Ferris Wheel among rides set for retirement at Idlewild and SoakZone

On top of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and a contentious presidential election, Western Pennsylvania amusement park fans last recently received the disheartening news that Idlewild and SoakZone in Ligonier and Kennywood in West Mifflin would both be retiring several longtime attractions. I wrote about the impending loss of Idlewild's Ferris Wheel, kiddie Rainbow Wheel and…

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War and Pandemic: A History of Idlewild Closures

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has certainly made the 2020 season an unprecedented one for Idlewild and SoakZone, with the park’s nearly two-month delay in opening and its new health and safety protocols for guests and employees. Originally scheduled to open on Saturday, May 16, Idlewild will now open to the general public on Saturday, July…

What I’ve been up to…

Greetings friends! I can't believe it's May already and we are a third of the way through 2014. Where has the time gone?! I've managed to stay quite busy over the last few months, once I thawed out from this monstrous winter.  Still, I have many more projects planned and even more ideas swirling around…

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! Thank you for following me here over the past year. I really appreciate everyone's support and friendship. The holidays are here, the year is winding down and it's time for some reflection on this past year before making plans and goals for the next one. 2013 was…

“Ligonier Valley Vignettes” Fall Wrap-Up

As I look back on this year and the time that has passed since my book came out, I can't believe some of the events that I have been a part of during my marketing campaign. I've participated in several book sales and signings and given two presentations. For someone who is a very nervous…

My 10th Anniversary

I would be remiss if I let October pass by without acknowledging the fact that this month officially marks ten years since I became a professional writer. It all started because of a daily newspaper in Latrobe! During my senior year at Saint Vincent College the Latrobe Bulletin's editorial director, Steve Kittey, contacted me about…

Huzzah! “Ligonier Valley Vignettes” Hits Fort Days!

Compared to the madness that descended upon the valley during the annual Fort Ligonier Days festival this past weekend, Ligonier sure looked like a ghost town when I drove up to cover back-to-back meetings in the township on Tuesday night. Despite the rain on Friday, I had a fantastic time promoting Ligonier Valley Vignettes all…

October Events for “Ligonier Valley Vignettes”

Happy Fall! Between promoting Ligonier Valley Vignettes, traveling to Bedford, PA along the Lincoln Highway, vacationing in various national parks in southwestern Utah, and my usual extracurricular activities, it was quite a busy summer!  I expect the upcoming fall season to be just as busy, but I hope to continue promoting my book, work on…

The Ligonier Echo celebrates 125 years in print!

Today marks the 125th anniversary of the Ligonier Echo - the Ligonier Valley's hometown newspaper! The weekly newspaper was first published on September 5, 1888.  It wasn’t the first newspaper in Ligonier (four others preceded it), but it’s been the longest running of those publications. The location of the office has changed over the years, and…

WWI Casualties William Tosh & Benjamin Byers Part of Ligonier Valley Library Collection

You never know when you are going to stumble across a piece of history or when one is going to come walking through your door. While I was visiting the Pennsylvania Room this week, Shirley Iscrupe shared with me a recent donation of World War I memorabilia related to two soldiers with whom I am…