What's going on in and around Somerset County for the end of March?

People or groups with events are invited to post them for free in the Daily American events calendar. https://www.dailyamerican.com/things-to-do/events/

Medicine return unit

The Area Agency on Aging and the Somerset County District Attorney's office teamed up to take drugs off the street. Bring unwanted, unused and expired prescription and over-the-counter medications to your local senior center on the following dates and have them disposed of properly. Accepted will be prescription and over-the-counter solid medications, tablets and capsules, liquid medications, inhalers, creams, ointments, nasal sprays and pet medicines. Not accepted are intravenous solutions, injectables and needles. Senior Centers 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 22 Confluence, March 29, Meyersdale; and April 5, Conemaugh Township.

Project FeederWatch

Laurel Hill State Park is hosting Project FeederWatch to observe backyard birds for science. Participants will count birds and submit data for an international research project. Counts will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the Laurel Hill Visitor Center. Count dates are: March 22; and April 11 and 12. For more information, call the Laurel Hill Visitor Center at 814-352-8649. For those who need an accommodation to participate in park activities because of a disability, contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: at 888-PA-PARKS (voice) 717-558-2710 (local or international voice,) 711 (AT &T Relay Services.) With at least three days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.

Conservation 51st annual Tree & Plant Sale

The Cambria County Conservation District Annual Tree & Plant sale catalog has been released. It offers seedlings and bare root nursery stock to help create small orchards, wildlife habitat, small fruit gardens and beautiful landscapes. The catalog includes many new varieties of fruit trees, shade and ornamental trees/shrubs and evergreen seedlings. The berry selection includes strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and elderberries, asparagus, rhubarb and a selection of perennial flowers, peonies and ground cover. Wildlife boxes are also offered along with support items for your plants. The catalog and a fillable order form, can be accessed on the website at www.cambriaconservationdistrict.org or visit the Cambria County Conservation District Facebook Page. Contact the office at 814-472-2120 to request a catalog. The deadline for orders is March 22, with payment. Orders need to be picked up on April 14, at the American Legion Cambria County Fairgrounds Agriculture Building, in Ebensburg from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Proceeds support local conservation efforts and environmental education programs.

Elks fish fry

Every Friday during Lent, Meyersdale Elks Lodge, Dale Street, is serving fish from 4:30 until 7 p.m. Fried or baked (unbreaded) haddock, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw, roll and coffee. Other beverages also available. For takeout orders, call 814-634-8411 between 7-9 p.m. Thursday, or 2-4 p.m. Fridays.

Rockwood Lenten fish fry

Rockwood American Legion Post 279 Lenten fish fry is March 24 and 31, serving from 4-7 p.m. Eat in or take out. Delivery to Rockwood. Includes hand battered fish, baked potato, coleslaw and dinner roll. Call 814-926-2626.

St. John's Lenten fish fry

St. John's Parish Hall, New Baltimore, eat in or take out Lenten fish fry 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 24 and March 31. Fried and baked fish, fried shrimp, baked potato, stewed tomatoes, green beans, haluski, coleslaw, soup, pudding or cake, beverage.

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St. Elizabeth Lenten fish fry

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, 605 Graham Ave., Windber, Lenten fish fry 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday during Lent, March 24 and March 31. Phone in and take out only, 814-467-7191, ext. 4.

Talbot in Johnstown

Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward and 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Max Talbot will make a public appearance in Johnstown March 24. The evening will begin with a one-hour, private VIP event with Talbot inside 1st Summit Arena. Talbot will then drop the ceremonial “first puck” prior to the start of the Tomahawks game against the Philadelphia Rebels. He will then be doing a free meet and greet for fans in the party pit. Fans will not be required to purchase a meet and greet ticket. A limited number of tables and individual seats at the private event are available and can be booked by emailing derek@johnstowntomahawks.com. Tickets for all Tomahawks home games can be purchased, and sent directly to your mobile device from www.ticketmaster.com.

