What's going on during the middle of May?
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/
Spring Exhibition
The Allied Artists of Johnstown 2023 Spring Exhibition at The Bottleworks Arts on 3rd, 411 3rd Ave., Johnstown, is May 4 through June 17. Five awards being offered for the show. Opening reception is May 5, to meet the artists and find out which works were awarded. www.johnstownart.com.
Laurel Highlands Photo Friends Contest
Local photographers are reminded that entries for the Laurel Highlands Photo Friends Contest and the Somerset County Town Planner calendar will be accepted at the Laurel Arts Dressler Center, 214 S. Harrison Ave., Somerset, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13. Cash prizes will be awarded for first, second, third and Best of Show. Categories are: Scenic, Floral, Fauna & Birds, People, Digital Art & Alternative Processes, Black & White, and Nighttime with a maximum of two entries per category. All prints must either be an 11” x 14” print or a smaller print matted to 11” x 14.” The preceding dimensions do not include the frame. In either case, the entry shall be framed and have a horizontal wire on the back for hanging. (Digital matting is acceptable.) Complete details for each contest, including entry fees and editing guidelines, etc., can be found on the Laurel Arts website (www.laurelarts.org) under “Call for Entries.” Copies of the two-page contest brochure also are available at the Laurel Arts Dressler Center.
Spaghetti dinner
The American Legion Post 946 in Ursina will hold a spaghetti dinner from 4-6 p.m. May 11, at the Post Home. Spaghetti, meat sauce, bread, salad and dessert will be the menu. Eat in or take out. Proceeds will go to the upkeep on the building.
Chocolate Stroll
The Salvation Army Somerset Service Center Chocolate Stroll invites participants to join in an afternoon of chocolate goodies while helping the vulnerable neighbors in need, 11 a.m. May 13. Ticket offers participant to experience many different chocolate delights courtesy of participating local businesses while having the opportunity to win some prizes. At the conclusion of the Chocolate Stroll, participants will select a chocolate lollipop for an opportunity to win a prize. Begin the Chocolate Stroll at the Daily American, 334 W. Main St., Somerset. Get tickets online at give.salvationarmy.org/chocolatestroll. All proceeds benefit The Salvation Army Somerset Service Center.
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Shanksville VFD Golf Scramble
A kick off the golf season scramble May 13, with Shanksville VFD Golf Scramble. Registration at 9 a.m. Shotgun start begins at 10 a.m. at Northwinds Public Golf Course-Indian Lake. Teams of four. Email Bri at balianiello@shanksvillevfd.org.
Spring Fling
Welcome Back Tractorfest kick off event, the Spring Fling is from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 13, at the Shawnee Valley VFC Picnic Grounds, 1457 Market St., Schellsburg. Bring your tractors, hit and miss engines, chairs and EZ Ups. Talk, eat and relax. Kids games, cash raffles, homemade ice cream, live music at 3 p.m., tractor ride at 1 p.m. Breakfast served from 8-10:30 a.m. with a menu of pancakes, sausage, eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. Lunch and dinner starts at 10:30 a.m. with burgers, hot dogs, fries, chicken tenders and shrimp baskets. Proceeds benefit Shawnee Valley Volunteer Fire Co.
Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival
Discover the important connection between native plants, people and wildlife at the eighth annual Mountain Maryland Native Plant Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13, at New Germany State Park. A large variety of native plants including ferns, sedges, grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees will be available from Wood Thrush Native Plant Nursery, Evergreen Heritage Center and Friends of New Germany State Park. Nature-themed items will be for sale in the Lake House from local artisans Keen and Bright, Marta Fiscus Photography, Peggy Nixon Designs and Mountain Creek Glass. From noon to 1 p.m., Candy DeBerry will present “Eat Your Backyard! Tasty and Nutritious Treats from Maryland’s Native Plants” at the newly renovated Tall Oaks Pavilion. Nature activities for all ages will begin at the Maryland Conservation Corps’ display in the Tamarack Pavilion. Ranger Noah will lead two easy walks from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. “Eating Invasives” and from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. "Tree ID.” Or explore the festival by playing a unique Bingo game to win a prize. Throughout the day experts from local organizations will answer questions on native plants and other conservation topics. New Germany State Park, Friends of New Germany State Park, and MD Native Plant Society are sponsoring this festival. For more information visit mdflora.org or phone the park office at 301-895-5453.
