Turbocharged Wind Farms, Tax Gambles, & Small Towns Shaking the World—This Week's Hot Takes!

From wind farms & bold tax plans to hometown heroes—see what’s buzzing in Cambria this week!

Charles Sisk

Jul 29, 2026

📰 WEEKLY PREVIEW

* Top Stories: From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame
* Local Events: 81st Annual AAABA Baseball Tournament
* What's Trending: Northern Cambria Trail Adventures

* Community Engagement: Flash Flood Recovery Assistance
* Pet of the Week: Meet Marlon Jackson --Adopt me!

Trivia Question❓

Which country is home to the only town in the world located entirely inside a meteorite impact crater?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

The Cambria Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

O'Shea's Candies

Rediscover the magic of handcrafted chocolates with O’Shea’s Candies. Family-operated for over 90 years, O’Shea’s combines old-fashioned techniques with a passion for quality, delivering mouthwatering confections that spark nostalgia and delight in every bite.

Whether you’re seeking beloved classics or innovative new treats, their wide selection—ranging from gluten-free options to gourmet popcorn and cookies—ensures everyone finds a favorite. Every piece is a testament to tradition, care, and flavor.

Experience the warmth and excellence that generations have trusted. For gifting, celebrating, or simply indulging, O’Shea’s Candies is a true hometown treasure.

	Address	1118 Solomon St. Johnstown, PA 15902
	Phone	814-539-4145

Click here to visit O'Shea's Candies

Cambria County Wind Farms Get Turbocharged: Will Power Surge Change the Region's Future?

Exus Renewables has launched a multi-million-dollar repowering initiative at its Cambria and Highland North wind facilities in Cambria County, aiming to extend the sites’ operational life while significantly increasing their energy output.

The project focuses on replacing aging components, including turbine blades and nacelles that have been in service for roughly a decade. These upgrades are designed to modernize the equipment and improve overall efficiency.

'Take the risk:' Former Pennsylvania swimmer shares journey of triumph, near tragedy & coaching

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Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, July 29 – August 4, 2026

Ebensburg Farmers Market

Ebensburg Farmers Market

Date/Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Penn Eben Park, Ebensburg, PA
Description: A weekly outdoor market (running weekly July 5–Sept. 20) featuring local produce, baked goods, crafts, and vendors in the heart of downtown Ebensburg — an easy, low-key stop for browsing with kids.
Age appropriateness: All ages
Source: Cambria County, PA Events Calendar

Growing Readers

★★★★★

	Date	Monday, December 1, 2025
	Time	4:00pm–6:00pm
	Location	Childrens' Floor
	Price	Free and snacks too

Join us at the Cambria County Library for Growing Readers, a fun and enriching time for children ages 6 to 12! Stop by for hands-on garden activities that inspire curiosity and support healthy habits, blending wellness and STEM learning in a relaxed, drop-in style.

Growing Readers happens every Monday on the Children's Floor, and kids can participate in the activities any time between 4 and 6 PM. It's the perfect weekly outing to spark a lifelong love of reading and discovery!

	248 Main Street Johnstown, PA 15901
	(814) 536-5131

Click to find out more

Johnstown's $10,000 Scavenger Hunt - Presented by AmeriServ Bank

	Date	Saturday, August 1, 2026
	Time	9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
	Location	Inside The Galleria Mall (look for the GREEN balloons at check-in)
	Price	Varies; portion of ticket sales benefit the Johnstown area community

Get ready for the most exciting adventure of the summer! Presented by AmeriServ Bank, teams of two will scour Johnstown, PA, in a thrilling city-wide scavenger hunt with a grand prize of $10,000.

Start your day at The Galleria Mall, grab your Top Secret Envelope, and embark on a fun, family-friendly quest collecting points by solving clues and finding unique locations. Whether you’re in it to win or just to enjoy the day, everyone will walk away with great memories.

Don’t forget to wear a team uniform or costume to earn bonus points. This event promises friendly competition, community spirit, and a shot at becoming the next champion!

