November 4: Toby Miller was a former resident of Laurel Mountain Borough. He is the brother of resident Craig Miller and the father of the Borough solicitor, Jeffrey Miller. Our sympathies extend to his family.

Myers W. Miller Jr.

Ligonier

Myers W. “Toby” Miller Jr., 69, of Ligonier, went to be with his heavenly father on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. Toby was born May 30, 1942, in Pittsburgh. He was the son of the late Myers and Olive (Simmers) Miller. Toby attended Swissvale High School with class of 1960, where he was an outstanding athlete, lettering three years in football and basketball. He was an Eagle Scout. After attending Allegheny College, he went on to receive his degree in psychology from Waynesburg College in 1964. He was employed at the family business, Zeigler Lumber and Supply in Duquesne, for many years before founding Angles Inc. in Latrobe in 1982. He retired in 2004, but continued to work managing Appalachian Millwork for a longtime friend, Paul Church. Toby loved hunting and fishing. He had a larger than life personality and everyone who knew him loved and respected him. He was the beloved husband of Julia; and special father and Pappy to Sebastion and Gage Goulding, of Ligonier. He is also survived by his brother, Craig, of Ligonier; sons, Jeffrey, of Bolivar, Todd, of Latrobe, and Brian, of Grapeville; stepchildren, Scott Ruffing, of Latrobe, Barb Lobue, of Elizabeth, Jeanne Petrovich, of Shaler, Edward D. Connell, of Oakmont, Adriane Connell, of New Jersey, Randi Goulding, of New Jersey, and Zachariah R. Connell, of Long Island, N.Y.; and 21 grandchildren. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., 402 E. Church St., Ligonier. A vigil for the deceased will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. A blessing service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Ligonier, with the Monsignor William G. Charnoki, PA, as celebrant. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for an education fund for Sebastion and Gage Goulding, Toby’s children, c/o Julia Miller, P.O. Box 444, Ligonier, PA 15658.

NOVEMBER 5: The contents of the house beonging to the late Jim Foster and his wimfe Ann were auctioned off today. The house house on White ak is for sale. Ann went to live with her daughter.

SEPT. 11, 2011: J. Robert Appleby   Laughlintown

J. Robert Appleby, 78, of Laughlintown, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, surrounded by his loving family. It was an ordinary Sunday; breakfast at Ruthie’s with his friends and then off to church to teach his Sunday school class. Two hours later, he was in an ambulance on his way to Excela Health Latrobe Hospital. He was born June 22, 1933, in Orange, N.J., a son of Phebe Jane McCarl Appleby and Harold Radcliff Appleby. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nelda Fischer Appleby; brother, Eugene (Myra) Appleby; sons, Bob (Kathy) and Edward (Natalie) Appleby; grandchildren, Jennifer Appleby West, Morgan Dieble, Lance, Patricia and John Appleby; and great-grandchildren, Oktober and Alexander. A private visitation will be held for the family. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in Pioneer Presbyterian Church with the Rev. David Kenyon officiating. Interment will follow in Ligonier Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Robert to Pioneer Presbyterian Church (PCA), 240 W. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658. Arrangements by SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., Bell and 402 E. Church streets, Ligonier

LMB MEMBERS, NEIGHBORS, & FRIENDS:  PLAN TO ATTEND!

 SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2011

4:00 TO 7:00 P.M.

RSVP  with number of people & what you’ll bring

(A DESSERT OR SALAD OR VEGGIE DISH TO SHARE )

to Carolyn Holland by phone or at cchcreations at yahoo.com

(I will forward the message to Sue or Christen)

PROVIDED: FREE SWIM, KIDS GAMES WITH PRIZES, MUSIC, MEAT, BUNS CONDIMENTS

ALSO PLANNED: 50:50 AND CHINESE AUCTION ITEMS

(and don’t forget money to spend)

June 3, 2011: LMP sponsored a successful pizza party tonight. Thanks go to the organizers!

