This is the St. Agnes Fair.

I spent a glorious day yesterday sitting with childhood neighbors and friends.  It's not what it used to be but everything changes, so no big BOO HOO, but I REALLY was sorry that there is not more bingo.

I started playing bingo at that fair seated beside my great grandmother.  It was a special thing that she and I did together, just the two of us.  Oh, I played my heart out with my friends all day and night during the fair, but there was always a bit of time carved out to sit with Viola.

Anyway, the St. Agnes Fair bingo died along with the people who ran it.  Nobody wanted to keep it going.  That's okay.  We have our memories.  Like how they gave you bingo chips in little paper french fry cups and most of the time the chips were dried beans.

Yesterday, it was interesting to note that the few of us from the old neighborhood were in the minority.  We didn't recognize most of the folks milling around but we sure did enjoy finding each other and catching up on life. 

The old school bus stop.

These steps to nowhere at the end of St. Agnes Lane were FULL of kids every morning as we waited for the school bus.  According to my dad there used to be some kind of war memorial at the top of the steps.  I think it's strange that the steps survived but the memorial didn't.

The line beyond which my sisters could not cross.

Our priest was named Father Fink.  When we were little, my two younger sisters were not allowed to go beyond Father Fink's house.   My cousin Nancy and I used to torment them by doing something and running down the street with my sisters in pursuit.  They tried so hard to catch us before we crossed the line.  LOL  We were bigger though and we always made it.  Then we'd stand there, just on the other side of the mailbox and laugh, laugh, laugh.

I know it doesn't seem like much but we had loads of simple fun.

Nancy reminded me yesterday about rolling apples down Mary's driveway to see if we could get them onto the road and watch to see if a car would smash them.  Apparently Nancy and Mary perfected this game to include hiding up in the apple tree and shouting swear words like HELL and DAMN and watch the reactions.  Nancy still believes no one knew they were there.  I think the adults just chuckled and put up a good show.  ;)

magnificent burrs

I took this picture on the path in the woods next to what used to be Beaver Schmuck's house.

the shrine

I long to see the stones under the ivy.  This old stone shrine used to sit back in the trees and was a place of solace and quiet reflection for the nuns and for the rest of us.  Now the parking lot of the new church and convent has replaced the trees and though I am happy the shrine is still there I cannot imagine that anyone finds it a quiet place of meditation and prayer.  It's more like a postcard from the past.

Lovely old cemetery across the street from my childhood home.

What I really wanted to do while taking this picture was to climb over the hill and find the old green slim covered pond near the entrance to the old mine, BUT there were too many people milling around and I figured I ought to behave myself.  Will save that for the next reunion of the Dirty Half Dozen which should be this fall.  We may even go into the woods and find sulphur creek.  Question.  Will Nancy be the first to shimmy across that scary pipe?  Question.  How the hell will we find sulphur creek?

Only Nancy knows.  She was always the leader or at least the chief instigator.  ;) .....and you KNOW we're gonna do it.  I'll be sure to take pictures.

Good AFTERNOON, Ligonier!

Ligcam

My new favorite sandwich

I've gotten hooked on the pink salt I bought at the Back to the Garden Market in Rector.  I sprinkle it on the delicious cucumbers they have been selling there.  The wrap is a flaxseed whole grain flat bread I get at Giant Eagle.   YUM!!

Hooping it up at back to the garden market today stop in 10 4

One Year

STATEMENT OF PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON THE UNJUST DETENTION OF SARAH SHOURD, SHANE BAUER, AND JOSH FATTAL
http://m.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/statement-president-barack-obama-unjust-detention-sarah-shourd-shane-bauer-and-josh

Tomorrow marks one year since Sarah Shourd, Shane Bauer, and Josh Fattal were detained by the Islamic Republic of Iran. Sarah, Shane and Josh committed absolutely no crime. When they were arrested and detained, they were hiking in the region along the border of Iran and Iraq. Yet for a full year, they have been held in prison, causing extraordinary grief and uncertainty for them, for their families, and for their loved ones.

Beautiful. Morning. Don't forget about. BACK TO THE GARDEN. MARKET TODAY 10 4 FOOD MUSIC BBQ. Fresh product. Hemp shirts roasted. Coffee and more.....

cakepops on sale tomorrow!

I'm having a little yard sale tomorrow, and I'm making a batch of cakepops for my son to sell to make some extra cash for his savings---they will be chocolate cakepops on the inside with fun, colorful decoration on the outside. Come on by for a delicious treat!

visit www.thecakepoplady.com to learn all about these awesome little cakepop treats!

The yard sale is from 8am to 1(ish)pm @ 113 N. Walnut Street, directly across from the space where the Armory was.

On a side note, if anyone is or knows someone who is searching for a house to rent in Ligonier, ours will be available September 1st. It's a 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home, with a finished attic and detached shared garage with one car space. No pets unfortunately!

Contact Ligonier Valley Realty for more details.

