July 2019 GreeneScene

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I Love this P l a ce

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’m standing on the berm of a road that once bridged a train track at the edge of the Greene County line.

Jim Weinshenker is in the forest below me, gesturing to the flat land around him, choked with underbrush and trees. “The train tracks ran right through here and the water tower was back there.” He points behind him where the houses of West Union form a village. “See that white marker? That’s the county line. The tracks went along there into Washington County and down to Dunns Station.”

It’s a sunny Saturday morning and Jim is on his way to the Greene County Historical Society Museum to work on its awesome artifacts from the glory days of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad. The old passenger car is being readied for restoration and engine number 4 – Old Waynie – is about to be cleaned and repainted. Jim took the back roads from his home in Washington today to help me explore the WW Railroad, a country road that runs from Sycamore north to West Union. Narrow gauge tracks three feet apart once ran alongside it, from 1877 until workers removed them in 1978. Jim has written two books about this bit of steam-powered history and knows where every whistle stop, vanished trestle and abandoned station once stood. I’ve read his books and looked at every old photo. Now, staring into the forest, I imagine the image of that wooden water tank superimposed over the

greenery and say “Wow!” Jim says “Wow!” too when I show him the old rails that I found the first time I drove from Sycamore, through Swarts - where I rightly guessed which old building was once a train station - up to the Presbyterian Church that sits on this side road that is West Union.

“I didn’t know they were here!” he says, pushing the weeds aside to get a better look. “The station sat right here – look you can still see the rail bed. I’m going to have to find who owns them – it would be great to have these at the museum!”

Those rails are old, but not as old as the rail bed they now lay beside. Over the years rails and ties were upgraded and replaced, trestles went from wood to steel and some stations became elaborate affairs where passengers waited to ride from these stops in Greene County to the wide world outside.

It was a dream come true for John Day of Carmichaels who left home to become a self-made man of the post-Civil War era. His fascination with the trains that were transforming America led him to write a letter to friends at home in 1874 challenging them to think beyond the muddy roads that isolated their goods and services from the outside world. Why not build a railroad to Washington, where lines lead to Pittsburgh and beyond? He volunteered to do it himself if the $150,000 bond could be raised.

Somewhere along the line of the Waynesburg and Washington Railroad in the late 19th century.

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FOLLOWING THE WW RAILROAD

by Colleen Nelson It was an idea whose time had come.

Larry Koehler and Morgan Gayvert’s 2002 book Three Feet on the Panhandle captures some of the hustle and frenzy of the next three years as investors haggled, bonds were sold, right of ways were dickered over and residents lobbied to get the route to go through their back yards – or not. Surveyors and engineers were brought in to suss out the land with its winding valleys that lead to the watershed that separates the counties.

Arguments arose over which villages between Washington and Waynesburg would win the right of way. The West Union Presbyterian Church became the half way place for meeting with bondholders and businessmen who were tallying the railroad stock that needed to be sold or spoken for to allow the state to grant permission to draw up the corporate charter. Meetings became heated as investors negotiated and voted on the direction the line would take. The farmers and businessmen of Nineveh and Prosperity, having lost their bid to have the route go their way through Old Concord, left in a huff to build a track of their own. But like many paper railroads of its day, it never left the drawing board.

The WW Railroad charter of incorporation was signed with great fanfare on May 18, 1875 and by July, 150 men were hard at work grading the land with mule drawn drags. By October, tie timbers were selling for 21 cents a tie with many being cut on the spot by farm-

Jim Weinshenker’s book, Narrow Gauge in Southwestern Pennsylvania, sits atop old rails hidden in the weeds, beside x the West Union Church.

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ers as the right of way came through their land. Laying the tracks started in Washington with a construction train, General Greene, running three flatcars to bring raw materials that would carry the train forward as the 30 pound per yard iron rail from Wheeling was laid.

Work knocked off for the winter then picked up again in spring for two seasons. There were trestles to be built over creeks and ravines and bends to be graded as the railroad climbed to its highest elevation five miles from Washington, then dropped to Ten Mile Creek, then another climb, including a 35 degree horseshoe bend to West Union. By September 10, 1877, track had been laid to the Greene County line and by October 24, it was two and a half miles from Waynesburg. The golden spike was driven on November 1 at Buchanan Station in West Waynesburg and the second engine, General Washington, made the first run of 28 winding miles between the two county seats. Life would never be the same! Runs started at 5:30 a.m. and passengers could expect to be in Washington within the hour, give or take a washed out trestle or December snowstorm. For more than fifty years, steam was how things rolled in Greene County.

But the paved roads of the 1920s brought automotive competition that couldn’t be beat and the Great Depression brought the economy to its knees. The last passenger ride was taken July 6, 1929 and the last freight train left the station in 1933.

I have my Washington County road map with me and most of the old whistle stops from Dunn’s Station to the grand old brick station in Washington are still marked. But that’s an adventure for another day.

Today Jim and I leave West Union Church and its coveted old rails and drive down to Deer Lick, at the bottom of the grade that ends in Bates Fork Valley, past miniature horses grazing in the field and glimpses of the rail bed making a dotted line against the hillside.

We stop to see where the track cut across the road and where the Deer Lick Station once hugged the edge of the creek. Then on to Iams Station, a gaunt two-story structure standing in the field beside Iams Station Road, which jumps the hill to catch up with Rt. 18 a mile before Nineveh.

We get out and eyeball what’s left of the overhangs that were once a passenger platform, with loading docks and a spur of track running behind. Now it is a shed for cattle, its roof slats showing through torn metal sheeting, but still standing as straight as it did when it welcomed farmers with their loaded wagons and neighbors heading to Washington to shop, go to school or take another train to Pittsburgh.

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village of Swarts. “The Swarts Depot sat here on the bottom,” Jim tells me. At some point it was moved to the edge of the road, given its own foundation and is now the best-tended artifact on the road.

We make one last stop at the post office in Sycamore, where another iron horse – a motorcycle, rearing on its anchored back axle, guards both a mailbox and the site of the Sycamore Station.

Nothing remains but Jim’s collection of old photos showing the lumber yard, the general store and the tracks running in front of the front porch of station master Jake Weaver’s house. I do my best to superimpose them over the buildings that stand there now.

“The loading dock was over there and his general store sat over there and lumber was loaded over there,” Jim says helpfully pointing in all directions. Below us the tracks would have crossed what is now Route 18 and made a lazy curve to the left edge of WW Railroad, then on up Bate’s Fork to Swarts. I can almost see it. “You had to buy your tickets at the general store,” Jim tells me, then heads to the museum where old Waynie awaits. He’ll pass Reeces Mill and Buchannan stations on the three miles it takes to get to Waynesburg on this last stretch of old rail bed that Norfolk And Southern tracks now follow on their way to Bailey Mine in Enon. And I’ll be heading home, my head swimming with images of what life was like back in the day when steam engines ruled, and a phone full of photos of what it looks like now.

Iams Station during its time as a train station.

Jim Weinshenker points towards where the Swarts station used to sit before it was moved.

Jim shows where the old railbed used to lie. Behind him, the stone marks the county line.

Now, the former Iams Station, still standing straight, houses cattle.

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G reen e Sce n e of the Pa st

moke and flames were still “pouring from the roof ” of Swarts Bible Church as staff writer Bob Niedballa snapped this photo on April 10, 2004. The story that ran in the Observer Reporter the next day – Easter Sunday was grim but hopeful - the 157 year old church was gutted but salvageable and its new congregation, led by Pastor Jeff Hughes was willing to do the work.

Swarts United Methodist Church closed its doors in 1996 and the old building stood idle for seven years. The Bible Church had leased the building just four months earlier and members worked hard to get ready for Palm Sunday services. They installed a gas line, replaced electrical wiring and scrubbed and painted the interior.

Now they would be spending the rest of the year replacing the roof and floor, removing plaster and installing new wiring, trusses and eaves. Happily, the congregation was committed to rebuilding the church much the way it was before the fire and many in the community were willing to pitch in and help out.

“It’s a landmark in the area. People know where Swarts Church is,” Pastor Hughes told OR religious editor Don Hershell when he stopped by during an outdoor Sunday service on the lawn later that year. “I’m finding out that this is an event that is bringing people together.”

Brother Mutual, the church’s insurance provider was also covering the cost of a pavilion, chairs and a storage shed for outdoor services and the church would

be raised to prevent flooding. The fine stained glass windows had been saved along with most of the pews and three of the four solid oak walls.

“God called us here and that call is still on,” Pastor Hughes said. “God called us here for a reason and the reason is to build a church.”

When the church finally reopened its doors it had a new name – Resurrection Bible Church.

Resurrected, that is, for the second time.

When Methodist brethren built Reverend Simpson’s Chapel in 1854 it sat on the hill overlooking the old Baptist church at the mouth of Fonner Run near Swarts.

For reasons now lost to time, parishioners moved their chapel “stick by stick” to the intersection of Dillie and WW Railroad roads in 1877 and renamed it Swarts Methodist Church. They also added on to it, a good indication the congregation was growing.

That year the W&W Railroad began its 50-some year run through the Bates Fork valley and the

church now had a front street view of the passenger and freight trains that chugged through Swarts, loading and unloading at the village depot. Prosperous times had come and a new century of progress was at hand. Life along Bates Fork was good. In 1940, Pastor Hughes tells me, “the church building was lifted up and a basement was put in, along with stained glass in the sanctuary and an auditorium style floor.”

I didn’t find any Methodist church history listed for Swarts

by Colleen Nelson

at Cornerstone Genealogy Society in Waynesburg, so there’s no paper trail to tell why the doors of the Swarts United Methodist Church closed in 1996. Still, it’s heartening to know that those stained glass windows, pews and the three solid oak walls of Simpson’s Chapel have survived to bless a new generation of churchgoers with their presence.

Pastor Hughes tells me that Dave Staggers is their Sunday school teacher and the congregation is doing well.

Amen!

Smoke and flames pour from the roof of Swarts Bible Church on April 10, 2004. The Church has been given new life as Resurrection Bible Church.

If you have an interesting old photo from the area you’d like to share, just send it to: GreeneScene of the Past, 185 Wade Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Or email to: info@greenescene.com with GreeneScene Past in subject line. The GreeneScene Community Magazine can even scan your original in just a few minutes if you bring it to our office.

