What's going on in and around Somerset County?
OCC boxes packed
Grantsville Lions Feed the Hungry
Wreaths Across America
The Great Crossings Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is participating in Wreaths Across America. NSDAR’s mission is to promote patriotism, historic preservation and education. Wreaths Across America’s mission is to Remember, Honor and Teach. The goal is to place a live, balsam fir veteran’s wreath at the headstones of every service member buried at Addison Cemetery to Remember their sacrifice, Honor their service, and Teach the next generation about the value of our freedom and to ensure it is not lost. For those who have a relative in the Addison Cemetery or would like to Remember and Honor a veteran, call Susan Moon, 814-233-5238, for more information to sponsor a wreath.
Community Arts Center of Cambria County’s 52nd annual Holly Bazaar
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County 52nd Holly Bazaar runs through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. The center will be open seven days a week, Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. during the Holly Bazaar. The Holly Bazaar, located in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center’s gallery and M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, features handcrafted items from more than 65 local craftsmen and artisans. It will also feature the Community Arts Center’s annual holiday candy and nut sale.
The 21st Basket Bonanza runs through Dec. 18. This gives visitors a chance to win more than 100 baskets donated by the center’s members, friends and local businesses. Additionally, the Festival of the Trees features six trees designed and created by local artists. These one-of-a-kind trees are part of a silent auction between Nov. 12 and Dec. 18.
The bazaar also includes raffle chances. Items in this year’s raffle include two $100 cash trees, a $50 lottery tree, a decorative wall tapestry, solid chocolate plaque from O’Shea’s, a Longaberger basket, and “Corinne,” the 2022 American Girl Doll of the year. All raffle proceeds benefit the CACCC’s free programming and events offered throughout the year. CACCC also provides registration for free door prizes. Winners will be drawn Dec. 19. Progressive 50/50 chances can be purchased through Dec. 24, the winner will be drawn at 1 p.m. Winners need not be present to win and will be notified.
The Handbag and Scarf Boutique is accepting donations. The Boutique consists of new or gently used purses, handbags, duffel/travel bags, clutches and wallets, along with the addition of scarves and neckerchiefs. A children and youth book section is at the Holly Bazaar. A percentage from each book sold will go back to the center. CACCC is incorporating a variety of musical entertainment including pianists, vocalists and a polka group. An entertainment schedule can be found at caccc.org. Holiday workshops, classes, and Arty Parties will be held throughout November and December. Santa Claus will be stopping by from 12-3 p.m. Dec. 17.
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Monday Meditation Night in Confluence
Learn and practice the techniques that will allow for clear, calm and peaceful thinking, 6:30-8 p.m. Mondays, at the Confluence Creative Arts Center, 533 Williams St., Confluence, 814-395-3575. New and seasoned meditators are welcome for an evening of mindfulness, silence, stillness and rest. The evening will begin with brief secular, mindfulness meditation instructions. This will be followed by relaxed periods of meditation and some group discussion about the experience. These gatherings are especially helpful for those with good intentions to meditate, but somehow never get around to doing it. Dress comfortably. Cushions and chairs will be provided (but if you have your own, bring it). If possible, arrive a little early.
"Anastasia"
Meyersdale Area High School's 41st musical, “Anastasia,” is at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 and 18and at 2 p.m. Nov. 19, in the high school auditorium. This musical adapts the legend of Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna Romanova of Russia’s rumored escape from the execution of her family in 1918 following the Bolshevik overthrow of her father, Tsar Nicholas II.
"Million Dollar Meatballs"
Shanksville-Stonycreek senior class presents "Million Dollar Meatballs" at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19, at the Shanksville high school cafeteria.
Johnstown Concert Series
The Johnstown Concert Series presents Clipper Erickson, pianist, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19, at the First Presbyterian Church, 309 Lincoln St., Johnstown. Erickson has headlined programs with orchestras and performed to critical acclaim in major concert halls. Tickets are available through the website or at the door. www.johnstownmusic.org.
Meat raffle
The Sipesville Volunteer Fire Co. meat raffle is Nov. 19. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the fire hall in Sipesville. No ticket is needed for admission and a free meal is included. For more information, call 814-445-4899.
Fall Craft & Vendor Fair
The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 112, Meyersdale, is having a Fall Craft & Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 19, at the Meyersdale American Legion. The 2023 military banners will be available for purchase. The 2022 military banners will also be available for pickup during this event.
Community dinner
A free community dinner, served at the Windber Area Community Kitchen, will be held from 4-6 p.m. Nov. 19, at Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave., Windber. The menu will be turkey dinner. The meal will be served by Windber Area Centennial Lions Club and sponsored by Senior Life. Turkeys are compliments of St. Paul's Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
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Fireside Chats
“Fireside Chats: The History of English,” from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 19, at Compass Inn Museum, 1386 US-30 East, Laughlintown, will focus on the origins of English and the major changes that brought it from the language of Beowulf, 1,200 years ago, to the more familiar-sounding language of Shakespeare’s day. They will contemplate questions such as, “Why ‘cow’ in the pasture but ‘beef’ on the plate?” or “Why are so-called ‘short’ and ‘long’ vowels neither short nor long?” Sit down for a cup of tea and a tasty treat in the Common Room of Compass Inn Museum while taking part in a casual conversation about the weird and wonderful quirks of language history. Ticket includes light refreshments. These events are recommended for adults only because of the complex nature of the topic. Because of limited seating, tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 724-238-6818 or visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fireside-chats-the-history-of-english-tickets-453836345727.
