Laurel Mountain Post - January/February 2009

Every Story Begins At Home. January/February 2009 - 1

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POSTA Magazine from the Heart of Western Pennsylvania

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009 FREE

Take Five Minutes

Fireside Fiction

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

Senior Moments

Hit Me WithYour Best Shot!

International Videographer Eric PensenstadlerBrings His Film Magic Home to Western Pennsylvania

2 - January/February 2009 LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST


elcome . . .MOUNTAIN VIEWS

Cathi Gerhard Williams

JAN/FEB 2009(Volume VI, Issue 1)

The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthlypublication designed to focus on the people,places and events of Westmoreland Countyand the surrounding areas in the heart ofwestern Pennsylvania. We print stories aboutreal people and their daily lives; feature lo-cal merchants, craftsmen and professionals;present short pieces of art & literature; andnever lose sight of what makes this area agreat place to call home.

Most of our writers are not professionalreporters, but accomplished local practitionerswith years of experience in their respectivefields who bring credibility and personality toevery article. In October 2006, the BBC Newsquoted us as “the voice of Pennsylvania.”

Laurel Mountain PostP.O. Box 227

206 Weldon StreetLatrobe, PA 15650

724-537-6845

Cathi Gerhard WilliamsEditor & Publisher

[email protected]

Briana Dwire TomackMarketing Director

& Business [email protected]

Proud members of the Latrobe,Ligonier, and StronglandChambers of Commerce,

The PittsburghAdvertising Federation,and The PennsylvaniaNewspaper Assocation

Special thanks to ouradvertisers for supportingthis community publication!

www.LaurelMountainPost.com

W

Our distribution of 15,000 reachesbeyond Westmoreland County into the

neighboring counties of Allegheny,Washington, Armstrong, Bedford,

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

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

across western Pennsylvania arediscovering the Laurel Mountain Post.

Love Is All Around Us

“What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matterscompared to what lies within us.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

When people ask me how I came upwith the idea to create the Laurel Moun-tain Post, I usually start with a com-plicated answer. But part of my storyis very simple. This magazine is basi-cally an enduring love letter to myhometown.

I never thought of myself asbeing from just “Derry” as muchas Westmoreland County andwestern Pennsylvania. My child-hood life experiences were defi-nitely not confined to the town-ship surrounding our farm(which had a Derry address, buta Latrobe phone number). MyNan and Pap lived in New Derry,while my Grammy and Pappap’shouse was in Cooperstown, justdown the street from my elemen-tary school. My best friend wasin Ligonier, and we always wentshopping in Greensburg. Pitts-burgh was home to our favoritesports teams, and Indiana wasnot a state, but rather the townwhere everyone went to college.

After I, too, graduated fromIUP with bachelor’s and master’sdegrees, I moved away to NorthCarolina. I tried to make a newhome for many years, but itnever seemed quite right. Imissed too many things, peopleand places – and was never com-fortable in the south. I sharedmany phone calls and emailswith old friends throughout theyears, and they usually ended with dis-cussions about all the things thatwere so great about western Pennsyl-vania – especially compared to wherewe were “now.” Many of us had goneto larger, more impersonal locationswhere we were always “strangers in astrange land.” We lived in brand newtransient, starter neighborhoodswhere people and businesses wereconstantly moving in and out. Rela-tionships never developed or were lostin the journey toward “bigger and bet-ter” things.

Cities are nice places to visit, but

I will always prefer the living that takesplace in small towns like the ones wehave here in Pennsylvania. There areso many things to love about livinghere, and Valentine’s Day seems likea perfect reason to share some of themwith you . . .

I LOVE that my son isn’t taughtby a bunch of strangers – I had someof the same teachers, went to schoolwith others, and the rest know who Iam. There is comfort in that for me –and a reminder for him not to misbe-have, or I’ll know about it before hegets off the bus in the afternoon.

I LOVE that I can go see and talkto a real person when I need help –not a cost-effective call center in In-dia I can’t understand. Chad at Verizonalways patiently explains how to usemy new cell phone, and Bob Applebysolves my computer nightmares.

I LOVE that everyone in my fam-ily is a patient of the down-to-earthDr. Howard Bursch. Not only doeshe remember who I am, but he alsoknows all of our long medical histo-ries by heart. His office is rightaround the corner from mine (and

so is my awesome dentist, Dr.Mucci), so an appointmentdoesn’t mean that I waste ahalf day out of work.

I LOVE that we have “real”restaurants here, not just abunch of chains. My family eatsGino’s pizza every week, and theSt. Vincent Gristmill brews thebest cup of coffee with their ownbeans. Palombo’s always hasgreat dinner specials, and Joeat the Tin Lizzy martini barnever forgets that I likepeaches (not cherries!) in mymixed drinks.

These are just a few of my fa-vorite things, the list you quotewhen asked what you missabout home when away from it.But most importantly, it’s thetangible proof of the LOVEaround us. People who LOVEwhat they do make us happy ascustomers and friends; peoplewho LOVE where they live takecare of their home and usuallystay a long time, treating usto history and character.

I invite each of you to stopand think about your own LOVE

list for western Pennsylvania. Thensend me your favorites so I can sharethem with our readers as we continueto celebrate our home in every issueof the Laurel Mountain Post.

As the Troggs sang in 1967,Love is all aroundIt’s written on the windIt’s everywhere I go


Hit Me With Your Best Shot!by Cathi Gerhard Williams

“I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn a lot of different things froma lot of different people and cultures. I’ve been able to incorporate all of these influencesinto my personal work. After my time as the camera operator on David Copperfield’stour I established Video Horizons, LLC and was not impressed with the currentwedding videography in western Pennsylvania. I thought that I could offer more toPennsylvania’s brides and grooms, and so now my wife and I work together to createsome of the area’s most beautiful and professional wedding videos!” – Eric Pensenstadler

Eric met Jay Leno at a motorcycle rallywhile on tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Marger Pensenstadler

Fairy tales do come true – at leastfor local brides, with the help of alocal wedding videography com-pany. Owned and operated by EricPensenstadler, a 1993 graduateof Norwin High School, Video Ho-rizons LLC brings professional,photojournalistic style to weddingvideos. Drawing on years of expe-rience in the music industry, Ericand his wife, Marger, create beau-tiful video storybooks of that spe-cial day. It’s a far cry from drunkwedding guests and relatives withshaky handheld video cameras!

Eric’s interest in video produc-tion began as a St. Vincent Col-lege student majoring in liberalarts and communication. He wasworking for the campus radio/TVstation with a developing inter-est in nature photography andlighting design, when AlanisMorrisette performed at theschool during his junior year. Hepersistently offered to assist thestage crew, and eventually wasallowed to help tear down thelighting. One discussion led toanother, and he was offered achance to intern for a summerwith the professional company inCleveland, OH. After completinghis degree, he went to work forthe company.

Following a hiatus as an Indyrace car mechanic in the late 90s,Eric was chosen from a stack of ap-plicants to join the David Copperfieldtour crew as an illusion technician.A close-up camera position opened,and Eric soon took over.

“That really opened up my videocareer,” he explained. “I realized thatvideo was a part of touring.”

Eric toured with DavidCopperfield for the next threeyears, and mastered his craft.

During the tour he learned digi-tal editing while working on com-mercials and promo videos forCopperfield. He followed up with atwo-year Lynyrd Skynyrd tour, anda stint with Brooks & Dunn.

He has traveled to four conti-nents, 30 countries and all 50states, but it was a tour with 12-

time grammy-award winningLatin American artist Juanesthat is perhaps most significantfor Eric. He joined a local companyon the Juanes crew and met hiswife, Marger. At the time, neither

could speak each other’s lan-guage, but they kept trying tocommunicate. When Eric leftSouth America, they used an in-stant messenger on their comput-ers and kept a language transla-tor window open.

“I’m going to Venezuela for adate,” he told his parents and usedup all his frequent flier milesvisting Marger in three months.Soon, however, the couple decideda long-distance romance was toodifficult and broke up.

“That lasted about half a day,”he chuckled. “We were both mis-erable. I’m not sure who wrotefirst, but we both stayed loggedinto our instant messenger wait-ing to hear a ding!”

Wedding bells soon rang whenEric flew back to Venezuela tomeet the parents and propose.Marger returned to western Penn-sylvania with Eric, and togetherthey began focusing on localvideography.

“The first wedding video I everdid was mine! I wasn’t satisfiedwith what I found on the marketand decided to try it myself.”

Eric and Marger hired one per-son for the handheld camera, setup tripods, and did their own editing.The wedding video process they de-veloped came from what they feltwas important and natural.

“I do what makes sense in mysignature, creative style.”

Eric and Marger do all of theirwedding videos together as a hus-band/wife team. Not only does ithelp keep costs down, but theyknow how each other works aftertwo and a half years together – sothings run smoothly.

Marger, who has sincedlearned English by taking someclasses at the YWCA and simplybeing immersed in our culture,is also an event planner andbridal consultant at MB Bride. Shehas evolved with their company towork with bridal parties on theirdresses and tuxedos.

Together, Eric and Marger getthe best shots to create beautiful,visual memories that last a life-time on film.

For more information on VideoHorizons, LLC, visit their website:www.videohorizonsllc.com or calltheir south Greensburg studio at724-724-216-5803.

In the Middle Ages, young menand women drew names from a

bowl to see who their valentineswould be. They would wear

these names on their sleeves forone week. To wear your heart onyour sleeve now means that it is

easy for other people to knowhow you are feeling.


SENIOR MOMENTSArea Residents Share the Facts of Life

Lottie RobbHometown: Latrobe, PAPlace of Birth: Wels, Austria; raised in theTyrolean Alps of AustriaMaiden Name: PrastNumber of Siblings: 1 brother, 2 sistersSchooling: Business DegreeSpouse & Year of Marriage: Met Ray Robb in1953, married him in 1954 and came to USAin 1955Number of Children: 3 – 1 boy, 2 girlsFormer Vocations: Owned a knitting shop inAustria; after spending considerable timelearning English in America, was employed asa seamstress by various area retailestablishments including Rose Style Shoppeand The Times (Latrobe) and The Post & Rail Men’s Shop (Ligonier);eventually opened her own seamstress shop which she operates to this dayin LatrobePresent Avocation: Sewing – which is her therapyFavorite Quote: “Turn the other cheek.”Hidden Talent: GardeningMost Memorable Accomplishment: Reaching approaching 55th weddinganniversaryFuture Aspirations: Watching all of her grandchildren grow up; seeinggranddaughter Courtney graduate from Notre Dame and become a doctor

Ray RobbHometown: Latrobe, PAPlace of Birth: Derry, PANumber of Siblings: 5 brothers, 2 sistersHigh School Alma Mater & Class: LatrobeHigh School, Class of 1949Advanced Schooling: Radio School,Military Intelligence School (where he wastrained for top-secret classified work inEuropean locations)Spouse & Year of Marriage: Married LottiePrast Robb in 1954Number of Children: 3 – 1 boy, 2 girlsFormer Vocation: Steelworker (retired)Positions Held: Latrobe Steel CompanyUnion Representative, American Legion Post 515 Past CommanderPresent Avocation: Has worked for the last 14 years as a Safety Ranger atSeven Springs Mountain Resort, having skied there for recreation since 1954Hidden Talent: Hand-crafted woodworkingBest Lesson Learned: “Work hard and do your best.”Most Memorable Accomplishment: Reaching approaching 55th weddinganniversary; attaining Top 10 in NASTAR PA in age-appropriate category(NASTAR is the National Standard Race, the largest recreational ski andsnowboard race in the world.))Future Aspiration: Enjoying the Golden Years

Ray Robb (fourth from left in Tyroleanhat) with fellow Safety Rangers at SevenSprings Mountain Resort.

Ray & Lottie Robb

Eric goes in for the well-lit and detailed close-up shot!

In late 2007, the Laurel Mountain Post began aCommunity Marketing Fund in cooperation withThe Latrobe Foundation and supported by TheMcFeely-Rogers Foundation and The Arnold D.and Winifred W. Palmer Foundation. Through thefund, we have been able to assist with manynonprofit public relations and marketing needs inthe community. These efforts have enabled theseorganizations to educate the public and promotetheir valuable resources and services, resultingin stronger and more recognizable programmingthroughout Westmoreland County in the areas ofEducation, Health & Human Services, Cultural Arts,the Environment, Economic Growth and Faith-based Initiatives.

As we enter 2009, we would like to expandthis program into a scholarship fund for localcollege students interested in business and

LMP Community Marketing Fundmarketing careers. Recipients will work closelywith our staff and local nonprofit groups oncommunity relations projects. We believe thisexperience will nurture and encourage them tolearn even more about western Pennsylvania,and hopefully pursue professional careers righthere at home.

Please consider making a tax-deductiblecontribution to this exciting partnership and/orimportant educational experience. Gifts of all sizeswill be acknowledged (without reference to specificdollar amounts) in each issue of the LaurelMountain Post.

We believe that every story begins at home,and will continuing working to bring you encouragingcontent about the people, places and things acrosswestern Pennsylvania. Thank you for your investmentin our community and this wonderful program!

