Rullo MS, CSCS, MES

WHAT’S COOKING IN FITNESS

Carbs Are Not a VillainWhen I meet with people to discuss their weight loss goals, I amsurprised by how many people have allowed misinformation tosink into their gray matter as fact. Because of this bad informationpeople are maligning certain foods, certain macronutrients, even certaincolors. I could write article after article on the numerous mythsconfusing the public about weight loss (and I just might – stay tuned!)

I find that the most common villain in the misinformation isthe innocuous carbohydrate.

Your body uses carbohydrates to make glucose which is fuelthat gives you the energy to keep you moving. Your body can useglucose as an immediate source of energy or it can be stored in theliver and muscle for when it’s needed.

The following foods are where you can find carbs:• vegetables • fruits• breads, cereals and other grains • milk and milk products• foods containing added sugars

Carbohydrates are categorized as either simple or complex. Simplecarbohydrates are sugars. Table sugar, candy, honey and fruit areall examples of simple carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates arebroken down into two categories: starchy carbohydrates and fibrouscarbohydrates. Potatoes, beans, cereals, breads and pasta are allexamples of starchy carbohydrates. Fibrous carbohydrates areprimarily vegetables.

Often people refer to “bad” carbs and “good” carbs; blamingthe “bad” carbs for weight gain. These “Bad” carbs I hear mentionedtypically are your breads, pasta and cereals that people see as thevillain. The fact is, there is no such thing as a “bad” carbohydrate.Some are better than others, but they all can play a role in abalanced diet.

With a scientific understanding of weight management, it isclear that “bad” carbs do not make people fat/gain weight, rathereating more calories than your body needs is what leads to weightgain. If this science is so clear, then why do so many people fearthese so called “bad” carbs?

Often the foods that people label “bad” carbs are those that arecalorie dense, easy to over-eat and often served in a variable servingsize leading to portion distortion.

To illustrate this lets use a cup as our serving size to comparecaloric values of a few of the so called “bad” carbs against their“good” carb (fibrous carbohydrate) counterpart and you can seethe difference.

FOOD CaloriesCup of white rice 204Cup of mashed potatoes 214Cup of Pasta (elbow) 390Cup of Broccoli 31Cup of Apples 57

To get the same caloric volume from broccoli as one cup of whiterice, one would need to eat 6.5 cups (or 3.6 cups of apples). Toequal the amount of calories in one cup of elbow pasta one wouldhave to consume 12.6 cups of broccoli (or 6.8 cups of apples).

To sit down and eat a cup of rice, potatoes or pasta or anyother “bad” carb isn’t a big deal; however, could you picture yourselfsitting down at the dinner table with 12.6 cups of broccoli?

Any diets or weight loss programs preaching that carbs makeyou fat fail to address the actual reason people gain weight – eatingmore calories than their bodies need. Yes, some carbs are healthierthan others as is the case with all macronutrients (protein, carbsand fats). Ultimately, eating more calories than you burn makesyou fat whether you consume those calories from carbs, protein orfat. Bottom line: it is not what you eat but HOW MUCH you eatwhen it comes to weight loss.

A great example of this is the television show “Survivor.” Onthe show, individuals are placed on remote islands where theycompete and vote other people out to become the “sole survivor.”Those who make it to the finals will be there for 38 days. In the 28seasons since its debut in 2000, no one who has make it to the finalhas gained weight. Regardless of age, gender, race or fitness leveleveryone lost weight. Ironically, their primary food source at thecamp site is an ultimate starchy carbohydrate: white rice. Howcan that be if carbs are supposed to make you fat? Simple. Theydidn’t have access to eat other foods without either hunting orcompeting for it and the rice they did eat was rationed to last.

When it comes to understanding the so-called “bad” carbs,show it is calories, specifically calories consumed in excess of yourdaily burn is the cause of any weight gain. No macronutrient(protein, carb or fat) whether good or bad can trump the thermo-dynamics of caloric management.

Good news once the caloric management is in-line relative toyour goal (lose weight, gain weight or maintain weight) then youcan move down the nutritional funnel to accelerate the results.Now rather than fear those carbs, become aware of their caloricvalue and learn how to fit the carbs you want into your nutritionalformula. This is how weight loss/management can and has to bebased on YOUR FOODS, on YOUR TERMS if you ever want it tobecome a livable lifestyle.

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

As an added incentive for people new to My Fitness Kitchen®, bymentioning this Laurel Mountain Post article, you will receive $25 “KitchenCash” to be used toward our no-risk, no obligation, 100% money guarantee 30-Day Weight Loss JUMPSTART program at My Fitness Kitchen®, as a courtesyof the Laurel Mountain Post.

My Fitness Kitchen® is a weight loss and body transformation centerthat also happens to have a fitness center connected to it. From the momentyou enter My Fitness Kitchen® regardless of your age, fitness level orexperience, it’s all about “You.” The supportive staff, welcoming atmosphere,and friendly members combine to create the most unique and comfortableenvironment for your weight management and fitness success. Whether itis Nutrition, Fitness or both, you can be confident My Fitness Kitchen® isthe solution to a healthier and thinner you. Located in the Laurel 30 Plaza ofLatrobe, My Fitness Kitchen® is where weight loss is made simple. 724-879-852. www.myfitnesskitchen.com | [email protected]

About the Author:Mark Rullo, MS, CSCS, MES is an Exercise Physiologist, Certified Strength &Conditioning Specialist, Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Golf FitnessInstructor and owner of My Fitness Kitchen® www.myfitnesskitchen.com724-879-8523. Mark and his team at My Fitness Kitchen® specialize in weightloss and body transformation helping thousands meet and exceed their goalsthrough evidence-based scientific programming.


Clopidogrel(generic Plavix)

Alendronate(generic Fosamax)

Omeprazole(generic Prilosec)

Pantaprazole(generic Protonix)

$37 for6 MonthsOR

OR

=

=

20 mg only

$70 for12 Months

709 Ligonier StLatrobe, PA 15650

724-539-4565latrobepharmacy.com

We now have available a low-costalternative to Viagra tablets!

50 Sildenafil 20mg tablets (ten doses) = $80versus $325 for 10 Viagra doses

(prescription must be written for Sildenafil, 20mg #50, take 2-5 tablets as needed )

Visit website for a list of all available genericsThese offers are not available at any other Medicine Shoppe locations

Simvastatin $35 $65

6 Months 12 Months

Atorvastatin $70 $140

Escitalopram $65 $109

A few examples of how our program saves you money:

Friendlier Service, Lower Prices in Latrobe!Our low extended generic program can help keep you out of the Part D “donut hole”

But Ham and Walko both take us to thatinconceivable place, in intimate, often timesraw detail. We read these honest accountsof unpleasant subjects, to see how theyreact, what they feel, and how they handlethe pressure; and mostly, to wonder whatwe would do and how we would feel andreact.

Both of these men lose their spouse atyoung ages, Ham’s wife Lisa at age 39 fromcolon cancer, Walko’s wife Debbie frombreast cancer at age 45. Both befuddledhusbands are suddenly thrust into unfa-miliar sole parenting roles, Ham with threegirls, Walko with two boys, both now with-out the love and guidance and support oftheir partner and best friend.

