What's going on in and around Somerset County?
Dr. Tyra Phipps releases book
Tyra Phipps Tyra from Frostburg University, announced that "More Folded Notes Middle Year Memories" (the follow-up to "Folded Notes") is now available at Amazon.com. This new book was released in August of 2022. It is a semi-autobiographical work of people and places that are treasures written into a fictional storyline of life’s challenges, endings and new beginnings.
Johnstown Ski Club officers
Conrad Sikirica of Johnstown was elected president of the Greater Johnstown Athletic Ski Club. He is a supervisor at McIlwain Bus Lines and former manager at Ski Den Sports. He is PAVO certified line judge for NCAA volleyball. Sikirica is also a member of the Nittany Legends volleyball team which competes in the USA Nationals, National Senior Games and Pennsylvania and Maryland Senior Games.
Other officers elected are: Annette Kamzik, vice president; Marsha Flower, secretary; Judy Adams, treasurer; Lynne Dougherty, communications director; John Campos, financial director; Barbara Visnovsky, newsletter editor; and Robert Snoby, past president. Trustees are Lary Koval, Randy Lear, Steve McGee and Shawn Sherer Sr.
The organization is kicking off its membership drive for 2022-23. The active, year-round social club will celebrate its 44th year anniversary at Ace's on Nov. 12, via Evenbrite.com. The annual membership includes admission to Ace's on Nov. 12. For more information, call 814-536-7325 or www.johnstownskiclub.com.
Haunted Hills Estate Scream Park
Haunted Hills Estate Scream Park, 236 Rolling Hills Estate Road, Uniontown, added three brand-new attractions for the 2022 season. The park will run weekend nights through Nov. 5. The most significant addition is Twisted Nightmare 3-D, a walk-through attraction that combines high-tech effects, horrifying, distorted clown characters, and Chromadepth 3D technology to produce a dizzying trip through a nightmarish funhouse. Also debuting at the park is a Mutant Paintball experience as well as Stalker Hollow Corn Field, where visitors must survive encounters with Cryptids. The Park’s creative team has added new walk-through sections to their “fan favorite” attraction, The House, as well as a new interactive “flashlight” element. Patrons brave enough to trek through the famed “Woods Trails” that gave the park its reputation in the 2000s, will experience new sections of path, new effects and several new scenes in “The Burial,” “Deadwoods” and “Sin Creek.” Order a “Scream Park Shake” or a “Twisted Nightmare Shake” at Day & Night Exotic Cereal Bar in Morgantown, West Virginia. Combining elaborately-decorated ice cream shakes with bits of Halloween-related Cereal, these menu items will be available at the High Street location until Oct. 31. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. Guests can visit www.HauntedHillsEstate.com for tickets and more information.
More:Why did nine Meadow View Nursing Center residents receive diplomas?
Free webinar on starting your own business
The Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center and Somerset Trust Co. have scheduled a pre-business planning webinar at 5 p.m. Sept. 28. This free webinar is for people who are interested in opening and operating their own business. Topics to be discussed are feasibility issues, marketing, recordkeeping, business plans, legal issues, regulations/taxes and financing. Pre-registration is requested. Interested persons may contact the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center at 814-472-3200 or register online at https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/29611.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Discuss recycling with new Somerset County recycling coordinator Bryony Tilzey at 7 p.m. Sept. 29, at the Meyersdale Public Library, 210 Center St., Meyersdale.
Celebrating a Legacy
Celebrating a Legacy at 6 p.m. Sept. 30, at Sunnehanna Country Club, 1000 Sunnehanna Dr., Johnstown. The 2022 honorees are Mark Ed, Natalie Kurchak, Dan Helsel and Rosie Sida. The evening includes a cash bar, silent auction, dinner of tossed salad, chicken paprikash with rice, green beans, and chocolate lava cake, entertainment and recognition awards. All reservations and payments are due by Sept. 23. For more information, visit caccc.org or call 814-255-6515. Proceeds benefit the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
Steam train ride
Experience the sights, sounds and smells that was once associated with steam travel with the Rockwood Historical Society Oct. 15. They will travel to Cumberland, Maryland and board the steam train at 11 a.m. to ride to Frostburg, Maryland, for lunch at the Toasted Goat in the old Gunther Hotel. Contact Cindy Hoover at 814-289-9533 for reservations. Both the ride and lunch must be prepaid by Oct. 1.
Candlelight Vigil
Somerset County Military Family Support Group's 19th annual Candlelight Vigil is at 7 p.m. Oct. 1, at the Somerset County Courthouse. In case of inclement weather, the location will be moved indoors. Honor the Somerset County military and veterans with luminaries, speakers, prayer and music. www.somersetmilitaryfamilysupportgroup.org or visit them on Facebook. The group is willing to help military families in need whatever it may be. If your family member is deployed outside the continental U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii) SCMFSG would like to send them a care package showing support for their efforts and service. Contact them with the name and contact information along with yours so when SCMFSG has events of interest, they can notify and invite you.