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By Colleen Nelson house and “gave themselves to each other by the will of God.” Eleven articles of faith were drawn up and the congregation became Mission Baptists. They continued to meet at their church on Fonner’s Run but by the next year half the congregation left to attend church in Ruff Creek.

“No reason was given but judging from the names withdrawn, such as Huffman, Boyd, Meek, Mitchell, etc,, we conclude that Ruff ’s Creek was much nearer and more convenient place to worship. …Here we see the influence of Mrs. Ruff bearing fruit – the Ruff Creek Church was founded in 1843.”

What was left of the Swarts congregation continued meeting on Fonner’s Run until the church I found myself walking into on a recent Sunday morning, was built in Sycamore.

Why relocate the congregation to Sycamore?

When the Methodists arrived in Swarts and built Simpsons chapel in 1854, church historians drew this conclusion: “We feel safe in surmising that this new church gave ours some serious competition” for membership in and around Swarts. Members of the congregation were beginning to gather for “out station” Sunday services at the Taylor School House in Sycamore and families were coming to worship from further downstream, from Reeces Mill, up Gardners Run and in and around Sycamore. The vote to fix the old church or build anew was taken January 6, 1866 and new won 31-5.

The church driveway climbs to a great view of the town below, surrounded by greenery. The long winding ramp makes for an easy stroll to the side door and I find myself walking with Denise Demeo, here to lead the Sunday service. Her sister Pastor Christie Wise retired in January so sermons are being led by invitation. “I was so happy they called me!

I love coming here, the people are wonderful,” she tells me and I’m soon in the midst of a happy congregation in a beautiful church with wonderful acoustics, thanks to the efforts of Rev. A. J. Meek, who raised the ceiling in 1892, added two Sunday school classrooms and an alcove and The congregation of Bates Fork Baptist church. installed a

The Bates Fork Baptist Church sits on the high ground above State Rt. 18, where Bates Fork joins with Browns Creek at Sycamore on its way to Ten Mile Creek in Waynesburg.

Built in 1867, the building is well proportioned and very historic - its congregation has roots that go back to the frontier days when the Baptists of Virginia were moving west to find religious freedom - and a new life - in the wilderness.

Early historian W.L. Horn writes that James Riley “established a fur trading post” at the mouth of Hopkins Run in 1741 and by 1761 had built a cabin and “moved his family from Williamsburg Virginia to this site.” This site would someday be the village of Swarts.

Horn notes that Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Ruff whose husband Jeremiah had his own trading post at Ruff ’s Creek, were “Baptist by faith and first cousins.” Those firebrand frontier preachers David Jones and John Corbly both preached at the Riley home in the 1760s and neighbors traveled miles to attend these cabin sermons.

Records from the Old Redstone Association state that a Baptist church was organized on Bates Fork in 1804 and Mathias Luce was the first pastor. By 1808 membership was reported at 42 with a church “one mile upstream from Swarts near the mouth of Fonner’s Run” on land deeded to the church by members Charles and John Petit.

Church historians tell us that religious revivals of the early 1800s brought the Campbellites who broke away to form their own decentralized independent churches. Rural Baptists who were suspicious of the “urban East” helped “fuel the anti-missionary controversy that pretty well destroyed the (Redstone) association.” The Baptists of Swarts remained “Ironsides Baptists” but as they aged out of the congregation the remaining members reorganized to take on a new mission.

In 1842, 50 people met at Levi Griffith’s

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new front door to replace the two that once allowed women to enter from the left and men from the right. The times they were achanging!

Today the sanctuary is bustling with cheer and the energy of pianist Lacey Goodon’s kids, especially two-year-old Connor who wiggle worms his way through many arms and finally ends up holding hands with me when we form our circle of greeting. The music is sung in harmony and our voices rise as one around us. No need for hymn books, the verses scroll on the screen above the altar and when Denise speaks her words echo the moment we are in: blend together to become one voice, harmony is essential, find agreement in action and understanding, treat others like they’re your best friend… “I know you! Remember Wilbur Wright? He was my husband. You used to come into the shop.”

I find myself hugging JoAnn Wright, a bright eyed eighty something and remembering with her the spinning wheel and clock I’d painted on Wright Antique Shop in Waynesburg in the 1970s that are still brightening the building on Strawberry Alley.

This is the church their daughter Sandy picked to go to in 1958 and JoAnn is still a harmonious member of this congregation of neighbors who do their missions as naturally as they do dishes.

“I took some soup to a friend once who

was living at a nursing home just so he could have some home cooking,” JoAnn tells me.

It wasn’t long before the idea caught on and now it is a church mission to make soup once a month and give it free to all who come and deliver it to shut-ins with a cheery visit.

There is a signature quilt filled with the names of old church families, framed and on display in the alcove. It found its way home after many years and I get JoAnn to find some Wrights in the stitches so I can take her photo.

The church summer picnic will be held in the church yard on August 4, starting at 11 a.m. Friends and neighbors are invited to come share fellowship with Bates Fork Baptist Church. Bring a covered dish!

JoAnn Wright with the church’s signature quilt.

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COOK OFF BRINGS THE MEATS TO CARMICHAELS

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f you happened to be walking near Carmichaels Town Square on June 1, you were greeted with the delicious scent of barbeque in the air and saw the smoke rising from the smokers. The Carmichaels Cook Off had officially begun. The event was held to raise funds for the First Christian Church of Carmichaels. Food vendors from the area competed and sold their BBQ. The church recently suffered damage to their basement after flooding. Members of the church’s men’s group were bouncing around ideas for unique ways to raise money for the needed repairs. Dave Rager, the event organizer, says they wanted to “try something different.” Inspired by the Pigs in a Blanket Festival previously held in Carmichaels, they decided to hold a BBQ cook off. When the church approached the Carmichaels Borough about their idea, they were met with much excitement. Pennsylvania Department of Transporation agreed to shut down the town square for the festival and the church began approaching possible vendors.

The event gave food vendors the ability to enter a cooking competition in addition to sellling their food to bystanders. The competition had three main categories: Best Chicken, Best Pork and Best Beef. There was

also Best Side Dish, Best Chili and People’s Choice categories. Those who attended the competition were encouraged to vote on their favorite dish. They were offered an additional perk - everyone voting for the People’s Choice would also be entered to win a prize. The main competitors were: • Charlie’s Backyard Barbecue Catering is run by Charlie Henderson, a former employee of Hatfield Ferry. He cooked up 75 racks of ribs for the cook off and was nearly sold out by 2:30 PM! • Jail House Swine, consisting of employees of the local prison, has BBQ in the blood other family members used to cook at Hot Rod’s restaurant.

• Two Polish Chicks offered homemade cabbage and noodles and potato salad.

The First Christian Church also had a booth selling hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages for donations. Raffle tickets were sold for baskets filled to the brim with goodies, like giftcards, as well as a kayak! Businesses and community members also donated items.

On one of the first truly warm and dry days of the season, good food was brought to the people of Greene County for a great cause. Happy children ran around and played at the dunk tank and football toss. Some

chose to enter a hot dog eating competition.

An upbeat line dance was held by Pastor Reagan Rager.

Jail House Swine took the prize for Best Beef with their brisket and Best Chicken for their crowd-pleasing chicken lollipops. Charlie’s Backyard Barbecue Catering won Best Pork.

The real winners for the day were The First Christian Church of Carmichaels and the town of Carmichaels. The food sold out,

by Michelle Church

everyone enjoyed a fun and delicious event, and the church raised enough money to fund their repairs!

PAMPERED CHEF WINNER! Congratulations to John Millerr of Point Marion, PA. He is our random winner of $100 gift certificate in our Pampered Chef Contest.

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Victory 5K Kid’s Club A

by Michelle Church

s another beautiful summer begins, parents begin looking for fun summer activities for their children. Want to get them out in the fresh air and sunshine for some fun with physical fitness? The Kid’s Club Practice Run on June 15, 2019 began a series of local events providing faith, fitness and fun. A second practice run will be offered on July 13, 2019. The goal of the practice run and walk is getting children ready for the big Victory 5K event on August 10, 2019 at Rolling Meadows Church of God in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania.

The Children’s Challenge Mile is held annually alongside the Victory 5K. The run gives ages 12 and under twelve a chance to win a prize. It is broken into two age groups: under six and seven to twelve. About 9 kids run the race each year.

The practice runs are held at Washington Township Park. Families are asked to arrive at Washington Township Park at 9 AM for the day’s events, beginning at 9:30 and lasting until 11 AM. The practice run isn’t timed and is free of charge. In addition to prepping for the race, the practice days include an allergy friendly snack, an activity and a devotional.

The June 15th event had 12 participants, with

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3 adults and 9 children. The event began with a quick warm-up and light stretching. The participants then completed a mile around the track in Washington Twp. Park. After all participants completed their mile, there was a cool down with more light stretching. Afterwards everyone in attendance enjoyed a snack and devotion, given by Rolling Meadows Church of God. Greene County Historical Society provided the activity for the June 15th practice run. The museum set up a snack and a kid’s craft with several different types of items used to make cards and decorative items, overseen by Grace Zablonsky, the GCHS intern.

“We’re extremely excited out here at the GCHS to take part in the Victory 5K Kids Club Events,” says Matthew Cumberledge, Executive Director of the GCHS. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to make a positive impact on the community and it’s simply been a wonderful experience working with such a caring and positive organization. Good things are always happening in Greene!”

Raffle tickets will be sold at the practice runs as well as Rain Day and the Victory 5K itself. Raffle tickets are $2 each. A handmade

afghan, a baby quilt and a basket filled with baby items will be raffled. Prizes were provided by Waynesburg Senior Center Quilters.

All profits will benefit the Crisis Pregnancy Center of Greene County.

On the day of the Victory 5K, non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit the Corner Cupboard Food Bank. The Victory 5K will have activities for both adults and

children, music by Robin and Bob, and plenty of food. Rotisserie chicken will be roasted and sold by the VFW Post 4793.

The Victory 5K is held by Rolling Meadows Church of God and Bethlehem Baptist Church of Ruff Creek. They want to inspire faith and fellowship to all, especially those who are burdened by unexpectedly hard times. The Victory 5K event emphasizes the power of fellowship and charity, and the fun of fitness.

