In Honor of National Tortilla Chip Day

First, let me preface this by saying this is taken from my Tumblr. National Tortilla Chip Day was Monday, so I figured I would celebrate at a local eatery here in Johnstown, El Jalisco. If you want great Mexican food, excellent prices, and exquisite service, this is the place for you! Check them out next time you're in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Public Schools' Visions...Clouded?

I'm rarely on my Twitter account (which is @EyeoftheWriter by the way), but when I am, I come across some interesting Tweets. I'm from Pittsburgh, and a journalism major, so I follow many Twitter accounts from the Pittsburgh area like officials and journalists. Scrolling down not but five minutes ago, I found this little gem from the Post-Gazette Education editor:

Before I continue, I want to say that this post is not targeted at the editor or at any specified individual. It is meant to be editorial in nature only.

When I read this post, at first I thought it was a fantastic vision. All schools envision their students graduating from some college or getting some level of workforce certification. It's drilled in our heads from the time we're in elementary school that we're going to grow up and get "big people jobs." I'm not disputing that. What I am disputing is why they are possibly going to push all their students into getting some kind of special paper saying they learned something.

Not every job requires some form of certification. Let's take writing for example. There are writing majors and minors in many colleges, and several writers have a degree of some sort. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that you need a degree to be a writer. Harper Lee, author of To Kill A Mockingbird, dropped out of law school to pursue a career in writing. William Faulkner, author of The Big Sleep, also dropped out of college...twice. Both writers lacked a college degree, and they wrote beautiful works that won awards and are read by high school and college students everywhere. Am I making my point?

If not, consider this. What about all of the entrepreneurs in today's society?  What about the people who work from their home without a degree as a start-up business? You may get technical and say, "Well, they need documentation for these things." That point I'll give you. However, they don't always necessarily have "workforce certification." Look at Steve Jobs! He was highly successful, highly intelligent, and highly creative. Guess what? He dropped out of college. You know of something called a Big Mac? Next time you order one at the only place these are sold, McDonald's, you can thank high school drop-out Ray Kroc, the founder. The list of people who don't have any certifications but made a successful living for themselves is endless (but for a small taste, you can click here).

It's great that these schools want their students to succeed. I'm not arguing against that. I'm just arguing about the methodology and the psychology behind it. Options for students aren't just black and white. They don't have to go to college and get a degree. They don't have to get any sort of workforce certification. I understand that many if not all jobs nowadays requires it, but there are plenty above examples to demonstrate my point that you don't need certification to be successful.

I was going to close with advice to parents and teachers as well as students, but I'm not going to tell a parent or teacher how to do their job. That isn't my place. However, I can give advice to all of you students out there. Don't think you are limited to getting some form of certification. If you want to go to college or a trade school, that's fantastic. If not, that is too. Look at your options, explore possible careers, and do what makes you happy. That's the most important thing, because it's your life.

Let the River Swell: not typical heavy metal musicians

The mention of "heavy metal" probably brings to mind long-haired, middle-aged "headbangers" screaming into a microphone. While this is true for many bands of that genre, Let the River Swell is an exception.

The Johnstown-born band formed in September 2012 when lead guitarist Tyler Litko had the urge to start playing again, according to vocalist and band spokesman Devin Kieta.

"It was one of those things where everyone was in the right place at the right time. (Bassist) Dan (Crowell) and I were about to move home from Florida," he said. "(Rhythm guitarist) Mike (Orletsky) worked with Tyler and, over the course of a couple weeks,...we got everything together and started writing our first songs."

Their first show didn't come long afterward. They played at Johnstown's Crucified Ministries Church that December. "It was a decent turnout. Johnstown shows are always the best shows," Kieta said.

"It's funny to think (of) now, but without us playing that show, we wouldn't have met any of the crucial people we did (who) helped throw us into the world of bigger shows."

One bigger show they played at was the 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival, where the band obtained a spot after winning a Battle of the Bands contest in Jeanette.

"We signed up for (the contest) and (performed in front of) Sumerian Records and Headbang for the Highway. We played a four-song set list just like every other band and, after our performance, we talked to the talent scouts. They were honestly excited about our performance."

