Inside the Laurel Highlands

Nature in its Element

Christina Dorko — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:05:15 +0000

Powdermill Nature Reserve, Rector

By Bob Downing
Beacon Journal staff writer

(Published on Sunday, Mar 07, 2010)

RECTOR, PA.: The sound of running water fills the interior of the expanded educational center at Powdermill Nature Reserve.

That’s because a miniature free-flowing stream has been created inside the environmentally friendly building in Westmoreland County about 55 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.

It is a 1,000-gallon tank that hosts native aquatic insects and fish, many of which are especially sensitive to environmental changes, in the 15-foot-long mini-stream.

There is also a display of birds found in the Ligonier Valley in western Pennsylvania and an exhibit of stuffed wild animals.

Two short nature trails — Black Birch and Sugar Camp — are outside the center and run along a very pretty and pristine stream, Powdermill Run. There are also butterfly and herb gardens.

The reserve, tucked on the western slope of Laurel Ridge, part of the Allegheny Mountains, is owned and operated by the Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

The reserve, started in 1956 as a biological field station for scientists, is widely known and highly recognized even if it doesn’t draw big crowds. It is two hours and 45 minutes from Akron.

Powdermill is most famous for its bird-banding program.

To date, about 622,000 birds of 190 species have been banded, measured and released since that program began in mid-1961.

It is billed as the longest-running year-round professional bird-banding program in the United States.

Between April and November, about 13,000 migratory songbirds are banded using 70 40-foot-long mist nets on the preserve’s 2,200 acres.

The captured birds are removed from the nets within 30 to 40 minutes after capture. They are placed in paper bags and transported to the laboratory for banding and observation. They get numbered aluminum bands on their legs.

The banders also record the species, age, sex, weight and wing measurements of the captured birds. That takes about one minute per bird. They are then released.

About 20 percent of the banded birds are recaptured.

The banding is done seasonally and is weather dependent but it is usually done on weekends. Visitors who make advance
arrangements can get a peek at the banding operation. Call 724-593-7521.

The center recently added 14 small boxes equipped with microphones where captured birds will spend two minutes so migratory birdsong can be recorded.

In the future, those recordings might be matched against recordings of migrating birds, letting scientists know what species and how many birds are passing overhead.

Visitors can also visit the acoustics laboratory. Call 724-593-5521 for reservations.

The Powdermill Avian Research Center is also on the cutting edge with projects studying the bioacoustical monitoring of migrating songbirds at night. Most songbirds migrate at night and that makes it difficult for scientists to study their movements.

Powdermill also conducts research in herpetology, botany, invertebrate zoology and ornithology. The research ranges from golden eagles to gypsy moths, from mine acid runoff to the lives of small mammals.

It offers an array of public education programs for adults and children at the center.

The now-expanded Florence Lockhart Nimick Education Center — it opened in 1983 — is also expected to host traveling exhibits from the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Powdermill opened its expanded visitor center that is now an environmental showcase in December 2007. The price tag was $5 million. Support came from 150 donors and foundations.

Officials are expecting visitation to grow from 12,000 people to 18,000 people a year with the expansion. The space grew from 3,200 square feet to 13,500 square feet.

The new building off state Route 381 in Cook Township features energy-efficient heating, large windows for natural light, sustainable building materials and a marsh system to treat sewage.

Clean ground water under the reserve is used for showers, sinks and drinking fountains. The wastewater is naturally purified in the so-called Marsh Machine with plants, tanks (underground and indoors), small pumps and gravity.

No chemicals are used, a move that protects Powdermill Run.

The system is housed in a greenhouse filled with three 550-gallon tanks that grow bacteria, plants and algae that visitors can examine at the rear of the building.

The Marsh Machine can handle 1,500 gallons a day of sewage and cleans it as Mother Nature would, via a wetland. Some of the finished water is then recycled to flush toilets, some is diverted to the indoor stream and some is drip-irrigated onto the forest floor.

You can do a self-guided tour of the building’s green features.

Nearby is an 800-square-foot free-standing solar-powered house designed by students at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The reserve was established in 1956 when the Mellon and Scaife families of Pittsburgh donated 11 tracts totaling 1,160 acres three miles south of Rector.

Additional acreage was acquired: woodlands, streams, open fields and ponds.

