Future events
local Point Marion Lions Club announced that no country music shows will be held until further notice. The club is closed for utility renovations.
The Beesontown Singers of Fayette County have announced auditions for the group’s fall season. Experience vocalists are being sought to fill several vacancies and to expand the choral group’s size. Directors William Dreucci and Jim Hutchinson have set August audition dates to secure sufficient singers so that the ensemble might be expanded from 16 to 24 members. The Beesontown Singers has the distinction of being the only auditioned community choral group in Fayette and Greene counties. The group’s goal is to preserve the diverse richness of the choral arts for future generations. Auditions are by appointment only and will be conducted on Aug. 20 and 27 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Interested singers who possess an experienced background in choral singing and desire to perform a varied spectrum of choral literature are asked to apply in writing to Beesontown Singers, 20 Dunbar St., Uniontown, Pa. 15401.
A Ministry Launch Concert has been slated for Sept. 10 at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Smithfield. Singer/songwriter Zach Ellsworth will perform his mix of inspired pop, rock and blues with the help of the band “Unwritten.” Admission to the event is free. Free tickets are available by calling Witness Jesus Ministries at 724-564-9934. Seating is limited.
A Bluegrass Festival will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 14 on Main Street in Uniontown. The event will feature bluegrass entertainment, a Dulcimer group, a square dance demonstration, food and refreshments. For more information, call 724-430-2926.
The Greater Uniontown Chorale will begin rehearsals for the fall season on Monday, Sept. 11, at the Third Presbyterian Church in Uniontown. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. All former members are invited to return along with any new prospective members. The choral will begin work on its theme of “An Old Fashion Christmas.” For more information, call director Warrn Shirer at 724-628-1988 or board chairman Richard McCoy at 724-437-6400.Gallery MD at 502 S. Pittsburgh St., Connellsville, welcomes three artists to the gallery. Ray Forquer’s work includes original oils and pastels with a focus on Pennsylvania landscapes as well as prints of a historical nature. Maureen Ryan does portraits of historic cars. In addition to her works at the gallery, she takes commissions. Wayne Arnold works in a variety of medium, including alabaster and rare stones. His work includes jewelry and free-standing pieces. Gallery MD is open from noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 724-626-2117.
Touchstone Center for Crafts’ summer series of art auctions continues on Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m. in the dining hall. The public is welcome at these weekly art auctions in Farmington, which feature unique works of art each week. The proceeds will benefit Touchstone, Pennsylvania’s only residential craft school. For information and directions, call 724-329-1370.
A scarecrow painting class will take place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, at the California Public Library, 100 Wood St., California. The class will be making a “Welcome Fall Friends” wood door hanger. The cost for this class includes all supplies. For more information, call 724-938-2907.A classic car show will be held Sept. 24 at St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church, 185 East Main St., Uniontown. Registration will take place from noon to 2 p.m., and the car show will conclude at 4 p.m. The first 50 vehicles registered will receive a free dash plaque and more than 30 trophies, including eight “best-of-class” trophies. There will be plenty of food, including St. John’s pirohi. Other features will include a 50/50 drawing, Chinese auction, door prizes, children’s activities and entertainment by D.J. Arnie Amber. For more information, call 724-438-6027. All proceeds will benefit the St. John the Baptist building fund.
The Scottdale Fall Festival will hold its annual race on Sept. 16. Registration will take place from 11 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. before the race. The scheduled time to begin is 2:30 p.m. in front of the Elks on Broadway. There is an entry fee. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female participants from each age group. After the race, refreshments will be served to all participants. Visit the Web site at www.scottdalefallfestival.org for race rules and sign-up sheet. For more information, call 724-887-7899. The festival will hold the first Tuner Car Show from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, on Pittsburgh Streets. Registration is by donation the day of the event. A trophy also will be awarded for “best in show,” and an honorable mention will be awarded. For more information, call P.J. Spires at 724-570-9536 or Melanie Kozar at 724-433-4845.
