What's going on in and around Somerset County in mid-February?

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/

Special Olympics

Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) is returning to Seven Springs Mountain Resort for the 2023 Winter Games. From Feb. 14-16, hundreds of SOPA athletes, coaches and volunteers will gather from all corners of the state to participate in three days of winter sports including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In addition to the Games, there will be Opening Ceremonies, featuring musical performances, the official lighting of the Olympic Cauldron by athletes and members of law enforcement, and a fireworks display.

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.

Confluence Creative Arts Center

Contact info@confuencecreativearts for details or to register for upcoming events and activities. FROGTOWN UKESTRA, Thursdays 6-7 p.m.-ish: Feb. 16, 23; March 2. Ukuleles are provided or bring your own. Preregistration requested. Frogtown Ukestra is Confluence's premier and only ukulele-playing folk-song singing ensemble. It is open to adults and children who are interested in playing the ukelele. Guitars and other acoustic instruments are also welcome. Instruction will be geared for all ages and ability levels with the objective of playing and performing as a group. A final performance showcase will be planned for March 10. OVERBOOKED : LITERARY DISCUSSION GROUP next book discussion: March 19. Title to be determined. POSTCROSSING STARTUP AND MEETUP, 3 p.m. showcase the cards that are received and meet March 19. More info about Postcrossing can be found at: https://www.postcrossing.com/about or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcrossing. CRANKIE KIDS, Thursdays: Feb. 16, and Feb. 23. Performance on Feb. 25. Ages 6-16. Preregistration required. Participate in a collaborative crankie-making project. Over several workshop sessions, participants will work together to help create the artwork for a very large and very funny crankie called "Hairy Things." Participants will also develop a performance that will include singing, shadow art, and learning how to be part of a big-time crankie show. The Crankie Kids will be one of the acts in this year's Festival of Scrolling Panoramic Arts at the Arts Center on Feb. 25. SILENT MEDITATION, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Dress comfortably. Judd Evans will guide participants in sitting and walking meditation. Cushions and chairs are provided and tea and refreshments are available after the practice.

'Arsenic & Old Lace'

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is bringing the first Log Art Theatre production of 2023 with “Arsenic & Old Lace” (by Joseph Kesselring). “Arsenic & Old Lace” is a hysterical farce, which includes slapstick and traditional comedy, along with an intriguing plotline. The show will be in the Community Arts Center’s M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, which doubles as a black box theatre; 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. Production dates and times include: All performances will be held indoors. Feb. 17, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.; Feb. 19, 2 p.m. (matinee); Feb. 24, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.; Feb. 26, 2 p.m. (matinee).

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Sweetheart Dinner

Sweetheart dinner at 7 p.m. Feb. 18, at Meyersdale Elks Lodge, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale, 814-634-8411. Reservations need to be in by Feb. 10. Meal will include salad, prime rib with California veggies, chopped red potatoes and dessert.

Soup sale and basket raffle

Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church, Meyersdale, is having a soup sale and basket raffle fundraiser for a new church organ. Catechism students are holding the soup sale. Soups that will be available are: chicken noodle, beef vegetable, potato, and chili. Preorders of quarts of soup may be made by calling 814-634-8150. Orders may be picked up from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 18. The deadline for preorders is Feb. 14. People may also buy a bowl of soup to eat in the church hall from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 18. Dine-in includes soup, bread or crackers, drink and dessert. The Christian Family Life Committee is holding a basket raffle during the soup sale from 3-7 p.m. Feb. 18 and from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 19. Winners need not be present for the drawing as long as a phone number is registered. Baskets must be picked up by Feb. 22. Both will be held in the church hall, 247 High St., Meyersdale.

Bridal reunion

The Grand Halle on Broad Street, 306 Broad St. (the corner of Broad and Third Avenue), Cambria City Cultural District, Johnstown, will host a new fundraising event called the Grand Halle Bridal Reunion for past, present and future brides and bridal parties from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 18. This includes previous couples who are already married and couples that will soon be married. Additionally, all couples and bridal parties are welcome, regardless of whether they had their ceremony and/or reception at The Grand Halle. The Bridal Reunion serves as a fake wedding reception for couples and their bridal parties to enjoy together. The event additionally serves as a wedding showcase that will feature food, dessert, bar, DJing, and decoration samples from local vendors. Guests can enjoy appetizers, desserts, a cash bar, dancing, decorations, and a photo booth during the evening. A table reservation discount will be offered to any couples and their bridal parties who are interested in reserving a full table to themselves. Couples should call ahead to take advantage of the discount. Tickets are now available at GrandHalle.com/cultural-events or by calling 814-254-4033 during regular business hours. All ticket reservations must be placed by 5 p.m. Feb. 15.