At first they are stunned and left un-prepared to pick up the pieces, despite long-term terminal diagnosis. Even up to thevery end, Ham holds out hope for a miracle.

“Living with the pressure of disease, in particular a serious condition that could end with death, is inconceivable.” – Bruce Ham

It takes Walko almost a year to fully com-prehend the last nine days of his wife’s life,and it will be a lifetime challenge for bothto wrestle with the baffling emotions of lossand grief.

But they do wrestle with their demons,one day at a time, sometimes a step or twoback, but generally marching forward – asboth of their spouses would have wantedthem to do. Interestingly, in both families,much of the inspiration comes from thechildren. Ham wrestles with braids and brasand periods, while Walko struggles com-ically with the household chores and dailydinners. Both men wrestle with balancingschool and extra-circular activities withwork. But it’s the kids themselves that oftentimes help both of them the most, forcingHam and Walko out of their anger andsadness, and re-prioritizing their lives.

Most everyone will experience loss intheir lives. The candor and honesty of Hamand Walko are refreshing; they are unafraidto shine a bright public light on their short-comings and struggles. And this is whatmakes both of these books worthwhile, forthey have not sugar-coated the challenges.We watch them both fall down to their knees,shaken to their core, but we watch them bothget up again, too, following their owncourage, for their kids, for themselves, forthe love of life. And we’re rooting for them.

In the end these books are both inspi-rational. They are about doing the hardwork of grief, about finding a new normal,and learning how to laugh and love again.

Both Ham and Walko search out thegood in their new lives, as different as theyare. In the end they are books about hope,beautifully written to provide memories totheir children, and example and hope to us.

Book Reviews: Fathers’ Grief“Laughter, Tears and Braids,” by Bruce Ham.

A father’s journey through losing his wife to cancer. (therealfullhouse.wordpress.com)

“Evening’s Light,” by Joe Walko.A journey with grief. (joewalko.wordpress.com/books/)

continued from page 17

You could use Red Clover in an infusion(tea) or make it into a tincture, with otherweeds. Since the flowers are beautiful, youmight want to add a few to your favoritesalad, or the Purslane Salad on page 124-What a beautiful addition!

Added bonus- Red Clover tea will have anice, calming effect on your children. Youcould leave the flowers in and add honeyto taste. The little sweethearts are sure tolove it, and you’ll love the ‘sleepy time effectit has, too!

Page 136–137: Do It Yourself Weed Medicine

[email protected]

Phone: 724-542-9713Granny’s monthly Natural Health

Newsletter- ‘CONNECTIONS’ is availablevia- Snail-Mail. 12 pages- All good stuff!

$35.00 a year (12 issues).


Twenty Years and Growingby Mandy Sirofchuck

Main Exhibit Gallery at 301 West Main Street inLigonier is celebrating 20 years of retailing fine craftand art made in the USA. Here’s a little backgroundon Ligonier’s oldest craft gallery.

People often ask Paul and me, “How didyou start Main Exhibit Gallery?”

We started with the building. Thatmight not be what people mean when theyask, but from our point of view as anarchitect and wife of an architect, its usuallyhow we start with anything.

We moved to Ligonierfrom Bucks County nearPhiladelphia after spendingfive years renovating a 1900’scarriage house that we fell inlove with when we first mar-ried. The house was great; theneighborhood wasn’t, andPaul, though he loved archi-tecture, was slowly evolvinginto a furniture craftsman.We needed more space.

Western PA was callingPaul back home. While look-ing for land on which to builda house and someday studio,we saw this brick Victorianon Ligonier’s main street inwhat seemed like “New Hopewest.” The house, completewith bats in the attic, neededmuch attention, as they al-ways do, but all we couldenvision was: “Gallery for Paul’s furniture.”

After a year of moving walls, rebuild-ing, stripping wall paper, plastering, paint-ing and sanding, we had a beautiful littlespace for a gallery, and a rental that wouldhelp while we established ourselves.

We selected what we thought was aclever name, “Main Exhibit Gallery,” sincewe were on Main Street and exhibit things.I’m not sure the name has ever caught on.Most folks refer to us as “the Acorn Store,”but that’s another story. We stocked thespace with Paul’s furniture and some con-signed art from a few local artists whowanted to give us a chance and opened inAugust, 1994.

Influenced by the east coast art scene,I envisioned showcasing contemporarywork in addition to Paul’s creations and myown stained glass work. I had some verywilling artists who contributed sculpture,ceramics, paintings and other wall art. Wescheduled shows and openings and had a

good time. Of course, we weren’t making aliving at it. Paul continued with architecturewhile building our “dream house” on 22acres south of town, and I did freelancewriting and graphic design, working fromthe gallery. Contemporary art wasn’t thatwell-received locally as yet, though visitorsfrom other areas gave us encouragement.

Paul started making a name for him-self at juried art shows, such as the West-

moreland Arts and Heritage Festival, South-ern Alleghenies Museum of Art, The Hoytand the Craftsmen’s Guild’s “A Fair in thePark.” Main Exhibit Gallery became aLigonier destination for people interested inhis finely-crafted furniture. I started at-tending trade shows to buy American craftand build up our inventory to offer ourclientele more variety.

Then along came our daughter Clairin 1999. Our tiny gallery had to accom-modate her as I continued to work in townwhile Paul moved into full-time furnituredesign at his studio in our new home. Onceagain, we needed more space.

This time, instead of having tenants,we just took over the rest of the buildingand revamped the apartment area intomore gallery space. Paul was winningawards for his furniture, and more clientscame to Main Exhibit. I attended moreshows and grew my fine craft inventory,becoming a full-time “gallery” person, nolonger freelancing.

Searching for new artists includedlengthy discussions with them about theirprocesses, so that I could educate myclientele about the techniques involved inmaking the work we were selling, andprovide insight about the artists themselves.That’s one reason why, in 20 years, wehaven’t strayed from our original conceptof carrying only American-made products:to support our fellow craftspeople and to

know our artists, their repu-tations and the quality oftheir work.

As our gallery pro-gressed, Ligonier did as well.More and varied shopssprang up around town.Visitors from out of the areaand out of state are oftensurprised by all that ourgallery, and Ligonier, haveto offer.

While educating myselfin various artistic proces-ses, I realized how helpfuland enriching it would be forothers, as well. The nextlogical step is to help peopleknow the joy of “making” byoffering classes. Many ofour exhibiting artists andothers have offered to teachin a variety of media.Paul’s clientele continues

to grow and so does his need for displayspace. And my interest in large sculpturalforms, especially for outdoors, has us bur-sting at the seams. Once again, we neededmore space.

Paul and I looked at other buildings,but nothing attracted us the way this oldbrick Victorian did so many years ago. Wedecided to stay put and add on. Last fall,we began construction on a two-story ad-dition that doubles our space and makes usaccessible. In celebration of twenty yearsof surviving the fickle art tastes and aneconomic downturn, we are opening ourgallery expansion with a show of morethan 20 of our past and present artists.

Making and selling fine craft is our wayof life. It’s a family affair, with our daugh-ter, who grew up in the gallery, now oftenattending buyer’s shows and helping withclients. We are rooted to Ligonier and com-mitted to bringing the best in Americancraft to anyone willing to walk up our porchand through the door.


