Monday, May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. 

Observed annually on the last Monday of May, it serves as a solemn day for Americans to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by these individuals to secure and protect the nation's freedoms.

Cambria Buzz is Sponsored by: Just Love Coffee Cafe - Celebrating 1 Year Anniversary!

Parents seeking great coffee and a kid-friendly menu will find a welcome surprise at Just Love Coffee Cafe in Northern Cambria.

Founded by Mike and Karin Vasil, this café at 2611 Bigler Ave. fills a unique niche with freshly roasted, ethically sourced coffee and a kitchen powered entirely by waffle irons.

The menu delights both young and old — sweet waffles for kids and inventive, savory waffle-pressed sandwiches and omelets for adults, each served with a satisfyingly crisp edge.

The space is bright and welcoming, inviting families to relax while enjoying award-winning brews or quirky treats like the signature “Dirty Sodas” topped with smooth cream.

Celebrate local flavor and community spirit as Just Love Coffee marks its first anniversary on Saturday, May 30, 2026, with special deals on coffee beans and select beverages.

Reach the Heart of the County:
Why Your Message Belongs in the Buzz

This week’s spotlight on Just Love Coffee Cafe, Joyce's Jems Consignment & More, and JustDrost.com showcases the incredible power of the Cambria County community. Stories like these show the value of The Cambria Buzz and express the true reasons that drive our readers to engage, share, and support local.

Cambria Buzz is where the county’s most active citizens, small business owners, and non-profit leaders gather to stay connected.

Why Sponsor the Buzz?

     Values-Based Alignment: Place your ad alongside uplifting, local stories that matter to families and community leaders.

     High Engagement: Our subscribers are "doers" who actively look for ways to support small business and local organizations.

     Support Local Storytelling: Your sponsorship keeps the "Buzz" alive, allowing us to highlight the boutiques, volunteers, heroes, and success stories that make our county home.

Join our next issue: Connect with your neighbors and grow your local influence. Contact us today to discuss sponsorship and advertising opportunities.

 thecambriabuzz@gmail.com * PH (814) 201-7511

Joyce's Jems Consignment & More

Joyce’s Jems Consignment and More in Northern Cambria has quickly become more than just a place to shop — it’s a true community gathering spot for Cambria County residents.

Located on Crawford Avenue, this locally owned consignment shop offers affordable, gently used clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories for the whole family.

Owner Joyce Douglas welcomes shoppers looking to save money and find unique treasures, while also supporting a neighbor.

Families benefit from lower prices on kids’ clothes and everyday essentials, a major help as household costs rise.

Consignment shopping also helps the community by cutting down on waste and giving quality items a second life.

Supporting shops like Joyce’s Jems keeps dollars and friendly connections right here in Cambria County, preserving our hometown spirit and strengthening local ties.

Discover something special while helping your neighbors—stop by Joyce’s Jems in Northern Cambria and see what’s new today.

Ebensburg is set to honor local heroes with its annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 25, starting at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m., followed by a heartfelt ceremony dedicated to those who served.

If weather conditions require, the ceremony will move indoors to Ebensburg Presbyterian Church at 200 North Center Street at 10:30 a.m.

Community involvement is central, with Bob Slebodnick of VFW Post 4963 highlighting the significance of remembering veterans from all conflicts, past and present.

Around 20 local organizations—including veterans, scouts, youth sports teams, classic car groups, and the Central Cambria Marching Band—are expected to participate.

Check-in and lineup will occur from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at Ebensburg Public Library.

The event is proudly sponsored by Ebensburg Main Street Partnership, VFW Post 4963, American Legion Post 363, and Dauntless Fire Company.

Cambria County officials are considering major updates to how municipalities contribute to the CamTran bus system, aiming to better meet state transit funding requirements.

Ongoing discussions have united county commissioners, the Planning Commission, and CamTran leadership in their efforts to make local funding contributions more fair.

At the heart of the debate is the state-mandated “local match” — a critical annual sum municipalities pay to unlock state support.

Some towns have raised concerns over the existing decades-old formula, questioning whether their share is truly equitable.