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Happy Birthday, Smokey Bear!

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by Rachael Mahony, Environmental Education Specialist, Forbes Forest District, DCNR Bureau of Forestry

mokey Bear, Smokey the Bear, Smokey. No mat- member... Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!” Smokey ter how his name is said, there’s no mistaking the was a fictional mascot until 1950, when the real Smokey identity of the iconic symbol of our nation’s lon- Bear was rescued from a wildfire in the Capitan Moungest-standing advertising tains in New Mexico. A campaign. Grandparents, helpless bear cub found parents, and even today’s “With a ranger’s hat and shovel and a pair its way into a raging youth can easily identify of dungarees, you will find him in the for- fire’s path, finding refthe brawny brown bear uge from the flames in that declares on roadside est, always sniffin’ at the breeze. People a tree. The cub survived billboards, television com- stop and pay attention when he tells them the fire but suffered semercials, and posters that to beware, ‘cause everybody knows that vere burns that needed “Only YOU Can Prevent extensive veterinary aid.

Wildfires!” Smokey’s main- he’s the fire prevention bear.”

After several months of stream presence has crerecovery, Smokey Bear ated a relatable message - Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins, Smokey the Bear, was given a permanent of fire prevention, which copyright 1952. home at the National has reached millions of Zoo in Washington people over the past several D.C. where he became decades. Although Smokey’s appearance has evolved the living symbol for forest fire prevention. Smokey throughout the past 75 years, the one thing that hasn’t Bear’s advertisements and real-life mascot continued to changed is his desire to protect our nation’s forests from capture the attention of the public, but it also began to destructive wildfires. attract commercial interest.

Fire prevention wasn’t always a huge concern in the In 1952, Congress enacted the Smokey Bear Act to United States, but World War II spawned fear and con- place him under the purview of the US Forest Service. cern over threats to our natural resources. The attack on The Smokey campaign raged on, spreading new Pearl Harbor followed by fire bomb assaults on the West initiatives and educational tools to children and famiCoast created fear that uncontrolled fires could destroy lies. The first Smokey costume was created in 1951, a our forests. As a solution to this growing concern, the song was written a year later (causing the confusion of US Forest Service and War Advertising Council cre- Smokey Bear vs. Smokey THE bear), the Junior Forest ated the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) Ranger program was created {which earned him his own program to educate the public about fire prevention. zip code), and a children’s book about Smokey was pubThe CFFP campaign aimed to encourage people to be lished just a few short years later. From the mid-1950s more responsible with fire; it created poster advertise- throughout the early 1990s, Smokey’s face was found ments, one of which boldly stated that “forest fires aid on postage stamps and posters, and his cautious mesthe enemy.” Although the initial 1942 campaign was suc- sage of fire prevention was heard on radio and televicessful, the CFFP searched for other means to urge the sion advertisements. Change throughout Smokey’s campublic to prevent forest fires. Coincidentally, during the paign was ever-present. In 2001, Smokey Bear’s famous first campaign, Walt Disney’s movie Bambi was released. fire prevention slogan was changed from “only you can What better way to captivate an audience than by using prevent forest fires” to “only you can prevent wildfires.” a Disney cartoon to deliver an important message? And The change in Smokey’s message was an attempt to diswho can forget the infamous fire scene, where Bambi tinguish prescribed fires from wildfires. In recent years, and his woodland companions scramble to escape their Smokey joined Facebook, Twitter, and lnstagram, adbrush with death when a wildfire swallows their forested dressing the public through a new social media outlet. home? The Bambi wildfire advertisements were a great Smokey continues to appeal to both adults and children way to connect popular culture with an important issue, with the most recent “Get Your Smokey On” marketing offering a more relatable way for people to understand slogan; not too bad for an old bear. the importance of wildfire prevention. Although the Although Smokey has evolved throughout the past Bambi advertisement was hugely popular, the character several decades, one thing for sure is that Smokey has was only on loan for one year’s time. The loss of Bambi been an effective and powerful way to spread the mesleft the CFFP without a mascot for fire prevention. The sage of wildfire prevention across the nation. What preference was to identify a woodland animal that em- would our forests be today, if it weren’t for Smokey’s wisbodied bravery, strength, and courage. Smokey Bear. dom and insight on fire safety and prevention? That is On August 9, 1944 the character of Smokey Bear hard to say, but in a world with a ranger hat-clad bear was born. From the beginning, Smokey urged the public equipped with a shovel, we can rest assured that help to “take care,” highlighting potential risks for careless be- isn’t far out of reach. So let’s put on a party hat and have havior around fires. The first Smokey poster illustrated a a piece of cake to celebrate 75 years of Smokey Bear! bear pouring a bucket of water over a campfire stating To find out about Smokey Bear Birthday celebra“Care will prevent 9 out of 10 fires.” It wasn’t until 1947 tions near you, contact your local forest district. that Smokey’s wildly popular phrase was coined: “Re-

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We Need Your Help!

his year’s 9th annual Touch-A-Truck is fast approaching and will be held at First Baptist Church of Waynesburg.

This event is free for all who come! Children under age 12 will receive a free t-shirt and goody bag. Children are often told not to touch these vehicles, creating even more curiosity. This exciting day gives children the chance to see, touch, and honk the horns of different machines covering the church parking lot. With nearly 1,000 children registered last year, we are anxious to see the flood of children experience a day of fun, future career interest, and Jesus Christ.

We are eager for this fun-filled event but

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in order to be prepared we have two needs.

Sponsorship to help with fund going towards lunch for the children and their families, tshirts, goody bags, photo booth, Zoofari stations and giveaways, and advertising. We also need the vehicles to create a great experience.

Donations are tax deductible. For $600, your logo will be prominently displayed on the t-shirts, Thank You banner and handouts.

For $300, you’ll receive a smaller logo on the t-shirts, banner, and handouts. $299 or less puts your business logo on our banner and handouts. Please call First Baptist Church at 724-627-6444 FMI, to donate or display a vehicle.

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Goin g G re e n e “

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by Matthew Cumberledge

GREENE COUNTY: A TIME AND PLACE

hose Early adventurers were men of iron nerves and stout hearts – a compound of the hunter, the warrior and the husbandman; they came prepared to endure all the hardships of life in the wilderness; to encounter its risks, and defend their precarious homes against the wily natives of the forest.”

These words were written by Sherman Day in 1843 in his book Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania speaking about the early inhabitants of Greene County, Pennsylvania.

Coming from the then colonies of Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and far distant lands like England, Scotland and Germany, men and women flocked to the land on the far side of the Alleghenies, a beautiful serene woodland, untouched by time. These earliest pioneers who crossed the mountains and forged a path through the wilderness found in these lands a people distinct from their own, a people who too seemed to be untouched by time. The earliest accounts of our ancestors who first settled this region describe our forefathers as living very much like the native.

They existed peacefully, for a time, trading goods and ideas and sharing the land that they would both inhabit. It took a war between nations, separate from those natives and their European friends, to dissolve the bonds of peaceful habitation that held our two peoples together.

But how would we describe the people of Greene County today? Myself, I think we could very much convey the same message of hard work, integrity, purpose and independence that Mr. Day conveyed over one hundred and seventy years ago. Only the year has changed. There is a unique spirit that exists within people of Greene. We are still a hardy people, resolved to do the best with what we have, be it meager or bountiful, and we seem to make the best of everything. Quite a challenge in a time when the world at large can, at times, be overwhelmed with the negative. Greene County, and her strong sense of community, tradition, and traditional values, has displayed a certain immunity to the more unpleasant side of life. I think we have the land itself to thank for this.

For over a century our people were very much isolated from the rest of the state by the great ridges of the Allegheny Mountains. The lands to the west were the very foundation of the dreams of the brave young men and the answer to their call of independence and freedom. However, few braved the

great Ohio in those early years, and the frontier line of the day was nearly coincidental to the western border of Pennsylvania. Even within the region our settlements were often small and distant and supplies were limited. We had only that which was born from the strengths of our hands and the yokes upon our necks. People came together when times got tough - they had to - your friends and neighbors were your life, your support, and your very means of survival. Even as the years were accomplished and time moved into the 19th century, our population had grown and our towns and communities had withstood the test of time, expanding into the places we recognize today. We maintained our distinct way of life from the rest of the state and the country. Still, it was difficult to travel to the east and cross the ancient peaks of the Alleghenies, and Ohio was a young blossoming state. We remained, living as we always had, tending our farms and developing our own Industry which was born on the backs of our people, and a strong people we had become.

But our past was always there and is even now. Though the progress of time has laid upon us an ease of life of which for centuries we were unaccustomed, we yet hearken back to the same core principles that governed way of life forever.

Our social culture too is still influenced by, and a direct descendant of, the culture of those brave men and women who first cleared the land and built their homes in the Western Pennsylvania wilderness. Having lived in such isolation, many of the social traits that often change rapidly in a people have stood a much longer existence, and have evolved less over time than in areas that have been exposed more to outside influence. Our everyday language even harkens back to these early times. Family, even extended family, is still the epicenter of our social world, and even centuries after settlement many of the same families still inhabit the area, and maintain friendships and connections that have come down through the years. A glance at the censuses of 1810, 1910, and 2010 will look remarkably familiar.

And so it has remained, through the years, the unique culture and place that is Greene County Pennsylvania. Though our early days were fraught with the trials and tribulations that come hand in hand with people who blaze paths through the wilderness to make a home, our later years were filled with the peace and tranquility that can only be born of the hard work, dedication and determination of such a people.

The discovery of gas and coal in the county added a new dimension to our history. Now many of the men and women left the farm and industry was on the rise. The farms survived, and some still do, but forever the socioeconomic development of the region was changed. Steel also provided a new measure of income for the young man wishing to make his own way in life. Perhaps it was that age-old independent spirit that was the true calling, and the means for the industrial development of the once quiet rural lands and green fields.

Even when war came, the men and women of Greene County did their due. During the Revolutionary War, many men left their poor families in the cabin and left to gain their Independence from Great Britain and secure the foundations of their future happiness. The Civil War beckoned in Greene, many of our young boys, and old men went off to battle to preserve the Nation which their grandfathers so valiantly built.

One man from Greene County exclaimed “Union Forever” when he heard of the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, and sent all of his sons, and many of his brothers off to defend the Union. Many of his sons did not return home.