Would you like to become a sponsorof the Laurel Mountain Post?

Business to BusinessNetworking in Latrobe!

The Laurel Leaders group invites all local business leaders to attend a weeklymeeting of BNI (Business Networking International) held each Wednesday

at the SpringHill Suites in Latrobe, from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm.Visitors are welcome (no reservations), free of charge, and encouraged

to come learn more about a variety of weekly local business topics.FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR GROUP:

www.bni-westernpa.com

LINDSAY M. TURCHETTA, AWMA®

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisors TM

2790 Mosside BoulevardSuite270

Monroeville, PA 15146412-858-9090 Fax 412-856-8433

Direct 724-493-9473

(Personal Office)2016 Highland AvenueGreensburg, PA 15601

724-493-9473www.waddell.com

Place YOUR Business Ad in the Laurel Mountain Postfor as little as $75 per month – we have prices for every budget!

* * * * *

Scott Sinemus is a Chef with a degree in Culinary Arts from the PennsylvaniaInstitute for Culinary Arts in Pittsburgh. He’s continued his education withclasses from the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone and TheGreenbrier; and has travelled internationally in search of authentic cuisine.


forming home inspection after 15 years in the construction industry convincedhim that his body wasn’t made for hard labor. Brian is the former president ofthe Pittsburgh Regional Organization of the American Society of Home Inspectors(PRO-ASHI), and currently sits on the board of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh,a non-profit that rehabilitates homes for disadvantaged seniors and veterans,assisting them with pre-renovation inspection and selection. Brian also teachesa variety of real estate related classes, and has mentored other seeking to becomehome inspectors.

He currently resides in Latrobe, with his better half Carol, their Bostonterrier Gizmo, three cats, and three transient college students. When sparetime is to be had, Brian can be found on a motorcycle, in a kayak, or hikingin the area. He can be reached at [email protected].


I cannot express what a breath of fresh air (literally)the pier has been this summer. I wish John and the staffthe best of luck!

The Pier at Sharky’s3960 Route 30Latrobe, PA 15650724-532-1029www.sharkyspier.com

Would you like to become a sponsorof the Laurel Mountain Post?

Show our community your support for their favorite magazine!

We will print your logo and contactinfo for $40/issue or $25/month

with an annual contract, and deliveremployee copies to your office.

(This block is: 2.25” wide x 1” high)

Greensburg – MLS 1014349 This great 3 bed room home with 2 1/2 baths will be great for any family. Lots of new updates done thru out this home. Ask for Vernon Adams.

Phone: (724) 238-0443www.vernon-realty.com

305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658

Ve r n o nRealty Services

305 W. Main Street 305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658

Michael J. Vernon, Broker / [email protected] • Cell: (724) 331-6858

Any Property.Any place.

Donegal – MLS 334001 This Commercial property with 8 buildings and a 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath home is priced at $499,000 and with 25% down payment and only $1,787 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Hempfield Twp – MLS # 988531 This Commercial property with two units is priced at $69,000 and with 25% down payment and only $247 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Ligonier Boro – MLS 994370 This 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath home is priced at $187,750 and with ZERO down payment and only $869 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Ligonier Boro – MLS 975560 This 5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath and 2 Half Baths home is priced at $249,900 and with ZERO down payment and only $1,195 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Latrobe – MLS 1010084 This 2 bed room home is fully updated and has a great back yard. Priced at $99,800 and with ZERO down payment and only $480 a month. Plus taxes and insurances.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 1004208 This Commercial business is priced at 107,000 and with Jillian Michaels new circuit training program and Jenny Craig's nutritional weight loss program now with Curves it is a perfect time for someone who wants to help others and enjoy being physically fit and owning their own business.

Hempfield Twp – MLS 985432 This 5 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath home is priced at $159,900 and with ZERO down payment and only $768 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Bolivar – MLS 964032 - This Commercial property is priced at $55,000 and with 25% down payment and only $197 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Greensburg – MLS 963695 This 3 Bedroom, 1 Full Bath and 1 Half Bath home is priced at $129,900 and with ZERO down payment and only $620 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 1004197 This 5 Bedroom, 2 ½ Full Bath home is priced at $525,000 and with ZERO down payment and only $2,387 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Fallowfield TWP – MLS 1003981This 3 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath home is priced at $119,900 and with ZERO down payment and only $572 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

PriceReducedPriceReduced Price

ReducedPriceReduced

month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Soldin 31 DaysSoldin 31 Days

Cell: (724) 331-6858

SoldSold

Terms based on 4% fixed interest rate with no points, no broker fees and no application fee with an apr of 4.278% for 30 years.

Latrobe – MLS 978722 You can enjoy the private oases in the fully landscaped rear yard with a built in the ground swimming pool with a water slide. This home has it own dog run and with many updates this home is in move in condition.

Phone: (724) 238-0443www.vernon-realty.com

305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658

Ve r n o nRealty Services

305 W. Main Street 305 W. Main Street | Ligonier, PA 15658

Michael J. Vernon, Broker / [email protected] • Cell: (724) 331-6858

Any Property.Any place.

Irwin – MLS 1002287 This great 3 Bed Room home is located in the heart of Irwin and newly updated and won’t last long priced at $59,900 and with as little as 3 ½% down payment and only $288 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.

Derry – MLS 1014593 This extra-large 3 bed room brick home has many updates. With the extra fenced lot will be great for pets or family picnics. Priced at$179,000 and with ZERO down payment and only $858 a month. Plus taxes and insurances.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 970976This stunning all brick home boasts oversized room's on a great double lot. Located on a private street, in Ligonier East just 6 miles from the diamond. Great home for sitting around the outdoor fire pit or hanging out on the back porch. This home has been priced to sell.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 971851

Sold in 16 day so call today for meto list and sell your home.

Ligonier Boro – MLS xxxxxxxxxxThis new construction condo is in the heart of town and with an elevator you need have steps to climb. Priced at $265,000 and with ZERO down payent and only $1,263 a month. Plus taxes, condo fee and insurance.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 992043 The only thing missing from this gorgeous Wendover abode is a new family! This home is totally move-in ready, with solid surfaces in both the kitchen and bathrooms, window treatments, a plethora of included appliances and plenty of room for living and growing. Come take a peek-you may not want to leave!

Ligonier Boro – MLS # 981422 This home has three bedrooms and a master bedroom and bath on the main floor. This home will not last long at $109,900.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 1009105 The 4 bed room with a great view is priced at $69,000.0 and with ZERO down payment and only $331 a month. Plus Taxes and Insurance.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 967087

Sold in 1 day so call today for meto list and sell your home.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 1014849 This great 5 bedroom home has a mother In-Law suite in the basement. The stands proudly in the center of 10 lush acres. Come and enjoy the country living at its finest. Priced at $325,000 and with ZERO down payment and only $1,550 a month Plus taxes and insurances.

Ligonier Twp – MLS 1009025 - This great new home with a fenced back yard and a stone fire place is priced at $265,000.

to list and sell your home.