Name: _____________________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________ Phone: ____________________

Red ($25) Purple ($50) Blue ($100) Green ($500) Gold ($1000+) Orange _________________

In Honor: ___________________________________________________ In Memory: _________________________________________________

Community Marketing Fund Contribution Card

Please make all checks payable to:

The Latrobe FoundationLMP Community Marketing FundPO Box 110Latrobe, PA 15650

Community Fund: _____________Scholarship Fund: _____________TOTAL: _____________________

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST


SALES ASSOCIATE, RECS/ASR

Greensburg, PA 15601

How can I determine if it is more eco-friendlyto fly or drive somewhere?

EARTH TALKQuestions and Answers About Our Environment

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The simple answer is that driving in arelatively fuel efficient car (25-30 miles pergallon) usually generates fewer greenhousegas emissions than flying. In assessing theglobal warming impact of a trip fromPhiladelphia to Boston (about 300 miles), theenvironmental news website Grist.orgcalculates that driving would generate about104 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2)—theleading greenhouse gas—per typicalmedium-sized car, regardless of the numberof passengers, while flying on a commercialjet would produce some 184 kilograms of CO2per passenger.

What this also means, of course, is thatwhile even driving alone would be slightlybetter from the standpoint of greenhouse gasemissions, carpooling really makesenvironmental sense. Four people sharinga car would collectively be responsible foremitting only 104 kilograms of CO2, whilethe same four people taking up four seatson a plane would generate some 736kilograms.

Journalist Pablo Päster of Salon.comextends the comparison further to a crosscountry trip, and comes to similarconclusions. (Differences in the math areattributable to the use of slightly varyingassumptions regarding fuel usage andsource equations.) Flying from SanFrancisco to Boston, for example, wouldgenerate some 1,300 kilograms ofgreenhouse gases per passenger each way,while driving would account for only 930kilograms per vehicle. So again sharingthe drive with one or more people wouldlower each individual’s carbon footprintfrom the experience accordingly.

But just because driving might begreener than flying doesn’t mean it alwaysmakes the most sense. With current highgas prices, it would cost far more in fuel todrive clear across the United States in acar than to fly non-stop coast-to-coast. Andthat’s not even factoring in the time spenton restaurants and hotels along the way.Those interested in figuring out drivingfuel costs can consult AAA’s nifty onlineFuel Cost Calculator, where you can enteryour starting city and destination as wellas the year, make and model of your car toget an accurate estimate of what filling ‘erup will cost between points A and B.

Once you’ve made your decisionwhether to drive or fly, consider purchasingcarbon offsets to balance out the emissionsyou are generating with cash for renewable

energy development. TerraPass, amongothers, makes it easy to calculate yourcarbon footprint based on how much youdrive and fly (as well as home energyconsumption), and then will sell you offsetsaccordingly. (Monies generated throughcarbon offsets fund alternative energy andother projects, such as wind farms, that willultimately take a bite out of or eliminategreenhouse gas emissions).

Of course, an individual’s emissionsfrom riding a bus (the ultimate carpool) ora train (many of which rely solely onelectric power generated by their ownmotion) would be significantly lower. Pasteradds that a cross-country train trip wouldgenerate about half the greenhouse gasemissions of driving a car. The only way totravel greener might be to bicycle or walk—but the trip is long enough as it is.

CONTACTS : Grist, www.grist.org, Salon,www.salon.com; AAA Fuel Cost Calculator,www.fuelcostcalculator.com; TerraPass,www.terrapass.com.

GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION? Send itto: EarthTalk, c/o E/The EnvironmentalMagazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881;submit it at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/, or e-mail: [email protected] past columns at: www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/archives.php.

Most experts agree that driving in arelatively fuel efficient car usually

generates fewer greenhouse gas emis-sions per capita than flying – and itonly gets better when you carpool.

Getty Images


Adams Memorial LibraryWelcomes Bestselling Author

Meet George D. Shuman February 11On February 11, Adams Memorial Librarywelcomes thrilling author George D.Shuman as a guest speaker at our regularbook club, The ABCs. The book club will bereading and discussing Mr. Shuman’s firstnovel, 18 Seconds, that evening at 6:30 at themain branch (1112 Ligonier Street in Latrobe).

George D. Shuman is a twenty-yearveteran of the Washington, D.C.,Metropolitan Police force, in which he servedas an undercover narcotics detective; asergeant in the Special AssignmentsBranch, Internal Affairs Division; operations

commander of the Metropolitan PoliceAcademy; and lieutenant commander in thePublic Integrity Branch, Internal AffairsDivision. He lives in Pennsylvania and NorthCarolina. 18 Seconds was his first novel. Thefollow up Last Breath novel was released onAugust 7, 2007.

The national bestseller 18 Seconds,which is set in Western Pennsylvania, hasbeen translated in 19 languages and isnominated for: Best First Novel by theInternational Thrillers Association and TheShamus Award.

The event will be open to anyone, notjust members of the ABC book club, andshould be a fascinating night. We invite ev-eryone to come and enjoy the enhancedbook club experience that having the au-thor present will allow. People must call toregister (724-537-2821), as a sizable crowdis expected. Also, please plan ahead andobtain a copy of the book to read in advanceof the event. There is no cost for the group.

Ruthie RichardsonWest Derry, 1954-55

Hope you had a great holiday!See you in the next issue of the

Laurel Mountain Post. Love, Ruthie

Wake Up and Smell the Corpsea Comedy Mystery by Colleen Ryan

Take one coffee shop. Stir in two dysfunctionalsemi-alcoholic forty-something female friends, acup of neurotic customers, a scoop of incompetentteenage employees, and a generous sprinkling ofanimosity. Voila! The perfect brew for murder.

Wake up and Smell the Corpse is acharacter-driven comedy/mystery with twodysfunctional, sexually-frustrated protagonists,Madison (Maddy) and Chloe, best friends withbad taste in men, who travel through lifewith brains clouded by dirty martinis andJack Daniels and Coke. Their insatiableneed for chaos leads them to embark onopening a coffee house with no businesssense, and no money, in a small town notready for $5 lattes – or them. While sailingon their entrepreneurial ship of hope, theyhaphazardly discover three murder victims,all in a bizarre manner, and all patrons oftheir shop. The first victim is discoveredwhen Maddy trips on her stilettos and fallsbetween the corpse’s enormous fakebreasts. The second victim, one of theirfavorite customers, is discovered whenMaddy goes into an alley to relieve herselfunaware that she’s aiming at a body. Thethird victim is discovered when Maddy andChloe break into his house to make surehe’s all right. Maddy trips over his body, andwhile nudging him to see if he’s alive,accidentally gets her stiletto heel stuck ina private area of his body. Since the firstcorpse is found buried in the basement oftheir coffee house, coupled with theuncanny coincidence of discovering two

more bodies, they become prime suspects tothe detective assigned to the investigation, whoMaddy secretly – she thinks secretly – lustsafter. Through sheer drunken wit that wouldbaffle Sherlock Holmes, the two stumble toprove their innocence and almost becomevictims four and five.

From July 1999 until July 2000 ColleenRyan co-owned and operated a coffee housein downtown Latrobe at the corner of Mainand Ligonier named eclectica. That providedthe setting for the book and also explainsthe title which is a play on the saying, “Wakeup and smell the coffee.” Her partner in thecoffee shop, Charlie Roble, a Latrobe residentand best friend, was the inspiration for theChloe character in the book, and she drewon eccentricities of several of our customersand a few friends for some of the characters– in addition to the ones created out of hertwisted mind.

Author Colleen Ryan was born in Latrobeand has lived in this area except for the sevenyears she spent in California. She graduatedfrom Derry Area High School, received an AAfrom WCCC, a bachelor’s degree from GenevaCollege, and a master’s in Writing PopularFiction from Seton Hill University.

“I’m the poster child for ‘it’s never toolate.’” Ryan explained. “I earned mybachelor’s at 59 and my master’s at 61, andso when I should have been planning forretirement I started a whole new career.” Shehas been adjunct faculty at WCCC since 2000and has appeared in Who’s Who amongAmerica’s Teachers twice in consecutive years.


REPARTEE FOR TWOBarbara M. Neill

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

How did a half-century pass soquickly? I asked myself thisquestion as I watched a bewiggedDerek Hough performing a killerjitterbug with Brooke Burke onDancing With The Stars last October.I was recalling another young manwith a full head of hair from thelate 1950s. Pompadours and ponytails, poodle skirts and pigskinshoes were hot items in those days.But, in my mind the epitome of coolwas Fabian. (I have been partial toindividuals of Italian descent froma very young age it seems.)

During one of my lateelementary school summers Ispent several days visiting adistant relative. Trudy was ateenager at the time andpractically a grownup in myyouthful estimation. A country-raised farm girl, she led a verydifferent existence from my owntown-dwelling life. She certainlyhad more field, hill and dale to roamthan I could ever begin to imagine.And for someone whose only petsswam in a goldfish bowl, theassorted animals roaming thebarnyard and pastures were awe-inspiring. However, we did havesomething – or more correctly,someone – in common. Ourweekend revolved (literally andfiguratively) around her copy ofFabian’s hit recording of “Turn MeLoose.” Trudy’s cache of fanmagazines only added to our whirlof girlish glee. Smiling or sneering,Fabian was photogenic perfection.Suffice it to say, the chicks andducks got short shrift from Barbiethat weekend.

Philadelphia seemed tomanufacture teen idols in the1950s and 60s. Bob Marcucci andPeter DeAngelis of Philly’sChancellor Records had alreadydiscovered Frankie Avalon. Theseproducers/promoters knew wellthat presentation is all. Afterchancing upon 14 year-old FabianAnthony Forte on his front porch,they made a few adjustments to hisappearance and apparel andpresented the public with a Kodak-ready one-name wonder – Fabian.(The singer is named for hispaternal grandfather Fabiano Forte,but the shortened form of thename – Fabian – is the Christianname on his birth certificate.)

Singing lessons were provided andhe consequently appeared on DickClark’s American Bandstand. Hewon the Silver Award for “MostPromising Male Vocalist of 1958,”but his earliest singles didn’t catchon with the public and stardomproved temporarily elusive. In 1959“I’m a Man,” “Tiger,” and “Turn MeLoose” quickly put Fabian at the top

of the pop charts. By the time hewas 18 he had recorded dozens ofhit singles, 8 albums and earned 2gold records and a gold album for“The Fabulous Fabian.”

When rock and roll becamepassé in the 60s, Fabian was stilla highly marketable young man.Hollywood came calling andhe appeared in 10 filmsbetween 1959 and 1964. Heshared the silver screen withIndiana, PA legend JimmyStewart in 2 comedies, Mr.Hobbs Take a Vacation andDear Brigitte. He was also castin dramas and action flicks,including The Longest Day andNorth to Alaska, with suchfabled actors as John Wayne,Robert Mitchum, HenryFonda, Rod Steiger and SeanConnery. Teen genre films,although they didn’t afford theopportunity to rub shoulders withthe big guns, compensated with anabundance of generously-endowedbikini-clad costars. (What’s in aname? During this era highschooler Hillary Rodham was thePresident of the Fabian Forte Fan

Club. In a curious linguistic twistas Senator Clinton of New York shetapped another Fabian – Nunez –to serve as a national campaign co-chair during her US Presidentialbid in 2007.)

Fabian later became involvedin numerous television actingprojects and made guestappearances on such popularshows as Laverne & Shirley andMurphy Brown. However, one of hismost memorable and acclaimed TVroles was in a 1961 episode of theanthology series Bus Stop entitled“A Lion Walks Among Us” directedby Robert Altman. The networkwas unable to find companies thatwould agree to sponsor a programfeaturing the unthinkablescenario of Fabian playing ahomicidal maniac. Determined toair the show, the episode was thefirst one-hour segment intelevision history to run withoutcommercials. (Haven’t viewertastes and TV sanctions changed?)The entertainer ventured intoproduction earning an Emmynomination for the PBSdocumentary series The Wild Westand he presented Fabian’s GoodTime Rock ‘n’ Roll, a TV specialfeaturing legendary heyday acts,before a crowd of 85,000 in BatonRouge, LA. He has had a productivecommercial career, representingcorporations such as Pepsi,Denny’s and NutriSystem andproviding commercial and radio

voiceovers. For 20 years fellowPhiladelphians Fabian, FrankieAvalon and Bobby Rydell havetoured as The Golden Boys. Therock and roll icons have also starredtogether on television specials andawards ceremonies. Fabian and

Branson, MO are another greatteam, since they both have a flairfor putting on a good show. He stillhosts and performs there as one ofthe Original Stars at Dick Clark’sAmerican Bandstand TheaterComplex.

You needn’t worry about Fabianbeing forgotten during his goldenyears. (He will turn 66 on February6th.) In 2000 the PhiladelphiaMusic Alliance honored the singerwith a star on their Walk of Fameand on January 8, 2002 he was therecipient of another stellar symbolon the prestigious Hollywood Walkof Fame. Ever appreciative of hisfans, he humbly dedicated his starto them on that day. At a privatereception and ceremony held atthe Chestnut Ridge Golf andConference Center in Blairsvillein October 2008 Fabian receivedthe James M. Stewart MuseumFoundation Harvey Award, therebyadding his name to a list ofdeserving recipients.