VOMA presents Jake Dryzal

VOMA Jazz, Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St., in the Cambria City Cultural District, 814-410-2245, thevomaspace@gmail.com, Jake Dryzal, at 7:30 p.m. March 24. Great American Racer is the brand new studio project from Pennsylvania singer-songwriter Jake Dryzal. Dryzal's music as Great American Racer harkens back to '70s folk rock, Bruce Springsteen-esque heartland rock, and contemporary dream pop. The upcoming self-titled début album is a concept album about the heroin and opiod epidemic that has been raging on in the Rust Belt America for several decades, particularly in Dryzal's hometown of Johnstown, which has been ravaged by three historic floods and severe economic decline. Lyrically, the record draws parallels between Johnstown's diminishing industries and its population's struggles with substance abuse. The album was recorded from 2019 to 2022, and will be released on March 24, through Erie-based label Prodigious Product. Doors at 7 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. BYOB is welcome with proper I.D.

Cherry Blossom Festival bus trip

The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center will travel to Washington, D.C. April 8, for Petalpalooza — CherryBlossom Festival. Artists can tote their tools to capture the civic scenes and the budding blossoms for a unique plein air painting/ drawing experience. For those who just want to tour the National Mall and enjoy the flowers can do that as well. The bus trip is part of the Bottle Works’ 30th anniversary celebration activities. All year-long, the organization aims to provide fun special events and programs that highlight its mission: inspiring artistic passion, creating community connectivity, and honoring heritage and cultures. Ticket includes transportation, Petalpalooza festivities and bus ride snacks. The bus will stop at Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 5621 Spectrum Dr., Frederick, MD 21703, on the way back to Johnstown. Seats are limited. Payment is due upon registration. Registration deadline is March 24. To attend, go to www.bottleworks.org, to fill out the registration form. Online payment option is also available. Or register via phone with Melody by calling 814-535-2020.

Easter Extravaganza Kid’s Fair

State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will host a free Kid’s Fair with the Easter Bunny at the Young Peoples Community Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1. The event is open to children 12 or younger and includes a free lunch and a visit with the Easter Bunny. Parents and guardians are encouraged to bring a camera for photo opportunities. Also attending the fair will be representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police, Game Commission, and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources distributing educational materials. Those interested are highly encouraged to RSVP ahead of the event, no later than March 24, by calling 814-472-8021.

Berlin VFD Spring Toy Train Show

The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Spring Toy Show is 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 25, at the Berlin Community Building, 700 North St., Berlin. Dealer tales, all scales, drawing for train set. Food provided by Berlin Ladies Auxiliary.

Journey to the Cross — An Easter Experience for Families

Journey to the Cross — An Easter Experience for Families will be held from 1-3 p.m. March 25, at Somerset Church of the Brethren, 606 Berlin Plank Road, Somerset. Travel and step through the Bible and follow Jesus to the Cross. Experience the message of Easter in an unforgettable way as participants take part in each of the five segments. RSVP to 814-445-8853. There will be snacks, Easter baskets for the children and a packet for each family who takes this Journey.

Make-A-Wish® seeking volunteers

Children who are living with critical illnesses need the transformational power of a wish. Make-A-Wish needs Pennsylvania residents to make it happen by volunteering their time and compassion to assist with fulfilling wishes. Make-A-Wish is hosting virtual information sessions at 10 a.m. March 25, and 4:30 p.m. April 12. Interested parties should sign up via the volunteer inquiry form now, and the local Make-A-Wish office will reach out soon with next steps: wish.org/greaterpawv/vol. To become a wish volunteer, individuals must be at least 21 years of age, pass a criminal background check and attend a training session. For more information, contact Volunteer Manager Amanda Filsinger at afilsinger@greaterpawv.wish.org or 412-471-9474.

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Night at the Races

Meyersdale football's 5th annual Night at the Races is March 25, at the Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department banquet hall. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Dinner at 5 p.m. First race at 6 p.m. Three chances at $50. Dinner and drinks included with ticket. Prize for best women's derby hat. See a football player or call the high school office at 814-634-1437, for a ticket.

Hop into Spring

The Hop into Spring craft and vendor event hosted by the Friedens Volunteer Fire Co. is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 25, at the Friedens Lutheran Church.

VOMA Blues Gathering

VOMA, Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St., in the Cambria City Cultural District, 814-410-2245, thevomaspace@gmail.com, presents VOMA Blues Gathering, 7:30 p.m. March 25. Hosted by The Moore Brothers Band. This talented family of musicians featuring Bo, Brian, Tucker, Jake and more will be serving up some amazing traditional, non-traditional and rock-traditional and rock-driven blues music. Special guest performances are always a possibility at The Blues Gathering. Doors at 7 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. BYOB welcome with proper I.D.

Community dinner

A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. March 25, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be spaghetti, vegetables and fruit. The meal will be served by Women's Philanthropic Educational Organization.

