Cambria Buzz

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

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

Residents throughout Cambria County are facing higher electricity bills following a recent rate hike that took effect in December 2025.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s approval pushed Penelec’s residential rate up by 6.75%, now at 11.747 cents per kilowatt-hour.

This increase has left families and individuals feeling the financial pressure, with some reporting their bills have nearly doubled despite steady energy use.

In an effort to counteract these rising costs, the Cambria Heights School District is installing a solar array that will supply nearly all electricity for its middle and high school campuses.

Superintendent Ken Kerchenske projects this will save the district more than $2 million over twenty years.

County officials are also set to install up to 15 acres of solar panels near the prison by late 2026, targeting significant savings for public buildings.

These initiatives signal a shift toward long-term relief and energy sustainability for Cambria County.

Johnstown is making strides toward opening a new, accessible sports complex in Roxbury Park. The Miracle League has now raised $1 million to build a specialized baseball field designed for athletes of all abilities.

The initial phase of the $2.5 million project includes a custom athletic field, concession stand, bleachers, and a community pavilion. Organizers have installed a "goal thermometer" at the park, inviting residents to follow fundraising progress as efforts ramp up.

President Jeff Cramer of The Miracle League is urging the community to get involved and support the campaign.

The effort received notable momentum from a $500,000 endowment by the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, which backs programs for children with disabilities.

Additionally, talks with Pirates Charities are ongoing, as organizers hope to secure more support from the Pittsburgh Pirates' philanthropic arm soon.

Cambria County, Pennsylvania, is expanding its appeal to remote workers and entrepreneurs with a selection of vibrant co-working spaces.

The CO· in downtown Johnstown offers private offices, dedicated desks, and tech-ready meeting rooms for professionals craving flexibility. Its thoughtfully designed environment includes a shared kitchenette and on-site printing to streamline the workday.

Nearby, HQ Office Space on Bedford Street stands out for its proximity to local dining and shopping, providing modern amenities like high-speed internet and versatile meeting rooms. This option is ideal for professionals who value both convenience and community.

For creatives, Bottle Works in the historic Cambria City district offers affordable artist studios, a collaborative space to create, teach, and showcase unique work.

These diverse venues help professionals across Cambria County find the ideal setting for productivity, community, and growth.

A frustrating truth is dawning on many small business owners across Cambria County.

Broad digital ads are showing your business to people states away who will never walk through your door in Johnstown, Ebensburg, Northern Cambria or anywhere else in the county.

Meanwhile, the family living four blocks away, actively searching for what you offer, likely has no idea you exist.

National platforms are simply not designed for our community’s needs.

Hyper-local advertising completely changes the game by focusing your message right here at home.

You reach the very households that can become regulars—the neighbors who attend events like PotatoFest and consciously choose to support local shops.

With our local economy showing a powerful resurgence and organizations like JARI reporting dozens of new startups, connecting with your community has never been more vital.

Your next loyal customer isn't browsing from another zip code; they're right here in Cambria County.

Charles Sisk * thecambriabuzz@gmail.com * PH 814-201-7511

The First Catholic Slovak Band (FCSB), based in the Cambria City neighborhood of Johnstown, was formed in 1891. It is famously recognized as the first Catholic Slovak band in the United States. Today, the organization primarily operates as a community social club and event venue, First Catholic Slovak Band Hall, which still hosts live music.

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Events in Cambria County, PA: Mar. 11, 2026 – Mar. 17, 2026

🍀 Family-Friendly Events in Cambria County, PA

March 11–17, 2026

Important notes before you go: Always verify times and confirm events haven't been cancelled by contacting venues directly. The Johnstown Inclined Plane (a major local tourist attraction) completed brake repairs in February 2026 but its reopening status as of early March has not been independently confirmed by its website — the brake system had been repaired by February 2026, but visitors should check inclinedplane.org before visiting.

🆓 FREE EVENTS

1. March Morley Madness Scavenger Hunt 📅 Saturday, March 14 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 📍 Johnstown Children's Museum or Johnstown Flood Museum, Heritage Discovery Center, 201 Sixth Ave., Johnstown 🔗 heritagejohnstown.org/events

March Morley Madness Scavenger Hunts run on March 7, 14, 21, and 28. As always, find all ten Morleys in the Johnstown Children's Museum or Johnstown Flood Museum for a prize. All ages welcome; a great indoor activity for families on a wintry March day. (Note: Museum admission applies for entry — see Paid Events below — but the scavenger hunt prize is free with paid admission.)