June 9, 2011: A real estate, vehicle, and house contents auction was held at the now former Zimovan residence on Beechwood Road today. Several LMB residents picked up nice items to remember the Zimovans with.

June 21, 2011: Bird attacks LMB resident: After Monte and I returned home from a visit to Lakeside, Ohio, I was on my patio with a several friends, telling them about a bird attack I witnessed there, I was told about the same thing happening one day in LMB. A few days previously a mother and daughter found a baby bird that apparently fell out of its nest. Her daughter decided to gently pick it up and set it on a tree limb. As she did so, two blue jays dive-bombed her. They were apparently the parents of the baby bird, and were teaching it how to fly. (to read about the bird attack in Lakeside, click on Bird Attack! Dive bombing birds attack humans!)

June 26, 2011: Guess who came to Carolyn and Monte’s house (Hemlock Road)  for breakfast at 10:00 this morning?

James L. Foster Jr.

Laurel Mountain Borough

James L. Foster Jr., 84, of Laurel Mountain Borough, died Sunday afternoon, March 27, 2011, in Loyalhanna Care Center, Latrobe. He was born June 16, 1926, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late James L. Foster Sr. and Bessie Hall Foster. Mr. Foster served as a sergeant with the Army during World War II. He had spent most of his professional career as a petroleum engineer for Stanbac in Holland. He had also been employed by Kennametal in Latrobe and as a supervisor of inspections for Latrobe Steel. He was a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Society of Mechanical Engineers. Mr. Foster was Episcopalian by faith. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Buell and Jane Frye. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Ann Hugus Foster; a daughter, Susan Ann Foster, of Bridgeport, W.Va.; two sons, James R. (Jennifer) Foster, of Seattle, Wash., and Dr. Charles M. (Toni) Foster, of Nottingham, Pa.; and three grandchildren, Emily, Ian and Nathaniel Foster. Mr. Foster’s friends and family will gather together from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 2, at the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL INC., 144 E. Main St., Ligonier, with the Rev. Dr. J. Paul McCracken officiating. Interment was in Laurel Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Mr. Foster’s memory to Action for Animals, Latrobe. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com.

Sign James Foster Jr.’s online guestbook now.

(http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/obituaries/index.html?mode=view&obit_id=207031)

When Monte and I returned to the Borough on March 11, after traveling to the Chicago area, we heard about a storm that had held sustained high winds. Here on Helmock Road a giant tree was uprooted, which did no harm to any structures. Another tree fell in a Hemlock Rd. yard, damaging a residence.

Then there was the hail storm.  Two inch hail fell in the borough. (click on Giant Hail Pounds Homes & Dots Landscape to view photo). Our car windshield was cracked, another resident had multiple dings in a truck, and yet another resident had a broken skylight.

Perhaps spring will come soon.

James S. Kovac (former boro resident)   Latrobe

James S. Kovac, 75, of Latrobe, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011. He was born March 2, 1935, in Latrobe, the son of the late Stephen and Mary (Hlad) Kovac. He was retired from Teledyne Vasco, with 36 years of service, and had served in the Army with the 82nd Airborne Division. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann (Marcinik) Kovac, of Latrobe; two sons, Donald J. Kovac, of Latrobe, and Jeffrey F. Kovac and his wife, Dina, of Loyalhanna; two daughters, Linda Brinkley and her husband, Michael, of Arizona, and Janine Sarnese, of Latrobe; two sisters, Betty Skwara and her husband, John, of Latrobe, and Helen Lucas, of Latrobe; and five grandchildren, Ryan Brinkley, Veronica, Jack and Joshua Sarnese, and Ashley Payton. There were no public visitations. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the American Lung Association, 11676 Perry Highway, Suite 2104, Wexford, PA 15090 or the American Heart Association, 4727 Route 30, Suite 204, Berkshire Center, Building 1, Greensburg, PA 15601. Arrangements are being handled by the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. To sign online guest book, send condolences, or to view detailed obituary information, please visit www.lopatich.com.