Soldin 1 DaySoldin 1 Day

not last long at $109,900.


as 3 ½% down payment and only $288 a month. Plus taxes and Insurances.


will be great for pets or family picnics. Priced at$179,000 and with ZERO down payment and only $858 a month. Plus taxes and insurances.

won’t last long priced at $59,900 and with as little as 3 ½% down payment and only $288 a month.


will be great for pets or family picnics. Priced at$179,000 and with ZERO down payment and only

ground swimming pool with a water slide. This home has it own dog run and with many updates this home is in move in condition.


from the diamond. Great home for sitting around the outdoor fire pit or hanging out on the back porch. This home has been priced to sell.


elevator you need have steps to climb. Priced at $265,000 and with ZERO down payent and only $1,263 a month. Plus taxes, condo

The stands proudly in the center of 10 lush acres. Come and enjoy the country living at its finest. Priced at $325,000 and with ZERO down payment and only Come and enjoy the country living at its finest. Priced at $325,000 and with ZERO down payment and only Come and enjoy the country living at its finest. Priced

$1,550 a month Plus taxes and insurances.at $325,000 and with ZERO down payment and only $1,550 a month Plus taxes and insurances.at $325,000 and with ZERO down payment and only


Terms based on 4% fixed interest rate with no points, no broker fees and no application fee with an apr of 4.278% for 30 years.


“What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” –Helen Keller

There is something about a quote that canfit on a bumper sticker that really attractsme. Bumper stickers, as I see it, were thetweets of old. They had to be short and di-rect, and usually funny or profound.

After some research, I can tell you thatbumper stickers existed in some way evenbefore bumpers did. People have been put-ting messages on their vehicles since longbefore the invention of the car. Why didthis not surprise me at all? Advertising slo-gans were printed on canvas wheel covers,horsefly nets, and painted signs. These ad-vertising pieces laid the groundwork for thebumper stickers we know today. As long aspeople have had a message, it would ap-pear we have also had a desire to conveythat message to anyone who would be will-ing to listen.

This is my theory behind Mediumship.People have a message, and just becausethey don’t have a body any more, does notstop the desire to convey a message. Weare not bodies that have a soul, we are soulsthat have a body.

Being a professional Medium for almosttwo decades now, I have made some ob-

Tweet tweet = https://twitter.com/PGHmediumLike me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PGHmedium

Pin with me: http://www.pinterest.com/aPGHmedium/Sign up for my newsletter at www.PittsburghMedium.com

Edison reasoned that it could be accom-plished through scientific means – a de-vice that could do the job that Mediumsadvertised. He wanted to industrialize whathe saw as useful and yet undefinable. Itmakes perfect sense on some level, to seekscientific proof of the “continuity of thesoul.” Until such time that science catchesup to the mystics, and I am sure it willcome, enjoy and deeply love everything, sothat it will become part of you. If you al-low something to become part of your soul,your bond will also become eternal.

For as long as we people have had some-thing to say, we have been trying to helpother people get our message—whether itwas a cave drawing, a bumper sticker, rockn roll, tweets, or the messages of a medium.Messages are just a language of love. Ques-tion is; are you listening?

Recommended Reading: Body and Soul:A Sympathetic History of American Spiritu-alism by Robert S. Cox

Thought-Provoking nsights on Common Quotations by Rev. Marjorie RiveraTHAT’S WHAT THEY SAY

servations; Folks are opinionated. Momswant to tell us how they perceive what weare doing no matter where they are cur-rently living. If they are currently living inHeaven, they will want to give you a heav-enly perspective on things. Everyone hassomething to say. Question is; Who is lis-tening?

Mystics have long been engaged withcosmic conversations, talking with and lis-tening to the heavenly realms, and to God.Mystics pay attention to the subtle vibra-tions of the Universe and how energyworks. Scientists are just now beginning tostudy the things that have been on theminds of mystics for centuries. Nikola Teslawas quoted to have said: “The day sciencebegins to study non-physical phenomena;it will make more progress in one decadethan in all the previous centuries of its ex-istence.” Scientists like Edison, even wantedto create a machine that would allow us totalk to the other side. So why would Edisonthe scientist be interested in such a thing?Because our souls live on, and our love liveson. When we love someone, we want toknow they are ok, that they still exist.

This advertisement sponsored by The Medicine Shoppe.

Quickly becoming one of Latrobe’s biggest summer celebrations, we’re so excitedto host the second annual Banana Split Festival! This is an all-American familycelebration designed to honor Latrobe as the birthplace of the world-famous ba-nana split. With block parties, cupcake contests, sock-hops, and galas as part ofthe festival, it’s going to be a sweet summer in the Neighborhood!

Tuesday, August 19- Banana Split Block PartyWednesday, August 20- Gone Banana’s Painting Workshop for KidsThursday, August 21- Pop the Cork Night “Banana Split Theme”Friday, August 22- Yellow Tie Gala featuring WCCC BandSaturday, August 23- Banana Breakfast @ LAC

Latrobe Art Center819 Ligonier StreetLatrobe, PA 15650

Office: (724) 537-7011Cafe: (724) 539-8049

www.latrobeartcenter.org


AUGUST-SEPTEMBER COMMUNITY CALENDAR“One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by.” – Jeannette Walls, The Glass Castle

through 8/31/2014"20@20"

Twentieth Anniversary show featuring morethan 20 Western PA artists. Main Exhibit Gal-lery, 301 W.Main St, Ligonier. 724-238-2310

through 10/4/2014Ligonier Country MarketLigonier Corner of W. Main St. & Springer Rd.724.858.7894www.ligoniercountrymarket.comEvery Saturday from May 17-October 4, 2014

through 8/29/2014Movies NightKeystone State Park 1150 Keystone Park Road,Derry, PA 15627 724.668.2939http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/keystone/index.htm

Grab the blankets, snacks and especially thefamily; come to Keystone State Park for theFriday night walk in movie. The park will beplaying a variety of movies (PG-13 or less) atthe beach house.

through 9/20/2014Springs Farmers’ MarketSprings Folk Festival Grounds 1711 SpringsRd., Springs, PA 15562 240.310.2086

Produce, Baked Goods, Antiques, FleaMarket, Collectibles, Artwork & More!

through 10/4/2014Springs MuseumSprings Folk Festival Grounds 1711 SpringsRd., Springs, PA 15562 814.634.1489

Depicting life of the settlers of the CasselmanValley. Large two-story museum with antiqueequipment annex.

through 8/31/2014Sunday Evening Summer Band ConcertsLigonier 120 E. Main Street, Ligonier, 15658

through 11/15/2014Somerset County Farmer’s Market800 Georgian Place Drive, Somerset, PA 15501814.279.5620www.somersetcountyfarmersmarket.com

Producer-only tailgate market at GeorgianPlace in Somerset. Saturdays and Wednesdaysthroughout the summer.

through 9/28/2014Farmers’ MarketKeystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd,Derry. Sundays, 10 am - 2 pm. $10 per vendortable.

through 10/21/2014Latrobe Farmers’ MarketLatrobe Community Revitalization Program816 Ligonier Street, Suite 307, Latrobe, PA15650 724.805.0112www.latroberevitalization.org

through 8/27/2014Lincoln Highway SupperMarketLatrobe Community Revitalization Program3435 Route 30 East, Latrobe, PA 15650This summer, there’s a terrific supperalternative to “drive-thru fast food”- theLincoln Highway SupperMarket. It offers greatfood from a variety of select regional restau-rants; something to satisfy everyone’s tastes.

