Future events
local stage
Stagecoach to the Stars Production will perform “Cheers” on Friday, Sept. 20, at Becker’s Shadyside Restaurant, which is located at 998 N. Gallatin Ave. Extension, Uniontown. The dinner starts at 6 p.m. with the show following at 7 p.m. at a cost of $25 plus tip. Reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, call 724-438-0931.
West Virginia Public Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “Annie” on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. Rehearsals will begin Sept. 30, and performance dates are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 11-12. Adults and children are encouraged to audition. Those auditioning are asked to prepare 16 bars of an upbeat tempo or ballad song and to bring a headshot and resume. Call backs will also be held the same day for reading the dance. Auditions are by appointment only. For more information and to schedule an audition, contact Marla Freeman at 304-598-0144.
music
Diane Bish, renowned organist and host of “The Joy of Music” television series, will perform on the two-manual, 22-rank Schantz pipe organ at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Uniontown at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15. For tickets or additional information about the concert, call St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church at 724-437-9000.
“Symphony On Wheels” will travel to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, Sept. 11, to attend a special memorial benefit concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. “A Concert for Heroes – Mahler: Resurrection Symphony” will be conducted by Gilbert Kaplan and will include Esther Heiderman, soprano; Stacey Rishoi, mezzo-soprano; and the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh with Robert Page as director. The musicians and conductor will be playing for no pay so that net proceeds benefit the Somerset County Flight 93 Memorial Fund. Ticket purchases will help reach the goal of $100,000. Ticket cost is $50.25 for all seats. Bus transportation from the Uniontown Mall is available for a charge of $17 for a round-trip ticket, which will leave for Heinz Hall at 4 p.m. Call Susan at Communities in Schools at 724-437-2540 for reservations.
Dr. Gordon Turk, resident organist of the historic Auditorium in Ocean Grove, N.J., will give the inaugural organ recital in the Asbury Festival Recital Series on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Asbury United Methodist Church. The festival series will conclude on April 13 (Palm Sunday) with a performance by the Asbury Festival Choir and the Greater Uniontown Chorale assisted by guest artists. Season subscriptions for the recital series are available. Four- and two-concert subscription packages will be sold by mail only, at considerable savings. Anyone who wants to be placed on the mailing list to receive a subscription brochure should send an address label to Asbury United Methodist Church, 20 Dunbar St., Uniontown, Pa. 15401. Tickets for individual performances at $12 each will be sold two weeks before each performance at selected outlets. No tickets will be sold at the door. Asbury church is located as the corner of South Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street and is handicapped accessible. All performances will be given in the church sanctuary.
The Steel City Quartet will perform at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Uniontown Church of the Nazarene, 8 Jeffrey Lane. A free-will offering will be accepted. For more information, call the Rev. Howard Foust at 724-437-1035.
art
The Flatiron Building in Brownsville houses two museums. The Heritage Center tells the story of the two major eras of history relating to the making of America. The Westward Expansion (National Road era) and the Coal, Coke, River and Railroad (Industrial era) offer changing exhibits every two months. For more information, call 724-785-9331. The Frank L. Melega Art Museum located in the upper level of the historic Flatiron Building offers Melega’s original art of many mediums focusing on the industries of the area. Reproductions and limited-edition reproductions are available for sale in the gift shop.
Uniontown Art Club member Kerry Burd Jr. will have works of art and photography on display at the National City Bank in downtown Uniontown August. A large collection entitled, “The White Rocks,” will feature a 12-canvas tribute to a book published in 1865 by Uniontown native A.F. Hill. “The White Rocks” are a local landmark made famous by the 1810 murder of Polly Williams. Also on display will be photos from Mexico, New York City and various digital experiments. The exhibit runs during bank hours, and a portion of all sales will benefit the Uniontown Art Club. For more information concerning the show or sale of items, call 724-564-7501.
Frank L. Melega Art Museum, which is located on the upper floor of the Flatiron Building Heritage Center, 69 Market St., Brownsville, will celebrate local history month with an exhibit by Charles S. Kovach entitled “A Window in Time – The Early Years.” The exhibit will continue through Sunday, Sept. 29. Heritage center hours are noon to 6 p.m. Sunday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 724-785-9331.
The Faculty Art Show continues at Touchstone Center for Crafts, which is located on the Elliottsville-Wharton-Furnace Road. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon Saturday and 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday. More than 100 pieces of fine arts, paintings, jewelry and objects are on display. Every item will be executed by an art instructor on the 2002 agenda. This schedule is subject to change and calling ahead is suggested. The gallery store is also open during this time. For more information, call 724-329-1370.
odds & ends
The book, “Point Marion … From the Beginning,” is currently for sale. The 490-page volume that includes the genealogy and history of the area begins with the Indians and ends with the year 1999. It details not only the borough of Point Marion, but also the surrounding area because Point Marion was once located within the boundaries of Springhill Township in the former state of Virginia. The book is available at The Book Store in the Cherry Tree Plaza, Smithfield Pharmacy in Smithfield, Kendall Floral, Clar-Mac Sales and the Point Marion Hardware in Point Marion, New Geneva Pottery in McClellandtown and Riverrun Books and Prints in Greensboro.