Fabian and his wife, AndreaPatrick-Forte, a former MissPennsylvania USA (1980) and MissWest Virginia America (1983), haverecently built their dream housein the Connellsville-Uniontownarea. Andrea, a Fayette Countynative, is the owner/CEO of thePatrick Talent Agency, a full-service agency representing talentnationwide. She also heads thefun clothing and product lineOnce Upon a Dream. Together the

couple raises awareness andmoney for the AmericanDiabetes Association and theAmerican Heart Association.The entertainer also hosts aCelebrity Golf Tournamentin North Carolina thatbenefits veteran’s causes.Fabian has two children froma previous marriage.Daughter Julie, an animator,and son Christian, ascreenwriter, both reside inCalifornia.

* * * * *

BMN: Do you think your Italianheritage gave you an unfairadvantage with female fans?

Dick Clark (l) with the future Golden Boys -Fabian, Bobby and Frankie

On the prowl ...


FF: No, not at all. (I believe I detected a slightchuckle after this response.)

BMN: If you hadn’t skyrocketed to fame as asinging teen idol at such a tender age, whatcareer path might you have followed andwhy?

FF: Probably civil engineering, because I wasgreat at drafting.

BMN: Singers famously come to hate thesongs that are most identified with them.Are you one of them?

FF: Is that true? Well, if it is, I am absolutelynot one of them. (Fabian indicated that hispersonal favorite is “Turn Me Loose.”)

BMN: Were there Fabian impersonators?

FF: The only one that comes to mind isNicholas Cage in Peggy Sue Got Married.

BMN: As a young man you were a bit of apuzzle – considered by some a “dangerousdate” and by others the “boy next door.” Didthis disparity prove beneficial when castingagents were looking for a versatile youngactor?

FF: I think what they were looking for wassomeone that would bring in the youngeraudience. I don’t believe they were lookingfor any specific type – like a James Dean.

BMN: Although Fabian, Frankie Avalon andBobby Rydell were not a singing group asyoung men, do you think the music of TheGolden Boys would adapt well to a Broadwaymusical based on your interwoven lives onthe order of Jersey Boys, the documentary-style musical based on Frankie Valli and TheFour Seasons?

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

BMN: As host and headliner in Branson youare a highly recognizable presence. At thispoint in your career is autograph signingexasperating or flattering?

FF: It’s more flattering than anything else.It’s a way of thanking the people that havestood by you all these years.

BMN: What is your opinion of the return ofvinyl?

FF: I was hoping that would happen, sinceI’m not a big fan of digital. Vinyl’s a muchsofter and warmer sound.

BMN: Well then, what’s spinning on yourturntable?

FF: Bob Seger

BMN: In 1993 you were nominated for anEmmy as co-executive producer for theinformational PBS mini-series The Wild West.Is producing a creative outlet you arepursuing today?

FF: I left my company in LA when I movedhere, so I’ve been out of that business 8 or10 years. It’s a “hands-on” kind of thing andyou really have to be there.

BMN: You have looks, charm and a bigBoomer fan base. Would you ever considerputting your jive skills to the test on DancingWith The Stars?

FF: My wife wants me to, but I don’t thinkI’m going to. I feel there’s only one dancer inmy family and that’s my wife.

BMN: Since you are the host of a celebrity golftournament, I presume you are an avid golfer.

FF: I enjoy it, but I’m actually a mediocregolfer. My main “forte” was alwaysracquetball. Wolf Man Jack, when he wasstill with us, had a charity golf tournament

continued on page 17

When recently asked the following question, Mrs. Patrick-Forte’sreply was heartfelt. “Your husband was a rock and roll princeand you were a pageant princess. Who rules the roost today atCasa Forte?”

“I would have to say our marriage is an equal partnership; Ithink that is why our relationship works. From the time we met17 years ago I have understood Fabe’s career because I grewup in the entertainment industry and he has always supportedand understood my need to continue working and to grow mybusinesses. I think to have a lasting marriage you first have tohave someone you are passionate about, be best friends withand support with all of your heart. We are both lucky andblessed to have found this in our lives.”

I’ll bet he drove the little girls wild!


Take Five Minutesby Jennifer Smoker

She could bring home the bacon, fry it up in apan and never let you forget you’re a man! She’sthe WOMAN! Actually, she was the Enjoli womanintent on selling perfume, but to myimpressionable child’s mind, the message wasclear. Girls rule, hear us ROAR!

At 16, my Grandma asked me what I wantedto be when I grew up. I didn’t have a clue. Shelooked at me and with absolute certainty, said,“Honey, you will do whatever you set your mindto and God help the man who tries to stand inyour way!” I acted all shocked, and we laughed;but I knew then and there that I was going toprove her right.

I could do anything! The world was mine toconquer! But, somewhere along the line,something got lost in the translation. Theconcept somehow evolved into I should doeverything! The world is depending on me!Sounds egotistical, I know. I ran from one thingto another, excusing it all saying, “I’m hyper,and a type A personality.” All my friends arethe same way so I shrugged it off as life. Thisis normal, right?

In October 2007, The American PsychologicalAssociation reported “One third of Americans areliving with extreme stress and nearly half ofAmericans (48 percent) believe that their stresshas increased over the past five years.”(www.apa.org/releases/stressproblem.html) So, I amnot alone in feeling stressed and overwhelmed.But, as Murrysville’s Total Health Coach andco-author of the book Creating Space 38 Strategiesto Help You Make Time for What’s Important,Diana Fletcher points out, “Just because peoplehave gotten in the habit of ending their dayexhausted and stressed doesn’t make it right.We are always focused on what’s next. We don’teven enjoy life because we are in such a hurry.The key is to start looking at how you arespending your time and start enjoying themoment, no matter what you are doing... be inthe moment.”

LMP: Look, I’ve never understood that…”Justbe?” I know that I need to slow down (Peopletell me that all the time) but honestly, I don’tknow how.

DF: We get caught up and become so busy thatwe don’t see a way out. Because I have thatsame tendency (I will get up in the morningand not stop until night) what I would suggest isthat you stop what you are doing and sit downfor 5 minutes out of every hour. Take some deepbreaths, rest your eyes and relax.”

LMP: What about this running “to-do list” in myhead?

DF: The voices will keep going but you have tore-train your brain. Realize that you didn’tbecome this way over night and it takes a whileto undo those patterns. I am a firm believer thatchange happens in baby steps. Come up with a

statement or some key words to remind yourselfthat it’s okay, I’m allowed to take care of me.After a while these exercises become minivacations. They make you relax. And guesswhat? The world didn’t fall apart. You still got aton done and you’ll feel rested. (Note to the reader:I took Diana’s suggestion and failed miserably forthe first couple of days but I stuck with it and amhappy to report that two weeks later, I feel like acalmer version of myself)

LMP: Is this just a female thing?

DF: It’s an everybody thing! This multi-taskingidea has gotten out of hand. Just because weare capable of multi-tasking doesn’t mean weshould. It’s time to face reality. We can not doeverything, which is a jolt to realize, but onceyou do, you can turn it around and go, “okaywhat do I really want to do?” That’s where I thinkwe make the mistake, we try to do everythinginstead of thinking how do I want to live mylife? What do I really, really, want in my life?Then go after that! As women we want to beliked. We are suppose to be nice …we don’t wantto get anybody upset or hurt feelings. We wantto be all things to all people and you can’t. Onceyou realize that it can be freeing. You need totoughen up. Okay, realize … they may not likeme…don’t care. We have to give ourselvespermission to look out for ourselves becauseeverything comes from that. We’ll be well fed,healthy and rested: we can handle more.Everything falls into place.

It’s time to ask for help. We take on too muchand don’t ask for help and then feel guilty whenwe drop the ball and the ball is going to drop atsome point. Write down everything (Yes, all ofit) you do in one day. Now look back and see ifthere is anything you didn’t have to do? Realizethat there are other people that can do some ofthe things we take on. If you can’t afford helpyou can exchange help. Something that iseasier for you and you don’t think of as a bigdeal can be a big deal for someone else. You’renot necessarily trading the same amount oftime; it may be something you can combine.Don’t feel guilty because things aren’t gettingdone. Try to get them done in other ways. Forinstance, use your kids to help. So what if youcan clean the bathroom better than anyone inthe world. That doesn’t mean you have to do itall the time. When your children were little, youpacked their lunches. Now, they’re bigger andyou’re still packing their lunches. Let go of thesepreconceived notions. Your kids may not be asfast or as good as you are but by getting theminvolved you are not only teaching themresponsibility but also freeing up your time.

Start creating new habits. Life keeps speedingup in this technology driven world. It used to bethat we had built in windows of time. You couldwrite a letter or make a phone call and it could

take a few days for the person to get back toyou. Now, with instant messaging and e-mailsthose days are a thing of the past.. Just becausewe have e-mail doesn’t mean we have to read itor even check it every hour. Designate certaintimes of the day to check the mail and stick toit. Even the telephone– just because it ringsdoesn’t mean you have to jump up and answerit immediately. That’s what the answeringmachine is for. It might seem like little thingsbut they end up taking huge amounts of time.The idea is to organize your time so that youcreate space in your life.

This doesn’t mean you fill the space up withmore tasks from your “to do” list. Think aboutthe things that you want to do. It just doesn’toccur to most people. We are not taught how tofocus on our own needs. When we do have timeon our hands we are lost. It’s a retraining atthis point, especially if you’ve been living thisway for a long period of time. But everyonebenefits. Children see their parents taking thetime to examine what’s important in this life.Ask yourself, can you be happy making a living?So, what makes you happy? Try to fit more of thatin your life and less of the thing that doesn’t.

Yes, we have responsibilities. We have certainthings we have to do like earn a living butthere’s a lot of other time in there. It’s allchoices. How are we choosing to spend thattime? It’s always a choice. You know we chooseto run ourselves ragged, we choose to stay upand watch that TV show instead of getting tosleep. There are choices all along. Some aremade for us like obviously a job, but when youthink about it there a lot of other choices wecould make a different way if you give yourselfpermission. Determine what you want and focusyour energy there. Prioritize what will makeyou happy without hurting anybody else. Knowthat people may not understand slowing down,but so what! This is for you!

The good news is adults are allowed to have fun.Imagine taking time to run through a sprinkleror look at clouds. Play like you did as a child.Your brain will thank you because you will bemore creative and get more done. If only wewould let ourselves rest and goof off a bit, but weforget. We get caught up in all we have to do.Why do we have to be grown-ups all the time?Balancing work and play means we are going tobe happy. Time is going to go by no matter what,and at the end of the day, I’ve never heardanyone say, I should have worked more. We’veall heard that saying before. Sometimes, youcan hear it said a thousand times, in threedifferent ways and it still doesn’t sink in. A wiseperson once said, “How we live the minutes ofeach day is how we live our lives.” So, take fiveminutes and see what happens.

If you would like to learn more about Diana or her booksgo to www.dianafletcher.com


since 1959!with you . . .

the storms of lifeWeathering

Hanna Insurance Agency

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

www.hannainsuranceagency.us

208 Weldon Street • Latrobe, PA 15650

Weatheringthe storms of life

with you . . .since 1959!

As your life changes,we are there to keep you fullyinsured. Our agents and clientrepresentatives have 15-35 years ofprofessional experience providingthe coverages you need and thepersonal customer service youdeserve.

Come in from the coldand stop by our office todayfor a free quote and evaluationof all your insurance needs.

Lincoln Highway HeritageCorridor Celebrates AbeLincoln’s 200th Birthday

On February 12, which would beAbraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday,Adams Memorial Library (1112 LigonierStreet in Latrobe) will host the LincolnHighway Heritage Corridor as they ex-plore everything there is to know aboutthe highway named after our 16th presi-dent. The event begins at 6:30 pm andwill highlight the stretch of the famousroad as it cuts across Pennsylvania.

The Lincoln Highway HeritageCorridor (LHHC) is one of 12 heritageareas in the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania. All are nonprofitorganizations, and part of thePennsylvania Heritage Areas Program,under the Department of Conservationand Natural Resources.

The mission of the LHHC is toidentify, conserve, promote, andinterpret the cultural, historical, natural,recreational, and economic resourcesalong the Lincoln Highway inWestmoreland, Somerset, Bedford,Fulton, Franklin, and Adams Counties.Through these regions, the originalhighway is marked with red, white andblue signs.

The LHHC was established to createopportunities for preserving andinterpreting resources associated withthe Lincoln Highway and the more than200 years of regional transportationhistory that preceded it.

In 1913, the automobile was still inits infancy. Those that had cars foundroad conditions were unsuitable fordriving. City streets were often paved,but rural roads were primarily dirt tracksconnecting farmlands.

A group of visionary business-menfrom the automotive industry led byHenry B Joy and Carl Fisher formed theLincoln Highway Association (LHA). TheLHA successfully spearheaded thecreation of a publicly-funded road thatstretched from New York City, NY to SanFrancisco, CA. The road would be thefirst transcontinental highway. The LHAengaged in very little actual roadbuilding, but it did fire the public’simagination and soon their project wasunder way. When it was done, itstretched 3,389 miles.