through 9/11/2014Thank Goodness It’s SummerThe Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman Street,Greensburg, PA 15601

Every Thursday. Local entertainment, freeadmission, food available, rain or shine

through 8/29/2014SummerSoundsSt. Clair Park 135 N. Maple Ave., Greensburg

Every Friday. Great FREE concerts fea-turing national acts.

through 8/31/2014Summer Concert SeriesCedar Creek Park 724.830.3950co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks

Free concerts featuring local musicians andgroups will be held on Sundays in June, Julyand August at Cedar Creek Park. Concerts startat 4 p.m. on the Amphitheater.

through 10/29/2014Bikes, Bites, & BeatsMorguen Toole Company 130 Center Street,Meyersdale, PA 15552 814.634.9900morguentoole.com, Wednesdays from 5-9 pm.

through 9/29/2014Uniontown’s Storey SquareSummer Concert SeriesStorey Square 17 East Main St., Uniontown, PA15401 724.438.4289

This is an outdoor event: a band plays fromthe stage and attendees bring a lawn chair orblanket to sit in the lawn. A restaurant sells alight meal and market vendors line the street.Cancellations announced on WMBS after 1PM.

through 9/22/2014Marlana Adele Vassar: Natural SelctionTouchstone Center for Crafts 1049 WhartonFurnace Rd., Farmington, PA 15437724.329.1370. touchstonecrafts.orgMarlana Adele Vassar is an emerging artistrenowned for her dreamlike figurativeimagery, and her adeptness with a number ofpainting and mixed mediums. Her solo exhibitis inspired by Touchstone’s bucolic location andwill have nature at its creative core.

through 8/15/2014Evening Eco-PaddleLaurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill ParkRd., Somerset, PA 15501 814.352.8649http://dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/laurelhill/index.htm. Registration is required.


LOYALHANNA REALTY

JEAN M. CASEOwner/Broker, GRI, ABR

201 S. Market Street Ligonier, PA 15658(Across from Fort Ligonier)

BUYER & SELLER AGENCY

724-238-3663FAX: 724-238-0317

SALES & APPRAISALSwww.loyalhanna.com

Jean Case: 724-600-5182Tracy Case-Pelesky: 724-510-4010

Lisa Davis: 412-596-1028Lorraine DiCecco: 724-953-2356

Associate BrokerKathy Johnston: 724-995-1013

Susan Ransel McBroom: 724-309-3395Colleen Pritts: 724-493-7734Amy Stoner: 724-217-6610

WONDERFUL COUNTRY SETTING $335,000#993333. Four-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath, 2-story in Derry Twp.Well-constructed home w/wraparound porch, 2 master suites,& grand entrance. Gorgeous views, beautiful landscaping! TRACEYLOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

216-ACRE FARM $950,000#1001676. Renovated 3-bedroom, 3-bath farmhouse w/gor-geous hardwood & beamed ceilings. Pond, barn, cottage, &greenhouse. COLLEENLOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

LIGONIER BORO $79,000

#1007962.Great starter homein excellent condition. Mostof the home has been remod-eled. Central air & stone pa-tio. JEAN

LOYALHANNA REALTY724-238-3663

VICTORIAN-ERA HOME $249,000#1012525. Classic woodwork throughout, 3 bedrooms plus nurs-ery, 2-1/2 baths, galley kitchen, dining room, pocket doors, lovelyclosed-in sun porch, & garage in Ligonier Boro. JEAN/LORRAINELOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

HISTORIC HOME $549,000#1010514. Nestled in green rolling hills of Ligonier on 4 acres w/maple & walnut trees. 6 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths, hardwoodfloors, remodeled sunny kitchen, dining room, 2 fireplaces,gameroom, garage, & English garden. Public water, spring, &well. Panoramic view of Laurel Mtns., yet just a mile from town!LOYALHANNA REALTY TRACEY/JEAN 724-238-3663

WELL-MAINTAINED $69,900#987117. Darling 2-bedroom Cape Cod w/attached garage inLigonier Twp. Fenced-in yard, eat-in kitchen, new roof in 2011.LORRAINELOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

2.5 ACRES $158,900#1015938. Brick 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch in Robinson. Publicwater/sewage. Hardwood floors, 2 cedar closets, screened porch,central air, finished basement, & garage. United School District.LORRAINELOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

Price Reduction

SELF-STORAGE BUSINESS $700,000#1011295. Five various-size storage units, land, & office bldg. onseveral different-sized lots. All metal buildings. Office has elec-tric, public water, heat, & septic. Ligonier Twp. LORRAINE/JEANLOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

NEW LISTING

CHARMING FARM $569,000#1001402. 46.74 acres w/beautiful 5-bedroom home, largebarn, & outbuildings. Very workable farm in Cook Twp., butminutes from Seven Springs. Mostly pastures, some woods.Fabulous location! Gas rights included. JEANLOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

OWN YOUR OWN BUSINESS! $249,000#997725. In this well-constructed brick building with loads ofparking. Great location right along Rt.271N in Ligonier Twp. JEANLOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663

INVESTMENT PROPERTY $107,900#979643. Great location - Duplex with low utilities. Could be 3units if area above garage is finished. Must-see! Public water &sewage, separate meters. Laughlintown area. Minutes from town.LOYALHANNA REALTY LISA 724-238-3663

Price Reduction

CALLING INVESTORS! $161,000#1011218. Brick 2-unit apartment building, currently leased.Each unit has 2 bedrooms & 1-1/2 baths. Off-street parking. Newroof 6/2014. N. Naugle, Ligonier. LORRAINELOYALHANNA REALTY 724-238-3663


through 8/22/2014Concerts in the ParkPenn Eben Park Downtown Ebensburg, PA814.472.8414. ebensburgmainstreet.com

through 8/24/2014Kennywood’s 65th AnnualFall Fantasy ParadesKennywood Park 4800 Kennywood Blvd., WestMifflin, PA. 412.461.0500. kennywood.com

What better way to celebrate the changingof the seasons and your kids’ return to schoolthan Fall Fantasy? Over 150 area high schooland college marching bands perform over thenineteen night run of Fall Fantasy. Beautifulfloats decorated with special theme completethe nightly parades. Get $5 off evening admis-sion with coupon from Kennywood.com

through 12/4/2014Biophilia: PittsburghSchenley Park: Phipps Conservatory &Botanical Gardens One Schenley Park Dr.,Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.622.6914phipps.conservatory.org

Are you a creative thinker who cares aboutthe environment? Join the club! Biophilia:Pittsburgh is a meet-up group dedicated tostrengthening the bond between people and thenatural world — and it all starts with goodconversation. The group meets over smallplates and a cash bar to discuss an environ-mental topic, share ideas and identify oppor-tunities for creating change. Advance reser-vations are required. Sign up atwww.meetup.com/biophiliapittsburgh.

through 9/14/2014TamaraRodef Shalom Congregation 4905 Fifth Ave.,Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.621.6566

You’re in the great home of Gabrieled’Annunzio, the Italian poet responsible for theNationalist movement, Fascism. You’re offereda glass of champagne. And it begins! Thebarrier between spectator and actor is dis-solved. The audience has choices to make, jour-neying from room to room in Rodef ShalomCongregation. As characters leave a room,which will you follow? Or will you wait and seewho shows up?