500 Galleria Drive, Johnstown, PA 15904

Click to find out more

81st Annual AAABA Baseball Tournament (opening days)

81st Annual AAABA Baseball Tournament (opening days)

Date/Time: Monday–Tuesday, August 3–4, 2026 (the tournament runs Aug. 3–8; these are the two days that fall in your window)
Location: Sargent's Stadium at the Point ("Point Stadium") and other Johnstown-area fields
Description: A 80+ year local tradition — a national amateur baseball tournament that draws teams from across the country to Johnstown, with a lively, family-friendly ballpark atmosphere.
Age appropriateness: All ages
Cost: Not yet posted for 2026 (Diamond Pass ticketing page shows no events listed yet); in recent years, opening tickets ran around $5, with week-long passes around $25 — worth confirming closer to the date.
Source: Official AAABA Tournament site (confirms Aug. 3–8, 2026 dates), historical pricing via AAABA ticket info blog post

📚 Cambria County Library System — All Branch Events

📚 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 Cambria Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

Ryans Artisan Goods

Click here to visit Ryans Artisan Goods

A Fresh Start for a Familiar Ebensburg Favorite

It’s Worth Repeating — 437 South Center Street, Ebensburg

A longtime Ebensburg shopping favorite has a brand-new home. It’s Worth Repeating celebrated the grand opening of its relocated store at 437 South Center Street on Saturday, July 11, 2026, moving from its former Admiral Peary Highway location into a new space near downtown Ebensburg. The locally owned consignment store carries new and gently used clothing, accessories and name-brand fashions, while also giving shoppers an affordable alternative to buying everything new. Recent store updates list regular hours as 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with the store closed Sunday. (Facebook)

Owner Patty Kubat, an Ebensburg-area entrepreneur and former banking professional, originally opened It’s Worth Repeating in 2003 after her love of shopping, clothing and finding good deals inspired a career change. The shop’s large network of consigners gives the inventory a constantly changing, treasure-hunt feel while helping area residents earn money from clothing they no longer wear. Neighbors can support the business by shopping or consigning at the new location, calling 814-471-0210, and following It’s Worth Repeating-Ebensburg on Facebook or Instagram for new arrivals, sales and schedule updates.

What’s Buzzing Across Cambria County This August

August is bursting with family-friendly adventure across every corner of Cambria County!

Johnstown Folklore & Cryptid Fun: Kick off the month at Squonkapalooza on Saturday, August 1, at Bottle Works. This free, all-ages festival celebrates Appalachian folklore and arts with crafts, food, and whimsical fun.
Johnstown National Sports: Catch future baseball stars at Point Stadium during the 82nd annual AAABA Tournament, starting August 3.
Ebensburg Live Music: In Central Cambria, Ebensburg’s Concerts in the Park return to Penn Eben Park every Friday evening in August (starting August 7). Bring lawn chairs for free live music under the summer sky.
Northern Cambria Trail Adventures: Outdoor enthusiasts in the north can head to Rock Run Recreation Area in Patton. Spanning 140 miles of scenic trails, it offers premier off-road riding, camping, and outdoor recreation.
Regional Library Summer Events: For younger readers, the Altoona Area Public Library and Hollidaysburg Area Public Library are wrapping up their popular Summer Learning Programs in early August with family craft days and story hours.

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

🌟 Local Shoutouts

Cambria County Earns America250PA Grant for July 20 Celebration The Cambria County Tourist Council landed a $5,000 America250PA and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Mini Grant to support National Pennsylvania Day projects. It's a nice bit of recognition for all the work the county's semiquincentennial committee has put in this year — from a hand-painted Liberty Bell to a traveling Liberty Torch that's toured local school districts.
- Details: Grant awarded for projects happening July 20, National Pennsylvania Day
- Source: Keep PA Beautiful
Volunteers Spruce Up the Historic Johnstown Train Station A crew of volunteers rolled up their sleeves this week to clean and refresh the Johnstown Train Station on Walnut Street as part of the America250PA Pennsylvania Day initiative — proof that a little elbow grease goes a long way toward keeping downtown Johnstown looking its best.
- Details: Cleanup held Monday, July 20, 2026, at the Johnstown Train Station; organized with Visit Johnstown
- Source: Tribune-Democrat
🦸 Local Heroes

