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Cambria Kicks off America250PA, Volleyball tournament raises funds, One woman's mission dresses thousands of kids

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Cambria Kicks off America250PA, Volleyball tournament raises funds, One woman's mission dresses thousands of kids

Cambria Kicks off America250PA, Volleyball tournament raises funds, One woman's mission dresses thousands of kids
Cambria Kicks off America250PA, Volleyball tournament raises funds, One woman's mission dresses thousands of kids

Charles Sisk

Jan 21, 2026

Trivia Questionâť“

In what year did Cambria County, Pennsylvania officially become a county?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

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Cambria Buzz is the Heartbeat of Cambria County every week!

 

A truly historic moment will unfold in Ebensburg this Friday as Cambria County officially launches its semiquincentennial celebration.

 

This special kickoff ceremony marks our community’s entry into the nationwide commemoration of America's 250th anniversary.

 

Residents and local leaders will gather at the Cambria County Courthouse from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Courtroom No. 1.

 

The event is part of the larger America250PA initiative, recognizing Pennsylvania's foundational role in the nation's story.

 

It represents the start of a year-long reflection on our shared history and future.

 

This gathering is expected to be the first of many local activities planned throughout the year.

 

It’s a powerful chance for Cambria County to showcase its own rich heritage and celebrate the unique stories that define our region.


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Appalachian All-Star Volleyball drew energy to Cambria County with its fourth annual 'Winter Classic' tournament at Pitt-Johnstown, gathering junior high and adult teams from across the region.

 

The junior high division saw 10 teams face off on Saturday, while 40 adult teams competed through the weekend, with champions earning $1,000 for youth and up to $600 for adults.

 

Proceeds will help fund upgrades for the Windber Community Building, the organization’s long-time home, bringing new nets, volleyballs, and safety padding to support local athletes.

 

Organizers highlighted the building’s deep community ties and remain committed to making Johnstown a volleyball destination with plans for future tournaments.

 

Meanwhile, the Windber Recreation Park Ballroom is being restored for summer 2022, and the Windber Area Authority secured over $14 million for wastewater improvements, reflecting a shared investment in the region’s growth.


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For many local families, providing clean, well-fitting clothes for their children is a constant struggle.

 

Five years ago, Lisa Campbell saw this need firsthand and created the Cambria County Clothing Boutique.

 

What began as a small effort in her home has grown into a major nonprofit operation in Johnstown, now occupying two properties to house the growing donations.

 

With help from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, Campbell's boutique has provided clothing to over 8,000 children across the county.

 

She remains the sole operator, working tirelessly to ensure every student has access to appropriate school attire.

 

Her unwavering dedication shows how one person can make a profound difference in the community.

 

The boutique is currently in special need of donations, particularly children's pants and underwear, to keep up with constant demand from local students.


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Events in Cambria County, PA: Jan. 21, 2026 – Jan. 27, 2026

🎉 (1) Free Events

📚 Story Hour — Portage Public Library

  • Date/Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

  • Location: Portage Public Library — Second Floor, Portage, PA

  • Description: A FREE children’s reading program facilitated by volunteers, helping young children develop a love of books and reading. Great for preschoolers and early learners.

  • Age: Pre-K (3 – 5 years)

  • Cost: Free

  • Source: Library calendar listing


📖 Genealogy Huddle — Cambria County Library

  • Date/Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

  • Location: Cambria County Library — Third Floor Programming Room, Johnstown, PA

  • Description: A FREE collaborative session for teens through adults interested in genealogy research and exploring family history (bring questions and research challenges).

  • Age: Teens (13 +), Adults, Seniors

  • Cost: Free

  • Source: Library calendar listing


🌟 Twilight Tales — Highland Community Library

  • Date/Time: Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Highland Community Library — Children’s Room, Johnstown, PA

  • Description: Evening story time with engaging tales — perfect for young children and toddlers.

  • Age: Infants/Toddlers (0-36 mos), Pre-K

  • Cost: Free

  • Source: Library calendar listing


🎟️ (2) Paid / Ticketed Events

🏒 1ST SUMMIT ARENA at Cambria County War Memorial — Johnstown Tomahawks vs. Rochester Jr. Americans

3.3•Stadiums & Arenas
  • Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 2026, 7:30 PM

  • Location: Cambria County War Memorial Arena — 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown, PA

  • Description: NAHL junior hockey game featuring the home-team Tomahawks taking on the Rochester Jr. Americans. A fun, family-friendly sporting event with music, crowd entertainment, and local team spirit.