Chelsea's wedding is likely to cost $2 million to $3 million, says Ms. Roney. But first daughter Jenna Bush managed to hold a somewhat quieter affair for a lot less when she got married two years ago. She invited about 200 guests and held the wedding on her parents' ranch in Texas. It was hardly cheap, but at $100,000, the tab wasn't even in the same ballpark.  Read more in the WSJ.

Though the national media has tended to portray debates over drilling as "liberal environmentalists" versus "pro-business conservatives," the fact is that these issues can cut in very unpredictable ways. As I reported back in 2008 for the New York Times magazine, someone living in drilling company may like the energy industry and be a cultural conservative -- but that person probably doesn't like the thought of being able to light their tap water on fire, and might not want to vote for politicians who do.

Read more in the Huffington Post.

OOOOOOH! What Fun! A Contest!

Good Afternoon, blog folks! It's a beauty, eh?

Many of you know my brother, Skip McAuliffe (real name Edward Jr.). He's a musician, having played trumpet , cornet, and flooglehorn most of his life, dating back to school days with Mr. O'Hara and Mr. Willaman. Yes, he's been playing and teaching since then. He dropped me a note and asked me to spread the word about this little contest The Pittsburgh Symphony is having. He requests that you click on the link below, and vote for "INTRANSIT". He has been playing in this band and many others for years, and has high hopes of the band winning with the most votes and getting the gig that is the prize! There is also a video on this site. Be sure to watch it!

I already voted and found there are also other things to be voted on, but there is no money involved in any of them. AND you don't have to attend the soiree you voted for...but it sure would be fun to go hear them play!!

Vote soon! Your vote counts! Thanks on behalf of little brother, Skip!

www.pittsburghsymphony.org/selectasoiree

1000 to 2000 hits per day and it's all free....Ligonier Living

We have 84 authorized contributors though most are silent.  If you'd like to see more diversity in posting here, please join the conversation.  If you'd like to promote your Ligonier business, please join the conversation.


You are reading and wouldn't you like to see more here on Ligonier Living?

Before the tax credit headed into the sunset (contracts needed to be signed by April 30 and loans need to close by Sept. 30 -- the closing deadline was extended past the original June 30 expiration), there was a surge of buyers trying to wrap up sales before the contract deadline.

That's going to lead to a drop in sales over the summer months, and normal purchase levels should be reached again in September.

Read more on Inman.

And that's my problem with the Obama administration's energy policy, or at least with his lavish subsidies for the Volt, Nissan's all-electric Leaf (likely sticker price $33,000), and Tesla's $100,000 all-electric Roadster: Where does the federal government get off spending the average person's tax dollars to help better-off-than-average Americans buy expensive new cars?

Read more on Slate.

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that it wants to buy 3,000 dogs from breeders to increase its force of canines that sniff out explosives, cash and drugs. Thousands of homeless dogs languishing in animal shelters across our country would make excellent candidates for the program. Homeland Security should follow the lead of the Hearing Ear Dog Program and many police departments and fill its ranks with dogs adopted from shelters and breed rescue groups.

Read more in the WT.

The most troubling part of the classified documents is the ambivalent aspect of Pakistani support for the war, now backed by 44 nations under U.N., NATO and U.S. flags. Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) originally created the Taliban (student) movement to fill the vacuum left by Soviet troops when they abandoned Afghanistan, defeated after 10 years of guerrilla warfare.

Read more in the WT.

JOHNSTOWN — New Florence siblings Morgan and Patrick Waugh were the winners in the name-the-team contest sponsored by The Tribune-Democrat and the Ultimate Indoor Football League.

The contest was run through the newspaper’s Web site – www.tribdem.com – and attracted more than 400 entries.

Their suggestion of “Generals” for the upstart Johnstown team was eventually selected by management. The Waughs received season tickets for the 2011 season, which will kick off in February.

Read more in the Tribune Democrat.

Good morning, Ligonier!

Ligcam

A Westmoreland County judge on Thursday cleared the path for a nonjury trial to be held next week to determine whether the controversial consolidation of schools in the Ligonier Valley School District can proceed.

Judge Gary Caruso yesterday denied preliminary objections to the lawsuit brought by a citizens' group called Save Our Rams Education to have an April 19 vote by the school board rescinded.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

LIGONIER — The Ligonier Valley School District directors, at a special meeting Tuesday, discussed the bus schedule it has developed for middle and high school students in the Laurel Valley, or northern, end of the district.  Read more in the Tribune Review.

interesting point but....

Arizona is where the old republic will stand or fall. It is showdown at high noon. Either America returns to its constitutional system based on real federalism, states' rights, individual liberty and decentralized power, or it continues to slide toward the darkness of a socialist superstate. Washington - with its swollen bureaucracy, imperial arrogance, rampant corruption and dangerous detachment from ordinary citizens - is despised and distrusted by many Americans. A secession of the heart is taking place - a profound alienation from the liberal ruling class.    Read more in the WT.


I would say the same could be said in the reverse about a secession of the heart taking place - a profound alienation from the conservative ruling class.