Williamson reunion
The Williamson's are planning a family reunion on Oct. 1, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Buckstown. The theme of the event is "Back to the Roots." Descendants of Charles Wesley Williamson, a Somerset County Commissioner in the 1890s, are gathering at the church from noon until 4 p.m. A speaker from the Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor will speak about the historical significance of the Lincoln Highway that runs through Buckstown, which was once abustling village along the main transportation artery between Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and farther west. For additional information, call Dennis Williamson at 814-285-7771.
More:Somerset makes significant donation to Oncology Center; takes down Central Cambria
Fast & Furriest Car Show
The Fast & Furriest Car Show benefiting the Humane Society of Somerset County is Oct. 1, at Memorial Highway Chevrolet in Somerset. Registration at 9 a.m. First 100 cars will receive a dash plaque, goodie bag and T-shirt. Trophies will be awarded. Race cars, motorcycles and imports welcome. Music by The Vandells. Basket auction, 50/50, food available by Pappy D's BBQ.
Tire Collection Day
The Somerset County Commissioners are sponsoring a Tire Collection Day between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Oct. 1, at the Conemaugh Township Municipal Building. Car ties, 19.5 tires and tractor trailer tires will be accepted for a cost per tire. However, agriculture tires will not be accepted. Tires may be dropped off on a rim or off a rim. The tires collected at this event will all be recycled through Penn Turf. Cash and checks addressed to "County of Somerset" will be accepted at the time of the drop off. Register your tires prior to the event at: https://forms.gle/ooMdLftktMP2uvbm7.
Photography exhibit
A photography exhibit "Between the Light and the Shadow" by Eric Falk will be held at the renovated barn on the grounds of St. John the Baptist Church, Findley Street, New Baltimore, from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 1. The exhibit is currently a work in progress toward a more permanent depiction of this very special place, New Baltimore. What specific form that permanent reminder will be is not yet finalized — a book is the hope. It takes many of the images he has made of the town and its people since 2019 and combines them with archival images from various sources to tell the story of this town. Members of the community are asked to share their memories, thoughts and feelings by writing on the images during the actual exhibition.
Blessing of the Animals
The annual Blessing of the Animals will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 1, at the Friedens Lutheran Church, 131 South Main St., Friedens. Bring cats, dogs, chickens, guinea pigs, etc. The service of blessing will be held under the church carport, rain or shine. There will be treat bags for all the pets and treats and refreshments for the people attending. Donations will be accepted for our local Humane Society-cat or dog food, bleach, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, toys, Nyla bones, monetary donations. Call the church office at 814-445-4627 with any questions. Our church is located at , Pa.
Free fishing event military veterans
Military veterans are invited to a free day of fishing, food and fun at Kingston Veterans and Sportsmans Club in Latrobe Oct. 1. The event, which is in its fifth year, is sponsored by the Forbes Trail and Ken Sink chapters of Trout Unlimited along with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing. Originally designed for military veterans with disabilities, it is now open to all veterans ranging from experienced anglers to those fishing for the first time. Trout Unlimited will provide one-on-one instructions and a full-time mentor along with gear for those who need it. Veterans can bring a guest. Lunch, bottled drinks and snacks will be provided at the facility, which features a large lake with easy wheelchair access and ADA accessibility along with two pavilions and portable restrooms. Veteran’s name and contact information deadline was Sept. 19. Attendees are asked to provide their own transportation and bring a camping chair.
St. Mark’s Blessing of the Animals
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., downtown Johnstown, Blessing of the Animals from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 1, in the church courtyard. Bring pets of any species for a special blessing by St. Mark’s priest, the Rev. Nancy L. Threadgill. Keep dogs on leashes and other pets gently restrained as appropriate for their species. For additional information, contact the Rev. Nancy Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbb.net or 814-535-6797.
“Postcard & Paper Americana Show”
The Greater Johnstown Postcard Club is hosting the “Postcard & Paper Americana Show” from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 1, at the Ebensburg Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg. Admission is charged. The club is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Free community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 1, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be barbecued chicken, potato salad, baked beans, vegetables, fruit, bread and dessert. The meal will be served and sponsored by Scalp Level Trinity UMC.
Somerset County Recovery Walk
Join Somerset County Oct. 1, at Crossroads, 651 S. Center Ave., Somerset, as they walk through the community to support and uplift those on the path to recover. Live music, food, motivational speakers. First 30 walkers will receive a free T-shirt and backpack. Walk begins at 2 p.m., weather permitting. Proceeds will go to Somerset Inc.