Bird Walk at Kimberly Run Natural Area
Gather in the parking lot near the main KRNA kiosk on Craig Road at 9 a.m. May 13, for a walk around the Blue trail to look for and listen to avian fauna. This outing is to be about 2 hours. If time permits, they may drive over to the new parking area on Menser Road where there are usually more species of open field areas present. This is an outing for new birders who want to learn about some of the basics of birding as well as more experienced folks who want to learn about some of the specialties of KRNA. Bring binoculars and a bird book if you have. A few loaners will be available. Jeff Payne will be the host. Reply to somersetconservancyevents@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Upcoming events: June 11: 1 p.m. Life Cycle of a Trout or Wetlands, at Somerset Lake, hosted by Bob; June 25: 1 p.m., Fern Walk, at KRNA, hosted by Scott; July 8: 8 p.m., Nocturnal Nature Hike, at KRNA, hosted by Aaron; July 23, 30 or Aug. 6: Wetlands/AMD Walk, at Mallards Rest, hosted by Bob; Aug. 27: 8:30 p.m., Star Party, hosted by Scott, location TBD (Menser or Bastian Farm); September: Membership Picnic, Mushroom Walk; October: Campfire, storytelling, history of things that once were; December: Annual Meeting and Dinner
Antiques & Collectibles
Historic Hanna’s Town will open the 50th season of its popular Antiques & Collectibles Sale May 14. The quaint and historic setting will host more than 100 vendors offering a variety of one-of-a-kind items covering a wide price range. The gate opens at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, and the market continues through early afternoon, although some vendors are set up by 1 p.m. Saturday and sell that afternoon. There is parking on site. The Hanna’s Town Antiques & Collectors Market is held the second Sunday of each month, May through October. Future dates for 2023 are June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10, and Oct. 8. Proceeds benefit the Westmoreland Historical Society’s education and preservation projects at Historic Hanna’s Town, a Revolutionary War period settlement and site of the first English courts west of the Allegheny Mountains. Historic Hanna’s Town is located at 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg. For additional information, call 724-836-1800 or visit www.westmorelandhistory.org.
Meyersdale VFD Sunday Dinner
The Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department Sunday Dinner is May 14. Eat in, drive through take out or delivery. They begin taking orders at 9 a.m. for delivery. Call 814-634-5454.
Election Day meal
The Mission Outreach and Service Team at Friedens Lutheran Church, 131 South Main St., Friedens, will be selling food in Friendship Hall on Election Day, May 16. Lunch items will include hamburgers, soup, salads, gobs, pies, cookies and drinks. Dinner will be served starting at 4 p.m. and will feature roast beef, mashed potatoes, noodles, vegetable, creamed lettuce and cake. Meals will be eat-in or take-out. No pre-orders for dinner will be accepted. Proceeds for the event will go to the various ministries of the mission team locally, nationally and internationally.
Careers Expo
The Somerset County Technology Center in partnership with PA CareerLink, will host the annual Careers Expo 12-5 p.m. May 16, at the Technology Center, 281 Technology Drive, Somerset. Meet with vendors, including colleges, employers and military recruiters. In conjunction with the Expo, the Somerset County Technology Center will hold an employer signing night for the high school seniors who have secured employment upon graduation.