VOMA events
Venue of Merging Arts, 305 Chestnut St., in the Cambria City Cultural District, 814-410-2245, thevomaspace@gmail.com. BYOB for 21 and older. Doors open at 7 p.m. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. That Oldees Band, will be playing favorite songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s in VOMA's renovated lower level Club VOMA. The kitchen will be open serving special pulled pork sliders and cheezy ranch chicken wraps. Nov. 26 7:30 p.m. is TheBlues Gathering hosted by BLaCK CaT MOAN. The band incorporates classic blues music with their own original tunes and features TK Mundok (vocals and harp), George Byich (guitar), Brad Jamison (bass) and Rob Bonsell (drums).
Free Thanksgiving Day dinner
The annual free Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held in the Wilson Community Room of the Central City Borough Building, 314 Central Ave., Central City, Thanksgiving day Nov 24. It will be a sit-down dinner, served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also available will be carryout meals from 10 a.m., and a limited delivery area — Central City and Cairnbrook areas only. Sign up must be prior to Nov. 18, at the Central City Borough Office, or by calling 814-754-8290. This is a complete Thanksgiving dinner, including pumpkin pie. Guests may have a choice of a bakery item to enjoy at home also. This is the sixth year for this event, all paid for by donations from various clubs, organizations, churches and individuals. For more information, contact Dan Bulger, chairman, debulger@comcast.net.
Friedens Lutheran Church community Thanksgiving meal
A free community Thanksgiving meal of turkey and all of the trimmings will be served from noon until 2:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at Friedens Lutheran Church. Eat in or carry out will be available. Contact the church office at 814-445-4627 for more information.
Community Thanksgiving dinner
Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 202 W. Union St., Somerset. Eat in or take out. Volunteers should call ahead to the St. Paul’s Church office at 814-445-4534 or email stpaulsuccoffice1@gmail.com if you would like to help.
Thanksgiving dinner
Thanksgiving dinner is from noon to 2 p.m. or while supplies last, Nov. 24, at the Salisbury Church of the Brethren Faith Factory, 153 Union St., Salisbury. Take outs will not be available until 1 p.m. Donations will be accepted, but are not required or expected. Local delivery will be available to those not able to come in to pick up by calling 814-279-0787 before 11 a.m. the day of the event.
Community Thanksgiving dinner
A “free” Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24, at New Beginnings Outreach Center Church complete with all Thanksgiving trimmings, eat-in or take-out. No pre-orders being taken. The church is one mile north of Jennerstown on the right at 7398 Somerset Pike, Boswell.
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Christmas Craft Shoppe
The Christmas Craft Shoppe at the Somerset Historical Center is from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. The shoppe features local craft vendors offering a wide variety of handmade gifts.
Helen Caton Light Up Night
Helen Caton Light Up Night and Visit with Santa is 5:50-9 p.m. Nov. 26, at Festival Park, Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale.
Christmas at the Manor
Christmas at the Manor at Festival Park, 120 Meyers Ave., Meyersdale, is from 1-9 p.m. Nov. 26. Maple Manor decorated for Christmas and open for tours. Children's activities, holiday scavenger hunt, Studio 7 performances, carolers, food, maple products and souvenirs at the Country Store and craft vendors. Santa arrives at 5:45 p.m. Visit and photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Punch cards available to provide allocated times for visits so everyone gets to enjoy all that the event has to offer.
Holiday Artisan Fair
Holiday Artisan Fair featuring local craftspeople will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Nov. 26, at the The Tissue Farm, 446 Latrobe Ave., Confluence, info@thetissuefarmcom.
Christkindlmarket/Light up
Plan to make it a full day of fun in Uptown Somerset Nov. 26. Start with Shop Local Soco — Small Business Saturday all day. Watch for special activities and discounts. At 2 p.m., grab cup of your favorite warm beverage and shop at the Uptown Somerset Christkindlmarket located on the diamond. Vendors offer handcrafted items from knits to spices to spirits and more. Light Up Somerset 2022 will start at 5 p.m. with free cookies and hot chocolate on the steps of the Courthouse by the Soroptimist of Somerset County. The Holiday Parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m. Following the parade, uptown will be bustling with music and activities all the way to Rosina Avenue with a stage on a flatbed trailer. Forbes Trail Brewing and Vin De Matrix Winery LLC will be also offering their handcrafted beverages.
