Friday, December 23, 2016

Remember, Run, Resolution

This is the time of year for lists. What we want for Christmas. What we want to do in the new year. This is not one of those lists. It is a mapped out, familiar journey that I am blessed to be able to do.

Starting from the Saint Michael's church parking lot, I take off and head for the Caddy Trail. This was the path for boys and young men to go from the forest to Sunnehanna Country Club. I doubt any caddies still adventure through the woods to arrive at the golf course, but I think about that history as I jog on through.

At this time of year, the terrain is challenging; a mix of snow, ice, mud, and rocks. I run by the commemoration of an old mine shaft. While I am experiencing the adversities of being a runner, I daydream about how intense the life of a miner must have been. I surge toward the park's main pavilion. I'd rather run than mine.

Across the bridge I go and the uphill battle begins. The steady climb flattens out on the Our Mother of Sorrows field. It is temporary relief. The OMOS ramp awaits. Back in the day, my grade school's ramp was the launching pad for boyhood bonanza. I remember running up and down that paved hill with reckless joy. In fatherhood, I now must ascend with determination.

Upon reaching the front of the church, I take a break. Just inside the front door is a sanctuary. In 2016, it became a place for me to catch my breath and express gratitude. It is a candlelit room with a special stillness and silence. The sound of my huffs and puffs do not extinguish any candles. Those hard breaths make me appreciate the health that got me to this point.

Back in the great outdoors, I run once more. Down Tioga Street, I cross Bucknell and head for the Inclined Plane. I remember the Christmas dinner I had the night before with my wife. I've almost burned off the Asiago's pasta. It is all downhill from here.

Down Erie Street and back onto Bucknell, the hill will lead me home. As my knees get older, I imagine the declines will be just as daunting as the inclines, but for now, I cruise to my finish. The Saint Michael statue is there to celebrate my run. "Saint Michael, the archangel, defend us in battle..."

I say this prayer to bring my run to a close. While resolutions serve a purpose, I think it is important to reflect and remember too. To Johnstown runners and hikers, this path is scenic, challenging, and worthwhile.

In 2017, I'll try to remember what is important. This Christmas and in this new year, I hope to have the physical, emotional, and spiritual health that powered me through 2016.






Sunday, December 18, 2016

True Meaning

In a world of reality television and fake news, Christmas might be the most opportune time to dive into the words "true meaning".  Or, it might be a time to shop like a madman.

During this December, I have thought about or tried to think about "true meaning". It is a simple phrase with mind boggling possibility. First, I hate shopping so this gave me more time to boggle my mind. So, rather than be a madman at the mall, I prop my feet up and think about "true meaning" before my daughter yawns her way into her almost-2-year-old-madness. 

Just before the Christmas marketing season began, I thought about the idea of a blog. Actually, a friend of mine talked about blogging and a daydream occurred. We talked about quitting our jobs, traveling the world, and writing. Her husband and my wife let us dream that dream. It was out loud at another 2-year-old's birthday party. Was there true meaning in that daydream?  I am not sure, but it sparked Positive Johnstown. 

I think "true meaning" starts with gratitude. I am thankful for the friend who helped dream up this blog. At Christmas, I am thankful for the birth that I believe sparked life itself. Over the past year, I have done a lot of reflecting, discussing, self-mind-boggling, praying, parenting, experiencing, working, and worrying. I feel less worry and more "days be merry and bright" these days. And that has nothing to do with the political direction of our country or where an elf is positioned. 

Unfortunately, this blog post is not going to end with a mind blowing revelation on "true meaning". I am still searching. My hope is to keep thinking. Self-discovery is another two word mind racer. 

I'm all for the search and discovery to continue in Johnstown. I challenge myself and everyone to find something positive and run with it. That just might be the way to find true meaning. There certainly will be distractions. Real news and fake news often make you feel more like Eeyore, less like Tigger. 

And my daughter is about to get up. We will watch Winnie the Pooh Christmas once more. And without a doubt, that means something to her. It means something to me too.

When she gets older, I'll do my best explaining how the birth of Jesus made Pooh possible. 

Seize the day. Seize Christmas.







Friday, December 9, 2016

Veterans Breakfast


Vision: A strong America, safe communities, and unified people.

Core values: Family, Community, and Country. 

This vision and value system belongs to the National Exchange Club, a group I did not know about until this autumn. There is a local chapter in Johnstown and members of Exchange were present for an honorary breakfast held at The Atrium on Main Street. I was proud to be a part of this morning and to hear some fascinating stories from those who served.

On this second Friday of December, I volunteered for the first time as a part of the Exchange Club. The Atrium, a personal care home, welcomed a group called the Veterans Breakfast Club to lead a program honoring local men and women with military stories to tell. It is a simple and brilliant premise. Get vets in the same room and give them an opportunity to speak. As the executive director of the breakfast club pointed out, it is one thing to read about war in a book; it is another to listen to someone who was in the fight.

