The 73rd season of the Mountain Playhouse begins in July 2012. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including Alone Together (comedy), The Fox on the Fairway (farce), SUDS: the Rocking 1960s Musical Soap Opera (musical), Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps (comedy) and Nunsense Jamboree (musical). Prior to the official start of the 2012 season, a limited-run return engagement of Ring of Fire, featuring the music of Johnny Cash, will be featured.

A number of special events take place for each production. Opening Night Reception and Talkback to Us encourage a dialog between audience members and the cast and crew. The Opening Night reception occurs after the first Wednesday evening performance of each production. Here, the cast, crew and audience are invited to Green Gables Restaurant for refreshments and a chance to mingle. Talkback to Us follows the first Sunday matinee performance and gives the audience a chance to open a dialogue with the cast and producers. To encourage younger theater-goers, the Playhouse also holds a special Under 21 Night every Wednesday, which includes special pricing on performances for students and young adults.

In addition to the Mountain Playhouse, Green Gables Restaurant offers fine dining in a rustic, relaxed setting, giving patrons a chance to eat before the performance. Huddleson Court Accommodations offer unique lodging right next to Green Gables and is also situated in the Laurel Highlands near hiking and biking trails, skiing and golf.

Just a short drive from Johnstown, the Mountain Playhouse offers quality entertainment for the whole family, with a rich history of well-received performances. With Green Gables Restaurant and Huddleson Court Accommodations, it’s easy to spend relaxed, quality time in the Laurel Highlands.

For more information, please visit http://www.mountainplayhouse.org/ or call (814) 629-9201.

Formed in 1970 and comprised of canoe and kayak enthusiasts from the Alleghenies, the goal of the Benscreek Canoe Club is “…simply to promote the enjoyment, challenge, safety, and camaraderie of kayaking and canoeing.” The club hosts several events during the course of the year, including kayaking classes, the Kiski-Conemaugh Canoe Sojourn, and perhaps most well-known, the Stonycreek Rendezvous.

The 2012 Stonycreek Rendezvous is being held May 18, 19 and 20 at Greenhouse Park. Planned activities for the event include a downriver race, a flat water race, a Boater-X race and a Whitewater Rodeo.

The downriver race covers 3.5 miles of pool drop whitewater. This race divides participants based on boat type and number of participants, although any length of boat is permitted to be entered into the race. The Boater-X Race will see participants navigate around obstacles within a start and finish line. The Whitewater Rodeo is open to all skill levels with participants being judged on trick difficulty and variety and style.

Occurring for the first time this year at the Rendezvous is a SUP race. This race is standup paddle boarding on a surfboard. SurfSUP Adventure will be providing boards, equipment and instruction and they encourage everyone to participate.

For those outdoor enthusiasts who are hesitant to “take the plunge” into boating or kayaking, there are other forms of entertainment occurring at the Rendezvous. There will be live music all weekend, boating vendors, food vendors and (tent) camping. Camping amenities include water, firewood, fire pits, bathrooms and showers.

The cost of attendance is $10.00 per person, and it covers admission for the entire weekend. The cost of camping for the entire weekend at the festival site is also $10.00 per person. The Stonycreek Rendezvous is open to four-legged friends as well, so guests are encouraged to bring their dogs (and remember to clean up after them!)

If you would like to learn more about the Benscreek Canoe Club, their events, or to become a member, visit the Benscreek Canoe Club website.

For a map of the Stonycreek river, click here.

Photo courtesy of Windber Medical Center

Meditation labyrinths have existed for hundreds of years, although their existence may not be common knowledge. More and more hospitals and organizations are using these as a beneficial healing tool. Labyrinths aid in enhancing wellness, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure.

One local example of this can be found at Windber Medical Center. On the campus there are two walking labyrinths, with visitors able to choose between walking it themselves or attending a WindberCare facilitated walk.

Rachel Allen, Certified Music Practitioner (Institute of Integrative Medicine) at Windber Medical Center, explains, “We offer guided programs for the community and specific groups and can incorporate the feel of two different labyrinths, one in more of an enclosed setting with trees and the other in a wide open space with a fabulous view of the horizon. Both are part of a walking trail with gardens and healing herb beds.”

Ms. Allen also notes that several “Heathstyles” Yoga classes have taken place at the labyrinth, followed by a meditative walk. She has enjoyed leading walks in the labyrinth as well, “I have facilitated over 100 walks including regularly scheduled community walks and groups such as adults with mental illness, parochial school teachers, participants in a spiritual retreat at WMC, corporate wellness, meditation groups…”

Hospitals, including Windber, have been using these labyrinths for their health benefits. Family members can walk the paths to reduce anxiety levels, many patients use the labyrinth to relax prior to a medical procedure or hospital admission and staff members also use the labyrinth to alleviate stress. Windber Hospital also has hand-held labyrinths for those visitors unable to walk.