CACCC’s Log Art Theatre auditions
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County will be hosting open call auditions for the 2023 Log Art Theatre season of plays, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Participants must be 18 years of age or older to audition. Tryouts will include a few monologues and readings for those interested in being part of the 2023 season. No preparation required; all materials will be provided at auditions. Auditionees have to attend only one of the two audition dates. The 2023 season of productions includes: Arsenic & Old Lace — Feb. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26; The Nerd — guest director Lance Mekeel — June 8, 9, 10, 11; and Death Trap Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre — Sept. 29, 30, Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8.
Log Art Theatre Academy will produce three productions this year with School House Rock LIVE Jr. — March 31, April 1, 2, Fame Jr Musical Theatre Camp — July 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and Alice in Wonderland — Oct. 13, 14, 15. Auditions will be held for School House Rock LIVE Jr. andAlice in Wonderland two months before the performance dates, andFame Jr Musical Theatre Campis a tuition based camp that will audition participants two weeks prior to camp beginning.
Cram-A-Van
The Salisbury-Elk Lick Education Association is holding its annual “Cram-a-Van” Toy Drive from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. Dec. 1. They ask for donations of new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for children, newborn through 18 years of age. Monetary donations are also appreciated. The official drop-off date is Dec. 1, however, toys may be dropped off at the school prior to that date. The Salisbury-Elk Lick Education Association works in conjunction with the Salisbury Family Center to distribute gifts to families in the area.
Harmony Light Fest
The Harmony Light Fest drive-through celebration of Christmas, 1414 Plank Road, Hooversville, is from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17. The theme this year is Christmas at the Zoo. Drive-up concessions are available. The fundraiser benefits the ministry of Camp Harmony.
Spaghetti dinner
A spaghetti dinner for Alexis Haase, local paramedic and EMT as well as firefighter, is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 3, at Addison Volunteer Fire Department and Confluence Volunteer Fire Department main hall. Take out only. Chinese auction and 50/50 winners will be called after the event. The winners will be pulled on Facebook Live on Addison V.F.D. Facebook page starting at 4 p.m. For more information, call Shawn at 301-616-8050. To donate basket/item, call Kristen at 724-557-4266.
Boswell Light Up Night
Boswell Borough Light Up Night is Dec. 4. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. Lighting of the tree at 6 p.m. Event includes Christmas carols, vendors, children't scavenger hunt and getting photo taken with Santa.
A Jimmy Stewart Christmas
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County provides an evening of classic monologues and holiday music with "A Jimmy Stewart Christmas" at 6 p.m. Dec. 9. This evening will consist of monologues from Jimmy Stewart impersonator Chris Collins, the Holiday Musical Enchantments of Tim Dabbs, wine for purchase from Vin De Matrix Winery, and a catered dinner by Joey Del’s 2001 Catering. The menu includes garden tossed salad with Italian dressing, breaded chicken, Germelli Pasta ala olio with marinara sauce, Italian green beans, and double chocolate cake. This single night production will be hosted at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the center at 814-255-6515 or visit the website (www.caccc.org). Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door, registration and payment is required in advance by Dec. 5. Proceeds from the event benefit the Community Arts Center of Cambria County.
December Craft Class
Create a Christmas tree within an 11-foot triangle using glass pieces and embellishments, a glass Christmas tree, at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at the Windber Community Building upstairs fitness room. Proceeds benefit ADA chairlift at the Windber Recreation Pool. Sign up on Vagaro.com under Windber CB Fitness Program.
Holiday Boutique
A Holiday Boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 9-10, and noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 11, at Marinell Place at Leone's Market, 1912 Graham Ave., Windber. Do your Christmas shopping at Leone's new dining area and enjoy the unique display of Windber's past. Proceeds benefit projects of Windber Area Visioning Experience (WAVE) and Windber Area Museum.
Addison holiday craft/vendor show
Addison Volunteer Fire Department's annual Holiday Craft/Vendor Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10, at 7214 National Pike, Addison. Basket raffles, 50/50 drawing, food and refreshments, kids' activities, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and more. They will be collecting pet items for local animal shelters. Show benefits Alexis Haase, local firefighter/EMT. For those with questions, call Steph/Tom at 814-521-5046 or 814-442-4607 or email 83usn03@gmail.com.
Portraying Ruth
Luella Krieger Sisters in Christ event with portrayal of Ruth, 7 p.m. Dec. 15, at St. David's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 401 North Main St., Davidsville.
Service of Lessons and Carols
The Grand Halle on Broad Street, Cambria City, presents Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. Dec. 16. Features organist Emily Roy, The Greater Johnstown Community Chorus, the Glory Ringers handbell choir, traditional Christmas carols and nine portions of the Scripture that foretell the coming of the Messiah.
Drive-thru Nativity
A drive-thru Nativity by the New Centerville Lutheran Parish will be held between 4:30 and 7 p.m. Dec. 17, at Chippewa Farms, 1109 Indiantown Road, Somerset. All donations benefit the Children's Aid Home, Meals on Wheels and Laurel Mountain Lutherans.
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.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Some of Somerset County events for the end of November are listed
