Basketball & The Boulevard

In 2002, I graduated high school. My graduation party was held at the Boulevard Grill. Friends, many of whom were my basketball teammates, united with my family to usher me off into the college ranks. While much has changed since that glorious high school graduation party, my love for basketball and the BLVD has not.

Flash forward to the Friday after this Thanksgiving. I am 32-years-old and the elder statesman in the Westmont Hilltop alumni basketball game. I am a bearded father running around with 20-somethings. I am subjected to "old man" jokes and my high school coach asking if I need more time to stretch. I jam my ring finger within the first ten minutes of action. Sub, please.

The alumni game put me back in the gym where I have many memories of competition and camaraderie. Westmont provided me four years of quality education and basketball coaches who pushed me to work hard. I no longer put hard work into my basketball game, but I certainly have applied on the court lessons to off the court challenges. I was thankful for another opportunity to play in that gym even if I was the front runner for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Our group got to see some of the high school expansion project and rooms that look nothing like they once did. Following the tour, we gathered at BLVD for some grub. This restaurant has become the celebratory center for myself and my family. From graduations to baptisms to birthdays to rehearsal dinners to Mom & Dad nights out, the Boulevard Grill is our go-to. My daughter proudly owns a BLVD Girl onesie.

My coach got to meet that daughter at the BLVD. He also fixed my jammed finger in a non-emergency surgery near the pool table. We shared some laughs from the past and talked about the future of Westmont basketball. In the present, it felt good to be in a friendly Johnstown restaurant with a group of people who enjoyed their days in high school athletics.

As our local schools continue to compete against each other, I hope they produce more and more graduates who catalog a positive sports experience. And a greater hope is that some of those graduates stick around and build the Johnstown community.

Basketball has taught me a lot and I will keep playing as long as I can. And if I ever win that Lifetime Achievement Award, I'll know where to have the after party.

Thankful 2016

I am thankful for:

• My daughter. We celebrated her first birthday this January. Thank you to the staff at Conemaugh Hospital for bringing her into this world and the staff at Laurel Pediatrics for their care and kindness. 

• Community support. I attended the Cambria County Drug Coalition press conference this September. There is a drug epidemic sweeping across this county, this state, and the country. God bless law enforcement, treatment providers, health care specialists, and the executive director of this coalition. It is a community health problem with no easy solution.

• Local running events. I am blessed with the physical health to get out and run. To the organizers and volunteers of Stackhouse Park Love to Run, Wings of Hope 5K, Penn Highlands Black Bear 5K, Laurel Highlands HeartChase, 5K for Vets, Path of the Flood Historic Races, Que Classic, Morley's Run, and Great Santa Run - thank you. This is a great place to cross the finish line. 

• Grandparents. My wife and I have four strong individuals leading the family charge. Each was born and raised in Johnstown. They married here. They raised families here. Each with their unique personality and the same love for our daughter. Without them, we would have a lot less knowledge and a lot less money in the bank account (day care). 

• My wife. She is a proud downtown businesswoman. She is a super Mom. She edits my blogs and supports my passion to write, to exercise, and adventure. 

• My faith. It has been a reflective year personally and professionally. The Alpha course, my church, and family life have strengthened a faith that fuels me. 

On this Thanksgiving, I am optimistic. It would be easy to create a list of what went wrong, what needs fixed, and what could be better. I side with hope. I partner with positivity. I acknowledge the negative, but I don't feed it. 

I will feed my face this Thanksgiving. Eat well, Johnstown.  

A Purposeful Walk

Before the wind and snow on the third Saturday of November, there was sun. Service Saturdays, an Our Mother of Sorrows parish initiative, has been a part of my weekends for much of 2016. Once a month, I am the Stackhouse guy.

Stackhouse Park has always been my peaceful retreat. Long before Service Saturdays, I was walking, hiking, and running those trails. As a kid, Stackhouse was where my dog and I went on adventures. As a father, it is where I clear my head and get lost in nature. On Service Saturdays, it is where I feel good about being a part of a caring community.

One Saturday of each month, a small group of volunteers comes together to be of service. Heading to the woods is not the only option. Some people make mats for the homeless. Some go to a nursing home and serve by spending time with others. There is prayer service, gardening service, odd job service...

The point and purpose is working together - separate projects with a unified goal. In October, the Stackhouse team stacked wood in preparation for winter. In November, we picked up as much trash as we could before winter showed up.

I branched off with a couple who were participating in their first Service Saturday. I typically do not walk into the woods with strangers, but on this morning, I certainly did. You get to know a lot about someone after two hours of garbage time in the forest. It was a fun two hours.

Within five minutes into the excursion, I came upon unlikely litter - a bowling ball. This was a preposterous beginning to our morning. Imagine someone standing near a tree line and pretending it is the alley. After that laugh, I got to know my service partners. I acted as Stackhouse tour guy for this couple. They were new to Johnstown and still adapting to their new home. We talked about our families, grocery shopping, the holidays, and church. We competitively tried to eagle eye any trash along the way.

