Laurel Mountain Post :: March-April 2007

LAUREL MOUNTAIN POSTA Magazine for the Heart of Westmoreland County

Every Story Begins At Home. www.LaurelMountainPost.com

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FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD

Pittsburgh Mayor

LukeRavenstahl“I look at what I can do today

to make tomorrow better.”

An Interview by Barbara M. Neill

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The Laurel Mountain Post is a bimonthly publication of biffBOOcommunication designedto focus on the people, places and events at the heart of Westmoreland County in west-ern Pennsylvania. We print stories about real people and their daily lives; feature localmerchants, craftsmen and professionals; present short pieces of art & literature; andnever lose sight of what makes this area a great place to call home.

P.O. Box 227 | Latrobe, PA 15650 | 724-331-3936 | [email protected] Hours by Appointment at 137 East Main Street in Ligonier, Pennsylvania

Briana Dwire TomackCathi Gerhard Williams

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When I was little, I thought Pitts-burgh was a big, scary place . . . likein fairy tales that told of distantlands where dragons dwelled. Out inthe country, we were pretty isolatedand self-contained – especially onthe farm.

I don’t remember going any-where near it until I was in 4th gradeand on the academic team chosenfor competition in Grade School Quizon Channel 4. The Churchill exit onthe Parkway East was as far as I goton that trip, but it seemed prettyexciting to get even that close! Ittook a long time to get there fromDerry, and I had no idea how my fa-ther found the studio.

Class field trips would be my nextopportunity to get a first look at thethree big rivers I heard so muchabout. I thought the bus drivers werethe bravest men and women in theworld because they were willing totake us into the unknown wilder-ness of the complicated city streets.I often worried that once we got in,we might not find our way back outagain. I may have even contem-plated a bread crumb plan once ortwice. And I worried about leavingthem behind in the bus all alone inthe big, scary city while we exploredthe magical museums and beauti-ful galleries.

To this day, one of my favoriteimages is found on the ride into thecity. Coming out of the Squirrel HillTunnel and rounding the corner, Iam always struck by the unreal vi-sion of the city skyline. It is likecrossing over from one land to an-other – from everyday life into fan-tasy, wondering what treasures the

city has waiting for me. There is al-ways something new, right next tosomething old and full of charm. Thecity of Pittsburgh tells a story thatchanges every day. It is full of oppor-tunity and experience.

My first job after college was inthe city, working for one of the

hometown banks. It was an unglam-orous job with even less growth po-tential, but it provided me with dif-ferent kinds of success. I got to talkto lots of people every day, listen totheir stories, and learn how to com-municate effectively, graciously, andwith respect. I learned how to navi-gate those confusing, multi-levelstreets and bridges all by myself,developing the independence andconfidence to travel uncharted ter-

ritories without fear or hesitation. Idiscovered the joys of learning to iceskate in Schenley Park one beauti-ful winter night, tasting my firstPrimanti Brothers sandwich, watch-ing the Penguins play hockey, see-ing Paul McCartney in concert, andshopping in the old fashioned multi-floor downtown department storesbefore they faded away.

The time I spent living with thecity each day is a memory for menow, but I try to reminisce and comeback when I can. My children get toexperience the fun and excitementof Pittsburgh by going to camp at thePittsburgh Zoo, visiting CroatianCenter, investigating the CarnegieMuseums, and touring the collegecampuses they might one day, atleast for a while, call home.

I’ll always be a country girl whovalues the quiet of the mountainsand the peace found on the farm. Iprefer the trickle of the gentlestream to the flow of the mightyriver. But I also believe in experi-ence, diversity and education. Pitts-burgh is the melting pot – the placewhere culture and commerce cometogether, full of flavor and opportu-nity. It shapes the local landscapeand brightens our horizons.

The biggest little city between NewYork and Chicago lives just down theroad from wherever you are in west-ern Pennsylvania. And like a goodneighbor, Pittsburgh is there . . .waiting for us to pay a visit.

4 - LAUREL MOUNTAIN POST

REPARTEE FOR TWOBarbara M. Neill

Fortune Favors The BoldResidents of Allegheny County, the tri-state region,and much of the nation are aware of thecircumstances that have led to the political rise ofLuke Ravenstahl. The grandson of a former staterepresentative and the son of a district judge, hewas elected to the Pittsburgh City Council at age 23in 2003, and was subsequently elected CouncilPresident in December 2005. After the untimelydeath of Mayor Bob O’Connor on September 1, 2006,young President Ravenstahl was elevated to MayorRavenstahl. Due to ambiguous wording in the citycharter, he now faces a primary election in Maythat will determine who will finish O’Connor’s term.

Some believe that youth is wasted on the young.Others, including myself, believe that it is the youngthat carry us forward. They are not yet jaded. Itseemed during the early days of Ravenstahl’s tenurethat many were quick to point out his youth, andnot always in a positive way. I suppose that was tobe expected at the beginning of his days as theyoungest mayor of a major city in American history.However, on the December 2006 day thatRavenstahl announced his candidacy for mayor,Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onoratocommented that his age was a less important factorthan his intelligence. Well said.

Although involved in such high-profile city concernsas the North Shore Development and the fate ofPittsburgh Penguins, Ravenstahl consistently takesthe time to interact with the city’s youth. He hasbeen quoted as saying, “We must retain our youngpeople, our best and our brightest.” The PittsburghPromise scholarship program is just one of the waysthe Mayor hopes to help attain that goal. The JuniorGreat Race, Stash the Trash, School Safety Zones,and participation in many school and communityprojects for children are all an important part ofRavenstahl’s agenda.

Head of city-wide initiatives, overseer of budgets,speaker at countless functions, national mediainterviewee, magazine cover boy, greeter of moviestars, and even a “cameo” performer on Pittsburghstages – these must be hectic and heady times forLuke Ravenstahl. In January Mayor Ravenstahltook time out from his busy schedule to answerseveral queries for yours truly.

LMP: You are the leader of our closest metropolis. Tell our readers why you believe a visit to your cityis definitely worth the drive.

MR: Pittsburgh is the capital of the tri-state regionand a big city with small town charm. Fun, vibrantand affordable, downtown Pittsburgh is booming withover $3 billion dollars of investment in housing,retail, and entertainment ventures. We’re a

“walkable” city – 20 minutes max from end to endor side to side. Two historic inclines take you toone of the world’s most amazing city-views atop Mt.Washington. We have sports teams with some ofthe brightest rising stars in professional sports, acultural district boasting world class entertainment,and a strip district marketplace where historicbuildings have been converted to upscale diningestablishments and shops. Families can go to amuseum, attend a sporting event at Heinz Field orPNC Park, or catch a play at one of the theatres inthe largest cultural district between New York andChicago. And, most importantly, the people ofPittsburgh offer a lot of small town friendliness.

LMP: There is an expression “you win as a team,you lose as a team.” Do you feel that your experiencesas a stand-out baseball and football team memberat North Catholic High School, Mercyhurst, and W& J give you a “winning” edge in your dealings withteams today (i.e. City Council, your staff, businessleaders, campaign committee)?

MR: Absolutely. Having a winning edge requirespreparation, commitment, sacrifice, and dedicationin working toward a common goal. Without allmembers of the team working together, thecommon goal cannot be realized. Teamwork isessential to great leadership.

LMP: Charles Darwin claimed that survivors arethose that are the most responsive to change.“Changing the way things are done is what youngLuke Ravenstahl sees as his mission ingovernment,” said Jon Delano, KDKA politicalanalyst, in an article several days after you tookoffice. With its serious economic troubles andextensive debt, Pittsburgh must rethink itspriorities. Have you found Pittsburghers open tothe change that is necessary for the survival of thecity?

MR: I’ve said this many times before, and I will keepon saying it. The greatest asset to our city is thepeople. Our people don’t resist change when it ischange that is moving in a positive, forwarddirection. People in the city want to see change.I’m counting on that. They want a Mayor who putstheir neighborhoods first, and that is what myadministration is doing.

After only 3 short months in office, my 2007 budgetwas passed by City Council and was praised as thesoundest budget in years. It includes new initiativesthat will create fiscal stability, while reinvestingin our neighborhoods. This budget includes no taxhikes and has already been approved by state fiscaloverseers. In addition my 2007 budget honors theO’Connor commitment to safe and clean

neighborhoods, creates a 21st century government,and invests in Pittsburgh’s future.

LMP: Are you a proponent of merging city andcounty functions to save money and improveefficiency, as was done with the 911 emergencycall centers?

MR: Intergovernmental cooperation and thesharing of services are cornerstones of myadministration. In November we partnered withWilkinsburg to provide their garbage pickup, savingthem over $250,000 a year. It’s a new and moreefficient way of doing business. That opened thedoor to a discussion with surrounding neighbors onimproving efficiencies throughout AlleghenyCounty. Pittsburgh is beginning to test how thecity could offer municipal services to surroundingneighborhoods and improve efficiencies throughoutAllegheny County. A similar cost-savingsagreement occurred when I officially announced ajoint telecommunications agreement with thecounty. The City of Pittsburgh has been payingtelephone and internet rates 40 percent lower thanother municipalities in the area because of ouradvanced technology applications. Applying thosesolutions with the county as our partner will savecity taxpayers another 50 percent on the city bills,and they’ll realize significant savings on theirportion of the county bill. Another joint purchasingagreement was recently announced which appliesto commodities such as road salt, computers, andoffice supplies. Again, this will not only improvethe efficiency of purchasing operations, but it willalso result in significant savings to city and countytaxpayers.

LMP: Mayor Ravenstahl, where do you see yourselfin ten years?

MR: To be honest with you, I focus on one day at atime. I look at what I can do today to make tomorrowbetter. I have read and heard repeatedly that LukeRavenstahl is shy. I think not. After tracking hismeteoric climb, this columnist thinks that he isbold, but wisely cautious. He is aware that he hasunknown waters to traverse, uncharted ground tomap. In other words he is the “go to guy” for thefuture of Pittsburgh – uncertain territory to be sure.

Whether guiding the task forces of government,promoting the potential of Pittsburgh, wowing theglitterati at the galas, or rapping with the boys ofthe “Burgh,” Mayor Luke Ravenstahl invitesexcitement. With his abundant positive energy hehas gained the momentum to achieve much. Wetrust that his will be a “tour de force course” for theCity of the Three Rivers and its fortunes.


Finishing the Great Allegheny Passage has become apriority for Allegheny County and the City of Pittsburgh.With the connection in December to the Towpath ofthe C&O Canal National Historical Park in Cumber-land, MD, the Passage and the Towpath now form aworld-class, unbroken, nearly-level, multi-use trailfrom McKeesport, PA to Washington, D.C. —more than315 miles long. Only nine miles remain to be built toreach Point State Park and the forks of the Ohio.

In 2008, Pittsburgh will celebrate its 250thanniversary. The Allegheny Conference onCommunity Development (ACCD),which isspearheading efforts to celebrate this anniversary,has adopted the completion of the Great AlleghenyPassage as a signature project.

“There’s only nine miles to go to connect Pittsburghand Point State Park to Washington, D.C.,” saidAllegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato.“And they’re all in my county!”

Onorato’s comments were made at a jointgroundbreaking ceremony last October for SouthShore Riverfront Park and the conversion of theHot Metal Bridge to accommodate cyclists andpedestrians as part of the Great Allegheny Passage.Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, at the sameevent, cited the completion of the Passage as a“signature project of Pittsburgh 250.”

“This will be a tremendous addition to the city,”Ravenstahl said. “It will improve the region’s qualityof life and have direct economic benefits.”

The entire trail system of the Passage is complete

with the exception of nine crucial miles connectingMcKeesport to Pittsburgh. This final segment isproving to be the most challenging segmentbecause there is not an intact corridor availablefor trail development. Instead, partners are workingwith multiple corporate and municipal propertyowners to create a corridor for the trail. This portionof trail, known as the Steel Valley Trail, snakesthrough the Monongahela Valley, which is thehome of several former steel mill sites.

As part of a partnership with the AlleghenyConference on Community Development, theAllegheny Trail Alliance is working with many ofthe major corporations in Pittsburgh to involve themin the development of this trail. Corporate expertiseis proving to be invaluable in determining anddeveloping the final trail alignment.

The ATA is proud to be working with the Steel ValleyTrail Council, Regional Trail Corporation, AlleghenyCounty, local municipalities and the AlleghenyConference. The Allegheny Conference is planningseveral major events to celebrate the anniversary.Many of them will celebrate the completion of ourtrail. For more information about Pittsburgh’s 250thAnniversary please visit www.imaginepittsburgh.com.

Ihe Great Allegheny Passage is a 150-mile system of bikingand hiking trails connecting Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh,PA. The connection to the C & O Canal Towpath inCumberland, MD was completed in 2006, creating a continuousnon-motorized corridor, 316 miles long, from near Pittsburghto Washington, DC. Seven trails are organized under theAllegheny Trail Alliance and includes the Montour Trail for a52 mile branch to the Pittsburgh International Airport. Materialreprinted with permisssion from the Allegheny Trail Alliance.

Nine Miles To Go

BEDFORD, PA – Currently undergoing a $110million restoration and expansion, with a re-opening date slated for mid-2007, Bedford SpringsResort has launched an extensive search for theoldest living guest of the vintage Pennsylvania“springs hotel” that captivated American society forthree centuries. When identified, this person willbe the Resort’s guest for a weekend of grand openingfestivities this fall.

In 1796, Dr. John Anderson discovered themedicinal curative powers of the Bedford Springs.The elite of Colonial America immediately beganto congregate at the “springs” which necessitatedthe opening of the first hotel rooms in 1805. Fromthen on through the 1970’s the Bedford SpringsHotel was one of the preeminent destination resortsin this region of the country. The property is aconvenient two-hour drive from Washington, D.C.,Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. Over 10 million peoplelive within this two hour drive market.

Among some of the letters already received bythe resort was from a couple that spent theirhoneymoon at the Bedford Springs Hotel in 1952 asa gift of CBS Television. The couple had beenmarried on the television show, Bride & Groom, andlast year renewed their vows on The Early Show.

