First Day of Winter - 12/21/2014

It's the first day of winter and Josh Goltz of San Francisco is hitting the slopes Sunday afternoon while visiting with his family at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Wharton Township. Nemacolin has been making their own snow to accommodate for the natural shortage this December.

HObo Model Railroad Club - 12/20/2014

The HObo Model Railroad Club has recently re-opened at the Connellsville Community Center after two years of rebuilding their models.

John Greenawalt, member of the HObo Model Railroad Club, watches over the performance of his trains Saturday afternoon at the Connellsville Community Center. The club has recently re-opened after two years of rebuilding their models.

Haley Partridge, 8, and her step-brother Alex Friguglietti, 9, of Connellsville count cars on the model trains Saturday afternoon at the Connellsville Community Center. The club has recently re-opened after two years of rebuilding their models.

Magic & Mistletoe - 12/6/2014

Members of the Bruderhof Quartet perform "We Three Kings" during Saturday evening's sixth annual Magic & Mistletoe event at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown.

Morgan Matthews, 7, of Uniontown drops a pair of tickets into the chinese auction bags during Saturday evening's sixth annual Magic & Mistletoe event at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown.

Paige Hamilton of the Third Presbyterian Bell Choir rings "Carol of the Bells" on her set of hand bells during Saturday evening's sixth annual Magic & Mistletoe event at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown.

Madalyn Ellsworth, 5, of Uniontown admires the holiday trains during Saturday evening's sixth annual Magic & Mistletoe event at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown.

Isaac Handlin, 3, of Uniontown decorates a gingerbread man during Saturday evening's sixth annual Magic & Mistletoe event at the Fayette County Courthouse in Uniontown.

NBC's "Peter Pan" Needs Its Wires To Fly - 12/4/2014

Allison Williams as Peter Pan
Image via nbc.com

Peter Pan is youth! Peter Pan is joy! Peter Pan is blander than rice!

Following the commercial success of last year's live broadcast of "The Sound Of Music;" NBC decided to continue it's apparent "holiday tradition" of televised editions of classic musicals with its production of "Peter Pan" on Thursday, December 4, 2014. The musical, based on the children's story by J. M. Barrie and produced on Broadway in 1954, tells the story of the titular character, Peter Pan, how he refuses to ever grow up and of his adventures on the magical island of Never Never Land. And while this production does everything in its power to bring new magic to the classic story with beautiful sets and costumes, it definitely needed the help of its flying harnesses to take off.

The role of Peter was tackled this time by Allison Williams; daughter of NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams. Known best for her role in the HBO series "Girls," Williams has a lovely singing voice and manages to pull off some fancy aerial acrobatics while soaring around the Grumman Studios sound stage, but her performance suffers from wooden acting and an inability to portray any kind of emotion whatsoever. Yes, Peter Pan is a young adolescent, but he's still written to show basic human emotions. Williams is far too monotoned throughout the show and never emotes unless its to grin in a tomboyish fashion. It doesn't help that the script for this adaptation has added a considerable amount of dialogue and several new musical numbers to help develop its characters, and yet Williams seemed unable to work effectively with the material she had been given.

Christopher Walken as Captain Hook
Image via nbc.com

Pan is opposed by the one-handed swashbuckler, Captain James Hook, played by Academy Award winner Christopher Walken. As an actor; Walken has always been tricky to interpret. Sometimes he's underplayed and other times he's chewing the scenery like taffy, but there's always been a passion to his performances that is difficult to imitate; despite many Saturday Night Live attempts to do just that. Unfortunately, he seems to have left that passion behind for this show. One would think that Walken would be perfectly fit for a character whom is typically known for his foppish behavior, especially given Walken's reputation for being a dancer, but his heart just didn't seem to be in it this time around. Every other pirate on that ship had three times the energy and was just more fun to watch. You know you've got a problem when Mr. Smee (played by Christian Borle) is considerably more interesting and funny than the guy who is supposed to be the main villain of your story.

Speaking of the supporting cast, the trio of English siblings of Wendy, John and Michael are played by Taylor Louderman, Jake Lucas and John Allyn respectively. The young actors did manage to bring a charming engagement to the show with their youthful innocence and the juxtaposition of their English class coupled with a desire to wage war on pirates. Peter's gang of "Lost Boys" have enough energy to fill the entire stage, as does Alanna Saunders in the role of island native Princess Tiger Lily and her tribe. This is also one of the first adaptations of the story to bring a certain political correctness forward. The "natives" are no longer referred to as "Indians" and the song formerly titled "Ugg-a-Wugg" has been reworked with new lyrics made up of more traditional Native American chants. The song, which is now titled "True Blood Brothers," had been deemed offensive in recent years due to its stereotypical nonsense syllables.

"Peter Pan" aired on NBC on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
Image via hollywoodreporter.com

Several new songs have been worked into the score for this production all of them written by Broadway veteran Amanda Green, daughter of one of the musical's original lyricists Adolph Green. Many of them work to flesh out the characters more than the original musical and show what's going on their hearts and minds. Captain Hook is given a new introduction number called "Vengeance" in which he sings of his hatred of Peter Pan, Wendy explores her emotional feelings for Peter in "Only Pretend," and Peter gets a solo entitled "When I Went Home" in which he sings about his personal reasons of why he profoundly refuses to leave Neverland. Not all the songs are victories, unfortunately. The classic number "I Won't Grow Up" is dragged out for quite some time; to the point where I was simply waiting for it to end. In addition, one of the new songs entitled "A Wonderful World Without Peter" which is sung by Pan and Hook is one of the most boring things ever heard. It doesn't fit the mood of the scene and is only dragged further down by Williams's and Walken's dull and disinterested performances.

Ultimately, this new adaptation of "Peter Pan" manages to bring the story to life once more with new and intriguing material, beautiful visuals for a live performance, and a stellar supporting cast. It's just kind of a big problem when your two main leads just seem bored and waiting for their paycheck. This show manages to fly, but it certainly needs a good helping of pixie dust to match the magic of the originals.

Holiday Feature Photography - 12/2/2014

Nancy Lee Wilson of Uniontown strolls down the sidewalks against Monday's freezing rain.

Sunny James, 2, of Acme waves gleefully from the miniature train Tuesday evening at the Uniontown Mall.

Brownsville Light Up Night - 11/28/2014

Dustin Linderman of Hiller tells Santa Clause what he wants for Christmas this year during Brownsville annual Light Up Night event Friday evening at Nemacolin Castle.

Natalie Zuchelkowski of Brownsville tells the story of Rudolph the Reindeer to a captive audience including Alexa Lewandowsky (right) of Labelle and her sister Alyson during Brownsville annual Light Up Night event Friday evening at Nemacolin Castle.

Xander Zias of Brownsville plays as part of the Brownsville Area High School band during Brownsville annual Light Up Night event Friday evening at Nemacolin Castle.

Polly Simmons (left) of Grindstone and Rev. Aleda Menchyk of Elizabeth perform in the Bentworth Ministerium Community Choir during Brownsville annual Light Up Night event Friday evening at Nemacolin Castle.

Kevin Sproul of the Redstone Living Historians warms himself by the fire during Brownsville annual Light Up Night event Friday evening at Nemacolin Castle.

Connellsville Christmas Parade - 11/22/2014

Santa Claus rides atop a fire engine and tosses candy to parade-goers during Saturday evening's Christmas Parade in Connellsville.

A.J. Napolillo, 4, and his step-brother Aiden Brown, 3, of Connellsville scoop up candy during Saturday evening's Christmas Parade in Connellsville.

Rev. Marvin Watson of Mt. Pleasant plays the trombone for Connellsville's Molinaro Band during Saturday evening's Christmas Parade in Connellsville.

Shirley Rosenberger and Haley Adams, 16, of the Project Talent Theater Workshop prance down the street calling out holiday greetings during Saturday evening's Christmas Parade in Connellsville.

Conneaut Lake Park and the Blue Streak - 10/24/2014

Light the Night - 9/27/2014

Harrison Huseman of Smithfield and Lois Johnson of Belle Vernon release a lantern in honor of their daughter Zoey Johnson who is a survivor of Acute Myelogenous Leukemia during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Alayna Horne, 9, of Belle Vernon and her father Travis dedicate a balloon to the memories of Uncle Daryl Horne and Great-Grandmother Serafene Huscroft during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Michael Brooks of Uniontown releases a balloon in memory of family friend Marie Bookhart during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Elvis Impersonator, Eddie Steen, shows off his musical skill set during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Michael Wiles, 11, of Point Marion gets his face painted during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Honorary Chairperson Sen. Richard Kasunic speaks at the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

Lynn Petko (left) of Brownsville walks in support with her best friend, and Lymphoma survivor, Cynthia Bellina of Uniontown during the 15th annual Southwest Light the Night event at Storey Square in Uniontown on Saturday. Sept, 27, 2014. The event, which seeks to raise money and awareness for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, raised over $70 thousand.

FestiFall - 9/20/2014

Over 2,000 people attended Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township. FestiFall is held at Friendship Hill, the historic country home of Albert Gallatin, and is sponsored by The Friendship Hill Association and The National Park Service.

Brian Reedy of Uniontown and Chief of Interpretation for the National Park Service demonstrates the firing of a French Revolution-era musket during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Susan Rex of Apollo demonstrates to Nick Ludi and Bev Dunn, both of Uniontown, on the mechanics of an eight-shaft loom during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Savannah Smithley of Dillinger engages in a game of Yard Hoops in which the objective is to use a pair of sticks to throw a discus-like hoop among the players during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Cameron Neil, 3, of Masontown dips a homemade candle during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Bella Burgess, 10, of Smithfield reads "A Dream" by Edgar Allen Poe, along with several other students from the surrounding school districts during Saturday's annual FestiFall event at the Friendship Hill National Historic Site in Springhill Township.

Announcing Senior Portrait Packages! - 9/12/2014

With a new school year already underway, be it elementary school, high school or college, a new group of upper-classmen have stepped forward and are ready to take their respective institutions by storm! With this rite of passage comes the desire to memorialize this year into our memories forever and Joel Brewton Photography is here to assist with our new Senior Portrait Packages!

BASIC PACKAGE - $175.00 - plus tax & expenses

- Pre-shoot consultation to help establish a personal touch and design for the photographs

- Ninety minutes of on-location photography

- Multiple poses, outfits and locations per client agreement

- A selection of the best 12 images, presented via private online gallery for easy viewing

- One 8x10 professionally retouched portrait

- One set of eight professionally retouched wallet portraits

- One licensed digital print for e-mail and social media

DELUXE PACKAGE - $265.00 - plus tax & expenses

- Pre-shoot consultation to help establish a personal touch and design for the photographs

- Ninety minutes of on-location photography

- Multiple poses, outfits and locations per client agreement

- A selection of the best 16 images, presented via private online gallery for easy viewing

- Two 8x10 professionally retouched portraits

- Two 5x7 professionally retouched portraits

- One set of eight professionally retouched wallet portraits

- One licensed digital portrait for e-mail and social media

ADDITIONAL PRINTS AND OPTIONS

- 8X10 prints - $24.00 (plus tax on all additional options)

- Wallet prints (set of eight) - $24.00

- 5x7 prints - $18.00

- CD (digital scans of all images, plus full licensing) - $180.00

- Custom matting (any size) - $30.00

- Professional retouching - $50.00 per image

EXPENSES

- Travel ($0.50 per mile after the first 20 miles)

- Shipping & handling (receipts will be supplied)

- Cancellation fee ($100 if session is terminated by client following agreement)

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU PRESERVE YOUR GREATEST YEARS!

Labor Day Features - 9/1/2014

Jared Niequest of Chicago traverses a slack line Monday afternoon at Ohiopyle State Park. Niequest describes slacklining as his "calm down sport" in between rock climbing and white water rafting.

Despite the high and rushing waters, Sarah Crawford, 13, of New Cumberland embraces her inner daredevil and speeds down the natural watersides at Ohiopyle State Park, Monday afternoon.

Flying High With A Blue Streak - 8/28/2014

Flying High With A Blue Streak was held at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 and at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa. on Sunday, Aug, 24.. The event was organized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) which are international non-profit organizations dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of roller coasters.

Dan Schwartz of Clairton, Pa. soars aboard the Flying Skooters during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Milo Pennock of Chadwicks, N.Y. plays a solo round of miniature golf during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Jason Porta (left) of Mechanicsburg, Pa. and Steve Romanchak of Koppel, Pa. take a spin on the Tumble Bug during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Mike Henry of Corapolis, Pa. enjoys a catered meal of spaghetti and salad during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Leonard Adams of Adams Amusements LLC speaks about the work he and his family have done on the Blue Streak roller coaster and for the park itself during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Mike Varga of Fredonia, Pa. enjoys the spooks of the Devil's Den haunted house during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Aaron Maricic of Clairton, Pa. enjoys an special opportunity to ride the Little Dipper roller coaster during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

A train full of ACE and WYNCC members, led by Ricky Cooper (left) and Stephen Peeples, both of Richmond, Va., enjoy some "exclusive ride time" (ERT) aboard the Blue Streak roller coaster during Saturday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa.

Flying High With A Blue Streak was held at Conneaut Lake Park in Conneaut Lake, Pa. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2014 and at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa. on Sunday, Aug, 24.. The event was organized by the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and the Western New York Coaster Club (WNYCC) which is are international non-profit organizations dedicated to the enjoyment and preservation of roller coasters.

Elan and Steve Smith of Jefferson, Ohio enjoy a morning ride aboard the Comet roller coaster during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Hahner III of Pittsburgh, Pa. enjoys the views of Lake Erie from the top of the Ferris Wheel during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Altman (right) of Pittsburgh, Pa. presents Paul Nelson, owner and CEO of Waldameer Park & Water World, with an honorary membership to the American Coaster Enthusiasts in celebration of Nelson's 70 years of service to the park and the amusement industry on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014. Nelson began his work in 1945 at the age of 11 and has been involved with the park ever since. His biggest contribution in recent years has been the park's celebrated wooden roller coaster, Ravine Flyer II.

Bruce Cassi of Evergreen Park, Ill. takes a photo of a passing coaster train during a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Ravine Flyer II roller coaster during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.

David Hahner III (left to right), Bill Linkenheimer III, Adam Napotnik and Adam Carlini, all of the Pittsburgh area, are doused in icy water by Erik Frankenstein (top left) of Wexford and Steve Gorman of Waldameer Park as they take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge during Sunday's Flying High With A Blue Streak event at Waldameer Park in Erie, Pa.. The Ice Bucket Challenge has been used to raise money and awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and has currently generated over $88 million.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNETH RILING)