Sitting Bulls fundraiser

The Sitting Bulls Sled Hockey Team annual fundraiser is March 26 at 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. The game between Sitting Bulls sled hockey players vs celebrities and educators will have a face off at noon. The fundraiser will also include a basket raffle, T-shirt sale and additional raffles.Tickets for admission can be exchanged for a ticket to Sunday’s Tomahawks game. In addition entrance ticket includes a chance to win $500.

Easter Escape Room and Egg Hunt

An Easter Escape Room and Egg Hunt is at 6 p.m. April 1, at the Hostetler Church of the Brethren, 2344 Sand Spring Road, Meyersdale. Bring a snack or drink to share. RSVP by March 25, to Katie Coughenour 814-521-4649.

Democratic Committee Spring Dinner

The Somerset Democratic Committee Spring Dinner will be at 5:30 p.m. March 25, at the Somerset Masonic Temple. Meet and Greet at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. Local and state-wide Democratic candidates as many of the state judicial candidates will be featured. A basket auction will follow the dinner. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.com. Tickets are also available from committee members, by calling 574-606-7758, or call chairwoman Paula Shively at 814-714-0097.

Wild About Bags

Wild About Bags, a purse party fundraiser to benefit Laurel Arts, is 2 p.m. March 26, at the Bakersville fire hall. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Only 250 tickets sold. See Cindy for tickets.

Spring Basket Party

A spring basket party benefitting Nardecchia Spay/Neuter Fund, is March 26, at the Richland Fire Hall, 1321 Scalp Ave. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Drawings start at 2 p.m. More than 100 baskets, Lottery tree, money tree, basket of cheer. Donation includes 25 basket tickets and a light lunch. Bring a bag of cat or dog food and receive 25 extra basket tickets free. No canned food. No treats. Bags must be 3 pounds or more. Pet food is donated to the local pet food pantries. For tickets text or call Dianna at 814-244-8073 or LuAnn at 814-445-7473.

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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. March 29. 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?centerid=127.

Friedens Coffeehouse

The Friedens Lutheran Church is gearing up to begin the winter Coffeehouse season. All performances take place 7-9 p.m. Fridays in the church's "Friendship Hall." Along with entertainment, coffee and dessert are served. Coffeehouses are open to the public. The schedule this year will be: March 31 Rugg Band, and April 28 John Larimer. There is no admission charge, but the church suggests a donation for each concert. More information about each group and any weather related cancelations will be provided on the church's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/friedenslutheran.

Renew 2023

The Oak Dale Church in Salisbury, will hold "Renew 2023," its annual women's retreat, from 6-9 p.m. March 31 and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1. Food and fellowship 6-7 p.m. Friday. Lunch provided on Saturday. The speakers this year are Naomi Byler and Vickie Marsh Bierman. Interested persons are asked to register at www.oakdalechurch.net/renew or call 814-662-2547.

Mental Health Awareness Art Showcase 2023

If you are a student attending a Somerset County school in grades 6-12, Laurel Arts wants to showcase your artwork for Mental Health Awareness Month. Open to all mediums (paintings, drawings, structures, etc.). Artwork is preferred to be in landscape, using color for vibrancy. Artwork must convey mental health and this year's theme "Mental Health Matters: Tune In." Best of show winner will team up with Artful Alex to recreate their artwork as a chalk mural in Uptown Somerset for Mental Health Awareness Month. Juried exhibition. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place winners. Artwork will be on display at Laurel Arts through May. Deadline to enter is March 31. All submissions will be picked up from the school office. Attach submission form to the artwork. laurelarts.org/artist-call-for-entries/.

Berlin play

Disney’s "Newsies" is playing at Berlin Brothersvalley High School at 7 p.m. and 2 p.m. March 31 through April 2. The musical is based on the 1992 Disney film Newsies and the 2012 Broadway production of the same name. The cast at Berlin includes 60 students ranging from grades 5-12, and four adult faculty members. This musical tells the story of Jack Kelly, a rebellious person who dreams of a life as an artist away from the big city. After publishing giant Joseph Pulitzer raises newspaper prices at the newsboys’ expense, Kelly and his fellow newsies take action. Visit https://bbsd.com or call 814-267-4073 for tickets in advance.