The “Carpathian Cookery” cookbook, now in its 10th printing, is again available for sale. The 330-page cookbook now features a protective plastic cover and includes sections on Easter customs and recipes (and Christmas customs and recipes), traditional Rusyn foods and other ethnic dishes and many other recipes of St. John’s parishioners. Many paska and kolachi recipes, as well as meatless dishes and Lenten recipes, are included. The price of this cookbook is $13 plus $2 postage and handling. To order, send a check or money order to Ethnic Craft Club, St. John Byzantine Catholic Church, 185 E. Main St., Uniontown, Pa. 15401 or call 724-438-6027 for more information.
Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, on the grounds of Mount Macrina Manor. The fun begins at 11 a.m. Festival organizers are currently seeking craft vendors, including individuals and groups. For additional information or to reserve a table, contact Missy at 724-430-1134.
The Center in the Woods in California will hold its eighth annual Oak Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 15, from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, call 724-938-3554.
The Smock Heritage Museum is open every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 31. The museum portrays life as it was in a typical coal mining town during the Coal & Coke Era. Three rooms in a “Patch Company House” are open, and the tour takes visitors back in time to life during that era. “Cicconi Tavern” is on display where several meetings were held to organize the union along with information on Colonial Mines No. 1 and No. 2, photos, antiques, vintage clothing and a unique craft shop. The museum will open on weekdays by appointment. For more information, call 724-677-2528.
Penn State Fayette has announced the Fall 2002 Cultural Events Series. All events are open to the general public. The schedule is as follows: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Olde Tyme Photos” in the J.L. Williams Building Caf?; 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, Alain Nu, a Washington-based mentalist, in Swimmer Hall; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1, Tom Teasley, extremely versatile percussionist, in Swimmer Hall; at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, Peter Jordan, who incorporates a gallery of shocking photos and videos, in Swimmer Hall; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, Eric Mintel Quartet in Swimmer Hall; 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, musicians Andes Manta in Swimmer Hall. For more information, call 724-430-4199.
The fall coffeehouse schedule at Penn State Fayette will be held from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday; Wednesday, Sept. 25; Wednesday, Oct. 16; Wednesday, Nov. 6; and Wednesday, Dec. 4, in the J.L. Williams Building Caf?. The audience can relax and enjoy some coffee and refreshments while listening to coffeehouse-style talent from Penn State Fayette faculty, staff and students. Penn State Fayette English professor Dr. Fred Adams serves as the coffeehouse emcee as he performs many favorites on his guitar. Each evening has a mix of poetry reading, singing, piano and jam sessions. Campus clubs and organizations sponsor the coffeehouses by providing coffee and refreshments for all in attendance. For more information, call 724-430-4199.
Sports Card, Nascar, Comic Book and Beanie Baby show will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 6-8, at the Uniontown Mall. Participants will have an opportunity to buy, sell and trade. For more information, call 724-592-6038.
The State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown will celebrate the 80th anniversary of “The Grand Old Lady of Main Street.” Residents can support this historic landmark by sponsoring an 80th anniversary commemorative flag imprinted with their name, business name or organization’s name. The theatrically themed flags will be displayed on Main Street from mid-September until Thanksgiving. The cost is $45 to sponsor one side of the flag or $80 for both sides. For more information, call the State Theatre office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 724-439-1360.
Laurel Valley Corvette Club will present an All Corvette Cruise on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Speedy Meedy’s Service Center, which is located along Route 119 (across from the Fayette County Fairgrounds). Registration will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. A total of 15 trophies will be awarded at 9 p.m. A donation will be accepted for the registration fee. The event will feature door prizes, a 50/50 drawing, food and beverages. For more information, contact Ray at 724-277-8737 or Matt at 724-785-7104.
Shadyside Restaurant, 998 N. Gallatin Ave., Uniontown, will host an oldies dinner/dance by Jeff Allen of Power 104 FM. The buffet dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment following from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The dinner/dance package is $16.95 per person or a $5 cover charge for the dance only. Reservations are required. Call 724-438-0931 for reservations, information or directions.
area
stage
The Apple Hill Playhouse in Delmont recently announced its 2002 summer schedule, which offers dramas as well as comedies. This season’s highlights include the male and female versions of “The Odd Couple,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Taffetas” and “Picnic.” Apple Hill Playhouse is a restored barn that has been converted to a 175-seat performance space. Dinner-theater packages are available with the nearby Lamplighter Restaurant. Apple Hill is located about 30 miles east of Pittsburgh in Delmont. For more information, call 724-468-5050 or visit www.applehillplayhouse.org.
music
The Voices of St. Vincent are currently holding auditions for all sections of the chorus. Rehearsals are every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. in the St. Vincent Archabbey Basilica in Latrobe. Rehearsals are required. For additional information or to schedule an audition, call Joseph Bronder at 724-532-6600.
art
An exhibit entitled “Vistas of the Laurel Highlands” is offered at the Mountain View Inn in Greensburg. This exhibit is a result of collaborative work between the Westmoreland Photographers and Vance and Vicki Booher, owners of the Mountain View Inn. The public is invited to view this permanent limited-edition collection of vistas from various locations in Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Featured will be Fallingwater, Cucumber Falls, Cedar Creek, Twin Lakes, St. Michael’s Church in Rector, Rolling Rock, Linn Run, Four-Mile Run, Ligonier, Sugarloaf, Barronvale Covered Bridge and more. The photographers of this collection are Anne Bernstein, Tracy Ekovich, Ann Hewitt, Shireleah Kujawa, Kern Little, Jim Miller, Lois Odendahl and Lorie Womack. Professional framer Cathy Hayden of the Nature Nook and Malloy’s Camercade assisted with the project. For information, contact Kujawa at 724-219-9355.