National Pike Festival
The 48th anniversary of the National Pike Festival in Addison is May 18-21. Sponsored by The Old Petersburg-Addison Historical Society Inc., events include the wagon train, Armed Forces Day Program, antique/classic car show, combined church service at St. John's Lutheran Church and more. The Humberson School, Frederick Augustine History House and Petersburg Tollhouse will be open and the firemen will have a chicken barbecue. For more information, check out the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/addison history.
Lions of Pennsylvania
Lions of Pennsylvania will be celebrating the 100th year of Lionism in Pennsylvania, May 18-21, by holding the 100th convention at the Kovalchick Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Some of the events include packing 500 buckets with cleaning supplies to be used in case of a disaster, painting party, wine-tasting event, dueling pianos show, concert by the Pennsylvania State Band, banquet with Brian Sheehan as the keynote speaker, fireworks, motivational speakers and more.
Siting and zoning considerations webinar
This webinar is geared toward municipal officials considering creating and adopting zoning ordinances. Landowners that have been approached for leasing. Business owners that might be considering installing large solar arrays. The main reference point will be the "Municipal Officials’ Guide to Grid-Scale Solar Development in Pennsylvania" that Penn State University developed. This guide will be shared with participants. The Siting and Zoning Considerations for Large-Scale Solar presentation will focus on the importance of having solar ordinances. Zoning ordinances should define exclusion areas, type of use, setback, screening, access, decommissioning, and other considerations. Examples of recently adopted regulations will also be shared. The webinar will take place at noon May 18. The webinar is free, and pre-registration is required. Register ASAP, as space is limited to 500 participants. Registered participants will receive a recording. Register at the following website: www.bit.ly/solarMay2023. Any questions about this webinar can be directed to Joseph C. Conklin, Ed.D., at juc50@psu.edu.
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Confluence Creative Arts Center
Confluence Creative Arts Center has activities planned for the summer months. Three Chords and Be There! Jam and Folk Sing, 6:30-8:30 p.m. third Thursdays, May 18, June 15, July 20, Aug. 17. Bring your voice, your ukulele, your guitar (all acoustic instruments welcome), and your enthusiasm for a foot-tapping evening of singing and playing. Each Jam and Folk Sing will have a theme. If you want, bring along a couple of tunes or songs that you might want to do with the group. May — Train Songs (Confluence is a train town!). June — Love Songs. July — Labor/Work Songs. August — Silly Songs.
'Drinking Habits 2 — Caught in the Act'
Laurel Trinity Lutheran Church Trinity players will be performing in "Drinking Habits 2 — Caught in the Act," by Tom Smith, 7 p.m. May 19 and May 20 and at 2 p.m. May 21, at the Mountain Playhouse in Jennerstown. The Sisters miss the excitement of the old days when they were saving convents and reuniting long-lost families. So when they learn that the orphanage where Paul and Kate grew up in is in peril, they can't wait to come to the rescue. Everyone pitches in to mount a play to raise money, but it's no easy task when Kate's expecting any day. Sally's hiding from stage-fright-stricken Paul after another flight from the altar. Mother Superior's acting is unexpectedly narcoleptic, and the sister' award-winning wine keeps getting switched with the grape juice. The merry mix-ups multiply in this warm and winsome sequel to Drinking Habits. Cast members are Carol Barnick (Mother Superior), Jodie Blough (Kate), Cindy Bumbarger (Sister Philamena), Bruce Horner (Paul), Wilma Horner (Sally), Deron Koontz (Father Chenille), Scott Walker (George), and Nancy Wojnarowski (Sister Augusta). The director and casting is Biff Baron and stage manager, Peggy Yommer. A spaghetti dinner will be at 5 p.m. Saturday and at noon Sunday. Reservations are required for the dinner. Suggested donations for the dinner. Dinners will be held in the social room at Laurel Trinity Lutheran Church in Jennerstown. For those interested in the dinner, contact Wilma Horner at 814-244-8037 or Carol Barnick at 814-242-6465.
Ladies Retreat
Ladies Retreat 12-3 p.m. 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.