Executive Director Mark Lazzari confirmed a third-party consultant is now reviewing the process, with an updated plan expected by the next fiscal year.

Leaders also want to boost transit efficiency, possibly by adjusting bus routes to better serve all communities in Cambria County.

Cambria County is hosting a Senior Fair on Friday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Bottleworks, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown.

This free annual event brings important programs and services directly to seniors, focusing on housing, insurance, and transportation support.

Attendees can explore key offerings, like the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET prescription program, tailored to benefit older adults.

Representative Frank Burns will be present with his staff to answer questions and help connect guests with essential state services.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program now offers up to $1,000 in assistance for qualifying residents, including those 65 or older, widowed individuals 50+, and adults with disabilities over 18, with income limits of $48,110.

Enjoy games, prizes, and vendors in a lively, supportive setting.

Applications for rebates are open until June 30, 2026.

Cambria County residents aged 55 and older can sharpen their driving skills and enjoy a car insurance discount by enrolling in the upcoming “Seniors for Safe Driving” course.

State Representative Frank Burns will host the session on June 16, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Ebensburg Municipal Building on West High Street. The cost for the class is $17.

This classroom-only course is designed to boost driver confidence, build awareness, and reinforce safe driving habits. Completion guarantees participants a 5% car insurance discount for three years, as required by Pennsylvania law.

Those interested must RSVP by calling Burns’ Ebensburg or Johnstown offices and bring a valid driver’s license.

For anyone unable to attend in-person, PennDOT-approved online classes such as Safe2Drive also offer the same insurance benefits.

Improving safe driving skills pays off on the road—and in your wallet.

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Local Events are Sponsored by: Simply Drost

Staring at a closet full of clothes but feeling like you have nothing to wear is a common struggle in Northern Cambria. Jessica Drost, a local wife, mom, and self-proclaimed coffee lover, took matters into her own hands by launching Simply Drost—an online consignment boutique designed to make getting dressed easy and affordable.

Simply Drost features a curated selection of women’s clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories—both new and pre-loved—personally chosen by Jessica for comfort and timeless style.

The boutique stands out with its thoughtfully selected pieces and direct, friendly approach—shopping here feels like getting advice from a trusted friend. Prices are refreshingly reasonable, with items like maxi dresses, shorts, and tanks all budget-friendly.

Local shoppers in Cambria, Blair, and Westmoreland Counties can catch Jessica at monthly pop-up events, making it easy to shop in person, try on picks, and support a neighborhood business.

Events in Cambria County, PA: May 20, 2026 – May 26, 2026

🗓️ Family-Friendly Events in Cambria County, PA

May 20 – 26, 2026

✅ FREE EVENTS

1. America's 250th Speakers Series — COL (Ret.) Jeff Pounding 📅 Wednesday, May 20 | 6:00 PM 📍 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown 💲 Free COL (Ret.) Jeff Pounding will speak on Cambria County's Revolutionary War Veterans and the country's early efforts toward establishing veteran benefits. Part of the Cambria County Veterans Museum's America250 programming. All presentations in this series take place at 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com

2. Downtown Johnstown Farmers Market 📅 Friday, May 22 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Central Park, Main & Franklin Streets (and Gazebo Plaza), Downtown Johnstown 💲 Free to attend The Farmers Market in downtown Johnstown runs every Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until about the second or third week of October, featuring locally grown produce, handmade items, and food vendors. The market started mid-May in 2025 and follows a consistent weekly Friday pattern. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com events calendar; WJAC TV

3. Ebensburg Borough Pool — Opening Day 📅 Saturday, May 23 | Opens at 12:00 PM 📍 Ebensburg Borough Swimming Pool, 151 Swimming Pool Rd., Ebensburg 💲 Admission fee applies (check current rates at ebensburgpa.com — historically a few dollars per person) Opening Day is Saturday, May 23, 2026. Borough staff will follow the guidelines in place at the time of the scheduled pool opening to determine any restrictions that may need to be put in place. The pool features a main pool, kids' pools with slides, and a two-story slide. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages — great for families with children 🔗 Source: ebensburgpa.com

