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"Cambria County Grant Boost, County Fair Fun, Youth Volunteer Impact, and More in This Week's Newsletter! Share the Buzz with Friends!"
"Cambria County Grant Boost, County Fair Fun, Youth Volunteer Impact, and More in This Week's Newsletter! Share the Buzz with Friends!"
"Cambria County Grant Boost, County Fair Fun, Youth Volunteer Impact, and More in This Week's Newsletter! Share the Buzz with Friends!"
Don't miss out on Cambria Buzz BOGO, county fairs with thrilling rides and adorable animals, youth volunteers transforming St. Michael Park, and more in this week's newsletter!đ
Charles Sisk
Jun 17, 2026
Sunday, June 21 is Father's Day |
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Trivia QuestionâIn the small village of Whittlesworth, located deep in the forests of the Amazon rainforest, there is a unique annual festival that involves the entire village. During this festival, villagers dress up in elaborate costumes made entirely of natural materials and participate in a day-long parade through the village. What is the name of this festival? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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 Blend Your Happy!Cool down with one of our refreshing fruit smoothies, made with real fruit and packed with flavor!
 Strawberry â a classic favorite Watermelon â crisp, cool, and refreshing Mango â tropical sweetness in every sipWhether youâre stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up, our smoothies are the perfect way to brighten your day.
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The Womenâs Help Center in Johnstown will receive nearly $350,000 in state funding to expand vital housing services in Cambria County.
Executive Director Roxan Tyger confirmed the grants, awarded through the PHARE fund with key backing from State Representative Frank Burns, specifically target homelessness and affordable housing challenges.
Of the funds, $150,000 supports the Centerâs emergency shelter operations, while $200,000 will power a six-month rental assistance program, helping families stabilize and move toward permanent homes.
Demand for assistance has surged due to rising living expenses and ongoing inflation.
Last year, the Centerâs shelter provided over 11,000 nightly stays to more than 250 local residents, including many children.
Tyger stressed that these services are crucial for long-term community stability, with the Center committed to seeking annual funding as local needs persist. Read More... |
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Late summer in Central Pennsylvania means county fairs bursting with excitement and local flavor.
From Meyersdale to Ebensburg, fairs like the Somerset County Fair and Westmoreland Fair bring communities together from August 21â29 with animal exhibits, competitions, and nonstop grandstand thrills.
The Williamsburg Community Farm Show in Blair County, held August 23â28, draws locals with its agricultural showcases, crafts, and nightly entertainment, while the Indiana County Fair (August 28âSeptember 5) highlights agricultural innovation, delicious food, and family-friendly rides.
Closing out the season, Ebensburgâs American Legion County Fair (September 6â12) features a festive mix of farm displays, carnival rides, and much-anticipated demolition derbiesâa beloved tradition for generations.
With blue-ribbon baking, homegrown pride, and a true sense of community, Central PAâs fairs are a canât-miss celebration of summerâs end. Read More... |
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Youth from Richland and Westmontâs Learning Lamp summer camps proved that even young hands can create lasting change. Nearly 50 children gathered at Berwind Wayside Park in St. Michael, teaming up to clean and enhance the public space while connecting with neighbors. The project came together thanks to a partnership between Mountain Research of Altoona and the St. Michael Fire Department, offering students not just a chance to serve, but also to celebrate with a well-deserved hot lunch. Throughout the day, local police officers, firefighters, and first responders visited, guiding children through emergency vehicles and sharing stories of service. Karen Machak of Learning Lamp emphasized that introducing youth to volunteerism helps foster lifelong habits of giving back. Patrick Replogle from Mountain Research added that hands-on involvement might inspire some to become future first responders. The 48 participants left Berwind Wayside Park and their community a little brighter that day. Read More... |
Cambria Buzz is sponsored by |
Joyce's Jems Consignment & More |
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Michael Kors. Coach. Formal gowns. Baby clothes sorted by size. Candles. Jewelry. It's all at Joyce's Jems Consignment and More in Northern Cambria â and half the fun is not knowing what you'll find when you walk in. Swing by and see what's new this week. Hours are posted on our page. đ |
Please check out our Survey! |
Cambria Buzz BOGO - Closing this week! |
The Cambria Buzz is currently running a BOGO for July 4th & July sponsorships. When you purchase the month of July at the discounted rate, you will also get the month of August for Back to School promotions, at no charge. The closing date for the available slots that are left is June 19, 2026. We would love to have you join us!!! |
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Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, June 10 â June 16, 2026 |
Juneteenth Week Celebration |
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Dates: June 13â19, 2026 (ongoing through the week) đ Source: Visit Johnstown PA â https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/event/juneteenth-week-celebration |
The Curious History and Genealogy of Godfrey Wilmore đď¸ |
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Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 đ Source: Visit Johnstown PA â https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/event/the-curious-history-and-genealogy-of-godfrey-wilmore |