8/8/2014 to 8/10/2014Cookie DazeDowntown Rimersburg Main St., Rimersburg

Small town festival featuring a mainparade, queen contest, fireworks, rides andgames for kids, bed races, cart races, lots of goodfood and fun, crafts.

8/8/2014 to 8/10/2014Straightening CombsOff The Wall 25 W. Main St., Carnegie, PA15106 724.873.3576 insideoffthewall.com

Straightening Combs, starring Kim El andNia Washington, is a heartfelt biographicalstory about growing up in the Pittsburgh HillDistrict and the repercussions of low self-esteemand resulting chronic depression. You will livethrough the challenges faced by many as youjourney through the experience of coming toage in the Pittsburgh Hill District through theeyes of a young African-American female.

8/9/2014Art 30 Open HouseWestmoreland Museum of American Art 4764State Route 30, Greensburg, PA 15601724.837.1500. wmuseumaa.org

Admission is free. Light refreshments and livemusic from 11 am to 2 pm. Family activities.

8/9/2014 to 10/11/2014City of Champions!The Pittsburgh Sports History TourDuquesne Incline 1197 W. Carson St.,Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412.381.1665pghtoursandmore.net

Whether you shout “Touchdown!,” “Goal!,”or “Raise the Jolly Roger!,” this tour will coverthem all. The City of Champions Tour will takeyou to some of the ‘Burgh’s iconic sports loca-tions. This interactive tour includes the city’steams histories and fun facts about famousplayers and sports legends, such as Josh Gibson,Johnny Unitas, Franco Harris, Honus Wagner,and many more! With sports entusiasts as yourguides, you’ll be saying “Yoy, yoy, and doubleyoy!” like Myron Cope!

8/9/2014Free NFL Legends Youth Football CampSerra Catholic High School 200 Hershey Dr.,McKeesport, PA 15120 412.715.9751

FREE NFL Legends Youth Football Campopen to boys and girls ages 6-14. SaturdayAugust 9th from 9:00-1:00. Contact LisaFetzko at [email protected] for registrationinformation.

8/9/2014Two Classes: Plum Jam and Picked GreenBeans and Pressure CanningDundee Farm 528 Scaife Rd., Sewickley Heights

Boiling water bath class and how to safelypreserve low acid foods.

8/9/2014Super Science Series:Genetics ExplorationCarnegie Museum of Natural History 4400Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213412.622.3131. carnegiemnh.org

Dig deeper into the traveling exhibitionRACE: Are We So Different? with hands-onactivities examining genetics. Learn aboutspecial topics in science such as DNA, heredity,and variation in living organisms. Explorethese with educators from Carnegie Museum ofNatural History and Carnegie Science Center.

8/10/2014Antiques & Collectibles MarketHistoric Hanna’s Town 809 Forbes Trail Rd.,Greensburg, PA 15601Over 100 dealers, morning show.

8/11/2014 to 8/17/2014Style Week Pittsburgh 2014Pittsburgh’s Grand Hall at The Priory, 614Pressley St., Pittsburgh. 412.294.9892styleweekpittsburgh.wordpress.com

An annual celebratory week showcasingfashion, glamour and style, hits local venuesand runways August 11-17, with two upscaleFashion Shows, Accessory Showcase, JewelryShowcase, Style Awards Program, BoutiqueCrawl and Sunday Brunch.

8/13/2014 to 12/10/2014Conversation SalonCarnegie Library of Pittsburgh 4400 ForbesAve., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 412.622.3114carnegielibrary.org

Conversation Salon is a forum for activeparticipation in the discussion of the meaning-ful and interesting events of our time and anopportunity to connect with, participate in andcontribute to your community.

8/15/2014 to 8/23/201460th Westmoreland County Fair123 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg, PA 15601724.423.5005. westmorelandfair.com

8/15/2014 to 8/31/2014Ten Little IndiansFreeport Theatre Festival 2498 White CloudRd., Leechburg, PA 15656 724.295.1934freeporttheatrefestival.org

In August, FTF will present a murdermystery by Agatha Christie to exercise thoselittle grey cells of ours. It’s a tale of 10 peopleinvited to an isolated place only to find that anunseen person is killing them one by one.

8/15/2014Family Story TimeWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 WalzerWay, Latrobe, PA 15650

A free family program, for all ages, whichincludes reading a story together in the barnand exploring the grounds while completing ascavenger hunt at your own pace. No regi-stration required. Starts at 10:30am

8/15/2014 to 8/17/2014Horror Realm WeekendCrowne Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh South 164 FortCouch Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15241412.833.5300. horrorrealmcon.com

Join us for guests including: Day of the DeadReunion – Terry Alexander, Lori Cardille,Antoine Dileo, Gary Klar, Joe Pilato, HowardSherman; from The Addams Family – LisaLoring & Felix Silla plus Lew Temple, J. LaRose,Bill Cardille

8/16/2014 to 8/17/2014Laurel Highlands Garlic FestivalFaranda Farm 1171 Penn Ave., Hollsopple, PA

8/16/2014 to 8/16/2014I Made It! Market at the WaterfrontThe Waterfront Town Center W. Bridge St andW. Waterfront Dr., Homestead, PA 15120412.254.4464. imadeitmarket.com

Shop I Made It! Market’s 30+ local artisansoffering all handmade wares, and stock up onbaked goods, fresh produce, cheeses, sauces andmore from the Farm to Table Pittsburgh vendors.

8/16/2014 to 8/17/2014Laurel Hill Bluegrass FestivalLaurel Hill State Park 1454 Laurel Hill ParkRd., Somerset, PA 15501

8/16/2014Lobster ClambakeChistian W. Klay Winery 412 Fayette SpringsRd., Chalk Hill, PA 15421 724.439.3423cwklaywinery.com

The evening will feature complimentarytastings of award-winning wines from theChristian W. Klay collection, and a savory menu.

8/21/2014Family Nature Experience:Beautiful ButterfliesWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve 744 WalzerWay, Latrobe, PA 15650. www.wpnr.org

Do you know the difference between a mothand a butterfly? Can you identify backyardbutterflies? Come explore the life cycle of thesefascinating insects, take a butterfly hike, andmore with Reserve staff. Free fun for the entirefamily. Registration required. 10am-Noon

8/22/2014 to 8/24/2014Great American Banana SplitCelebrationLatrobe Community Revitalization Program724.805.0112. latroberevitalization.org

There will be a series of events throughoutthe weekend including a yellow tie gala,baking contest, car hop, family walk, street fairand sock hop.


* * * * *

Please submit events forconsideration to:

[email protected]

Laurel Mountain PostEvents Calendar

189 Fairview LaneDerry, PA 15627

8/23/2014Banana Ingredient Baking Contest10:00 - 11:30amQuatrini Rafferty Building. Latrobe

The Latrobe Business & Professional Women'sClub. FREE to enter! Entries accepted starting at9:30 am at Quatrini Rafferty Building (Cornerof Main & Ligonier Streets in Latrobe)

Categories: Cakes, Bread, Cupcakes, Cookies.All entries must include bananas as an ingredi-ent. One entry per person per category.

