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Vaccine Split Debate, Singing for Bonnie Tyler, & Century Farmsβ€”Don't Miss This Week's Drama!
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Vaccine Split Debate, Singing for Bonnie Tyler, & Century Farmsβ€”Don't Miss This Week's Drama!
Family farms honored, MMR vaccine update, Bonnie Tyler tribute, coach retiresβ€”don’t miss out!
Charles Sisk

Charles Sisk

Aug 19, 2026

πŸ“° WEEKLY PREVIEW

* Top Stories: splitting up the MMR vaccine
* Local Events: Concert in the Park – Felix & the Hurricanes
* What's Trending: Ebensburg: Downtown is buzzing
* Community Engagement: Rock Out for Charity

* Pet of the Week: Meet Doodle -- Adopt me!

Trivia Question❓

In what year did the Republic of Kiribati officially move its international date line to ensure all its islands were on the same calendar day, effectively making it the first country to see the dawn of the new millennium?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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Address1102 Main Street, Portage, PA 15946
Days OpenMon–Sat Β· Closed Sun
HoursMon–Fri 8:30am–5pm Β· Sat 8:30am–Call Β· Sun Closed
Phone(814) 736-3400
Click here to visit The Tire Shop Inc.

Cambria County’s family farms are cherished not just as businesses, but as living legacies enriched by generations of dedication.

 

Several local farms recently earned century farm status, a rare honor marking more than 100 years under continuous family ownership.

 

The Simanski family of Washington Township, whose farm dates to 1852, stands out for evolving from dairy operations to modern horse boarding while staying true to their roots.


Read More...

The debate over the MMR vaccine in Cambria County, Pennsylvania is intensifying as national health officials consider splitting the combined measles, mumps, and rubella shot into separate doses for children.

 

Local pediatricians and health experts warn this move could create confusion and increase risks for families in Johnstown, Ebensburg, and nearby towns.

 

The current single-shot schedule has made it easier for parents to stay on track with state immunization requirements, helping prevent major outbreaks in the region.


Read More...

Bonnie Tyler’s legendary voice resonated well beyond Wales, forging an unexpected bond in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

 

Neighbors and friends came together in bars and living rooms, united by the memories and emotion swirling around Tyler’s timeless hit, “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

 

News of her passing stirred a powerful sense of nostalgia and collective sorrow through the region.

 

Her music, a fixture at local celebrations and high school dances in Johnstown and Ebensburg, made her loss especially heartfelt.


Read More...

For decades, Penn Cambria wrestling in Cambria County, Pennsylvania has thrived on resilience, deep-rooted community bonds, and unforgettable leadership.

 

Todd Niebauer has been the unwavering force behind this tradition, guiding the Panthers through celebrated triumphs and profound challenges.

 

In his 24 seasons, Niebauer steered the program to notable dual meet victories and District 6 Wrestling achievements.


Read More...
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Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, Aug. 19 – Aug. 25, 2026

Concert in the Park – Felix & the Hurricanes
DateFriday, August 21, 2026
Time6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
LocationPenn Eben Park
PriceFree

Join us for a summer evening of live music in the heart of Ebensburg! Felix & the Hurricanes will get things rolling at our first Concert in the Park, filling the air with great tunes and friendly vibes.

Bring your friends and family, grab a spot on the lawn, and celebrate the season with fantastic music and community spirit. Enjoy a relaxing night outdoors thanks to the support of the Cambria County Child Development Corporation!

300 West High Street Ebensburg, PA 15931
(814) 472-8780
Click to find out more
Johnstown Farmers Market
DateAugust 21
Time9:00 am - 2:00 pm
LocationSquare @ Main Street & Market Street
PriceFree

Join neighbors and friends at the Johnstown Farmers Market, a vibrant community gathering in the heart of downtown. Experience the freshest locally grown produce, support small businesses, and meet the faces behind your favorite local products.

Enjoy live music and entertainment as you browse the market stalls, creating a lively atmosphere for all ages. This is more than just shoppingβ€”it's a celebration of local flavor and community spirit!