Bunny Hop

Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership presents Bunny Hop Around the Park, noon to 1 p.m. April 1, at Central Park. Candy filled eggs for children under 10 years of age.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunt 2023, hosted by Listie Volunteer Fire Co., Listie Grace Brethren Church and Listie Catering Service, is 2 p.m. April 1, at the Listie Grove, 404 Village Road, Friedens. For ages 1-12 years.

Labor history commemorations

Pennsylvania Labor History Society and Battle of Homestead Foundation presenting a two-day meetup commemorating the 1922-23 United Mine Workers strike based in Windber and the 1924 street battle between citizens of Lilly and the Ku Klux Klan, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 1, and noon to 5 p.m. April 2, at the Slovak Educational Club, 1300 Jackson Ave., Windber, and the Community Center/Library, 101 Memorial Drive, Lilly. The strike was the first nationwide walkout by both anthracite and bituminous miners, with more than 600,000 miners demanding better wages, improved safety conditions, the right to collective bargaining and legal protection from the systemic corporate violence and intimidation that pervaded company-run coal towns. The Lilly Anti-Klan Riot- on the evening of April 5, is when local citizens forcibly prevented an armed contingent of 400 hooded Ku Klux Klan members from entering the town and terrorizing the town's immigrant population. Meetups include panel discussions, music, awards and tour. www.battleofhomestead.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

Easter Egg Hunt 11 a.m. April 1, at the Paul E. Fuller Playground in Meyersdale. Includes a toddler hay crawl.

VOMA Folk & Bluegrass Series Colebrook Road

VOMA, Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St., in the Cambria City Cultural District, 814-410-2245, thevomaspace@gmail.com, presents Colebrook Road, 7:30 p.m. April 1. Colebrook Road is a 2020 International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band Award finalist. Colebrook Road strives to find a common middle ground, creating new enthusiasts for bluegrass while expanding the definition of the genre for established fans. Guitarist, lead vocalist, and main songwriter Jesse Eisenbise lends his vocal range and racing guitar picking to each song, while banjoist, dobroist and bass vocalist Mark Rast hammers out right-hand rhythms blended with just enough left-hand virtuosity. Mandolinist Wade Yankey’s rhythm chop and inventive breaks play off of fiddler and baritone vocalist Joe McAnulty’s syncopated fiddle work. Bassist and tenor vocalist Jeff Campbell holds down the bottom end with a percussive drive. Doors at 7 p.m. Music at 7:30 p.m. BYOB with proper I.D.

Community Easter Celebration

A “Free Community Easter Celebration” will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 1, at New Beginnings Outreach Center Church complete with the True Meaning of Easter, crafts, games, egg hunt with prizes and lots of candy, and a luncheon for ages 0-12, sponsored by the Boswell Area Churches. The church is at 7398 Somerset Pike, Boswell, one mile north of Jennerstown on the right. For more information, contact the church at 814-629-5001.

Berlin Sunday dinner

The Berlin Volunteer Fire Department Sunday Dinner is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 2. Eat in or drive thru. Turkey, mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing and gravy.

Easter Egg Drop

An Easter Egg Drop, hosted by Life Church, 617 Sunny Drive, Windber, is at 2 p.m. April 2. For ages 12 and under. Prize eggs. Weather updates will be posted on the Facebook page. 814-467-8707.

Paint with the Easter Bunny

Uptown Painting Party's paint with the Easter Bunny is at noon April 8, 101 W. Main St. Paint ceramic eggs, candy and prize egg hunt. Lite snacks and drinks included.

Ladies Retreat

Ladies Retreat 12-3 p.m. April 15, and May 20, at the Johnstown Galleria. Attend one or both retreats. Relax and enjoy peace, calm, beauty, believe in your dreams, positive mindset and happiness. Pay as you may. Retreat includes program and lite refreshments. Lunch is on your own. Limited seating. RSVP to Alexis Michel Angelo, inspirational speaker, 239-776-5458. alexismichelangelo@gmail.com.

Spring Craft/Vendor Fair

East Hills Recreation Spring Craft/Vendor Fair is from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 15, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 16, at East Hills Recreation, 101 Community College Way Drive, Johnstown. Refreshments, money tree and more.

Bingo Bonanza

Bingo Bonanza to benefit the Confluence Volunteer Fire Co., April 15. Doors open at 11 a.m. Games start at 1 p.m. Ticket includes Bingo pack (24 regular games, six special games, one mini jackpot and bonanza jackpot), drinks, meal and dessert. Chinese auction.