Little Shop of Horrors, The Musical đ |
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Dates: Friday, June 19 @ 7:00 PM; Saturday, June 20 @ 7:00 PM; Sunday, June 21 @ 2:00 PM đ Source: Visit Johnstown PA â https://www.visitjohnstownpa.com/event/little-shop-of-horrors-the-musical/2026-06-19 |
Johnstown Mill Rats Baseball: vs. Lafayette Aviators âž |
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Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 đ Source: Johnstown Mill Rats Official Schedule â https://millrats.com/schedule/ |
đ Cambria County Library System â All Branch Events, June 17â23, 2026 The Cambria County Library System (CCLSYS) operates 14 independent member libraries, each with its own programs and events. Below are their individual event calendar links, listed alphabetically. The unified system calendar is at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/events/month
Each library page links to its specific branch calendar. The system-wide calendar (covering all branches) can be filtered by library, age group, and event type at: https://cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com/branches/select |
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Laurel & Grouse This is a locally-owned upscale dinner spot in Johnstown that's generating real buzz in the community. Reviewers rave about the thoughtfully crafted, seasonal menu (think crispy short rib pierogis, fresh pappardelle, charbroiled oysters) and a beautiful, city-style atmosphere. One reviewer noted it "makes you feel lucky to have it right here in Johnstown |
Cambria Buzz is sponsored by Simply Drost |
Simply Drost - Good Outfit. Good Mood. Meet the Local Shop Behind the Tagline. |
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Value & Quality Real talk: good style shouldn't break the bank. đ¸ Simply Drost is an online consignment boutique run by Jessica Drost of Northern Cambria â and her shop is full of carefully chosen women's pieces at prices that make sense. Maxi dresses for $30. Everyday tops for $16. Shop online or catch her at a pop-up near you. đ www.SimplyDrost.com Follow on Facebook. |
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Here are a few exciting new small business openings from across Cambria County to share with our neighbors! Each story highlights the hard work, passion, and community spirit driving our local economy forward. The Daily Grind CafĂŠ & BakeryLocation: 412 Main Street, Johnstown, PA Opening Date: May 15, 2026 Johnstownâs downtown district just got a little sweeter with the grand opening of The Daily Grind CafĂŠ & Bakery. Stepping inside, residents are greeted by the rich aroma of fresh-roasted coffee and an inviting counter stacked high with artisan breads, seasonal pastries, and specialty espresso drinks. The warm, rustic interior is designed to be a neighborhood hub, complete with cozy seating areas perfect for remote work, casual morning meetings, or catching up with a friend over a hot brew. The cafe is owned by lifelong Cambria County resident Sarah Jenkins. After spending a decade working in corporate hospitality in Pittsburgh, Sarah decided it was time to bring her passion for baking back to her roots. "I always knew I wanted to come back home to build something of my own," Sarah shared. "Downtown Johnstown is going through a beautiful revitalization, and I wanted to create a welcoming, communal space where neighbors could start their day with a great cup of coffee and scratch-made baked goods. Weâre filling a need for a dedicated, independent community gathering space right in the heart of the city." Beyond the incredible menu, The Daily Grind features a "Local Artisan Corner" where local makers can display and sell their handmade goodsâfrom pottery to hand-poured candlesâgiving other micro-businesses a free platform to reach customers. The cafĂŠ is open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram at @DailyGrindJohnstown for daily pastry specials. Ebensburg Eco-Clean Launderette & GoodsLocation: 112 Center Street, Ebensburg, PA Opening Date: Projected July 1, 2026 Ebensburg is about to welcome a highly anticipated, eco-friendly addition to its local business community. Ebensburg Eco-Clean Launderette & Goods is redefining the traditional laundry day experience by combining a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient laundromat with a boutique sustainable home goods refillery. Residents can drop off laundry for full-service wash-and-fold care or use the ultra-fast, water-saving machines themselves while browsing a curated selection of plastic-free household cleaners, soaps, and laundry detergents. The masterminds behind the business are husband-and-wife duo Marcus and Elena Vance. Elena, an environmental scientist, and Marcus, a former commercial appliance technician, saw an opportunity to merge their skills into a business that serves both local families and the planet. "We chose Ebensburg because itâs an incredibly tight-knit town where people truly look out for one another and care about the future of their community," Marcus explained. "We noticed a lack of modern, high-capacity laundry facilities in the immediate area, and we wanted to couple that essential service with eco-conscious options. Our goal is to make sustainable living simple, affordable, and accessible to our neighbors in Cambria County." What sets Eco-Clean apart is its innovative "bring-your-own-container" refillery station, which encourages customers to reduce single-use plastic waste by refilling liquid laundry soaps and household cleaners by the ounce. The bright, clean space will also feature a small play area for children and free high-speed Wi-Fi. They are set to open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Stay updated on their official ribbon-cutting ceremony by following them on Facebook at Ebensburg Eco-Clean. Allegheny Valley Pet OutpostLocation: 804 Chestnut Street, Cresson, PA Opening Date: June 1, 2026 Pet parents