With a rich and storied heritage, Bedford Springswas a favored retreat for U.S. Presidents, numerousdiplomats and politicians, the United Statesmilitary, captains of industry and high society. Thehotel’s keepsake mementos were circulated by well-heeled guests and traveled the mails and railsspreading word about the destination’s fine lodgingand the curative powers its seven surroundingnatural springs.

The resort is also seeking memorabilia of anykind, including ledgers, especially water bottleledgers because Bedford Springs was known forbottled, healing spring water. The created BedfordSprings Historical Society also wants to find oldphotographs, documents, books, brochures,newspapers and maps; Bedford Springs Hotelstationary, envelopes and postcards; furniture,paintings, dishes and silverware, water bottles,menus, napkins and table linens.

Bedford Springs Resort welcomes informationregarding earlier guests up through the hotel’sclosing in 1989. Please contact the property directlyat (814) 623-8100 or email Todd Gillespie [email protected].

Bedford Springs ResortSearches for Oldest

Living GuestTo Share in GrandOpening Festivities

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The Great Allegheny Passage


More Than A Roman Holidayby Jennifer Luttner

After graduating from Derry Area High School in2000, I attented Millersville University inLancaster, PA from August of 2000 to December2004. I majored in biology with a minor in chemis-try. The MU program was wonderful. I chose mymajor, and then I could branch off in a specific fieldsuch as pre-med, marine biology, respiratorytherapy, nuclear medicine, and so on... I chose therespiratory option. After taking the classes for mymajor at Millersville, I took classes geared towardrespiratory at Lancaster General Nursing College,a part of MU. During this time I had clincal rota-tions at Hershey Medical Center, Geisinger, A.I.Dupont, Christiana Care, Lehigh Valley MedialCenter, and a few others. I cannot say enoughabout the respiratory care program under the di-rection of John Hughes. Upon graduation I feltwell-prepared for a career in respiratory.

I chose to work at the University of Pitts-burgh Medical Center, since it was close tomy friends and family back home. In Janu-ary of 2005 I started working in transplantintensive care unit at Montefiore Hospital,part of UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. My man-ager sent out a broad email that asked if any-one wanted to go to Italy. I replied, was inter-viewed and accepted. There was only a monthin between when I was asked to go and when Iarrived in Italy. UPMC took care of everythingelse. I was able to overlap one week with thetherapist that was there before me. It is on thejob training once you get there in regard tothe equipment, procedures, and job responsi-bilities. So you have to be a certain type of per-son to learn quickly and be ready to educatethe staff there.

The Mediterranean Institute forTransplantation and Advanced SpecializedTherapies, or ISMETT is located in theMediterranean Basin in Palermo, Italy. It is aspecialty hospital managed and operated by UPMC.A team of Italian and American nurses, respiratorytherapists, and physical therapists work withphysicians specialized in transplantation medicineof the liver, kidney, heart, lung and pancreas; forboth adult and pediatric patients. ISMETT is “a new120,000 square-foot, 70-bed facility that has beenconstructed to the high standards employed at UPMChospitals in the United States. There is a 14-bedcomprehensive Intensive Care Unit, an 11-bed PostAnesthesia Care Unit, and a state-of-the-artimaging center capable of performing bothdiagnostic and interventional radiology procedures.”

All the physicians practicing at ISMETT arefaculty members of the University of PittsburghSchool of Medicine and are employed full-time byUPMC in Italy. All the American nurses andtherapists are employed by UPMC in Pittsburgh andwork 2-6 month terms at ISMETT. The terms arebased on want and availability. During the 2-6months the American staff take on a regularschedule; sometimes 8,10,or 12 hour days. Alongwith regular job tasks, we perform in-services,seminars, write policies for the department, and/or any other educational task necessary. UPMCprovides the transport to and from Palermo as well as

the transport to and from work everyday via taxi. Weare generously provided with a stipend before we departin addition to our regular earnings and bonuses.

The daily routine in Palermo was much likethe US. I stayed in an apartment inside the HotelMediterraneo. All of the Americans stayed in oneof 2 hotels both located in central Palermo. On aworkday I would either work a 7-2pm shift or a 1-8pmshift. I would call for a taxi at the reception desk andwait in the lobby for it to arrive. The drive to ISMETTwas about 20 minutes. Traffic was always a mess.Once at work I would change into my scrubs andattend briefing. Since ISMETT is such a smallhospital, every morning we gave a “briefing” aboutevery patient on the floors and in the ICU. Therewere usually 3-4 therapistsworking

each day. One ortwo would work in the ICU to treat and

care for patients, another would see the patientson the floor and step-down units, and the otherwould do special procedures and stock equipment.Everyone would eat lunch together and take coffeebreaks throughout the day. The atmosphere waslight, everyone joking and working together. At theend of the day I would take my taxi home and makeplans for the evening/night.

Italy, Palermo specifically, was incredible! Thiswas by far, the best experience of my life. The people,culture, and lifestyle captivated me. Italians arewell-dressed, friendly, beautiful people. The culturewas full of rich sights and smells. From the marketsselling anything imaginable to the restaurants withsix-course meals and tons of socializing. Thelifestyle was laid back. Finances and the necessityto always rush through life are not important.Family, friends, and spending time together are of

the highest regard. The people I worked with werevery good friends in and out of work. Their familieswere close, and their children were friends.Everyone is always in good company eating the bestof home-cooked meals.

The environment is relatively clean. Italianshave more respect for their surroundings. Thestreets are tiny with even smaller cars. I don’t thinkI saw one SUV. There is no need though–theweather is beautiful. Out of the four months I wasthere it rained only seven days, and it was beachweather till about mid-November.

I traveled every chance I had. I had a few four-dayweekends that I took advantage of. My first trip alonewas to London. I found a Days Inn in Westminsterthat was central to all the sights. I toured London andmastered the underground tube system. It was eye-opening to say the least. At that moment I felt soalive. My next trip alone was to Paris. I found ahotel near the Louvre and again went sight seeingand took the metro everywhere. I had no problemwith the language. Most French people seemed tospeak a little English, and I spoke a little French.

I also spent a lot of time traveling in Sicily. Itis the most incredible place in the world. Youcan ski, climb a volcano, scuba dive, and lay onthe beach all in one day if you want. The historyand the sights are spectacular. My favoriteswere Cefalu, Agrigento, Mondello, Taormina, Mt.Etna, and Caltagiorne. But the list of sights I sawand places I visited is so much longer. Theexperiences are also more than I can describe.

The nightlife is exciting. We often went outto long dinners that ended at 2am when weall had to work the next day. But time is of noconcern to them. There, nighttime ingeneral, begins later then ours. Whenchildren are going to bed at 8-9pm in thestates, families are just sitting down todinner. Then they may go out for a walkaround town afterwards to meet and greet.Dinnertime always occurs after 7pm,usually 830-9pm. There are many pubs fordrinking wine or beer and socializing. Thisis where you will find crowds of people

every night of the week till all hours of the morning,all the while music is playing and street vendorsare selling various items. This is the life.

In addition to sending UPMC staff to work andteach at ISMETT, CCAC and UPMC together areworking on a school for respiratory therapy in Italy.The program is written, and funding is being debatedat the moment, but hopefully by the end of the yearthe school will be underway. The therapists in Italyare physical therapists trained on the job andthrough reading to be respiatory therapists. Thereis a need for a school so that the respiratoryprofession can be recognized in Italy. At the momentthe profession does not exist, so the Italianrespiratory therapists working full time at ISMETTare mirroring the American therpaists in work andethic. But they lack the knowledge in anatomy,chemistry and in the basics of a respiratoryeducation. There will be a necessity for respiratory

continued on page 17


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Adelphoi Village Eagles

FEBRUARY 2007 – With just eight more games intheir rookie season, the Adelphoi Village Eagles boys’basketball team is off to a winning start, with a 3-0record so far this season.

The team is a first for Adelphoi Village andconsists of 12 boys from throughout the humanservices organization including foster care, daytreatment, and residential group homes. DougClarke, director, and Ed Kroupa, transportationsupervisor of Adelphoi Village, initiated the team.Kroupa now serves as coach of the Eagles.

“Try-outs were held in December. They werethe best try-outs I’d ever seen,” Kroupa said. “I’vebeen involved in sports and coached at the highschool level for about 15 years. I thought thetalent was here and wanted these boys to be ableto earn extra privileges.”

Adelphoi Village Basketball Teamon a Winning Streak

Good behavior and good grades are twocriteria to remaining on the team, Kroupa added.

So far, the Eagles have played against teamsfrom Pressley Ridge, Holy Family, and theHomewood YMCA. Home games are played in thegymnasium at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe.

“The boys are learning how to work hard tobe successful,” Kroupa said. “There’s very littledown time during our practices and during ourgames, the boys cheer each other on.”

Because of the success of the team, both onand off the court, Kroupa said the basketball teamwill continue next season.Adelphoi Village is a not-for-profit agency providing help andhope for youth in need of a second chance. Headquartered inLatrobe, the program has services in 29 counties and is theseventh largest social service provider in the Pittsburgh region.

Emily Yurchison (Champion, PA) had agreat time skating circles around her dad,

Gary, and his wife, Tracy, at thePittsburgh Penguins season ticket holdersappreciation day. The Penguins graciously

opened their facilities to season ticketholders and their families. Emily got to

skate on the same ice as the mightyPenguins, sit on their bench and think about

one day being the first female Pens playerlike the super star skater she is. And best of

all she got to tease her dad for being tooafraid to put on his skates and join her.

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InsuranceAgency, Inc.

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People usually equate Pittsburgh with thebirthplace of technology (because of Carnegie MellonUniversity) or the incubator of medical breakthroughs(because of the University of Pittsburgh MedicalCenter). However, Pittsburgh is also the birthplaceof many artists as well. Think Gene Kelly. ShirleyJones. Andy Warhol. Or Michael Keaton. Whilethese cultural icons did not all go to the sameschool in Pittsburgh, future Pittsburgh starsmay all hail from the same alma mater.

The Pittsburgh High School for Creativeand Performing Arts, or CAPA, opened inSeptember 1979, with just thirty-fivestudents. It was housed in the BaxterElementary School in the Homewood sectionof Pittsburgh. When the Buhl Planetariumand Institute of Popular Science building wasvacated by the Carnegie Science Center inFebruary of 1994, the Pittsburgh Board ofPublic Education briefly considered movingCAPA into the facility. However, the buildingwas deemed too small for the expanding schooland plans to move the program were temp-orarily shelved. Luckily, a local philanthropistdonated a plot of land at the corner of NinthStreet and Fort Duquesne Boulevard in theDowntown Cultural District to the schooldistrict and, in September of 2003, the newCAPA facility was dedicated. The 8-story,175,000 square foot building is a world-classfacility that includes a 400-seat auditorium, a blackbox theatre, an art gallery, media arts center, televisionstudio, fitness center, computer labs, and specialrehearsal spaces for every department.

Students must audition before being acceptedinto the program. Students who live in the city ofPittsburgh can attend CAPA High School for free;however, non-residents must pay a tuition of$11,700 to attend. CAPA is a typical high schoolthat offers traditional high school classes such asEnglish, history, science, math, and foreignlanguages. It offers gifted and scholars classes aswell as several extracurricular activities such asyearbook, newspaper, and ski club. At CAPA, inaddition to taking academic classes, students arealso provided with 15 hours a week of artistictraining, master classes with professional artistsand partnerships with arts organizations. In theirfreshman year, each student is expected to declarea major in one of the arts: dance, theater arts,literary arts, visual arts, instrumental or vocal.

Mallory Milsak is a junior at CAPA who comesfrom a family of Pittsburgh artists. Her Great-greatUncle Peter Savich took a leave of absence fromBenny Goodman’s Orchestra when he enlisted inthe Army to fight in World War II. He was killed in

Burma and never had to chance to play withGoodman’s Orchestra again. He, however, was onlythe first of the artists in their family.

Her grandmother, Mildred Don, began studyingviolin when she was seven. But, as a special musicteacher, Fleeta Gillespie, recognized that Mildred’sreal talent was her voice. Mildred studied with Ms.

Gillespie until she graduated from high school.Although she played violin with the schoolorchestra, flute in the school band, and she wasone of the top ten in her graduating class, Mildreddecided to go to New York to study voice inter-pretation instead of studying music in college.While working on her voice interpretation, Mildredsang in the nightclubs at the William Penn Hotelin Pittsburgh until she was discovered by thepresident of the Pittsburgh Brewing Company. Hewas looking for someone to replace the lead singer,Jeanie Baxter, in the radio show that his companysponsored. Mildred auditioned for him, and soonthe show “Mildred Don and the Men About Town,”sponsored by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, wasbroadcast on KDKA radio. While working at KDKA,Mildred took classes in fashion design at CarnegieInstitute. When television replaced the radio as ameans of live entertainment, Mildred moved heract to daytime television appearing on a live half-hour show called “Variety Resort” three times aweek. By this time, Mildred had married FrankMilsak, and, when her daughter Susan arrived, shewas ready to retire from show business altogether.

Daughter Susan Milsak Rigotti, however,carried artistic genes, too. She studied dance fromthe age of two, starting at Mamie Barth’s Studio—

where Gene Kelly also began his dancing career.Susan also took music lessons and played theclarinet and oboe in her high school band. Butvisual arts were where her real interests laid, andher mother nurtured her gifts by sending her to artclasses. Susan loved the powerful images of GeorgiaO’Keeffe. Like O’Keeffe, Susan’s paintings are bold.

She paints in layers with metallic papers,tissue paper, acrylics and glosses. When itcame time for college, Susan wanted to studyart, but her parents said, “You cannot sit in aroom and do art, you need a career. . . we thinkyou would be a great teacher.” Susan,therefore, graduated from Edinboro Universitywith a Bachelor’s in Art Education and beganteaching art at Freedom Area High School. Inaddition to teaching, she also sponsors theyearbook and the Student Art League, whichincludes an after school studio for the students.While her only exhibit so far was at the galleryat the University of Pittsburgh for thecompletion of her Masters in Art Educationdegree, Susan hopes that, whenever sheretires from teaching, she will have the time topromote herself as a painter. Susan has devotedher life to nurturing the artistic proclivities ofher students, as well as those of her nieces,Meredith and Mallory Milsak.

