What's going on around Somerset County to kick off the new year?
Glass collection
There will be a bin accepting all colors of glass at the Somerset Education Center, 6024 Glades Pike, Somerset, Dec. 28, and will stay put until it’s full. Save all your glass bottles over the holidays and drop them off. Although all colors of glass are encouraged, no ceramics will be accepted. There is no cost associated with the glass collection; all they ask is that you rinse your glass bottles before dropping them off. All glass bottles will be recycled through CAP Glass. Contact Recycling Coordinator Bryony Tilzey by phone at 814-445-1571 or by email at tilzeyb@co.somerset.pa.us with any questions.
Holiday Family Day
Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna’s Town 's Holiday Family Day, a fun day of activities celebrating winter and the holiday season, great for all ages, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dec. 29, at 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg. Create winter and gnome-themed crafts and decorate holiday cookies. At the German constructed Klingensmith log house, have a try at stringing your own garland, creating your own pomander ball or making your own tin punch Holiday/Winter-themed decoration to take home. Step inside Hanna’s Tavern to enjoy the 18th century log house decorated for Christmas, and cozy up by the warmth of the fire, for story time; noon “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost, suitable for ages 3 to 6. At 1 p.m. is "The Gnomes Winter Journey” by Ernst Kreidolf, suitable for ages 4 to 8. Outdoors, take a self-guided walking tour of holiday history along the paths. Stop by signs that explore historical vignettes including the history of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, cards, caroling, and more. The Westmoreland History Shop will feature seasonal décor, handmade ceramics, books for adults and children, vintage toys and games, and many other special gifts and keepsakes. Holiday merchandise will be on sale at a 40% discount. The latest event updates are available here: https://westmorelandhistory.org/events/holiday-family-day-2022/, 724-836-1800.
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New Year's Eve
The Meyersdale Elks New Year's Eve Party is Dec. 31. Doors open at 7 p.m. Meal is at 8 p.m. with the band Country Express starting at 9 p.m. Menu: salad, pork medallions with white wine sauce, chopped red potatoes, California veggies and dessert with champagne toast at midnight. Must have a ticket. Tickets available at Elks Lodge after 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays.
New Year's Day Hike
Ring in the New Year with a hike at Camp Sequanota. Meet at the Main Camp Dining Hall at 10 a.m. Jan. 1. RSVP to let them know you will be joining the group. sequanota.com/events/event-registration/.
Bottle Works’ Arts Academy returns
Young creatives, ages 5 to 18, who have a real passion for art can hone their artistic skills and techniques at the Bottle Works’ Arts Academy program. Participants will learn fine art basics and folk art trades during specially designed classes, workshops and more starting Jan. 4. Aspiring artists have had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside professional artists and art educators in the disciplines of drawing, painting and folk art. The program Jan. 4, is a special evening sculpting series with Colleen Albright, BFA; Bottle Works Studio Artist and Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduate. The sculpting series has three sessions: hand-built ceramics, mold making and casting, and paper making. In addition to the sculpting series, a small metal series with Erika Boas, BFA begins in February. She will lead students for two sessions: copper creations and wire-wrapped jewelry. These evening folk art experiences will explore these century old crafts on Wednesday and Thursday nights. All supplies are included. Register online at www.bottleworks.org; or call 814-535-2020 for more information.
Winter Speaker Series
The Mary S. Biesecker Public Library new craft-themed “Learning at the Library” Winter Speaker Series is the first Friday of the winter months (December to Februrary). A local speaker will be featured at 6 p.m. to offer free crafts, activities and informational lectures for the public. The series is being held in conjunction with Somerset Inc.’s “First Fridays in Uptown Somerset” event, where local businesses are open from 4:30-8 p.m. hosting special events, exclusive shopping experiences, popup vendors and more.On Jan. 6, a local health professional will be discussing ways of beating the winter blues while learning how to make Mason Jar Hot Chocolate. The winter series concludes on Feb. 3, in collaboration with the uptown bakeryHeirloom Pines, who will be demonstrating techniques and insights on cupcake decorating just in time for Valentine’s Day. Attendance for any of the winter speaker series events is free, but materials are only guaranteed for those who RSVP ahead of time by submitting a form on maryslibrary.com orFacebook, or by calling the front desk at 814-445-4011.