Powdermill Run, fed by mountain springs, remains one of the few unpolluted streams in western Pennsylvania. It flows into Loyalhanna Creek, which flows into the Kiskiminetas River, a tributary of the Allegheny River.

As for the trails, the Black Birch Trail is not long, about three quarters of a mile in a series of interconnected loops. It got its name from the large number of black birches with a glossy dark-brown bark that appears torn or split. The twigs, bark and wood are the source of wintergreen oil.

The trail is home to lots of woodpeckers and offers first-rate spring wildflowers in April and May.

The Sugar Camp Trail is just over a mile long. It was the site of old maple-production camps in the late 1800s and early 1900s. There are lots of ferns along the trail plus evidence of coal that was dug from a hillside by hand in the early 1900s.

The reserve is flanked by wild tracts within Forbes State Forest.

Most of the reserve — 87 percent — is mixed second-growth or third-growth deciduous forest. The dominant species are beech, yellow poplar, sugar maple, hemlock and rhododendron. There is also hawthorn, crab apple, black locust and black cherry. The remaining 13 percent of the reserve is managed as grasslands.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays from April 1 to Nov. 15. From Nov. 16 to March 31, hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and noon to 4:30 p.m. Sundays. Call for information about holidays.

Admission is free.

The two nature trails are open dawn to dusk.

To get to Powdermill from Akron, take Interstate 76 to the Ohio Turnpike. Go east on the Ohio and Pennsylvania turnpikes to the Donegal exit (Exit No. 91). Turn left on state Route 31 going east. Go 2.7 miles. Turn left (north) on state Route 381. Go 6.4 miles. The reserve will be on your left.

Powdermill’s mail address is 1847 State Route 381, Rector, PA 15677. You can call 724-593-6105 or check out www.powdermill.org. You can also get information at www.carnegieMNH.org.

For Laurel Highlands information, contact the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, 120 E. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658, 800-333-5661, www.laurelhighlands.org.

To view the original article, click here

Think Spring at Hidden Valley!

Christina Dorko — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:50:59 +0000

Spring Carnival 2009

Hidden Valley Resort will present the annual Spring Carnival March 6 – 7, 2010. More than 220 inches of snow this winter has guaranteed awesome snow conditions in March, and the time has come to celebrate the fact that spring is just around the corner! Guests will enjoy a full schedule of games, activities, and entertainment at the third annual Spring Carnival.

Spring Carnival kicks off on Saturday morning with the opening of the Hidden Valley boardwalk. The Ski Lodge plaza level will be converted into a boardwalk scene. Vendors will be selling barbecued goodies, funnel cakes, chocolate delicacies and other treats. The entire family will enjoy contests and carnival games, free caricatures, face painting, and a strolling magician.

Spring Carnival 2009

“There will be a wide variety of events for everyone to participate in during the carnival,” commented Robert Duppstadt, resort spokesperson. “The events are all about having fun with the entire family. With seasonal temperatures in the 40s or warmer and hopefully plenty of sunshine, Spring Carnival will be the perfect time to get out and enjoy the incredible snow conditions.”

A few events like the Family Obstacle Course and The Captain’s Awesome Pirate Adventure will require people to have skis or a snowboard and navigate various challenges as they descend the beginner area. Other amusing activities include a tug-o-war, snow volleyball, a hula hoop contest, snow rafting and a snow golf - closest to the pin contest. For the more competitive types, the resort offers a Giant Slalom race. The third and final event of the HV Park Series will take place on Sunday, March 7. This event will be a snowboard/ski cross competition. There will be a registration fee for the HV Park Series event and the Giant Slalom. Events that take place on the slopes do require a valid ski ticket.

The kids will also find plenty of fun beyond the boardwalk scene. Youngsters will have an opportunity to play on the Snowcano near the ski lodge or compete in the Kids’ Crazy Hat and Helmet Race. Hidden Valley is working with the Family Life Fund of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s Foundation to present the Family Fun Zone and Sweet & Treat Bar. This area will feature children’s crafts, cookie decorating, smoothies and candy. There will be a nominal cost to the Family Fun Zone activities with proceeds benefiting the Family Life Fund.