While Meredith shares Susan’s talents invisual design, Mallory is following her

grandmother onstage. Mallory is majoring in danceat CAPA. She is currently working at the highestlevel of advancement in dance, taking two modernclasses: one with Mr. Maloney and one employingthe Horton technique with Ms. Reed; two balletclasses with Mrs. Polanco and Mrs. Braswell; and ajazz class with Mrs. Piekut. She was one of twenty-three students from the Dance Department at CAPAwho attended the National High School DanceFestival, hosted by the New World School of the Arts,in Miami from March 29 through April 2, 2006. Shewas also selected to attend the Governor’s Schoolfor the Performing Arts last summer. At CAPA, sheworks on the yearbook and dances in the school’smusical dramas. She also participates in academicactivities at CAPA. Last year, she and two girls inher chemistry class represented CAPA at theScience Olympiad at the University of Pittsburgh.She is also planning to apply for induction to theNational Honor Society this year. Mallory, however,is unsure if she wants to pursue a career in thearts. She has no idea which college she will attend.She is not even sure whether she should major indance, pre-med, fashion merchandizing orbusiness. Regardless, Mallory has the artisticMilsak genes that will probably turn up in her ownchildren someday.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTby Paula J. Forte

Mallory Milsak – CAPA

Pictured with Mallory Milsak (bottom left) are father Frankie Milsak (top left), auntSusan Milsak Rigotti (top right) and grandma Mildred Milsak (bottom right).


DOWN ON THE FARMShelly Gerhard

The Good Seed

When I last wrote to you, I talked to you about mydear Aunt Ellie, who passed away eight years agofrom breast cancer. From the time she wasdiagnosed until she was gone, I kept promisingmyself that I would walk in another Race For TheCure other than the one I attend every year inPittsburgh. I, of course, wanted to walk in NewJersey, and I wanted my aunt to be there with me.New Jersey after all is where my aunt was bornand raised, had all her treatments, and where sheeventually breathed her last. But as the years wenton, the timing was never right. Other plansinterfered. There was always a scheduling conflict.And then she was gone. So finally, only a few daysafter the anniversary of her death, on October 29,2006, nine of my family members joined me inPrinceton to walk for Aunt Ellie. It was extremelywindy and very muddy because there had beentorrential downpours for two days. And it wasbittersweet. Yet as we braved the cold and journeyedthose three miles, we smiled. We remembered ourMiss Ellie as we watched the sea of pink shirts andhats - the clothing that says “I’m A Survivor”. Andwe know she was smiling back through the rays ofsunshine that seemed to appear magically throughthe gusts. I finally kept this promise to myself, andmy family kept theirs to me. And it was anotheremotional promise that started the foundation onwhich our Races are based.

The Power Of A Promiseby Kathy Kasperik

The Susan G. Komen For The Cure® foundationwas started all because of a promise between twosisters. When Susan Komen was dying at age 34from breast cancer, she made her sister promiseto make things better for others. She wanted us totalk about ‘it’. She wanted women to have nicertreatment rooms. She wanted women to know thatresearch was being done. And most of all shewanted someone else to be saved even if she couldnot. And Nancy Brinker acted. And it has been 25years since that promise was uttered. You maynote now that the name of the foundation haschanged. When you visit www.komen.org, you willsee on the website that they have a new logo. Youmay note the layout has also been updated. Butthe goal is still the same. Their mission is asfollows: “To save lives and end breast cancer foreverby empowering people, ensuring quality care for alland energizing science to find the cures.” Theircore values are listed as: “Inclusion to embrace theuniqueness of every individual; Stewardship to beaccountable for our performance, individually andcollectively; Honesty to foster a community of trustand integrity; Openness to seek out new ideas andnew ways of thinking; Passion to demonstratepersonal commitment to our Promise; andEmpowerment to entrust others and hold yourselfaccountable.” The power of a promise. The powerof people. The power of Thinking Pink.

There are now Affiliates in 125 cities and comm-unities, most notably the local affiliate in Pittsburgh.The Race For The Cure events are now held by thethousands across America and even overseas. YourPittsburgh affiliate also reaches an anniversary thisyear, number 15. Their Race event has grown from agroup 3,000 strong, to seeing over 35,000 participants.The Pittsburgh affiliate has also changed and updatedover the years. But they have renewed the samepromise to continue to save lives and empower people,so breast cancer can be eliminated. The PittsburghAffiliate serves 30 counties in Western and CentralPennsylvania through education, grants andresources. To find out more about how you can be apart of the promise visit pittsburghraceforthecure.orgor call 412-342-0500. And plan on joining the 15thAnniversary of the Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh raceFor The Cure on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2007, atSchenley Park at Flagstaff Hill, Pittsburgh.

There are many things in this world that weconsider powerful. One of the most important powersin my life is prayer. But the power of a promise,one that a sister gave to a sister 25 years ago, isalso a part of my own life every day. So this year, Inot only ask you to continue to Think Pink. I askyou to make a promise to be a part of the cause. Iask you to promise to help. I ask you to promisethat you won’t forget until we find the cure for whichwe have been waiting for decades.

Well, here we are again. Spring hassprung here in early March. Tempera-tures are in the low 60’s. I took somevacation time, and I have so many thingsto do, I don’t know what to do first. Ishould start to plow for oats. The barnneeds to be cleaned out. The steers thatI kept and fed heavily all winter areready for the auction. I also need themoney for fertilizer and seed.

We are starting to get organized. Mybrother has a few days off, so he has vol-unteered to plow. I have a man lined upto truck my steers to the auction inHomer City. I am getting the barncleaned out and spreading the maureand sod that will be plowed for corn.

The early spring sort of fizzled out . . . itis cold again with temperatures in the30’s. My brother did manage to get about15 acres plowed for oats. The barn is

clean, and with the steers gone, I willhave more room for the cows who willbe starting to have calves soon.

We used certifed oats seed last year, butthis year we will save a few dollars byusing our own oats for seed. I have aseed cleaner that I will use to clean theoats stored in our bin. Besides blowingall the chaff and dirt out, the cleaneralso has screens which sort out all theundersized seeds so you end up with alluniform seed. It is sort of a labor-inten-sive job cleaning the seed, because youdump one bushel at a time into thecleaner. The good seed comes out of aspout into a bucket, and reject smallseed goes into another. The chaff anddirt blow out onto the floor in a pile. Thegood seed is put into sacks and the un-dersize seed is saved to be ground intocow feed. It usually takes 70-80 bush-els of good seed for the spring sowing.

It is the first week of April now, and weare trying to get the land for corn allplowed. I am also wanting to get the pas-ture fences all fixed up so we can turnthe cows out to pasture. They are tiredof staying in, and I am tired of haulingmanure.

The next job is getting the ground pre-pared to plant oats. This is my favoritetime of the year . . . things are startingto grow real well. It’s warm, and we aregetting our first crop in the ground. Iam starting to feel alive again after thelong winter. The oats have all beenplanted, and the ground is plowed forcorn. maybe we can tale a break untilit is time to plant corn!

This column is a retrospective day-in-the-life ac-count of rural farming in western Pennsylvaniaover 60 years. To read more, visit our online issuearchive at www.LaurelMountainPost.com.



FRIENDS AND HEROESHonoring Our Neighbors Serving in the United States Military

Major Devin WinkloskyI’m a friendly guy, but I am not a hero.The courageous men and women whohave sacrificed in service of this greatNation are the true heroes. Thatincludes their families as well. Theyall deserve our respect and support,now and always. I am honored andhumbled to serve with them.

I’m not all that smart or skilled, butI’ve been very blessed and lucky tohave a host of people willing to fill mysails and push me along the rightcourse. You asked about the NavalAcademy. Part of the Academy’smission is to develop midshipmen“morally, mentally, andphysically.” In retrospect(am I allowed to use that wordeven though I’m not 40 yet?),I discovered that working ondeveloping those areas is aconstant theme in my life –the Academy simply putthat concept in black-and-white for me.

Let me start at thebeginning. I was born inLatrobe and raised on a farmnear Keystone State Park. Iused to ride pigs with acorncob pipe in my mouth (nokidding). So, I guess not toomany situations couldembarrass me after that.Nonetheless, my parentsinstilled in me the foundationof a meaningful life. Theytaught me to seek andpractice those invaluableattributes and skills that oftendefy quantification. All of thebasics: God and family first;treat others with respect; setthe example; work hard inschool; stay healthy;everything in moderation;humility; perseverance; anddon’t talk with your mouthfull. I believe that there is somethingunique about growing up in a smalltown in Western Pennsylvania thathelps foster these character traits.My dad was in the Navy during theKorean War and then worked atRolling Rock Brewery until he retired.My mom worked as a nurse at LatrobeHospital until she retired. My brothernow owns the farm and my two sisterslive on dairy farms in the area, too.I’m the odd one who ended upmigrating.

Anyways, I went to St. Joseph’sCatholic Elementary School in Derry.During this time, I talked withChester Lee, a cousin by marriage,who was a Naval Academy graduateand worked with NASA and the SpaceShuttle Program. Boy, that’s what Iwanted to do – be an astronaut. So Iguess that’s where the initialthoughts of going to Navy started.Then I went to Derry for Junior andSenior High where I was encouragedby two wonderful mentors – PaulaForte and Glenn Cavanaugh. In highschool I gained confidence and startedto realize my potential. Sports and

speaking gave me confidence, I wasable to accept criticism withouttrauma and it helped me overcomethe fear of just being myself. I thinkin those formative years kids can getknocked off course pretty easily.There are so many temptations anddistractions, and I was not immune.Fortunately I had family, friends, andmentors who gave me pretty goodadvice and kept me on track.

During my senior year of high school,I received a nomination fromRepresentative Murtha and anappointment to the Naval Academy.Frankly, I had no idea what I was infor. It was one of the most challengingthings I’ve ever done. The Academygave me a hefty dose of perspectiveand discipline. It reinforced myvalues, introduced me to new ideas,and exposed me to very talentedpeople. Suddenly I was a small fishin a big ocean and I had to learn toswim in this unfamiliar environmentfairly quickly. I was really challenged– morally, mentally, and physically

– beyond what I thought waspossible at the time. Perhapsthat’s why graduating fromthe Academy meant so muchto me.

When I graduated in 1993, Iwas commissioned as aMarine Officer. Just when Ithought the challenges wereover, the Marines providedmore challenges and moreopportunities. The U.S.Marine Corps tries to instillthe core values of Honor,Courage, and Commitment inevery Marine. The values Igrew up with are in very closesynch with Marine Corpsvalues. Every Marine learnsand practices the same values,no exceptions; every Marine,regardless of rank or specialty,is trained to be an infantrymanfirst, no exceptions. No Marineis singled out as “special;”interestingly, that’s whatmakes every Marine special.

I completed The Basic School(where all new Marine Officersare sent for six months to learninfantry and leadership skills)and my occupational schooland then shipped off to my first

unit. I served in California with 2nd

Battalion, 5th Marines and then with5th Marine Regiment. I got to seeOkinawa, Hong Kong, and Pusan. Iwas the Adjutant, which includedservice as the legal officer. Suddenly Ihad real responsibilities and I had toput all of my training and education towork. Since I’ve been in the Marines,I’ve had the honor of serving with someof the finest Americans. True leaderswho lead by example, expected continued on page 18

excellence but had the patience andtolerance to let me make mistakes(and I made my fair share). I trulyenjoyed my time with 5th Marines andmy duties.

It must have paid off, because fromthere the Marines sent me to lawschool at the University of Pittsburgh.I was selected as one of four Marinesto go to law school on a fully-fundededucation program. I immenselyenjoyed my three years of law school,probably because I was a little olderand had some experience before Ishowed up. Having a guaranteed jobas a Marine Judge Advocate aftergraduation reduced my stress as well.During the summers I worked as aprosecutor and defense counsel forthe Marines. I think because of mypublic speaking and debate activitiesin high school and college, I had anaffinity for the law and trial work inparticular. The best part, though, wasbeing able to reconnect with WesternPA for three years!

After law school I went to NavalJustice School in Newport, RI. ThenI was assigned duties as a criminaldefense counsel at Camp Lejeune,NC. My job was to defend Marines andSailors at trial by court-martial. Aftertwo years as a defense counsel, I wasreassigned as a trial counsel(prosecutor). What a change. It waslike switching sides of the board inthe middle of a chess game. I servedtwo years as a prosecutor, includinghandling court-martials whiledeployed to Kuwait.

That must have paid off, because theMarine Corps sent me back to school.This time I went to the Army JudgeAdvocate General’s Legal Center andSchool in Charlottesville, VA. It wasa one year program where I receiveda Masters of Law (LL.M.). While I wasthere I was screened and selected tobe a military judge. I assumed thebench in 2005 and was assigned tomy present duties as a military judgeat the Eastern Judicial Circuit of theNavy-Marine Corps Trial Judiciary atCamp Lejeune, NC.

None of this would mean anythingwithout my family. While I was at theAcademy, I met and fell in love with


There’s A Place For You:Manchester Bidwell Changes Lives Through Education

by Briana Tomack and Cathi Gerhard Williams

“I wanted to build something thatwould give people who come here

a vision of what life could be,to create an envrionment

that says life is good.”

Bill Strickland

Bill Strickland was a frustrated teenager in 1963.Growing up in the poor and crumbling Pittsburghneighborhood of Manchester, life offered little hope toa young black kid. The community around him hadlost its integrity and character, offering fewinspirational role models andeven fewer opportunities.

His epiphany came whenhe met the man who wouldbecome his mentor fornearly 20 years. Frank Rosswas a ceramics instructorat Strickland’s high schooland introduced him to thepower of self-expression.Inspired by a man forming amasterpiece from a shape-less piece of wet clay,Strickland knew from thatmoment what he wanted todo with his life. ThroughRoss’ mentorship, hedeveloped a love for ceramicart and jazz music. Rossexposed Strickland toarchitectural masterpieces such as Fallingwater andfine art museums such as The Carnegie. It was theseexperiences that became Strickland’s inspiration.After high school he enrolled at the University ofPittsburgh, graduating cum laude with a degreein American history and foreign relations in 1969.