In my opinion conservatives and liberals err by attempting to force their values and choices on others.  So, when the power shifts, we have large segments of our citizenry feeling as though they are living under tyranny.  If we embrace liberty and look back at the diversity of life and choice we had before the rise of this over-reaching huge super regulatory government born and nurtured by both political parties, we may find a new beginning and a different way of thinking about politics.

There is much that can be agreed upon in the middle if both sides agree to live and let live.

I'd like to suggest that social conservatives take a first step and just drop the anti-homosexual agenda.  You are free to make your life choices.  Let others do the same.

I'd like to suggest that social liberals take a first step and just drop the notion of hate crimes.  A crime is a crime.  Giving special treatment to select groups is divisive and perpetuates the merry-go-round of hate.

I have been laughing at this for days.....

Sometimes working in the office can get to your spirit even in the best of jobs...... this is a motivational clip & get ready to laugh. I especially like it when he does laughter therapy ~ what a great twist of the workers not thrilled with him......

1-877-213-3173

the website

~staying healthy together~

Laughter is healing......

heads up on the next Mellow Mike

If you enjoy bluegrass, the Ligonier Tavern will have what I hear is a great bluegrass band playing this Tuesday so we're moving Mellow Mike to a different venue for the evening.

We'll be meeting at the Gristmill Coffeehouse at St. Vincent in Latrobe.  I love this place.  If the weather is nice we may even set up outside under the trees.  If not, there is plenty of room inside.  They have great coffee.  They used to make Turkish coffee.  I'm not sure if they still do.  Anyway, we'll set up as usual and run from 6:30 to 9.  They close at 9 so we'll plan to vamoose on time.

Dmitri tells me there is another coffeehouse on the campus so make sure you get to the one that is downstairs under the Gristmill Museum and General Store

another beauty..thanks, Phil!

Diane,

I noticed some butterfly pictures on the blog. Here is one that I recently took of a black swallowtail on my butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii).

From enchanting Laurel Mountain Borough located in the wondrous Laurel Highlands I remain,

Phil

The Toy Box

Grace loves this store ....

They have the best puppets ...

All,

The LV Football Boosters have scheduled two days in August to sell the Season Long 50/50 tickets at two local grocery stores – BiLo in Seward and Giant Eagle in Ligonier.  We are asking for a few volunteers to man the tables at the entrances to these stores on August 7^th and August 21^st, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

If you can help on either of these dates, please reply to this email or call me at 724-433-4807.  We need a couple of adults and a couple of players at each location.  Please consider spending at least 2 hours in a shift. Call by Wednesday 8/04/10 to schedule your time for the 7^th.

Be aware that there is a varsity scrimmage scheduled at Weller Field for the morning of the 21^st.  That day would be a good time for Junior High players and parents to sell at the stores, since the Varsity players will not be available. If you have not yet sold the tickets that were sent to you earlier, you can take this opportunity to fulfill you obligation to participate in this fundraiser.

These tickets are easy to sell, and many people in the community buy them every year.  The winnings are substantial, and each ticket has a chance to win at every home game.  On the flip side, the amount of money raised by this sale is also substantial, with little effort.  That money goes directly to the needs of the Junior High and Varsity football players.

This year we expect to raise more money than ever before with this fundraiser, and selling at the local stores will help this effort.

Thanks for you participation and help,

Joyce

Joyce V. Markosky, PE

jmarkosky@markosky.com

Good morning, Ligonier. A morning to be thankful for storm drains, eh?

Ligcam

An attorney for a citizens group opposed to the consolidation of secondary schools in the Ligonier Valley School District on Wednesday said that decision was tied to potentially lucrative gas and coal rights on district property.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

Thought I detected a warming trend...

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/the-earth-is-hotter-than-ever-global-warming-is-real-researchers/article1655436/

But maybe it's just a Canadian phenomena!

Although libertarians and conservatives are routinely lumped together, even by seasoned legal journalists, there are profound differences between them over matters of law. With both libertarians and conservatives increasingly turning to the courts to advance their agendas, and with major legal battles brewing over contentious issues like gay marriage, health care, financial reform, and terrorism, these fault lines have the potential to reshape the legal landscape and affect the life, liberty, and property of every American for generations to come.

Read more in Reason.

One of the new flowers I was introduced to in our move to Western Pennsylvania is Joe-Pye Weed. What a name!  Read more on the On The Pond Farm blog.

@ G Squared Gallery on East Main

This year, my yard has a spectacular, albeit it small, display of bee balm, a.k.a. bergamot. The blooms are light purple, with a smattering of red blossoms mixed in.

     Flittering about this bee balm are numerous brightly colored orange-with-black-and-silver Regal fritillary butterflies.  

Read more on Carolyn Holland's Weblog.

After the merger of two Westmoreland County schools some parents decide to cyberschool the children.
Before the school year ended the Ligonier school board voted to merge Laurel Valley Middle High School with Ligonier High School. The merger meant Laurel Valley Middle High School would be shut down. That decision is what motivated some parents to look at cybereducation. However, some parents are already realizing its a better option for their kids.