Touchstone Center for Crafts in Farmington will offer a full range of weekend classes this fall, beginning Sept. 8. There are workshops and classes being offered in blacksmithing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, metals and jewelry, photography, sculpture and more designed for students of all levels from beginner to advanced level. The final weekend of the fall season, Oct. 21-22, will be a mountain crafts weekend, featuring open studios, demonstrations and lots of hands-on projects. Traditional crafts with a contemporary twist will be offered. Lodging and meals also are available with reservations.
For details about fall classes and events, contact Touchstone Center for Crafts at 80-721-0177 or visit the Web site at www.touchstonecrafts.com.
Christian W. Klay Winery in Chalk Hill will hold the following events: 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, Oct. 14, 27 and 28 and Nov. 4, Murder Mystery; Sept. 24, Chili Cook-Off to benefit the State Theatre Center for the Arts and the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 15, fall foliage and harvest celebration; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18, grand opening of holiday greenery sale and event; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2, Christmas open house.
The community of Palmer will hold its fourth annual community yard sale from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Many participants are anticipated, and some food vendors also will be set up.
Smock’s third annual Classic Car Show will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10 in the Smock Community Center, one mile off Route 51. Registration will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Free commemorative towel, dash plaque and a hot dog meal coupon will be awarded to the first 100 registered entries. A total of 30 trophies plus eight best of class trophies will be awarded. Music will be provided by a disc jockey. The event will feature a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, a Chinese auction and food. All proceeds will benefit the Smock Heritage Museum, a nonprofit organization. For more information, call Dick Kantorik at 724-677-2415.
Braddock Inn’s second annual Car Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Braddock Inn Restaurant, 3261 National Pike, Farmington, nine miles east of Uniontown on Route 40. The rain date will be Sept. 24. Registration will be held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be an entry fee for each vehicle. Dash plaques and goodie bags will be presented to the first 100 vehicles registered. Trophies will be awarded to the top 25 vehicles. Winners will be chosen by participant vote. D.J. Arnie Amber will provide music. The event will feature a 50/50 drawing, Chinese auction, door prizes, kid’s games and a car parts-only swap meet. Car part vendors are welcome. Spaces are available for a fee. Food will be available in the restaurant or at the show. For information, call George at 724-785-3505 or Sharon at 724-329-5388.
The Downtown Uniontown Farmers’ Market is held every Friday in Storey Square next to the State Theatre Center for the Arts on Main Street. The market is held from 3 to 6 p.m. every Friday through Oct. 20. Fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, including Duda’s Farms, along with homemade baked goods, candles, fresh cut flowers and Jackson Farms’ ice cream are just some of the items available every week. Heart-healthy activities sponsored by STEPS to a Healthier Fayette are held bi-weekly. For more information, contact the Fayette Progress Council at 724-437-1750. Senior citizen and WIC farmers’ market vouchers are accepted.
The Uniontown Downtown Business District Authority is planning the third “Arts in the City” event from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24. The authority is searching for artists, such as craftsmen, blacksmiths, weavers, quilters, stained-glass artists, metal workers, potters, silversmiths, jewelry crafters, ironworkers, painters, photographers and other artists and craftsmen. Food vendors are welcome to apply for the event. The authority also is looking for sponsorships to help with the cost of the yearly activities. Booths will be set up on Main Street from Gallatin Avenue to Pittsburgh Street, displaying the work of the artists. A total of 55 vendors displayed their talents at last year’s event. For more information, call Judy Vrabel at the Downtown Business District Authority office at 724-430-2926.
Music in the Mountains 2006 will be held Sept. 9-10 in Ohiopyle. Festivities will include Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the National Corvette Restorers Society, several musical acts to be announced, Ohiopyle Volunteer Fire Department’s annual triathlon, adventure race, food and artisan vendors and fireworks. For more information, call 724-329-8591 or e-mail ohiopylesp@state.pa.us.
St. Therese Church Cookbook with familiar and traditional recipes “like Grandma used to make” is now available for sale. To place an order or for more information, call St. Therese Faith Formation Center at 724-437-1957 or Linda at 724-439-4036.
The 12th annual Salute to the Classics, a concert and classic car cruise, will be held Sept. 9 at Linden Hall. The gates open at 10:30 a.m. followed by the show at 12:30 p.m. Jeff Allen will server as master of ceremonies. Featured acts include Lou Christie, The Jaggerz, Frankie Ford, Dubs, Johnny Angel and the Halos, Elmoz Fire and Four Townsmen. The show is produced by Rich and Michael DePaulis. The show is sponsored by Music Power 104 and Coors Light. Tickets are available in advance and at the gate. For tickets and information, call 412-373-3860.
Classes are being held at The Geyer Performing Arts Center in Scottdale for those interested in performance-related topics. Some of the courses being offered include acting, vocals, songwriting, guitar and set design. The six-week courses are arranged by age from 8 to adult. The instructors include Josh Garsteck and Matt Starry. For information, call 724-887-0887 or stop by The Geyer Performing Arts Center at 111 Pittsburgh St., Scottdale.
Geezers’ Book Shop, now operating as 64 Crayons at Jozart Studios, has resumed Tuesday writing workshops from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at 333 Second St., California, located above the Dollar General store. Instead of concentrating on a single genre as in past years, the current group agreed that fiction, creative, non-fiction, poetry, plays, film scripts and songs may be presented for discussion. There is no charge for these sessions. For more information, call 724-938-9730 or e-mail 64crayons-@jozartstudios.com.
A cookbook with a forward by award-winning chef Joe Carei of Caileigh’s Restaurant in Uniontown is available at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. The cookbook is full of recipes and historic photographs of the Grand Old Lady of Main Street. They are available in the theater office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and at all performances. Call 724-439-1360 to place a mail order. There is a cost for the cookbooks.
The Smock Historical Museum will open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each Saturday. The museum will retain open through October. It features artifacts of the coal and coke era. Also featured is a typical patch house from the early years, Cicconi’s Union Beer Garden, a barbershop and chapel and a gift shop with homemade crafts. Donations are accepted. Special tours can be arranged by calling 724-677-2415.
The Ohiopyle Volunteer Fire Department will hold its 12th annual triathlon on Sept. 9. The event includes biking, boating and running. For more information or an application, call Doug as 724-329-0896.
Crafters are needed for the first annual craft fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Uniontown Senior Center. Eight-foot tables and 6-foot tables will be available at a cost. Each crafter will be asked to donate a door prize. To register for a table, call 724-437-6050, extension 248 or extension 227. All proceeds will benefit the Aging Program, which supports the senior centers and home-delivered meal program.
Proverbs 31 Quilt Guild will hold its third annual Quilt Show on Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Keisterville Union Church in Keisterville. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Quilts, wall hangings, table runners and items showcasing the traditional craft will be displayed. Hand quilting and piecing demonstrations will be ongoing during the show. A wide variety of foods, including ethnic favorites, will be available for sale, including takeouts. As in previous years, many flavors of pies will be the main dessert offering sold. Gift baskets with a variety of themes will be this year’s door prizes. A flea market area with items provided by guild members will be included in the day’s activities. Admission and parking are free. Call Kathy at 724-437-0422 or Nancy at 724-785-2540 for more information.
Cheer USA, a family-owned business, provides children’s cheerleading classes in more than 40 cities throughout the U.S., bringing youth together in a fun and positive environment. Registration will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Registration and classes will be held at the Uniontown Area YMCA. The first class starts Sept. 23. This is an eight-week program, one day per week for 40 minutes. There is a cost. For more information, call 866-236-2767.
The 35th annual car show and hog roast will be held rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at Fireman’s Field in McClellandtown. The McClellandtown Fire Department, National City Bank and the Summit Mountain Early Iron Club will sponsor the event. The firemen and car club members will offer roast hog sandwiches, hot sausage sandwiches, hot dogs, french fries, beverages and desserts. Flea market spaces for auto-related items only are available. Entertainment will be offered by Joe’s Dusty Discs. Several 50/50 drawings will be held, along with a Chinese auction. Registration is by donation, with all proceeds benefiting the fire department. There is no admission fee. Commemorative plaques will be awarded to the first 175 cars. For more information, call Linn at 724-437-1370 or Lou at 724-737-4445.
A Fall Carnival will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Uniontown from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 9. Various activities, entertainment and goods will be available for young and old. While there will be items available for purchase, the event is free to everyone. A special Homecoming Day will be held Sept. 10 at the church. The church is located at the corner of South Beeson Avenue and Dunbar Street. The Rev. Thomas Brown is church pastor. For more information, call the church office at 724-437-7525.
Auditions for “The Nutcracker” ballet will take place on Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Dance Studio (Hamer Hall Room 131) on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania. Auditions will take place at 1 p.m. for ages 13 and up for corps de ballet, soldiers, snowflakes, waltz of the flowers and divertissement; 2 p.m. for ages 9 to 12 for corps de ballet, first-scene children, snowflakes, flurries, soldier and gingersnaps; 3 p.m., ages 8 to 8, first-scene children, mice, flurries and gingersnaps. Those auditioning are asked to arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled audition time and to dress appropriately. Girls and boys of all ages and levels of ability are needed. Production dates are Dec. 7-10 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. For more information, call the Department of Theatre and Dance at 724-938-4220. Donna Marovic-Anthony is artistic director.
Ballet Lafayette will host ballroom dance lessons. The first two classes are Sept. 10 and Sept. 24. There is a cost. Anyone who is interested in joining the classes is asked to call 724-437-8653 or stop in the Fayette School of Ballet studio, located on the third floor of 50 E. Main St., Uniontown.
Talent Night will take place at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Music N’ More, 14 S. Broadway, Scottdale. There is an entry fee and admission. The event will feature prizes, raffle and fun. For more information, call 724-887-5774.
Free music will add to the day’s entertainment for the whole family from 1 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 in Brownsville. Multiple food booths will be set up at Brownsville’s Nemacolin Castle for purchasing lunch, dinner or a snack. The music begins at 1:30 p.m. with the Mon Valley Community Band, followed at 3:45 p.m. by the dulcimer music of Sutch Sounds and polka music by the Solitudes from 5 to 7 p.m. Kids can share their old books at the Book Swap Table and take a book for reading at home. Participants are asked to bring a blanket. For more information, call 724-246-0779. Music and Reading on the Mon is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance and BARC. There are still spaces available for food booths. For more information, call 724-785-8818.
The Center in the Woods and the California Optimistic Club will hold the annual Autumnfest from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 and noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 10. A waffle breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 9. Events will include a Chinese auction and Nemacolin golf package, live entertainment, food booths, bake sale, crafts, beauty shop, foot massages, kids activities and fingerprinting by the California Police Department. For more information, call Galvie Gardner at 724-938-3011.
area
Pittsburgh CLO’s 2006 season at the Benedum Center will feature “Monty Python’s SPAMALOT,” Sept. 19-Oct 1. Tickets and subscriptions are available online at www.pittsburghCLO.org, by fax at 412-281-1150 or by calling the subscription hotline at 412-281-2822. Group sales hotline is 412-264-2560.
music
The Greater Scottdale Area Choral Society will begin its 2006-2007 concert season with the first rehearsal scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Christ United Methodist Church in Scottdale. Under the direction of Dwight Brown and accompanied by Sue Booher, the society will begin to prepare music for the upcoming Christmas season. New members are always welcome.
The Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) will hold fall auditions for area high school and college students.
Advanced middle school students are accepted in some cases.
Auditions are open to all interested string, woodwind, brass and percussion players. Auditions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 for all returning WYSO members and 10:30 a.m. Sept. 17 for new applicants.
Westmoreland Youth Symphony Orchestra rehearses on Wednesday evenings, beginning Sept. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Cecilian Hall on the campus of Seton Hill University in Greensburg.
To schedule an audition or for more information, call the Westmoreland Symphony office at 724-837-1850 or email info@westmorelandsymphony.org.
odds & ends
“The Monongahela Railway, Its History and Operation, 1903-1993,” a 212-page book with more than 300 black and white pictures and 24 maps of the system, is available at Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 325 Market St., Fayette Chamber of Commerce, Uniontown Library, Flatiron Building, Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville, New Salem and Fairchance pharmacies and Hobbies & Stuff in Connellsville.
St. Mary’s Church in Crucible, Greene County, will hold its annual festival on Sept. 10 on the church grounds. Food will be available in the church hall from noon to 4 p.m. Chicken, pizza, hot dogs and funnel cakes will be offered. The event will feature raffles, a Chinese auction, half take, bingo and children’s games. D.J. Ralph will play tunes from noon to 3 p.m. The Vibrations, a polka band, will perform from 3 to 6 p.m. The public is invited.
Hoedown round and square dancing, slow dancing, polkas, waltzing, line dancing and clogging will be held at the following dates and times: 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at the Alwine Civic Center on old Route 66 about two miles north of Greensburg; 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, at the Arthurdale Center Hall in Arthurdale, W.Va.; 8:30 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, at the Ohiopyle Community Center; 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at the Haydentown Community Center; and 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Blacksville Senior Center in Blacksville, W.Va. Dave Dahl will provide music and figure calling.
Flenniken Public Library, 102 E. George St., Carmichaels, will offer preschool story hour every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The library is also offering after-school tutoring for students in kindergarten through high school. A state-certified teacher runs the program. Sessions are customized to fit each child’s learning style. For more information, call 724-966-5263.
The California Area Public Library will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, noon to 4 p.m. Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Story hour for preschool children will be held at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday. Visit the library’s Web site at www.calpublib.org, and click on the “story hour” link for more information or call the library at 724-938-2907.
The summer reading program titled “Paws, Claws and Tales” will offer weekly story time and activities and encourages reading from birth to 11 years old beginning Monday and continuing through Aug. 11 at the Monessen Public Library, 326 Donner Ave., Monessen.
Streets of Gold will present a benefit auction and gospel concert festival on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Christ United Methodist Church, 2800 Coulterville Road, White Oak. An auction will take place at 2 p.m. The concert will feature Faith Harmony Boys from West Virginia followed by the Needhams at 6 p.m.
A love offering will be taken for the groups. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the non-profit ministry of Streets of Gold. Food will be available all day provided by the Christ United Methodist Church. The doors open at 1 p.m.
The Somerset Historical Center will host the 37th annual Mountain Craft Days folk festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 8-10. More than 125 artisans, musicians and entertainers will be on hand to interpret the rich frontier heritage of southwestern Pennsylvania. There is an admission charge. People with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call 814-445-6077 in advance to discuss their needs.
The 36th annual Covered Bridge Festival will take place Sept. 16 and 17 in Washington and Greene counties. The festival will feature crafts, food, entertainment, activities, exhibits, demonstrations and special events.
The festival will be held at the Carmichaels Bridge in Carmichaels, Greene County; White Bridge at Garards Fort, Greene County; Pine Bank Bridge at the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Museum of Rural Life, Washington County; Hanover McClurg Bridge in Hanover Township Park, Washington County; Krepps Bridge in Mount Pleasant Township, Washington County; the Hughes Bridge in Amwell Township, Washington County; the Henry Bridge in Mingo Creek County Park in Washington Township; and the Ebenezer Bridge in Mingo Creek County Park in Washington Township.
For more information about the festival, call Cheryl Clark at 724-966-2357.