Before completing his degree, however, Stricklandfounded the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild in thebasement of a local house donated by the Episcopalchurch. Responding to the cultural crisis of thoseturbulent times, he offered an afterschool refugeto high school students. At MCG they could spendtime in a safe place learning the same skills thatmotivated and inspired Strickland. Aftergraduation, he continued his work there andexpanded the program with a staff of volunteers.Today, it is part of the Manchester BidwellCorporation, a non-profit organization servingadults and youth from the Pittsburgh region andsurrounding areas. . .

Today, that dream is a bustling, multi-building162,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility locatedon Pittsburgh’s north shore and filled withstudents eager to learn and create. ManchesterCraftsmen’s Guild (www.manchesterguild.org)provides a plentiful listing of programming andinstruction for area youth that boggles the mind .. . ceramics, art, photography, digital imaging, andmusic to name a few. The programs, classes, andpartnerships that have been formed all strive to reachthe local communities and surrounding areas tobring them to MCG to share what it has to offer.In partnership with the Pittsburgh public schoolsMCG offers programs for middle school and highschool students both during the school day and

afterschool, and it operates these programs both oncampus and in the schools. Some of these programsinclude: Artists in Schools, Studio Seminars, ArtsExplorers and the Artist in Residence program. MCGalso lends their state-of-the-art visual facilities to

CAPA (Creative andPerforming Arts HighSchool) students forclasswork requirements.Students ages 13-18 havethe opportunity to participatein 5-week Summer StudioIntensives. MCG also offersa Summer CollegeAcademics progam incooperation with IndianaUniversity Summer SHAREand the Community Collegeof Allegheny County inwhich students participatein arts programming onthe college campus andcan earn college credits.

MCG Jazz (www.mcjazz.org)is yet another division of

Manchester Bidwell Organizations. In existencefor over 20 years, this includes one of the longestrunning jazz series in the nation, and even has itsown recording label. For two decades, MCG Jazz hasproduced over 1,200 concerts and 40 record-ingsincluding four GRAMMY® Award-winning albumswith artists such as Nancy Wilson, Paquito D’Riveraand The Count Basie Orchestra. It maintains thelargest archives of jazz memorabilia, video, audio,and photographs in the world!

They have alsobegun a new seriescalled the MCG JazzFamily Series, whichis aimed at providingJazz music in asetting for childrenand families to enjoytogether. We re-cently attended theJazzMagic show. Itwas a delightfulafternoon, with jazzmusicians setting thestage for a variety ofmagic tricks per-formed by magicianPaul Gertner, ani n t e r n a t i o n a l l y -recognized and award-winning performer.Music was presentedin a way little ears could enjoy – adding one instrumentat a time, playing well-known childrens songs. Thiswas very enticing to all the children involved – theywere singing along and dancing in the aisles!

Another Jazz program, sponsored by UPMC HealthPlan and the Buhl Foundation, was formulated forthird graders. Through Third Grade Jazz, everythird grade student in the city is transported to thecenter to participate in this program. The thoughtbehind this endeavor: when music is introduced tochildren at a young age, they are more able toappreciate it and make it part of their daily lives.

Bidwell Training Center (www.bidwell-training.org)Since 1968, Bidwell Training Center, Inc. hasattracted national recognition for its innovative andcareer-oriented training. Programs feature strongpartnerships with Pittsburgh’s premiere corporations,agencies and organizations. Bidwell is an accreditedpost-secondary training institution that offers short-term accelerated programs. Training is geared towardequipping students with the necessary skills foremployment in today’s ever-changing marketplace.

Bidwell changes lives through educational andcareer opportunities for people in transition inSouthwestern Pennsylvania. Bidwell responds to theneeds of students and employers by eliminating roadblocks to success, encouraging life-long learning, anddesigning market-relevant training programs.

Corporate partners include: IBM Corporation, UPMC,Bayer Corporation, Duquesne Light, Giant Eagle, H.J.Heinz Company, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,Nestle Food Service, NOVA Chemicals, PennsylvaniaWomen’s Work, Per Se Technologies, PhippsConservatory and Botanical Gardens, Pittsburgh CutFlower, Pressure Chemical Company, SunocoChemicals, Inc., University of Pittsburgh, CalgonCarbon Corporation and others.

Among its manyhonors, Bidwell Train-ing Center recentlyreceived an EPICAward from theDepartment of Laborand The Office ofFederal ContractCompliance Pro-grams. This awardhonors public in-terest groups thathave, through theirexemplary efforts,supported affirm-ative action andlinked their effortswith those of Federalcontractors to en-hance the employ-ment opportunitiesfor minorities, wo-

men, individuals with disabilities, and specialdisabled and Vietnam-era veterans.

Successful partnerships between government,industry and community based organizations result


MARCH-APRIL 2007 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Thru April 15 Modern Japanese PrintsDaily, The Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA;412-622-3131; www.cmoa.org

Thru June 3 Bizarre Beasts: Past and PresentDaily, The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh,PA; 412-622-3131; www.carnegiemnh.org

Thru April 8 Art Within 20 Year Commemorative ExhibitionManchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA; 412-322-1773www.manchesterguild.org

Thru Sept 1 Made in Johnstown: Exhibit at the Heritage Discovery Center10 am - 5 pm, Heritage Discovery Center, Johnstown;814-539-1889 www.jaha.org

Thru April 15 Modern Japanese Prints: 1868–1989 Carnegie Museum of ArtHeinz Galleries www.cmoa.org 412-622-3131

March 1-22 Wood Carving with Duke LeeperThursday Evenings, 630pm – 9pmLatrobe Art Center, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-7011www.latrobeartcenter.org Classes require pre-registration and fee

March 1 Senior Social2PM, Valley Dairy Jefferson St., Latrobe, PA;724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

March 2-3 Pittsburgh Dance Council presents The Joffrey Ballet8PM, Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA 412-456-6666www.pgharts.org

March 2-3 Greater Latrobe High School presents PippinLAHS, Latrobe, PA; 724-539-2445 www.unitytownship.org

March 2-4 Greensburg Salem High School presents Fiddler on the RoofGreensburg Salem HS, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-2960

March 2-4 Pittsburgh Golf ShowPittsburgh Expo-Mart, Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

March 3 River City Brass Band Presents Heavenly Musical Match8 PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 800-292-7222www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 4 Elko Concerts presents Bob Weir & Ratdog730PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 4 Nancy Wilson with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz OrchestraBenedum Center for the Performing ArtsPittsburgh, PA; 412-456-6666

March 5 Readers Knit Club Crafts and Hobbies7PM, Barnes and Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622www.barnesandnobleinc.com

March 6 Senior Social2PM, Country Café & Video, Pleasant Unity, PA;724-537-4331 www.latroberecreation.org

March 7 Talbots Fashion Show12-2PM, Mountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-834-5300www.mountainviewinn.com

March 8 Laurel Highland Writers writing group7PM, Barnes and Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622www.barnesandnobleinc.com

March 8 Unfortunate Events Book Club for Young Readers (8-12)7PM, Barnes and Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622www.barnesandnobleinc.com

March 9-10 Ultra Grand Regional Review730PM, Center for the Performing Arts, Blairsville MiddleSchool, Blairsville, PA; Contact Marna Conrad 724-459-6484www.undergroundrailroadblairsvillepa.com

Manchester BidwellCorporation1815 Metropolitan StreetPittsburgh, PA 15233Telephone: 412-323-4000www.machesterbidwell.org

in a win-win situation for everyoneinvolved. Corporations get qualifiedworkers; government receives taxdollars from workers rather than doleout money to support unemployedadults; and community residents aretrained to fill job openings that actuallyexist. Government and industry trulyget a return on their investment. Peoplewho are displaced from their jobs, laidoff, or seeking a career change all mayfind success at Bidwell Training Center.

High school seniors can aspire to gocollege via a different route. Capableyouth who lack the resources to attendcollege can train at Bidwell, begin ameaningful career, and then pursuepost-secondary training at CCAC,University of Pittsburgh and PointPark University or other institutionsof higher education. Many Bidwellgraduates receive tuition reimburse-ment from employers. Graduates fromBidwell are currently working intraining related fields throughout theregion. Diploma Programs include:Culinary Arts, Office Technology,Horticulture Technology, MedicalCoder, Medical Claims Processor,Health Unit Coordinator and PharmacyTechnician. Additionally, the studentsin the culinary program are the dailyproviders of lunch for the staff, students,and visitors of the facility!

Bidwell offers an OccupationalAssociate Degree in SpecializedTechnology for its ChemicalLaboratory Technician Program.Bidwell Training Center is accreditedby: ACCSCT - the AccreditingCommission of Career Schools andColleges of Technology; and State ofPennsylvania (Associate Degree -Chemical Laboratory TechnicianProgram). It also serves approximately400 students annually by offering GEDpreparation, literacy services,tutoring, math and reading skillsenhancement, and typing andcomputer keyboarding instruction.

Another facet of BTC is the DrewMathieson Center, a 40,000 square footeducational greenhouse to beat all. TheCenter houses the horticultureprogram, which grows hydroponicvegetables and other seasonal crops. Ahighlight there is the cultivation of thephalaenopsis orchid. Even moreextraordinary is that the Center distri-butes to Giant Eagle and Whole Foodsas well as some very upscale florists inthe area! They will be participating inthe Home and Garden Show to be heldMarch 9-18 at the newly re-openedDavid L. Lawrence Convention Centerwhere BTC students will “Grow A DreamGarden” by designing and landscapinga 2,700 square feet of space consistingof a series of themed gardens. This yearthere will be gardens with differentthemes, including three 20 squarefoot areas that will feature: a resi-dential “back yard” garden, a formalgarden with topiaries and herbs, and atropical water garden with orchids andlush foliage. A fourth area will focus onhundreds of vegetable plants grown inraised beds. A fifth area is dedicated toa hydroponic display. The gardens wereall designed and built by BidwellTraining Center students withassistance on hardscape projects byTriangle Tech. Bidwell also teamedwith Allegheny East Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center on thehydroponic display.

The true masterpieces of theManchester Bidwell Corporation arethe people themselves. For nearly 40years, Bill Strickland has honed his“craft” – by creating environmentsand nurturing opportunities for peopleto become their own works of art.


March 9-18 Duquesne Light Home and Garden ShowDavid L. lawrence Convention Center - PittsburghVisit www.pghhome.com for a discount admission coupon!

March 10 Latshaw Productions PresentsCahal Dunne’s Grand to be Irish ShowMountain View Inn, Greensburg, PA; 724-853-4050www.mountainviewinn.com

March 10 Tap City on Tour8PM, State Theatre, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360www.statetheatre.info

March 10 Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra Presents“American Traditions”8 PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 10 15th Annual Taste of Westmoreland6PM, Chambers Hall, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg,Greensburg, PA; 724-837-8275www.tasteofwestmoreland.com

March 11 Tickled Pink Survivor Luncheon and Fashion ShowRenaissance Hotel, Downtown PittsburghSPACE IS LIMITED–RSVP REQUIREDThis event is for Breast Cancer Survivors only.Call for details 412.342.0500

March 13 Romance Readers Book Group7PM, Barnes and Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622www.barnesandnobleinc.com

March 14 History Book Group7PM, Barnes and Noble, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-0622www.barnesandnobleinc.com

March 16-17 Thomas and Friends LiveBenedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA 412-456-6666www.pgharts.org

March 16-18 Stage Right Presents TommyPalace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 16-18 MVSC Spring CarnivalSeven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA; 866-703-7625www.7springs.com

March 16-18 Valley Players Of Ligonier & Ligonier Theater Present“Route 66”Ligonier Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, Ext. [email protected]

March 17 Saint Vincent College Concert Series presents Ashu, saxophone8PM Carey Performing Arts Center, St. Vincent College,Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565 www.stvincent.edu

March 17 Westmoreland Symphonic Winds Concert8 PM Cecilian Hall, Seton Hill University, Greensburg;724-830-1079 www.setonhill.edu

March 17-18 Western Pennsylvania’s Cat Fanciers ShowPittsburgh Expo-Mart, Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

March 19 ONSTAGE at IUP presents Pat Benetar and Neil Giraldo8PM, Indiana Jr. High, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315www.onstageatiup.com

March 19 The Bryce Jordan Center Presents An Evening with DARYLHALL & JOHN OATES8PM, Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA; 814-863-5500www.bjc.psu.edu

March 23-24 Brewski Festival 2007Exhibit Hall, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, PA;866-703-7625 www.7springs.com

March 23-24 Greensburg Central Catholic High School’s Performing ArtsDepartment presents “Footloose”8 PM Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

March 23-25 Pittsburgh Arts and Crafts Spring Fever FestivalMonroeville Expo Mart, Monroeville, PA 724-863-4577www.familyfestivals.com

March 24-25 The Pittsburgh Toy, Comic & Childhood Collectibles ShowPittsburgh Expo-Mart; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

March 24-25 Pennsylvania Maple FestivalMeyersdale, PA; 814-634-0213 www.pamaplefestival.com

March 25 Jewelry Bash sponsored by The Westmoreland Horsemen’sAssociation and Lloydsville Volunteer Department with EmceeJennifer Meile from WTAE-TV1-5 PM, Lloydsville VFD Social Hall; 724-689-6143www.unitytownship.org/CommunityEvents.htm

March 28-31 Hempfield Area High School presents MameHempfield Area SHS Auditorium, Hempfield, PA; 724-834-9000

Mar 28-Apr 1 Pennsylvania Maple FestivalMeyersdale, PA; 814-634-0213 www.pamaplefestival.com

Mar 28-Apr 1 Derry Area Senior High School presents Thoroughly Modern MillieDerry Area MS Auditorium, Derry, PA; 724-694-2780

March 29-31 Mount Pleasant High School presents GreaseMount Pleasant HS Auditorium, Mt. Pleasant, PA; 724-547-4100

March 29 ParentWISE, Inc. presents King Arthur6PM, Greensburg Garden and Civic Center, Greensburg, PA;724-837-5410

March 30 Artist Talk with Linda Connor and Lonnie Graham6-8PM, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA;412-322-1773 www.manchesterguild.org

March 30 American Red Cross Blood Drive in honor of Nykole Zedek Butler12PM-6PM, St. Anne’s Home, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-3671

Mar 30-Apr 1 Home Builders ShowBryce Jordan Center, State College, PA;814-231-8813 www.centralpabuilders.com

March 31 ONSTAGE at IUP presents Roger McGuinn8PM, Indiana Jr. High, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315www.onstageatiup.com

March 31 Boy Scout Day 2007The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA;412-622-3131; www.carnegiemnh.org10:30 am–3 pmPre-registration is required. Call (412) 622-3289.