World War I, perhaps the most tragic episode in our counties’ military history, took with it the loss of 18 young men who were tragically killed or mortally wounded between July 28th and 29th, 1918. This group of men is now known as the Rain Day Boys, in honor of the Rain Day celebrations held in Waynesburg each year on July 29th.

Greene County is indeed a special place, timeless, quiet, safe and serene, but it is not so because of the work of any one person, or group of people at any one point in history. It is so because of the nature of the very people who thrive here.

Look back throughout your families’ own past and you will see the unfolding of this unique little area was shaped by your families contribution as well. Regardless as to whether you (or your family) has been here for 2 years or 200 years, we have ALL made Greene County what she is today!

Home of Jackson Kughn, Typical of one of the Early Farmsteads in Greene County, Jackson Township

Crows Rock, Richhill Township, site of the 1791 Crow Massacre

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Rolling hills of Greene County, Gilmore Township

People’s Natural Gas Pumping Station in Brave. It was the site of a natural gas explosion in 1917.

GreeneScene Magazine •

JULY

2019

Congratulations Carmichaels ENVIROTHON Team!

L-R: Michael Walsh (Deputy Secretary of Administration, PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources), Megan Patton (coach), Ryan Swartz, Joe Kurincak, Jacob Hair, Christina Adams, Stephen Zacoi, Kevin Willis (coach), Patrick McDonnell (Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection), Kelly Stagen (Director, PA Association of Conservation Districts), Russell Redding (Secretary, PA Department of Agriculture).

Only Cashease Pl

JULY 2019

• GreeneScene Magazine

13

STATE CHAMPION X 2

CARMICHAELS ENVIROTHON TEAM WINS BACK-TO-BACK STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

F

or the second year in a row, Carmichaels Envirothon Team won the state Envirothon competition. But that doesn’t mean the team is taking it easy after their-backto-back wins – when I stopped by to visit them, they were practicing a presentation, in their never-stopping preparation efforts.

The 36th Pennsylvania Envirothon state competition was held at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown and Windber Recreation Park on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 21 and 22, 2019. High school students from 66 Pennsylvania counties participated in a series of field station tests that focus on five topic areas – soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. The teams also prepare and deliver oral presentations to panels of judges who evaluate each team on its problem-solving capabilities, oral presentation skills and recommendations to help solve the specific environmental challenge.

Carmichaels’ 5-person team, consisting of Stephen Zacoi, Ryan Swartz, Joey Kurincak, Christina Adams, and Jacob Hair, won the competition with a score of 536 points of a possible 600, defeating one of their most difficult oppo-

By Danielle Nyland

nents, Penncrest High School of Delaware County, by only 5 points. The Carmichaels team was the high station winner for the Aquatic Ecology station. This year’s competition brought with it a different set of expectations and troubles for the students and they shared some of their thoughts on this year’s competition with me.

“Winning for the second time was more of a battle,” says Stephen Zacoi. “We won last year and had to live up to it.”

“Winning for the second year was definitely harder,” shares Jacob Hair. “It was like we had a target on our back this year and everyone was hoping to dethrone last year’s victors.”

Christina Adams adds, “Everyone came back with a fury, especially Penncrest [former state and national champions]. It was really close.”

“We all worked hard to show what we were capable of,” says Joey Kurincak. “During the competition, the trouble we had in forestry really threw me off and made me anxious. We missed more than we should have. I knew when we went to the awards that it would be close.”

The victory at the state competition takes the team to the 31st NCF-Envirothon held at the end of July at North Carolina State University, Raleigh to compete against approximately 47 states, eight Canadian provinces, one Canadian territory, and two Chinese provinces.

The competition in North Carolina puts the students on

Jacob Hair, Jared Zinn(Watershed Specialist, Greene County Conservation District) and Kevin Willis look over some of this year’s resources in preparation for the competition.

more familiar ground. Unlike last year’s competition in Idaho with its unknown environments, the environment in North Carolina is much closer to home. They also have more resources available to aid them in their preparations.

“We had a hard time finding resources last year,” says Ryan Swartz, on preparing for NCF. “This year I’ll be a little less stressed since I know what to expect and we have resources that are easier to study and understand. I think it will go a lot better this year.”

Kevin Willis, teacher and the team’s lead coach said that as hard as the team worked the first time, they worked

The Envirothon team had the opportunity to share their Envirothon experience with Governor Wolf and the First Lady.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

JULY

2019

ENVIROTHON TEAM even harder this year to earn the second win, spending any spare moment they could grab to prepare for the state competition.

“I’ve never seen anyone work as hard as this team. I really wanted this team to have the opportunity to go back to NCF this year. I’m thrilled they have the chance.”

There will be a send off for the team at Carmichaels High School on July 24 at 5:30pm; RSVP by July 16 by calling the office at 724-966-5045. The team will leave the next day and will complete some team building exercises on the way. Stops include Gatlinburg, Clingmans Dome, Laurel Falls, Ocona Luftee Visitor Center and more. Congratulations, Carmichaels and good luck!

MEGAN PATTON

JULY 2019

• GreeneScene Magazine

JACOB HAIR

STEPHEN ZACOI

RYAN SWARTZ

CHRISTINA ADAMS

JOEY KURINCAK

KEVIN WILLIS

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WPIAL CHAMPION X 4 Katie Lampe - Freshman Second Base/Shortstop Parents: John & Stephanie Lampe

Brianna Amos - Junior Second Base Parents: Jimmy & Cheryl Amos

Hannah Toth - Sophomore Outfield Parents: Wayne & Shawn Toth

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Kaitlyn Rizor - Senior Shortstop Parents: Jeff & Jenny Rizor

Jersey Wise - Sophomore

Left Field Parent: Brandon & Candace Reese

Madison Lampe - Senior

Olivia Kiger - Freshman

Mackenzie Carpenter - Senior

Catcher Parents: Luke & Kelly Kiger

Dakota Filby - Sophomore Outfield Parents: Heather Householder

Third Base Parents: John & Stephanie Lampe

Jordan Karvan - Freshman

Infield Parents: Dan Karvan and Renee Morris

Right Field Parents: Justin & Jessica Carpenter

Jade Renner - Junior

Pitcher Parents: Jon & Misty Renner

Kaytlynn Walls - Sophomore

BreAnn Jackson - Freshman

Emily Cooke - Sophomore

McKenna Lampe - Senior

First Base Parents: Brian & Crystal Jackson

Infield Parents: Kasey & Katie Cooke

Outfield Parents: Jason & Sara Walls

Center Field Parents: John & Stephanie Lampe

GreeneScene Magazine •

JULY

2019

LADY PIONEERS! Rhiannon Campbell - Senior

Bailey Fredericks - Sophomore

Brooke Berdine - Freshman Outfield Parent: Jan Berdine

Kiley Meek - Freshman

Outfield Parent: Tabitha Fredericks

Brianna Goodwin - Senior

Hayley Gillin - Freshman

Dani Fox - Sophomore

Kylie Simms - Junior

Anna Durbin - Freshman

Deshaylah Bissett - Junior

Desirae Lemmon - Freshman

Skyler Horr - Junior

Hanna Pettit - Senior Outfield Parent: Mark Pettit

First Base Parents: Dave & Michelle Goodwin

Infield Parents: Ricky & Deshawnda Bissett

JULY 2019

• GreeneScene Magazine

Outfield Parents: Noble & Stefanie Campbell

Outfield Parents: Jim & Lori Gillin

Infield Parent: Heath & Jody Lemmon

Outfield Parents: Ronnie & Lisa Fox

Catcher Parents: Billy & Amy Simms

Pitcher Parents: John & Tonya Meek

Center Field Parents: Dave & Lisa Durbin

Infield Parents: Mark & Nancy Horr

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Congratulations Lady Pioneers!

Hunter Fredericks, Manager

#16 McKenna Lampe

#1 Katie Lampe

#17 Hannah Pettit

#2 KaitlynRizor

#19 Rhiannon Campbell

#3 Jersey Wise

#20 Bailey Fredericks

#4 MadisonLampe

#21 Brooke Berdine

#5 Jordan Karvan

#22 Kiley Meek

#6 Brianna Amos

#23 Brianna Goodwin

#7 Olivia Kiger

#24 Hayley Gillin

#9 Mackenzie Carpenter

#25 Dani Fox

#10 Jade Renner

#29 Kylie Simms

#11 Kaytlynn Walls

#32 Anna Durbin

#12 Hanna Toth

#33 Deshaylah Bissett

#13 Dakota Filby

#34 Desirae Lemmon

#14 BreAnn Jackson

#44 Skyler Horr

#15 Emily Cooke

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Head Coach: Bill Simms Asst. Coach: Nicole Redlinger

Asst. Coach: Jeremiah Allison Asst. Coach: Jess Carpenter

Asst. Coach: Jeff Stover Stats: Scott Sakai

GreeneScene Magazine •

JULY

2019

W

WEST GREENE SOFTBALL CLASS OF 2019: WHAT A RIDE!

hen the West Greene softball team took the field at North Strabane Intermediate School in Canonsburg on May 16, 2016, even with their record of 19-1, nobody could’ve predicted that what was to come over the course of four seasons, would be a level of success never seen before in Greene County High School sports.

A 15-0 four-inning win over Greensburg Central Catholic that day was postseason win #1 of a run that would total 26 postseason victories, including four WPIAL titles and 2 State Titles. Remarkably, the Pioneers played a total of 28 postseason games in four seasons, which by the way is just one short of the maximum games they could’ve possibly played in that span (having earned WPIAL first round byes the last three seasons).

The run came to a close on June 11, 2019 with a 3-2 loss in the state semifinals to DuBois Central Catholic and though there will be a new season next year and the Pioneers look to still have a very competitive squad, it seems only fitting to reflect now on what has to be considered the end of an era.

That era being the Class of ’19 era.

There were 5 seniors who graduated this year that played softball all four years of their time spent in high school. Those five finished with an overall record of 9612. Their postseason record (both WPIAL & PIAA) was a combined 26-2. Ten of those losses, including both postseason losses, were by just 1 run.

Hats off to McKenna Lampe, Madison Lampe, Kaitlyn Rizor, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Brianna Goodwin.