In Pennsylvania, much of theLincoln Highway was constructed byimproving and linking up pre-existingroads, including the early turnpikes, likethe Chambersburg and Bedford Turnpike,and Forbes Road. It was a focal point ofthe Good Roads Movement, which wouldultimately lead to the development ofdecent highways all over the nation.

The creation of the highway had asignificant impact on how peopletraveled. No longer were they held tothe schedules of railroads. Instead, moreand more people chose to tour Americaby driving the Lincoln Highway. Asautomobiling became more popular, theface of the roadside changed.

Filling stations, tourist cabins,motor courts, and restaurants lined theLincoln Highway to service travelers. Ascompetition for the travelers’ businessincreased, entrepreneurs becamecreative in their attempts to solicitcustomers. They built unique structures,like the giant Coffee Pot in Bedford PA,in which to run their business.

The Lincoln Highway was alsocrucial to the development of commercialtraffic. During World War I, railroads wereunable to handle the amount of freightbeing sent to the eastern seaboard ports.The favored alternative to the railroadwas the use of truck convoys over theLincoln Highway.

By 1925, the transcontinental routewas completed. However, in that year,the United States instituted a system ofnumbered highways and eliminatedname designations. In Pennsylvania, theLincoln Highway became Route 30. In1928, Boy Scouts across the countryerected concrete markers along the route- some of which still remain today- inorder to preserve the identity of theLincoln Highway. In 1940, the Pennsy-lvania Turnpike, with its tunnels blastedthrough the mountains, provided aquicker and easier route across the state.

There is no cost for this event, butregistration is required to attend. Pleasecall the library at 724-537-2821.

History reprinted with permission from theorganization website: www.lhhc.org


Loren M. Means, CPASt. Vincent College Class of [email protected]

Ligonier Ice Fest: January 24-25

Sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce120 East Main Street • Ligonier, PA 15658 • 724-238-4200 • www.ligonier.com

Ice artists create masterpieces from blocks of icelocated on the Diamond and around town.

Carving starts at 10am on Saturday, Noon on Sunday.

We’ll SolveYour Tax Puzzle!

Glen W. Vance, CPASt. Vincent College Class of 2000

[email protected]

• Individual & Business Tax Preparation• Free Electronic Filing• For-Profit, Non-Profit

& Local Government Auditand Attestation Engagements

• General Accounting andBookkeeping Services

Member of American Institute of CertifiedPublic Accountants and PennsylvaniaInstitute of Certified Public Accountants

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

Save 20% onprevious year’sindividual or businesstax preparation!Must provide invoice forprevious year’s tax return.New clients only.expires 12/31/09 (LMP)


SHOPS AROUND THE CORNERGetting To Know Unique Local Businesses and the People Behind Them

In Currant Thymes

A Store Named Joe’sI find life to be most satisfying when it’sa mixture of the expected and theunexpected. The much-cherished timeI spend with my nephew Zach providesthe perfect illustration of this point. Withhis adventurous nature, agile mind, drollsense of humor, amusing turn of phraseand ability to make friends instantly, Inever know what our day will hold. But,when he comes to our house, there isone thing I’m sure will not vary. At somepoint during the visit I will be asked,“Are we going to Joe’s?” Joe is notanother relative or acquaintance, but theestablishment that bears his name is afamily friend to many.

Joe’s Store & Deli is a “Mom and Pop”located in the Lawson Heights sectionof Latrobe, Unity Township. Althoughthe original owner was ‘a guy named Joe,’the business has been owned andoperated by Margaret Guidos since 1988.A small venue as convenience stores go,it offers a little bit of everything, unlikemegastores which often offer a wholelot of nothing. Of course, you do findthe staples (milk, bread, eggs, cannedgoods, snacks, paper products, etc.), butyou never know what else you might find.

The deli case is especially helpfulif you don’t feel like a trip to the stripmall grocery or superstore. Lunchmeatsand cheeses are name brand and highquality; mini-subs, tasty salads, and adaily hot sandwich special are prepared

In current times exploring consumersshould consider it fortunate to findthemselves in Currant Thymes. Now thatpenny-pinching is all the rage, this retailestablishment is a sanctuary for thoseof us who want to economize, but haveno intention of foregoing all purchasedpleasures. The Ligonier home and gardenlifestyle center that opened in June of2007 is situated on a tiny throughwaythat connects West Main Street and NorthFairfield Street. But, don’t let its cozycorner setting deter you from taking amini-detour off the well-beaten traderoutes. You’ll find a not-quite-hiddentreasure chest filled with lustrous loot.

Currant Thymes proprietors Heatherand Bob Kuban are expert at seeking outmerchandise that is never run-of-the-mill, always top-of-the-line and, luckily,within the budgets of inveterateshoppers. Personable and knowledge-able, they are happy to explain vendorbackgrounds and the particulars of theirwares. “I’m basically living out my dreamright now. I’ve always loved retail, but Ialso enjoy the interaction with mycustomers. As a new proprietor, I’vefound Ligonier to be very supportive,”claims Heather.

The Kubans have a clever eye forproduct placement: the lines of theirdisplay space are clean without seemingstark and the many commodities on view

never appear cluttered. Shoppersnormally tend to notice eye-level products,but don’t forget to look high, low and inthe nooks and crannies at CurrantThymes; you’re sure to see something youmay have missed on previous visits.

Among the wide-ranginghome choices to be found inCurrant Thymes are the soycandles of the Hexeberg CandleCo. Locally manufactured inMarkleton, PA (SomersetCounty), these candles addambience and fragrance to thehome in a ecologically sensiblefashion. They lastapproximately three timeslonger than those made withpetroleum-based wax, produceminimal soot, and are non-toxicand biodegradable. The candlesalso do double duty stimulatingthe economy with their salesand generating income for theAmerican farmers who growthe soybeans that provide theirwax. Heather stocks a varietyof scents including fruit, food,floral and fresh.

Represented well is the Pittsburgh-based Riverside Design Group. The glassartware company’s distinctive Plateswith a Purpose look down on customersfrom a plate rail in Currant Thymes.

Artistic and unique, with simple designsrepresenting local non-profit organ-izations, they are handcrafted from pre-consumer recycled glass. Each purchaseprovides the local chapter of the affiliateorganization with 15% of the proceeds.

The Green Glass Co. is also inchromatic evidence. Although their “Rock33” Tumblers made from reclaimedRolling Rock bottles are not alwaysavailable at the company website, a

shipment may have just arrived at CurrantThymes. An impressive selection of EmileHenry cookware, Lodge Cast Iron andCuisipro tools are among the many qualitykitchen items. The Cuisipro peanut butterand jelly spreader is a great hit with kids

and parents. Other novel, yetuseful, accessories are aprons,kitchen towels, oven mitts,baskets and gadgets. Thechilewich place-mats, while alittle pricey, are gloriouscombinations of color, textureand serviceability – a classychoice for shower andhousewarming gifts (or abirthday present for this writer).

MadMats give me theperfect segue from indoor tooutdoor inventory since theseintricately woven and multi-colored rugs can be used inboth quarters. A MariachiImports product, they don’t trapwater as most plastic mats onthe market do and help protectwooden decks if used outside.Currant Thymes has severalexcellent examples underfoot to

demonstrate their indoor appeal. Alwaysa sucker for ceramics, the Danko

onsite. Margaret proudly explains thather chicken salad was voted “The Best”by her customers. The novelty ice creamcase is stocked with a variety of choices,

including old favorites like Klondikes,ice cream sandwiches and hard-to-findsingle serving Dixie cups. Latrobe’sDainty Pastry Shoppe supplies cookies,

breakfast rolls and breads for the bakedgoods case. (Note to self: Dainty Pastryorders can be placed at Joe’s.)

Many a family Easter egg hunt andchildhood celebration was supplied withtreats from Joe’s specialty candy section.(What are aunts for, if not sweetsurprises?) And kids aren’t the only oneswho can get a sugar rush here.Grandma’s Jams & Jellies, ShanholtzOrchard Apple Butter, and Black’s BeeCity, U.S.A. Honey work as well servedat your breakfast table as they do servingas host or hostess gifts. The Grandma’sPineapple-Apricot Jam might find a nichein my next gift basket creation. (A “bit o’honey” trivia – Norman Black of Black’sBee City was originally from Derry.)

There are plenty of traditional findsat Joe’s (e.g. Natrona Bottling Company’sRed Ribbon beverages and Lions Clubbrooms), but the store does stay up-to-date. A wide-ranging selection ofstandard sodas and mixers are found,however an entire cooler is devoted tohealthful drinks of the “no high fructosecorn syrup” variety. DVD rentals arestocked with new releases addedregularly. The establishment is also veryconvenient for area residents with aneye on the prize – the PA Lottery prizesto be specific. Lines are much shorterthan those found elsewhere and you canpick a copy of the Laurel Mountain Post atthe lottery sales counter!

What you see isn’t always what youcan get at Joe’s. Behind the scenesMargaret prepares catering selectionsthat more than live up to their home-style claim. (I truly appreciate the lovelyfruit trays I have purchased and theassorted cheese cubes for my appetizerplatters. Although I do make my own dips,salads and entrees for picnic and parties,if given the choice of “me chop” or “youchop” I almost always opt for the latter.)Want a meal delivered? The customcatering menu has a diverse choice ofhot and cold hors d’oeuvres, entrees andsalads. “I’ve been called to cater mealsfor the ill or elderly and have takenhome-cooked lunches and dinners toquite a few people,” says the owner. Joe’sparty menu classics are always indemand for resident gatherings and localbusiness functions.

I can’t depart Joe’s Store & Deliwithout a mention of the PittsburghSteelers. For years the outside marqueehas welcomed the players and staff totraining camp in July, promoted teamspirit throughout the season andcongratulated the squad on its gamevictories and championships. Inside aspecial section is devoted to Steelermerchandise. It goes without saying that“black and gold” is a recurring colorscheme here.



Positioning her wares is Heather Kuban of Currant Thymes.

Proprietor Margaret Guidos amidst the popularPA-produced Middlesworth chips available at Joe’s.


JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009COMMUNITY CALENDAR

http://facweb.stvincent.edu./eec/

Trails Open Year Round7 Days a Week, Dawn to Dusk

WINTER BARN HOURSTuesday through Friday

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.1st Saturday ONLY of each month

9 a.m. – 2 p.m.CLOSED Monday and Sunday

Through January 18Imagine Toys: Holiday Exhibitionsponsored by HighmarkWestmoreland Museum of AmericanArt, 221 N. Main Street, GreensburgFor information, call (724)837-1500 orvisit www.wmuseumaa.org

Through February 14Southwest Council for the Arts13th Annual RegionalJuried Art ExhibitionSouthern Alleghenies Museum of Art atLigonier Valley, One Boucher Laneand Route 711 South, LigonierFor information, call (724) 238-6015 orvisit www.sama-art.org

Through February 15Covered Bridges: Spanning theAmerican LandscapeAltoona Heritage Discover Center,A421-1427 Twelfth Avenue, Altoona, PAAdmission is free. For information,call 814-940-1922

January 2 & 3 @ 8:00 pmComedian Ralphie MaySeven Springs Mountain ResortTicket prices range from $10-18 andare available by calling (866)703-7625or online at www.7springs.com

January 3 @ 10:00 amYour Changing Body for BoysAuditorium A, Latrobe Area Hospital,West Second Avenue, LatrobeA program designed for boys aged from10 to 13. Free but to register, call 1(877) 771-1234 or [email protected]

January 3 & February 7 @ 10:30 amRead the Movie…Discuss the Bookfeaturing Rebecca by Daphne DuMauier. Ligonier Valley Library, 120W. Main St, Ligonier. (724) 238-6451

January 8 @ 2:00 pmDiabetes Support Group:Know Your NumbersConference Room 1, Frick Hospital,508 S Church Street, Mt. PleasantTo register, call (877)771-1234 oremail [email protected]

January 8 @ 7:30 pmAin’t Misbehavin’Ruben Studdard, Frenchie DavisPasquerilla Performing Arts Center,University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown,450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PATickets range from $33—39 and areavailable by calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or(814) 269-7200 or by visiting thewebsite www.upjarts.com$37. Flex: $35. Student: $33

January 9—11 @ 5:00 pmGourmet Getaway WeekendSeven Springs Mountain Resort, 777Waterwheel Drive, Seven SpringsTwo nights of lodging, six cookingclasses and two seminars. $399 percouple and includes lodging or $125per person for classes and seminarsonly. For weekend reservations andinformation call (800) 452-2223. Forday package only, call (866) 703-7625.

January 9Murder Mystery Dinner ShowMountain View Inn, Route 30,Greensburg. Tickets cost $39.95 perperson and are available by calling(724) 834-5300 or by [email protected]

January 9 &10 @ 7:30 pmJanuary 11 @ 2:30 pmPatsy & FriendsThe Ligonier Theater, 208 West MainStreet, LigonierConcert featuring songs by PatsyCline, Loretta Lynn & Johnny Cash.Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 forstudents. Make reservations by calling(724) 238-6514 ext. 5.