Casino Royale
Casino Royale, an evening with Michael Merschiltz starts at 5:30 p.m. May 20, at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown. Play casino games, take chances on a basket raffle and enjoy Italian dinner before Michael Merschiltz takes the stage to end the evening with a show-stopping performance, singing classics from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and more. Dress in your favorite 1950s or 60s costume or cocktail attire. Purchase tickets through the Community Arts Center online at caccc.org or call 814-255-6515.
Wine Thru the Park
Join in for the tastiest day of the year with Wine Thru the Park, 1-7 p.m. May 20, at Windber Rec Park. Wine tasting, basket raffle, live music, food vendors. All proceeds to benefit the Windber Municipal Authority. Tickets on Eventbrite Community Building. For more information call 814-467-6696 or www.windberrec.com.
Car Cruise
Sound the Alarm! Somerset Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary Car Cruise is from 1-4 p.m. May 20, at Memorial Chevrolet, Somerset. Donations welcome. Dash plaques to the first 100. Food, 50-50, basket raffle. DJ Bubba Conner. Fire truck display.
5K Color Fun Run/Walk/Crawl
The 5K Color Fun Run/Walk/Crawl, hosted by the teams of the Relay For Life of Meyersdale, is May 20, at the Paul Fuller Playground 275 Grant St., Meyersdale. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Run/Walk begins at 10 a.m. Registration includes T-shirt on a first come basis. Friday evening pick up of T-shirts will be available for those who have pre-registered at the Paul Fuller Playground pavilion, 5-7 p.m. May 19. Registration forms available at FB Thomas Drug Store.
Grand Halle Tea will capture 'Paris in Spring'
Beginning at 4 p.m. May 20, The Grand Halle on Broad Street’s annual spring tea will transport its participants to “Paris in Spring.” The tea theme will remind guests of a Parisian sidewalk café in the spring. Featured will be traditional sweets and savories, and an assortment of teas. Entertainment will be provided by strolling musicians on accordion and violin, serenading at the tables. This is a reserved seat event and friends are welcome to book a table. Tickets can be purchased — and table seating arranged — at GrandHalle.com by clicking on the Box Office button. Or call 814-254-4033. For more information on the Paris in Spring Tea, contact Kim Rauch at krrauch@gmail.com.
Oldies Record Hop
Windber Area Visioning Experience Oldies Record Hop, Juke Box Oldies is 6-9:30 p.m. May 21, at the Windber Recreation Park. Food and soda available. Admission charged.
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Cash Bingo
The Meyersdale Little League Cash Bingo is at 2 p.m. May 21, at the Meyersdale Elks, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale. Doors open at 12 p.m. Early birds at 1 p.m. for an additional charge. Six paper cards per game. Basket raffle and 50-50. Concession stand opens at 12 p.m. The Meyersdale Little League Field has been around for about 50 years and needs repairs.
Annual veterans golf event
Somerset County Veterans are planning the annual “Salute to Veterans” golf day to be held May 22, at the Somerset Country Club. Going into the 12th year for this event, the organizers expect another sell-out golf outing to be consistent with past years selling out with 100 participants per each tee time at 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The Somerset Country Club partners with several veterans’ organizations and local businesses to show their appreciation by offering a free day of golf to people from the county who served in the military. The golf day is free to all veterans. The Somerset County Veterans event organizers thank both past and present sponsors. “Our corporate sponsors, along with veteran and social organizations of Somerset County have really made this event a huge success,” said Barry Fitzgerald, Somerset County Veterans committee member. The lunch buffet will be open at noon with the program starting at 12:30 p.m. Organizers also anticipate 100 to 150 nongolfers at the free lunch and program, with a guest speaker. “We encourage our local veterans to attend this event,” said committee member, David Koontz. “This has been a wonderful event and we will strive to build on the successful attendance rate.” This year’s program will be on the history of the "Purple Heart" and honoring local recipients. For more information about the event, contact Bill Aldom, 814-241-7707. Call Somerset Country Club Pro Shop, 814-445-2179, to reserve tee times.
