NC Cover Connection July 2008

Two Cover Stories This Month:

Armstrong Summer Events | Summer Fun in PA

By Janice Lane Palko

At Armstrong, we work hard every day to offer you exceptional service. We have been doing a lot lately to continue to provide our customers the best options available. We are enhancing our products.

Armstrong has completed extensive work on our network, providing you the best digital quality picture and sound.

We have added more High Definition (HD) channels than any other local cable provider.

We also have over 3,000 hours of Video On Demand (VOD) programming, with many movies, kids’ shows, cable favorites and local programs to watch for FREE! We also started providing whole house Video On Demand. You now have the capability to start a VOD program in one room and finish watching it in another.

Additionally, we have increased the speed of Zoom 100 and 500 without raising the price!

We are staying connected to the community. Armstrong is your hometown cable provider, and our communities are important to us. We offer many local programs, like Critter Corner, Faces and Places Butler County, and Pro Wrestling Newz & Viewz. You can even watch coverage of local events like, the Allegheny County Council meetings and Butler County Commissioners’ Meetings, the Kean Idol competition, and the Academic Challenge. We also offer informational channels for all area school districts.

Armstrong is also actively involved in the American Heart Association. The BMW (Butler, Marshall, Warrendale) Heart Walk is held at the Butler Community College on Saturday, October 11, 2008.

You can reach one of our Customer Service Representatives at 1-877-277-5711. We have added to our local workforce. We now have over 90 technicians available in your area to handle all of your needs!

See Armstrong at these Summer Events:

Big Butler Fair – June 27- July 5

Cranberry Community Days – July 12

Horse Trading Days – July 18-19

Pine Twp Community Day – July 19

Butler Regatta – Aug 2-3

Richland Community Day – Aug 9

Butler Farm Show – Aug 4-9

Armstrong…One Wire. Infinite Possibilities.

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Butler County | Cruising | Armstrong County | Indiana County | Butler Symphony
Lawrence County | Sunset Hills Alpacas | Mercer County

Butler County Geared Up For Sizzling Summer Events

The Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau is excited for another summer full of events the whole family can enjoy.  Here are some you’re sure to not want to miss.

June 27-July 5, check out the Big Butler Fair – the largest county fair in Western, Pa.  The fair offers nine days of excitement, with its home right along Route 422.  Enjoy a multitude of food choices and free parking.  Visit on the 4th for a spectacular fireworks display!

From July 17-19, Zelienople will host its annual Horse Trading Days.  Horse Trading Days is heading back to its roots this year, by reinstating a horse parade!  The festival features tons of crafts, food and shopping.  This year’s main concerts are free and feature Jimmy Sapienza and Five Guys Named Moe and the Corbin/Hanner Band.  Don’t miss the car cruise or bike night! 

On August 2 and 3, visit Moraine State Park for the 10th Annual Regatta at Lake Arthur.  Bigger and better than ever, this celebration will have events on the water, in the air and on the land.  Including events for children, as well as entertainment, food and activities, this weekend is for the whole family.

The Butler Farm Show will be held August 4-9, showcasing Butler County’s farming community.  Events include judging, exhibits, demonstrations, arts & crafts, farm products, music, entertainment, rides, tractor pulls and more.  You can even enjoy an airplane ride or a paddleboat ride.

The North Washington VFD Rodeo is a family tradition.  Events start on August 12, with a kickoff parade on the 11th.  The rodeo is five nights of professional rodeo competitions, including steer wrestling, barrel racing, bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf roping, bull riding and team roping each night.

Hear sweet sounds all summer long, with free concerts almost every day of the week!  Harmony and Cranberry hold concerts on Thursdays; Butler County Community College on Sundays.  If you prefer to dine and eat, Slippery Rock offers “Watermelon Wednesdays” – complete with free entertainment AND watermelon.  The Butler County Symphony offers “Concerts to Munch By” on Wednesdays and Cranberry holds Friday lunchtime concerts.

Be sure to make your way to Butler County this summer – you won’t want to miss out on their festivities!

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Cruising:  It’s the Way to Go!

By Janice Lane Palko

According to a study commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 9.7 million Americans took a cruise in 2007, with 77 percent of past cruisers expressing an interest in taking another cruise in the next three years.  No wonder this form of vacation sees so many repeat travelers.  Cruises take you to exotic locations in comfort and luxury, provide non-stop recreation and activities, offer abundant and fabulous food—all at prices that provide the most value for the vacation dollar. 