4. Allied Artists of Johnstown — Spring Art Show (Ongoing through May 30) 📅 Daily, May 20–26 (Tuesday–Sunday) | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Johnstown (Cambria City Cultural District) 💲 Free The Spring Show from the Allied Artists of Johnstown will be on display in the main gallery space from April 16 – May 30! The members of the AAJ will fill the gallery with work of various styles, mediums, and subject matters, in an exhibition of the area's talent. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages; good for art-loving families 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com

5. "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank" Exhibition (Ongoing) 📅 May 20–26 (Tuesday–Sunday) | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sunday 12–5 PM) 📍 Heritage Discovery Center, 1 Tip Top Ln., Johnstown 💲 Free (included with Heritage Discovery Center admission — verify current pricing) This moving exhibition explores Anne Frank's life within the larger history of the Holocaust and World War II. Through large-scale imagery and historical storytelling, visitors will follow Anne's journey while learning about the rise of the Nazi Party and the persecution of Jewish people across Europe. 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for ages 10+; powerful educational experience 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com

6. Ebensburg Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony 📅 Monday, May 25 | Parade at 10:00 AM; Ceremony at 10:30 AM 📍 Historic Downtown Ebensburg → Veterans' Memorial Park, Ebensburg 💲 Free The annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony sponsored by the Ebensburg Main Street Partnership, in partnership with VFW Post 4963 and American Legion Post 363, takes place at 10:00 a.m. in historic downtown Ebensburg; the Memorial Day Ceremony in Veterans' Park follows the parade at 10:30 a.m. Participants include military service men and women, scouting troops, sports teams, classic vehicle owners, and the Central Cambria Marching Band. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages; patriotic and community-centered 🔗 Source: ebensburgpa.com; WTAJ

7. Story Hour & Drop-In Storytime — Cambria County Library System 📅 Ongoing weekly (check schedule for exact May 20–26 times) 📍 Cambria County Library, 248 Main St., Johnstown (and branch locations) 💲 Free Story Hour at the Library is a FREE program facilitated by Library volunteers. The library system offers ongoing children's programming including storytime for infants through age 5, with no registration required for drop-in sessions. Call the library or visit cclsys.org to confirm the specific May 22–26 storytime schedule. 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for infants–age 5 and their families 🔗 Source: Cambria County Library System; cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com

8. South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club Tour (Johnstown Flood National Memorial) 📅 Saturdays during the season, including May 23 — multiple tour times (10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM) 📍 South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club Site, South Fork, Cambria County (Johnstown Flood NHP) 💲 Free (National Park site) The Clubhouse was the center of activity for the members of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club and their guests — the club that owned the South Fork Dam whose failure caused the 1889 Johnstown Flood. Guided tours of this historic site are free and educational. 👨‍👩‍👧 Best for ages 8+; history buffs 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com

9. Path of the Flood Historic Races (5K, 8-Mile, 14-Mile) 📅 Saturday, May 23 (Memorial Day Weekend tradition) 📍 Start/Finish area in Johnstown (follows the historic flood path) 💲 Free to spectate; registration fee for runners The Path of the Flood Historic Races is a 5K, 8-miler, and 14-miler! Held annually on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the races follow the path of the historic 1889 Johnstown Flood. A beloved local tradition bringing runners and spectators to the community. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages to watch; runners 10+ for 5K 🔗 Source: Heritage Johnstown / heritagejohnstown.org

💰 PAID EVENTS

10. Taste & Tour 2026 — Rediscover Downtown Johnstown 📅 Saturday, May 23 | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (check-in from 2:00 PM) 📍 Historic Downtown Johnstown (multiple venues); starts at 250 Market St. 💲 ~$30/person (Eventbrite; tickets sell out quickly — purchase in advance) The 12th annual Taste & Tour Rediscover Downtown Johnstown event will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. May 23. The annual event is a showcase of what downtown businesses have to offer the Greater Johnstown community — from restaurants and bars to destination shopping and specialty retail stores, all opening their doors on a Saturday night. Free shuttle service is provided, and participants vote for favorite businesses in categories including Best Atmosphere, Appetizer, Drink Special, and Overall Experience. 👨‍👩‍👧 Adults and older teens (21+ for alcohol venues; event-wide for food/shopping) 🔗 Source: tribdem.com; Eventbrite – Taste & Tour 2026