Blood drive
There will be an American Red Cross blood drive at Somerset Alliance Church from 1:30-7 p.m. May 22, in the Fellowship Hall. Enter the building via the rear carport. Register by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or REDCROSSBLOOD.ORG.
Farmers Market
The Windber Municipal Authority Farmers Market runs from 4-8 p.m. every Wednesday, from May 31 through Aug. 30, at Windber Recreation Park, 160 Recreation Road, Windber. The Fall Market is from 4-7 p.m. Sept. 20. For more information check out www.windberrec.com or call 814-467-6696.
5th annual Golf Scramble
Meyersdale Football presents the 5th annual Golf Scramble at 8 a.m. June 3, at Middlecreek Golf Club. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Includes lunch, golf and cart. Kicker prizes. To sign up, text 814-442-4306 or email redonaldson@masd.net.
Photo contest
Somerset Parks and Recreation Board is featuring a 2023 photo contest. The theme is "Explore the Beauty of Somerset County Parks and Trails." All proceeds go toward the construction and maintenance of the trail systems. The photo must be from the Somerset County section of the Great Allegheny Passage, the September 11th National Memorial Trail or Somerset Lake Nature Park. Prizes will go to the top three winners. There will be a People's Choice Award, based on a public Facebook vote from the Facebook page: Somerset County Parks and Recreation. Photos will be uploaded to the Facebook page June 8, and the photo with the most "likes" at 9 a.m. June 16, will win the People's Choice Award. Winners will be announced by June 23. First place prize is $140; second place $125; third place $75 and People's Choice Prize is $50 value. Deadline for submission is June 2. Contact Lindsay Baer, 300 North Center Ave., Suite 540, Somerset, or email baerl@co.somerset.pa.us, or mmarchewka@somersettrust.com, or call 814-445-1572.
Blue Star Event
Attention Military Families which includes National Guard, Reserve and Active Duty: the Somerset County Military Family Support Group is holding its 2nd annual Blue Star Event on June 10, starting approximately at noon in its 20th year intending to show appreciation to you for your sacrifices and and support of your military family member. There will be information shared, assistance available, food, fun and more. They would like to honor and recognize you with a Blue Star Flag if you have not one. There will also be a comedy show free to the families but at $10 a person to the public until capacity is met.
Cash Bingo
Meyersdale Salisbury Berlin Relay For Life Cash Bingo is at 2 p.m. June 11, at the Meyersdale Elks, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale. Doors open at 12 p.m. Early birds at 1 p.m. for an additional charge. Six paper cards per game. Basket raffle, 50/50 and concession stand.
Help with whole-home repairs program
Tableland Services Inc. will be providing the whole-home repairs program to eligible residents of Somerset County through funding provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Whole-Home Repairs Program will allow Tableland to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. Only homeowners are eligible for the program and household income must be 80% or lower of the median county income, which for a family of four is $58,250. Priority will be given to homeowners over 60, veterans, and disabled homeowners. For more information, contact Rachel at Tableland at 814-445-9628. Additionally, as part of this grant, Tableland will invest in construction related workforce development programs.
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. June 22: Midnight Graffiti; July 6: Tim Dabbs.
Electronics collection
Somerset County Recycling is hosting a free electronics collection event 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 24, at 4192 Glades Pike, Somerset (Giant Eagle). This drop off collection event with JVS Environmental is open to all county residents. Accepted electronics include televisions, printers, computers, monitors, laptops, cell phones withno cost associated. The following materials will not be accepted: any liquid, household appliances, loose batteries, or materials that would adversely impact operations or result in environmental health problems.Contact Somerset County Recycling by phone at 814-445-1544 with any questions.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: What's going on during the middle of May?