Corn Hole Tournament

The 3rd annual Trevor Thomas Memorial Baseball Scholarship Corn Hole Tournament, blind draw, double elimination, is Feb. 18, at the Meyersdale American Legion Post 112. Tournament begins at 2 p.m. Kitchen open from 2-5 p.m. with limited menu. Accepting only 80 registrations (40 teams). Drawings for team is at 1 p.m. Feb. 18.

Cash Bingo

Meyersdale Salisbury Berlin Relay For Life Cash Bingo is 2 p.m. Feb. 19, at the Meyersdale Elks, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale. Doors open at 12 p.m. Early birds at 1 p.m. (additional charge). Ten games, six paper cards per game, basket raffle and 50/50. Concession stand opens at 12 p.m.

Witkowski concert

First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St., Johnstown, will host jazz pianist Deanna Witkowski at 3 p.m. Feb. 19, in the church sanctuary. An offering will be received. Witkowski holds a M.A. in jazz piano performance from the City College of New York and a B.M. in classical piano performance from Wheaton College. She is a third-year PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh.

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Firearms seminar

An attorney from U.S. LawShield who specializes in firearms laws will present a seminar "Know the Law Before You Draw" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Jerome Sportsmen's Association, 3220 Jerome Hill Road, Hollsopple. Topics of discussion will include essential gun laws; use of force and deadly force; Fourth and Fifth Amendments rights; and law enforcement interactions. Sponsored by Mountain Top Defense, there is a charge to attend. Registration can be made by logging on to www.gunlawseminar.com. Information: 814-525-9278.

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: Feb. 21 and 22; March 21 and 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.

Ashes to Go and Ash Wednesday Services

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St., Johnstown is offering both Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist services with imposition of ashes and Ashes to Go On Feb. 22. Ashes are imposed (laid) on the heads of participants on Ash Wednesday as a sign of mortality and penitence. Anyone who desires to receive them is welcome to do so. Holy Eucharist services with imposition of ashes will be offered in the church sanctuary at noon and 6 p.m. in-person and via Zoom. Masks are optional. To participate via Zoom, contact the Rev. Nancy Threadgill at revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net or 814-535-6797 in advance of the service to obtain the login information.

For Ashes to Go in Central Park, downtown Johnstown, the Rev. Threadgill will be on hand to impose ashes from 8-10 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. The worship services and Ashes to Go are free. For additional information about Ashes to Go, Ash Wednesday Holy Eucharist or St. Mark’s, contact Threadgill at 814-535-6797 or revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net.

The Secret Landscapes of the Mind

Exhibit of paintings and sculptures by Zheka, "The Secret Landscapes of the Mind" on display through Feb. 24, at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown. A video tour of the artwork will be available at the Center's YouTube & Facebook pages. Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Volunteer opportunities at Historic Hanna’s Town

Interested in being a volunteer at Historic Hanna's Town and Westmoreland History Education Center? Visit the first volunteer meeting of the year, at 1 p.m. Feb 22 and Feb. 25, at the Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg. They will be discussing various volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can work with the public by greeting visitors, leading programs and tours, and helping at the Museum Shop, or can assist behind-the-scenes helping out in the library, setting up for events, or caring for the gardens. Volunteer hours are flexible and customizable.

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. Feb. 22. 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: Feb. 24 Echo Valley Bluegrass, March 31 Rugg Band, and April 28 John Larimer. There is no admission charge, but the church suggests a donation of $5 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.

Happy Birthday Westmoreland! Trivia Night

A night of trivia in celebration of Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary this year is 7–9 p.m. Feb. 24, hosted by Ace Trivia at Yinzer Valley Farms, 681 Mulberry Hill Road, Mt. Pleasant. They will be celebrating all things Westmoreland with trivia questions specific to the county’s history as well as southwestern Pennsylvania, in the new Cider House Taproom. Signups will start approximately 45 minutes before trivia starts. Yinzer Valley Farms has a full bar menu available and even brews their own hard cider. Call Yinzer Valley Farms for reservations of six or more at 878-295-2507. For more information, call the Westmoreland Historical Society at 724-836-1800 or visit the website, www.westmorelandhistory.org.

Lenten fish fry

Rockwood American Legion Post 279 Lenten fish fry is Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, serving from 4-7 p.m. Eat in or take out. Delivery to Rockwood. Includes hand bettered fish, baked potato, coleslaw, and dinner roll. Call 814-926-2626.