A labyrinth is not a maze, there is only one path to follow – a single, non-branching path. Traditionally, people have attributed the calming back and forth pattern in the labyrinth to its healing potential. Without having to worry about following the correct turns, the visitor is able to focus on the path, which has a calming and centering effect, in addition to quieting the mind.

Patients have enjoyed the calming and reflective nature of the labyrinth walk, commenting, “I really enjoyed the labyrinth walk because it was very relaxing and allowed me to not think about all my stresses.”

Another participant shared, “I came here to support a close friend. He hasn’t had an easy life. Neither have I. But there are times when he needs my shoulder and there are times when I need his. I’m thankful to have him in my life. Thank you for this opportunity. It was a cleansing experience.”

Typically, the labyrinth is open seasonally, with guided tours beginning in May. More information is available at the Windber Medical Center website.

If you would like to participate in a walk or schedule a facilitated walk for your group, call 814-467-3768 or e-mail rallen@windbercare.org.

Photos Courtesy of (un)apologetic productions

(un)apologetic productions was formed in Johnstown in 2009. Since that time, they have produced several successful shows in the area. According to their website, they are, “an ensemble of artists—actors, directors, playwrights, visual-artists, and musicians—devoted to making a positive change in the world through artistic expression, specifically, the theater arts.”

Their cast is made up of local individuals, who boast credentials of several dozen productions. Some of the cast members are also involved in other area art projects, such as Fine Arts Revolution and My Idea of Fun.

Past productions include “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf”, as well as productions written by members of the ensemble, such as “Entitled”, written by Bret Sarlouis. They have also performed “My Funny Valentine”, which was billed as “An evening of Original Sketch Comedy, Music and More!” They have carried out their pieces everywhere from Ace’s Lounge and the Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center to the Roxbury Bandshell.

The 2012 year promises to bring even more arts and entertainment to the community from (un)apologetic productions, starting with a production of “Gutenberg! The Musical!”, written by Scott Brown and Anthony King. In this two-man musical spoof, a pair of aspiring playwrights perform a backer’s audition for their new project–a big, splashy musical about printing press inventor Johann Gutenberg. With an unending supply of enthusiasm, Bud and Doug sing all the songs and play all the parts in their crass historical epic, with the hope that one of the producers in attendance will give them a Broadway contract–fulfilling their ill-advised dreams.

There are three other performances scheduled for 2012, including “Happy Days” by Samuel Beckett, “The Pillowman” by Martin McDonagh and “The Female of the Species” by Joanna Murray-Smith.

Randy Jeffreys, the president of (un)apologetic productions, is clearly enthusiastic about the work they are doing, as well he should be, “…we closed 2011 with a very well-received production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ at The ArtWorks in Johnstown and we plan to carry the momentum into 2012 with our challenging line up.”

“Our goal at (un)apologetic is to bring cutting edge and professional quality theater to Johnstown and to collaborate with the many talented actors, musicians, designers, and artists of every discipline that can be found right here.”

(un)apologetic productions is also involved with several area organizations, including the Keystone Chapter of the American Red Cross, St. Vincent DePaul’s Food for Families program, the Moxham Renaissance, the Bottleworks Ethnic Arts Center, and the Venue of Merging Arts.

You can learn more about (un)apologetic productions at http://unapologeticproductions.org/index.html

Or follow them on facebook at www.facebook.com/unapologeticproductions

Once arriving at the top of the Inclined Plane (not to skip over the actual ride, which is worth your $4 round trip itself), you can take a few steps over to the observation deck. Here, you’ll see the quintessential view of Johnstown, looking over the valley where the waters of the 1889 flood gushed through.

The Visitors Center, also located at the top of the Incline, provides a history lesson for visitors. Although even life-long residents may find a fact or two they didn’t know. The building also features a large window, from which you can view the inner workings of the Incline.

Just the past Visitors Center, sharing the same magnificent view over the city as the observation deck, is City View Bar and Grill. City View offers Johnstown residents and visitors a casual dining experience with a rotating menu of drink specials, and features a banquet room that can be booked for special occasions.

If you prefer a more adventurous outing, why not try hiking to the top of the hill instead of riding? The 2.4 mile James Wolfe Sculpture trail winds up the side of the hill. Along the path, you can you view many works by James Wolfe, who created the pieces from steel from Johnstown’s Bethlehem Steel plant.

Please note both the Inclined Plane and City View Bar and Grill are currently closed. They will both be reopening on Friday, January 27, 2012.

For directions to the bottom of the Johnstown Inclined Plane, click here. For directions to the top, click here. To learn more, visit http://www.inclinedplane.org and http://www.cityviewbarandgrill.com.