11. Ebensburg Borough Pool (Admission) 📅 Saturday–Monday, May 23–25 | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Fri–Sun hours); Memorial Day hours may vary 📍 151 Swimming Pool Rd., Ebensburg 💲 Admission fees apply (historically $2–$5; verify current 2026 rates at ebensburgpa.com/swimming-pool/) The pool features two kids' pools with slides in addition to the main swimming pool, and includes a two-story slide and diving areas in the adult pool. Great Memorial Day weekend activity for families. 👨‍👩‍👧 All ages 🔗 Source: ebensburgpa.com

12. "Theft & Murder" — Cresson Lake Playhouse (Pre-Season Production) 📅 Tuesdays–Saturdays at 7:30 PM; Sundays at 2:00 PM (check specific May 20–24 dates) 📍 Cresson Lake Barn Theatre, 279 Shapiro Rd., Loretto, Cambria County 💲 $24/ticket (single); Season Subscription $74; Flex Pass $80 A homage to the Pink Panther films, the story focuses on French inspector Peter Arkin, an incompetent but well-meaning man who is tasked with finding a missing jewel. The Visit Johnstown calendar confirmed performances on May 14 and May 15 — the run continues into the May 20–26 week. Call the box office (814-472-4333) or visit cressonlake.com to confirm exact May 20–24 performance dates. 👨‍👩‍👧 Ages 10+ (comedy/farce) 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com; cressonlake.com

13. Allied Artists Spring Show Opening Hours at Bottle Works (Ticketed Programs) 📅 May 20–26 | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 Third Ave., Cambria City, Johnstown 💲 Gallery admission may apply for special programs; check bottleworks.org The Bottle Works also regularly hosts ticketed craft workshops and classes (pottery, painting, glass work, jewelry-making) throughout the season. Check their calendar for any workshops scheduled during this specific week. 👨‍👩‍👧 Adults and teens (12+) for workshops 🔗 Source: visitjohnstownpa.com arts calendar

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES & TRANSPARENCY

Events confirmed with specific May 20–26, 2026 dates:

• America's 250th Speakers Series (May 20) ✅ — directly confirmed on visitjohnstownpa.com venue page
• Ebensburg Pool Opening Day (May 23) ✅ — confirmed on ebensburgpa.com
• Taste & Tour (May 23) ✅ — confirmed on tribdem.com and AllEvents.in
• Ebensburg Memorial Day Parade (May 25) ✅ — confirmed on ebensburgpa.com and WTAJ
  
  

Events confirmed as ongoing series that include the May 20–26 window:

• Allied Artists Spring Show (April 16–May 30) ✅
• Anne Frank Exhibition ✅
• Johnstown Farmers Market (weekly Fridays, established pattern) ✅ — 2026 start date is consistent with prior years beginning mid-May
• South Fork Club Tours (recurring Saturdays) ✅
• Cresson Lake Playhouse "Theft & Murder" run — confirmed on Visit Johnstown series page but verify with box office (814-472-4333) for exact May 20–24 curtain dates
• Path of the Flood Races — listed on Heritage Johnstown as Memorial Day Saturday tradition; verify final registration at heritagejohnstown.org
• Library story times — ongoing weekly programming; confirm specific sessions at cclsys.org

Did you know.....?

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 that never made it to our newsletter HERE?

You can read our Newsletter Back issues HERE?

Across Cambria County, there’s been a noticeable wave of fresh energy this spring — from new eateries and breweries to expanded retail spaces and community-focused startups. While some businesses are still in soft-opening mode and others are preparing grand openings for summer, the common thread is local people investing back into the communities they call home.