March 31 Camerata Lenten ConcertSaint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565www.stvincent.edu

Derry Area Senior High School presents Thoroughly Modern Millie, March 28 - April 1


March 31 Lost In Yonkers8PM, State Theatre, Uniontown, PA; 724-439-1360www.statetheatre.info

March 31 March for Parks sponsored by Sam’s Club and UPMC Health Plan9AM-12PM, Twin Lakes Park, 724-830-3968 or 724-830-3962www.co.westmoreland.pa.us

March 31- Pittsburgh Bike ExpoApril 1 Pittsburgh Expo-Mart Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100

www.pghexpomart.com

April 1 Elko Concerts presents Taylor Hicks730PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 3 Thomas and Friends Live Onstage1030am and 7pm, Bryce Jordan Center, State College, PA; 814-863-5500 www.bjc.psu.edu

April 4 Talbots Fashion Show12-2 PM, Mountain View Inn, Greensburg; 724-834-5300www.mountainviewinn.com

April 7 Easter Egg Hunt2PM Timken Plaza, Legion Keener Park, Latrobe, PAAges 2-7 followed by a special adult egg hunt.For registration call 724- 537-4331 [email protected]

April 10 ONSTAGE at IUP presents Lost in Yonkers8PM, Indiana Jr. High, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315www.onstageatiup.com

April 11 Harry Connick, Jr.Benedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA 412-456-6666www.pgharts.org

April 12 Oil Painting for Absolute Beginners w/Non-Toxic Materialswith Cathy RosensteelThursdays 10am – 1pmLatrobe Art Center, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-7011www.latrobeartcenter.org Classes require pre-registration and fee

April 12 Tastes of the TownMill Creek, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6818 www.Ligonier.com

April 13 Westmoreland Cultural Trust presents “If You Ever Leave Me, I’m Going With You”Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 13 Jerry SeinfeldBenedum Center, Pittsburgh, PA 412-456-6666 www.pgharts.org

April 13-14 Tim Ries The Rolling Stones ProjectManchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA; 412-322-1773www.mcgjazz.org

April 13-15 Pittsburgh Anime and Asian Culture Convention.Pittsburgh Expo-Mart Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

April 14 Saint Vincent College Concert Series presents Brasil Guitar DuoSaint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-4565www.stvincent.edu

April 14 5K Run/Walk1030AM, Memorial Stadium Latrobe, PA; For registration call724-537-4331 [email protected]

April 14 River City Brass Band’s “Goodman, Miller, and Jones”Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-292-7222www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 14 Pop Music and Jazz with Tim RiesManchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Pittsburgh, PA; 412-322-1773www.mcgjazz.org

April 15 Greensburg American Opera presents bel Duetto3PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 15 Laurel Highlands Doll ShowMountain View Inn, Greensburg; 724-834-5300www.mountainviewinn.com

April 19 Ligonier Tavern presents Leon Russel8PM, Ligonier Tavern, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-7788www.ligoniertavern.com

April 19 Westmoreland Jazz Society presents Trio BravoWestmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, PA;724-837-1500 ext. 27 or www.wmuseumaa.org

April 21 ONSTAGE at IUP presents Driving Miss Daisy8PM, Indiana Jr. High, Indiana, PA; 724-357-2315www.onstageatiup.com

April 21-22 Sale for Kids Consignment SaleSat 9am-4pm, Sun 11am-3pm, Westmoreland County Fairgrounds,Commercial Building #1, Unity Twp., PA; 724-433-8980www.saleforkids.com

April 21 Celebrate Earth Day at the Museum!The Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh, PA;412-622-3131 www.carnegiemnh.org

April 21 Painting Silk Scarves with Cathy Rosensteel10am-1pm, Latrobe Art Center, Latrobe, PA; 724-537-7011www.latrobeartcenter.org Classes require pre-registration and fee

April 21 Westmoreland Earth Day 12-4PM, St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA; 724-459-0953 www.westmorelandearthday.com

April 21 Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra’s “Season Finale”Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1850www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 21 “In the Pink” Community Interest Project Day9:30AM-2:30PM, Gilda’s Club, Pittsburgh, PA; 412.342.0500,Reservations are required. The Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G.Komen for the Cure, CREW of Pittsburgh and the Trillium Councilare offering a day or breast health education and activities so thatlocal Girls Scouts may receive the “In the Pink” badge. The infor-mation that will be provided will empower girls and their motherswith the better understanding of breast cancer awareness. Programis open to all Girls Scouts, ages 11-17, and their mothers, FREE

April 22 Mammoth Park Fishing Derby8AM-1PM, Mammoth Park, Mammoth, PA;724-830-3950

April 22 Chanticleer Performs “Love’s Messengers”Co-presented by the Seton HillUniversity Musical PerspectiveConcert Series. 730PM, The BlessedSacrament Cathedral,300 North Main St., Greensburg, PA; 724-830-4626

April 23-25 High School Musical7PM, Palace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-832-7464 or724-836-8000 www.stagerightgreensburg.com

Nancy Wilsonwith The Clayton-HamiltonJazz OrchestraPresented by: Trust PresentsBenedum CenterSunday, March 4, 2007, 7:30 PM

The Laurel Mountain Post congratulatesNancy Wilson on her GRAMMY® Awardfor Best Jazz Vocal Album. Turned ToBlue was recorded and produced byMCG Jazz in Pittsburgh. (see MachesterBidwell story on page 12)

Photo by Charles Bush © 2006


To submit your community event to this calendar,please email complete information to [email protected]

April 27 Latshaw Productions presents Frankie AvalonPalace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

April 27-29 Pittsburgh ComiconPittsburgh Expo-Mart Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

April 27-29 Sports Cards & CollectiblesPittsburgh Expo-Mart Monroeville, PA; 412-856-8100www.pghexpomart.com

April 27-29 Ligonier Valley SHS presents South PacificLigonier Valley HS Auditorium, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-9531

April 27- Musical Weird RomanceMay 2 Reeves Theatre, Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA;

724-838-4241 www.setonhill.edu

April 27- Valley Players Of Ligonier & Ligonier Theater PresentMay 6 Mrs. California

Ligonier Theater, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-6514, Ext. [email protected]

April 28-29 Pennsylvania Songbirds-A One Credit Act 48 Teacher Workshop8AM-4PM, Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PA;724-593-6105 www.powdermill.org

April 28 Westmoreland Cultural Trust Presents Art GarfunkelPalace Theatre, Greensburg, PA; 724-836-8000www.thepalacetheatre.org

Recurring Activities Around the Area . . .American Red Cross Blood DrivesMarch 3,5,7,12,13,15,16,20,21,22,27,28,29,30 and April 6,16,18,19,28,29Please call for locations and times 724-837-3671

Wednesday Nites Mexican Nite- Ligonier Tavern, Ligonier, PA;724-238-7788www.ligoniertavern.com. Thursday Nites OBX nitesLigonier Tavern, Ligonier, PA; 724-238-7788 www.ligoniertavern.com

Greensburg Toastmasters ClubWe enable people to improve their communication and leadership skills in arelaxed and supportive atmosphere. Meets Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday atthe Greensburg Court House, Main Street, Greensburg. For more informationcall Mike at 724 537 7966

Westmoreland Museum of American Art Brown Bag LecturesWednesdays, 12 Noon, WMAA, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500 ext. 10www.wmuseumaa.org

Thursdays at the Westmoreland– free programThursdays at 7PM, WMAA, Greensburg, PA; 724-837-1500 ext. 10www.wmuseumaa.org

SECOND SATURDAY STUDIOS-Developed for children ages 7—10, thesefun-filled 2-hour art classes ignite creative experimentation while teachingfundamental art techniques. Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 221 N.Main Street, Greensburg. $12 for individual classes. Registration is required.Call 724/837-1500 ext. 10 or visit www.wmuseumaa.org for more information.

Meet the Scientists Carnegie Museum of Natural HistoryOn two Saturdays this month, meet a different Carnegie Museum of NaturalHistory scientist in one of our permanent exhibit halls for an informaldiscussion of the Museum’s collections and on-going research. Free withmuseum admission, registration is not required. www.carnegiemnh.org

Free Family Activities Carnegie Museum of Natural HistorySaturdays and SundaysExplore selected exhibits with hands-on materials, examine natural historyspecimens and artifacts at our Discover Carts, experience the thrill of diggingin Bonehunters Quarry, and more! For available activities on the day of yourvisit, be sure to pick up a TODAY sheet at any information desk. Free withMuseum admission, no registration required. www.carnegiemnh.org

ARTventures: Family Art-making in the Galleries- Carnegie Museum of ArtFree with museum admission. Sat. and Sun., 12:30–4:30 p.m.Join us every Saturday and Sunday for a fun exploration of artists and theirwork in our collection. With the guidance of ARTventures staff, set offtogether to discover something new in a museum location. A new destinationeach month! Stay as long as you like, and enhance your museum visit bylooking and thinking in a hands-on way.www.cmoa.org 412-622-3131

Barnes & Noble-Our Children’s Storytimes are every Tuesday and Saturdaymorning at 10:00 AM and Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. The last Wednesdaymorning of each month at 10:00 AM we have a Signing Storytime with a story-teller from American Sign Language Association.

Good Fridays Andy Warhol MuseumFriday Nights-, 5-10PM, Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, PA;412-237-8300; www.warhol.org

The Weekend Factory, Andy Warhol MuseumEvery Sat and Sun, 12-4PM, Open studio workshopprovides opportunities for visitors of all ages to experiment with materials,techniques and themes used by Warhol. 412-237-8300; www.warhol.org


TAKE IT ON FAITHPastor Ron Durika

What Is Love, Anyway?

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When the apostle Paul in 50 AD founded a churchin the city of Corinth, he had great hopes that itwould grow and reach many people with the goodnews of Christ. Corinth was a city inhabited byover 250,000 citizens and as many as 400,000slaves. Its location was ideal for spreading theGospel as it was a center for trade in the world atthat time with huge numbers of people passingthrough the city each day. The church itself wasblessed to have people within it who were giventremendous gifts to serve God. In that churchwere teachers, healers, devoted worship leaders,and even some who could prophecy. Paul wrotein a letter to this church how God did not leavethem lacking in any gift (1st Cor. 1:7).

Unfortunately, they were missing a vitalelement within themselves that was causing thechurch to splinter into factions and would leadthem to ruin, or to an existence without God’sblessing. They were spiraling down into sin byhaving cliques that held many different viewpoints,such as which pastor and his teachings should befollowed, in what way they should conductthemselves morally, how they should settledifferences amongst themselves, and how theiractions should be guided by what the communityand culture around them were promoting.

Paul wrote that they needed to rely upon theSpirit of God and be filled with the special lovethat comes from that dependence. Despite all thegifts they had, all the opportunities they weregiven, all the wonderful things that were beingaccomplished in their midst, and despite all thefaith they claimed to possess, they lacked love.This meant that the things they were doing werebeing done for the wrong reasons.

At Christian weddings the most often read textof scripture is found in the 13th chapter of 1st

Corinthians where Paul writes what love is. It isa beautifully written passage that says withoutlove, nothing else matters. It is an excellent

scripture to read at a wedding, but it wasn’t writtenfor a wedding. It was written for a church, a bodyof believers who were being motivated by the wrongreasons to serve Christ. Take time to read it againand think about the need for it in the life of a churchas well the life of a Christian.

If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do nothave love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and allknowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains,but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessionsto feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but donot have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kindand is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does notact unbecoming; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, doesnot take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice inunrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things,hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails; but if thereare gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues,they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. Forknow in part, and we prophesy in part; but when the perfectcomes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child, Iused to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child;when I became a man, I did away with childish things. For nowwe see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face, now I know inpart, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatestof these is love. (1st Corinthians 13)

Our love is a test of faith as well as a visiblesign to those around us that our hearts are in theright place. That right place is shown to be obtainedby possessing a love like that which God has forus. It involves seeking the greater good for Godand those around us before we seek to helpourselves. It is a self-giving love and not a self-seeking love that drives each person to the way oflife that God intended for each of us.

I believe only one person to walk this earthhas ever obtained this high degree of unselfishlove. This does not mean we are to give up ontrying to emulate this perfect love, but instead workas hard as we can, each day of our lives here onearth, to try and achieve it.

therapists to go and live in Italy to teach at theschool. At the moment this is my focus. I hope tolive in Italy, teach respiratory therapy to a newculture, and take the profession world-wide.

I began taking an intermediate Italianlanguage class in February so that I can speakItalian better when I go back over. ISMETT offeredItalian lessons at our hotel three days a week.Luisa was the teacher she taught to our individualabilities. I took full advantage of the classes andattended twice a week. Before I left the US I hadstudied a little with CD’s, but after just fourmonths in Italy I picked up so much that I cannow read, speak, and write well enough to callmyself bilingual. I can also speak enough Spanishand French to get by.

I can truly say that going to Italy saved my

life. I don’t believe that you can go and immerseyourself in another culture for four months andnot be a changed person. Being in Italy and travelingto London and Paris alone made me realize that Ican do anything I want. I knew before that I sethigh standards for myself in life and work but nowI have a whole new set of goals. To just enjoy life!Italians have such a laid back, carefree, and family-oriented way of life. It made me realize thatworking my tail off isn’t always the ticket. I saythat in a good way. You need to take the time toenjoy your family and friends. I have spent moretime at home and with my friends than before Ileft for Italy. Everything happens for a reason. Iwent to Italy for a reason.