8/24/2014 to 9/28/2014Pittsburgh Renaissance FestivalWest Newton, PA 112 Renaissance Lane, WestNewton, PA 15089 724.872.1670pittsburghrenfest.com

The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival andArtisan’s Marketplace returns us to the age ofwonder, adventure and song, where pleasurereigns and merrymaking is the rule. Trumpetssound and the armored knights battle on horse-back in the Tournament of Champions. Strollour wooded paths for handmade crafts

8/25/2014National Park Service BirthdayAllegheny Portage Railroad National HistoricSite 110 Federal Park Rd., Gallitzin, PA 16641

Celebrate the National Park Service’s birth-day with free entry to all National Parks inWestern Pennsylvania!

8/25/2014Tee Time for a NunSaint Emma Monastery 1001 Harvey Ave.,Greensburg, PA 15601

Sponsor or play and enjoy a day of golf! Allproceeds will benefit the work of the Bene-dictine Nuns of St. Emma Monastery.

8/26/2014Shoji TabuchiThe Palace Theatre 21 W. Otterman Street,Greensburg, PA. J. B. Productions Inc.Admission $46. 2 &6 pm.

8/28/2014 to 10/27/2014Springs Historical Society Public ProgramsFolk Meeting House 1711 Springs Rd., Springs,PA 15562 814.442.4594. springspa.org

Programs of interest, including old-timemusic, history, local events led by qualifiedspeakers. Check www.springspa.org for listingand calendar. Monthly on the 4th Monday.

8/29/2014 to 9/1/201421st Annual Pennsylvania Arts & CraftsColonial Festival123 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg, PA 15601724.863.4577. familyfestivals.com

Shop over 220 booths! Enjoy fantastic food!Two string bands! Bagpipers! Flute Choir!Military encampment! Over 500 costumedparticipants! Rated 19th Best Craft Show inAmerica! Great family fun!

8/30/2014 to 8/31/2014Hammer Inn Blacksmith DayCompass Inn Museum 1382 Route 30 East,Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.238.6818compassinn.com

See the Pittsburgh Area Artist BlacksmithsAssociation (PAABA) create works of art. Ironforges will be set up on the museum groundsand as the blacksmiths to demonstrate theirindividual techniques.

8/30/201450th Anniversary Laurel HighlandsModel Airplane Club: Mini Air Show &Open HouseMammoth Park, 11 am - 5 pm. Free

9/5/2014 to 9/6/2014Northern Appalachian Folk FestivalIndiana, PA 500 Block of Philadelphia St.,724.313.6559. northernappfolkfest.org

The Northern Appalachian Folk Festival isdedicated to preserving the past, promoting thepresent, and securing the future of folk music,art, and other forms of cultural expression ofthe Northern Appalachian region.

9/6/2014Downtown Connellsville Mum FestivalConnellsville Crawford Ave., Connellsville, PA724.626.0141. downtownconnellsville.org

Featuring an array of craft vendors, foodbooths, children’s entertainment and livemusic. Floral demonstrations and fall decor-ating ideas. Mustang 50th Anniversary paradebegins at 9AM. Check Facebook or downtownconnellsville.org for additional details.

9/6/2014 to 9/27/2014Silly SaturdaysCompass Inn Museum 1382 Route 30 East,Laughlintown, PA 15655 724.238.4983compassinn.com

9/6/2014Beginning Beekeeping ClassBeechwood Farms Nature Reserve 614Dorseyville Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15238412.963.6100. countrybarnfarm.com

This is a classroom-based course offering anintroduction to honey bee biology and basicapproaches to beekeeping. The goal is for stu-dents to learn how to keep bees for the first year.To register, [email protected].

9/6/2014 to 9/7/2014Saxonburg Festival of the ArtsRoebling Park Rte. 228, Saxonburg, PA 16056

Saxonburg Festival of the Arts is a cultur-ally enriched weekend of art appreciation pre-sented by the Saxonburg Historical & Restor-ation Commission. This is a great place to meetfamily & friends to enjoy various performingand visual arts.

9/12/2014Kids Weekend at West Overton Village!West Overton Museums 109 West Overton Rd.,Scottdale, PA 15683 724.887.7910westovertonvillage.org

This event is a kid friendly, educationalweekend, and fun for the whole family! Therewill be games, activities, story time, and foodand beverages! Also, the civil war exhibit fromthe Heinz History Center will be here!

9/12/2014 to 9/28/2014Johnny AppleseedFreeport Theatre Festival 2498 White CloudRd., Leechburg, Pa 15656 724.295.1934freeporttheatrefestival.org

Freeport Theatre Festival will host anAppleseed Revels along with its premiere ofJohnny Appleseed, a new play with musicwritten by Rennick Steele.

9/13/2014 to 11/8/2014Insiders Tours of MeadowcroftRocksheltersMeadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village401 Meadowcroft Rd., Avella, PA 15312724.587.3412. heinzhistorycenter.org

On select dates throughout the 2014 season,visitors can enjoy exclusive Insider Tours withJames M. Adovasio, Ph.D., who achievedinternational acclaim with his archeologicalexcavation of the Rockshelter in 1973. Dr.Adovasio will present a lecture and lead aspecial tour of the site.

9/13/2014Antiquing Along the AlleghenyKittanning Riverfront Park Market St. andNorth Water St., 724.543.2091armstrongcounty.com

2014 date changed to Sat. Sept. 13 for 15thannual antique and craft fair sponsored by Kit-Han-Ne Questers. 8:00 am to Riverfront Park,Kittanning, 3:00 pm. Appraiser from 10:00am to 11:30 am @ $5.00 per item. Proceeds forlocal historical preservation project. Repro-ductions and new merchandise is not suitable.

9/18, 9/20-21/2014Derry Railroad Days• Hobo Picnic, Sept 18 at 5:30 pm• Parade, Sept 20 at 10 am• Sat: 10 am - 5 pm; Sun: noon - 5 pmwww.derryrailroaddays.comDerry Railroad Days has a purpose to recognizeand preserve the railroad hertiage of EasternWestmoreland County, especially DerryStation. It is important to honor the railroadmen and women for their significantcontributions to the culture, enrichment, andhistory of the Derry Area.

Originally known as Derry Station, Derrywas first created in 1852 specifically to servethe Pennsylvania Railroad. Derry's locationwas ideal for a major railroad station due itsaccess to water, and because it sits on top of aslight summit along the railroad right-of-way.Back in the late 1800s, Derry had four hotels,mostly to suit railroad workers, and a round-house where locomotives would recieve dailymaintenance, and a massive railroad yard.

There is very little left tothe railroad inDerry today. In the 1920s, construction on anew set of tracks set to bypass Latrobe andGreensburg began, but the route was nevercompleted.