“Just a special group,” said Head Coach Billy Simms. “We knew they were going to be special. We didn’t know where the road was going to lead us, but we know we had a nice team.”

Remarkably, four of those five seniors started every game and played in every inning throughout all 28 postseason games.

Every postseason inning without fail featured Madison Lampe at third base, McKenna Lampe in center field, Carpenter in right field and Rizor, who played the first three seasons at second base before moving to shortstop.

Immediately after they claimed their fourth WPIAL title, Rizor talked about

JULY 2019

• GreeneScene Magazine

by Jason Tennant

meeting goals set in the very beginning.

“It’s so exciting,” Rizor said. “When we came in as freshmen we sat down in (coach) Simms’ room and we talked about our goals. And one of our goals was to win the section four times in a row, which we did. And then win the WPIAL four times in a row which we just completed today.”

Go back to June 14, 2018. The West Greene Pioneers claimed the State title that day with an 11-7 win over Williams Valley at Penn State’s Beard Field. It was their second title in as many years and the Pioneers ended last season on a 14-game postseason winning streak.

Starting pitcher Jade Renner, who started as a freshman in 2017, was the winning pitcher in all 14 games and was undefeated in postseason play heading into the 2019 season.

But the team would look different entering the 2019 season with three key losses to graduation: left fielder Linzee Stover, first baseman Lexie Mooney, and their biggest bat, shortstop/pitcher Madison Renner.

“The biggest thing we were concerned with was the offensive output,” said Simms, noting particularly the loss of Renner’s power numbers.

From a defensive standpoint, Simms noted the need in replacing “rock solid” defenders Stover, Mooney, and Madison Renner and praised the new starters: Jersey Wise in left field, Brianna Amos at second base (with Rizor moving to shortstop), and Goodwin at first base. “We thought we could replace (those that graduated) defensively,” said Simms. “And I think the (new starters) have proven that.”

The 2019 season got off to a bit of a rough start as the Pioneers traveled to Myrtle Beach and lost three of four games at the Ripken Experience. Once they returned home though, the Pioneers settled right in and rolled off 13 straight wins by a combined score of 174-16.

They would drop a tough 2-0 loss to the eventual 2A State Champion Frazier before closing out the regular season with wins over Waynesburg and Bentworth.

The 2019 postseason started with a somewhat surprisingly low scoring output in a 6-2 win over Bishop Canevin in the WPIAL Quarterfinals, but the Pioneers regained their usual form in dominating wins over Jefferson-Morgan (15-0) in the

Semifinals and Union (11-0) in the WPIAL Championship Game.

However as the PIAA playoffs began, the West Greene offense started to find some struggles.

In the first round, the Pioneers advanced easily enough, with an 8-1 win over Rockwood who committed 6 errors in the contest.

Then it was Clarion with standout pitcher Kait Constantino, who held the Pioneers to just 5 hits. West Greene scored all of their runs that game in the fifth inning on just one hit and then had to survive a 4-run ninth inning from Clarion to win, 5-4.

In the first two state playoff games, the Pioneers, known for their offensive rallies, had only registered back-to-back hits one time when Renner and Amos hit back-toback singles in the 6th inning against Rockwood.

They also only had two extra base hits: a Carpenter double against Rockwood and a bases-clearing double from Renner against Clarion.

The bats seemed to come alive though in the first inning of the semifinals against DuBois Central Catholic, a team that West Greene had beaten in the state semifinals back-to-back in 2016 and 2017.

After the Cardinals put up two first inning runs, West Greene answered with back-to-back singles from the Lampe twins, who both came around to score to tie the game. From that point on, the Pioneers had no problem getting runners on base, but bringing them around was a different story.

The Pioneers left the bases loaded in the second inning and again in the fourth.

Meanwhile DuBois Central Catholic had taken a lead with a leadoff homerun by Shay Gulvas in the top of the third, to lead 3-2.

It looked as if the Pioneers would take control in the sixth though when designated

player Kiley Meek led off with a single and catcher Kylie Simms walked. West Greene would have the top of the order up with two runners on and nobody out.

“I want that every time,” said Simms.

“If we could rescript this game and you tell me we can have that, We’re gonna take that every time. I’ll take my kids over anybody in those situations.”

But on that day, it was not meant to be. The Lampe twins both popped out and Rizor grounded out to end the inning.

“We just didn’t get the one run we were looking for today,” said Simms.

With two outs in the seventh inning, the Pioneers had one last chance after a Wise walk and a Carpenter single, but with the tying run at third base, the game ended on a groundout by Meek to shortstop Gulvas who made a fine play on the ball.

The Pioneers had stranded 12 runners in the game and had fallen one win short of reaching the State Championship game for the fourth year in a row.

The postseason winning streak ended at 19 games, and Jade Renner suffered her first ever postseason loss.

Let that sink in for a moment….

Renner pitched in 20 postseason games before she experienced the bitter taste of a loss.

Next year the team will look very different, but will have the luxury of a senior pitcher who is a 2-time state champion with a 19-1 postseason record. They will also return starters like Wise, Amos, and Simms.

And make no mistake, there is a winning culture now established with West Greene Softball that will look to continue for years to come.

So much of that can be traced to that amazing Class of 2019.

What a ride it has been!

ion amp tes! le s to ts & Ath n o i t n ula Stude grat Con County ne Gree Ch our

Offering outpat outpatient physical and occupational therapy programs in orthopedics, sports medicine and hand therapy.

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Spo rt Sh o r t s

by Zack Zieglar

Brudnock Commits to Play Football at Waynesburg The West Greene Pioneers Football team is coming off one of their best seasons in recent history in 2018-19, going 6-1 in the Class A Tri-County South conference and making the playoffs for the second season in a row.

One of their offensive leaders, Nathan Brudnock, is taking his talents to the collegiate level.

Brudnock has committed to continue both his academic and football career at Waynesburg University. Brudnock played a big part in the Pioneers success in 18-19, pulling in 23 receptions for 400 yards and four touchdowns during his senior season.

He was the Pioneers leading receiver in their first-round playoff loss to Rochester on

November 2nd when he pulled in two catches for 23 yards in what would be a 52-14 loss ending the Pioneers season.

For his Pioneers career, he finished with 780 receiving yards and nine career touchdowns. Brudnock was also a star on the basketball court where he scored over 1,000 points in his high school career and was a leader for the West Greene offense.

With just 51 days remaining until Waynesburg reports for Fall camp, Brudnock prepares to represent Greene County and West Greene HS as he tries to help Waynesburg back to a Presidents’ Athletic Conference Championship.

Waynesburg Hosts First Ever Football Clinic The Waynesburg University Football team hosted its first annual Football Clinic on June 12th welcoming in young athletes from around the area to learn the basics of the game of football.

The camp was headed by Waynesburg University head football coach Chris Smithley and his coaching staff as well as Waynesburg football players to offer an all-around experience for the athletes.The positions focused on were quarterback, running back, Wide Receiver/Tight End, Offensive Line, Defensive Line, Linebacker, and Defensive Back. Each kid got one on one attention allowing them to

improve their game and learn the fundamentals of each position.

It was a nice turnout for the event at John F. Wiley Stadium as the coaches and students got to interact with the kids while learning the fundamentals of the game.

The Waynesburg Football season kicks off on Saturday September 7th when they take on Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio trying to make it back to the post season for the first time since the 2015 season when they played Buffalo State in the 2014 ECAC Southwest Bowl.

Waynesburg/Carmichaels Kick off Fayette Co. American Legion Baseball Season With the high school baseball seasons coming to an end, many high school athletes move on to summer ball as they continue to play the sport they love. May 27th kicked off the 2019 Fayette County American Legion Baseball season with two local teams in play.

Carmichaels and Waynesburg each have teams in the league and are both off to slow starts to begin the season. As of June 13th, Waynesburg sat with a record of 1-5 while Carmichaels is still looking for their first win of the season at 0-5.

Waynesburg took on Farmington in their last match-up and ended up falling by the final score of 9-3. Waynesburg trailed 5-3

20

heading to the top of the seventh, but Farmington plated four in the inning to claim the victory.

Carmichaels battled trying to get their first win against Colonial 3 on June 12th in their last game, but fell by the final score of 4-2. It was tied 2-2 before Colonial 3’s DJ Zimcosky blasted a two-run home run to down Carmichaels and move their record to 0-5.

The Fayette County American Legion Season runs from May 27th – June 28th and they will host a Region 6 Showcase at Wild Things Park on Thursday June 27th.

Layton Brings Home Gold for Red Raiders at PIAA Track & Field Meet A year ago, Waynesburg Central’s Daniel Layton had a disappointing outing at the PIAA Track & Field Championships. After getting out of the blocks strong in the 110-meter hurdles, he stumbled on the first hurdle and finished in eighth place.

One calendar year later, he bounced back and brought home the gold medal in the event, and was named the PIAA State Champion. Layton entered the 110-Meter Hurdles as the favorite to win the gold and it helped motivate him to be able to avenge a tough outing in his junior season.

After the meet, Layton said “[Being the favorite] helped me a little bit. I knew I was the best and everyone else new as well, and it definitely motivated me.”

A mistake in the submission process almost cost Layton the chance to compete at the event as the WPIAL ruled him ineligible.

However, the PIAA stepped in and overturned the decision giving Layton the chance to run.

He would also compete in the Pole Vault later in the day, but finished with a no-height after having trouble clearing the pole. However, he brought home the first and only gold medal for Waynesburg Central at Shippensburg University.

After graduating from Waynesburg Central, Layton will continue his track & field career at William & Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Carmichael’s Gavin Pratt: GreeneScene’s Baseball Player of the Year It was a competitive season of high school baseball across the Greene County Area that saw five teams make the WPIAL Playoffs across three different classifications.

With the success of the teams came some talented players that proved leaders on the chase for the WPIAL Playoffs.

Standing above the rest was Carmichael’s Gavin Pratt as he was picked as the GreeneScene Magazine Baseball Player of the Year.

Pratt helped lead Carmichaels to the Class 2A Playoff Quarterfinals where they fell to Neshanock 11-1.

Pratt was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the Mighty Mikes order leading the team with a .441 average and driving in

21 RBI. Pratt also led the team in doubles (7), hits (26), and runs scored (18) in his 17 games played.

On the mound, Pratt found just as much success appearing in eight games and finishing 5-0 with a 2.83 ERA. He logged 34.2 innings this season giving up 17 runs, 14 earned, on 34 hits while striking out 40 hitters.