Check out Jenn’s online scrapbook of her European adven-ture by visiting our website, www.LaurelMountainPost.com.The official web site for ISMETT is www.ismett.edu.

continued from page 6


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Greensburg, PA – Dana Rizzo recentlywas named water quality educator bythe Westmoreland ConservationDistrict and Penn StateCooperative Extension,Westmoreland County.

In this position, Rizzo willoffer workshops andseminars for area citizensto help them learn moreabout the quality of water inour area – from the qualityof drinking water in localwells, to the health of ourlocal streams. Many of theprograms will includepractical ways to treat, improve, andprotect water quality.

Rizzo grew up in Westmoreland Countyand was aware from a very young ageof the poor quality of the LoyalhannaCreek, which ran near her home. “Iremember that the color of the waterwas orange and that there was sewagein it,” she said, adding that these earlyimpressions were what made her wantto do something to improve water quality.

Dana Rizzo NamedWater Quality Educator

Some of the programs she already hasplanned for the next few months includea workshop on how to manage ponds,

and a workshop on how toinsure proper functioning ofon-lot septic systems.

Rizzo has a decade ofexperience in conservationand education that includeswork at the PennsylvaniaCenter for EnvironmentalEducation, the ClearWaterConservancy, and theUniversity of Arizona.

She has an M.S. in Parkand Resource Management &Environmental Education fromSlippery Rock University and aBachelor of Science and professionalteaching certificate in Education ofHearing Impaired & ElementaryEducation from Indiana University ofPennsylvania.

Interested individuals can get moreinformation about the Conservation District/Cooperative Extension water qualityprograms by calling 724-837-1402.

the greatest woman. Four years later Iasked her to marry me. Tricia and Igot married in East Brady, PA. We havebeen married almost 13 years. I wouldbe lost without her. She and I sharethe duties of raising our two boys (Drewand Alex) and little girl (Annaliese) andinstilling in them the same values ourparents passed to us.

OK, what are the lessons I can gleanfrom all of this? First, young peopleyearn for opportunities to demonstratethat they can handle responsibility.When we give them opportunities, theyexcel. The military is a fantastic placeto gain this opportunity, experience,and education. Military service alsoallows people to give somethingmeaningful to their country. Second,individuals can make a differencethrough perseverance and hard work.I received eight fully-funded years ofeducation and three degrees from themilitary. Nothing worthwhile is easilygained. Not to mention the valuablepractical experience that followed. ButI didn’t join the military because Iexpected these things, I joined because Ithought I could make a difference; themilitary provided the tools.

continued from page 11 Remarkably, all my life I’ve known onlytwo homes – Western Pennsylvania orthe U.S. Armed Forces. I love andcherish them both. Tricia and I hopethat we can someday return and makeWestern Pennsylvania our final home.

Other stuff about me:

Where was I on Sept 11, 2001?Fort Leonard Wood, MO. I was a defensecounsel interviewing witnesses for anupcoming trial. I watched the TV inshock and horror in a hotel lobby withabout 20 strangers. I remember thedrive to St. Louis to catch a flight a fewdays later. I saw a guy running tirelesslyback and forth on an overpass waving agiant American flag at passing cars. Ibeeped in support, then I had to pullover a few miles down the road. I wascrying uncontrollably.

Last book read:Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Three favorite things in my fridge:water, nectarines, and the light bulb.

Strangest thing about me:I’ve never seen a single episode ofAmerican Idol.

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(This story reflects my personal views and opinions and notthose of the U.S. Marine Corps or the Department of Defense.)

Don’t Worry, You’ll Get ItThe Greensburg American Opera

by Barbara M. Neill


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Europeans are notorious for their love affair withopera. Americans, on the other hand, have longregarded opera as a rather elitist entertainment– quite acceptable for the rich, cosmopolitan, andhighbrow, but just not a good fit for the averagecitizen. Too heavy. Well, Brooke Astor andmembers of Mensa move over.

Christina Farrell, the founding director of theGreensburg American Opera, intends to changethe perception of opera in our area. “When I tellpeople that I run an opera company, the responsesI get are, I didn’t know there was an opera companyhere! or How do you sell opera in WestmorelandCounty?” says Farrell. “Because we are still sucha new company, many peopleare unaware of us. I thinkyour readers would be mostinterested in knowing that weare here – and that we are nota traditional opera company.Our programs are designed tobe accessible to both operaveterans and newcomersalike. We hire the region’sfinest professional talent andproduce shows that can beenjoyed by people from allbackgrounds. Because Greens-burg American Opera is takinga fresh approach to opera andfocusing heavily on education,we offer an asset to West-moreland County that isunavailable even in some ofAmerica’s largest cities.”

The main stage performancesof the GAO are scheduledbetween September and May.Smaller productions are beingconsidered for the summer.Farrell explains, “Since weare so young, we areexperimenting to find the rightprogram formula that is ofinterest to local audiences. After this season we’llevaluate what works and what doesn’t, and planthe next season accordingly.” The GAO performsprimarily American operas in several differentvenues – The Palace Theater in Greensburg,the University of Pittsburgh’s GreensburgCampus Ferguson Theater, and the GeyerPerforming Arts Center in Scottdale. The nextscheduled performance is a concert of

contemporary classical music by “bel Duetto”featuring Amanda Beagle and Craig Raymaleyon April 15th at 3:00 p.m. at The Palace Theater.

GAO performers are all professionals who live inor originate from the Greater Pittsburgh Area.Past and current Westmoreland County performersinclude Thomas Octave, St. Vincent Collegefaculty member, Laurie Jones, Seton HillUniversity faculty member, and Zachary Luchette,Saint Vincent College student.

Area schools are reaping the benefits of a localopera company. GAO gives school performancesof Opera? No Way! (a light-hearted introduction

to opera and its vocabulary) forgrades K-5 and the relativelynew The Little BarnyardOpera for pre-K students.These productions arecontracted through Pittsburgh’sGateway to the Arts. GAO hasbeen involved in ScottdaleElementary’s Arts Festival forthe past two years, and recentlyRamsey Elementary of the Mt.Pleasant School District andHillcrest Intermediate Schoolof the Norwin School Districthave viewed their presen-tations. An education-orientedStone Soup workshop for K-6is also available to book. Thisworkshop provides hands-onexperience for students, andgives teachers cross-curricular lesson plans toutilize in their classrooms. Inaddition a children’s operabased on well-known fablesthat would include childrenin the cast is being consideredby the company for next season.While the majority of theirschool performances havebeen done in Allegheny

County, Farrell indicates that she is hoping toattract more Westmoreland County schoolinterest in the future.

Farrell concludes, “I think the most remarkablething about the GAO is that we exist!”

Find out more about the Greensburg AmericanOpera at www.GreensburgOpera.org.

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Join the Staff of the Laurel Mountain PostWe are looking for part-time advertising sales representatives in the Westmoreland county area.

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My Magic Time Machine

Ruth Richardson

I wish I could go back in time,To my childhood and my teensI’d travel to the ‘olden days’In my magic time machine. I’d let my mom be boss again,Let daddy set the rulesWith no responsibilities,Except my grades at school. I’d never roll my eyes at mom,Or stomp and slam the doorI’d listen oh so carefullyTo her sweet, sweet voice once more. Yes, in that little time machine,I’d travel far away,Back to that land of innocenceAnd that’s just where I’d stay. I’d gather friends around meIn West Derry once again.I’d hug them tight and tell themThings I should have said back then. We’d share again our secrets,Confide our hopes and dreamsAnd find the joys we left behindWith that magic time machine. I’ll run right up to Grandma’s house,Climb in her lap again,And have her tell me storiesLike she used to way back when. I’d visit every relative,And not be quick to leaveFor now I know, with every death,Just what it means to grieve. I miss that world, so young and fresh,When we were peachy-keen,I’ll take you with me, if you want,In my magic time machine. We’ll study hard in school this time,We’ll never try to skip,

I’ll make all A’s when I go backAnd make it worth the trip When I visit good old Derry High,Those hallowed halls to walkI’ll cherish every moment there,Not yearn for three o’clock I want to play my 45’sWith lyrics, squeaky clean.The movies all were rated GIn my magic time machine. I want to sleep in my old room,And dream my dreams of oldAnd realize when I awake,Each treasure I behold. I want to learn to drive again,And plan my ‘sweet sixteen,’I’d get my Jaguar XKENot just my time machine! I’ll go for fries with gravyDown at Murray’s RestaurantOr Joe’s Henryburger in LatrobeThe ‘free’ one’s what I want. I want to have a 10 cent sliceof Harry’s fine cuisine,His pizza place is on the list,For my magic time machine. Next I’ll go with all my friends,To dance up at the Rink,Five flights of stairs, two at a time,A magic place, I think. The Rooster’s where I’ll head to next,But first I’ll primp and preen.I’ll tease my hair, and spray my flip,In my magic time machine. I’d hang out with my mom and dad,And know that they were gemsI’d never be embarrassed,To be seen with them by friends.

I’d ASK to hear their stories now,The ones I thought were dumb.‘Cause now I know, how much they shaped,The person I’ve become I’d cherish my whole familyAnd never treat them meanIf I could see them just once more,In my magic time machine. I would never pick a fight again,With Keith, my older brother,Because I know what family means,And how much we loved each other. I’ll know life’s true wealth waits for meBack home when I arrive,I’ll thank the Lord and pout no more,For ‘things’ I was deprived. To see my youth through these old eyes,Would be a priceless treat,And seeing it a second timeWould make it twice as sweet I’ll give my all, to all I love,There’ll be no in between,If we could share just one more day,In my magic time machine. Before I have to come back home,Back to the present time,I’ll immerse myself in ‘used to be’Drink in that life sublime. I’ll fill my soul with yesteryear,With all that I can gleanAnd maybe travel back to now,

In my magic time machine.

Action for Animals Humane Society, WestmorelandCounty’s largest and oldest no-kill animal shelter,will hold its Fourth Annual Auction for theAnimals on Friday, May 18, 2007, at 7pmat Mountain View Inn in Greensburg.Admission is $15 per person. Lastyear’s auction raised over $30,000for the homeless animals at theshelter. Auction co-chairs are LauraGuskiewicz and Dr. Hank Croft, bothAction for Animals Humane Societyboard members. Dean Zug ofBlairsville will once again serve asauctioneer. Auction items include a varietyof autographed Steelers, Pirates, Penguins andother sports memorabilia; a one-week vacationin Hilton Head, SC; spa and golf packages; pet

themed items; gift baskets filled with a variety ofitems and much more.

Action for Animals Humane Society was founded in1983 to shelter and provide care for the abused,

abandoned and stray animals of WestmorelandCounty. We adopt animals into responsiblehomes and vigorously promote the spayingand neutering of all pets to eliminate thecruelty of animal overpopulation. We area non-profit, non-government funded, no-kill shelter that keeps animals free from

the threat of unwarranted euthanasia. Ifyou would like to become a sponsor or donate

an item or service, please call (724) 850-8802 orvisit www.afa.petfinder.org for more information,including photos of auction items already obtained.We hope to see you there!

Auction for the Animals

WestmorelandSale for Kids

Children’s Consignment SaleWestmoreland County Fairgrounds

Sat April 21, 9am -4 pmSun April 22 11am -3pm(Many items ½ price on Sunday)

High Quality Gently Used Children’s ItemsClothes (newborn –preteen), Toys, BabyEquipment, Furniture, More!

FREE PARKING – FREE ADMISSIONCall Lisa Enlow for details at 724-433-8980

Or visit ww.saleforkids.com

TM


THE LIGONIER CHEFScott Sinemus

PURE-ly Sublime in the ’BurghAs a chef I find myself in the strip district quiteoften. It’s the only place in the area where I canfind the freshest, unusual, and difficult to findproducts I need to cook authentic ethnic cuisine.

“The strip” as most natives call it is an areaunique to Pittsburgh, just outside of downtown’s“Golden Triangle”, the Allegheny River, the traintracks and streets all run parallel with each otherfor several blocks. Virtually any food item in thetri-state area comes thru the strip. Although I dohave my regular routine of shops I visit for cookingprovisions, there are a multitude of other shops aswell. Penn Ave Pottery has very unique piecesand you never know what you’re going to find antiqueshopping.

Going to the strip is always an adventure, nomatter what time of year or time of day for thatmatter. When I was growing up the strip was alwaysthe busiest in the wee hours of the morning whenall of the new products were being delivered. Now itseems to be busy all the time. The wee hours arestill when many of the delivery trucks come, followedby the daily start of retail business. The lateafternoon has a small lull, but the nightlife kicksin gear not long after that. If the neighborhood werea person Multiple Personality Disorderwould be the first thought to come to mind.

It never ceases to amaze me how thedynamic of this unique neighborhood haschanged in the last twenty years. Forinstance, I never imagined that thestreets would be packed with tourists fromthe duck tours unfolding their maps andlooking for a specific market. The streetvendors hawking their wares no matterwhat the weather lend such an urban feel,for a second you can believe that you’rein a bustling metropolis like Manhattan.And who would’ve ever guessed that there would bea nightclub scene!

The smells of the “chicken on a stick,”gyro’s,pad Thai noodles, fresh baked bread & biscotti haveyour stomach growling before you even find parking;which is rather limited, but half the fun of theexperience. (I usually tell whoever is with me tostart praying to the parking gods as soon as we getout of the Squirrel Hill tunnel). While we normallystop for a chicken on a stick and a Mung beanpancake from the street vendors, if we have thetime stopping for lunch and a maybe drink in oneof the restaurants is always a treat.

On one of the unseasonably warm days this pastfall we had the time for lunch and thought we’denjoy it on the deck at a new restaurant on 19th

street: Isoldi’s. With a friendly greeting andassurances that we weren’t too late for lunch onthe deck. Our waiter immediately appeared withice water with a cucumber slice in it. Howrefreshing to find such a Mediterranean touch so

close to home. The lunch menu was just as muchof a surprise, homemade soups, salads, crêpes, panini,and homemade pizza! The wine list was concise butthere was a little something for everyone.

We tried the soup, pizza and the crepes. All werecompletely delicious. The crêpes were tender andperfectly cooked. And the Margarita pizza withSopressetta instead of pepperoni was stellar. Thebottle of Principressa Gavi set both the pizza & thecrêpes off quite well.