416 Main Street, Suite 100, Johnstown, PA 15901
814.536.7993
Click to find out more
Homegrown Music & Community Festival
DateAugust 22, 2026
Time4 pm - 10 pm
LocationPeoples Natural Gas Park
Price$15 (advance tickets)

Join us for the Homegrown Music & Community Festival, where local talent takes center stage in the beautiful setting of Peoples Natural Gas Park. Enjoy performances by Chris Higbee, Kevin Dale, Herb & Hanson, and Even the Odds, all while supporting a great cause.

Bring your family and friends for a day filled with music, community, and fun. Advance tickets are just $15, so don't miss out on this celebration of local culture and charity.

90 Johns St. Johnstown, PA
Click to find out more

Queen Flash – Queen Tribute

DateThursday, August 22, 2026
Time7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
LocationArcadia Theater
Price$48 – $56

Feel the energy and excitement of Queen’s unforgettable music at the Queen Flash – Queen Tribute! Experience a dynamic six-piece band that channels the incredible stage presence and vocal power of Freddie Mercury, led by renowned performer Johnny Zatylny.

This theatrical concert promises to get everyone out of their seats, capturing all the grandeur and electrifying spirit of Queen’s legendary live performances. Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic of one of rock’s most iconic bands!

1418 Graham Avenue, Windber, PA 15963
814-467-9070
Click to find out more

πŸ“š Cambria County Library System — All Branch Events

πŸ“š CAMBRIA COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CALENDARS

The Cambria County Library System (CCLSYS) operates 14 independent member libraries, each with its own programs and events.
The unified system calendar is at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month

The system-wide calendar (covering all branches) can be filtered by library, age group, and event type at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/branches/select

**The Locker Room Bar — 101 Washington St., Johnstown.** Johnstown gained a new gathering spot beside Sargent’s Stadium at the Point when The Locker Room Bar held its grand opening on Monday, August 3. Co-owner **Zach Sipeco** and his team renovated the former Stadium Pub/By George Inn space after purchasing it last December, creating a sports bar built for the crowds that come downtown for AAABA baseball, arena events, races and music festivals. For now, the menu features beer, signature cocktails, mocktails and dirty sodas, with meals expected once the kitchen is ready in September. Sipeco said the location excited the team because of its proximity to the stadium and growing downtown foot traffic: “We want to see more events like that come downtown and we just want to be a part of the community.” Stop in before or after a game or downtown event—and watch the business’s local social channels for current hours and the kitchen-launch announcement. [wjactv](https://wjactv.com/news/local/new-locker-room-bar-opens-in-johnstown-near-sargents-stadium-eyeing-big-events)

**BOOST Cafe — 314 Main St., South Fork.** South Fork’s Main Street welcomed BOOST Cafe at a Thursday, August 6 grand opening—a coffee-and-dirty-soda shop with an especially neighborly mission. The café is operated by students through the Forest Hills School District’s Pennsylvania BOOST grant program; young people helped renovate the space, develop its business plan, shape the menu and prepare to serve customers. South Fork Public Library Treasurer **Stacey Lewis**, speaking for the project rather than as an individual business owner, described the goal beautifully: “It’s going to be a nice place for people to gather and have conversation,” while also giving students who lack home internet or computers a place to work during winter. That mix of caffeine, practical access and real-world job experience makes this a particularly meaningful new stop for the area. Current posted café hours are Monday, 7 a.m.–noon, and Tuesday through Friday, 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; visit for coffee or a dirty soda and help students build their first hospitality and small-business skills. [wtaj](https://www.wtaj.com/news/local-news/cambria-county-students-run-coffee-shop-providing-hands-on-learning/)

What’s Trending Around Cambria County This Late August

late-summer magic is in full swing across every corner of Cambria County! As we head into late August, locals and visitors have plenty of family-friendly activities, vibrant outdoor gatherings, and seasonal traditions to enjoy.