One of the reasons cruising remains so popular even when economic conditions are less than ideal is that the cruise industry is so responsive to its customers’ desires.  The cruise lines are always building new ships, upgrading old ones, adding innovations and striving to make the cruising experience memorable.  Cruise lines range from ultra-exclusive to the more affordable and offer something for everyone.  With such a wide variety of options, how do you decide which cruise line or destination is the right one?  You could pore through dozens of cruise catalogs or surf the websites, but consulting a travel agent who specializes in cruises can save you time and money. 

Jeffrey Wilson, owner of Port of Call Cruises in Allison Park, whose parent company Cruise Planners, books blocks of rooms, taking advantage of group rates, says that unlike many of the popular discount travel websites, his company can quote you exact fares.  “Many of the online sites offer great rates, but don’t disclose the extra charges such as taxes, port charges, and fuel surcharges until the client has already booked.  Because Cruise Planners also reserves blocks of rooms, I can provide great rates and no hidden extra charges,” Wilson said.

Wilson is certified by CLIA and receives training from the cruise lines and regularly takes cruises making him more knowledgeable about what each ship offers.  “Agents have a better sense of the ships and can suggest the appropriate ship, destinations and excursions that best match the cruisers expectations,” Wilson said. 

Keeping up with the cruise ships is not an easy task these days as they grow larger and offer more amenities.  “These are not your grandpa’s ships,” Wilson said. “There are water parks, surfing pools, ice skating rinks and bowling alleys on board.  Also, the ships being built today have many more staterooms with balconies and those inside cabins are now being designed so that they face the atrium lobbies.”  Wilson can also advise you on the best times of the year to book bargain cruises.  For more information on Port of Call Cruises, visit the website at www.portofcallcruises.com or 724-612-0919.

As soon as you step on the ship, the pampering begins, but you don’t have to wait until you arrive at the ship to begin to relax.  In addition to offering cruise fares, Lenzner Coach Lines offers round-trip motor coaches to your cruise ship’s port of departure as well.  “We pick up at our terminal in Sewickley, the Hilton downtown, Monroeville, Irwin and New Stanton and then drive you to your port,” said Sandy Steele, manager, Lenzner Coach Lines.  Currently, the service is available for select cruises to ships going out of Baltimore and New York.  “This service is very popular, and for this year, we only have a few spaces left,” Steele said.  Starting in September of 2009, Carnival Cruise Lines will begin offering weekly departures to the Caribbean from Baltimore and Lenzner hopes to offer more excursions.

Many people find this service to be less hassle than taking a plane to their port, and it can save you money.  “Booking the whole package of cruise and coach together probably saves about $300 to $400 per person since we take advantage of group cruise rates,” Steele said. 

In addition to the convenience and value, taking a coach to and from the port makes it easier for cruisers to take advantage of duty-free liquor purchases.  “Unfortunately, with the restrictions on how much liquid can be carried on to planes, it is no longer feasible to bring back liquor purchases unless it is checked with the baggage.  And now with the limits on baggage, that may not be practical as well.  If you travel by coach, you don’t have those restrictions,” Steele said. 

For more information on Lenzner’s Coach Tours, visit the website at www.coachride.com or call toll free:  1-800-342-2349 or 1-800-334-9937. 

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Armstrong County

Visit us this summer in Armstrong County, located just 40 minutes northeast of Pittsburgh, easily accessible from Route 28. 

Outdoor recreation is our specialty!  With 652 acres of land open to the public, the adventures at Roaring Run Recreation Area (roaringrun.org) are endless.  Hiking and mountain biking trails traverse the area full of waterfall, boulders, forested areas, and historic remnants.  Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch! 

If a level trail is more your style, hit the Armstrong Trail (armstrongtrail.org), a Rails to Trails along the Allegheny River.   Hikers, bikers, strollers, wheelchairs and equestrians welcome!

Watersport activities are infinite here, with 52 miles of the Allegheny River and three lakes.  Kayaking is a great way to view the beautiful river valleys.  River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak (the-rivers-edge.com) in Leechburg offers trips along the Kiskiminetas River, and Parker’s Landing Canoe & Kayak (canoeparker.com) in Parker offers trips along the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers – a perfect summertime activity!

Do your own thing at Crooked Creek Lake Park (www.lrp.usace.army.mil/rec/lakes/crookedc.htm) – we’ll provide the lake…complete with boat launch, beach, bath houses, swimming area, fishing area, picnic area, pavilions, playgrounds, campsites, charcoal grills, hiking trails, and much more!  Don’t forget to stop by the Crooked Creek Environmental Learning Center (crookedcreekelc.org), a uniquely designed building offering mounts of Pennsylvania game and fish, as well as gardens, trails, and public programming.