The Westmoreland County Community College Art Gallery will begin its exhibition year with a show of WCCC student works. The exhibit will continue through Friday, Sept. 6.
The WCCC Student Exhibition will feature more than 30 drawings, paintings, designs and paper art created by community college students.
during the spring and summer sessions. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
odds & ends
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park is staying open every Friday until 9 p.m. Visitors can enjoy an evening stroll through the entire conservatory, then sit and relax in the Palm Court where cappuccino, expresso and desserts will be available. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardents, the 13-room Victorian glasshouse and gardens in Schenley Park, is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phipps is closed Mondays. Phipps admission rates are $6 for adults, $5 for seniors age 60 and older, $4 for students with ID and $3 for children ages 2 to 12. Children under 2 and Phipps members are admitted free. For more information about the conservatory, call 412-622-6914 or visit online at www.phipps.conservatory.org.
The 32nd annual Covered Bridge Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21-22, in Greene and Washington counties. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is held rain or shine. This year’s festival will showcase 10 bridge sites, which will feature distinct crafts, homesyle food and unique entertainment. Each bridge has its own natural flavor that brings people back year after year. Activities will be featured at the Carmichaels Bridge in Carmichaels, Greene County; White Bridge in Garards Fort, Greene County; Henry Bridge and the Ebenezer Bridge, which are both located in Mingo Creek County Park, Washington County; Bailey Bridge and Hughes Bridge, which are located in Amwell Township, Washington County; Sprowls Bridge and Wyit Sprowls Bridge, which are located in East Finley Township, Washington County; McClurg Bridge in Hanover Township Park, Washington County; and the Pine Bank Bridge at the Meadowcroft Museum of Rural Life in Washington County. Free admission and parking are offered. For more information, contact the Greene County Tourism Promotion Agency at 724-627-8017 or the Washington County Tourism Agency at 724-228-5520.
The second annual Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the West Bethlehem Community Park in Marianna. The event is sponsored by the Marianna Library. The library is seeking volunteers to sell food, make baked items or donate sale items for the library. The festival proceeds will benefit the library’s new book fund. For more information, call the library at 724-267-3888.
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPA Aquarium has switched to its summer-season hours of operation. The zoo will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with admission gates closing at 5 p.m.
The 50th anniversary of the Farmers’ and Threshermen’s Jubilee will be held Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 4-8, at New Centerville in Somerset County. Held each year the weekend after Labor Day, the jubilee recreates harvest time with demonstrations of threshing, cider pressing and log sawing. The event will also feature live country and blue grass music, square dancing, tractor and truck pulling and horseshoe pitching. As a special anniversary celebration, the Vogues will perform on Thursday, Sept. 5, and fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. The jubilee is located off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Exit 10 and nine miles south of Somerset on Route 281.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History will present a special exhibit, “Fascinating Fakes,” through Dec. 8 in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems. The exhibit showcases specimens that have been embellished to increase value, altered to look like a more valuable piece and examples of some specimens with questionable authenticity. The exhibit is free with museum admission. “Fascinating Fakes” can be enjoyed Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursdays until 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, $5 for children ages 3 to 18 and full-time students with ID. The exhibit is free to children under age 3 and Carnegie members. For more information, call 412-622-3131 or visit the museum’s Web site at www.CarnegieMuseums.org/cmnh.
Labor relations will be the topic of a special presentation at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Charles McCollester, Ph.D., a Commonwealth speaker of the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, will speak on “The Point of Pittsburgh: Birthplace of American Unionism.” This presentation is free of charge and open to the public. For additional information, call Joanna T. Moyar at 724-836-1800.
The annual Ligonier Highland Games will get underway at Idlewild Park on Saturday, Sept. 7, starting at 9 a.m. and running until 6 p.m. This Scottish festival annually draws thousands of Scots and non-Scots alike for one of the most colorful and musical events in western Pennsylvania. Activities will be offered for the entire family. Idlewild Park is closed except for the Scottish games on Saturday, Sept. 7. Admission to the games is $12 for adults, $5 for children to age 12 and kids under 6 are admitted free. Parking is also free. For a complete schedule of the weekend events, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Ligonier Highland Games, P.O. Box 884, Bethel Park, Pa. 15401 or check the Web site at www.ligoniergames.org.
A Friskies Cat Show sponsored by Western Pennsylvania Cat Fanciers and Friskies will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Pittsburgh Expo Mart in Monroeville. Proceeds will benefit feline health and welfare. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call 412-922-4454.