Read more on WJACTV.com.

The Hikers in Iran: One Year Later

"The circumstances surrounding the hikers’ arrest remain mysterious. But one thing is very clear: Their yearlong detention in Evin Prison—with no trial date scheduled, no contact with their lawyer, and perhaps most egregious of all, no end in sight for Sarah’s solitary confinement—is rife with human rights violations."

http://kristof.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/the-hikers-in-iran-one-year-later/

Ligonier Theater.....see it this weekend!

"Nunsense

A-MEN!"

To quote the New York Times: “A change of habit, boy oh, boy!”

Musical Comedy, Directed by TIM JACOBS

Musical Director: Bob Lacovic

SHOW DATES & TIMES: July 30 & 31, 2010 at 7:30 PM and Aug 1, 2010 at 2:30 PM
Nunsense A-Men is basically the original “Nunsense” show with all of the characters being portrayed by male musical comedy performers. Think of it as “Mrs. Doubtfire enters the Convent!”

STARRING:

Eric Harris as Reverend Mother
Jim Mikula as Sr. Hubert
Barry Shirey as Sr. Robert Anne
Curtis Caldwell as Sr. Amnesia
Ryan Hubbard as Sr. Leo
Done totally seriously, this show is, to quote a critic, “no drag.” First performed in Brazil as “Novicas Rebeldes,” this version of “Nunsense” premiered in New York in 1998. Receiving rave reviews and standing ovations subsequent productions have boasted such stars as “Laugh-In’s” Arte Johnson as Mother Superior and Olympic Champion, Greg Louganis as Sister Robert Anne. A whole new layer of comedy surfaces with lines like “The guys in the old neighborhood still can’t believe I became a nun!” Boy oh, boy!

Ligonier Farm Market

Ligonier Farm Market
Originally uploaded by Marc_714

Walking through the Ligonier Farmer's Market

Walking through the Ligonier Farmer's Market
Originally uploaded by acvitz

Butterfly

Butterfly
Originally uploaded by dan_k238

Looking for wire

Does anybody know where I can get my hands on phosphor bronze and steel wire around here? I need it in thin guages for use on instruments. Thanks

unintended consequences and short sighted politicians

The campaign was initiated by Mao Zedong, the first President of the People's Republic of China. Sparrows were included on the list because they ate grain seeds, causing disruption to agriculture. It was decided that all the peasants in China should bang pots and pans and run around to make the sparrows fly away in fear. Sparrow nests were torn down, eggs were broken, and nestlings were killed.^[2]
Initially, the campaign did improve the harvest. By April 1960 the National Academy of Science found that sparrows ate insects more than seeds. Mao declared "forget it", and ordered the end of the campaign against sparrows.^[2] By this time, however, it was too late. With no sparrows to eat them, locust populations ballooned, swarming the country and compounding the problems already caused by the Great Leap Forward and adverse weather conditions, leading to the Great Chinese Famine in which around 30 million people died of starvation.  Read more on Wikipedia.

Walking stick bug

An Urge an End to Wild Horse Roundups

The federal government has submitted a new policy proposal for wild horse management and is now accepting public comments. Please take a few minutes to make your voice heard—the deadline for comments is next Tuesday, Aug. 3, and we’ve provided instructions and guidance on our website.
Be Heard by BLM: Urge an End to Wild Horse Roundups - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

--------------------
News Alert: Judge blocks the most controversial sections of Arizona's immigration law from taking effect
01:15 PM EDT Wednesday, July 28, 2010
--------------------

PHOENIX -- A judge has blocked the most controversial sections of Arizona's new immigration law from taking effect Thursday, handing a major legal victory to opponents of the crackdown.

The law will still take effect Thursday, but without many of the provisions that angered opponents - including sections that required officers to check a person's immigration status while enforcing other laws. The judge also put on hold a part of the law that required immigrants to carry their papers at all times, and made it illegal for undocumented workers to solicit employment in public places.

For more information, visit washingtonpost.com:
http://link.email.washingtonpost.com/r/MEPMRJ/UUPCRD/SH8VXQ/QCZH63/141XI/JY/t

A Westmoreland County judge will decide later this week if a nonjury trial is needed to determine whether Laurel Valley Middle/Senior High School should close.

Attorneys for both the Ligonier Valley School District and a group of citizens trying who are trying to reverse a school board decision last spring to close the Laurel Valley complex appeared in court this morning for legal arguments on the district's efforts to end the lawsuit.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

"Surprising...engaging...a moving account of how poor parents struggle against great odds to provide a rich educational experience to their children."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

events by The Colonial Inn

Steeler Opening Weekend 30, 31, 1st -Lunch- The Pittsburger
*Dinner The Steeler Strip Steak Dinner-Awesome!

Fri. July 30th- Bookendz-8-11pm

Ligonier's longest running conversation....

Sometimes I wonder how the community would thresh out and vent the school closure if not for the new social media tools.  These threads pop up in my Google alerts all the time.  Every once in a while I read a post or two and it seems to be the same conversation wheel - over and over and over and over.  I don't see that as bad.  I think it's a good outlet, a good place to express concerns.  There may not be much convincing taking place, but having a free forum like that is wonderful.

If you feel like reading the 1500+ posts, click here.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. (AP) - It's an antique collector's dream: buying an old box at a garage sale and discovering it contains famous lost works worth a fortune.

That's what Rick Norsigian said happened to him. Ten years ago, the Fresno painter stumbled upon a trove of 65 old glass negatives that he says have been authenticated as the work of famed nature photographer Ansel Adams, possibly worth $200 million.

Read more in the WT.

The lack of tangible progress in Afghanistan and fear of being trapped in another Vietnam-like war have given momentum to calls to wrap up the mission in Afghanistan.

Read more in the WT.

Good morning, Ligonier!

Ligcam

veterans looking for work and open to living in DC or NYC

check this out

interesting....The Huffington Post introduces a commentary series on scriptures.

In this time of economic and social uncertainty, we hope that the scriptural commentaries this week and in the months to come will comfort you if you are in need, challenge you if you are too comfortable, and inspire in you a sense of the Divine presence in your own life and throughout the world.

Read more in The Huffington Post.

For Joan E. Smith of Greensburg, Ligonier seemed like a nice destination for a day trip on a sultry July afternoon. She and friends Hannah Wheeler and Linda L. Ruffo thought they'd browse the shops and pick a nice eatery for lunch.

But when they hit the Diamond on Friday, they found Summer in Ligonier Arts and Crafts in progress. Plans quickly changed to include a survey of the vendor booths.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

A Mt. Pleasant Township farmer isn't taking no as an answer from the federal government.
In a handwritten complaint filed this month, Bill Uschock is suing the Department of Agriculture in federal court in Pittsburgh.

Uschock, 63, who is representing himself, is asking for compensation that was "unjustly denied" to him under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, or NAP, which is administered through the department's Farm Service Agency.

Uschock said Tuesday that a deluge that dumped nearly 4 inches of rain on his farm on June 17, 2009, ruined the pumpkins he had growing on 16 acres of his more than 100-acre farm about two miles from Norvelt.  Read more in the Tribune Review.

Ligonier Valley School District officials Tuesday night released half of next year's tentative bus schedules that detail route changes for buses coming from the northern half of the district.

District business manager Jim Marnell, school Director Jim Cunkelman and bus company Lodestar Bus Lines Inc. manager Dave Kalina had to significantly change the routes coming from the north because of the school board's decision to close Laurel Valley Middle/High School.

Read more in the Ligonier Echo.

DERRY — Two people have died in separate highway accidents in Westmoreland County.

State police said James Disciascio, 21, of New Alexandria, died about 11 p.m. Sunday when he wrecked the 1994 Dodge Neon he was driving.

A passenger, Jacob R. Vallorani, 17, of Derry, was not hurt.

Read more in the Tribune Democrat.

A messenger who is one with the message

Amma's website ~ I want a hug from her......

1-877-213-3173

New Laughs

~staying healthy together~

***if you see me in town & want to hug me, I will hug you back***

I have been saying for years we need more love in the world

Town Massages Today

Every Sunday I am at the Ligonier Beach doing outdoor massages

MerJo on Main Street

Stop by and see this beautiful quilted wall hanging!
Also just arrived Steelers Jar Candles with their Schedule on the back.

Also available are some yummy fresh baked goodies . . . . .
Raisin and Cinnamon bread, Blueberry Banana Tea Bread,
Coffee Cake Slices, Apple Dumplings and more.
Don't forget to pick up some treats for that special pet in your life,
and register your dog for the drawing of a bag of treats
and maybe an extra surprise too!

MerJo on Main Street

331 W. Main Street

724-238-4001

Store Hours

Wednesday - Saturday 11AM to 5 PM

with extended hours on Thursday till 7 PM

Sunday 12 noon - 4 PM

Gaggle of Problems with N.Y. Plans to Kill Canada Geese - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

On Saturday local, state, and federal officials are planning to kill more than 150,000 Canada geese in New York state.

Gaggle of Problems with N.Y. Plans to Kill Canada Geese - Wayne Pacelle: A Humane Nation

Please call Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack at 202-720-3631 or email him and politely urge him to change the ways of Wildlife Services and to take no part in a mass killing program of geese in New York.

Google New York Times article from 7-23-10, 'Agencies Plan to Reduce Canada Geese Population in New York State by Two-Thirds' By ISOLDE RAFTERY

join the fun at Mellow Mike tonight

Ligonier Tavern

6:30 to 9pm

sing

eat

laugh

listen

read poetry

get mellow ;)

School Board Meeting Tonight

There is a School Board Meeting tonight at the Ligonier High School at 6:30pm.

Agenda for July 27th Meeting

excerpt from the American Land Title Association notes on Dodd-Frank

"Though the bill came in at 2,315 pages, experts estimate that about three-fourths of the law's provisions will require clarification through an additional rulemaking process by regulators. Last week saw the first, real-life unintended consequence of the regulatory reform bill when a minor rule change in the law shut down the market for new Asset Backed Securities (ABS), including residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, because rating agencies refused to allow their opinions to be used in advertising securities. Without a rating, nobody would buy. Fortunately, the SEC stepped in to suspend the new rules covering rating agency liability when their opinions are used in bond offering documents until a solution can be worked out. We are sure to see a lot more instances of unintended market reaction to the new law before we settle into anything resembling regulatory certainty."

Good morning, Ligonier!

Ligcam

ongoing events by Ligonier Radio

• LIGONIER VALLEY RAILROAD MUSEUM is open Saturdays at 9AM. At their new location - the old Darlington Station!
• WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY GROUP. For those interested, please call Peggy Carney at (724) 694-2911.
• AL-ANON is a group for family and friends of alcoholics. Meets Thursdays at 9:30AM in THe Pioneer Presbyterian Church on West Main in Ligonier.
• MOTHERS-OF-PRE-SCHOOLERS meet two Wednesdays a month at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. To join, call Caren at (724) 539-7472 or Nicole at (724) 238-3982.
• LIGONIER VALLEY YMCA: Free aerobic thearapy classes each Tuesday and Thursday at 10:45AM.
• ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES provides residents of Ligonier with half price groceries. Sponsored by local churches. Find out more by calling (724) 694-9901.
• LIGONIER LIBRARY RE-READABLES USED BOOK STORE is open at the Library. Books, CDs, DVDs, and more.
• NEW FLORENCE LIBRARY QUILTERS meet the forth Tuesday of every month. Bring your own project to work on.
• LIGONIER VALLEY FOOTBALL BOOSTERS present the "Buy A Brick Program." They are raising money for improvements at Weller Food. Get you name on a brick for the field! Call (724) 238-4333 or (724) 238-7702.
• CURRENT EVENTS ROUNDTABLE is the second Thursday of each month at the Holy Trinity Parish Meeting Room.

Quote of the Day: Don Miguel Ruiz

"Your Alternative to the Mundane"

is at 110 N Fairfield Street

" When our love for ourselves is conditional, our love for others is also conditional. Through our woundedness, we first deny ourselves love and then we deny it to others. Therefore, self love has to be the first goal. If you have enough self-love, you do not need the love of another person. You can enter a relationship because you want to do it, not because you need it. If you are needy, you can manipulated. If we are happy, we do not need another person to make us happy. We share our happiness not our loneliness. Self love makes us lovable. Others always move towards the person who is at peace with himself or herself."

Excerpt from the book: Beyond Fear a Toltec Guide to Freedom and Joy

Last week was a surprisingly good moment for American politics. It was the week that, through a confluence of bizarre and unlikely events, the vicious act of falsely accusing people of racism became a laughingstock. It went from being a career killer to a punch line; from villainy to vaudeville; from knife in the back to pie in the face.  Read  more in the WT.

The old Armoury

Does any one know the final plans for the old armoury now it's being torn down? I remember way back that there was a debate on what should take it's place from an emergency center, dog park, mini malls, to housing. Thank you. Enjoy this lovely day ;)

and the WINNERS are...

Thank you to all who participated in our 1st Annual Vegetarian Chili Cook Off and to those who came and met our family. We had an amazing day filled with tears of laughter and smiles.

Please accept my apologies for the delay in announcing the winners. I was having computer issues, but now we are up and running again.

The WINNERS of the Chili Cook Off are...Drum Roll Please...

Grand Prize: Sandra Otte of Pittsburgh

1 st. Prize: Megan Medgyesi of Ligonier

2nd. Prize: There was a TIE: Istvan Medgyesi of Ligonier and Sue Bailey of Pittsburgh

CONGRATULATIONS to all. You may pick up your gifts any time from Wednesday-Saturday of this week.

WINNERS of the Holistic Raffle Baskets:

Zumba Fitness with Hope Bray Zumba Instructor......................Kristen Waters of Greensburg

Vegetarian Basket by The Enchanted Moment............................Melissa S of Youngstown

Massage Therapy Basket by The Enchanted Moment...............Joyce B of Pittsburgh

Again Congratulations to ALL!!!!

The Enchanted Moment honoring the Goddess within
110 N Fairfield Street
Ligonier, Pennsylvania 15658

724-771-1186

GoddessofTheEnchantedMoment@yahoo.com

G Squared...the new web site is snazzy.

Take a peek.

Think of Alex: Benefit Softball Game

Benefit softball game for Alex Painter, 8 year old from Ligonier, who was recently diagnosed with High Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia & has begun a long journey of chemotherapy & recovery.

The game will consist of coaches/parents vs. coaches/parents. There will be a silent auction for kids to be team managers & umpires. We will have other silent auction items, basket raffles, 50/50, relay races for kids at intermission & a concession stand. All proceeds will go to Alex Painter.