Happy Trails Equine Center (happytrailsequinecenter .com) is ready to outfit you for a horseback trail ride.  One- or two-hour rides are available, and you can even plan for a campfire and cookout!  Located near Dayton, the trails go over 125 acres of wooded and rolling farmland, through the woods and over water.  This is a great place for group outings too!

There’s so much more to do and see right here in western PA – call 888-265-9954 for a free visitor’s guide, and visit our website to learn more and view our exciting calendar of events:  ArmstrongCounty.com!

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Indiana County

Indiana County offers visitors the opportunity to explore historic sights such as the Eliza Iron Furnace and the Cherry Tree Monument. Visitors can also recall life at the turn of the century while exploring the beauty of our four covered bridges, which were built between 1870 and 1910. In celebration of these historic landmarks – Harmon, Kintersburg, Thomas and Trusal covered bridges – Indiana County will hold its first Covered Bridge Festival on September 27. Activities will include food and entertainment, tours to the covered bridges, artisans and crafts.

The county is also home to numerous ethnic and heritage festivals, where visitors can learn about making apple butter, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, watch a demolition derby and dance to live entertainment. Learn about the bravery of the men and women of the Underground Railroad at the Blairsville Underground Railroad History Center or at the group’s annual reenactment of the “Rescue of 1858: Newman’s Escape.” 

For nature lovers, Indiana County Parks and Yellow Creek State Park offer activities for every season – swimming, fishing, boating and cross-country skiing. Hiking and biking enthusiasts will enjoy more than 60 miles of trails throughout the county. Learn about area wildlife, amphibians and plant life at educational programs.

Native American culture and heritage come alive at the Thunder Mountain Lenapé Nation Native American Festival held annually near Saltsburg. While in the Saltsburg area, visit the Saltsburg Canal Park, where a major project to preserve and interpret America’s industrial heritage is aggressively underway.

For visitors with interests in medieval history, there is Dane Castle in Strongstown – a 12th Century Norman Keep complete with suits of armor, chain mail and royal art.
Arts and theater come alive on the campus of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, home to two museums, where original shows of fine art, folk art and student art exhibitions share space. IUP also offers a variety of performing arts that include student performances as well as world-class entertainment and outstanding cultural events.

If you’ve ever wondered what a Native American settlement looked like or how it operated in days gone by, visit Naeskahoni Town, an actual-size French and Indian War era living village nestled on Chestnut Ridge near Black Lick, PA.

Famous actor Jimmy Stewart was born and raised in Indiana, where visitors can experience a little “Hollywood Magic” at the Jimmy Stewart Museum, which highlights its namesake’s accomplishments in film, radio, and TV. His roles as military hero, civic leader, family man and world citizen are also woven into displays and film presentations.

Known as the Christmas Tree Capital of the World, Indiana County winter events include the “It’s a Wonderful Life” Festival and the Blue Spruce Park Festival of Lights, a display of still and animated lighted figures surrounding the lake.  Some of the tree growers also hold festivals during the Christmas season, featuring hot cocoa, homemade pie, visits with Santa and hay rides. You’ll have the opportunity to choose and cut down the tree of your choice.

Step back in time with a visit to the Amish community of Smicksburg, where horse-drawn buggies share the road with automobiles. While in the area, stop by some of the unique shops, where visitors can purchase everything from cheese, chocolate and baked goods to pottery, country crafts and antiques. Top off the day with a visit to one of our wineries for a taste and tour.

With all of these exciting happenings and attractions to explore and enjoy, you’ll need a great place to rest between adventures – stay at one of our many hospitable hotels, B&B’s or campgrounds. Visit www.visitindianacountypa.org for a complete listing of accommodations. 

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Butler County Symphony Orchestra Announces
60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee

The Butler County Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Elisabeth Heath-Charles, will open its 60th season on October 11  in the auditorium of the Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Road.    The Symphony Association announces several changes for the coming season:

• All concerts will start at 7:30 p.m.
  
• The Family Pops Concert, which in the past has been a short (no intermission)  program, will be a full concert.
• Subscribers have the option of choosing one of three subscription plans—4, 5 or 6 concerts and will be able to pay with charge cards.
• Gift cards will be available.
  

Last year’s subscribers can renew their reserved seats during the month of July. New subscribers will be able to buy season tickets after August 1. Individual concert tickets will go on sale on September 15. For more information, call the Symphony Association office at 724-283-1402 or visit the website at www.butlersymphony.org.