  • Age: All ages

  • Cost: ~$22 – $30+ (ticketed, discounts may apply for kids & seniors)

  • Source: Official event schedule & ticket listings


📌 Ongoing/All-Week Options in the Area (Not formal one-time events but great for visitors)

These are recommended activities that are open or ongoing during the Jan 21–27, 2026 timeframe and ideal for families/tourists (no specific scheduled date & time required, but open to include during your visit):

🧒 Heritage Discovery Center & Johnstown Children’s Museum

  • Location: 201 Sixth Avenue, Johnstown, PA

  • Description: A multi-floor interactive museum featuring local history exhibits, cultural galleries, and a dedicated children’s discovery area filled with hands-on learning and play. Excellent for families of all ages.

  • Source: Heritage Discovery Center info

    📌 Community, School & Church Events (Jan 21–27, 2026)

    🎓 America250PA Cambria County Kick-Off Celebration

    • Date/Time: Friday, January 23, 2026, 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: Cambria County Courthouse, Ebensburg, PA

    • Description: A community-wide celebration marking the kickoff of Pennsylvania’s America250PA Semiquincentennial county tour, featuring speakers and activities to honor U.S. history and heritage; all ages welcome.

    • Age: All Ages

    • Cost: Free

    • Source: Visit Johnstown PA event page


    ✝️ Local Church Fellowship / Community Gathering

    • Date/Time: January 21–27, 2026 (Daily community calendar details may vary)

    • Location: Local Cambria County church group posts suggest ongoing small church community meetings and socials in towns including Ebensburg, Patton, Johnstown, Portage, Cresson (exact schedule often shared in local social groups).

    • Description: These informal gatherings often include fellowship, shared meals, and occasional youth or adult group activities — check church/community group calendars closer to the date for specific times and locations.

    • Age: All Ages

    • Cost: Free / Donation-based

    • Source: Cambria County community group posts (Facebook)


    🏫 Johnstown Christian School Basketball (Away & Home Games)

    (While not in Cambria County every game, games on January 27 and other dates may involve local spectators.)

    • Date/Time: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — Girls Varsity vs. Huntingdon Christian, 5:30 PM – 6:45 PM

    • Location: Johnstown Christian School Athletic Facility (Home)

    • Description: School sporting event where families can come support the local Christian school teams — a classic community atmosphere with students, parents, and fans.

    • Age: All Ages (family-friendly sports)

    • Cost: Free / School Fundraiser Donation (if applicable)

    • Source: Johnstown Christian School calendar

 

Need a Pet Sitter for your next out of town visit or vacation? Find one now!
Please submit your Events to be shared on the Cambria Buzz Facebook Page, in the Facebook Group and in the Events section of the Newsletter! Events Form
Here is the 7-day weather forecast for Ebensburg, PA from Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, through Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
 

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, High 32°F / Low 9°F, Snow showers 

Thursday, January 22, 2026, High 32°F / Low 15°F, Light snow 

Friday, January 23, 2026, High 17°F / Low -1°F, Light snow 


Saturday, January 24, 2026, High 9°F / Low -1°F, Cloudy with nighttime snow showers 

Sunday, January 25, 2026, High 18°F / Low 5°F, Snow showers 

Monday, January 26, 2026, High 17°F / Low 6°F, Sunny with nighttime snow showers 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026, High 21°F / Low 11°F, Light snow

The Eyes are Here!

Cambria Buzz !

Cambria Buzz is the Heartbeat of Cambria County every week!

Put Your Business Where the Eyes Are!

Downtown Johnstown is on the cusp of a revival, with a long-awaited grocery store and a fresh dining spot set to open soon.

 

Main Street Market will breathe new life into the former Rite Aid at Main and Franklin streets, aiming to provide residents with a local grocery option by spring 2026.

 

Led by the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority and several community partners, the project promises renewed energy and convenience for the neighborhood.

 

Meanwhile, Jimmy T’s Firehouse Pub is preparing to debut in the former Hey Day Diner on Main Street, honoring the owner's late father, a dedicated FDNY firefighter.

 

The grand opening is set for Saturday, November 8, and aims to offer a unique firehouse-themed experience.

 

Together, these additions mark an exciting chapter in the ongoing revitalization of downtown Johnstown, fostering community spirit and new local pride.


Read More...
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
Interesting Facts
One interesting fun fact about Cambria County, Pennsylvania is that it is home to the oldest recorded human settlement in North America, dating back over 16,000 years.

This archaeological site, known as the Meadowcroft Rockshelter, provides valuable insights into early human history in the region.