Time	August 1 · 4:00pm - 8:00pm
Location	Donaldson Baseball Field, Ligonier

Find out more at the Facebook page...

MerJo on Main Street

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready for the Steelers.

Our Aristans have been really busy creating NEW Steelers items.

Quilted Wall Hangings

Stain Glass Suncatcher

Lamp posts

Jewelry

Shirts and so much more . . . .

So stop by, say Hello and see all the new 'stuff ' we have.

MerJo on Main Street

331 W. Main Street

724-238-4001

Wednesday through Saturday 11 AM till 5PM

with extended hours on Thursday till 7 PM.

Sunday 12 noon till 4 PM

Mother Nature's Medicine Cabinet - Skullcap

Granny Earth, N. D. Presents-

Mother Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap

Skullcap has traditionally been used to aid in relaxation, sleep, pain relief and to treat headaches. It’s in mint family and very easy to grow- one or two plants will expand beautifully! Harvest in the summer, when the plant’s in bloom. Take the top leaves and flowers- about 1/4 of the top portion of the plant. One definite advantage of growing your own weeds (herbs) is to make your own medicines. Tinctures from fresh plants are so easy to make, it's almost too good to be true!

Directions:

Take 1 pint, quart or larger glass jar- pack it with (cut up) skullcap leaving about 1" space at the top. Fill the jar with alcohol. (Alcohol extracts the plant constituents and preserves the medicine. Your body is also able to assimilate the medicine in alcohol tinctures quickly and effectively. Use 100 proof vodka, brandy, or gin.) Cap and label jar with date/contents. Put in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks (according to the moon phases). Drain (strain) and keep in glass jars- compost the plant material.

Our WEED WALK yesterday, was a huge success! Mother Nature did ‘sprinkle’ on us a little, but it felt so good! Thanks to all who attended……learning more about Nature, one Weed at a time!

- Granny Earth, N.D. (Natural Doctor)

Email- grannyearth@grannyearth.com www.grannyearth.com

Friends of Granny’s-

Carol Wingert- http://iphotographgod.com/

Mr. Twenty Twenty- WEBSITES THAT WORK!

www.imakewebsitesthatwork.com

A Sunday night car crash claimed the life of a New Alexandria man and injured two others, state police in Greensburg reported.

James D. Disciascio, 21, was declared dead at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital after he was ejected from his vehicle, which overturned around 11 p.m. on Route 982 and Chappell Way in Derry Township.

His passenger, Jacob Vallorani, 17, of Derry, and the driver of a second car, Amanda L. Shirey, 22, of Ligonier, were both injured, police said. Their conditions were unknown as of this morning.

Read more in the Indiana Gazette.

Good morning, Ligonier!

Ligcam

Pretty. Sight

The United Nations is holding secret closed meetings to work out a global arms trade treaty. The agreement, which could be finished by 2012, is a threat to Americans' Second and First Amendment rights.

"Some type of micro-stamping regulations seems all but inevitable. It is very, very likely," the Heritage Foundation's Theodore R. Bromund, who tracks the U.N., told The Washington Times. "Restrictions on trade between private individuals are somewhat less than 50-50, but you surely can't rule that out. Some kind of gun registration and licensing system is an extremely likely probability." Registration proposals cover guns as well as individual rounds of ammunition.

Read more in the WT.

Many of these power-wielding adolescents in government and the media apparently are unfamiliar with our Constitution. This is by design. When Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan was dean of Harvard's Law School, constitutional law was dropped from the list of mandatory courses, while international law was added. It's in keeping with columnist and author Joe Sobran's wry observation that "the Constitution poses no threat to our form of government."

In "Lord of the Flies," Nobel Prize-winning novelist William Golding vividly depicts kids without adult supervision. The British youngsters, stranded on an island, form factions that combine high-minded ideals with brutish methods of compliance. It gets outright bloody before a shipload of grown-ups restores order.
   Read more in the WT.

Tina Yandrick, director of operations for the Ligonier Valley Historical Society, said the expiration of funding meant elimination of summer internships cutting general maintenance "over and above the usual."

Yandrick noted Compass Inn, a restored Laughlintown stagecoach stop built in 1799, "always" needs refurbishing.

Nevertheless, she said, "we are fortunate we have Compass Inn," a money-maker for the society that helps to offset the loss of state money.

Read more in the Tribune Review.