Make plans to spend the entire weekend at Hidden Valley with attractively priced lodging packages which start at just $118 per person and includes lodging and ski tickets. Call 814-443-8000 to make reservations.

For more information on the Spring Carnival and Hidden Valley Resort, visit the website at www.hiddenvalleyresort.com

Seven Springs Hosts Homecoming 2010, The Kristi Leskinen Invitational

Christina Dorko — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:16:20 +0000

Contestant from the Kristi Leskinen Homecoming Invitational 2009

Leskinen, a pioneer in women’s freeskiing and native of Uniontown, Pa., recently won ABC’s “The Superstars” with her partner professional ballroom dancer Maksim Chmerkovsky. She also took home a bronze medal at the Winter X Games IX in the Women’s Superpipe. Her career highlights also include: second place Slopestyle at the 2009 Aspen Open, second place Slopestyle at the 2008 North American Open, third place Slopestyle at the 2007 US and Japan Opens, first place Halfpipe in the 2005 Gravity Games, second place Halfpipe in the 2005 World Championships and in 1999 she was the first female to compete in the US Open.

“We have an amazing group of athletes coming and Seven Springs is pulling out all the stops to make this event a huge success,” said Leskinen.

Top female skiers like Kaya Turski, Keri Herman, Dania Assaly, Jen Hudak, Michelle Parker, Meg Olenick, Ashley Battersby, Athena Bronson, Amy Sheehan and Roz Groenewoud will join Leskinen at Seven Springs for the all-girls slopestyle event. The contest will be an opportunity for the girls to push themselves, progress the sport and raise awareness and interest in the sport among young girls and women.

The course will be created specifically for the purpose of showcasing the girls’ abilities and the sport. The event will be a rider-judged jam format encouraging the girls to go for their biggest tricks.

Practice sessions will be held Fri., Feb. 19. The first rounds of the competition will be at 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. with finals held at 2:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 20. The Homecoming crowns will be awarded at 4:30 p.m., Saturday on the Foggy Goggle deck. On Sun., Feb. 21, from 1 until 3 p.m., there will be a free amateur rail jam in the Foggy Goggle Bowl. For more information on Homecoming and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.7springs.com.

23rd Annual Winterfest at Seven Springs

Christina Dorko — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:52:49 +0000

Tubing at Seven Springs

Celebrating its 23rd year, Seven Springs Mountain Resort and Pittsburgh’s ABC affiliate WTAE-TV Channel 4 continue their Winterfest tradition of festivities Feb. 13 - 21, 2010.

Winterfest is an annual event showcasing all types of snow and slope activities and deep snow at Pennsylvania’s premier ski resort! Snow tubing, on-snow races, silly challenges and other fun activities are designed to thrill skiers and boarders of all ages and abilities.

One of the most popular events of the festival, The Celebrity Olympics, pits WTAE-TV personalities and current and former Pittsburgh Steelers against each other in a heated competition for the coveted Winterfest gold medal. Some of Pittsburgh’s most popular news personalities compete in an Olympic-like competition featuring challenges such as a tug-o-war competition, human bowling, snowshoe races and water balloon slingshots. Held in the Foggy Goggle Bowl at 3 p.m., Sat., Feb. 13, these events guarantee loads of fun and laughter.

The fun continues throughout the weekend as well! There’s comedy night in the Matterhorn Lounge on Mon., Feb. 15, and karaoke night in the Bavarian Lounge Tues., Feb. 16. Learn-To-Ski day will be held Tuesday as well. This program has limited space. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 452-2223, ext. 7757. On Wed., Feb. 17, come up and enjoy $4 snow tubing sessions. These downhill thrills are available to tubers ages 4 and up and are guaranteed to provide fun for everyone!

Iwan Fuchs, the resort’s Snowsports School Director, has organized two spectator ski events this year. The first is the annual torchlight parade, which will be on Stowe Slope at 6 p.m., Fri., Feb. 12. A formation ski show will be held Fri., Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. and can be seen on Stowe Slope as well.