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Murder Mystery

The Meyersdale Community Players will present their 22nd Murder Mystery Dinner Theater show at the Meyersdale fire hall at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25 and at 1 p.m. Feb. 26. “Arsenic and Old Mace” will bring back the 70’s and “groovy times.” A roast beef dinner will be served by the firemen. Reservations can be made by calling Britta at 814-634-8584 or Paula at 814-634-8775.

Tree Tapping Ceremony

The Somerset County Maple Producers Association annual tree tapping ceremony is at 2 p.m. Feb. 25, at Sanner Maple Products, 174 Reservoir Road, Rockwood, 814-483-6591. Queen Maple LXXV Ella Wheeler and this year's contestants for the maple queen title will be in attendance. Maple King Jason Blocher will officially tap a maple tree to begin the 2023 sugar season. Mark Ware, Somerset Historical Center, will be this year's special guest and speaker. Free maple dandies and baked goods.

Halfway to Nickiefest

The Halfway to Nickiefest fundraiser and Kick Off Party, hosted by The Arkadia Triangle Fund, is Feb. 25, at The Crow’s Nest, 510 Tire Hill Road, Johnstown. The cover fee includes live music, drink specials, raffles and games. Kids 12 and under are free. Proceeds to benefit Helping Hands Food Pantry in Boswell. Entertainment lineup includes: 4 p.m. Day by Day; 6 p.m. Jeff Perigo & Friends; 9:30 p.m. Mixtape Madness. With very special guests 3^rd Street Bellydance and People of Darbukastan.

Student Works

The Bottle Works brings back the student art juried exhibition, Student Works in 2023. Students in grades 9-12 residing in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, or Indiana County are eligible to submit one piece of work, which will be judged by a group of professional artists. Most visual 2-D and 3-D art mediums are welcome. No installations. All submissions are due by Feb. 28. Students and their art teachers/ guardians will be notified of acceptance via email by March 3. Accepted artwork should be ready to hang/displayed upon arrival. Works on paper should be matted or framed. Pieces must be received no later than March 4 at Art Works Building, 413 Third Ave., Johnstown. Cash awards will be given in the following categories for each grade levels: Best of Grade - Each Best of Grade winner’s art classroom will receive an art supplies bundle valued at $500 (limit one per school district); Other Awards (these recipients will be given a Bottle Works Scholarship, which can be used for a designated workshop or class. Awards include: Director’s Choice Award Honorable mention for each grade. For those with questions or need assistance, contact Creative Director Matt Lamb at mlamb@bottleworks.org.

Burg Bingo

Burg Bingo at the Wellersburg District Volunteer Fire Department fire hall, March 5. Doors open at 12 p.m. Games start at 1 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.

Basket Bingo

Basket Bingo featuring Vera Bradley is March 5, at The Good Fellowship Club, Cumberland, Maryland. Doors open at 2 p.m. Bingo starts at 3 p.m. Snacks and soft drinks provided. Door prizes, Chinese Auction and Gaming. Ticket includes 15 games of regular Bingo and snacks. 50/50, Bingo from 2-3 p.m. All proceeds benefit Danny Benson.

Craft fair and basket raffle

Christmas in the Park is having a craft fair and basket raffle from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 11, at Our Lady Queen of Angels activity center, 738 Sunshine Ave., Central City. The event is to include at least 25 craft vendors, more than 100 baskets to raffle and a variety of ethnic food for sale, including homemade pierogies. Event is being held to raise money to replace roofs on several buildings at Central City Municipal Park. Anyone interested in being a vendor at the craft fair should call Jennifer Jarvis at 814-483-9020.

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.

Comedy Fest

Trailhead Brewing Co. and the Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department presents Comedy Fest March 11. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Show 6-7 :30 p.m. Music by Habatat 8-11 p.m. Host is Chuck Krieger. Headliners are John Evans, Shannon Norman and Trey McDonough. Ticket includes dinner, show and dancing. For information and tickets, visit the Brewery at 402 Main St., call 814-926-7923 or email contact@drinktrailhead.com. The fire department will have games of chance. Local vendors offering products.

Rain barrel sale

Somerset County Recycling is hosting a rain barrel pre-order sale and workshop. Orders are taken online at https://enviroworld.us/somersetpa. Pre-order deadline is March 12. Orders will be available for pickup between 9 a.m. and noon March 25. The rain barrel workshop is at 9 a.m. March 25 at the Somerset Conservation District Conference Room, 6024 Glades Pike, Somerset.

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.

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.

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.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Are you looking for something to do in Somerset County?