Ligonier Sunday Shopping Guide

G Squared Gallery  

Hours: Monday through Saturday 10-5; Sunday 12-4

Grahams Antique Mall

Open every day except Tuesday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM 

Celtic Culture
Open Tuesday thru Saturday from 10 to 5, Sunday from 12 to 4

Dollar General
Open every day 8am to 9pm

Ligonier Outfitters 
Open Monday thru Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday 6am to 1pm

Ligonier Sweet Shop
Open Monday thru Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm

Ligonier's Landmark Bakery
Open daily, check web site for hours

Antiques on the Town Square 

Open every day 11-4, Sunday 1-4, closed Tuesday

The Conservatory

FRI-SAT-SUN-MON 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

The Country Cupboard 

Tuesday thru Saturday 10am -4pm, Sunday noon - 4pm

The Toy Box

Monday -Saturday 10am - 5 pm, Sunday noon - 5pm

Toy Soldier Gallery
Tues. to Sat. - 11 am to 5 pm, Sunday - 12 pm to 4 pm, Monday - Closed 

Gift Shop @ Powder Mill Nature Preserve

Tuesdays through Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sundays 12:00 – 4:30 p.m

Towns Edge Farm

Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On the Diamond Antiques
Mon 10-5, Tues closed, Wed 11-4, Thur 11-7, Fri & Sat 10-5, Sun 12-5

Betsy's of Ligonier
Open 10-5 M-F and 12-5 on Sunday

Fort Ligonier Museum Store
Mon – Sat: 10am – 4:30pm
Sun: 12pm – 4:30pm

Connections Store

Open Monday-Saturday 10am - 5pm with extended hours on Thursday until 7pm and Sunday 12-4pm

Dovecote

Open every day - Thursdays 10-7 and Sundays 1-4 every other day is 10-5


Main Exhibit Gallery 
Tuesday-Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12:30-5

.....and Whistlewind.

Good morning, Ligonier!

Ligcam

Frolfing at Timberlink

The course winds it's way around the timeless Timberlink par 3 golf course, playing in the rough. Distances range from 70 to 210 feet, so you know it's not a long course, however the targets are often positioned in challenging locations, and the course is so well maintained that you would need to be seriously "out of it" to be able to lose a disc.

Read more on the Materialist Zen blog.

another pot

Istvan Medgyesi has a pot of chili just about ready for todays chili cook off & grand re opening of the
Enchanted Goddess
on N Fairfield

re opening & 1st chili cook off
Today
cook off starts at 1pm
$10
many prizes

chili cook off today @ 1pm

My chili is looking, not to mention tasting, wonderful. It is ready please. Want a taste? Enchanted Goddess on N Fairfield re opening & 1st chili cook off
Today
$10
door prizes!

Good morning, Ligonier

Ligcam

back to the garden market today at 10am to 4pm corn roast and BBQ music all day!!

The Enchanted Moment...

110 N Fairfield Street
Re-Grand Opening

Good morning Everyone! Well today's the day for our Re-Grand Opening and our very 1st. Vegetarian Chili Cook Off. My first was in a snow storm, now during a HEAT Wave. I guess this is where the principles of Yin and Yang come into play ;)

Please join us for amazing Tastes, Aroma's, Smiles and Laughter today. Free Door Prizes, Free Cake, Free Blood Pressure Readings. Chili Tickets can be purchased today. Your $10.00 Ticket includes mouth watering Chili (at least 5 different kinds), voting, FREE Hand Exfoliation and Paraffin Dip and your ticket will be entered into a drawing for a Free 1/2 Hour Back Massage.

Don't forget our 3 Raffle Baskets. 10 Tickets for $5.00 or 25 Tickets for $10.00
Zumba Fitness by Hope Bray, Zumba Instructor
Includes Coin Skirt, T-Shirt, Bracelet, Zumba Music and FREE PASSES
Ditch the Workout and Join the PARTY!!

Massage Therapy by The Enchanted Moment
Includes a beautiful Tee Light Lantern, 1/2 Back Massage, and Holistic Skin Care Products

Vegetarian Treats by The Enchanted Moment
Includes Dinner, Dessert, Protein Snacks and a Drink (Perfect for a quick meal or bite)

See you all there!!
Heather

NUNSENSE.....A-MEN!

I just spent a couple of hours laughing my &*^&%&$ $^ off! I had never seen Nunsense A-Men before, and had no idea what to expect; but I sure got a bang for my buck!!

The cast was superb, the plot a scream, and the musicians were dandy. If you can't picture Eric Harris as a Mother Superior, take the time to go observe a miracle! Barry Shirey tap dancing? Go watch! He is quite a hoofer! Jim Mikula performed with the discipline he must rely on to make such perfect quilts. Ryan Hubbard missed his calling in life; he should have been understudy to Maria Tallchief! Last..but certainly not least...Curtis Caldwell, who has the bluest eyes I've ever seen! As Sister Amnesia, he had me cackling with laughter. Tim Jacobs skillfully directed this misfit troupe of nuns, and Anita Pro Jacobs, along with Jim Mikula, choreographed. Bob Lacovic, music director, rounded up some great musicians to complete the cast.

Soooo..I gues that what I'm saying is, "If you miss this presentation, shame on you! It's certainly your loss!" I certainly intend to fill a seat at LEAST once more. I laughed so hard and so long my stomach muscles ache like I've been doing push-ups, but this is certainly much more fun than lying face down on the floor!

Steve at Fort Ligonier

Steve at Fort Ligonier
Originally uploaded by jrowners