Source: Heritage Johnstown official events calendar, confirmed for March 14, 2026.

2. Story Hour at Portage Public Library 📅 Wednesday, March 11 · 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM 📍 Portage Public Library, Second Floor, Portage, PA 🔗 cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com 💰 Free (Registration required)

Story Hour at the Portage Public Library runs Wednesday, March 11, 2026 from 10:30–11:30 AM. This free program is facilitated by library volunteers and will help your child develop a lifetime love of books, reading, and learning. Perfect for preschool-age children (ages 3–5).

Source: Cambria County Library System calendar, confirmed for March 11, 2026.

3. NatureWorks Film Screening & Community Event 📅 Saturday, March 14 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, 411 3rd Ave., Johnstown (Cambria City neighborhood) 🔗 bottleworks.org/bw-special-events 💰 Free

The Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center, in collaboration with Penguin Court, brings Nature Works back for 2026 on March 14, 2026, from 10 AM – 2 PM. Nature Works provides the Johnstown community with an opportunity to connect with vendors who specialize in the great outdoors. Vendor organizations represent environmental conservation, outdoor recreation, and PA state environmental agencies. Families can learn how to enjoy the outdoors in a safe and environmentally sound manner. Many vendors will supply fun and educational activities for kids. Over 25 exhibitor organizations are participating, including the PA Game Commission, PA Fish and Boat Commission, Benscreek Canoe Club, Penn State Master Gardeners, and more. An accompanying art exhibit, Elements of the Wild: Land, Sea, and Sky by Ryan Kniss, will also be on display. All ages; a wonderful free family outing.

Source: Bottle Works official website, confirmed for March 14, 2026.

4. Oscars Preview Party at Highland Community Library 📅 Friday, March 13 · 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Highland Community Library (serves Nanty Glo area), Cambria County 🔗 cambriacounty.librarycalendar.com 💰 Free (Registration required)

Join Highland Community Library for a special Oscars Preview Party on Friday, March 13. They'll show the trailers for films nominated for major awards this year, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Animated Feature, and Best International Feature Film. Geared toward adults and teens, this is a fun movie-culture social evening.

Source: Cambria County Library System calendar, confirmed for March 13, 2026.

5. "Just Happy Accidents" Art Exhibition (Ongoing) 📅 Open Mon–Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Saturday 10 AM–2 PM (through April 24) 📍 CACCC Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center Gallery, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Westmont (Johnstown area) 🔗 caccc.org 💰 Pay What You Decide (PWYD) donation

The Community Arts Center of Cambria County is proud to present its second exhibition of 2026, "Just Happy Accidents," a collection of oil paintings by the late Alvin E. Just. The exhibit will be on display from Saturday, March 7 through Friday, April 24. The public is welcome to visit the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is based on a PWYD "pay what you decide" donation. A wonderful drop-in visual arts experience for all ages.

Source: Altoona Mirror "Go Planner" (Cambria region edition), confirmed open during March 11–17.

6. Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank (Ongoing Exhibition) 📅 Open Mon/Thu/Fri/Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun Noon–5 PM (through May 31) 📍 Heritage Discovery Center, 201 Sixth Ave., Johnstown 🔗 heritagejohnstown.org 💰 Included with museum admission (see Paid Events)

Hope Springs Eternal: The Holocaust Project presents "Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank," open to the public at the Frank & Sylvia Pasquerilla Heritage Discovery Center March through June 2026. Developed by the Anne Frank Center at the University of South Carolina, this powerful exhibition explores Anne Frank's life within the larger history of the Holocaust and World War II. Recommended for ages 10 and up; impactful for families and school groups.

Source: Heritage Johnstown official website, confirmed for March 2026.

7. CACCC Coffee House Series: Open Weeks in March 📅 Check caccc.org — next confirmed date is Thursday, March 19 (just outside our window) 📍 CACCC Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center or Amphitheatre, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Westmont 🔗 caccc.org/coffee-house-series 💰 Free (Coffee, tea, baked goods available for purchase)

⚠️ Verification note: The confirmed Coffee House dates during our window are March 5 (Meat & Potatoes) and March 19 (The SharpTones). The Coffee House Series will be taking place outdoors on CACCC's Amphitheatre or indoors in the main space gallery of the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center building in Johnstown. Coffee, teas and baked goods will be available for purchase. Admission is free. No Coffee House performance was confirmed for March 11–17 specifically during research — check the CACCC website for any additions.

