Bernard A. Oravec, Town&Gown

The holidays are full of memories. Every year, as we grow a little older, the memories of the times we have spent together become more meaningful. For me, it was growing up in an East European immigrant family in Johnstown. All my grandparents came to America in the early 20th century from what is…

This year marked the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The generation of men who fought this war are now all over 90 years old. Their contribution to our freedom cannot be forgotten. Often, when we see the Second World War depicted on television or in the movies, it is an assumed…

I love the fall. From the beautiful colors of the leaves to the sounds and smells of the crisp night air, no month brings more smiles to my face than October. As a boy, I always enjoyed walking to school in the fall. I can remember jumping into piles of leaves, having acorn battles…

This September feels a little odd. After a spring and summer lost to coronavirus, many of us thought fall would be the time when things started to get back to normal. It hasn’t, at least not yet. The decision by the Big Ten Conference to cancel the entire football season has left many in…

As a boy, August signaled the end of summer vacation, swimming, church picnics, and most Little League baseball. It was now time to start thinking about going back to school. But before that first day of school, there were still lots of things to do. Most of my boyhood summers were spent exploring the…

It’s kitten season. A few weeks ago, we adopted a kitten. One of Diane’s co-workers had taken in a neighborhood stray, only to learn later that the cat was pregnant. In April, she had three beautiful black and white tuxedo kittens. After seeing a photo posted online, we agreed to adopt one. It has…

For most students, June is traditionally a month best known for the start of summer vacation. For high school seniors, it is the month of graduation. This June will be a little different. Since the onset of the coronavirus, schools in Pennsylvania have been physically closed and all instruction has been online. This has…

Town&Gown will continue to publish our monthly community magazine, in print and online, throughout the current virus crisis. This issue of the magazine contains many stories about how our local community is coming together to overcome this challenge. We hope you find it thoughtful and inspiring. This is an edition that you will want…

April 2020 begins with a different feel about it. Typically, our region would be excited about warm spring weather and all the activities that accompany it. However, this April is dampened by feelings of apprehension and uncertainty. The COVID-19 virus has many in our area on edge. Many activities have been cancelled or postponed,…