With five seniors leaving the Carmichaels Baseball team, Pratt will look to step up and be a leader for the Mighty Mikes in his Junior season and help keep them in the running for a WPIAL title.

West Greene’s Jade Renner GreeneScene’s Softball Player of the Year It was another magical run for the West Greene Pioneers as they won their fourth straight WPIAL Championship and fell just short of the state championship, falling to Dubois Central Catholic in the Semifinal Round of the PIAA Playoffs.

They add to their team’s list of accomplishments as junior Jade Renner has been named the GreeneScene Magazine Softball Player of the Year. The junior was one of the driving forces for West Greene this season, helping lead the team to the playoffs in every year of her high school softball career.

She capped it off with an impressive year in the circle that saw her go 20-5 with an ERA of 1.68. In her 133 innings of work this sea-

son, she walked just 13 batters and struck out 122 while tossing 11 shutouts, three no-hitters, and one perfect game against Monessen High School on April 23rd in a 17-0 win.

At the plate, Renner was just as good hitting .506 with 37 RBI and 41 hits in 81 at bats this season. She also led the Pioneers with a .544 on base percentage and a .567 slugging percentage.

As West Greene heads to the off-season, Renner has one more year in a Pioneer’s uniform and will have all eyes on her as West Greene competes for a fifth consecutive WPIAL Championship in 2020.

GreeneScene Magazine •

JULY

2019

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JULY 2019

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21

Traveling korean Memorial visits waynesburg

by Stephanie Lampe

O

n a beautiful day at the end of May, the Traveling Korean Memorial arrived at the Greene County Fairgrounds. A large number of volunteers turned out to serve as escorts and to help set up the memorial including local high school football teams from Carmichaels, JeffersonMorgan, Waynesburg, and West Greene.

“It’s the best escort we have ever had,” said Dianne Boggs.

“We have never had that many show up to help out.”

Dianne Boggs, along with Dana Bresler and Jeannie Ignash, is a member of Freedom’s Never Free, a non-profit organization in Lancaster, Ohio. They are the only members who accompany the memorial wherever it goes. As the only traveling memorial for the Korean War, they stay busy from the end of March through the end of October each year. They are willing to travel across the United States and have been as far west as Missouri so far. “We do it for our veterans,” Dianne said.

The Greene County Veterans Council, the VFW, the American Legion, had been working on getting the memorial to the area for over a year. When the schedules finally matched up, Rick Black, head of the event, was very pleased and excited. Despite all of his hard work and all of the kind words from Dianne, Dana, and Jeannieh, Rick remained humble. He was just happy that veterans and others attended. “We had quite a few Korean War Veterans here,” Rick said.

The idea for the traveling memorial came about at the Freedom’s Never Free annual event to honor veterans, military personnel, first responders, and their families. They were

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already doing a traveling memorial for World War II, but they wanted to display one for the Korean War. They tried everywhere, but couldn’t find one, so they decided to make one themselves. Dianne and Jeannie went to Washington, D.C. to look at and study the Korean memorial there. Afterwards, the organization began to build their own Korean memorial little by little.

The Traveling Korean Memorial has the same layout as the memorial in D.C. except for one additional statue holding an American flag. “That statue is there in memory of my dad,” Dianne said. The statues have a metal skeleton covered with Korean War era Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUs) from a military surplus store. Over the BDUs are ponchos which were made by members of Freedom’s Never Free. The guns are made of wood, but are modeled after real guns of that time.

There are 19 statues in all...14 Army, 3 Marine, 1 Navy, and 1 Air Force. The display was open 24 hours a day from May 31st through June 2nd. It was guarded from 6 p.m. through 6 a.m.

The memorial is funded through direct donations. “It is striking at night with the lights on,” Dianne said.

It’s unclear how many visited the display even with the ‘sign in’ book, but it’s safe to say people of all ages, from children fascinated by the statues to veterans swapping stories, enjoyed the display. The ceremony held inside of one building was standing room only. There was also a display of local veterans in another building.

“The most rewarding thing is listening to the veterans

Jeannie Ignash, Dana Bresler and Dianne Boggs travel with the memorial as it makes it way across the US.

stories and seeing their reactions to the memorial,” Jeannie said. “I also love talking to the kids.”

Freedom’s Never Free is looking to make a few changes.

They are currently making molds of Korean War Veterans hands. They will use these molds to make new hands for the statues which will replace the current ones. Molds were taken of two local veterans while the memorial was in Waynesburg.

They are also working to expand their number of displays.

Work has begun on “Small Conflicts” and “First Responders.”

The organization is also looking to travel to smaller venues.

“There are so many veterans that cannot make it to D.C. to see the [Korean] memorial. We are all for going to assisted living facilities,” Dianne said.

When thinking about our country’s wars, the Korean War is low on the list of ones that first come to mind. It’s not a long lesson taught in school. For a while it was referred to by Washington, D.C. as a ‘conflict’ instead of a war. Documentaries and books about the Korean War are few and far between.

The fact that there seems to be little common knowledge about the Korean War is the reason the it has been nicknamed “The Forgotten War.” Freedom’s Never Free is working hard to make sure that the Korean War Veterans and the 54,246 Americans who lost their lives are not forgotten.

For more information, visit the Facebook page for Freedom’s Never Free or their website at www.freedomsneverfree. com.

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GET READY TO BAKE! Jacktown Fair Parade!

T M any families in Greene County look forward to the arrival of Jacktown and Greene County fairs for more reasons than you know. One treat is getting to be the test panel for the bakers in the family who are planning to compete in one or more of the baking contests that bring out the best cooks in the county. Here are four that offer the highest premiums and a chance to advance to state competition.

All four contests will be held at each fair, at Jacktown on July 16, and Greene County Fair on Aug 5. Entrants in each of these contests must be Pennsylvania residents, and may not have won 1st place in the same contest at any other 2019 fair. Cash prizes will be awarded at all of the local contests and the 1st place winners in each will also advance to the state finals at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January for a chance at $500 cash prize for the winning recipe in each contest. For more information and full contest rules, contact Melody Burns for the Jacktown Fair at 724-428-3617 or Jean Scott for the Greene County Fair at 724-627-9756.

(Please note that the Greene County Fair has an entry deadline of June 30.) Entry forms and rules may also be found online at www. jacktownfair.org.

The INCREDIBLE Angel Food Cake Sponsored by Pennsylvania Egg Farmers and the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. There are two main types of cakes, butter and foam (egg-leavened). Angel food is the classic example of a foam cake.

The cake is 100% fat free and, because of the eggs, is a good source of the highest quality protein, as well as a source of choline, which is essential to memory and brain development. Prizes awarded will be 1st place: $25; 2nd place: $15; and 3rd place: $10. When entering your cake, which must be made from scratch and should use eggs produced in Pennsylvania, you must also submit the recipe. Cakes will be judged on the following categories and percentages: 30% Flavor (smell, taste, flavoring), 25%; Inside Characteristics (texture, lightness), 20%; Overall Appearance (surface, size, color), 15%; Creativity, 10%; Topping, Icing or Decoration.

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest Sponsored by The Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, this is among the most popular contests and sought after award. Over 100 fairs across Pennsylvania will offer cash prizes for the best pie.

Jacktown Fair’s and Greene County Fair’s contests are preliminary competitions that lead to the selection of the final Blue Ribbon Apple Pie winner held each January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The first place

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he legendary Jackwinner at the Farm Show will be awarded a town Fair, held July cash prize of $500.00 for their winning entry.

16 - 20, 2019, is celOther cash prizes will also be available for ebrating 154 years this year. the top five entries.

Pies do not have to be traditional two The celebration actually becrusted pies, and can have other ingredients gins with a worship service in the filling, though it must be 60% apples. at 10am on Sunday, July 14 Judging will be based on total score up to and Queen and Princess 100 points according to these categories: Competition at 7pm that Flavor - 30 points; Filling consistency, done- evening at the Fairgrounds ness, moistness & flavor - 25 points; Crust in Wind Ridge, Pa. The Jacktown Fair is color, flavor, texture, doneness - 20 points; Overall Appearance - 15 points; Creativity - sponsored by the Richhill Agricultural Society, origi10 points.

So dig out that favorite apple pie recipe nally named The Richhill size tractor. This contest was introduced last and give it a try. You could end up being the Agricultural, Mechanical, and Manufactur- year, in addition to the regular float contest in ing Association in its charter formed July Blue Ribbon Apple Pie winner. which winning entries receive $100, $75, $50, 6, 1866. The first Jacksonville Fair (as it was Homemade Chocolate Cake and $25. Both float contests will utilize this Sponsored by the Pennsylvania State initially named) occurred on October 3rd year’s fair theme “There’s No Time Like Fair Association of County Fairs (PSACF). A and 4th of that same year. The 154th Annual Time!” Float entries will be judged on their contest participant must be an individual Jacktown Fair will kick off with the Jacktown attractiveness, design, workmanship, use of amateur baker, the entry must be a layered Fair Parade on Tuesday, July 16, beginning at the theme, originality and other elements. chocolate cake made from “scratch”. The 6:30pm.

Groups, individuals - anyone wishing to enter In addition to the Grand Marshall, John entry must be frosted and the frosting must a float corresponding to this year’s theme is also be made from “scratch”. The cake recipe Hildreth of Sycamore riding with wife Louise, encouraged to do so. must feature chocolate or cocoa as a main the parade will feature Amber Finch, daughThe Jacktown Fair Board invites all interter of Bonnie and Allen Shough of Wind ingredient. ested bands, businesses, churches, fire comPA Preferred Junior Baking Cookies, Ridge and Michael Finch of Bristoria, the panies, groups, organizations and individuals reigning 2018 Jacktown Fair Queen, the new Brownies and Bars to participate in the parade. If you have an Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Depart- 2019 Jacktown Fair Princess, and the contes- interesting, entertaining, showy or unusual ment of Agriculture’s PA Preferred program tants vying for this year’s Fair Queen. State item - your entry is welcomed. Antique and and coordinated by the Pennsylvania State and local dignitaries will make an appearance classic cars, clowns, horses, regional/ local Association of County Fairs. The goal of in the parade, along with various community queens and princesses…everyone’s invited to this PA Preferred Junior Baking Contest is groups and entries in the float contests. join the parade!