8. Public Ice Skating — North Central Recreation Center, Ebensburg 📅 Weekly throughout March (specific dates/times vary — check schedule) 📍 North Central Recreation Center, Ebensburg, PA 🔗 northcentralrec.com 💰 $5 admission; skate rental $4/pair (Extremely affordable family activity)

Public Skating, also known as "Open Skate," is a great activity for skaters of all ages to hit the ice and skate with their families and friends. Admission is only $5.00, and skates are available to rent for $4.00/pair. This year-round indoor rink in Ebensburg is Cambria County's most accessible family skating venue. Check their site for exact public skate session times during March 11–17.

Source: northcentralrec.com (confirmed ongoing public skating program, March schedule available on website).

🎟️ PAID EVENTS

9. Johnstown Tomahawks vs. Maryland Black Bears (NAHL Hockey) 📅 Friday, March 13 · 7:30 PM AND Saturday, March 14 · 7:00 PM 📍 1st Summit Arena @ Cambria County War Memorial, 326 Napoleon St., Johnstown 🔗 ticketmaster.com 💰 Tickets start around $20; family-friendly concession prices (hot dogs reportedly $3)

Johnstown Tomahawks vs. Maryland Black Bears on 3/13/26 at 7:30 PM and 3/14/26 at 7:00 PM at 1st Summit Arena at Cambria County War Memorial. The NAHL junior hockey league offers fast-paced, affordable family entertainment. The arena is a great place, easy to navigate, and with reasonably priced food. Almost all the seats are great for hockey viewing so you don't need to be on the glass. The atmosphere in the building was very kid friendly with between-period stuff to keep the kids involved — especially the "chuck a puck" contest. All ages; excellent for families with kids who love hockey or sports.

Source: Ticketmaster.com and 1stsummitarena.com, confirmed for both March 13 and 14, 2026.

10. Johnstown Symphony Orchestra: American @ 250, Part II — Copland 3 📅 Saturday, March 14 · 7:30 PM 📍 Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, Pitt-Johnstown Campus, Johnstown 🔗 johnstownsymphony.org 💰 Tickets range $10–$65 (single tickets via JSO box office: 814-535-6738)

On Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 7:30 PM, the JSO performs Adolphus Hailstork's Epitaph for a Man Who Dreamed, a moving tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., alongside a newly co-commissioned work by Caroline Mallonee in partnership with the New York Philharmonic. The evening culminates in Copland's Symphony No. 3, written in the wake of World War II, with a triumphant finale that elevates his Fanfare for the Common Man to breathtaking new heights. This is a rare opportunity to hear a world-class regional symphony orchestra present a New York Philharmonic co-commission in its second-ever performance. Recommended for families with older children/teens and music lovers of all ages.

Source: Johnstown Symphony Orchestra official events calendar, confirmed for March 14, 2026.

11. "Nature's Symphony of the Arts" Package (Combined Day Out) 📅 Saturday, March 14 (all day) 📍 Bottle Works (NatureWorks, 10 AM–2 PM) → Dinner → Pasquerilla PAC (JSO, 7:30 PM) 🔗 johnstownsymphony.org/symphony-of-arts

The JSO suggests: Start with a stroll through Nature Works at Bottle Works, enjoy a delicious dinner at UPJ, and cap the evening with the incredible music of the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra. This is a wonderful full-day family itinerary combining the free NatureWorks event and the paid symphony concert. The Bottle Works and Pasquerilla PAC are both in the greater Johnstown area.

12. Heritage Discovery Center & Johnstown Children's Museum 📅 Open Thursday–Saturday 10 AM–5 PM, Sunday Noon–5 PM (closed Mon–Wed in winter) 📍 201 Sixth Ave., Johnstown 🔗 heritagejohnstown.org 💰 Check website for current admission prices; members free; ROAM reciprocal museum network accepted

The Johnstown Flood Museum and Heritage Discovery Center/Johnstown Children's Museum are currently operating on a winter schedule: open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 am–5:00 pm, Sunday noon–5:00 pm; and closed Tuesday and Wednesday. The Children's Museum is packed with interactive exhibits for kids. The Anne Frank exhibition and Morley Madness scavenger hunt (March 14) make this week especially appealing for families. The Flood Museum across the street is a must-see historical attraction.

Source: Heritage Johnstown official website, confirmed operating during March 11–17.

13. VOMA Presents: Colin Cutler w/ Billie Feather & Screech Owl (Live Music) 📅 Saturday, March 14 · 6:30 PM 📍 305 Chestnut St., Johnstown, PA 15906 🔗 allevents.in/johnstown 💰 Ticket price — check listing (typically modest local venue pricing)

VOMA Presents: Colin Cutler w/special guests Billie Feather and Screech Owl on Saturday, March 14 at 6:30 PM at 305 Chestnut St., Johnstown, PA. An intimate live music night in downtown Johnstown featuring indie/folk-style performers. Best for teens and adults; family-friendly depending on crowd.