My volunteer service was more about listening than anything else. I helped set up a microphone, but that took about ten seconds. From there, I sat back and sat down by some accomplished Americans; an Army man who loaded and unloaded ships off the Virginia Coast; a Korean war vet who was wheelchair bound, but determined to get back on his feet; a man who was born and raised in Prospect and served in Germany.

These one-on-one conversations led to the presentation. The room was full of military commitments - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. There was some playful banter back and forth between branches. It gave me a sense of the mostly friendly rivalry between branches in the United States military.

The most impactful account was told by a Marine who served in Vietnam. He detailed the beginning of a 31-day battle that was the end of many American lives. The detail, pictures, and emotion in his voice made me appreciate true sacrifice. Minutes before his story, I was singing the National Anthem beside my buddy who loaded ships in the 1940s. I was honored to be surrounded by this brave collection of people.

The Veterans Breakfast Club planned on coming back to Johnstown in 2017. Based out of Pittsburgh, the group travels around the western part of the state to share a meal and stories. The Johnstown Exchange Club will hopefully grow and continue to support our local vets.

Family, Community, and Country. Simple words with a profound point.












Music Week

I have had the good fortune to visit some incredible places known for their music. I've seen Broadway shows in The Big Apple, strolled Memphis' historic Beale Street, and listened to the sounds of Frenchman Street in New Orleans. During the first week of December, I experienced a flurry of hometown harmony.

The first opportunity was actually enjoyed by my wife. To start every week, Flood City Cafe has Music Mondays. A local artist performs from noon to 1 as lunch goers have at it. My wife survived a hectic Monday morning in the office and arrived for some lunch therapy. Some singing and a buffalo chicken sandwich had a calming effect. She did not sing; only listened. The sandwich was all hers. Flood City Cafe continues to create a fun and soothing vibe, even for a pregnant, working woman. 

On Tuesday, the shops on Diamond Boulevard had an event featuring an ambitious piano player. Across from the Stackhouse Park entrance in Westmont, there is a cluster of small businesses. Inside Paprika Rose, an antique and collectibles store, was a pianoman from Fairmont, West Virginia. His story and positive attitude was something to be admired. This fellow packs a mini-van with a full-size piano and hits the road. The shop owners treated guests to wine, cheese, and desserts and had just enough space for Matt to take a seat behind his strawberry red piano. http://mattsblues.com/

As Matt played, my wife and I zig-zagged our way through Paprika Rose. It is welcoming to see small business owners scheduling special events. I made an impulse buy - Blessed Dad wrist cuff. Listening to the blues, I thought about my growing family and the Johnstown community I am proud to call home.

On Thursday, we had a table of eight at the Grande Halle on Broad Street. Cambria City remains an important part of Johnstown history and the city's future. This religious building was transformed in 2012 into a celebratory event space. Six local musicians known as SongWorks played a series of Christmas tunes for a crowd estimated around 100 people. That crowd was roped into a sing-a-long about halfway through the performance. It was a silly and satisfying night of music.

There is a certain melody to this time of year. I appreciate those who can hold a tune and share their talents. My singing will stay in the shower and group sing-a-longs.

I plan on staying in Johnstown and hope to hear, see, and experience more people providing cheer, regardless of the season.









Saturday, December 3, 2016

Santa Strong

Over the past few months, the Saint Michael's community room has evolved into an all-purpose space. On the first Friday of December, I carried my daughter and a yoga mat to the church. What a way to get another wild weekend started...

This was the 3rd Kids Night Out. Each event has had activities and active adults planning projects to attract kids. Back in my grade school days, the class I feared the most was art. Cutting, crafting, folding, molding, measuring, and treasuring did not sit well with me. In fact, I sat nervous. Persevere and make it to gym class.

With that in mind, I combined forces with a friend who shares the same passion for trying to be healthy and giving kids a healthy outlet. She has the creative touch with artistic expression. I'd much rather press my hands on a yoga mat and do push-ups. She loves watching a kid enjoy a healthy snack. I love seeing a youngster feel accomplished after doing as many jumping jacks as he can. While art and gym are not peanut butter and jelly, it made for an enjoyable Saint Michael's sandwich on Friday night.

Kids participated in a Santa workout with me while my crafty pal led the artwork charge. At times, it was chaotic. Like kangaroos, kids bounced back and forth - art to gym, art to gym. Art projects were completed. Push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, squats, and planks were performed. Attempts at yoga meditation were made. Everyone had a great time. Kids took home a Santa workout certification and a bird's nest built with tender care (I did not build a nest).

Two middle school boys battled back and forth in the Santa workout. I held down feet for sit-ups. I was the mediator when there was controversy. Ultimately, the three of us went out to the parking lot for the tie-breaker race - a telephone pole to telephone pole sprint. The race did not change the outcome. It was still a tie, but I like to think everyone was victorious.

Water and oranges replenished the Santa workout champions. Christmas cookies were available as well. Even the healthiest of elves has a cookie every now and then,

When I got home, I felt good about what we did. I thanked God for the health to lead the Santa workout and the friend who put a different kind of work and effort in. We built confidence, relationships, and some of us, a bird's nest.

Above all, we built a sense of community.