FEBRUARY 2, 2011:

Barbara E. Selznick, 78, of Laughlintown, died early Tuesday morning, Feb. 1, 2011, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. She was born Sept. 17, 1932, in Chicago, Ill., daughter of John and Beth O’Donnell. In her early years, she had been a professional singer in several clubs around the Chicago area. She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Robert L. Selznick; two sons, Lance R. (Debbie) Selznick, of Indian Lake, and Sean Selznick, of Laughlintown; two daughters, Vicky (Thomas) Rumpf, of Bethel Park, and Janet (David) Dolman, of Kankakee, Ill.; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. At Barbara’s request, services and interment will be private. Mrs. Selznick’s arrangements have been entrusted to the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORY INC., Ligonier. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com.

Sign Barbara Selznick’s online guestbook now.

FEBRUARY 1, 2011:

William W. Fleming Sr., 77, of Ligonier, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, at his home. He was born May 16, 1933, in Pittsburgh, a son of the late Wilbur and Vera Hermann Fleming. Prior to retirement, he was a Mt. Lebanon Township police officer. After retirement he lived in Nokomis, Fla., and Ligonier. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Geraldine Fleming; three sons, William Fleming Jr. and his wife, Dawn, of Arizona, David Fleming, of Ligonier, and Thomas Fleming and his wife, Denise, of Pittsburgh; three grandchildren, Amanda Sachs, of Maryland, Vickie Fisher, of Alaska, and Scott James Fleming, of Pittsburgh; and one great-grandson, Connor Maxwell Sachs. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, in St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ligonier, with the Rev. Paul D. Poerschke officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to St. James Lutheran Church, 300 W. Main St., Ligonier, PA 15658 or Excela Health Home Care and Hospice, 134 Industrial Park Road, Suite 1600, Greensburg, PA 15601-9928. Arrangements by SNYDER FUNERAL HOME INC., Ligonier.

Sign William Fleming Sr.’s online guestbook now.

NEW RESIDENT: Welcome Joanne McGough to the community. She moved onto Locust Street at the end of January.

 The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the entire nursing staff of Bethlen Home for the wonderful care extended to their mother during her illness, and to her longtime friend and physician, Dr. Al Patterson. Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of her life from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at the family residence located at 14 Beechwood Road, Laurel Mountain Borough. If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to Bethlen Home Hospice Care, 66 Carey School Road, Ligonier, PA 15658. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com.

Sign Joanne Zimovan’s online guestbook now.

SEPT. 6,  2010: A Laurel Mountain Boro resident died today:

Joanne R. Zimovan, 69, of Laughlintown, died Monday, Sept. 6, 2010, in the Bethlen Home. She was born June 27, 1941, in Lorain, Ohio, a daughter of the late Charles and Leota Slocum Coresco. Joanne was a very accomplished artist. Many of her created pieces are located in various museums and others have been sold locally in shops throughout the Ligonier Valley and beyond. She is survived by two daughters, Kelly Menefee, of Salinas, Calif., and Jacquelyne Claycomb, of Ramona, Calif.; four grandsons; and a sister, Barbara Huss, of Elizabeth, Colo. A memorial service to celebrate Joanne’s life will be held at a time and place to be announced. Ms. Zimovan’s arrangements are under the care of the J. PAUL MCCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORY INC., Ligonier.

     I’ve been remiss. A new restaurant, THE SUPPER CLUB, opened in mid-June at the Greensburg Train Station, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to dine there yet—perhaps soon it will happen.

Scroll down for information on its upcoming events: 

FARM FESTIVAL—Sunday, August 8^th, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.