9/20/2014 to 9/21/2014FestiFall & Market FairFriendship Hill NHS 223 New Geneva Rd.,Point Marion, PA 15474

For a great fall weekend, plan to attendFestiFall & Market Fair at Friendship Hill NHS.This event is co-sponsored with the FriendshipHill Association and celebrates the life andtimes of Albert Gallatin, the original owner ofFriendship Hill. This free event includesdemonstrations of historic trades and crafts andlive period music, providing the perfect ambi-ance for a peaceful afternoon of good food andfamily fun. While children explore historictoys, the family can enjoy eighteenth centuryfoods that have been the staple of FestiFall sinceits inception in 1982.

9/26/2014Sleeping BeautyStage Right! 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg,724.832.7464. stagerightgreensburg.comFriday/Saturday-7:30 PM, Sunday-2:00 PM


On the DiamondANTIQUES

110 East Main StreetLigonier, PA 15658

(724) 238-2226

Mary Jo CulbertsonProprietor

(724) 238-0497

Multi-Dealer ShopMulti-Dealer ShopMulti-Dealer ShopMulti-Dealer ShopMulti-Dealer Shop

This advertisement sponsored by The Toy Box of Ligonier and Twisted Vine Ecelectic Market.

[email protected]

• Preventative Maintenance & Cleaning• Furnace & AC Service & Installations• 24-Hour Emergency Service• Residential & Commercial• Free Estimates

call today:call today:call today:call today:call today:

“ WHERE QUALITY &QUALITY &QUALITY &QUALITY &QUALITY & CUST CUST CUST CUST CUSTOMER SAOMER SAOMER SAOMER SAOMER SATISFTISFTISFTISFTISFAAAAACTIONCTIONCTIONCTIONCTION STILL MATTER! ”

We’re always on call!724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348724-757-4348

Batter Up! CakesSpecial Order Cakes & Goodies

724-237-9732

Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley ChamberNeighborhood Card Members

Save 10% on their order!

Call/Text/Email/Facebook [email protected]

LATROBE, PA— Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation (LUPR)will get a boost to their recycling efforts this summer thanksto the Coca-Cola Bin Grant Program, made possible by sup-port from The Coca-Cola Foundation and Keep AmericaBeautiful (KAB). Latrobe Unity Parks & Rec will receive 25recycling bins designed for placement in LUPR parksthroughout the community.

The public is invited to attend a recycling kick-off cel-ebration on Wednesday, August 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,at the Timken Plaza at Legion Keener Park in Latrobe. Thebins will be formally presented to LUPR by Coca-Cola andthe Keep America Beautiful affiliate Keep WestmorelandCounty Beautiful, the KAB program arm of WestmorelandCleanways.

A brief program is planned, to include remarks fromLatrobe Mayor and LUPR Commissioner Rosie Wolfordand a representative from Coca-Cola. Other invitees in-clude local legislators, City Council and LUPR Commissionmembers, and representatives from the Coca-Cola Distri-bution Center in Greensburg. Children of all ages can en-joy some fun and informative recycling activities providedby Westmoreland Cleanways and The Coca-Cola Company.Light refreshments, including ice cold Coca-Cola products,will be available.

Latrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation’s application was se-lected from among hundreds of applications across thecountry by Keep America Beautiful based on criteria in-cluding level of need, recycling experience and the abilityto sustain their program in the future. Upon learning ofthe award, Jeanne Ashley, LUPR Executive Director com-mented, “We are so fortunate to have received this grant,as our efforts to keep our 200+ acres of Latrobe park facili-ties clean are challenging. Keeping America Beautiful be-gins at home in our local communities.”

www.latroberecreation.orgwww.westmorelandcleanways.org

www.kab.orgwww.coca-colacompany.com

Latrobe-Unity Parks & RecAwarded Recycling ContainersKick-off Planned for August 20 - Legion Keener Park


END NOTESby Cathi Gerhard

One Flew Out of the Cuckoo’s Nest

Summer 1994: I was around the same age that my daughter is today.She was three, and we moved away to North Carolina that autumn.

Last month, my family loaded up atruck and two cars, then made an ex-hausting two-day journey to Austin,Texas. At age 23, my daughter, Eliza-beth, was about to begin her adult life,along with her three best friends, in anew town far from “home.” She hadbeen accepted to the University ofTexas graduate program forart history, and soon won aprofessional fellowship.

After a rough “gap” yearwhen none of the recent col-lege grads had found their“dream job” or true direc-tion, a few major changesseemed like a good idea. Theyjumped off the crazy hamsterwheel that many of us havefound ourselves treading: nolonger children, but not liv-ing on their own as adults ei-ther, working temporary jobswithout much potential. Mydaughter maintained herown apartment in college;now everything was in stor-age, and she was back in hersmall, pink bedroom. Wewere once more making hermeals, my mother was doingher laundry, and we were allhelping to pay her bills.

It was nice to have my “baby girl”back home every day, but yet alsostressful for everyone. It was time forher to start life on her own, makingdecisions and taking on responsibili-ties – the tough stuff that accompa-nies freedom.

A month has passed since Eliza-beth left. I didn’t cry until I saw theempty closet full of hangers. When shewas in college, she had always left heroff-season clothes behind – part of herwas still here. Now everything is gone;it’s real for the first time.

That pink bedroom has no pur-pose now; it fills no specific categoryin our house plan. I have heard manypeople talk about the joy of convert-ing those empty nests into manythings: craft rooms, expanded closets,game rooms, offices, etc. And there areno grandchildren on the near horizon

who could snuggle into it as theirGrammy’s nursery. None of those con-cepts seems to fit right now. Eliza-beth’s room is just an empty space inour home, and in my heart.

Would I feel this void as much ifshe had not moved so far away? I’mnot sure. As with my own life experi-ence, you have to move a certain dis-tance in order to truly break the de-pendent bonds. I moved to NorthCarolina for 13 years, a day’s driveaway from Pennsylvania. Texas is avery long two days by car, and a morecomplicated plane trip since Spirit air-lines recently stopped their convenient

“I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford.Then I want to move in with them.” – Phyllis Diller

flights from Latrobe to Dallas! (please,please bring them back!)

Sure, I will see my daughter onvacations and at Thanksgiving orChristmas, whether it’s in Pennsylva-nia or Texas. But she is gone from myeveryday life, and that’s going to be ahard “habit” to break. I was 21 when

she was born, and have livedevery single day of my adultlife with her as a primaryconcern and focus. I amequal parts regretful andafraid. There’s no more timeto “do right by her” as a par-ent: making the perfecthome, saving enough moneyor providing the best oppor-tunities. My failures and suc-cesses as her mother havebeen measured. What do Ido now? Surely, I will dote on mycats, short of dressing themup in baby clothes. But nowmy full attention and re-sources will also be avail-able for my son, Robert, whoturns 16 in a few months. Myrelationship with him iscompletely different thanwith Elizabeth, and I am

looking forward to growing it. He hasnever had me all to himself like his sis-ter did for eight years, so this is an-other new beginning for us both.

A few weeks ago, we started look-ing at used cars because Driver’s Edu-cation will begin soon. It seems thattime is layering ironic knots around myemotional hole – soon I will be givingRobert the keys to that car, turning himloose on roads that will eventually leadhim away from me. But until that timecomes, I plan to concentrate on myrevised role as his mother, making hisnest the best launching pad that I can.


Valley School


Documents

Laurel Mountain Post :: August 2014