Here are five positive trends catching fire across the county right now:

  • Northern Cambria & Patton: Agritourism is booming as local flower farms and ag-destinations invite families for late-summer U-pick flower sessions, farm-fresh harvests, and scenic outdoor photos.
  • Ebensburg: Downtown is buzzing with end-of-summer community energy, featuring Saturday Farmers Markets packed with fresh regional produce, artisanal baked goods, and live outdoor music.
  • Greater Johnstown: Community arts and culture take center stage with hands-on youth workshops, family theater clubs, and outdoor live music at popular local venues.
  • Portage & Mount Aloysius Corridor: Outdoor trail enthusiasm is at an all-time high, with families flocking to local rail-trails for weekend biking, walking, and scenic nature photography.
  • Countywide: Mid-to-late August marks peak preparation for late-summer community traditions, as residents gear up for regional autumn festivals, back-to-school youth events, and classic car cruise-ins.
From the northern farmlands to the heart of the valley, Cambria County offers endless ways to explore, connect, and support local.

Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities

 

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Cambria Buzz Community Newsletter! We are highlighting the incredible people, causes, and opportunities that make our local communities so special. Grab your morning coffee and dive into what is happening right here in our backyard this week!

🌟 Local Shoutouts

Centuries of Pride: Local Cambria County Farm Receives Historic State Designation!

We have incredible news for our local agricultural community! Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced the designation of new Pennsylvania Century Farms at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, honoring local families who have preserved prime agricultural land for over 100 years. Cambria County is proud to be home to 34 official Century Farms, celebrating the deep roots, sustainability, and hard work of our multi-generational farming families.

🦸 Local Heroes

Longtime Public Servant Lisa Kozorosky Honored Ahead of Retirement

A heartfelt tip of the hat goes to Cambria County Treasurer Lisa Kozorosky, who recently announced her upcoming retirement after decades of dedicated public service to local residents. The Cambria County Commissioners publicly recognized her long standing commitment and smooth transition plan for the Treasurer’s office during their county meeting. Thank you, Lisa, for keeping our local government running smoothly for so many years!

  • Key Details: Transition duties are handled through the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg. Read the full update via the Altoona Mirror.

πŸ’š Local Causes

Investing in Our Kids: East Taylor Township Secures Grants for Playground Upgrades

Great news for parents and kiddos in East Taylor Township! State Representative Frank Burns announced over $203,000 in state grant funding allocated directly to the township. The funds will support critical municipal updates and comprehensive playground rehabilitations, creating safer, updated spaces for local kids to play and explore.

🎟️ Fundraisers

Rock Out for Charity at the Homegrown Music & Community Festival

Looking for a fun weekend plan that supports a great cause? The annual Homegrown Music & Community Festival is coming up at Peoples Natural Gas Park in Johnstown! Founded by local volunteers to spotlight regional talent while raising funds for local charities, this year’s festival features an exciting lineup of country music, local food vendors, and community spirit.

  • Dates: Saturday, August 22, 2026
  • Location: Peoples Natural Gas Park, 90 Johns St, Johnstown, PA
  • How to Participate: Grab tickets and check out the full lineup at Heritage Johnstown.

🀝 Volunteer Opportunities

Help Distribute Fresh Food with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Give back to neighbors in need! Volunteers are needed to help run the upcoming direct food distribution at the Johnstown Galleria. Volunteers assist with organizing, packing, and loading food packages into cars for local families.

  • Dates: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (11:15 AM – 2:30 PM)
  • Location: The Johnstown Galleria, 500 Galleria Dr, Johnstown, PA
  • How to Register: Sign up for shift registration at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter!

πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:
1995

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

Cambria Buzz

Β© 2026 Cambria Buzz.

Cambria Buzz is your go-to source for everything happening in Cambria County. From local news and community events to business highlights, lifestyle stories, and cultural happenings, we bring you the stories that matter most. Stay connected and informed with Cambria Buzz, your trusted source for news and happenings across the county.

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