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Lawrence County

Lawrence County is the destination for patriots.  No other place bears the distinction of being the Fireworks Capital of America and of being home to two Little Sisters of Lady Liberty.

New Castle in Lawrence County is known as the Fireworks Capital of America because two internationally know fireworks companies, Pyrotecnico and Zambelli Internationale, call the town home.  Elaborate fireworks displays are common in the area, averaging 11 displays every year.  The annual Fireworks Capital of America Fireworks Festival draws thousands and will be held this year on July 12 in downtown New Castle.

Two of only 100 replicas of the Statue of Liberty, known as the Little Sisters of Lady Liberty, currently existing in the United States and are located in Lawrence County.  One is at Lincoln High School, Ellwood City, and the other is in Fox Park in New Castle.
The 8-foot 4-inch statues were erected in 1951 by the Boy Scouts of America in commemoration of their 40th anniversary and are attractions not to be missed.

Besides the fireworks and Little Sisters of Liberty, Lawrence County plays hosts to numerous events throughout the summer.  Among the many happenings are the Ellwood City Arts, Crafts & Food Festival, July 4-6 to the Lake Arthur Regatta, August 2-3, to the Lawrence County Fair, August 11-16.

For more information on all the events in nearby Lawrence County, visit the website at www.visitlawrencecounty.com.

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Sunset Hills Farm Alpacas

Join Sunset Hills Farm Alpacas, 1120 Three Degree Road, Butler, PA 16002, as we celebrate National Alpaca Farm Day on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. We will have a farm open house to answer your questions and satisfy your curiosity.

Activities:

• Watch Spinners transform alpaca fleece into products
• Pet the alpacas and get an up close personal look at these cuddly creatures. 
• Browse the Alpaca de Moda boutique.
• Listen to mini seminars that will answer any of your alpaca questions.
• And more...

Alpacas are a lifestyle with benefits and opportunities for the whole family.  As more and more people are discovering, raising alpacas can add meaningful experiences to family life that many find to be just what they are looking for in terms of relaxation, fun and a potential source of income.

Anyone can appreciate how alpacas are gentle, lovable and easy to handle.   The precious fleece of the alpaca has inspired many to start mini mills or boutiques which involve shearing the alpacas and spinning the fiber of their own animals into yarn that can be made into highly sought after clothing while others market the fiber through the support of organized fiber co-ops.

These docile animals give you the opportunity to raise 6-10 alpacas per acre and are environmentally friendly.  Adding to the overall look and feel of your property, alpacas are inexpensive to raise, require small acreage, and are very hardy animals.  The alpaca is truly a “huggable” investment.

We look forward to seeing you!

724-586-2412 | www.sunsethillsalpacas.com.

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Mercer County

Mercer County, PA, located one hour north of Pittsburgh, provides an exceptional getaway destination.  Discover one of America’s top 20 outlet malls at Prime Outlets, Grove City, with over 140 shops.  Minutes away is Slovak Folk Crafts, offering one-of-a-kind handcrafted gifts and North America’s largest animated display. Wendell August Forge is the place to shop for handcrafted aluminum, pewter, bronze and silver gift items.
For some of the world’s largest shops, the Sharon/Hermitage area offers Daffin’s Candies, the world’s largest candy store; Reyers, the world’s largest shoe store; and The Winner, the world’s largest off-price fashion store. 

Because of its rich ethic diversity, Mercer County is home to a wide variety of cuisine.  The choices range from the Springfield Restaurant Group, which includes Iron Bridge, Rachel’s, Springfield Grille and Hickory Grille; to hometown favorites like The Wave, a family-owned restaurant in downtown Sharon, offering homemade pasta dishes. Tara, A Country Inn just outside of the Sharon/Hermitage, area offers steaks and seafood at Stonewall’s Tavern.

Summer fun events include outdoor concerts on the courthouse square in Mercer, at Central Park in Greenville and Buhl Park in Hermitage. We offer an outstanding array of summer festivals with the Grange Fair, Victorian Weekend, Hermitage Arts Festival and the Pymatuning Pioneer and & Arts Festival in July.  In August, enjoy the Rock ‘N’ Roll Car Cruise in downtown Sharon and the start of The Great Stoneboro Fair.

Golf Digest ranked Mercer County as one of the country’s Top Golf Destinations.  It’s no wonder.  With numerous four star golf courses and affordable rates, Mercer County is a golfer’s paradise.

Great people, great shopping, great dining, great recreation!  Mercer County offers a get away that is affordable, close and fun.  For more information on Mercer County attractions visit our website: www.mercercountypa.org.

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Also see our July How-To: How to Pack When Traveling by Car with Children