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/
Tableland income tax assistance
Tableland Services Inc. will again be offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The VITA program offers free basic income tax preparation services for qualifying residents of Somerset County. To qualify, the participant has to be a Somerset County resident and have an annual income of $60,000 or less. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tableland did not offer the program in 2022.
All tax preparers at Tableland are volunteers who have been certified by the Internal Revenue Service. The volunteers who prepare the returns must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. The training includes maintaining privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition, a quality review check is done for every return prepared at Tableland prior to filing. In 2021, Tableland’s volunteers prepared more than 600 tax returns for county residents at no cost.
For those interested in using the VITA program at Tableland, contact Megan at 814-445-9628. She will do a short intake to verify eligibility and schedule an appointment with one of the tax preparers. The program will be operational until April 14.
Project FeederWatch
Laurel Hill State Park is hosting Project FeederWatch to observe backyard birds for science. Participants will count birds and submit data for an international research project. Counts will occur on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at the Laurel Hill Visitor Center. Count dates are: Feb. 8, 21 and 22; March 21 and 22; and April 11 and 12. For more information, call the Laurel Hill Visitor Center at 814-352-8649. For those who need an accommodation to participate in park activities because of a disability, contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks: at 888-PA-PARKS (voice) 717-558-2710 (local or international voice,) 711 (AT &T Relay Services.) With at least three days’ notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.
Recycling 101
Join on Zoom 6 p.m. Feb. 8 for Recycling 101. Learn to live sustainably, minimize waste production, reusable alternatives, recycling operation, acceptable recyclables and the future for Somerset County. Attend to get a free SOCO Recycling Tote Bag. Meeting ID: 810 3486 7606. Passcode: Recycle.
Confluence Creative Arts Center
Contact info@confuencecreativearts for details or to register for upcoming events and activities. FROGTOWN UKESTRA, Thursdays 6-7 p.m.-ish: Feb. 9, 16, 23; March 2. Ukuleles are provided or bringyour own. Preregistration requested. Frogtown Ukestra is Confluence's premier and only ukulele-playingfolk-song singing ensemble.It is open to adults and children who are interested in playing the ukelele.Guitars and other acoustic instruments are also welcome. Instruction will be geared for all ages and ability levels with the objective of playing and performing as a group.A final performance showcase will be planned for March 10. OVERBOOKED : LITERARY DISCUSSION GROUP next book discussion: March 19.Title to be determined. POSTCROSSING STARTUP AND MEETUP, 3 p.m. showcase the cards that are received and meet March 19. More info about Postcrossing can be found at:https://www.postcrossing.com/aboutorhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postcrossing. CRANKIE KIDS, Thursdays: Feb. 9, Feb. 16, and Feb. 23. Performance on Feb. 25. Ages 6-16. Preregistration required. Participate in a collaborative crankie-making project.Over several workshop sessions, participants will work together to help create the artwork for a very large and very funny crankie called "Hairy Things." Participants will also develop a performance that will include singing, shadow art, and learning how to be part of a big-time crankie show.The Crankie Kids will be one of the acts in this year's Festival of Scrolling PanoramicArts at the Arts Center on Feb. 25. SILENT MEDITATION, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays. Dress comfortably. Judd Evans will guide participants in sitting and walking meditation.Cushions and chairs are provided and tea and refreshments are available after the practice.
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Pour Tour 3.0
Craft beverage makers in Somerset County and GO Laurel Highlands launched its Pour Tour 3.0. The third iteration of the trail features breweries, wineries, distilleries, meaderies and cideries in Fayette, Somerset and Westmoreland counties. Glades Pike Winery in Somerset, Quinn Brewing Co. Tap Room in Central City, Tall Pines Distillery in Salisbury, Whitehorse Brewing in Berlin, Vin de Matrix Winery in Rockwood and Ponfeigh Distillery, which expects to open later this year, are other Somerset County partners. After users pick up a free passport or download the app, they will get stickers by making purchases from participating locations — or uploading a picture to the app for verification purposes. After collecting enough stickers, they are eligible for prizes. The printed passport features a map to help users locate beverage makers while the app uses GPS to determine the nearest Pour Tour partner. Pour Tour 3.0 prizes include a free T-shirt (15 stickers or check-ins), a growler or stainless steel flask (30 stickers or check-ins) and a canvas/leather wine tote or portable outdoor beverage table (45 stickers or check-ins). Those who complete Tier 3 will be entered into a drawing for a Laurel Highlands getaway. Pour Tour 3.0 ends on Dec. 31.