Photo Courtesy of Laurel Arts

The mission of Laurel Arts, according to their website, is “…to promote, exhibit, collect and preserve multi-disciplinary art, to foster the creative process of individuals and groups, to provide cultural diversity and accessibility to a broad scope of arts for people of all ages in Somerset County in particular, and to interface with people in any geographical area that may share in the mission of Laurel Arts.” Mike Oliver, Executive Director of Laurel Arts, agrees, “As a rural arts organization, we are extremely proud of the quality and quantity of the arts opportunities that we provide to the residents of Somerset County and the surrounding areas.  I am confident in saying that the talent of our instructors and local artists rival that of those in bigger cities.”

This holiday season, the Laurel Arts Center in Somerset offers many activities for the entire family to enjoy. But it is also important to note that the Laurel Arts Center has ongoing classes and various other activities year-round, for a wide range of interests and ages.  Laurel Arts also features galleries in the Philip Dressler Center for the Arts, which was built in 1832 by Sheriff Joseph Imhoff. Dorothy B. Dressler offered the home in memory of her husband, to be used to help create the first non-profit, fully-staffed rural arts center in Pennsylvania.

Laurel Arts has a myriad of special activities available for the entire family this holiday season. Their Christmas Craft Shoppe is open until December 20^th, and features locally made craft items as well as gift baskets. There is also a special “chance” auction with tickets available.

The Laurel Arts Center is home to a wide range of activities for every age. There are classes available for children and adults, ranging from dance and painting, photography, card-making and stained-glass, to cooking and jewelry-making. Most of the offered classes are once a week and meet for several weeks, with variable pricing, depending on the class and the materials. Mr. Oliver explains, “The opportunities that are available on a regular basis are too numerous to mention here but whether you are a senior citizen who finally has the time to learn to paint or a parent with young children who want to dance, Laurel Arts has something for you!”

Laurel Arts is also the host of “Somerfest”, which has been a 30 year ongoing tradition in the region. Somerfest, which occurs in July, features Jazz, Bluegrass, Country and Rock music, as well as crafts, children’s areas and activities, and takes place at the Dressler Center.

The second floor of the Dressler Center is now home to the Guild of American Papercutters (GAP) Museum, where viewers can see work done by both amateur and professional papercutters, in color, collage, single layer and sculpted art. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.

It is also important to mention that Laurel Arts sponsors several scholarships for local high school students. These scholarships are available to Somerset High School students who have excelled in the field of Fine Arts (which can include music, dance, drama, visual arts or creative writing). These scholarships include the Dorothy B. Dressler Scholarship Fund, The Myron and Inez Fetterolf Award for Excellence in the Arts, and the Locklin Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Individuals and families may also want to consider a membership to Laurel Arts. Memberships are available in different levels, offering discounts to seniors and students. Memberships are also available for families, friends and individuals, and include benefits such as bi-monthly newsletters, discounts on camps and classes, event admissions and passes to Somerfest. Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Laurel Arts at (814) 443-2433 or email Annie at annie@laurelarts.com for any additional questions or information.

You can visit Laurel Arts on the web at www.laurelarts.org

Shelley Johansson, Director of Communications and Marketing for the Johnstown Area Heritage Association, explains, “This is our third year of offering this program, and it’s already become a tradition. We see a lot of families with older children, many who are part of one of the ethnic groups featured in the tour, and adults with older parents.”

The Wagner house was built in the 1860s by German immigrants, of whom three generations resided before the house was donated to JAHA in the 1990s. The house survived the Johnstown flood, was restored to its original appearance, and opened as a museum in 2004.

The Immigrant Christmas Traditions tour begins at the Heritage Discovery Center with a presentation. Coffee and confections from the four represented countries will be available for the guests to sample.

Several children’s crafts will be featured as well, including the Italian “Urn of Fate” and a “Calennig”. Hungarian crafts (as well as a discussion) will also be available, including “Betlehemzes” and “Lupa Nap”.

Ms. Johansson also notes that, ”People are looking for meaningful ways to spend time together at Christmas, and looking back at the ways Johnstown’s ethnic groups might have celebrated is a great way to do that.”

After the conclusion of the tour and crafts at the Heritage Discovery Center, attendees will walk to the Wagner-Ritter house, which will be decorated this Christmas as it would have been for Christmas in the 1800s. Once at the house, there will be a presentation on German Catholic traditions, as well as a guided tour.

The tours will be offered at noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 10-11 and 17-18, and will begin at the Heritage Discovery Center. Tickets for adults are $10 for JAHA members and $12 for non-members; for children aged 3-17, $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Reservations are recommended, as many tours sold out in 2010 – call 814-539-1889. Click Here for more information on the Johnstown Area Heritage Association.

Click Here for directions to the Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center.