Local Shoutouts, Causes, Fundraisers, and Volunteer Opportunities

Champions Among Us - Our hearts are bursting with pride for Bishop McCort Catholic High School's cheerleading squad, who brought home their seventh state championship title on January 10th at 1st Summit Arena. These Crimson Crushers scored 79.4 points in the Class 2A large varsity competition, proving once again why they're among Pennsylvania's best. Team member Sadie Instone captured it perfectly when she said they've been practicing since March and trusted each other to go out there and have fun.

Double Victory Weekend - Not to be outdone, Richland High School's cheerleaders also claimed gold, winning their second consecutive Class 2A small varsity state championship with an impressive 83.6 score. Coach Jenna Ricci emphasized the power of mindset over matter, reminding her team that their minds are stronger than their bodies, and it clearly paid off.

Silver Lining - Forest Hills High School's young cheerleading squad took second place in the Class 2A large varsity division, an impressive achievement for a team with nine freshmen. Coach Christina Christ is excited about their promising future, and we are too.

Economic Boost from Competition - The PIAA competitive spirit championships brought nearly 2,500 spectators to Johnstown on January 10-11, generating millions of dollars in economic impact for our community. Hotels throughout Cambria County filled to capacity, with overflow booking rooms as far as Somerset and Ligonier. Ann Nemanic from GO Laurel Highlands noted the demand exceeded our county's hotel capacity, and Visit Johnstown Executive Director Lisa Rager emphasized what a boost this is during the slower leisure tourism season.

Young Artist Recognition - Kaitlyn Lytle from Forest Hills Elementary School has her artwork featured in Pennsylvania's 2026 Drug-Free Calendar for the month of December. She was selected from over 1,300 submissions from 148 schools across 44 counties, and will receive a $529 contribution to her Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.

MLK Day Observance - St. Francis University will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 20th (note: the federal holiday is actually January 19th this year), with classes operating under a compressed schedule on the 19th. Johnstown's mayor will be featured at an event celebrating Dr. King's legacy and ongoing commitment to equality and justice.

Wrestling Excellence - Twenty-one area wrestlers advanced to the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals at Central Cambria High School in early January, with Bishop McCort and Chestnut Ridge combining for 15 of those qualifiers. Bishop McCort went on to win the LHAC Championship with 254 points and six individual champions.

Path of the Flood Trail Improvements - Efforts are underway to explore construction of a new pedestrian crossing that will connect the trailheads of the Path of the Flood Trail in South Fork, making this historic trail even more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Volunteer Opportunities - The Cambria County Library welcomes volunteers to help with library operations including shelving books and other tasks. All volunteers must complete background checks, which are provided free of charge. Contact the Head of Reference at (814) 536-5131, ext 212 if you'd like to get involved.

Trail Maintenance Help Needed - The Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority is always looking for volunteers to help maintain over 50 miles of trails. Whether you're interested in trash pickup, brush trimming, or other beautification projects, email Caytlin Lusk at clusk@co.cambria.pa.us to organize a volunteer workday. They provide gloves, vests, and trash bags.

Support Your Local Library - The Friends of the Cambria County Library continues to accept new members. This wonderful group operates the Inclined to Read bookstore and creates fundraising opportunities throughout the year including basket raffles and lotto trees. It's a great way to support literacy in our community while connecting with fellow book lovers.

Animal Shelter Support - The Humane Society of Cambria County always welcomes volunteers who want to make a difference in the lives of abandoned and stray animals. With their no-kill philosophy and quality of life policy, they offer volunteer opportunities that fit all abilities, backgrounds, and passions. Visit humanecambria.org or call to learn how you can help.

Upcoming Symphony Performance - On Friday, January 30th, Inclined to Sing, the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra's children's chorus, will perform the National Anthem at the Johnstown Tomahawks game at 1st Summit Arena. Arrive early to catch this special performance before the puck drops!

Community Action Partnership - Looking for ways to give back? Community Action Partnership of Cambria County welcomes individuals and students who want to volunteer. Whether you can help plan events, decorate, fundraise, or design brochures, they'd love to hear from you at (814) 536-9031.

 

 

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!

 

Looking for a new best friend? This week, we're delighted to feature Teddy a male Domestic Short Hair Cat from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!

 

About Teddy:

 

  • Age: estimated age 3 years 7 months
  • Gender: male
  • Weight: 

  • Adoption Fee: $31

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

 

How to Adopt Teddy:

 

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

  • Visit the Humane Society: Teddy 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 Teddy'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 Teddy or the adoption process, you can call the Humane Society of Cambria County at (814) 535-6116.

Give Teddy the forever home he deserves!

đź’ˇ Answer to Trivia Question:
Cambria County was officially established as a county in 1804.

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor

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