I was asking so many questions our waiterrecommended that Julie Kirik come out to talkmore about the restaurant. Julie told us that themenu is always fresh and the wine list changesregularly as well. She also told us the owner’s motherPalmina makes the sauce & the Rum Cake. Thedinner menu is attractively presented and althoughI wouldn’t call it cutting edge, the presentation anda few unique sauces make for an enjoyable meal.

We couldn’t help but notice on our way out tothe deck a very contemporary bar area on the secondfloor. Julie told us on the weekends that space is anightclub called Pure–Pittsburgh. Which wasinspired by the club with the same name at CaesarsPalace in Las Vegas. During the week the space is

available for private parties. Julie is one of the “inhouse event coordinators”, it’s important to Isoldi’sthat your event is completely customized. AfterJulie took us on a tour of the club, we immediatelyknew we had to come back and were advised tomake reservations for one of the VIP area’s. Theprivate cabanas are absolutely fantastic… there’seven a ceiling fan inside them! The area with theglass dance floor that overlooks the stairs comingup to the club looked like a great spot too.

We thanked Julie and headed up to FudgieWudgie in the old Presto George spot at 1728 PennAvenue. The open concept candy-making kitchenis a welcome addition to the strip. Alice talked usinto a lot more fudge than we needed really, but thesamples were all so good we just kept saying yes weneed some of that one too. Of course for high enddifficult to find chocolate Mon Ami Chocolatier just afew blocks farther down Penn Ave is the place to go.

When we got home that night we met some friendsfor dinner and told them about Isoldi’s & Pure–

Pittsburgh. It was decided that we all worked so muchduring the holiday’s that we earned a night out in the‘burgh. I made reservations at the Carlton for dinnerand a VIP spot at Pure for after. We had to settle for asofa since the cabanas are booked well in advance.

After some shopping in the Waterfront weheaded over to the Southside Works since wecouldn’t find the perfect gift at the Waterfront. Aneasy drive right down 837 (Carson Street) we gotthere in no time, found what we needed at Sur laTable, so decided to pop into the Irish Pub for a pintas we had spare time before dinner.

There was a group of nurses from MercyHospital out celebrating a bachelorette party. Kim– the bride to be was so much fun most of the bar wasjoining in their party helping her to fill out a scavengerhunt style checklist on one of her gift bags.

Dinner at the Carlton was outstanding as itusually is. Perhaps the best thing about theCarlton is the wine list. It’s comprehensive andnot at all cost prohibitive. Even the Dom Perignonis only $10 over what it is at the state store! KevinJoyce the owner is usually in the house to suggestwines to try and tell you what’s coming up at thewine tasting dinners.

We made it down to Pure–Pittsburgh around eleven o’ clock. Therewas already a line out front waiting to getin! I went up to the bouncer and gave himour name and told him we had VIPreservations. After a few minutes hecame back and said that a mistake hadbeen made but Donna would be out in asecond to help us. Before he could evenfinish telling us that, she appeared.Donna was positively charming and toldme that she is the person to make VIPreservations with and my request hadn’tbeen forwarded to her. I, of course, was

horrified and disappointed that we weren’t going tohave a good time; but Donna assured us they wereworking on it and in a matter of moments we wereseated on one of the sofa’s in the VIP area. The dancefloor was packed with people enjoying the music andthe VIP area was crowded but comfortable as well.There is a two-bottle minimum for anything in theVIP area. Unlike the Carlton, the prices for wine arenearly obscene, but we were celebrating and howoften is a bottle of 96 Rose Dom Perignon available?The Champagne was delicious not to mention atits 10 yr peak.

We are fortunate to have a city with such a smalltown feel so close to home. And with many of thehotels running weekend specials with manyamenities included, it’s almost easier to stay overthan to talk one of your friends into being thedesignated driver. The best part of staying over ofcourse is Sunday Brunch… but that’s another articleentirely.


FOCUS ON CHILDRENNicole Vitale Smith, M.S.W.

Family Fun in PittsburghI have always had a sense of wanderlust. And, as anadolescent and teenager growing up in a small town,I talked of moving to a large city and seeing the world.My friends would attest to my ongoing dream of livingin Arizona! While I have been blessed to live overseasand enjoyed traveling with my husband and children,I am very happy to be back in Western PA and raisingmy family in Pittsburgh. Living north of downtown, itis an hour’s drive from where I grew up and a twentyminute ride to the city that provides a superb varietyof cultural, educational, and entertaining activitiesfor my children. The following is a sampling of whatPittsburgh has to offer families.

Last summer, a group of friends took our childrenon an hour cruise along the Three Rivers. The GoodShip Lollipop is a part of the Gateway Clipper Fleet.The children loved having their face painted andreceiving a fancy balloon. Snacks may be purchasedand music played as we relaxed and enjoyed the sights.More information is available on the web:www.gatewayclipper.com or calling 412-355-7980.The boats are located near Station Square, anentertainment complex located on the South Side(across the river from downtown). After the cruise,the adults and children enjoyed an ice cream inthe outdoor courtyard. Benches are provided towatch the large and pretty fountain set to musicand lights. The children had a great time dancingand running around the fountain and managed toget soaked in the process!! Perfect for a hot, summerday! Inside, Station Square offers an array of shopsand restaurants. While you are visiting StationSquare, a ride on one of Pittsburgh’s 2 inclines is afun family activity. Either the Duquesne orMonongahela incline is worth the inexpensive costfor you to see the breathtaking views of the city!

The summer of 2006 brought a spectacular additionto Schenley Park in Oakland (near the Universityof Pittsburgh). A beautiful Carousel is now locatedin Schenley Plaza, a large green space that used tobe a parking lot! There is an enormous tent forshade plus tables and chairs, a lawn area, benches,food kiosks, and free wireless, and bathrooms. TheCarousel is open May through October and costs$1.25. The hours are: Mon.-Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-7,and Sunday 11-5. The boys and I spent a fewpleasurable mornings/ afternoons at the Plaza lastsummer. They loved riding the Carousel and wetried the hot dogs, pretzels and coffee, we listenedto singers and musicians, and we enjoyed watchingthe Zany Umbrella Circus.

Also located along Schenley Drive, across formFlagstaff Hill is Phipps Conservatory. TheConservatory is a favorite place of mine. It has abeautiful entrance, new shop and dining areas anda recently expanded, indoor room called TropicalForest: Thailand. My family has an annualtradition: attending the Winter Show during

Christmastime, visiting Santa among the amazingflowers, and seeing the great Train Display.Summer is also a nice time to visit and walk aroundthe outdoor gardens. The boys enjoy seeing theButterfly Forest, which runs from April 28 throughOctober 14. The gorgeous Spring Flower Show startsSaturday, March 17 and continues until April 15.Conservatory hours are daily from 9:30- 5pm, and until9pm on Fridays. The cost is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors,and $6 for children ages 2-18. More information andphotos may be viewed: www.phippsconservatory.org.

Another family spot and highlight in Oakland is TheCarnegie Museum of Natural History and Museumof Art. We have spent many fun hours here, and forthe past 2 summers, my oldest son really liked hisweeklong art camps. A fabulous, new dinosaur hallis expected to open in the fall of 2007. Admission toboth museums is included in the following prices:adults, $10 and children ages 3-18, $6. TheMuseum is closed on Mondays from September toJune. Hours are: Tuesday (Mondays in July andAugust) - Saturday, 10-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm.Floor plans, exhibits, and information about specialevents may be found at www.carnegiemueums.org.

Another part of the Carnegie Museums is theScience Center, located on Pittsburgh’s North Shore(next to Heinz Field). This incredible museum hasfour floors with a large separate kid’s section onthe fourth floor. My boys like the water and ball areasand a highlight for them is touring the miniaturerailroad and village. We also like the shows in theBuhl planetarium and going through the USSRequin Submarine. The Science Center hours are:Sunday- Friday, 10-5pm and Saturday, 10-7pm.General admission costs are: $14 for adults and$10 children ages 3-12. Admission to UPMC SportsWorks is included in the price. This building islocated across the street and is a fun, interactivesports environment. Parking is free.

Located at Allegheny Square on the North Side isthe fantastic Children’s Museum. Their website:www.pittsburghkids.org reports that the museumoffers “experiences that inspire joy, creativity andcuriosity.” My boys love it here!! With the recentexpansion, the different play areas are huge. A varietyof activities are provided in the following spaces: theAttic, Backyard, Garage/ workshop, Studio, Theater,Waterplay, Nursery, Mister Rogers, and InteractiveArt. Your family could easily spend the day thereand not see the entire museum. Hours are:Monday- Saturday 10-5pm and Sunday, 12-5pm.Cost is $9 for adults and $8 for children ages 2-18.On Thursdays, all tickets are $7.

Another gem on the North Side is the Aviary. Youand your children will enjoy exploring this sanctuarywith over 600 exotic and endangered birds. TheAviary is open daily from 9-5pm. Costs and photosare found on their website: www.aviary.org.

A wonderful year-round family attraction is thePittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. There is apopular Kids Kingdom and a new Artic Exhibit. LastNovember, I took the boys to see the two Polar Bearsswimming and relaxing in their new home. Thereare several viewing areas with massive windows.The exhibit will also house Sea Otters and Walruses(Fall 2007). The boys have also enjoyed summercamps at the zoo. Hours are as follows: Winter, 9-4pm; spring and fall, 9-5pm; summer, 10-6pm withthe gates closing an hour before the zoo. Prices,starting April1 through November 30 are: $10adults, $9 seniors and $8 kids ages 2-13, with freeparking. More information may be found on theirwebsite: www.pittsburghzoo.com.

If you family is interested in theatre, I wouldrecommend a trip to the Gemini Theatre on PennAve. in Point Breeze. It is a small, intimate settingand an interactive experience. All performances areheld Saturday and Sunday at 1 and 3pm. Tickets cost$8.50 and may be purchased by calling 412-243-5201.My family enjoyed a production on Aladdin last spring.The current show is The Velveteen Rabbit and it runsuntil March 18. The last show of the season is PeterPan, from March 31 until April 29. Summer Campsbegin June 11 and information may be found at theirwebsite: www.geminitheater.org. Another excitingorganization that offers performance art is thePittsburgh International Children’s Theater. Theyprovide an array of shows during a season that runsfrom October-March. The performances are held atdifferent locations throughout the city and suburbs.In November, I took my 3 year old and my Mom to see“The Snow Dragon”, a brilliant show performed byBritish actors. A highlight of the season is thePittsburgh International Children’s Festival, held May16-20 on the North Side. Their schedule may be viewedat www.pghkids.org or calling 412-321-5520.

If you enjoy music, you may consider attending aFiddlesticks Family Concert. The PittsburghSymphony performs three times a year for familieswith children ages 3-8. The shows are well-attendedand are pleasurable for the parents and children. Thenext concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 at11:15am at Heinz Hall. Ticket prices may be found ontheir website: www.pittsburghymphony.org or calling412-392-4900. Another wonderful opportunity to exposeyour children to music may be found at the ManchesterCraftsman’s Guild, located on the North Side. Theyconduct a Jazz Family Series and a Pop Music andJazz concert is scheduled for April 14. Their link is:www.mcgjazz.com.

I hope to instill a love of travel in my children. While Ilook forward to seeing new places in our country andvisiting places around the world, I feel fortunate tolive in a city that has myriad activities for my children.Pittsburgh is a great place for families. After readingthis article, I hope you are excited about having sucha special city so near to your hometown. And,hopefully, you will have the chance to explore one ormany of the places I mentioned. See you in the Burgh!!


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

Passion Bakery

Jerry D. Felton, P.T.

Whether it’s home made Pierogies, Nutrolls,Banana Bread, Pumpkin roll, Noodles, or Pizzadough, you’ll find the best ingredients at this home-based bakery. Everything is made to your order, sodon’t be surprised if you find yourself on a waitinglist. This small bakery is located in Mechesney-town and is open all year round.

The story began a couple of years back whenSusanna Ritenour and John Barr met. Not only arewedding plans in the very near future but the startof their new business is something to shout about.This business is especially geared towards thefamily growing up in a fast paced world, for thosewho don’t have a lot of time to cook or for thosewho have forgotten the past.

Passion Bakery’s name arrived when Johnproclaimed his love for Susanna, and she had a

Passion for the best in food. Home cooking or “oldworld style” food is a hobby for both. These secretrecipes have been handed down by John’sgrandmother Yunik, generations ago.

Friends and family inspired the Barr’s to open thissmall business because they wanted theseproducts available year round. In the past, peoplecould only get homemade pierogies once a year.You’ll find a variety of Pierogies, such as Jalapeno,Potato and Cheese, Sauerkraut, Sweet Cabbageand Lekvar (prune butter) and the large nutrollweighs approximately 3 pounds.

Passion Bakery is also available for fundraisers,weddings, special events and parties. When youdecide that you are in the mood for some comfortfood, just call the number at right and order “YourPassion.”

First Came Love for Mechesneytown Chefs

Integrating Traditionaland Alternative Therapy Services

Unlike most traditional intervention and clinicallocations that primarily focus only at the area ofreported pain, Jerry Felton utilizes whole-bodyassessment and treatment approaches to correctpain and dysfunction. These techniques are highlyeffective, quick to achieve results and are non-manipulative.

Various conditions and diagnosis that aresuccessfully treated include: Acute Pain, Ankle/FootPain, Arm/Hand Pain, Arthritis, Back Pain, CarpalTunnel Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,Chronic Pain, DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), DJD(Degenerative Joint Disease), Elbow Pain,Fibromyalgia, Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis),Headaches/Migraines, Heel Pain, Herniated Discs,Hip/Buttock Pain, Knee Pain, Migraines, Neck Pain,Neuropathy, Plantar Fasciitis, RSD (CRPS), Rib Pain,RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) or known asComplex Regional Pain Syndrome, Sciatica, ShoulderPain, Spinal Pain, Spinal Stenosis, Sports Injuries,Stress, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, TMJ (Tempero-mandibular Joint) pain, and Vertigo.