The Jacktown Fair Parade offers prize to encourage young people across the ComContact parade chair Marcia Sonneborn monwealth to participate in Pennsylvania’s money in two float contests. The mini float as soon possible, so the parade’s line can be agricultural fairs by showcasing Pennsylva- contest, with prizes of $40, $30, $20, & $10 constructed. Your date of entry will be taken nia grown and produced products in their features floats constructed on a child’s wagon, into consideration when forming the parade a wheel barrow, garden cart, small cart, etc. contest entries. line. FMI, call 724-428-4344 or email: marciaA contest participant must be an in- It can be hand pulled or pulled by a lawn sonne@windstream.net. dividual amateur baker age 8 through and including 18 years old and a resident of PA. The cookies, brownies or bars entry CRUST FILLING TOPPING must include include two PA 6 cups peeled and cored apples 1 cup brown sugar 2 cups flour Preferred ingredients. A com2 tbsp sugar 2 cups blueberries 1/2 cup oats prehensive list of products is 1/2 cup flour 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp melted butter available at papreferred.com.

1/2 tsp baking powder 1 cup sugar 1/2 tsp cinnamon These two fairs’ contests 1/3 cup shortening 1/4 cup cornstarch 1 stick butter are preliminary competitions 1 tbsp apple pie spice 1/3 cup butter that lead to the selection of the 1/2 tsp cinnamon Mix dry ingredients then cut 1 tbsp vegetable oil final PA Preferred Junior Bakin butter. Sprinkle on top of pie 1 tbsp vinegar 1/4 tsp nutmeg ing Contest Cookies, Brownies 1/3 cup heavy cream filling. and Bars blue ribbon winners Mix all ingredients together. each January at the PennsylvaMix flour, sugar, salt and bak- Roll out crust and fit into pie Bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees. nia Farm Show in Harrisburg. ing powder in large bowl. Cut pan. Place filling in pan.

Mix 1 tbsp milk and enough First place winners at the Farm powdered sugar to form a glaze. in shortening and butter. Mix Show will be awarded a cash oil, vinegar and cream then mix Drizzle on cooled pie. grand prize of $500 for the into flour mixture and knead. winning PA Preferred cookie, Refrigerate for 1 hour. brownie or bar recipe.

- Carrie Hawk, East Millsboro, winner of Jacktown’s Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest

APPLE BLUEBERRY CRUMBLE PIE

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Tractor and Truck Pulls at the Greene County Fair!

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ruck and tractor pulls are always a crowd pleaser at the Greene County Fair, and this year, in addition to the fair’s Hot Farm and Farm Stock Tractor Pulls on Monday, August 5, Power Pulling Productions will be presenting two shows to meet all your tractor and truck pulling needs.

On Tuesday, August 6th, Power Pulling Productions will present truck pulls featuring: • 8,000 lb. Open Street Diesel 4x4 • Limited Pro Stock Diesel Trucks • Pro Stock 4x4 Trucks On Saturday, the big show brings you the best of both worlds with Power Pulling Pro-

duction’s Truck & Tractor Pulls. The event on Saturday is always a favorite and brings in the crowds loyal to both truck and tractor pulls.

• Super Stock 4X4 Trucks • Limited Pro/Super Farm Tractors • 20,000 lb. Open Street Semi’s • Pro Modified 4WD Trucks Located just north of Pittsburgh, Power Pulling Productions is sanctioned by Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League and 3 out of the 4 events on Saturday fall within those sanctions. They’ve been bringing quality entertainment to the Greene County Fair for over a decade.

Axe Women Loggers of Maine Show

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he Axe Women Loggers of Maine are bringing their lumberjill show to the Jacktown Fair on July 20th! The all female timber sports athletes are world champion choppers, sawyers, logrollers and axe throwers; they have performed all over the United States and Canada. In addition to the shows, the members of the team all compete professionally and members hold several world records and titles. The team also loves to educate others about the sport.

Axe Women was started eight years ago by Alissa Wetherbee.

She has been compet-

ing in timbersports for eighteen years. She is an IronJill and has competed in in New York at the World’s Open Lumberjill Contest several times, winning the Peavey Log Rolling and Axe Throwing Championships. Alissa is also involved in preserving the heritage of the timbersports and serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the Maine Forest & Logging Museum in Bradley, Maine. Alissa and her husband Mike have competed together in timbersports for several years.

When you want great old fashioned family fun, the Axe Women Loggers of Maine show is where it’s at!

GreeneScene by Alicia Henderson

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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BLACK CAT HELL DRIVERS

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et ready for a high-energy, familyfriendly night of danger and comedy that will leave you on the edge of your seat! The Black Cat Hell Drivers are coming to the Greene County Fair on Wednesday, August 7th, and will be performing their 70-minute thrill show, featuring classic thrill show stunts like: multi-car precision stunt driving, two wheel stunt driving, car crashes, spins, motorcycle stunts, ramp jumps and more.

The Black Cat Hell Drivers are the only operating new-car automobiles stunt tour in North America. Based out of Ohio, most of their shows are performed east of the Mississippi and they can often be found at state and county fairs. The team uses newer model cars, such as Avengers and Darts, to perform most of their stunt driving, but they queen of the show is the stripped, 217-cubiinch 1937 Dodge named Lucy.

The Black Cat Hell Drivers pride themselves on

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keeping an American tradition, dating back to 1934. Alive.

Johhny “Dean of Daredevilry” Wiser, president and producer of the Black Cat Hell Drivers, started his career in 1972 with King Kovaz’s Auto-Daredevils. Since then, Johnny has served as a stunt driver for the Jack Kochman Hell Drivers, Hollywood Stunt World, and Toyota Hollywood Stunt Show. Also on the team is Tonny Peterson and Robert Kramer, known as “The Voice of the Black Cat Hell Drivers.”

Catch their show on Wednesday, August 7th at 8:00pm at the Greene County Fair and be prepared to see hair-raising performances that will bring the crowd to their feet!

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Chaos in Coal Country! It’s Derby Time!

F air season’s almost here! 4-H members will be proudly showing their projects, thrills and chills will be felt on carnival rides, queens will be crowned, games will be played, and everyone’s diets will go out the window after smelling all of the guilty pleasures awaiting them at the food stands.

Queens change, food stands change, even the entertainment can change, but the one event that remains a favorite is the demolition derby.

This year’s derby will be operated and officiated by Hard Core Derby Promotions.

This company is committed to keeping the derby fun; they make safety and fairness a priority while still giving the audience what they want. Hear the engines rev, the sound of crunching metal, and the roar of the crowd...

But what would a demolition derby be without drivers? Without those dedicated to giving new life to old cars? Well, it wouldn’t be a derby at all! So let’s meet five drivers who will run in the 2019 Greene County Demolition Derby.

Larry Freeman of Waynesburg has been participating in demolition derbies since 1987. It all started when his uncle gave him a ‘76 AMC Matador. He and his friends decided it was to run the car and worked together to get it ready. However, things didn’t work out very well that first time. “We didn’t do too good,” Larry shares, “But it all snowballed from there.”

Larry Freeman is getting ready for his 28th year of running in derbies. There was a period when he didn’t participate - the years he spent in the military serving our country.

He usually runs in four derbies per year. In addition to the Greene County Fair, he runs at the Washington County Fair, West Alexander Fair, and the Westmoreland County Fair; he is looking to add in New Alexandria.

“I love smashing cars,” he laughs.

Larry used to travel to Alabama to get his cars. Today, he relies on derby community pages on Facebook. He went from get-

One of Larry Freeman’s car after a derby run.

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by Stephanie Lampe

ting whatever he could find to locating such favored cars as the Lincoln and the Grand Marquis. “Those people [on Facebook] know what to look for,” says Larry.

Larry said it takes him about two months to prepare his car. He has a full time job plus he doesn’t work on the car every day. His wife and daughter get involved by doing the painting. He always uses the colors red, white, and blue because of the time he spent in the military. He uses either #6 (his daughter’s softball number) or #8 (he’s a fan of NASCAR’s Dale Jarrett). He has one sponsor, Moates Taxidermy.

When asked why he enjoys demolition derbies, Larry says, “Besides crashing cars, which I love, I would have to say because of the derby community. A bond is made. We help each other out.”

Jordan Cooke of Waynesburg got involved with derbies through watching his father. “He’s done a lot of derbies, and I’d be right by his side helping him.”

Jordan is going into his 5th year and has ran in 7 derbies. In addition to the Greene County Fair Demolition Derby, he has run at Fayette County Fair, Hookstown, PA, and just recently ran in Paw Paw, WV. Jordan’s father, every now and then, will still get into a car and run beside him. He even helps out Jordan when he can and now his brother has developed an interest. However, mostly it’s just Jordan doing the work.

“Most of the time, it’s me out in the garage spending long nights working on the next ride,” Jordan says.

Jordan doesn’t use any particular car. He looks for something that runs and that he can drive. He has found many of his cars from friends, and the last two were actually given to him. Also, like many other derby drivers, he turns to Facebook and checks out a couple of groups where people sell cars.

Jordan has stuck with the same colors since his first derby car, black and red. He uses the number 29 on his derby cars. It’s the

same number he uses for sports and everything else. If he works hard and long enough, it’s possible for him to finish his car in 2-3 days. Currently, he has no sponsors.

“The part that I enjoy most would be pulling up to the hometown track where all your friends and family are and getting the butterflies until the green flag drops and you make that first hit. Then you hear the crowd standing on their feet cheering for the hardest hit!”

Corey John of Carmichaels has loved the demolition derby since he was a little kid.

He has been involved with derbies for a long time, but just started running in derbies himself last year. He ran at the Greene County Fair and West Alexander Fair.

Since Corey has just started competing, he doesn’t have a favorite car yet. He normally buys a car from someone on Facebook or he will rent from a local junk man. His main focus this year has been on the Chevy Lumina and different cars from Toyota. It will take him anywhere from two weeks to six months to prepare a car.

“It just depends on other things I have going on,” Corey says. “My wife and kids help a lot. Anytime I’m working on cars, they are there with me.”