Spring Vendor & Craft Event

The Eastern Star Trinity Chapter 138 and Somerset Masonic Lodge 358 Spring Vendor & Craft Event is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 15, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16, at the Somerset Masonic Temple, 145 Masonic Temple Road, Somerset. Many unique vendors, crafts, products, food and more. Kitchen will have baked goods and light lunch.

Children’s Book Festival

The Learning Lamp, 2025 Bedford St., Johnstown, and 1st Summit Bank present the Children’s Book Festival that returns for a fun-filled weekend on April 15 and 16, at the Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown. The festival plays host to a weekend stacked with award-winning children’s authors and illustrators, as well as activities and entertainment for children and families of all ages and backgrounds. The festival theme is Bedtime Stories and children are encouraged to attend the festival dressed in their favorite pajamas. The Children’s Book Festival provides children in grades PreK – 6 and their families with a free, interactive and engaging literary experience. And every child who comes to the Book Festival walks away with a free book thanks to The Learning Lamp’s partnership with the First Book National Book Bank. Bruce Hale is an award-winning author and illustrator who is passionate about inspiring reluctant readers to read. Other nationally and regionally known authors/illustrators featured include Janet Tashjian, author of many best-selling middle-grade books. Accompanying Janet will be her son, Jake. And Keith Graves, award-winning author and illustrator of many hilarious picture books for children. Music will fill the festival as Mr. Boom Boom of Music Play Patrol takes the main stage. In addition, the festival will include themed arts and crafts, writing and illustration workshops, new and used book sales, refreshments, and a children’s bookmark contest. For more information about the 14th Annual Children’s Book Festival, visitthelearninglamp.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/CBFJohnstown/.

Coffee House Series

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County (CACCC) 8th season of the Coffee House Series outdoors on CACCC’s Amphitheatre or indoors in the main space gallery of the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center building. Coffees, teas and baked goods for purchase during the event. All Coffee Houses start at 7 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. April 20: Rosie & The Jammers; May 5: The Sharptones 7:30 p.m. will include a special Friday Night Dance Party with Log Art Dance; June 22: Midnight Graffiti; July 6: Tim Dabbs.

Pour Tour 3.0

Craft beverage makers in Somerset County and GO Laurel Highlands launched its Pour Tour 3.0. The third iteration of the trail features breweries, wineries, distilleries, meaderies and cideries in Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Glades Pike Winery in Somerset, Quinn Brewing Co. Tap Room in Central City, Tall Pines Distillery in Salisbury, Whitehorse Brewing in Berlin, Vin de Matrix Winery in Rockwood and Ponfeigh Distillery, which expects to open later this year, are other Somerset County partners. After users pick up a free passport or download the app, they will get stickers by making purchases from participating locations — or uploading a picture to the app for verification purposes. After collecting enough stickers, they are eligible for prizes. The printed passport features a map to help users locate beverage makers while the app uses GPS to determine the nearest Pour Tour partner. Pour Tour 3.0 prizes include a free T-shirt (15 stickers or check-ins), a growler or stainless steel flask (30 stickers or check-ins) and a canvas/leather wine tote or portable outdoor beverage table (45 stickers or check-ins). Those who complete Tier 3 will be entered into a drawing for a Laurel Highlands getaway. Pour Tour 3.0 ends on Dec. 31.

Festival needs volunteers

Nonprofit group, Laurel Highlands Historical Village is hosting the Cambria County Arts & Heritage Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 10, at Duman Lake County Park. They are looking for volunteers to help park cars, and for individuals or organizations to donate baskets for the basket party Saturday. Baskets need to be available no later than 9 a.m. Saturday. The basket party benefits Cambria County veterans in need of food. They need help from several individuals to help in the tent, talk with visitors to the event, and help provide directions, hand out flyers, and items to give away. For more information or for volunteering, call Ron at 814-241-6123 or Patti at 814-288-7017.

CACCC exhibition

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County second exhibition of 2023, "My Life and My Art, A Very Natural and Comfortable Clutter," an exhibition featuring a mixture of woodcarvings, drawings and paintingsby artist Sally Stewart, in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery. There will be more than 100 pieces on display for this exhibition. A video tour and artist lectureof the artwork will be available at the Community Arts Center’s YouTube & Facebook pages after the start of the exhibit. It will be on display through April 28. The gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Fundraisers, Easter programs, concerts on tap this month