This year marks the introduction of the Race with the Stars 30-Second Race, which will benefit WTAE-TV’s Project Bundle-Up. It will be held at 3 p.m., Sat., Feb.20, in the Foggy Goggle Bowl. This contest places celebrities and pre-registered contestants on teams to complete a precision race with the winning team taking home the gold and bragging rights. Registration is $50 per person and includes a lift ticket and a pizza party celebration after the competition. Those who wish to participate can register by calling (800) 452-2223, ext. 7757, or by visiting the Winterfest information table in the ski lodge. Placement is limited and is given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Winterfest guests are also welcome to take part in free salsa dancing lessons held Sat., Feb. 20, in the Alpine Room. Lessons are held 8 – 9 p.m. with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.

The annual ski dummy race will wrap up the festivities on Sun., Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m. on the lower portion of Stowe Slope. This event is free to enter and a great idea for school groups, ski clubs, scout troops and other youth organizations! To register a dummy in this race, please call Melissa Cullin at (814) 352-2047.

Those looking for a cure to cabin fever will enjoy a craft and artisan show on the weekends from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. located in the resort’s Festival Hall. The Winter Activity Center is the place for kids from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily for scavenger hunts, face painting, board games, coloring contests and other free activities.

For a complete list of Winterfest activities, please visit www.7springs.com.

Family Snowblast Offers Ten Days of Winter Fun and Games

Christina Dorko — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 14:04:46 +0000

Hidden Valley Resort

Hidden Valley Resort, KDKA Television and their sister station Pittsburgh’s CW will present the second annual Family SnowBlast January 22 through January 31, 2010. With all of the snow and awesome conditions, this is the perfect time to rediscover Hidden Valley and celebrate winter with your favorite KDKA personalities.

“This event has instantly become one of the most popular weeks of the season,” commented Robert Duppstadt, resort spokesperson. “Family SnowBlast features a variety of fun events on the snow for guests of all ages. If you are not a skier, you can look forward to Orange Crush Family Snow Tubing Parties, Bury the Bone Game – presented by Dad’s Pet Food, or the Family Life FunZone. “Family SnowBlast is a partnership between Hidden Valley, KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh’s CW, which we believe will encourage people to get outside and shake off the winter blues,” commented Chris Pike, vice president and general manager of KDKA-TV and Pittsburgh’s CW.

Guests will have a chance to meet and greet their favorite KDKA-TV on-air personalities throughout the week. Jeff Verszyla will ski with guests on Friday, January 22, Ken Rice will host a mach version of the Price is Right on Saturday, January 23, Bob Pompeani will be the one to beat in Snow Golf on Sunday, January 24, and Jim Lokay and Jon Burnett will host Orange Crush Family Snow Tubing parties. Kristine Sorenson, Rick Dayton, Jennifer Antkowiak, Trina Orlando and Ross Guidotti are all slated to be participating, hosting and enjoying events throughout the ten day event.

If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at a television station, you can see first hand when Pittsburgh Today Live is broadcast in part at the resort on both Friday, January 22 and Friday, January 29. Watch as several stories are aired live at Hidden Valley.

This year’s Family SnowBlast will feature a new relationship with the Family Life Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. They will be hosting the Family Life FunZone on Saturday, January 23 and Saturday, January 30 in the Clock Tower. Parents and kids will enjoy face painting, crafts, a Wii station, games, live music with Steve and Jake Zoffer and more. There will be an admission to the Family life FunZone with all proceeds benefiting the Family Life Fund of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The great people of the Family Life Fund will also host the Family Life Foodzone on Sunday, January 24 and Sunday, January 31 in the Southridge room. The Family Life Foodzone will feature a “candy bar,” smoothies and cookie decorating for a nominal fee. Again, all proceeds will benefit the charity. For the adults, Bill Deasy, a well-known Pittsburgh musician, and Root 19, another popular Pittsburgh area band, will donate their time to help raise money for the Family Life Fund. On Saturday, January 23 Bill Deasy will perform, and Root 19 will entertain the crowds on Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30. A cover charge will be collected for all performances and all proceeds will benefit the charity. “There will be good times and a great opportunity for guests of all ages to help raise money for the Family Life Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation,” added Duppstadt.

For a complete schedule of events and appearances visit the resort’s website at www.hiddenvalleyresort.com. Come out and enjoy great skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing as well as many other activities to participate in or just watch and enjoy. Hidden Valley invites everyone to rediscover winter fun at Family SnowBlast.

Snowfall Invigorates Enthusiasts

Christina Dorko — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:16:36 +0000

Cross-country skiing at Kooser State Park

By Larry Walsh, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Rick Garstka of Munhall waxed enthusiastic while describing the quality and quantity of snow that has fallen in the Laurel Highlands since Dec. 28:

“Bonanza.” “Heaven sent.” “Phenomenal.”

“We’ve been waiting a long time for this,” said Garstka, the president of the Pennsylvania Cross Country Skiers’ Association. “The season has gotten off to a super start, the best in years.”

And downhill and cross-country skiers, snowboarders, snowtubers, snowshoers, sled-, saucer- and tray-sliders and tobogganists are reveling in it.

“We haven’t seen snowfall like this since the 2002-03 season when we received a total of 208 inches,” said Dick Barron, director of ski and snowboard operations at snow-blessed Seven Springs.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the resort had received 57 inches of natural snow since Dec. 28 and more was on the way.

“We’ll have more than 60 inches, perhaps much more, before this system moves on [this] evening,” Barron said.

Seven Springs received the most new snow of any resort in the country — 27 inches — during a 48-hour period this week, according to OnTheSnow.com.

The Web site posts snowfall information it receives from resorts. Top honors for the most new snow in 24, 48 or 72 hours usually goes to the big western resorts.

“We received a total of 78 inches for the season so far,” Barron said. “It’s wonderful.”

Garstka agrees.

“We’ve had smiles on our faces since December,” he said. “We hope to have plenty of snow for our scheduled events in January and February.”

Garstka was referring to the association’s free cross-country lessons for adults and children at Laurel Ridge State Park next weekend and Jan. 23-24, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20. It also has a Nordic Picnic Jan. 23 and the annual Pennsylvania Nordic Championship Races Feb. 7.

The lessons, also offered to those with intermediate skills, will begin at 1 p.m. in front of the rental concession. Although you don’t need to be a member of PACCSA to participate, a trail pass is necessary and can be purchased for $6.

Garstka said beginners will learn double-poling, uphill and downhill techniques and the diagonal stride. The instructors then will take them out on an easy trail to practice what they’ve just learned and will provide individual critiques along the way.

A complete set of equipment — skis, boots and poles — can be rented from the concessionaire at the park (724-455-7303). Rental equipment also is available at Thrifty Ski Rental in Donegal (724-593-6404), Route 31 Board and Ski in Somerset (1-814-443-1282) and Peak Ski and Board near Boyce Park in Plum (412-793-6600).

Be advised: It’s first-come, first-served. Get there early, especially when snow conditions are as great as they are now.

The association has a cross-country ski team — the Yellow Jackets — for children ages 5 to 12. Kids of all abilities, including beginners, are welcome. Garstka said the youngsters learn to ski by using skill sessions and games based on Cross Country Canada’s Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit developmental programs.

The team skis Saturdays in January and February at Laurel Ridge State Park and will make occasional trips to Kooser State Park and other locations close to Pittsburgh.

Although registration for this season has closed, parents can learn more about the team by taking their children to the free lesson sessions and/or the Nordic Picnic.

“Cross-country skiing is a great way to stay fit during the winter,” Garstka said. It can be as energetic as you want it to be — from walking pace to race speed.”

A PACCSA membership costs $6 per individual or $9 per family. For more information, go to paccsa.org.

Larry Walsh writes about recreational snowsports for the Post-Gazette.

Read more: click here

Seven Springs is #1 for Snowfall!

Christina Dorko — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:09:20 +0000

Seven Springs Mountain Resort just topped the list of ski resorts nationwide for total natural snowfall in a 48-hour time frame!

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

The list created by www.OnTheSnow.com places Seven Springs at number one in the country with a natural snowfall total of 27 inches in 48 hours. Since January 1, the popular Laurel Highlands resort has received 35 inches. According to the National Weather Service, Seven Springs is expected to receive 14 – 16 additional inches by the morning of Saturday, January 9, 2010.

“Conditions are phenomenal here at Seven Springs,” added Dick Barron, Director of Ski Operations. “This winter has been shaping up to be one for the record books as it’s been quite some time since we have seen a winter like this.”

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

The abundance of snow is also allowing for construction and snowmaking for the creation of the resort’s Superpipe, which is ranked number one on the East Coast by Transworld Snowboarding. This project is coming along smoothly and the pipe could be open by month’s end.