LOCAL BEER DINNER— Sunday, August 8^th,  5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

     One of Laurel Mountain Borough’s residents, and a Beanery Writer’s Group member, Deb Driggers, is president/operations manager of the business. She not only lives on Maple Road, she’s connected with the Beanery Writers Group. When you visit, be sure to let Debbie know of your Laurel Mountain Borough and/or your Beanery Writers Group connection.

     Deb spent the last two decades in private, non-profit management positions. Three years ago she took advantage of an opportunity to work in the restaurant business with (to continue reading, click on:

http://beanerywriters.wordpress.com/2010/08/06/the-supper-club-in-greensburg-pennsylvania/

Is our Mayor Phil clean?

 Photo from the magazine: DOWNEAST: Maine at its Best

Remember: Wednesday evening, August 18, is LMB Council Meeting.

August 10: Community sympathy goes to Victor P. Smith, Jr., whose father, Victor P. Smith of Ligonier died Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at his home, at the age of 91.

A resident on Locust Rd. is out of jail on bail. Hopefully his cats will now be taken care of.

 August 6: Read about the exploits of one community dog: Mika’s Escapades.

     The work on Beechwork Rd. was completed today.

August 5: The waterline on Beechwood Rd. was ruptured during a gas pipe repair yesterday. Repairs to the waterline were completed today. The gasline repair and resultant necessary road repair should be completed tomorrow. Our roadmen, Monte, Dan and Tom, were present at various times at the scene.

I’ve been negligent…have been trying to write more, and attention to the blogs since May has been minimal. Hopefully, I can pick up and begin posting more often, even though I am still writing the world famous novel…Carolyn C. Holland

JULY 30, 2010: The borough is hopping today—with a graduation party this afternoon, and a reunion at the pool house this evening.

LAST WEEK IN JULY: Thursday’s torrential rains had ditches overflowing and water streaming in all the areas the LMB Council road workers are trying to correct. I understand that this rain was not as heavy as at least two other rainfalls that occurred in our absence. These rains wreak havoc on the roads, created a creek in our Hemlock Rd. driveway, and filled a pond in my daughter’s Walnut Rd. yard.

     I walked about LMB on my return and learned that the blue house at the bottom of the hill on Maple Rd. has a new tenant, Lisa. I also see that many cottages which are used for summer have occupants this last week in July.

Artists at Work

   Three children on Maple Rd. are selling their original artwork in their driveway and at the pool, raising money to make a video. Twenty-two pages of script for Turpentine have already been written. Johann (about age 7) informed me that it is about a crystal that was stolen, and the owners, who lost their power when it was taken, are looking for it. The details were not revealed—they don’t want to give the entire story away!

     A conveyor belt diversion system installed on White Oak Rd. has created quite a controversy in the community. I was told people are afraid to drive over it, and are backing up and changing their route. Actually, driving a car over it is harmless—it simply bends under the weight of the car. However, I can see that a person riding a bicycle might have a problem, and I would suggest walking the bike over the belt. Click on http://laurelmountainboro.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/conveyor-belt-diversion-in-laurel-mountain-borough-pa/ to read more.

    A new porch on the house on the corner of White Oak and Walnut roads is looking pretty good. And kudos to the individual(s) who planted, and I assume are keeping up, the flowers in the planter on the pillars at the Rt. 30 entrance to the borough.

     Kudos also to Amy and Dan, both volunteer life guards at the pool. They are keeping the pool open for evening swims when their work schedules allow. They are also doing a lot of routine upkeep on the pool.

     I heard that the house at 10 Walnut Rd. had a serious buyer, but the dining room just didn’t cut it. It was about two feet too narrow for the potential buyer.

MID-JULY: Monte and I were away from LMB for thirteen days, traveling to his home region. He was there to celebrate a family reunion and a 55^th Gouverneur High School (New York) reunion, with a week in between. I’m gradually placing posts of my/our adventures on my writing site, www.carolyncholland.wordpress.com . The posts include osprey sightings and happenings in three places: Ogdensburg, Heuvelton, and Black Lake—where we stayed on the weekdays in between the reunions.