Board of Directors

Claudine DePaul

Board of Directors - President

Claudine DePaul is a Regional Advertising Manager for Trib Total Media
in Greensburg, Pa. In 2016, Claudine met Cari and fell in love with Ligonier Country Market and all that it stands for! She has six kids, four grandsons and two dogs, which she treats better than her kids…lol She lives in Monroeville, Pa. with her husband, youngest daughter Aubrey and Tank and Thurman- her fur babies. Claudine, can ride a motorcycle and has a 2017 Royal Enfield Bullet- google it! Her hobbies include bingeing tv shows and true crime documentaries, working in her
yard, and dreaming about someday being able to travel.

Maria DiPiazza

Board of Directors - Public Relations Committee

I was born in Italy, May 14, 1955. When I was a small baby, my family migrated to a small town called Westmoreland City. I graduated Norwin senior high 1973. I moved on to get my degrees in visual communication and a minor in administrative management. In the summer of 1981 I started my own business called Maria’s catering. In the fall of 2017 I joined the management team in the dietary department at Westmoreland Manor as a dietary supervisor. I have since then retired as of July 1, 2023. How do I spend my free time you ask well, let me tell you, I volunteer at my daughter’s family winery, La Vigneta Winery, located in the heart of Sarver. She opened up a tasting room that is absolutely beautiful with items from Italy to share with everyone. As you know, we do the market every Saturday I truly enjoy, helping to put a smile on peoples faces when they taste our delicious wines. I have been a part of quite a few different functions that were organized by LCM, such as harvest dinner, Thursday night market and donating to whatever events were asked of me. Having said that I decided to run for a board member so that I can help move this organization forward.

Susan Grunstra

Board of Directors - Treasurer

Foodie, locavore, farmer’s daughter, and ardent supporter of small farms, Susan is honored to serve on the LCM board. Susan received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from Clarion University, and has worked in local government, finance and business management settings. She has also milked more than a few cows, and once-upon-a-time, raised a variety of pastured poultry and meats. A transplant to the Ligonier Valley, you will find Susan at the market every week, rain or shine, shopping for great food and the perfect ingredients.

Alex Hafferty

Board of Directors - Site Operations

Alex Halferty has been a member of the LCM board since 2022. He is proud to serve on the board and what LCM stands for. Alex is co-owner of People’s Farm located in Ligonier just minutes up the road from the market. He is passionate about providing fresh and organic produce and helping support local businesses in the area.
Alex is married to his wife, Jessica, and has two wonderful children Addie and Archie. In his free time, he enjoys spending his time outdoors, skateboarding, and spending time with friends and family.

Wes Johnson

Board of Directors - Site Committee & Technology

I have assisted the past three years with parking cars at the Ligonier Country Market and enjoy interacting with the great people who come to the market each week. This is my first year as a Board member and I’m looking forward to helping to keep this wonderful Market a vibrant part of the community. This is a real gem for Westmoreland County. Although I reside in Latrobe, my mother’s side of the family was raised in and around Ligonier. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh and completed graduate work at the University of Texas. My career over the past thirty years has been in various Management roles in Information Technology for EDS, IBM, Fidelity Investments, and Navistar. For the past five years, I have shifted my attention to the Transportation Industry. I am currently using my management skills at DMJ Transportation, a local family owned school bus company. In addition, I am a PA State Bus Driver Instructor, and I enjoy dispatching and driving any vehicles in the fleet as needed. My most important hobby is history, especially the vibrant history of Western Pennsylvania from the French and Indian War period through the present.

Judy Podlucky

Board of Directors - Secretary, Night Market & Celebrations

Judy lives in Ligonier Township with her husband, two sons and one daughter. She holds a BA in English from Carlow University and currently works for Cigna. Judy also teaches group exercise classes at the Ligonier Valley YMCA. If she’s not attending her son’s sporting events, she’s training for obstacle races, spending time outdoors and taking care of the family chickens. As a self-proclaimed foodie, you can find her at the market every Saturday morning searching for fresh, unique ingredients as well as the perfect gift! Judy loves the wide variety of vendors and the wonderful sense of community that the market brings to Ligonier.

Robbie Schilling

Board of Directors - Finance Committee

Dawn Szalay

Board of Directors - Vice President

I have lived most of my life in the Laurel Highlands, moving to rural Westmoreland County from Pittsburgh as a child. My love for nature, handmade, farming, and small business has shaped a life that brought our family to Ligonier where we reside part time.

A former vendor at Ligonier Country Market, I am currently the owner of Quacked Glass Studio and Song of Sixpence boutique on Main Street in Ligonier where I work as a Stained Glass Artist and purveyor of unique, quality women’s clothing, handmade jewelry, and many out of the ordinary items with a focus on local and USA made.

Working our family business alongside my husband Ben and 2 children is a joy.

My studies in Horticulture, Floriculture, and Turfgrass Management, along with completing the Penn State Master Gardener program led me to operate Dawn’s Lawns & Landscaping Services for 15 years, also working as a Personal Trainer and certified RRCA Long Distance Running Coach.

My passion for the Ligonier community, our merchants, and the Country Market is reflected in my desire to work hard, helping to keep visitors of the market enjoying the one-of-a-kind experience we offer with high quality handmade and homegrown. I am proud to serve this board with a unique perspective as both a former vendor and local merchant.

If I get a spare minute, I enjoy UltraMarathon running, rare plant collecting and hanging out with my ducks and hens.

Linda Sinemus

Director Emeritus

Linda has been involved with the Market for over 20 years. First as a vendor from 1998-2015, known as the Salsa Sisters. And then as a board member and officer, off and on since 2003. She is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and formerly had a career in retail management as a buyer for local companies such as Troutman’s, The Joseph Horne Company and American Eagle Outfitters. Linda grew up in Derry Township on a 160-acre family farm. Although no longer selling vegetables and home canned goods to the public, she and her sister continue to grow vegetables every summer at the family homestead, giving away produce and those delicious home canned goods to family and close friends. She keeps in shape for farming by teaching Silver Sneakers classes at the Ligonier Valley YMCA and for Latrobe Parks and Recreation. She resides in Latrobe, is married and has two adult children who all pitch in on the farm. Linda’s final term on the board is ending this year and she is looking forward to passing the reins to a new generation of avid Market board members. She knows she is leaving it in capable, caring hands.