Photograph Courtesy of Grandview Cemetery

Grandview Cemetery was named in 1885 for the “Grand View” of Johnstown that it provides. The history of Grandview has always been tied to the city of Johnstown, both through its tragedies and its triumphant moments. Though perhaps best known for the flood memorial, Grandview Cemetery is also home to several other important historical monuments–these structures represent both the history of our town as well as the history of our country, spanning decades and telling the stories of thousands of lives.  

George Kondor, President and COO of the Citizens’ Cemetery Association, agrees, “Grandview Cemetery is an important part of Johnstown history. We welcome everyone to visit Grandview, stop in the office and pick up a map-brochure and discover the “Points of Interest” including the Unknown Plot from the flood of 1889.” Mr. Kondor also notes, “The staff at the office will be happy to answer any questions you may have. To do Johnstown…Grandview is a must.”

The original entrance to Grandview was located on what is now the Easy Grade Highway. The Chapin Arch is located on the left hand side of the highway, driving up to Westmont from downtown. This arch was dedicated posthumously to Anna Morrell Chapin by her husband Philip Chapin, former General Manager of Cambria Iron Company, hence the name of the monument, the “Chapin Arch”. The entrance to Grandview that most people are familiar with, the entrance off Bucknell Avenue, was not opened until 1904.

The first interment took place in Grandview in April of 1887, when Lucretia Hammond of Kernville was buried.

One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the monument dedicated to the victims of the devastating 1889 flood, when approximately 2,209 people lost their lives. This monument marks the graves of the 777 victims that were never claimed or identified. The monument was dedicated three years after the flood, at a cost of $6,500, in a ceremony attended by more than 10,000 people.

Morrell Circle was purchased in 1887 by Mrs. Daniel J. Morrell, whose husband was the general superintendent of what would later become Bethlehem Steel. The large site was to serve as a family burial. It is known today because of the annual Memorial Day Service sponsored by Westmont Borough, which takes place at the permanent stone rostrum adjoining the circle. Mrs. Morrell purchased this land in April of 1887, during the first public sale of the burial lots.

Even Italian artisans are represented in Grandview Cemetery–at the gravesite of Private Gerald Horner. Horner was killed during WWI, at which point his mother sent a photograph of her son to the artisans, who created the sculpture for his gravesite, based on the photograph his mother had provided.

Grandview Cemetery sits overlooking the city of Johnstown, as it has done since its inception in the 1800s. Grandview is home to important historical structures, buildings and landmarks, but it is more than that–it is home to thousands of its city’s former residents, along with their histories and stories. For directions to Grandview Cemetery, please click here for a map.

To read more about the history of Grandview Cemetery, visit http://grandviewjohnstownpa.com/index.php.

To learn more about specific points of interest, visit http://www.grandviewjohnstownpa.com/maps.shtml.

Built in 1956, the home was commissioned by Bernardine and I.N. Hagan and features cantilevered ceilings, extensive woodwork and a focus on blurring the line between indoors and out.

The home was purchased from the Hagan family in 1986 by Lord Polumbo of London, England, who then opened the building for public tours in 1996. Within the walls of the house, visitors will find displayed a collection of Lord Polumbo’s museum-quality artifacts, consisting primarily of furniture and sculpture.

Art-lovers take note: the creative works on display at Kentuck Knob extend far beyond the structure and the collections held therein. Below the home, in the lower portion of the 80-acre woodland property, lies the sculpture garden—an outdoor gallery of contemporary art featuring the work of a variety of artists.

More photos of the property are available on the Do Johnstown! Flickr page.

Kentuck Knob is open to the public for guided tours from March through December of each year. For pricing, tour-type options and more, visit http://www.kentuckknob.com or call (724) 329-1901.

Kentuck Knob is located at 723 Kentuck Road, Dunbar, PA 15431 (click here for a map).

Photograph courtesy of Weakland Farms

Our region has some of the most beautiful sites to take in during the fall season, and along with that comes plenty of outdoor activities to check out. One such activity, which has been running since 2003, is the corn maze at Weakland Farms. With a new pathway made in their six acre corn field every year, the Weaklands have been providing a fun autumn activity that keeps families coming back year after year.

In addition to the corn maze, the farm features other fall activities as well. For children, there is an indoor hay maze (be sure to bring a flashlight!) and educational encounters with barnyard animals. There are also hayrides, a pumpkin patch, decorations and crafts for sale and refreshments, all of which are great for getting you into the spirit of autumn.

At the Weakland Farms website, you can also view a video about how their corn maze is made each year using GPS backpacks and a zero-turn mower.

The fall activities at Weakland farms run until October 30, 2011. They are open Thursdays and Fridays from 4PM until 8PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 1PM until 8PM. Admission is $6 (children under 3 are free).

Click here for a map to Weakland’s Farm, which is located at 582 Munster Road in Portage, PA.

Learn more by visiting their website: www.weaklandfarms.com.