January 10 @11:30 am & 3:30 pmWinter Trails Free Snowshoeing DaySeven Springs Mountain Resort, 777Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PAReservations are required. Call (800)452-2223, ext. 7396 or 7932

January 12 @ 8:30 amAARP Driver’s Safety ProgramConference Room D, WestmorelandHospital, 532 West Pittsburgh Street,Greensburg. AARP members pay $12,non-members pay $14. To register,call 1 (877) 771-1234 or [email protected]

January 15 @ noonLunch a l’ArtSouthern Alleghenies Museum of Art atLigonier Valley. One Boucher Lane &Route 711 South, Ligonier, PATo register, call (724) 238-6015 or visitthe website www.sama-art.org

January 15 @ 7:30 pmWestmoreland Jazz Society: RayRyan New Orleans Riverside BandWestmoreland Museum of AmericanArt, 221 N. Main Street, GreensburgFor information, call (724) 837-1500ext. 27 or visit the websitewww.wmuseumaa.org

January 16, 17, &18Fire and Ice FestivalOn the streets of uptown Somersetwww.somersetincpa.org/fireandice.htmlor call (814) 443-1748 to learn more.

January 17, 9am - 1pmAmerican Red Cross First Aid for DogsYWCA Mansion, Greensburg. Pre-registration required, 724-834-9390.www.ywcawestmoreland.org

January 17 @ 6 pmBravo for Blue GrassCarriage House in the LaughlintownInn . Dinner and show for $30 perperson. For reservations, call (724)238-6514 ext. 3.

January 17, 9am - 3pmAmerican Red CrossBabysitter TrainingAMRC building in Latrobe. Pre-registerby January 14, 724-537-2057.www.latroberecreationcenter.org

Wednesdays January 21 - February 25Belly Dancing ClassYWCA of Westmoreland County, 424N. Main Street, Greensburg. 8 pm.Classes cost $40 + YWCA membership($17/yr). For information, call(724)834-9390 or [email protected]

January 21 & February 18 @ 10:00 amTiny Wonders TimeWinnie Palmer Nature Reserve at SaintVincent College, Latrobe. Classes forchildren ages 2 to 4 accompanied by anadult. To register, call (724) 537-5284

January 23 @ 7:30 pmJanuary 24 & 25 @ 12Aladdin Jr.Greensburg Garden and Civic Center,951 Old Salem Road, GreensburgThe afternoon shows include lunch.Seats are $10 Call (724) 832—7464 or(724) 836-8000

January 24 @ 8:00 pmNunsense, starring Sally StruthersState Theatre, 27 East Main Street,Uniontown. Tickets range from $28—36 and may be obtained by calling 724-439-1360.

January 24 & 25Ligonier Ice FestOn the Diamond in LigonierFor information, call (724) 238-4200 orvisit the website www.ligonier.com

January 30 @ 8:00 pmSquonk Opera Presents…”Indiana County: The Opera!”Indiana University of Pennsylvania,Fisher Auditorium. For tickets, call theFine Arts Public Events Office at (724)357-2547 or email [email protected]

January 30 & 31February 6, 7 @ 8 pm,February 8 @ 2:30 pmThe Odd Couple (Female Version)The Ligonier Theater, 208 West MainStreet, Ligonier. Tickets are $15 foradults, $13 for seniors, and $7 forstudents and are available by calling(724)238-6514, ext. 5

January 30—February 1Winterfest at Mystic MountainNemacolin Woodlands Resort, 1001LaFayette Drive, Farmington, PAFor information, call (866) 386-6957 orvisit their website, www.nemacolin.com

January 31 @ 8:00 pmDirty Rotten Scoundrels,the National TourPalace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street,Greensbur. Tickets are $30, 35 & 40and are available by calling (724) 836-8000 or by visiting the websitewww.thepalacetheatre.org

January 31—February 2Groundhog Day 2009

Information about the festivities duringthe long weekend will be available

at an information station at theCelebration Tent in Barclay

Square and at aninformation booth

on Gobbler’s Knob.For lodging information,

www.Punxautawney.comwww.groundhog.org

January 31 & February 1 @ 8:00 amAppalachian Telemark AssociationSki & Snowboard RacesSeven Springs Mountain Resort, 777Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs1-day pass $79, two-day pass $99, kidsunder 16 are free. www.telemarker.org

February 2 @ 7 pmCar Seat SafetyAuditorium A, Latrobe Area Hospital,Free to the public but registration isrequired. Call 1 (877) 771-1234 oremail [email protected]

February 3 @ 2pmSenior SocialCountry Cafe & Video, Pleasant Unity724-537-2057www.latroberecreation.org

February 3—27Exhibit:Supernova-asteroid-comet-sun…Indiana University of Pennsylvania,Sprowls Hall, Kipp GalleryArtist lecture on February 5 in G42,Delaney Hall. Admission is free. Forinformation, call Fine Arts PublicEvents Office at (724)357-2547 oremail [email protected]

February 4 @ 8pmJesus Christ SuperstarIUP - Fisher Auditorium.www.onstageatiup.com

February 3 @ 2pmSenior SocialValley Dairy (Jefferson St) in Latrobe724-537-2057www.latroberecreation.org

February 7 @ 8:00 pmNew York Chamber SoloistsSaint Vincent College, Robert S. CareyPerforming Arts Center, LatrobeTickets and dinner cost $35, or ticketsonly cost $20, and are available bycalling the Concert Series Box Officeat 724-805-2565

February 7WinterfestOhiopyle State Park, SugarloafSledding Area, Ohiopyle, PAFor information, call (724) 329-8591 orwww.dcnr.state.pa.us/statePark

February 7—15WTAE TV’s WinterfestSeven Springs Mountain Resort, 777Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PAAdmission is free. For information,call (866) 703-7625 or visit theirwebsite at www.7springs.com

February 11 @ 10:30amWednesday Morning Free MovieCenter for Student CreativityGreater Latrobe Senior High School


To submit your communityevent to this calendar,

please email complete information to:[email protected]

Questions? Call 724-537-6845

February 12 @ 2:00 pmDiabetes Support Group:Know Your NumbersDiabetes Clinic, Medical Commons 1,Westmoreland Hospital, 350 SouthStreet, Greensburg. To register, call(877)771-1234 or [email protected]

February 12 @ 8:00 pmThe Four TopsPalace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street,Greensbur. Tickets range from $35—75 and may be purchased by calling(724) 853-4050 or 1 (800) 528-7429

February 13 @ 7:30 pmGet the Led OutPasquerilla Performing Arts Center,University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown,Tickets are $31—37 and are availableby calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or (814)269-7200 or by visiting the websitewww.upjarts.com

February 13-14Valentine Special at Chestnut RidgeResort & Conference Center132 Pine Ridge Rd, Blairsville.724-459-7191.www.chestnutridgeresort.com

February 13 @ 9:00 pmValentines Dinner Dance withJohnny Angel & the HalosMountain View Inn, Route 30,Greensburg. Tickets are $45 perperson for dinner and dancing or $30per person for the show only and areavailable by calling Carolyn at 724-834-5300 ext. 556

February 13 & 14 @ 6:00 pmFebruary 15 @ 1:00 pmBeehiveGreensburg Country Club, Route 130 &Pleasant Valley Road, GreensburgThe costs for dinner and a show are$42 for adults and $15 for studentsand may be purchased by phoning(724) 832-7464 or (724) 836-8000

February 14 @ 8:00 pmThe TemptationsState Theatre, 27 East Main Street,Uniontown. Call (724) 439-1360 forticket information

February 14 @ 8pmChris Higbee Project(formerly Povertyneck Hillbillies)Casino Theatre, Vandergrift724-567-5049, www.casinotheatre.org

February 14 @ 8:00 pmLove Notes! Presented by theWestmoreland Symphony OrchestraPalace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street,Greensburg. Tickets range from $9—37and may be purchased by calling(724)837-1850

February 18—20 @ 8:00 pmFebruary 21 @ 2:00 pmCole Porter’s Anything GoesIndiana University of Pennsylvania,Fisher Auditorium. For tickets, contactthe Fine Arts Public Events Office at(724) 357-2547 or [email protected]

February 20 @ 8:00 pmKris KristoffersonPalace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street,Greensburg. Tickets are $35, 40, & 47and are available by calling (724)836-8000 or www.thepalacetheatre.org

February 21, 9am - 3pmAmerican Red CrossBabysitting CertificationYWCA Mansion, Greensburg. Pre-registration required, 724-834-9390www.ywcawestmoreland.org

February 22—28The Gift of Art—ExhibitionWestmoreland Museum of AmericanArt, 221 N. Main Street, GreensburgCelebrate the museum’s 50th

anniversary with gifts of art from thepast 50 years. For information, call(724) 837-1500 ext. 27 or visitwww.wmuseumaa.org

February 24 @ 8pmGolden Dragon AcrobatsIUP - Fisher Auditorium, Indiana.www.onstageatiup.com

February 25 @ 7:30 pmStig Rossen—A Singer with a Big VoicePasquerilla Performing Arts Center,University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown,Tickets are $10—32 and are availableby calling 1 (800) 846-2787 or (814)269-7200 or by visiting the websitewww.upjarts.com

February 27 - March 7Life Is A DreamSeton Hill University, Reeves Theatre.Greensburg. 724-838-4241.www.setonhill.edu

February 28 @ 8:00 pmCynthia Ortiz-Bartley,mezzo-sopranoUniversity of Pittsburgh inGreensburg, Campana Chapel LectureHall. For information, contact ChrisBartley at (724) 836-7120 or emailChris at [email protected]

February 28 @ 7:00 pmHollywood Party at the PalacePalace Theatre, 23 W. Otterman Street,Greensburg. Call (724) 836-1123.

February 28 @ 8:00 pmNew Shanghai CircusState Theatre, 27 East Main Street,Uniontown. Tickets are $26—34Call (724)439-1360

February 28 @ 7:00 amMasters of the Slope, sponsored byVector Security and Children’sHospital of Pittsburgh FoundationSeven Springs Mountain Resort, 777Waterwheel Drive, Seven Springs, PADay of skiing to benefit Children’sHospital of Pittsburgh. Full registrationis $150, $110 for those who have aseason pass for Seven Springs. Dinnertickets only, $50. For information, [email protected]

February 28 @ 1:00 pmStrength in AutismMemorial Conference Center,Westmoreland Hospital, 532 WestPittsburgh St, Greensburg. For familiesdealing with an autistic child. Free.Registration is required (877) 771-1234or email: [email protected]

Christmas “Tree-cycling” 2009Westmoreland Cleanways would like to encourage everyone to continuethe spirit of giving by recycling your live Christmas tree. After the festivitiesare finished, you can take your tree to one of 20 drop-off sites locatedthroughout Westmoreland County. The trees will either be chipped intomulch by the municipalities and used to beautify community parks, orplaced in natural areas to provide wildlife habitat.

There has been recent debate as to whether it is more eco-friendly topurchase a live tree or an artificial one. Real trees are a renewable andrecyclable resource. According to the National Christmas Tree Association,in the United States and Canada, there have been an estimated 40-45million trees planted in 2008. There are an estimated 446 million treesgrowing on farms in the U.S. and these tree farms support complex eco-systems. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, while each acre of trees growingprovides the daily oxygen requirements for 18 people. There areapproximately 500,000 acres in the U.S. used for the production of growingChristmas trees, with much of it preserving green space.

In contrast, 85% of artificial trees are factory-made in China, usingmethods that consume natural resources. Typically, the type of plastic thatartificial trees are made from is PVC, which can be a potential source oflead. Lead-containing PVC can be harmful to children and pets. Theplastic used in manufactured trees is also a petroleum by-product. Theyare non-biodegradable and not recyclable or renewable. Most will eventuallyend up in landfills, where they will remain for centuries.

Recycling your Christmas tree returns it to nature, completing therecycling loop and making every part of it beneficial. Once the tree ischipped, the chips can be used for mulch or as a surface for hiking trails.The chips then decompose into valuable humus, nourishing and renewingthe soil. Many communities depend on recycled Christmas trees to providewildlife habitats, prevent beachfront erosion, improve shoreline stabilizationon rivers and lakes, and improve fish habitat.

Last year, as a result of tree-cycling, roughly 4 tons of mulch madefrom approximately 1,600 trees collected in Westmoreland County wasdiverted from landfills and used in local communities.

Tree-cycling is truly giving a gift back to the community. Now that theholiday festivities have ended, extend the spirit of giving by recycling yourlive Christmas tree.

ArmbrustWilkinson NurseriesRoute 819Dec 26 thru Jan 18 Open Dropoff

Allegheny TownshipMaintenance Building1169 School RoadDec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff

Derry BoroughBorough GarageEast 1st AvenueDec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff

Derry Township Municipal Building5321 Rt. 982Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff

DonegalWestmoreland Woodlands Assoc¾ Mile North of Donegal on Rt. 711Echo Valley Lane - Look for signsJanuary 2 thru 31 Open Dropoff

Harrison CityAlwine Community 4-H ClubSchramms Farms & OrchardsHarrison City-Export RoadJanuary 3 & 10 9am – 1pm

Hempfield TownshipHempfield Park, Route 66 North(Look for signs)December 26 thru January 31Open Dropoff

IrwinValley LandfillPleasant Valley RoadDecember 26 thru January 31Mon-Fri 5am – 4pm

Level GreenCommunity Women’s Club, PTARC BldgRt. 130 & Murrysville RoadDec 26 thru Jan 11 Open Dropoff

LigonierLoyalhanna Watershed AssocCarey School Run WatershedCorner of W Main & Springer Rd.Dec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff

Lower BurrellBurrell HSEnvironmental ClubMunicipal BuildingJanuary 3 & 10, 10am – 1pm

Mount Pleasant BoroughMunicipal Compost SiteKennedy Ave. & N. Depot StDec 26 thru Jan 31Mon-Fri 8am – 1pm

MurrysvilleMurrysville/ExportRotaryWindstream Building(adjacent to parking area)Old William Penn HighwayJanuary 10 & 17, 9 am - 1pm

New FlorencePA Game CommissionState Gamelands – Look for signsJanuary 1 – 12 Open Dropoff

N. Huntingdon Twp Public Works12319 Route 30 West. Weekends inJanuary, Sat and Sun 8am-4pm

ScottdaleGreenridge Reclamation LandfillRD 1 Landfill Road, Dec 26 - Jan 31Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pmSaturday, 7am - 9am

Unity TownshipMunicipal Building154 Beatty County RoadJan 5 – Jan 30 Open Dropoff

YoungwoodBorough Maintenance BuildingBehind Youngwood Auto DiscountDec 26 thru Jan 16Mon – Fri, 7am – 3pm

YukonARC Technologies Corporation226 Lumber StreetDec 26 thru Jan 31 Open Dropoff


DOWN ON THE FARM18th Annual Farming for the Future Conference - February 5-7, 2009

Finding Your FoodshedWhat path does your food travel from the

farm to your table? Like the flow of water,most of our food travels the entire earthbefore it reaches us. We have little controlover the processes in between, and most ofour food isn’t even “real food” anymore onceit hits the dinner plate. Fact is, many of theworld’s eaters, particularly in urban areasand, increasingly, very rural areas as well,have too few choices available.

In many ways, we have surrendered ourfood choices to a system that is built for thesake of extracting profits for the few in thename of providing “cheap food” for the many.What can we do to change this? The solutiongoes far beyond a superficial effort to just“look harder for the good stuff,” and reachesa place where we as a community must beintentional about defining our “foodshed” andinsisting on the sovereignty to make choicesthat will reformulate and strengthen it for ourfamilies and communities well into the future.

Each year the PA Association forSustainable Agriculture’s Farming for theFuture Conference helps farmers and eaterscome together as a community to do just that.Attracting more than 2,000 participants fromover 36 states, the conference features 13pre-conference tracks and over 75 Friday andSaturday workshops. This year our 18th

annual gathering welcomes two keynotespeakers – Raj Patel (a writer, activist andacademic serving as a voice of justice for allthose stuck at the bottom of the world’s foodchain), and Bernard W. Sweeney (Directorand Senior Research Scientist for the Stroud

The Worldwide Search for Food Sovereignty:

Water Research Center in Avondale, PA).We’ve planned in-depth pre-conferencetracks from forestry, cheesemaking andregional advocacy to organic vegetableproduction, grass-fed beef, and green livingfor high school students. The Thursdayevening program continues to be filled withgood food and musical fun for the wholefamily, while our Friday and Saturdayworkshops cover topics such as farming withthe seasons, renewable energy, composting,and marketing.

We prepare to gather this year havingexperienced in recent months some of themost extraordinary events in Americanhistory. We could hardly have guessed backin the summer just how relevant our themewould seem by winter. For years, keynotespeakers at our conferences have warned ofthe potential collapse of a global economythat values commodities more thancommunities, and now it is suddenly morerelevant than ever to begin thinking inearnest about where our food comes from, howit is produced and what channels we must gothrough to obtain it. But the words “change”and “hope” are not new to our community – wehave known all along that a better path exists,particularly if we pledge to learn from and helpeach other along the way.

We look forward to welcoming you one ofthe largest and most respected gatheringsof sustainable ag enthusiasts anywhere inthe country. Come join us as we seek foodsovereignty for all people and a viableapproach to building foodsheds that willsustain a world as hungry for good neighborsas for good food.

Pennsylvania Associationfor Sustainable Agriculture’s 18th Annual

Farming for the Future Conference

February 5-7, 2009Penn Stater Conference Center

State College, PA

PASA • PO Box 419 • Millheim, PA 16854-0419(814) 349-9856 • www.pasafarming.org

The Worldwide Searchfor Food Sovereignty:

Finding YourFoodshed

Greensburg, PA 15601

724-834-4688

271 Frye Farm Rd.


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that provided the children of veteranswith college educations. When hepassed away, his wife asked me if Iwould take over the charity and Ijumped at the chance to do it.

BMN: Are you acquainted with oneof our hometown legends ArnoldPalmer?

FF: I wish I was. I passed by hishouse once, but I wouldn’t just dropin for a visit of course.

BMN: Born and bred in Philly youhave lived on both sides of ourKeystone state. What makes yoursouthwestern PA “dream house” a“dream home?”

FF: Andrea designed the “dreamhouse” and, basically, it’s a “dreamhome” because she’s here. We have20-odd acres with no one around.There’s a pond where I fish and Ibuilt trails in the back for my ATV.I also enjoy the people of south-western PA very much.

BMN: One of your songs includesthe line “the world is such awonderful place to wander through.”Where do you and Andrea like towander?

FF: We love traveling to St. John’sand Maui, where I proposed toAndrea.

BMN: Most everyone has a fewregrets. If it were possible, is thereany “remix” you would request foryour life?

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

BMN: Of what achievements areyou most proud?

FF: The charities would be numberone, followed by my star onHollywood Boulevard and theJimmy Stewart Harvey Award.

* * * * *

There is no overestimating the enjoymentthat Fabian has brought to his fans overthe years. In 2002 Pat H. Broeske statedin the St. James Encyclopedia of PopCulture, “More than any of the others,Fabian and Frankie Avalon set thestandards against which the 1950s teenidols were measured.” The charismaticentertainer continues to delight aud-iences, garner accolades and claimawards to this day. As we usher in 2009,the 50th anniversary of Fabian’s “triplehit” year, let’s raise a toast to the “Tiger.”It seems he’s not walking among us atall – he’s having a hell of a run.

(And yes, Mr. Neill has a quantity ofItalian blood coursing through his veins.)

FABULOUS FABIAN,continued from page 9

Providing Value and Relationships to Real Estate Closings

Photos courtesy of www.fabianforte.net


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Contact : SueAnn ZippiIndependent Consultant

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A Family-Owned and Operated Provider of DeliciousPennsylvania Table Wines that are sure to please every palate

Visit our website for more information on upcoming special events!

We are now taking orders for Valentine’s Day.Gift baskets and custom-labeled wine bottles available!

Please stop by during business hours or call for information.

Complimentary Tastings DailyLarge Groups by Appointment

638 Turner Drive, Blairsville, PA. 724-459-0132

Hours of Operation: Wednesday - Saturday, 12 PM - 6 PMSunday, 1-6 PM. Closed all Major Holidays

We invite you to visit Walnut Hill Winery, make yourself comfortableand enjoy the tasteful atmosphere. Treat yourself to complimentary samplings

of our flavorful wines created by Al McClinton, one of the owners.

Oh, The WeatherOutside Is Frightful!

by Brian MishlerAs we look out the frosty window,cozy next to our sweetie by the fire,with the scent of candles, a glass ofwine, romance in the air, ourthoughts naturally turn to… “Whyis that window frosty”? Much easierto explain than why I’m such ahopeless romantic.

While the importance ofinsulation and sealing aren’tapparent during the warmer months,the cold outside gives us visualevidence. Windows frost becausemoisture in the interior air is drawnto the cold surface of the window.People, animals, cooking, bathing,etc. all give off loads of water vaporto the air. Conversely, cold removesmoisture, which explains chappedlips, dry skin, and many other wintermaladies.

An older window that’s notthermally efficient allows the coldto transfer to the inside pane ofglass, where it meets moisture, andfrosts over like a beer mug. If yourhouse has marble window sills, thisis one reason, to catch said water;limiting moisture damage to thesurrounding wall framing. Even if wecan’t see it; moisture (and heat) ismigrating to the cold surfaces inwhat is known as the buildings’thermal “envelope.” For a visualreference, take a typical lettermailing envelope. With the flapclosed, it represents the con-ditioned (heated/cooled) space ofa home. Opening the flaprepresents the attic, an uncon-ditioned space, intended to becold, and to transfer moisture tothe atmosphere.

Heating bills shouldn’tskyrocket as predicted earlier, butare still expected to rise 15 – 24%this winter. Making our homesmore thermally efficient can saveupwards of 20% on utility bills, andwhile vehicle traffic gets the mostmedia attention in relation togreenhouse gas emissions, heatingand cooling homes actuallyproduces 40% of the greenhouse gasemissions in this country.

Before you run amok caulking,sealing and insulating everything insight, read on, and finish that glassof wine…

Proper insulation andweatherization of a home takesthought and a little planning. Ifwe don’t manage the cold draftsand the moisture that naturallyoccurs we may end up with a warm,moldy home!

Your best plan of action is tohire an energy auditor. This personwill come to your home with toolsthat can find the sources of air /heat leakage in the home, (Allhomes leak regardless of age; theyhave to, otherwise, we’d suffocatein our airtight abodes!) and make

recommendations to seal, insulateand ventilate the house. Using thisreport, you can devise a plan toimprove the thermal envelope, andmanage moisture. Besides comfortand utility cost benefits, there arealso financial and tax incentives toimprove your homes thermalefficiency. More information and a listof energy auditors can be found atwww.pahomeenergy.com. Somerecommendations you’re likely to seein the report:• Adding attic insulation. A no-brainer, right? Not so fast! Improperlyinstalled, attic insulation can be oneof the worst moisture trappingoffenders in the house. It must beinstalled in accordance with themanufacturer’s instructions, and roofventilation must be provided to protectthe shingles from excess heat buildup,and the underside from moisture.• Adding wall insulation. Properlyinstalled this can be a great help,but one place most folks forget aboutis called the “rim” or “band” joist.This is usually located in thebasement, just on top of thefoundation. Properly installinginsulation between the floor joistscan be a big help.• Windows, doors and otherentrances. Just like Microsoft, oldwindows cause lots of problems, andare usually the single greatest sourceof heat loss in a home. And don’tforget those ancient basementwindows!! Upgrade those to dualglazed windows or glass blockdepending on how the basement isused. Because doors are used moreoften, their weather sealing needsto be periodically checked andmaintained, including the slidingglass door out to the deck that you’renot using this time of year.• Insulating behind and aboveoutlets, recessed ceiling lightfixtures, junction boxes and otherelectrical fixtures in a home canreduce a large source of drafts. Again,it’s important this is done properly,otherwise a fire could result.• Proper venting. Having properventing of the bathrooms, kitchenand dryer to the exterior is importantto reduce moisture vapor levels inthe home, and reducing that wintermusty smell.• Caulking and sealing the exteriorjoints of windows and doors isn’t verypractical this time, of year, but if youdidn’t do it in the fall, add it to your“honey do” list for spring.

If all this sounds too expensive,bear in mind none of it has to betackled all at once. Have a couplewindows replaced at a time, buy andinstall one roll of insulation at atime, keep improving the thermalefficiency of the house gradually; alittle is better than none.