When we made the climb out of the park, we had done our duty. Dozens of plastic bottles and miscellaneous trash were placed where they belong. The gloves came off and we shook hands. I appreciated their willingness to contribute and how together, we found humor in the woods.

I love being the Stackhouse guy and love meeting new people in the park I am grateful for.

Live Like Santa

When Mother Nature decides to warm Johnstown up to almost 70 degrees in mid-November, seize that day. Seize it like Santa. 

Friday, November 18, 2016 felt more like Christmas in July. Downtown Johnstown felt touristy as I got toasty running in a red Santa Claus sweatshirt. Over one hundred people ran through the streets in honor of Mr. Claus, and hundreds more lined Main Street in anticipation of the Christmas parade. I got support from family and strangers as I questioned why I decided upon a 100% heavy cotton sweatshirt for these 2 miles. It's all for the kids and there were plenty of them. 

Downtown Johnstown has certainly changed with the times. No park will ever be perfect and there is reason why every generation has a memory of glory days. And at this year's Christmas celebration, I saw kids in their glory. Nevermind what Johnstown once was. Friday night was a showcase of what Johnstown is. 

Johnstown is a collection of people that pushed Central Park to full capacity. A group of community leaders once believed that a towering, light show of a tree could make a difference. If you stood in that sea on Friday night, you saw, heard, and felt a difference. It was the second year that The Tree was the star. 

As my father-in-law paraded his granddaughter around the park, I realized this is all she knows. With amazement, she has experienced Light Up Night this year and last and she wants "more" ("more", "more", "more", "more"...) . While these memories will certainly fade with time, to her, today, Central Park is a positive place to go. Positive for a lot of reasons. 

That grandfather parading her around dedicated every bit of himself for that moment - a chance to show his granddaughter a goodness that is all about people coming together. An infusion of visionaries and volunteers sent a message and it was received. I can only hope that my daughter gets more nights to light up downtown. 

One last thing...

After the Santa Run, I popped into Flood City Cafe to add back the calories I just burned off. I had on my Santa hat. Every employee had on a Santa hat. I was the only one profusely sweating in the coffee shop. I laughed at myself and looked down at my heavy red sweatshirt. Under Santa's beard, in big white letters, I read the word "BELIEVE".

And if I teach my daughter anything, it will be that. 

BELIEVE. 

 

A Hometown Vet

Johnstown is a city full of traditions and plenty of veterans in the population. On this year's Veterans Day, I did not do anything special, but am grateful for the men and women whose service is beyond special.

One of those veterans is my uncle. As a veteran and former state representative, much of his adult life has been dedicated to service. From his military commitment to the political platform on which he once stood, I have always admired his character. At breakfast this past weekend, he explained to me how an ambitious few created the Conemaugh Valley Veterans group.

That group is represented each year in the Veterans Day parade that makes its way through downtown Johnstown. Well into his retirement, my uncle is still a visible  Johnstown community leader proudly representing a core of veterans and the place he calls home. After the parade, he attended the Tomahawks game as Johnstown has a history of bringing good causes and hockey together.

In May of 2015, Johnstown claimed victory in the Kraft Hockeyville USA contest. From a mass media perspective, it put this part of Pennsylvania on the map. The Tomahawks have picked up where the Chiefs have left off, skating their way into the fabric of the community. My uncle was somewhere in that Military Appreciation Night crowd - cheering, commemorating, and like a true politician, chatting.

Meanwhile, I was coloring in the American flag. Saint Michael's parish hosted another Kids Night Out to honor our local veterans. I patriotically selected red and blue crayons and got to work. Surrounded by kids, parents, and grandparents, it was a crazy Crayola Friday night. Cards made by the kids will be delivered to local veterans and hopefully will provide some holiday cheer and gratitude.

There are many ways to serve. Some serve country. Others clap at the parade. The Tomahawks provide a night of dedicated entertainment. Kids send a Red, White, and Blue picture.

No matter how we serve, there is reason to be thankful. A special thank you to my uncle and all those who served and serve in our country's military.

If we work together, this community can be something special.

The Most Important

From a historical and cultural basis, breakfast wins. Educators and food pyramid architects often suggest that breakfast outranks lunch, dinner, and snack. At this point in my life, there is nothing better than Dad-Daughter breakfasts.

On the first Monday of November, our morning date was at Holy Grounds, a creatively named coffee shop on Tioga Street in Westmont. Our Mother of Sorrows parish launched the shop this autumn - a friendly place to have coffee and conversation. While my youngster dare not drink caffeine, she loves conversation.

This Dad-Daughter breakfast was much like many of the other breakfasts I have experienced with her as she approaches the curious age of two. Best way to describe it - entertaining. As we conversed about birds, her plans for the day, and random thoughts, we were joined by two ladies. I am assuming my daughter was the draw.

From there, we talked about who we were and where we were from. In small town Johnstown, we had some connections. When my daughter became disinterested, she politely left the table to peer out the window. Birds in the bushes captured her imagination.