Seven Springs Mountain Resort

If you haven’t made plans to come up for this weekend, now’s the time to do so! The hotel has rooms available for the weekend, as well as condos and cabins. Please call (866) 437-1300 for more information or to make a reservation.

For more information on Seven Springs Mountain Resort, visit www.7springs.com.

No One Knows Snow Like Dick Barron

Christina Dorko — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:41:15 +0000

Dick Barron, on the slopes at Seven Springs

Before skiers and boarders can glide down Seven Springs’ slopes like Tyrol, Wagner and Giant Steps, Director of Ski Operations Dick Barron ensures that every Seven Springs visitor has the ultimate experience.

This season marks 40 years that Dick Barron has been at Seven Springs, often working seven days a week from the beginning of the winter season in November to the very end of the season in March. His days at Seven Springs began as a teenager working during weekends. At the age of 21, after returning from military service, he decided to take some time off to ski. Dick’s time off didn’t last very long as he was soon recruited for Seven Springs’ ski patrol and he’s been a part of the staff ever since.

At about 4 a.m. or 3:30 a.m. on weekends, Dick arrives at the resort to begin his 12-hour or longer day. “My days go very fast because there’s always so much variety to my work. No day is the same,” he says. Coordinating the day-to-day operations of all Seven Springs’ skiing departments from the ski patrol to the ski school, the morning begins with a call to the mountain crew to check for problems from the night before.

After any problems have been resolved, Dick jumps on his snowmobile and dashes up and down the mountain to check each and every slope and trail, determining which areas should be opened to the public or closed. He will then discuss snowmaking options with the snowmaking crew to make more areas skiable, if possible, while providing a safe environment for skiers and snowboarders.

Between 5 and 6 a.m., Dick meets with the Seven Springs Safety Rangers set-up crew to instruct them where to place signage and barriers telling skiers which slopes are open and which are closed. Dick then calls the lift operators to let them know which lifts to open and meets with the Ski Patrol to discuss the day’s conditions and special events. Safety is Dick’s biggest concern: “The most important thing about safe skiing is using common sense and obeying signs on the slopes,” he says.

When you call Seven Springs for the snow report, the voice you hear on the phone is Dick’s. He documents and records a message each morning. He also sends reports to other publications and each department at the resort, as well as consulting with on the coming forecast and reporting our snowfall to local meteorologists and news stations.

His experience with weather forecasting makes him a priceless resource for the resort, as he works closely with the mountain crew to determine whether or not to turn on the snow guns. Dick watches the weather closely to check for the precise air temperature, humidity and water temperature in the resort’s snowmaking ponds.

Each day Dick works with the same 30 people to coordinate the resort’s skiing operations. He talks about the snowmaking, lift and grooming crew as the most dedicated employees, who are always willing to give a little extra and, as Dick says, “try their darndest” to provide the best product to Seven Springs customers.

But the job isn’t all work and no play. Between 9 and 10 a.m., Dick skis each slope and trail to check the conditions. While he’s on the slopes, he plays the role of a secret shopper, chatting with fellow skiers and snowboarders to find out what they think of their Seven Springs experience. But it’s not always as anonymous as he’d like— often times people recognize his voice from the daily snow report.

A fully-certified ski patroller and qualified ski instructor, Dick also works with the Snowsports School to make sure they have the tools needed. “We want to make sure that beginners will have the best experience here,” he reports. In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Dick advises on issues such as where the best places are for new slopes and how to make the beginners’ area more effective. Every week, representatives of each department meet to discuss problems, needs and coming events where certain departments will need additional support.

After meeting with night crew, including the terrain park and halfpipe team, Dick heads home between 4 and 5 p.m., taking a two-way radio to keep in touch with the crew until he goes to bed. He doesn’t mind the long days, in fact he says, “It’s not work, it’s something I enjoy and Seven Springs is one of the nicest resorts to work for.”

For more information about Seven Springs Mountain Resort, visit www.7springs.com

Closed bridge splits hiking trail

Christina Dorko — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:05:46 +0000

Span was only way for outdoors lovers to cross turnpike

Saturday, December 26, 2009
By Jon Schmitz, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The closing of a pedestrian/snowmobile bridge over the Pennsylvania Turnpike effectively cuts in half the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, considered one of the nation’s premier scenic trails.