Later that night, after the final band finished their set list, the judges announced LTRS was selected to perform on the Sumerian Records stage at Mayhem Festival in Burgettstown, Pa.

Playing at the Mayhem Festival was a dream come true for Litko. "I couldn't believe something I've dreamed about was actually about to happen," he said. "This is why you never give up."

Prior to the event, the band had a broad fan base with plenty of locals, youngsters, and even those of an older demographic, Kieta said.

"We had a lot of support after we announced that we'd earned the spot," he said. "I was humbled by the encouragement from everyone in the area. Playing (at) a festival like that gains you a lot of exposure.

"We love playing and what we do, but when you have people excited to come up and talk to you afterward...wanting pictures, t-shirts or anything of the sort, it's an amazing feeling. It's like a surprise bonus check from work you weren't expecting."

If you're wondering if there will be a repeat appearance at the festival next year, you may have to wait a while. "Out future schedule is still up in the air," Kieta said. "If we have the chance or get offered to play again, of course we will be there. The goal is to (perform at) one of those festivals for the entire length of (their) tour.

"We'd like to get into Warped Tour next year, but as far as large venues or shows go, when the opportunity comes, we will take it."

For more information and tour dates, visit the band's Facebook page or their Bandcamp website.

Great music for a great city

For two decades, Johnstown's hills have been alive with the sound of music thanks to the Johnstown Symphony Ochestra's Opera Festival. This year, organization members celebrated the festival's 21st year.

The festival first started in 1991 when the Pittsburgh Opera and their symphony performed in the Johnstown area. Since then JSO has taken over, and the festival has grown into something widely celebrated by not only opera aficionados in Johnstown, but the surrounding areas as well, according to executive director Brooke Welsh.

"It's always something new and fresh each year, and that's what makes is special," she said. "The theme changes every year. Last year was '20 Years of Opera.' Some other themes included 'American Opera,' 'Memories of Venice,' and 'An Evening in Vienna.' There may be variations in the programming, but the tradition stays the same."

This year's theme was "Great Opera for a Great City," tying in with the symphony's season theme "Great Music for a Great City."

The Opera Festival is more than dressing up in your best formal wear and listening to beautiful music. "You start by coming to the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center on Pitt-Johnstown's campus at 7 p.m. and everyone gets dressed up. It's black tie optional," Welsh said. "You mingle before the concert, and then you...watch a spectacular show."

Afterward, attendees can drive to the Frank J. Pasquerilla Conference Center downtown for dinner and an auction.

"Anyone can attend. It's open to the public," she said. "It's $60 for the performance only, and $150 for the performance and the dinner. People can also bid on silent auction items."

This year, the auction included tickets to a Pittsburgh Steelers game and a chance to conduct one composition next symphony season. A raffle was also held for a diamond pendant, a $750 Boscov's gift certificate or a $250 Harrigan's Cafe and Wine Deck gift card. Tickets were $10 each.

"The Opera Festival is our celebratory event for the season and out largest fundraiser. The money goes toward operating costs," Welsh said. "The neat thing is that you're supporting the orchestra, but you're also treating yourself to a night out, so it's a win-win for everyone."

This year's festival was held September 21, and showcased not only the symphony's talent, but four operatic soloists picked by none other than 30-year conducting veteran Maestro Istvan Jaray. For information on next year's festival, call the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra at (814) 535-6738 or email them at info@johnstownsymphony.org.

Keeping it clean thanks to Adopt-A-Highway

If you cruise along a clean highway, chances are you can thank a Pennsylvania Adopt-A-Highway volunteer.

Adopt-A-Highway is part of a national program that began in Texas in 1985 aimed at adopting and beautifying roadways in America. Pennsylvania adopted the program soon after when many residents requested it, according to PennDOT District 9 community relations manager Tara Henry.

"There is now an online application that [interested parties] can fill out," she said. "They can send it in to their district PennDOT office, or they can request an application by phone." Potential applications will then receive a packet they must read and sign, agreeing to the program's terms and conditions.

"[Interested parties] must agree to adopt at least two-mile portions of state highway, and PennDOT must agree that the highway is suitable for adoption. [Interest parties] must pick up litter at least four times a year, and must use safety materials provided by PennDOT." Henry went on to say that there must be a safety meeting held before each pick-up time.