Fireside Fictionby JB Rossi

The excitement of the holiday season is overand it’s back to the drudgery of the ordinaryeveryday routine. The long cold hours ofdarkness come early and pass at a snail’s paceas the deep freeze of the winter sets in andtakes hold. The sunshine and warmth of thespring seem so far away. How will you ever passthe time? Don’t despair. I have a plan. First things first.You will pile the logs high on the fire and thensnuggle down in that favorite lounge chaircompletely wrapped up in a soft plush blanketwith a hot toddy in one hand and a great book inthe other. You take a sip of the warm liquidand feel it slowly trickle down your throatbringing you body temperature back up to areasonable degree. You glide your hand overthe soft leather that envelopes the wisdom of alegendary author, anticipating the adventureinto which you will be swept up. Suddenly youbegin to worry again. Are there enough hoursleft in this winter season to peruse all the greatbooks you want to read? Not to worry. The book guru is here to help.The book guru has traveled high and low,climbed steep mountains and trudged throughdeep valleys to bring you the latest and greatestof the new reads for the season. Let the mysteries begin. Local author GeorgeShuman provides us with a new thriller entitledLost Girls in which his blind psychic, SherryMoore, pursues her most perilous and provokingcase. Moore is known for her ability to see thelast eighteen seconds of a deceased person’smemory, thus helping to solve the crime. Thisexciting adventure begins with a high flyingrescue on Mount McKinley and keeps this fastpace throughout the read. Another of my favorites is The Private Patientby P.D. James. An Adam Dalgliesh mystery,this fast-paced story revolves aroundinvestigative journalist Rhoda Gradwyn as shegoes into an exclusive surgical spa to have a bitof elective aesthetic surgery done to remove anold scar. Unfortunately, she ends up dead twodays later. Something went drastically wrongand it is up to Dalgliesh to clean up this mess. Perhaps you are more in the mood to readabout real people. Author James M. McPhersonleads off our biography section with his new book,Tried by War, Abraham Lincoln as Commander in

Chief. With no previous military experiencebefore becoming president, Lincoln establishedhimself as the greatest Commander in Chiefin American History. Often working againsthis senior commanders, Lincoln’s strategicinsight changed the course of the war and savedthe union. A bestselling historian of the CivilWar, McPherson delineates how Lincoln createdthe role of Commander in Chief as we know ittoday. This is an interesting portrayal for thosewho enjoy both politics and history. My next pick is an excellent choice to inspireyoung women everywhere. Martha FrickSymington Sanger enlightens us on theturbulent early life and the lustrous legacy ofone of the youngest and richest single womenin twentieth century America with her newbook, Helen Clay Frick, Bittersweet Heiress. Thiscomplex, often misunderstood young womanbuilt an extensive empire despite her tragichome environment and became a mag-nanimous philanthropist and humanitarian,devoting her efforts to social welfare, environ-mental issues, and visual arts. Beautifullyillustrated, the large volume also makes a greatcoffee table book. [Editor’s Note: See the March/April2008 issue of the Laurel Mountain Post for the featurearticle “Ivory Dominoes” by Barbara M. Neill] Perhaps you are looking for a classic. Myrecommendation is John Steinbeck’s East ofEden. A recreation of the Adam and Eve saga,East of Eden is set in the rich farmland ofCalifornia’s Salinas Valley and follows the livesof two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons,as they reenact the venomous rivalry of Cainand Abel. If you prefer something a little more modern,I recommend Three Cups of Tea by GregMortenson and David Oliver Relin. After a failedattempt to climb K2 in 1993, Greg Mortensonfound himself in an impoverished Pakistanvillage in the Karakoram Mountains. Touchedby the kindness of the villagers, Mortenson,upon leaving, promised to return and build aschool for them. This is the riveting story ofhow Mortenson fulfilled that promise and builtnot one, but fifty-five schools, some especiallyfor girls, in this forbidding terrain that spawnedthe Taliban. “Here (in Pakistan and Afghanistan) we drinkthree cups of tea to do business. The first one,

you are a stranger. With the second cup, youbecome a friend… And with the third, you joinour family… For our family we are prepared todo anything, even die.” This fascinating story is true celebration ofthe power of the human spirit and is sure tobecome a classic in the years to come. After you get through all of these titles, thenperhaps you’ll be ready to plan your first Springadventure. For this task I recommendRomancing the Trail by Dane Cramer. In thisvolume Cramer delineates the lesser knownmysteries and history of the Laurel HighlandsHiking Trail. A must-read for hikers and natureenthusiasts as well as non-hikers, thisentertaining account is contemplative,insightful, and detailed-oriented. If you are not one to spend lots of time alone,I suggest joining one of the area’s many bookclubs so that you can share your insights withothers. Book clubs usually meet once a monthto discuss the details of a particular novel andvary in size from four to twenty or moremembers. Certain book clubs meet in themorning while others prefer evening sessions.Some clubs concentrate on only one type of bookwhile others choose a variety of titles. If youare interested in joining a book club, contactyour local book store to find one that suits yourpreferences. One fun group took their discussion to a newlevel. After reading the wonderful fiction novelby Nancy Horan entitled Loving Frank, a fictitiouslove story involving Frank Lloyd Wright, themembers arranged to have lunch at Fallingwater.What fun! If you belong to a book club that is currentlyseeking new members, contact me at the LaurelMountain Post and we will make sure that theword gets out. All of the titles that I wrote about arecurrently available through Second ChapterBooks on West Main Street in Ligonier. So stoke that fire and get reading. Time iswasting. The days will be getting longer now andsoon you will have to go back out and beginplanting. So crack that cover open, put those+2.0 readers on, and immerse yourself in agreat novel. There may not be enough winterleft to get every title done!

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Art to Wear Fashion Show & LuncheonJanuary 23 – Latrobe Art Center

February: 3, 9 & March 4, 11

All films begin at 7 pm. The Greater LatrobeWorld Languages Department and theCenter for Student Creativity(CSC) arepleased to announce that we arecontinuing our foreign film festival series.Our goal is to reach out to our students andthe community that surrounds Latrobe andincrease cultural and linguistic awareness viathe art of cinema. The beautiful CSC is theperfect setting for this with its drop-down12 ft. X 12ft. screen and ample space tofind just the right spot for viewing. Themovies are projected from above andsubtitles are approximately 12"-24" inheight. We offer complimentary popcorn,coffee and water to boot!(Mmm...!) Best ofall, the films are FREE! For that price,you can afford to bring some friends for afun night out! CSC phone: 724-539-4220.

Please join us for the annual Art to Wear Fash-ion Show & Luncheon at noon on January 23where we showcase Greater Latrobe students’original clothing designs. A catered lunch isavailable for $6.00 per person.

The mission of the Art-to-Wear Program is toprovide students with the opportunity to cre-ate original clothing designs. Students mustapply for this program and only 16 studentsare selected. The program is funded by theMcFeely-Rogers Foundation and is sponsoredby the Center for Student Creativity’s CultureAcross the Curriculum program at GreaterLatrobe Senior High School.

The Center for Student Creativity helps tocreate a community of learners who, throughthe integration of the arts into all aspects ofcurricular and extracurricular activities, willgrow in knowledge and skills, who will realizemore fully their potentials, both academicallyand socially, and who will develop a lifelongdesire to learn and create.

Art to Wear students prepare for the projectwith a field trip to fiber artist studios and avisit to the Society for Contemporary Crafts.Students then create clothing under the guid-ance of their teachers: Nancy Burford – TanyaGuadino, Family & Consumer Science; LydiaRoss –Amy Balko, Fine Arts. Students had 5afternoon work sessions to design and createthe clothing.

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

To reserve lunch, please RSVP with payment to Mrs. Jessica Golden by January 16.Send to GLSHS (checks payable to Center for Student Creativity) - 131 High School Rd, Latrobe, PA 15650.

Phone: 724-539-4220. Email: [email protected]

Winter Foreign Film Series

Interactive Videoconferencing Serieshosted by the Center for Student Creativity

The Cleveland Museum of Art DistanceLearning program connects people from all overthe country and beyond with the museum toenrich their studies of history, languages,science, math and the visual arts. Through livevideoconferencing, participants view art andartifacts from around the world while sharingin two-way conversations with museumeducators.

By examining American art and artifacts fromthe Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, thisseries promotes discussion on America’snational character and heritage. Participantsmay register for classes individually or as theseries. Class will be held in the Greater LatrobeSenior High School’s Center for StudentCreativity. COST: $8.00 per class or $30 forall four classes. Maximum of 40 attendeesper class. For more information contact theLatrobe-Unity Parks & Recreation office at724/537-4331.

Cleveland Museum of Art’sAmerica’s Story Through Art SeriesTopics for each lesson include:

• February 17, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) Lesson 1: America Emerging - 1700’s

Developing American identity, folk art, theinfluence of the Age of Reason, the effect of themercantilist economy, and underlying causesof the Revolution.

• February 24, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) Lesson 2: America Expanding - 1801-1861

Frontier life, the results and impact of westwardexpansion, landscape painting, Jacksoniandemocracy and genre art.

• March 3, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) Lesson 3: America Transforming1860-1918

Momentous social changes brought about byurbanization, industrialization, immigrationand technological inventions.

• March 10, 2009 (10:30 – 11:30 am) Lesson 4: America Enduring - 1913-1945

Unprecedented prosperity, The GreatDepression, ensuing social and political changeduring the inter-war period, reaction toEuropean influence: Regionalism.


Love Is A Moment That Lasts Forever

B. P. Insurance, Inc.Brian E Panichelle

[email protected] Rt 711 Suite 9

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

(724) 238-2148

THE GARDEN GUYSJim & Joe Prengaman

While the evenings are still cold and thenights long, many of us begin to look for-ward to the coming spring. One sure signspring is around the corner are the seedand gardening catalogs that begin to fillthe mail box. The bright colorful photosentice us with thoughts of fresh saladsor succulent strawberries picked andeaten just as they have ripened on thevine. Well let's not get ahead of ourselves!Before any of this can occur you shouldtake several things into consideration.

There are dozens of mail order cata-logs that offer seeds, plants, and suppliesfor the home gardener. Burpee andGurney's are two of the suppliers thatour father always ordered from and wehave continued to use them for our owngardening needs. Their catalogs can befound online at www.Gurneys.com andwww.Burpee.com. Seed catalogs are awealth of information on specific plantsand how to grow them. We always lookfor some new varieties to try that willhelp compliment our old family favorites.

For the best results some prior plan-ning will aid in the success of your gar-den. The location of a vegetable gardenis one of the most important factors con-tributing to its success. Soil types varyin different locations but ideally you willwant a level location with a well drainedsoil. Avoid areas with heavy clay androck content. If you need to, many nurs-eries and garden centers can deliver ascreened topsoil or planting mix toamend the soil in your chosen location.Sunlight is another factor when choos-ing a spot for your new garden. Mostplants will need an average of six to eighthours of sunlight for optimal growth, so themore the better as far as sunlight goes.Trees and shrubs will be in direct compe-tition with the garden plants for moisture,sunlight and nutrients so keep clear ofthose areas as much as possible.

Time is another important factorwhen determining the size of your gar-den plot. After sowing the seeds andtransplanting the bedding plants you willneed to weed the plot weekly. You mayalso need to water during times of re-duced rainfall. Most plants will also re-quire the use of fertilizers and possiblyinsecticides to increase their yield. Allof these things do take time, so you

should try to plant an area you can main-tain easily – or the project may becomemore work than fun. A small garden thatis maintained properly will actually pro-duce more yield than a larger one that islet to run wild. Perhaps you live in a apart-ment, or have no space to plant even asmall garden, then container garden-ing is for you. Fresh herbs and veg-etables grown on a deck or balcony arenot only a great compliment to any mealbut are also an attractive addition tooutdoor living spaces.

Next you will want to decide what typesof things you want to grow and how muchof each to order and to plant. Generallyin our garden, we plant a good bit morethan we can use. This has never really

been a big problem. Canning and freez-ing your own vegetables is a great way tosave money and ensure you have qual-ity foods on the table year round. It shouldalso be noted that your neighbors andfriends will be a little more neighborlyand friendly after receiving a basket ofhome grown goodies from your garden.

We hope you are all inspired to startplanning this springs garden. Whetherlarge or small, working outside in a gar-den is a wonderful way to relax from thecraziness of everyday life . Spend sometime with your kids or spend some timealone. We have found over the years thatthe greatest harvest is often much morethan just fresh fruits and vegetables.

Planning for Spring

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

Love Is A Moment That Lasts Forever

100 East Main Street • On the Diamond in Ligonier724-238-7003 • www.EquineChic.com

Equine Chic - for horse, home & you!


TECH TALKBob Appleby

Getting Your Family ConnectedIn this issue I will be discussing some of the thingsyou should consider when connecting your systemstogether in your home. By no means is this acomprehensive list, but it will give you some insightand keep you on the right track. Take note of all thedifferent options and you should be able to determinewhich ones fit your specific situation.

Why Network? There are many benefits toconnecting your computer and other devices together.The primary reason for doing so is to communicate andexchange data. Networking is all about sharing, and itallows your computers to connect to the Internet, talkto each other, and share resources like files and printersand can help you save money by sharing those devices.Networking adds a lot of flexibility in the way you workand spend time with your computers and other electronicdevices.

Let’s take a look at the two primary methods ofnetworking, Wireless and Wired. Wirelesscommunicates using radio wave technology while wiredcommunicates through data cables. Two questions cometo mind... Is one better than the other? How do youchoose? With wireless networks you don’t have to stringcables for your devices to connect to each other. A lowgrade radio wave is used that is very similar to the waya cordless phone work. The advantage of a wirelessnetwork is mobility and the freedom from having a fixedconnection. Other benefits of wireless technologyinclude but are not limited to:

• Mobility – work anywhere within connectiondistance of your wireless access point

• No Fixed Connection restricting your connectionto your network

• Quick and effortless installation

• No cables to purchase

• Save cabling time and hassle

• Easy to expand your network

Wired Network technology today revolves aroundthe standard known as Ethernet. The data cables canhave different ratings that tell you the bandwidth orspeed your network has the capacity to run. If you can,try to use either Category 5e or Category 6 cabling totake advantage of your router’s speed. Why is thisimportant? With the use of Video on your computersand other devices today you will need as much speedas possible. This is one of the limitations that we seewith wireless when compared to wired networks andis why we usually suggest using as much wiredtechnology you can to give you the best performancepossible. We are beginning to see Gigabit Ethernet asthe new standard which is being driven by videorequirements for support and training.