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources closed the bridge in Somerset County last week after an inspection revealed structural deterioration.

Mike Mumau, manager of the Laurel Hill State Park complex, said he believes the bridge will have to be replaced but no firm timetable has been set.

“This is an emotional issue for snowmobilers, hikers, backpackers and cross-country skiers,” he said.

“You have no idea,” agreed Kerri Schott, of Belle Vernon, who uses the trail for snowmobiling, hiking and snowshoeing.

The trail stretches along the crest of Laurel Ridge from Ohiopyle to near Johnstown, passing through four counties and reaching elevations of nearly 3,000 feet.

The bridge closure, between mileposts 36 and 37, effectively cuts the trail in two because there is no other way to cross the turnpike, Mr. Mumau said.

“We’re trying to find an alternate way around it,” Ms. Schott said Thursday. “But we don’t have one yet. It’s a four-lane turnpike, so we don’t have a lot of options.”

Mr. Mumau said a department engineer was driving the turnpike recently and saw apparent deterioration of structural members on the underside of the span. An emergency inspection confirmed serious problems, and the bridge was immediately closed.

Gates on the trail near the bridge have been closed, and temporary barricades will be placed in several spots to alert trail users to the closure.

“Obviously, the safety of the folks who recreate on state park land and the safety of motorists on the turnpike is our top priority,” Mr. Mumau said.

The department is awaiting the full inspection report before deciding on a course of action, but “it’s probably going to have to be removed and replaced,” Mr. Mumau said. The bridge was erected in the 1970s.

A new bridge would be wider and would have to be designed to accommodate future widening of the turnpike, he said. The area also is prone to high winds and plumes of salt kicked up from the highway for four to five months each year.

Ms. Schott said funding a replacement bridge should be a top priority for the state. She and other enthusiasts are gathering petition signatures in hopes of persuading the Legislature to move quickly.

“The closure of this bridge hurts hikers, snowmobilers, other outdoor enthusiasts who use the bridge and also local businesses. If you can’t hike or snowmobile the entire section of trail that you want, you would be more likely to travel somewhere else where the entire trail is open,” she said.

Last weekend, after a heavy snowfall, parking lots that typically would have 200 trucks with trailers had only five, she said.

She said she is concerned that some users might try to cross the turnpike on foot and be hit by traffic.

Mr. Mumau urged users to contact the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for information and advice on other park options.

“Obviously, for people who want the through-hiking experience, that’s just not possible at this time,” he said.

To view the original article in the Post-Gazette, click here

Unique Holiday Shopping

Christina Dorko — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:57:50 +0000

Win the “best gift giver” title this holiday season by snagging some unique items from around the Laurel Highlands! I have compiled a list of places that will enable you to finish your holiday shopping and enjoy yourself in the process!

An American Marketplace - The Shop at the Westmoreland

Holiday American Marketplace
Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg
724-837-1500
www.wmuseumaa.org
Hours: Wed., Fri., Sat., Sun.: 11am-5pm, Thu: 11am-9pm
The Westmoreland’s Shop has transformed for the holidays! The Holiday American Marketplace features unique gifts by contemporary American artists, craftsmen and designers and will present the work of 14 new, national and regional artists. The Marketplace continues through January 10, 2010.

Bo-Peep Fine Yarns

Bo-Peep Fine Yarns, Ligonier
724-238-4040
The perfect place to buy gifts for the knitters in your life! Bo-Peep Yarns is a full service yarn shop for knitting and crochet with a huge selection of yarns, patterns and a variety of accessories. Classes are available too!

Vases from La Boheme

La Bohéme, Connellsville
877-892-8900
www.crystal-bohemian.com
Hours: Tues.-Fri.: 10am-6pm, Sat.: 10am-4pm
How many types of glass can you think of? Cut, painted, blown, contemporary, historic, molded, hot-shaped…La Bohéme has them all! Bohemia, which lies in the heart of Europe in the Czech Republic, has been perfecting glassmaking for the past 1000 years. You can acquire a piece of this rich tradition right here in the Laurel Highlands! Not only does La Bohéme feature art glass but also hand made jewelry consisting of Lamp beads and Preciosa crystals!