Christmas Music Festival
The Friedens Lutheran Church will host its annual Christmas Music Festival at 7 p.m. Jan. 6, in the church sanctuary. The tradition began at the church as a way to extend the Christmas season and provide support to a local charity. The concert also gives church musicians and local musicians a chance to perform their songs of the season for the community. There is no admission fee, but a free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Somerset Mobile Food Bank. Featured this year will be musicians from the church including the senior choir, Exultation Praise Band, vocalist Liz Brunelli, and organist Preston Showman. Guest musicians will include "Just Brass" and guitarist/vocalist Arnie McFarland. Members of "Just Brass" are first trumpet, Kari Hostetter; second trumpet, Scott Holbert; horn, Katie Strong; trombone and leader, Rick Showers; and tuba, Jason June.
The Friedens Lutheran Church is also 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: Jan. 27 Swing City, Feb. 10 Jeff Webb and the Delectible Sound, 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 cancellations will be provided on the church's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/friedenslutheran.
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Celebrate agriculture at PA Preferred® reception
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding invited Pennsylvanians to celebrate the state’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry at the 107th PA Farm Show’s PA Preferred® Reception, where they’ll enjoy the finest in Pennsylvania-grown and produced food, drinks and desserts. The reception will be held Jan. 6, in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. “This year’s Farm Show theme, Rooted in Progress, invites visitors to explore the breadth of Pennsylvania agriculture, our heritage, and the innovations driving us forward,” said Secretary Redding. Tickets are available to the public for purchase. The ticket includes admission to the reception, parking, food and drinks, and a short program. More information, including ticketing details can be found at farmshow.pa.gov. RSVP for the event on Facebook.
Yard sale benefit
A large indoor yard sale will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 7, at Unity UCC, along Route 160 between routes 30 and 31. More than seven families participating. Food will be available. Proceeds benefit Jason Benning Cancer medical fund.
Community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 7, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be spaghetti, vegetables and fruit. The meal will be served by BSA Troop 611.
Lifesaver’s Ball 2023
The American Red Cross invites the community to the annual Lifesaver’s Ball Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 7, Richland Township Fire Hall, 1321 Scalp Ave., Johnstown. January is also National Blood Donor Month. The goal of this drive is to collect more than 65 units of blood to help people in need of transfusions. All who come to give Jan. 1-31 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix. The trip includes travel, hotel stay, a $500 gift card, pre-game activities and more. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl. To make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter the sponsor code LIFESAVERS, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All presenting donors will receive a free T-shirt.
Turkey and ham dinner
The Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department Sunday turkey and ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 8, sponsored by BDH/Konhaus, will be half-price.
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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: Jan. 10, 11, 24 and 25; Feb. 7, 8, 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.
CACCC exhibition
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County presents its first exhibition of 2023, "The Secret Landscapes of the Mind," an exhibition featuring a mixture of acrylic painting, relief painting, and sculptures by artist ZheKa. Relief painting is when both painting and sculpture are featured together on the work, creating a 2D pieces into having 3D components. The exhibit will be hosted in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery. Anopening reception will be from 1-3 p.m. Jan. 14. A video tour and artist lecturewill be available at the Community Arts Center’s YouTube & Facebookpages after the start of the exhibit.
Roast beef or ham dinner
As part of the Fire and Ice Festival, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Somerset Volunteer Fire Department will be serving a roast beef or ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 15, at the Somerset Borough Safety Building, 340 West Union St., Somerset. Drink and dessert is included and eat in or takeout will be available.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Are you looking for something to do this week?