For most of us a hybrid of both technologies willprobably be the best choice. Parts of your network willbe better supported with wired technology, whileroaming around the house with your laptop orconnecting systems in hard to reach locations are bettersuited to wireless technology.

In Figure 1, you see a typical home setup using acable modem, wireless router and a high speed networkswitch to form the communication base. The Notebookin this case is connecting to the system through theaccess point on the router. This gives the notebookaccess to all of the devices on the network and of coursethe Internet.

The printer is shown with the three primaryconnectivity options. It could be hooked up to theworkstation and shared through the USB port, or setup

as a wireless device that the notebook could print towirelessly, or have an Ethernet port that allows it to beconnected wired to the network and then be availableto all other network devices.

The Network Storage is wired into the networkand acts as a central repository for all of your data thatcan be accessed from the notebook through the WirelessRouter and by the desktop computer through the wiredconnection.

To attach a workstation to your wireless networkyou will need to add a Wireless Adapter to your machine.The easiest way is to purchase a USB NIC that simplyplugs into any USB port on the outside of you machine.This will work with a laptop as well that supports USBconnections that doesn’t have a built-in wireless radio. On a notebook you can also add a PC-Card into thePCMCIA slot in the side of your unit if you don’t have abuilt-in radio. Either method makes it easy to connectyour systems to your wireless router.

Don’t forget to secure your wirelessconnection. If you don’t apply the security that is built-in to most wireless devices then you could be vulnerableto access from someone within proximity of yourwireless router. I use three steps to secure my wirelessnetwork.

Change the SSID on the router and then turn offthe broadcast feature once you have your systems setup.Think of the SSID as the name of your router (serviceset identifier). This will prevent your router fromsending out its name looking for other devices to connectto it.

Make sure you change the default administratorlogin and password. These are well known and if youdon’t change them can allow easy access to the routerfrom someone trying to access your system.

Set up security for your wireless network. Manynew wireless systems make it easy to setup your newrouter so that it is secure. Follow the directions thatcome with your unit because each one is different. Makesure that you document everything and place theinformation in a secure location. If you lose thisinformation you will have to reset all of your devicesback to factory default settings and start from scratchto reset up the network. Which wireless technology is best for you? Youwill need to consider the four current standards forwireless computing: Wireless-A, Wireless-B, Wireless-G and Wireless-N. Wireless-A (802.11a) operates at a frequency of5GHz which is considerably less crowded then 2.4GHzwhere telephone and microwaves can causeinterference. Although the speed is up to 54MPs, themaximum range is only 75 feet. Wireless-A isincompatible with Wireless-B and G because it operatesat a different frequency.

Wireless-B (802.11b) operates on the 2.4GHzfrequency band and can transmit data at speeds of upto 11Mbps within a range of up to 100-150 feet. Wirelessrange can be affected by reflective or signal-blockingobstacles, such as mirrors, walls, devices and location,whether indoors or outdoors. This is an older wirelesstechnology and not suitable for video sharing at all.

Wireless-A and B came out roughly at the sametime and are the older technology. Laptop technologytoday is widely using Wireless-B in public access areaslike airports and restaurants.

Wireless-G (802.11g) features the same benefits asWireless-B, but offers 5X the speed at up to 54Mbps.Wireless-G currently offers the best combination ofperformance and value. Wireless-G is compatible withWireless-B equipment, but you will lose the higherperformance speeds of Wireless-G.

Wireless-N (draft 802.11n) the current generationof high-speed wireless networking is capable ofdelivering the range and capacity to support today’smost bandwidth-hungry applications like streamingvideo. Wireless-N builds on the previous wirelessstandards by adding multiple-input multiple-output(MIMO) technology. Wireless-N is a draft standard,meaning The Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Figure 1

Figure 2


Engineers has not yet adopted it. Most devicessupporting Wireless-N will work together but some ofthe companies are adding special functions todifferentiate their product from others so be careful.

Dual-Band Wireless-N (draft 802.11n) dual-bandrouters are compatible with both 2.4GHz and 5GHzfrequencies. Non-concurrent dual-band routers onlyallow usage in one of the frequency bands during setup and configuration. In a concurrent (or simultaneous)dual-band router both radio bands work at the sametime, substantially expanding the available channelbandwidth and allowing more data flow.

Have I totally confused you? I hope not. Rememberthat if you can wire, do it and use Category 6 to “Futurize”your wired infrastructure. If you are planning to sharevideo across your network you will need to considerWireless-A or N to get the best bandwidth. Wireless-Nwill also provide better range than Wireless-G and B.And, if you want the best that wireless can provideconsider a concurrent dual-band router.

I hope that this information will help you designyour own home network. If you are still not quite sureof what you want to do or need to bounce ideas off ofour design specialists you can contact me [email protected] or call Computer Connectionsat 800-640-7506.

D’s Windy CottageSpecialty Gift Itemsand Home Decor

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We have a year-round Christmas Room!Gift Certificates Available

Handmade Bulgarian Pottery and Alfresco vases are forevertempting me. Certainly among the most interesting ofthe garden collection items are the Down Under Pots.Intended for hanging from porches, trees or evenindoors, these Australian terracotta creations are quiteunique, since the plants they hold face downward.Disconcerting at first, but perfect for those of us wholike to have the world turned upside down on occasion.

Why don’t you allow Currant Thymes to play cupidfor you this Valentine’s Day? Host an impromptu picnicfor the significant other in your life by purchasing apaisley cooler, jute wine tote with flip flop wine glasscoasters and fill your acquisitions with romantic foodand beverage choices. Coincidentally, Heather stocks anumber of gourmet food items and suggests the SpicyApple Garlic Jam of Earth & Vine Provisions wrappedwith brie in puff pastry and accompanied by a dry white.Sounds like seductive rendezvous fare to me. Indulgingin a little retail therapy in Currant Thymes could go along way toward curing your winter and fiscal bluesthis year!

Visit Currant Thymes at 106 N. Fairfield Street inLigonier. To contact call 724-238-2930 or [email protected]

– Story & Photos by Barbara M. Neill

* * * * *

JOE’S STOREcontinued from page 13

Although my nephew is going to outgrow those IceAge DVDs and Gummi Pizzas in the not too distantfuture, I like to think there will always be somethingfor Zach and his Aunt Barbie when they visit a storenamed Joe’s.

– Story & Photos by Barbara M. Neill

More Shops Around the Corner

CURRANT THYMEScontinued from page 13

Five Things You Learned AboutNetworking from Your Mother

by Michelle Donovan

Mothers are a beautiful thing. They care for us, nurtureus, and teach us the dos and don’ts of life. I’ve learneda lot from my mother. Especially when she taught meall about life, love . . . and networking! I’m sure shedidn’t realize she was teaching me about networking atthe time. But she was. And I bet your mom taught youabout networking as well. Perhaps the words of mymom will sound familiar to you.

“Share your toys.”

I can’t remember how many times my mom told me toshare! She felt it was important that we knew how togive to others. Growing up in a large family, I had toshare almost everything. Sharing is good to learn whenyou’re young, because it’s a skill that makes usapproachable.

Networking wouldn’t be networking if we didn’tshare. We build stronger relationships with people whenwe’re willing to share our resources. Some of our bestresources include time, money, connections,information, knowledge, and skills. People appreciateus when we’re willing to give to the relationship. Givingpeople are approachable and reap the benefits ofreciprocity.

“Walk, don’t run.”

I used to hear this phrase no matter where we were:the house, grocery store, mall, church, or school! As akid, I was always in a hurry to get to the next excitingthing. There always seemed to be someplace moreinteresting than where I was at the time. My attentionwas short, and my mom wanted me to learn patience.

Patience is a virtue when it comes to networking.A fast-paced networker misses the true essence of theevent and can very easily blow right past a tremendousopportunity. Fast-paced networkers tend to buildshallow relationships that offer little or nothing of valueto their business. On the other hand, patient networkersbuild deep, long-lasting relationships that lead to thegrowth of their business. Establishing a network thathas depth far exceeds one that is shallow.

“You have to work for it.”

Nothing in life worth having comes easy; you have towork for it! My parents taught me this lesson byexample. Both of my parents worked hard for whatthey accomplished and gave to their five children. Theywere determined to provide a wonderful life for theirfamily—and they did. Today, in their retirement, theyare reaping the benefits of their labor. Networking isno different. That’s why it’s called, net-WORK! It’s notnet-SIT or net-EAT! Building relationships takes notonly time, but effort and energy. It also takes commitmentand dedication to the process. Some people put theirfaith in the six degrees of separation theory, whichtells them that they’re connected to anyone by only sixdegrees. In fact, this theory is flawed. This studyactually shows that only 29% of the population is indeedseparated by six degrees! So, for the majority of us,we’ve got to work hard to get into the 29%, and workhard to just stay there. The reward for accomplishingthis task is great, beyond what we can even imagine.Our mothers had foresight, didn’t they?

“Say thank you.”

Not long after we began to speak my mom was makingsure that we knew how to say thank you! As most kidsdo, I wanted to know why it was important to say thankyou. Being a fast paced kid, there seemed to be no timefor saying thank-you. In true mom form, my motherwould reply, “It’s the right thing to do.” Before I knewit, saying thank you became second nature—and it feltright, too. Now it’s part of who I am and how I operate.Saying thank you to those who have helped you in someway shows your gratitude, expresses your appreciation,and solidifies the steps made towards further developingthe relationship. It seems as though these two little wordsdon’t pack much of a punch these days. But I can assure

you, handwriting a note of thanks to a referral partnerwill enhance the possibility of future referrals.

“Clean up after yourself.”

What does cleaning up after yourself have to do withnetworking? As kids, there was always one last thingto do when we played with our toys: Put them away.That was our quiet lesson in follow-up. As kids, weended every play time with a consistent behavior ofcleaning up after ourselves. As adults, one hugecomponent of networking is follow-up and, moreimportantly, our ability to do it consistently. Meetingpeople and building relationships mean very little ifwe never bother to follow-up with them. Makingpromises to help someone without efficient follow-upis vain. This homegrown lesson in follow-up might bethe most important networking lesson of all.

These five lessons grounded me as a person andhelped me develop into a successful professional. I canstill hear my mom saying, “Some day you’ll thank me!”So, Mom, thanks for teaching me lessons that wouldone day help me to be an effective networker!

Perhaps it’s time you thanked your mom, too.

Michelle R. Donovan, The Referability Expert andowner of Pinnacle Training Services and Referral

Institute in Sewickley, PA. Michelle teaches a referralgenerating system that provides business owners with

a continuous never-ending stream of word of mouthreferrals. She can be reached at 412-741-1926 or byemail [email protected]. Visit her

website at www.pinnacletrainingservices.com or her blogat www.ptsnetworking.blogspot.com. She is the co-author

of the soon to be released book, “The 29% Solution:52 Weekly Networking Success Strategies.”


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The Burgh’s Boilermaker Beer Soup“A ‘shot an a beer’ tradition from the good old days, is reincarnated as a comfort food!”

2 cups of chicken broth (may substitute vegetable broth)1 ½ cup coarsely shredded carrots½ cup sliced green onions1 clove of garlic (or substitute with diced garlic from a jar)2 ½ cup of milk4 TAB. flour1 tsp. dry mustard1 cup of your favorite beer1 “shot” of your favorite whiskey2 3-ounce packages of cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped ( or one 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes, drained)Salt and pepper to tastePITTSBURGH’S Original Sports SauceTM in a condiment squeeze bottle

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– Courtesy of PITTSBURGH’S Original Sports SauceTM

Available at Currant Thymes in Ligonier, PA

READER RECIPESFavorite Formulas from Neighborhood Kitchens

Swamp Mush3 13-ounce bags of frozen broccoli florets2 Tablespoons of butter1 can cream of broccoli soup1 15-ounce jar of mayonnaise1 1/2 to 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 sleeve Ritz crackers (roll to make crumbs)9 x 13 oven safe pan or 3-quart casserole, lightly buttered

Preheat oven to 350o. Put broccoli into a pot of boiling water. Boil for 3minutes, drain, reserve a 1/4 cup water and put broccoli back into pot. Melt2 tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan. Add cream of broccoli soup and 1/4cup of water from broccoli. Heat over medium heat till blended. Add soup,mayonnaise and 1 1/2 cups of cheese to broccoli in the pot and blend. Putmixture into casserole dish, cover and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350o

until bubbly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese on top, add cracker crumbs on topof cheese. Put back in oven uncovered and remove when crackers start tobrown (about 5 minutes).

– Submitted by Margaret Guidos, Joe’s Store & Deli in Lawson Heights

Taco Bake1 lb. ground beef 1 onion, chopped3/4 cup water 1 package taco seasoning1 15-ounce can tomato sauce 1 8-ounce package shells, cooked/drained1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles 2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

Brown beef and onion in skillet. Drain fat; add water, seasoning, sauce andmix. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes. Stir in macaroni,chiles and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Pour into 1 1/2 quart greased baking dish.Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake at 350o for 30 minutes.

– Submitted by Bonnie Kocon, Leechburg


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Laurel Mountain Post - January/February 2009