He addresses the cause of your pain-not just treatyour symptoms. The techniques are painless,quick to achieve proven results-even in one visit/treatment. Therefore, Jerry and his staff takepride in delivering quality, one-on-one care bythe same licensed practitioners in order to meetand exceed your expectations. This is oftencontrary to other corporate-owned practices thatwould not even know who you are and haveconstant staff turnover. In turn, this leads toinconsistent care and inconsistent results.

Jerry earned a B.S. P-T. from the University ofWisconsin-Madison in 1986 and has over 20 yearsof continuous clinical experience. His areas ofspecialty training and certification include:Total motion release™, PRRT™ (Primal ReflexRelease Techniques), Energy Medicine, EnergyPsychology/EFT™ (Emotional Freedom Tech-niques), Energy Kinesiology, Muscle EnergyTechniques. For more information visitwww.JerryDFelton.com or call him today at(724)834-7400 for a consultation.


$25 OFF Any Registration • No Contracts • No CommitmentsLoyalhanna Community Center (Knights of Columbus)

Owner/Instructor Cathy Guerrieri724.244.2869 • [email protected]

Hanna Insurance Agency

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

208 Weldon Street, PO Box 306Latrobe, PA 15650

Providing All Of Your Insurance Needs Since 1959

Summer is coming and parents the world over aretrying to plan stimulating summer activities for theirchildren. Summers can be long for parents andchildren alike, if there is not a little variety added tothe long summer days. Here at the Laurel Mountain Post,we have corralled a list of wonderful camps and activitiesfor you to choose from, ranging from local day campsand activities, to sleep away or travel camps. There area plethora of activities, from sports to theater, art,computers, summer study and just about everything inbetween! Remember, enrolling your child in a summeractivity can be the start of a new hobby or the fulfillmentof a dream your child has had for years. Don’t let theopportunities pass you (or your kids) by . . .

Adrenalin Dreams AdventuresPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-367-7566

Antiochian VillageLigonier, Pennsylvania, Phone: 724-238-3677

Athletic summer camps at Clarion UniversityClarion, PA, 800-672-7171, 814-393-2000www.clarion.edu/athletics/campsOr [email protected]

Athletic summer camps at Indiana Universityof PennsylvaniaIndiana, PA; 724-357-2757Diane McAnulty at [email protected] or ;www.iup.edu/varsitysports/camps/

Camp Ballibay for the Fine and Performing ArtsCamptown, PA; 877 746 2667 [email protected]

Carnegie Science CenterCamps for kids ages 4-5 Insect Investigators,Preschool Detectives, Camps for kids ages 6-7Robots!, Young Inventors, Camps for kids ages 8-10 Robotics, Build It! April 6 and 9412-237-3400, www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

ChallengeLatrobe, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-537-4569

City of Greensburg Recreation DepartmentSummer Programs724-834-4880 or www.city.greensburg.pa.us/html/recreationmain

Derry Area Recreation Board Summer Programs724-694-1416 or www.darb.org

iD Tech Camp, Computer CampCarnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, [email protected] or call 1-888-709-TECH

International Sports Training CampsStroudsburg, PA (570) 620-2267All Sports, Basketball, Soccer, IXTC(a combination of sports and adventure activities)www.international-sports.com

Fritz Schunck Tennis CampsHidden Valley, Pennsylvania, Phone: 814-443-6454

Greensburg YMCA Youth ProgramsGreensburg, PA, 724-834-0150

Latrobe-Unity Parks and RecreationSummer Programs724-537-4331 or www.latroberecreation.org

Ligonier CampLigonier, Pennsylvania, Phone: 724-238-6428

Ligonier Valley YMCALigonier, PA 724-238-7580

Penn State Sport CampsUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, Phone: 814-865-0561

Penn State Summer Study [email protected]

Philadelphia PGA Junior Golf AcademiesUniversity Park, Pennsylvania, Phone: 814-863-1740

Pine Springs CampJennerstown, Pennsylvania, Phone: 814)-629-9834

Point Park University Summer ProgramsPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-392-3970

Powdermill Nature Reserve-BioForay 2007Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector, PATheresa Gay Rohall at 724.593.6105www.powdermill.org

Science QuestGreensburg, Pennsylvania 724-830-1044

Sports International Football CampInstructed by Ryan Clark and James Harrisonof the Pittsburgh SteelersLa Roche College, Pittsburgh, PA1-800-555-0801 (toll-free) or www.footballcamps.com

Summer in the CityPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-338-2489Spend summer camp at Point Park University,downtown Pittsburgh

Summer Opportunities & Research for Space(SOARS)University Park, Pennsylvania, Phone: 814-863-7688

The Pittsburgh ProjectPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-321-1678

The Woodlands Golf AcademyFarmington, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-329-6900

Touchstone Center For CraftsFarmington, Pennsylvania, Phone: 412-329-1370

Vulcan Sports Campsat California State University724-938-4303 or email [email protected]

Winds n Jazz in JuneGreensburg, Pennsylvania Phone: 724-830-1079

Summer Camps 2007

33 East 1st Avenue724-694-2788


©Laura Petrilla

DERRYA Touch of ClassAH CreationsAllison Chiropractic CenterAmeriserv FinancialCaldwell Memorial LibraryCrispin State Farm InsuranceDablock’s Beauty ShopDerry Federal Credit UnionDerry Post OfficeFirst Commonwealth BankGlassmartHerron Hollow StoneryMastrorocco’s MarketPalombo’s Bar & RestaurantPrakash K. Vin, M.D.P.CPit Stop Quik Shop, Inc.Red Apple Kwik FillRite AidS&T Bank

GREENSBURGAcademy of the Wagging TailAdvantage Resource GroupAG Jeweler’s BenchAlternative Bodywork CenterAmazon CafeAmerican Indian JewelryBarnes & Noble BooksellersBeeghly and CompanyBill & Walt’s Hobby ShopCheryl Ann’sThe Computer Clinic (Jeannette)Denny’s (Westmoreland Mall)Descendents Children’s ClothingDr. Philip Dahar, OrthodontistdV8 Expresso BarEarnest GourmetEat N Park (North Huntingdon)Fantastic Sam’s (E. Pittsburgh Street)Fantastic Sam’s (WalMart Plaza)From the Ground UpGander MountainGB Plaza CleanersGianilli’s IIGreensburg Care CenterGreensburg Post OfficeGround Round (Westmoreland Mall)Hampton InnHoliday Inn ExpressJerry D. Felton, PTJing Huang Chinese RestaurantJust Miniature ScaleKatsur DentalKnit WitsMalloy’s CameracadeMontgomery Foot & Ankle CenterMountain View InnMy Sissy’s ClosetMustard Seed Gallery, Inc.Pagnotta CafePalmer PavillionPark Classic Diner (Jeannette)The Pawn and Jewelry ExchangePepperwood Grille (Westmoreland Mall)Petals ‘n Ponds (Jeannette)Phillip Pelusi (Westmoreland Mall)Pizza HutPizza SienaPrudential InsuranceReese TeleservicesSeton Hill UniversitySharp Image Hair Designs/Day SpaSmail Mazda, AcuraSun Parlor Tanning SalonSuper 8 MotelThomas Vince, DMD

Tom Clark FordTommy’s BookshelfTwice As NiceThe Victorian Tea LadyWestmoreland Athletic ClubWestmoreland Chamber of CommerceWestmoreland Dermatology AssociatesWestmoreland Intermediate UnitWestmoreland Museum of American ArtWilder & Co.

LATROBEAdelphoi VillageAqua PetsArnold Palmer Motors IncArnold Palmer Regional AirportAwesome Blossoms by AlBella PastaThe Corner StoreChestnut Ridge Primary Care, Ltd., WeldonChiropractic Health CenterCoffee Bean CafeCommercial National Bank (Downtown and Lawson Heights)Dainty Pastry ShoppeDenny’sDino’s Sports LoungeDiNunzio’s Italian ChophouseDr. Mucci & Dr. PiccianoDr. Philip Dahar, OrthodontistDr. Scott Learn, DMDDrs. Hansen & TorbaDream Maker WeddingsFalbo’s Rainbow Inn

Latrobe Hospital ERLatrobe Hospital Little ShopLatrobe News StandLatrobe Post OfficeLatrobe Senior CenterLaurel Nursery/Garden CenterDr. Gregory R. LauroLazor FurnitureLen’s JewelryLoyalhanna Care CenterMosso’s Medical Supply Company Inc.National City Bank (Latrobe 30 Plaza)Northwood RealtyOlson’s Mozart HousePennywise BooksPizza SienaPlaza News StandThe PondRay Foot & Ankle CenterRoadman’s Country Living ShopRose Style ShoppeScotty G’s PizzariaSharky’s CafeSherwin-Williams (Latrobe 30 Plaza)Shop-N-Save (Latrobe 30 Plaza)St. Vincent CollegeSt. Vincent GristmillTuxedo RoomVita-ChargeVittone Eye Surgical AssociatesWeiss FurnitureWingate InnYoungstown TireZappone Sausage Co & Retail Outlet

LIGONIERAbigail’s CoffeehouseAmerican Indian JewelryBetsy’s of LigonierCarol & Dave’s RoadhouseCeltic CultureCompass InnConnections StoreThe Country CupboardCrafts UnlimitedCurves for WomenDiamond CafeEndless PossibilitiesEquine ChicThe Fairfield GrilleFirst National BankFox’s PizzaGiant EagleGiant Eagle Get-GoGino Gianelli’sGraytok Family Vision CareHair ParadeHighland ChiropracticThe Hollow TavernIvy’s CafeJames Vincent SalonJohn Clark JewelersLa Rosa’s Barber ShopLaughlintown Post OfficeLigonier Chamber of CommerceLigonier Country InnLigonier Outfitters & NewsstandLigonier Palms Tanning SalonLigonier PharmacyLigonier Post OfficeLigonier TavernLigonier TheaterLigonier YMCAMain Street DeliPamela’s Golden Touch SalonThe Paper House & BaskitryPathfinder Photo

The Pet CornerPersnickityThe Pie ShoppeThe Post and RailRamada InnThe Road ToadRosalie Jioio’s Little ItalyRuthie’s DinerThe Sandwich ShoppeSewickley SpaStandard BankSubwayThe Treehouse in LigonierUnderneath

NEW ALEXANDRIACurves for WomenDi’s Pizzeria & RestaurantJohna’s Hair DesignOasis HotelQwik StopSheetzThe Roadhouse

NORTHAsian Cuisine - Allegheny Twp.Blairsville Pharmacy - BlairsvilleBlue Ridge Family Restaurant - BlairsvilleBonfire Rest - LeechburgChina King - LeechburgCuttin’ Loose - LeechburgDean’s Diner - BlairsvilleDevita’s Pizza - LeechburgFantastic Sam’s - BlairsvilleFirst Commonwealth Bank - LeechburgGuy’s Tavern - AvonmoreHappy Day Cafe - LeechburgJerich Insurance - LeechburgJimmy Stewart Museum - IndianaLake’s Roadhouse - LeechburgLonestar - AvonmoreMelissa’s Cut ‘n Curl - BlairsvilleNails 4 You - ApolloNorthwood Realty - BlairsvillePapa Sal’s Restaurant - BlairsvillePie Cucina - BlairsvilleRivertown Pub - Leechburg

EASTCourtyard by Marriott - AltoonaFlower Barn - JohnstownFoggy Mountain - DonegalItalian Gourmet Deli - DonegalGreen Gables - JennerstownJohnstown Flood MuseumLiving Treasures Animal Park - DonegalLog Cabin Motel - DonegalLoyalhanna Veterinary Clinic - StahlstownMountain Horse Saddlery - DonegalMountain Playhouse - JennerstownOakhurst Tea Room - SomersetSarnelli’s Market - Jones MillsSeven Springs Mtn. Resort - ChampionTall Cedars Restaurant - DonegalUniMart - New Florence

WESTCourtyard Downtown - PittsburghLevin Furniture - MonroevillePat Catan’s - MonroevilleProduction Masters Inc (PMI) - PittsburghSpitzer Toyota - Monroeville

Pick Up A Copy of the Laurel Mountain PostAcross the County & Neighboring Communities!

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First Commonwealth BankFirst National Bank (Downtown, Latrobe 30 Plaza)Gino’s Pizza of LatrobeGreen MeadowsHanna Insurance AgencyHarvey’s Barber ShopHolzer’s StoreIn-Sync Rehabilitation ServicesJazzercise (Loyalhanna)Jocelyn’s Beauty SalonJoe’s Store & Deli (Lawson Heights)L & L Quik LubeLatrobe 30 News StandLatrobe Animal ClinicLatrobe Art CenterLatrobe Center Distributing, Inc.Latrobe Chamber of CommerceLatrobe ElksLatrobe Glass & MirrorLatrobe Hair Company

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What is PRRT(primal reflex release techniques)?PRRT is a technique to take care of reflexively driven pain. On examination,patient will display the reflexive nature of their pain through nocioceptivestartle responses on certain key areas of the body. PRRT uses the Law ofReciprocal Inhibition to down regulate irritability in musclesthroughout the body. It is a hands-on, whole-body technique to correct painand dysfunction with immediate and lasting results in most cases. This formof therapy was developed by John Iams-Poway, California. To learn more,visit www.JerryDFeltonPT.com

Forestry Workshop PlannedGreensburg, PA – If you’d like to knowmore about how to sustainablymanage a woodlot, the WestmorelandConservation District “Forestry II”workshop on Saturday, March 31, cangive you some good, practical insights.Led by District Forester Tony Quadro,the morning-long event will provideinformation on basic woodlot ecology,silviculture, measurement and timber-

volume determination, stand develop-ment and forest history, forest succes-sion, tolerance, crown position, relativestand density, and types of cutting.

The workshop begins withregistration at 8:30 a.m., will takeplace both indoors – at the District’sheadquarters on Donohoe Road inHempfield Township, which features

a variety of local wood in itsconstruction – and outdoors in theadjacent, natural wooded area of AnnRudd Saxman Nature Park. Theworkshop will conclude by noon.

Cost is $5, and advance registrationis required. For more information,contact the Conservation District at724-837-5271 or [email protected].

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Laurel Mountain Post :: March-April 2007