Jefferson Memorial Church Keeps Feeding Local Kids, 16 Years Running Around 70 children showed up this week to Jefferson Memorial Church in Johnstown for a hot meal, part of a program that's been quietly feeding local kids for 16 years. With more families leaning on the program this summer, Bishop Dr. Joseph McGauley and the church community are stepping up without missing a beat.
- Details: Meals served weekly at Jefferson Memorial Church, Johnstown; menu recently included barbeque wings, watermelon, and corn on the cob
- Source: WJAC
Vision Together Delivers Donations Across Johnstown Rob Forcey and the team at Vision Together spent a day this month driving all over Johnstown dropping off food, clothing, bedding, and toys donated through World Vision — with local high schoolers pitching in to unload the truck and sort inventory.
- Details: Donations distributed to local agencies around Johnstown
- Source: WJAC
📢 Local Causes

Flash Flood Recovery Assistance Now Open for Cambria County Homeowners Following the July 5–6 flash flooding that hit Cambria and several neighboring counties, the Shapiro Administration has opened low-interest disaster loans and activated the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program to help families and businesses recover.
- Details: Covers Blair, Bedford, Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, and Huntingdon counties; apply through PEMA
- Source: WTAJ
Community Arts Center of Cambria County Launches 25th Annual Fund Drive The Community Arts Center in Westmont has kicked off its 25th sustaining fund drive, aiming for $50,000 to keep arts education, outreach, and free community programs going strong.
- Details: Goal: $50,000; center located at 1217 Menoher Blvd., Westmont; co-chaired by board members Karen Azer and Susan Martin
- Source: Tribune-Democrat
💛 Fundraisers

Freebird Softball Tournament Honors Local Twins, Raises Money for Students More than 400 players turned out for the 20th annual Freebird Softball Tournament in the Blacklick Valley area, held in memory of Bishop Carroll grads Ryan and Cory Byech. Proceeds go toward local scholarships, charities, and sports teams.
- Details: 33 teams competed over the weekend; funds support local scholarships and organizations
- Source: WJAC
🙋 Volunteer Opportunities

Humane Society of Cambria County Needs a Helping Hand From dog walking and cat cuddling to yard work and event support, the Humane Society of Cambria County always has room for more volunteers — no experience necessary, just a soft spot for animals.
- Details: Ages 18+ can volunteer independently; call (814) 535-6116 or email volunteers@cambriacountyhs.com
- Source: Humane Society of Cambria County
Cambria County Library Seeks Volunteers for Day-to-Day Operations The Cambria County Library system welcomes volunteers to help with shelving, light cleaning, and other daily tasks — a great fit for book lovers who want to give back.
- Details: Background clearances required (free for volunteers); contact the Head of Reference at (814) 536-5131 ext. 212
- Source: Cambria County Library

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

The Cambria Buzz newsletter is sponsored by

Dorothy Day Outreach Center

Discover the heart of Franciscan values in action at the Dorothy Day Outreach Center at Saint Francis University. Dedicated to uplifting children, the elderly, veterans, and the underserved, the Center provides vital assistance and a warm welcome to all community members in need.

Powered by passionate volunteers and generous community support, the Center offers essential services like the food and clothing pantries, financial assistance, and countless ways for students and locals to make a meaningful difference.

If you're looking for an organization rooted in compassion, dignity, and practical impact, the Dorothy Day Outreach Center truly embodies service with a personal touch.

	Address	115 St. Mary's Street, P.O. Box 600, Loretto, PA 15940
	Days Open	Tue–Thu
	Hours	Tue 9am–11:30am · Thu 1pm–3pm (food pantry, by appointment) · Tue–Thu 9am–11:30am, 1pm–3pm (clothing pantry)
	Phone	814-419-8695

Click here to visit Dorothy Day Outreach Center

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

South Africa (Vredefort)

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk

Editor

Trivia Question❓

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

'Take the risk:' Former Pennsylvania swimmer shares journey of triumph, near tragedy & coaching

Family-Friendly Events in Cambria, July 29 – August 4, 2026

A Fresh Start for a Familiar Ebensburg Favorite

What’s Buzzing Across Cambria County This August

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

🌟 Local Shoutouts

🦸 Local Heroes

📢 Local Causes

💛 Fundraisers

🙋 Volunteer Opportunities