The Secret Landscapes of the Mind
Exhibit of paintings and sculptures by Zheka, "The Secret Landscapes of the Mind" on display through Feb. 24, at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Johnstown. A video tour of the artwork will be available at the Center's YouTube & Facebook pages. Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
Winter Wonderland Snow Ball
Salisbury Church of the Brethren's Winter Wonderland Snow Ball is from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 11, at the Faith Factory, 153 Union St., Salisbury. An evening of fellowship, music, dancing and food. Featuring DJ Frankie Ryan. Call or text 814-279-0787 to make a reservation by Feb. 6. Semi-formal attire.
Friedens Coffeehouse
The Friedens Lutheran Church is gearing up to begin the winter Coffeehouse season.All performances take place 7-9 p.m. Fridays in the church's "Friendship Hall." Along with entertainment, coffee and dessert are served.Coffeehouses are open to the public. The schedule this year will be: Feb. 10 Jeff Webb and the Delectible Sound, Feb. 24 Echo Valley Bluegrass, March 31 Rugg Band, and April 28 John Larimer.There is no admission charge, but the church suggests a donation of $5 for each concert.More information about each group and any weather related cancelations will be provided on the church's Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/friedenslu*theran.
Death by Chocolate
Friends of the Meyersdale Public Library will host the 22nd annual Death by Chocolate contest and auction at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10 the Amity United Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 315 Center St., Meyersdale. Judging will be in three categories: cakes and pies, cookies and bars, and candy. Entries may be taken to the church hall between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Feb. 10. Cookies, bars and candy must have at least 12 on a plate for judging. Entries must have a chocolate component. Judging will be based on appearance, intensity of chocolate and taste. Cash prizes will be awarded. The best in show receives an additional prize. Judging begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The auction follows the judging.
Baked goods, including non-chocolate items, that are being submitted for the bake sale and not for judging may be taken to the Meyersdale Public Library, 210 Center St., Meyersdale, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 10. The baked goods will be on sale Friday and Saturday until sold out. Use containers that don't have to be returned. Proceeds benefit the Meyersdale Public Library. For more information, call 814-634-0512.
Donate blood in memory of Joyce Lane
An American Red Cross blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11, in memory of Joyce Lane, 66, of Cairnbrook, at the American Red Cross Donor Center, 250 Jari Dr., Johnstown, Feb. 11. Lane passed away Aug. 29, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her treatment required numerous blood transfusions and Lane was extremely grateful for those who donated to help save her life. To make an appointment,visitRedCrossBlood.organd enter the sponsor code LANE, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Spaghetti dinner
Spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit Kristi Burkett, 4-6 p.m. Feb. 11, at Milford Church, 368 Bando Road, Somerset. Eat in or take out. Donations only. Call or text 814-444-2234 to reserve a meal by Feb. 4.
GriefShare
GriefShare, a 13-week class for those who are grieving the death of a loved one, will begin at Somerset Alliance Church from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15, in the Fireside Room.Call the church to register by Feb. 6, or or with any questions at 814-445-8949.
Sweetheart Dinner
Sweetheart dinner at 7 p.m. Feb. 18, at Meyersdale Elks Lodge, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale, 814-634-8411. Reservations need to be in by Feb. 10. Meal will include salad, prime rib with California veggies, chopped red potatoes and dessert.
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Winter Blast
Winter Blast 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 11, at Prince Gallitzin Marina. Stop by for a variety of free winter activities, bonfire, mountain pies, hot dogs and more. Activities include: 5K Run/Walk, guided winter nature hike, snowmobile demos, cross-country ski loaners, snowshoe loaners, ice fishing, geocaching with GPS, disc golf course, ice skating and sledding, broomball, education station. Many activities dependent on snow conditions.
Sweetheart spaghetti dinner
Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner for that someone special served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 11, or until sold out (take outs only) at the Meyersdale Masonic Temple, Beachley Street, Meyersdale. Meals include: Spaghetti, meatballs, rolls, salad and dessert. For advanced orders call Donna 814-267-5111 or Michele 814-341-2117. Calls can be made to the Temple on Saturday only 814-634-5709. Sponsored by Meyersdale Eastern Star.
JSO hometown talent concert
The Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) will present a concert featuring hometown talent and very special guest Kathy Voytko at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11. The full orchestra will be conducted by Grammy® Award winning Music Director James Blachly. Michael Bodolosky will be the guest of honor at the concert and the 11 winners of the JSO’s Open Mic Night will be performing as well. Tickets are are available at johnstownsymphony.org/20222023-concerts. The concert will feature vocal performances by: Kevin Bean, Caliph Brown, Isabella Contreras, Marie Eger, Arnie McFarland, Valerie Mize, Jeffrey Moore, Bob Mundy, Atayay Robles, Savanna Scheffel, and Elena Tuinstra.
February Craft Class
Back by popular demand is the relaxing art form of Mandala dot art, 1-3 p.m. Feb. 12, at Windber Community Building second floor. Create a valentine theme riser in your choice of colors. Sign up on Vagaro.com under Windber CB Fitness Program. Proceeds benefit ADA chair lift at Windber Rec Pool.
Meyersdale VFD dinner
The Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department Sunday dinner 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 12, is all you can eat roast beef and baked chicken with mashed potatoes, noodles, vegetable, coleslaw, roll and ice cream. Buffet style eat in or drive through takeout.
Special Olympics
After a two-year hiatus because of the COVID-19 Pandemic,Special Olympics Pennsylvania(SOPA) is returning toSeven Springs Mountain Resortfor the2023 Winter Games. From Feb. 14-16, hundreds of SOPA athletes, coaches and volunteers will gather from all corners of the state to participate in three days of winter sports including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In addition to the Games, there will be Opening Ceremonies, featuring musical performances, the official lighting of the Olympic Cauldron by athletes and members of law enforcement, and a fireworks display.
Soup sale and basket raffle
Sts. Philip and James Catholic Church, Meyersdale, is having a soup sale and basket raffle fundraiser for a new church organ. Catechism students are holding the soup sale. Soups that will be available are: chicken noodle, beef vegetable, potato, and chili. Preorders of quarts of soup may be made by calling814-634-8150. Orders may be picked upfrom 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 18.The deadline for preorders isFeb. 14. People may also buy a bowl of soup to eat in the church hall from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 18. Dine-in includes soup, bread or crackers, drink and dessert. The Christian Family Life Committee is holding a basket raffle during the soup sale from 3-7 p.m.Feb. 18andfrom noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 19.Winners need not be present for the drawing as long as a phone number is registered. Baskets must be picked up byFeb. 22. Both will be held in the church hall,247 High St., Meyersdale.
Bridal reunion
The Grand Halle on Broad Street, 306 Broad St. (the corner of Broad and Third Avenue), Cambria City Cultural District, Johnstown, will host a new fundraising event called the Grand Halle Bridal Reunion for past, present and future brides and bridal parties from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 18. This includes previous couples who are already married and couples that will soon be married. Additionally, all couples and bridal parties are welcome, regardless of whether they had their ceremony and/or reception at The Grand Halle. The Bridal Reunion serves as a fake wedding reception for couples and their bridal parties to enjoy together. The event additionally serves as a wedding showcase that will feature food, dessert, bar, DJing, and decoration samples from local vendors.Guests can enjoy appetizers, desserts, a cash bar, dancing, decorations, and a photo booth during the evening. Vendors that will be featured at the Bridal Reunion include DJ Jack Labarko Inc., Wedding Elegance by Joelle, Little Details by Reese, The 143, Windswept Entertainment, Bartenders & Us, Schultz Brothers Beer Distributor, Joel Dels 2001 Caterers, Green Gables, Anthony’s, Asiagos, McAneny Brothers, and Sweet Treats by Amanda Giebfried. Additional vendors may appear at the Bridal Reunion. A table reservation discount will be offered to any couples and their bridal parties who are interested in reserving a full table to themselves. Couples should call ahead to take advantage of the discount. Tickets are now available at GrandHalle.com/cultural-events or by calling 814-254-4033 during regular business hours. All ticket reservations must be placed by 5 p.m. Feb. 15.
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'Arsenic & Old Lace'
The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is bringing the first Log Art Theatre production of 2023 with “Arsenic & Old Lace”(by Joseph Kesselring). “Arsenic & Old Lace” is a hysterical farce, which includes slapstick and traditional comedy, along with an intriguing plotline. The show will be in the Community Arts Center’s M. Josephine Paul Family Museum, which doubles as a black box theatre; 1217 Menoher Boulevard, in the Westmont section of Johnstown. Production dates and times include:All performances will be held indoors. Feb. 17, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.; Feb. 19, 2 p.m.(matinee); Feb. 24, Feb. 25, 7 p.m.; Feb. 26, 2 p.m.(matinee).
Cash Bingo
Meyersdale Salisbury Berlin Relay For Life Cash Bingo is 2 p.m. Feb. 19, at the Meyersdale Elks, 327 Dale St., Meyersdale. Doors open at 12 p.m. Early birds at 1 p.m. (additional charge). Ten games, six paper cards per game, basket raffle and 50/50. Concession stand opens at 12 p.m.
Witkowski concert
First Lutheran Church, 415 Vine St., Johnstown, will host jazz pianist Deanna Witkowski at 3 p.m. Feb. 19, in the church sanctuary. An offering will be received. Witkowski's program is liturgical jazz and original compositions. A leader in composing jazz music for the church, she is welcomed at churches and concert halls, both solo and with her trio. She also works as a consultant for churches seeking to incorporate jazz in worship.Her love of weaving together jazz and worship has led her to compose and perform sacred music across the country. Witkowski holds a M.A. in jazz piano performance from the City College of New York and a B.M. in classical piano performance from Wheaton College. She is a third-year PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh.
Firearms seminar
An attorney from U.S. LawShield who specializes in firearms laws will present a seminar "Know the Law Before You Draw" from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at Jerome Sportsmen's Association, 3220 Jerome Hill Road, Hollsopple. Topics of discussion will include essential gun laws; use of force and deadly force; Fourth and Fifth Amendments rights; and law enforcement interactions. Sponsored by Mountain Top Defense, there is a charge to attend. Registration can be made by logging on towww.gunlawseminar.com. Information: 814-525-9278.
Volunteer opportunities at Historic Hanna’s Town
Interested in being a volunteer at Historic Hanna's Town and Westmoreland History Education Center? Visit the first volunteer meeting of the year, at 1 p.m. Feb 22 and Feb. 25, at the Westmoreland History Education Center at Historic Hanna’s Town, 809 Forbes Trail Road, Greensburg. They will be discussing various volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can work with the public by greeting visitors, leading programs and tours, and helping at the Museum Shop, or can assist behind-the-scenes helping out in the library, setting up for events, or caring for the gardens. Volunteer hours are flexible and customizable.
Free webinar on starting your own business
The Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center and Somerset Trust Co. have scheduled a pre-business planning webinar at 5 p.m. Feb. 22. This free webinar is for people who are interested in opening and operating their own business. Topics to be discussed are feasibility issues, marketing, recordkeeping, business plans, legal issues, regulations/taxes and financing.Pre-registration is requested.Interested persons may contact the Saint Francis University Small Business Development Center at 814-472-3200 or register online athttps://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events?centerid=127.
Happy Birthday Westmoreland! Trivia Night
A night of trivia in celebration of Westmoreland County’s 250th anniversary this year is 7–9 p.m. Feb. 24, hosted by Ace Trivia at Yinzer Valley Farms, 681 Mulberry Hill Road, Mt. Pleasant. They will be celebrating all things Westmoreland with trivia questions specific to the county’s history as well as southwestern Pennsylvania, in the new Cider House Taproom. Signups will start approximately 45 minutes before trivia starts. Yinzer Valley Farms has a full bar menu available and even brews their own hard cider. Call Yinzer Valley Farms for reservations of six or more at 878-295-2507. For more information, call the Westmoreland Historical Society at 724-836-1800 or visit the website, www.westmorelandhistory.org.
Lenten fish fry
Rockwood American Legion Post 279 Lenten fish fry is Feb. 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, serving from 4-7 p.m. Eat in or take out. Delivery to Rockwood. Includes hand bettered fish, baked potato, coleslaw, and dinner roll. Call 814-926-2626.
Murder Mystery
The Meyersdale Community Players will present their 22nd Murder Mystery Dinner Theater show at the Meyersdale fire hall at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25 and at 1 p.m. Feb. 26. “Arsenic and Old Mace” will bring back the 70’s and “groovy times.” A roast beef dinner will be served by the firemen. Reservations can be made by calling Britta at 814-634-8584 or Paula at 814-634-8775.
Tree Tapping Ceremony
The Somerset County Maple Producers Association annual tree tapping ceremony is at 2 p.m. Feb. 25, at Sanner Maple Products, 174 Reservoir Road, Rockwood, 814-483-6591. Queen Maple LXXV Ella Wheeler and this year's contestants for the maple queen title will be in attendance. Maple King Jason Blocher will officially tap a maple tree to begin the 2023 sugar season. Mark Ware, Somerset Historical Center, will be this year's special guest and speaker. Free maple dandies and baked goods.