This was a simple start to the day. I appreciated the company of my daughter, the atmosphere, and learning about other people. In a time when so many people across the country appear divided, this morning was jumpstarted with some togetherness.

If you get a chance, walk into Holy Grounds. You do not have to be religious. Do not worry about your political party.

Just be open to conversation. And, if you can handle it, a cup of coffee.

Morley's Run

For the past five Novembers, I have run in the 5 Mile Morley's Run. It is a scenic path that supports the The Tribune Democrat Newspaper in Education Program. Brisk to start and shining sun at the finish, here is the good I saw at the 2016 race:

Greater Johnstown Community Chorus
With the American flag waving in the distance, this chorus sang our national anthem to kickoff the event. A patriotic thank you to the men and women who stood on the cold ground at 9:00 A.M. to sing the runners off.

Inclined Plane 
This historic part of Johnstown was a welcomed sight for all participants. One, because it is a great view. Two, because it is a friendly reminder that the race is downhill.

Stackhouse Park
As runners approached the park entrance, volunteers made sure to shout out that leaves could be Morley's first hazard. I looked up at Our Mother of Sorrows church before taking on the leaves. I was reminded of the eight years I spent in that schoolyard; eight years of a chaotic time known as recess.

I have so many great memories of my OMOS education and the park that connects Westmont to the West End. The straight shot path out of the park was full of autumn colors and the promise that the sun was about to makes its presence known.

Cambria City 
When I ran into this part of Johnstown, my feet were on the same streets where Ethnic Fest is celebrated each year. I tell myself that all the pierogies I ate in September are training food for Morley's.

JWF
This Iron Street business is a sign that the finish line is near. I recently attended a leadership seminar where the Chief Operating Officer of JWF spoke about the importance of giving back to your community. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities in his life. I was grateful for the physical health to complete these 5 miles and a simple message of a local business leader - be good to people and give back to the place that you call home.

Peoples Natural Gas Park 
As a train passed through town, I crossed the finish line at the site of my wedding reception. This park is a great venue, hosting events like Flood City Music Festival and Brews and Blues in the Valley. I beat my goal time and got celebratory hugs from my wife and daughter. My 22-month-old believed the best way to celebrate was to share one of the sugar cookies offered to runners. We listened to a band cover Neil Young's Harvest Moon as we walked to the Subaru.

Friendly Faces
While the sights make Morley's Run a fun autumn run, it is the people that make the event what it is. The police officers and volunteers who clear the path and give encouragement along the way. The friend who has competed in so many races with me over the past decade. She always beats me and I have no ambition to top her times. The county commissioner who runs in so many local races and is always ready for a high-five or handshake. The cousin who collects the same racing shirts that I do and is also on a Dad quest to stay forever young. The nurse practitioner by weekday /determined runner by weekend who helps so many families, including our own, prepare for having a baby.  The dozens of people I recognize on race day who make up a dedicated, Johnstown community.


Each November, Morley's Run showcases some of the best people and places Johnstown has to offer.

October Neighbors

I've always loved October. The changing of the leaves leads to a burst of energy for this autumn enthusiast. This year was particularly enjoyable considering the weather and the series of great events in our region.

I am lucky to be surrounded by friendly neighbors and I appreciate the neighboring communities that celebrate the fall season. This year's October was a gauntlet of fun for our family of three. Mark your calendars for next October because all of these events are traditions to explore.

On the second Sunday of October, we packed the Subaru for Bedford. The Bedford Fall Foliage celebration is full of color and crafts. The next weekend we headed to Fort Ligonier Days to watch the impressive parade. During the 2015 parade, my then 9-month-old daughter was so excited she tried to eat a leaf. The bands, the horses, the cars, the waving...she was just so excited (Dad extracted the leaf). The 2016 parade was just as fun. Next, we attended AutumnFest at Seven Springs on the fourth Sunday of the month. There is nothing like watching a grown man use a catapult to launch pumpkins into the air. I thought about eating a leaf  while watching Pumpkin Chuckin.

This all leads me back to Johnstown to wrap up October. We are lucky to have all the aforementioned events in geographic striking distance and we also have a celebration of our own. The Johnstown Halloween parade had a big crowd and one huge fan of anyone playing a drum (my daughter). We walked through Central Park and eyed the scattered scarecrows. I saw a lot of kids smiling.

And finally, Trick or Treat night. I strolled through Westmont and Brownstown on the 31st with my Minnie Mouse. Two neighbors, separated by 87 years, speak to what is good about Johnstown.

The first is a 99-year-old man. He gives my daughter a banana every time she visits him. She loves fruit and he loves her. It was not a trick when he handed her a banana on October 31st. She blew him a kiss goodbye. She couldn't have been happier.

The second is a 12-year-old Ferndale student. She just happened to be Minnie Mouse too. Every time she sees my daughter, she comes running. They hug. They have a semi-conversation. On Trick-or-Treat night, she came running once more. An impromptu Mouse photo session went down. They hugged goodbye.

This October, like many before, was a great month. There are so many local events to attend; so many sights to see; so many neighbors to appreciate.

I hope November is much of the same.

And this warm.