More:Daylight saving time ends Nov. 5. Why do we set our clocks back?
Touch-A-Truck
Touch a Truck is from 9-11 a.m. Oct. 1, at Maple Ridge Elementary School parking lot. For children ages birth to 12. Children do not have to be school age or attend Maple Ridge. If your child likes big trucks, tractors, buses, construction equipment and emergency vehicles, come for a day of fun. Children can explore, climb in and honk horns of the many vehicles on display. This is a one of a kind truck show for children. From 9-10 a.m. will be a quiet time with no horns for children that may be sensitive to loud noises.
Apple Cider Festival
The Prince Gallitzin State Park Apple Cider Festival is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 2, at Muskrat Beach No. 2. Enjoy craft vendors, food vendors, hayrides, live music, petting zoo, chainsaw carving, apple cider pressing, environmental program.
'A World of Wonder'
"A World of Wonder" presented by the Greater Johnstown Camera Club Oct. 3-29 at the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Gallery, Community Arts Center, Johnstown. Opening reception 6:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 3. There are a total of 112 entries for this exhibition. A video tour of the artwork will be available at the CACCC’s YouTube after Oct. 6, along with an Artist Lecture being upload toYouTube after Oct. 15. The public is welcomed to visit the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery, Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is based on a PWYD (Pay What You Decide) donation.
JSO tickets
Season 94 of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra tickets on sale. This season JSO is celebrating the talents of the hometown musicians at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center. Concerts include Shawn Roth from Richland High School + Bolero, at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22; Home for the Holidays, orchestra led by music director James Blachly and Johnstown Symphony Chorus led by Jeffrey Webb, at 3 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; Kathy Voytko, who graduated from Bishop McCort High School, and open mic, at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11; and Sibelius and Beethoven with MCG, with concertmaster Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, at 7:30 p.m. March 11. johnstownsymphony.org/hometown94.
PumpkinFest
The 33rd annual PumpkinFest in Confluence is Oct. 7 to 9. The event features a wide variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. PumpkinFest kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with the PumpkinFest Queen Pageant and Crowning at the Turkeyfoot Valley School District. Craft and food vendors will be open between 2 to 10 p.m. Friday, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Various bands, including The Rugg Band, Part Time Cowboys, Allison Borek, Country Express and Stoneycreek Bluegrass, will perform in the entertainment tent Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Springs Folk Festival
Springs Folk Festival featuring working juried artisans, PA Dutch Foods, continual music is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 7 and 8, at 1711 Springs Road, Springs. 814-442-4594. www.springspa.org and Facebook Only service dogs permitted.
Tales of Music & Monsters
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County (CACCC) brings the premier of "Tales of Music & Monsters" by Christopher Collins and Tim Dabbs.This cabaret style production features original "chilling and terrifying" monologues, along with works of Edgar Allen Poe, all coupled with song. Each piece, from tale to melody, features dramatic storytelling. It is presented in the black box theatre of the M. Josephine Paul Family Museum of the Community Arts Center at 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. Performance dates: 7 p.m. Oct. 7, Oct. 8, and 2 p.m. Oct. 9. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Community Arts Center of Cambria County at 814-255-6515 or visit the Community Arts Center’s website (www.caccc.org). Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
Annual Youth Pheasant Hunt
The Jenner Rod and Gun Club sponsors its annual Youth Pheasant Hunt at 8 a.m. Oct. 8, at the club’s main picnic grounds located at 157 Geiger Road, Friedens. The hunt is free to youth hunters who have a junior hunting license. Pheasants, guides, dogs and lunch will be provided. Participants need to bring an orange hat and vest, license, shotgun and shells. Preregistration is required at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/185860. Call or text Logan Lichvar for assistance in registering or with questions at 814-248-1640.
"Crazy About You!"
The Roof Garden Barbershop Chorus will present the show "Crazy About You" at 2 p.m. Oct. 9, at the Grace United Methodist Church, 320 Felgar Road, Somerset. The theme of this year's show is "Crazy." It is a tale of an infatuated young man in pursuit of the girl of his dreams and it seems she is "Driving Me Crazy." He promises her that he wants to "Grow Old with You" and they will be "Happy Together." These are just three of the songs from the chorus' a capella repertoire directed by Philiip Parlock. The featured guest vocal group will be the Flight 93 Memorial Chorus, based in Cumberland, Maryland, but includes men from the tri-state area. It is under the direction of Jeff Avey. The chorus has performed before audiences from Altoona to Bedford to Morgantown, West Virginia, and for the past 11 years at the Flight 93 Memorial. Other groups appearing during the afternoon include the Heart and Soul Quartet, the Parlock Family and Dynamic Pressure, a quartet from the Forest Hills school. Tickets can be obtained from any chorus member or at the door.