Student Works
The Bottle Works brings back the student art juried exhibition, Student Works in 2023. Students in grades 9-12 residing in Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, or Indiana County are eligible to submit one piece of work, which will be judged by a group of professional artists. Most visual 2-D and 3-D art mediums are welcome. No installations. All submissions are due by Feb. 28. Students and their art teachers/ guardians will be notified of acceptance via email by March 3. Accepted artwork should be ready to hang/displayed upon arrival. Works on paper should be matted or framed. Pieces must be received no later than March 4 at Art Works Building, 413 Third Ave., Johnstown. Cash awards will be given in the following categories for each grade levels: Best of Grade - Each Best of Grade winner’s art classroom will receive an art supplies bundle valued at $500 (limit one per school district); Other Awards (these recipients will be given a Bottle Works Scholarship, which can be used for a designated workshop or class. Awards include: Director’s Choice Award Honorable mention for each grade. For those with questions or need assistance, contact Creative Director Matt Lamb at mlamb@bottleworks.org.
Burg Bingo
Burg Bingo at the Wellersburg District Volunteer Fire Department fire hall, March 5. Doors open at 12 p.m. Games start at 1 p.m. Concessions available for purchase.
Basket Bingo
Basket Bingo featuring Vera Bradley is March 5, at The Good Fellowship Club, Cumberland, Maryland. Doors open at 2 p.m. Bingo starts at 3 p.m. Snacks and soft drinks provided. Door prizes, Chinese Auction and Gaming. Ticket includes 15 games of regular Bingo and snacks. 50/50, Bingo from 2-3 p.m. All proceeds benefit Danny Benson.
Talbot in Johnstown
Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward and 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Max Talbot will make a public appearance in Johnstown March 24. The evening will begin with a one-hour, private VIP event with Talbot inside 1st Summit Arena. Talbot will then drop the ceremonial “first puck” prior to the start of the Tomahawks game against the Philadelphia Rebels. He will then be doing a free meet and greet for fans in the party pit. Fans will not be required to purchase a meet and greet ticket. A limited number of tables and individual seats at the private event are available and can be booked by emailing derek@johnstowntomahawks.com. Tickets for all Tomahawks home games can be purchased, and sent directly to your mobile device from www.ticketmaster.com.
Comedy Fest
Trailhead Brewing Co. and the Rockwood Volunteer Fire Department presents Comedy Fest March 11. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 p.m. Show 6-7 :30 p.m. Music by Habatat 8-11 p.m. Host is Chuck Krieger. Headliners are John Evans, Shannon Norman and Trey McDonough. Ticket includes dinner, show and dancing. For information and tickets, visit the Brewery at 402 Main St., call 814-926-7923 or email contact@drinktrailhead.com. The fire department will have games of chance. Local vendors offering products.
Rain barrel sale
Somerset County Recycling is hosting a rain barrel pre-order sale and workshop. Orders are taken online at https://enviroworld.us/somersetpa. Pre-order deadline is March 12. Orders will be available for pickup between 9 a.m. and noon March 25. The rain barrel workshop is at 9 a.m. March 25 at the Somerset Conservation District Conference Room, 6024 Glades Pike, Somerset.
Wild About Bags
Wild About Bags, a purse party fundraiser to benefit Laurel Arts, is 2 p.m. March 26, at the Bakersville fire hall. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Only 250 tickets sold. See Cindy for tickets.
Cherry Blossom Festival bus trip
The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center will travel to Washington, D.C. April 8, for Petalpalooza - CherryBlossom Festival. Artists can tote their tools to capture the civic scenes and the budding blossoms for a unique plein air painting/ drawing experience. For those who just want to tour the National Mall and enjoy the flowers can do that as well. The bus trip is part of the Bottle Works’ 30th anniversary celebration activities. All year-long, the organization aims to provide fun special events and programs that highlight its mission: inspiring artistic passion, creating community connectivity, and honoring heritage and cultures. Ticket includes transportation, Petalpalooza festivities and bus ride snacks. The bus will stop at Golden Corral Buffet & Grill, 5621 Spectrum Dr., Frederick, MD 21703, on the way back to Johnstown. Seats are limited. Payment is due upon registration. Registration deadline is March 24. To attend, go to www.bottleworks.org, to fill out the registration form. Online payment option is also available. Or register via phone with Melody by calling 814-535-2020.