"Participants must be at least 8 years old, and adults must accompany those under 18," she said. "An agreement runs for two years. It renews automatically until a group decides to stop."

Many groups in the Johnstown region, Henry said, are active program participants. Envision Laser Center employees are one such group, according to their general manager Dave Vance.

"One [motivator] is we like to give back to the community and want to be involved," he said. "We have several different projects we do, like being major contributors to the Lions Club." The Lions Club collects eyeglasses. "[Adopt-A-Highway] was brought to our attention and we had the opportunity. It's just a small way to give back to the community.

Center employees have been program participants for a year, and they have an additional volunteer with them. A regular client of theirs goes out with them to pick up trash along their adopted stretch of Route 36 near Ashville.

"He's retired, and he loves doing it," Vance said. "We pick up litter every two weeks, because there isn't that much to clean up when we go back. It also keeps things clean for everyone more often, which is the main goal."

Anyone looking to become participants of the Adopt-A-Highway program should call their district PennDOT office, or they can visit the Adopt-A-Highway website.

Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers

By Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark and Susan M. Heim

"Chicken Soup for the Soul" books are each part of a collection of inspirational stories on topics relatable to readers, ranging from being a dog lover to being a devout NASCAR fan. One of the collection's newest additions is Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inspiration for Writers.

Writing, for those actively doing it or considering it as a career, can be challenging. Several authors write about those challenges in this compilation of 101 writer stories - including a story from former Johnstown resident Jody Iachini Severson.

Severson's piece, "Ask, Listen, Write," tells the tale of how an eighth-grade writing project made her act on her own advice: ask, listen, write. She describes the experience she had in gathering her family around to tell their stories and then relaying those stories on paper for her English teacher.

The project earned her an A and the English award for her class. Thinking it must have been a mistake, Severson confronted her teacher, who told her it was no mistake, and that she was a gifted writer. It was in that instant that Severson was truly inspired to continue writing.

She goes on then to tell a story of tragedy, a story of what was her life inspiration, and how these instances inspired her to write. Her piece ends with her advice to writers and the overall theme of the piece:

"Everyone has a story to tell; you just have to ask, listen, and write."

This engaging book guides writers through struggles with writer's block, rejection, and much more. For any writer, even those already on the highway to success, this book is a must-have for their collection. Be prepared to be inspired!

Greater Johnstown YMCA is bulking up

Since 1869, the Greater Johnstown Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) has had an enormous presence in the Johnstown area. What started in a one-room library is now large and in charge in their newest location along Johnstown's Haynes Street. Over the years, the organization has undergone several moves and renovations, and members are gearing up for one more.

The organization's current home is turning 34 and, with age, comes repair needs. The building has a leaky roof and outdated temperature systems. A renovation and expansion project will fix those issues.

The expansion will add more room to the cardiovascular suite, add a therapeutic pool building and add a youth center. Renovations include roof replacement, plumbing and electrical upgrades and parking lot improvements.

The project is a result of a needs assessment completed by the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. YMCA members were to do a similar assessment, but opted to adopt the United Way one instead, according to YMCA executive director Sharon Jones.

The assessment concluded that there were five priority areas for the Johnstown area, such as the need to help children and youth succeed, strengthening and supporting families and supporting vulnerable and aging populations. Jones said while every need cannot be immediately met, the Y has the capability to satisfy some needs.

"There's a lot we can do to meet some of those needs. We need to figure out what types of programs are needed and what facilities are needed," she said. "That's how the project came about."

The project, officially named the 3M Capital Campaign, will cost about $3.5 million to complete - a goal, Jones said, the organization has already completed one-third of the way.

"We're looking at three sources of funding. The first is from the community and local businesses. The second is through grants and various private foundations. The final way is the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program," she said. "It's a matching program. If we raise $1.75 million through the [other two sources], the program will match that if our application is approved."

While the campaign will benefit current Y members the most, Jones said new members are in the forecast.

"We'll be able to better meet the needs of the community. The youth center will provide a place for kids to hand out, and there will be a computer lab [as well]."

Jones said the project is to break ground March 2014, and is to be finalized December 2014.