Paddle Auction
Paddle Auction, sponsored by The Pius Spring Woman's Club to benefit J.B. Schrock Community Park, is from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 9, at the Berlin Borough Building, 700 North St., Berlin. Ticket includes light fare and beverages. Vendors include Country Petals, Log House Candies, Meadows Farm Apiary, Pampered Chef, Scentsy and Sparkle by Scintillare. Additional paddles can be purchased. Tickets available at Cup of Soul or by calling Cindy Flamm at 814-233-9045.
Spaghetti dinner
The American Legion Post 946 spaghetti dinner is from 4-6 p.m. Oct. 13, at the Legion Home. Menu will be spaghetti, meat sauce, salad, bread and dessert. It will be eat-in or take-out. Proceeds go toward the upkeep on the building.
Buckwheat & Pancake Supper
The Ohiopyle Fire Co. Buckwheat and Pancake Supper along with crafts, is 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 14-15, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Co. and Community Center.
Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
Somerset Inc.'s Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular is from 12 to 7 p.m. Oct. 15, at Uptown Somerset, starting at 101 W. Main St., Somerset. Pumpkin carving, apple cider, hay maze, carriage rides, Halloween yoga. Magic show by Miss Dody-Jane at 1 p.m, the Mandibles from 2-5 p.m. and Red Law from 5-7 p.m. Showing local film Dark Shade 4 in the historic Schenk Building at 7 p.m.
OktoberFest
Meyersdale Renaissance Inc. presents OktoberFest from 12-5 p.m. Oct. 15 in Festival Park, Meyers Avenue. Food trucks, music and beer. DJ Music Express will kick off the afternoon, followed by 3rd Avenue and So Lo. Breweries, a cidery, Suder's for domestics, Out of the Smoke and Tollhouse BBQ.
Johnstown Concert Series
The Johnstown Concert Series brings world-class musicians to Johnstown. IUP Faculty Woodwind Quintet 7:30 p.m. Oct. 15, at First Presbyterian Church, 309 Lincoln St., Johnstown. They have performed at multiple meetings of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. Did a tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia, playing at the Moscow Conservatory and the Rimsky Korsakov Conservatory. Tickets available through the website www.johnstownmusic.org or at the door.
Fall Classic Jackpot
The Somerset County Beef Producers Fall Classic Jackpot is Oct. 15, at the Somerset County Fairgrounds, Meyersdale. Sign up on Showman App. Prize amounts for top five steers and heifers include Champion $750; reserve champion $500; third overall $250; fourth overall $125; and fifth overall $75.
Fall Community Vendor Event
The Pennsylvania Maple Festival Fall Community Vendor Event is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15, at the Meyersdale Community Center, 215 Main St., Meyersdale. Food and beverage items will be available for purchase. For more information or to register as a vendor, call 814-634-0213 or email pamaple@verizon.net.
Vegas-style Casino Night fundraiser
The Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Foundation will be hosting its first Casino Night fundraiser at 5 p.m. Oct. 20, at Sunnehanna Country Club. The college Foundation’s Black Bear Casino Night will feature authentic casino games with real card dealers (craps, blackjack, roulette, and poker), raffle prizes, 50/50 winnings, appetizers, drinks and assorted desserts. Attendees will be entertained with live music by Jazz in your Face. Raffle prizes range from a 50” flat screen smart TV, gym memberships, YETI prize packs, authentic Coach purse and matching wallet, Apple watch, and more. Every dollar raised goes back to the students at Penn Highlands Community College through the Supporting Scholars Fund.To purchase tickets, visit https://www.pennhighlands.edu/CASINO or call the Foundation at 814-262-6448.
‘Wellness Isn’t Scary’ Health Fair
The Cambria County Health & Welfare Council and Cambria County Suicide Prevention Task Force is featuring a "Wellness Isn’t Scary" Health Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22, at Greater Johnstown High School. The health fair will raise awareness about health and social services available to the public. Attendees will also learn how to take care of their physical and mental health. Parents are encouraged to bring their children dressed-up in their Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat at each of the vendor tables. There will be children’s activities, including a bouncy house. Event tote bags will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Lunch will also be provided on a first come, first served basis. Individuals who wish to attend the health fair but struggle with finding transportation are encouraged to contact CamTran to schedule a free “Reserve a Ride” or fill out the form at https://forms.gle/ad9SBjiDvAcekJJv6. Choose to be picked up directly at your front door or at a neutral location.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: What is happening in and around Somerset County this week?