One of the more talked-about additions this year is the new The Backroom Saloon near Ebensburg at 3133 New Germany Road. The restaurant and bar has quickly built buzz for its rustic atmosphere, comfort-food menu, and relaxed small-town feel. Locals have especially gravitated toward the welcoming environment — the kind of place where families can grab dinner while neighbors catch up over drinks after work. The business fills a growing demand in northern Cambria County for locally owned dining spots that feel personal rather than corporate.

Though ownership details have remained fairly low-key publicly, the restaurant’s early success reflects a broader trend happening throughout the county: entrepreneurs betting on community-driven hospitality. Residents can support The Backroom Saloon by stopping in for lunch or dinner Monday through Saturday, following their social pages for specials and live events, and spreading the word to visitors traveling through the Ebensburg area.

In Johnstown, one of the county’s larger commercial investments this year has been the newly opened Fine Wine & Good Spirits at Richland Town Center. The nearly 4,400-square-foot location officially celebrated its grand opening in January and represents continued retail development in the Richland area. State officials highlighted the store’s expanded Pennsylvania-made product section and modernized shopping layout as part of the project.

While it’s not a “mom-and-pop” operation, the new store still reflects growing commercial confidence in the Johnstown market and brings additional foot traffic to surrounding local businesses in Richland Township. Community leaders and development organizations, including the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce and Cambria County Industrial Development Corporation continue promoting small business growth and entrepreneurship across the county.

Perhaps the most encouraging part of Cambria County’s business momentum right now is that growth isn’t limited to one town. From Richland and Johnstown to Ebensburg, Portage, and Northern Cambria, small businesses are continuing to open, renovate, and expand despite economic challenges facing many rural areas. 

Local chambers, tourism organizations, and municipal leaders have increasingly emphasized supporting homegrown businesses that keep dollars circulating within the community.

Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! thecambriabuzz@gmail.com

Local Shoutouts, Heroes, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities

Have a business opening, community event, local hero story or pet-related news to share? Email Us your updates for next week's newsletter! thecambriabuzz@gmail.com

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

About Little Girl:

Little Girl is a 4-year-old medium-sized mixed breed with a huge heart and an even bigger zest for life. She came to the shelter in January 2025 during a humane investigation and was severely emaciated when she arrived.

Thanks to plenty of care, good food, and lots of love, Little Girl has made an incredible recovery — both physically and emotionally. Despite the hardships she faced, Little Girl never let her past dull her shine. She is one of the most fun-loving, happy dogs you could meet! Her tail is almost always wagging, and she approaches life with pure enthusiasm.

Little Girl is a high-energy pup who loves to play, whether it’s with toys or her favorite people. She’s also a big fan of treats and will happily show off her playful personality when snacks are involved.

After she’s had a chance to burn off some of that energy, she’s just as happy to cuddle up with her family and soak up affection. She would do best as the only animal in the home, where she can have all the attention (and toys!) to herself.

Little Girl’s story is one of resilience and hope. She’s come so far and is now ready for the happy ending she truly deserves — a loving home where she can keep playing, cuddling, and being the joyful dog she was always meant to be.

Mixed Breed Dog:

• Age: estimated age 4 years 3 months
• Gender: female

• Weight: ?
  Adoption Fee: ?

• Why Little Girl Needs You: "Like so many animals at the shelter, Little Girl is patiently waiting for a loving family to call her own. She dreams of a family to love, a comfy bed and toys to play with!"

How to Adopt Little Girl:

If Little Girl sounds like the perfect addition to your family, don't hesitate!

• Visit the Humane Society: Little Girl is currently staying at the Humane Society of Cambria County located at 743 Galleria Dr Ext, Johnstown, PA 15904.

• Learn More & Apply: You can view Little Girl's full profile and learn more about the adoption process by visiting the Humane Society's website: https://www.humanecambria.org/adoptable-animals/ 

• Contact Information: For questions about Little Girl or the adoption process, you can call the Humane Society of Cambria County at (814) 535-6116.

Please Give Little Girl the forever home she deserves!

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor