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Miller Minutes

Has anyone ever eaten popcorn at their Thanksgiving Day meal?

Have you attended a “Friendsgiving” with your closest pals?

If you have, consider with me how interesting it is that pop culture, from cartoons to sitcoms, burrows into holiday traditions. Watching Peanuts cartoons at every possible moment is encouraged in my family, and I know I’ve been to a couple friends-only Turkey Day dinners. Maybe you can relate.

Reflecting on entertainment’s effect on our day-to-day can be a dark rabbit hole to fall down sometimes. In this instance, I think it’s safe to say it can often enhance our holidays. It gives us something to connect over and laugh about.

This holiday season you can make new traditions using stage, screen or real life-entertainment. For ideas, you can start with these events:

  • The Butler Art Center’s veteran exhibit is on display during gallery hours until Nov. 18. A reception with music and light refreshments will last from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at 344 S. Main St.
  • At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, historian Mary-Jane Kuffner Hirt will visit Zelienople Area Public Library to discuss her book on “The Mount Washington Transit Tunnel Disaster.” A book-signing will follow.
  • The Veteran’s Day Hike at Moraine State Park on the Glacier Ridge Trail is scenic and patriotic all at once. Bring your favorite trail snacks, water and dress for the weather on this 2-mile loop starting at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11. Attendees are asked to meet at the shoreline opposite and under the bridge from the Route 528 boat launch.
  • The first Jacob Bowser Memorial Disc Golf Event will benefit Fishbone Ministries in downtown Butler. Gather at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, in Sugarcreek Community Park, 1511 State Route 268, Cowansville. Those interested can contact Alex Seybert on the Facebook Event page “1st annual Jacob Bowser Memorial Disc Golf Event 3man scramble format.”
  • Harmony Museum’s annual WeihnachtsMarkt, or German Christmas Market, will help residents ring in the holiday season at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, and Sunday, Nov. 13. Skilled artisans, German music and food will be available for the occasion in Harmony Borough.
  • Slippery Rock University’s International Festival will offer food trucks, a photo booth, entertainment, Henna tattoos, live music and more from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, at the parking lot behind the campus book store. Admission is $12, and the first 50 students to arrive receive a free meal ticket.
  • Opus I Music Society will meet at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, at LifePointe Alliance Church on Route 228 for a day of lecture as well as a sing-along. For more information, call 724-601-7072.
  • The Cranberry Artists Network invites you to “Give the Gift of Art” with their newest exhibit at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road. Starting Friday, Nov. 11, during gallery hours, browse local artisans work for an original piece. An opening reception, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, will offer a chance to meet the artists.
Molly Miller

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