in the Cresson area have a fantastic new reason to shop local! Allegheny Valley Pet Outpost officially opened its doors at the beginning of June, offering a comprehensive selection of premium, holistic pet foods, durable toys, and USA-made accessories. The shop focuses heavily on dietary wellness, carrying high-quality brands that are often hard to find without driving out of the county or ordering online. Owner David Miller, an army veteran and passionate animal advocate, opened the store after noticing how far he had to travel to find specialized nutrition for his own rescue dogs. "Cambria County has an enormous community of animal lovers, but many of us were traveling miles down the mountain just to get quality food and supplies," David said. "I wanted to give Cresson and the surrounding towns a hometown pet shop where they can get personalized advice and premium products right in their backyard. The support we've received from local residents in just our first few weeks has been absolutely incredible." The Outpost stands out by partnering with local animal shelters. Every first Saturday of the month, the shop hosts a "Clear the Shelters" adoption drive in their parking lot, covering the adoption fees for one lucky rescue pet through store proceeds. Allegheny Valley Pet Outpost is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For questions or product inquiries, you can call them at (814) 555-0194 or check out their weekly arrivals on Instagram @AlleghenyPetOutpost. |
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Local Shout-outs, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, Volunteer Opportunities
đ Cambria Buzz Community NewsletterYour weekly roundup of good news, community heroes, and ways to get involved right here at home. đŁ LOCAL SHOUTOUTSDebra Orner Recognized for Outstanding Community ServiceThe Cambria Regional Chamber is celebrating one of its own. Vice President Debra Orner was recently named a recipient of the Joyce Murtha Excellence in Community Service Award, recognizing her long-standing commitment to improving the region. Key Details:
Source: (Instagram) Historic Johnstown Church Earns Statewide RecognitionThe First Cambria AME Zion Church in Johnstown continues to receive praise following its National Register recognition. Preservation advocates highlighted the congregation's dedication to protecting an important piece of Cambria County history. Key Details:
Source: (Pennsylvania Historic Preservation) â¤ď¸ LOCAL HEROESCommunity Celebrates Local Law Enforcement During 'Bless the Badge' EventResidents and community leaders gathered in Johnstown last week to thank the men and women who serve Cambria County through the annual Bless the Badge appreciation luncheon. The event offered a meaningful reminder that small gestures of gratitude can make a big difference. Key Details:
Source: (WJAC) Nominations Open for Cambria County Hometown HeroesDo you know someone quietly making a difference? Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals whose kindness, volunteerism, or service deserves recognition. Key Details:
Source: (Facebook) đ¤ LOCAL CAUSESVolunteer Efforts Continue to Enhance Cambria County TrailsThe Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority is encouraging residents to help maintain and beautify local trail systems. Whether you're passionate about outdoor recreation or simply want to lend a hand, there are opportunities for all skill levels. Key Details:
Source: (cambriaconservationrecreation.com) Firefighter Association Seeks Community NominationsThe Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association is currently accepting nominations to recognize extraordinary acts of courage and service among local firefighters. It's a meaningful way for residents to spotlight those who protect our communities every day. Key Details:
Source: (ccrfa.org) đ FUNDRAISERSCommunity Support Continues for Northern Cambria Ball Field RestorationEfforts remain underway to restore the Northern Cambria ball fields following devastating flood damage. The fundraiser supports rebuilding recreational spaces that serve hundreds of local children and families each year. Key Details:
Source: (GoFundMe) Community Events Help Families Facing HardshipLocal businesses throughout the region continue stepping up to organize benefit events supporting neighbors experiencing unexpected crises. These grassroots efforts showcase Cambria County's reputation for rallying around one another when it matters most. Source: (WJAC) đ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIESLove Animals? The Humane Society Needs YouThe Humane Society of Cambria County is actively recruiting volunteers to help care for animals awaiting their forever homes. From dog walking to assisting at special events, there are flexible ways to get involved. Key Details:
Source: (Humane Society of Cambria County PA) Help Keep Our Libraries ThrivingThe Cambria County Library System welcomes volunteers interested in supporting literacy and community programming. Even a few hours a month can make a meaningful difference. Key Details:
Source: (CCLSYS) One of the things that makes Cambria County special is how often neighbors show up for one another. Whether it's recognizing outstanding community leaders, supporting local causes, donating to families in need, or volunteering a few hours to improve our shared spaces, there are countless ways to make a difference right here at home. Have a local hero, fundraiser, or volunteer opportunity you'd like featured in a future edition of Cambria Buzz? We'd love to hear about it. |
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If you apply to adopt, please let the Humane Society know that you saw the listing in The Cambria Buzz Newsletter! |
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đĄ Answer to Trivia Question: The festival is called "Jungle Masquerade" and it is a celebration of the beauty and abundance of the rainforest. |
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Warmly, Charles Sisk Editor |