Source: AllEvents.in Johnstown listings, confirmed for March 14, 2026.

14. Johnstown Flood Museum (Ongoing) 📅 Open Thu–Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun Noon–5 PM (winter schedule) 📍 304 Washington St., Johnstown, PA 🔗 heritagejohnstown.org/attractions/johnstown-flood-museum 💰 Check website for admission; members free

One of the region's top tourist attractions, the Johnstown Flood Museum tells the story of the catastrophic 1889 flood through an Academy Award–winning documentary film and compelling exhibits. Excellent for all ages, especially school-age children and up. Open multiple days during the March 11–17 window.

Source: Heritage Johnstown official website (ongoing attraction, confirmed open during this period).

The Johnstown Inclined Plane remains in post-rehabilitation status as of early March 2026 — the brake system was repaired in February 2026 per Wikipedia, but its official website still shows a closed-for-rehabilitation notice. Visitors should check inclinedplane.org directly before planning a visit, as it may or may not be open by March 14

For the most current and complete listings, also check: visitjohnstownpa.com, allevents.in/johnstown, and tribdem.com/events.

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A Fresh Pour for Downtown: New Fine Wine & Good Spirits Opens in Richland

Wine lovers in the Johnstown area have a new place to browse bottles and discover Pennsylvania-made spirits. A brand-new Fine Wine & Good Spirits location opened January 20, 2026 at 350 Town Centre Drive in Richland Township, giving Cambria County residents a modern space to explore more than 2,200 wines and spirits. The shop is part of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s statewide retail network and replaces an older location that recently closed in the area.

The new store was designed to feel welcoming and easy to browse, with expanded retail space and a special section highlighting beverages made right here in Pennsylvania. Community leaders say the updated store helps meet growing demand in the Richland retail corridor while keeping customers shopping locally.

Residents can stop in during regular retail hours to explore the selection or ask staff for recommendations. The shop also sells Pennsylvania Lottery tickets and regularly features special promotions and in-store events. Supporting this location helps keep retail dollars in the region and highlights products made across the Commonwealth.

A New Sandwich Spot Coming to Ebensburg

A popular national sandwich chain is preparing to make its first appearance in Cambria County. Jersey Mike’s Subs has announced plans for a new restaurant along the 4400 block of Admiral Peary Highway (U.S. Route 22) in Cambria Township near Ebensburg. While an exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, signage is already up and development is underway.

The fast-casual restaurant is known for slicing meats and cheeses fresh in front of customers and assembling subs “Mike’s Way” with oil, vinegar, and spices. The brand operates thousands of locations worldwide, but this upcoming shop will mark the company’s first footprint in Cambria County, bringing a new lunch option to the growing Route 22 commercial corridor.

Once open, residents will be able to stop in for made-to-order subs, cheesesteaks, and salads. For locals eager to support the new shop, keep an eye on grand-opening announcements and hiring notices in the coming months as construction progresses.

Downtown Johnstown Gets a Firehouse-Themed Pub

Downtown Johnstown continues to see new energy with the opening of Jimmy T’s Firehouse Pub at 526 Main Street. The restaurant held its grand opening in November and has quickly become part of the city’s effort to bring more activity back to Main Street.

The pub’s concept honors the owner’s father, a 35-year veteran firefighter with the FDNY, inspiring the restaurant’s firehouse theme and décor. The space moved into the former Hey Day Diner location and offers a casual gathering place for food, drinks, and community conversation.

Local leaders see the pub as part of a broader downtown revival that also includes plans for a new grocery market nearby. Residents can support the business by stopping in for lunch or dinner and enjoying a night out in the heart of the city while helping keep downtown Johnstown vibrant.

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

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
— Eleanor Roosevelt 

Local Shoutouts, 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!

Looking for a new best friend? This week, we're delighted to feature Buffy a female domestic short hair adult cat from the Humane Society of Cambria County who is eagerly awaiting a forever home!

About Buffy:

• Age: estimated age 14 years 6 months
• Gender: female

• Weight: 
  Adoption Fee: $30 

• Why Buffy Needs You: "Like so many animals at the shelter, Dutchess 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 Buffy:

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

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

Give Buffy the forever home she deserves!

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Warmly,

Charles Sisk 

Editor