Rockwood Mill Shoppes

Rockwood Mill Shoppes & Antiques, Rockwood
814-926-4546
www.rockwoodmillshoppes.com
Hours: Mill Shoppes: Mon.-Thurs.: 7am-8pm, Fri.: 7am-9pm, Sat.: 8am-9pm.
Antiques: Sat.: 10am-4pm, weekday and evening hours available
More than 12 retail vendors including florals, woodstoves, jewelry, quilts, maple products, and homemade candy. If you need some baked goods for the holidays, the Sweet Treats Ice Cream and Bake Shoppe has plenty of items to tempt your sweet tooth.

Old General Store

Old General Store - Donegal
724-593-7112
Hours: 9am-7pm daily
Old General Store - Mt. Pleasant
724-547-7112
www.oldgeneralstore.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10am-8pm, Sun.: 11am-5pm
The Old General Store features nostalgic candies, hand-made wooden toys, soaps, and all types of candles. If you’re looking for home décor, they also carry Folk art, wall hangings, and furniture. Gift ideas for foodies include fresh roasted coffee, jams & jellies, Pennsylvania maple syrup, honey, and more. Custom gift baskets are also available!

Route 31 Bike, Board & Ski

Route 31 Bike, Board and Ski, Somerset
814-443-1282
www.route31boardandski.com
Hours: Thu.-Mon.: 10am-6pm
Some may find it challenging to find gifts for those outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a solution! Route 31 Bike, Board and Ski is the region’s largest supplier of bikes, snowboards, skis, snowshoes, outdoor apparel, racks and accessories. They have an experienced, knowledgeable staff of cyclists, boarders and skiers that are able to answer your questions and guide you in the buying process.

Raspberry Chocolate Cookies from Sand Hill Berries

Sand Hill Berries, Mt. Pleasant
724-547-4760
www.sandhillberries.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10am-6pm, Sun.: 12-5pm
Sand Hill Berries is a family owned and operated small fruits farm in Mt. Pleasant, PA.
They produce a line of products which includes jams, jellies, vinaigrettes and unique gourmet items. Pick up some of their holiday specials, like a Pumpkin Cheesecake, Raspberry Cranberry Walnut Pie or Fudge Truffle Cheesecake. Their baked goods make perfect gifts or an ideal dessert for your Christmas dinner.

Greendance, The Winery at Sandhill

Greendance, The Winery at Sand Hill, Mt. Pleasant
724-547-6500
www.greendancewinery.com
Since you’re already at Sand Hill Berries, walk next door to Greendance Winery. From dry reds to sweet whites, they have an amazing variety of wines to choose from. Stock up so you won’t have to worry about showing up to a holiday party empty handed!

The Toy Box

The Toy Box, Ligonier
724-238-6233
www.toyboxligonier.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat.: 10am-5pm, Sun.: 12-5pm
The Toy Box is a six room toy store in a pre-Civil War House. If you’re wondering exactly what kind of toys you will find at The Toy Box, here’s your answer: card and board games for all ages, dolls, preschool toys, brainteasers, arts & crafts, Tavern Puzzles, jigsaw puzzle, Playmobil, hand & finger puppets and a great collection of Wooden Thomas the Tank Engines. Now that’s what I call a wide selection!

Youghiogheny Glass

Youghiogheny Station Glass & Gallery, Connellsville
724-628-0332
www.youghioghenyglass.com
Youghiogheny Station, retail store for the Youghiogheny Opalescent Glass Co., is also a historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They feature glass giftware, such as paperweights, vases, sculptures and custom designs from the artists at Youghiogheny Art Glass. Visitors will also find a fantastic array of stained glass lamps from around the world and beautiful jewelry, kaleidoscopes, stemware, and more.

Saint Vincent Gristmill

Saint Vincent Gristmill & Coffeehouse, Latrobe
724-537-0304
www.saintvincentgristmill.com
Hours: 8am-9pm daily. Winter: 8am-6pm
The Gristmill was built by Benedictine monks and has been in continuous use since 1854. In addition to selling products of the Gristmill, such as flour, the General Store carries many other goods, such as jam, honey, cards, souvenirs, coffee mugs and gourmet coffee. Coffee aficionados will be impressed when you give them a pound Brazil Santos or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe on Christmas morning!