Since Corey is a fairly new derby driver and most colors are taken, he uses black, white, and purple. He uses his oldest son’s birthday, 321, for the number on his car. His sponsors are King’s Construction Company, Mom With No Filter Designs and Crafts, Mamaz Hair Salon, and Chad Corwin.

“I really enjoy the people and sportsmanship and the adrenaline rush. There’s nothing like the feeling you get when you enter the track, your name and number are announced then you make that first hit! It’s all just amazing!”

Shane Yeager is another driver from Carmichaels. Like many others, he got involved with derbies through his family.

“A lot of my family members run in the

Jordan Cooke with his car and trophies after a successful run.

derbies, and some of them help with the cars.

This year is going to be my wife’s first time running, but she’s always helping with cars.”

Shane has been running in derbies for 11 years and has been in over 20 derbies. In addition to the Greene County Fair Demolition Derby, he also runs at the Fayette County Fair.

Shane has no particular car in mind when looking for his next derby car. Sometimes he will drive around and find one or search through his friend’s junk yard. Like others, he uses Facebook, too.

When it comes down to paint colors, Shane doesn’t use any specific color(s). This year, he’s chosen to go with red, white, and blue. His number is 747 every year. He takes about two months to get his car prepared. He has two sponsors: Jack’s Excavating, his place of employment, and Chad Corwin.

“The part I enjoy the most is getting to smash up the car because it is a rush, and you don’t think about anything else.”

Justin Yeager is the reigning champion of the Greene County Fair Demolition Derby. In fact he has won for five consecutive years. If he wins again this year, he will break a record. Justin was born and raised in Waynesburg, but now resides in Carmichaels.

He also runsat many other derbies in various locations. Most recently, he ran at Bash for Cash in Chillicothe, OH. Running in derbies is a family affair. Justin’s cousin is Shane Yeager, but it was his dad who got him involved. He has been running for about 15 years, but remembers watching his dad since he was 3 years old. On June 22nd, his daughter, Marissa, will be running with number M727 on her car in the youth compact class with her dad by her side in the passenger seat.

When it comes to cars, Justin likes the Crown Victoria and Lincoln. He finds his cars through Facebook, Craigslist, or through friends. A few people will help, but he does a lot of the work himself.

“It takes a good while to build a car de-

Corey John’s purple and black cars sport 321, his son’s birthday.

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pending on the different shows and different rules. Normally, it takes months.”

Justin’s number is 727 and Fonner’s Brush Hogging is his sponsor. The inspiration for his choice of colors comes from his dad. “My dad always ran orange and black cars. From my first car to my recent, the car has been orange and black.”

Justin enjoys the day of the derby most. He loves the adrenaline, roaring engines, crunching metal, and the cheering fans. But is there some secret to his success?

“There’s no secret. I just get in there and go with the flow. I don’t really get nervous, but I do get butterflies when pulling into the arena. They go away once my heat starts.”

Justin’s daughter, Marissa, will be running in the youth class this year.

Shane Yeager and his daughter at the derby.

Justin Yeager is the reigning Greene Co. Fair champ.

2019 Little Miss Firecracker Pageant

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DELANIE STOPKA

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• GreeneScene Magazine

n Thursday, July 4th at 6:00PM, the Little Miss Firecracker Pageant, sponsored by the Waynesburg Lions Club , will be held at the Greene County Fairgrounds during the club’s annual Fourth of July Celebration.

The pageant will take place on the main stage in front of the grandstand, with rehearsal the night before also on the main stage at 6:00 PM. It is a noncompetitive pageant for girls ages 5 to 8 ( as of July 4,2018). The participants will appear in patriotic attire and each will be interviewed on stage.

Little Miss Firecracker is determined by each contestant drawing a wrapped flower from a basket, with the off-colored flower determining the new queen for 2019. The winner will receive a crown, sash, trophy and bouquet. Each contestant receives a participation medal.

The reigning 2018 Little Miss Firecracker, Bridgette Garber, daughter of Shelby King and Jason Garber, will crown the new queen.

FMI , please contact Eleanor Chapman at (724) 627-5284.

AUBREY CZAKO

TATUM MOORE

SKYLER KING

TAYLOR BURFORD

The contestants for 2019 are: • Casey Taylor Burford, daughter of Tara Taylor of Waynesburg.

• Aubrey Czako, daughter of Doug and Laura Czako of Mt Morris.

• Skylar King, daughter of Lauren Keys and Danny Wright of Carmichaels.

• Tatum Brielle Moore, daughter of Craig and Alicia Moore of Waynesburg.

• Delanie Nicola Stopka, daughter of Michael and Laura Stopka of Amity.

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Community Foundation of Greene County 2019 Scholarships

Congratulations to our 2019 Scholarship Award Recipients! Many thanks to the donors and their families and friends who have made these awards possible!

108 E. High Street

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P.O. Box 768

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C

hris Higbee Band will be returning to the Greene County Fair for 2019, playing Thursday, August 8th at 8:15pm.

Chris founded the Poverty Neck Hillbillies (PNH) in 2000, delivering uniquely wild and energetic concerts across the country on stages, rooftops and anything else Higbee could fathom a way to play from! PNH performed for seven years before disbanding, acquiring an international fan base, distributing two records and releasing a No. 2 nationally rated video, “Mr. Right Now.” Chris is now performing as a solo artist.

Chris Higbee grew up a farm boy with a musical curiosity and a diligent mother and father. That curiosity quickly became a passion that drove his dreams.

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724-627-2010

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cfgcpa@gmail.com

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www.cfgcpa.org

Gregory and Mary Lou Niverth Scholarship

Victor and Anna Mae Wancheck Beghini Scholarship

William & Shirley Hanley Scholarship

Darlene Phillips Scholarship

Army Specialist Gregory A. Cox Scholarship

Aaron Anthony Haywood Scholarship

Walter Samek III Scholarship

William H. Davis, Jr. Scholarship

Thelma S. Hoge Scholarship

$1,500 to Ashley Cumberledge from West Greene High School - Will attend Gannon University

Robert Scott Scholarship

$1,000 to Haley Blair - Will attend Westmoreland County Community College

Rocky Doman Memorial Scholarship

Thelma S. Hoge Scholarship

Thelma J. Szarell Scholarship

Rocky Doman Memorial Scholarship

Linda Kostak Memorial Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

Dove Award

R.A. Matteucci Family Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

Enstrom Family Scholarship

R.A. Matteucci Family Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

Enstrom Family Scholarship

Evelyn Minor Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

Jesse Benson Finnegan Scholarship

Evelyn Minor Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

Russell A. Guthrie Scholarship

George L. Misher and Anne Misher Scholarship

EQT Students of Excellence

$3,000 to Hannah Dusenberry from Mapletown High School - Will attend University of Pittsburgh

$3,000 to Gabrielle Muilenburg from Mapletown High School - Will attend Waynesburg University

$1,500 to Alexandra Lavery from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend University of Pittsburgh Greensburg

$1,000 to Matthew Barrish from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend Fairmont State University

$1,000 to Kaitlyn Rizor from West Greene High School - Will attend West Virginia Wesleyan

$3,000 to Joelle Pahanish from Jefferson-Morgan High School Will attend California University of Pennsylvania

$500 to Brynn Boyd from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend Duquesne University

$500 to Joelle Pahanish from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend California University of Pennsylvania

$1,000 to Randy Shaffer from Waynesburg Central High School - Will attend Pittsburgh Technical College

$500 to Brynn Boyd from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend Duquesne University

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Waynesburg, PA 15370

William & Shirley Hanley Scholarship

Victor and Anna Mae Wancheck Beghini Scholarship

$1,000 to Hannah Dusenberry from Mapletown High School - Will attend University of Pittsburgh $1,000 to Alexandra Lavery from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend University of Pittsburgh Greensburg

$1,000 to Selena Phillips from Waynesburg Central High School - Will attend Morehead State University

$1,500 to Andrew Wise from West Greene High School - Will attend Geneva College

$1,000 to Micaela Ricco from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend Penn State - Fayette

$1,000 to Joelle Pahanish from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend California University of Pennsylvania

$1,000 to Kaitlin Wood from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend West Virginia University

$1,250 to Hannah Dusenberry from Mapletown High School - Will attend University of Pittsburgh

$750 to Brandon Donley from Mapletown High School - Will attend West Virginia University

$2,000 to Kaitlin Wood from JeffersonMorgan High School - Will attend West Virginia University

$1,000 to Cameron Cernuska from Jefferson-Morgan High School - Will attend Bucknell University

$1,200 to Madoleen Grim from Mapletown High School - Will attend Alderson-Broaddus University

$500 to Finnegan Dobosh from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend St. Vincent College

$500 to Daniel Layton from Waynesburg Central High School - Will attend The College of William & Mary

$1,000 to Savanah Pettit from West Greene High School - Will attend West Virginia University

$72,000 to Joseph Reed from West Greene High School - Will attend Grove City College

$1,000 to Matthew Barrish from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend Fairmont State University

$1,000 to Cameron Cernuska from Jefferson-Morgan High School - Will attend Bucknell University

$1,000 to Joseph Kurincak from Carmichaels Area High School - Will attend Penn State - Fayette

$1,000 to Selena Phillips from Waynesburg Central High School - Will attend Morehead State University

$1,000 to Andrew Wise from West Greene High School - Will attend Geneva College

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Public Service Profile

By Jessica Price

BRIDGES PUBLIC SAFETY SUPPORT NETWORK

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ne of the jobs of a first responder is to keep their cool in a high stress environment. Every day they experience situations that are likely to cause high amounts of stress or trauma and can otherwise be detrimental to a person’s mental health.

Edward Walkos experienced this stress first hand; he also witnessed coworkers and friends dealing with their stress in unhealthy ways. He, with the help of fellow EMTs Rebekah Miller and Paul Thomas, sought out training through a class at UPMC’s Western Psychiatric Hospital. They attended a three-day course, Critical Incident Stress Management, where they learned skills to help individuals at risk of a crisis, as well as how to maximize team effectiveness during an emergency, and minimize the impact of traumatic stress on first responders.

They then created the Bridges Public Support Network, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to bring our communities first responders together, decrease their workplace related stress, and improve their mental health. Every month they host a game night with an open invitation to any first responder in the area and their families. Walkos explains that the purpose of this event is to bring everyone together and to improve the comradery among our area’s first responders. Trained team members from Bridges are present to talk with anyone who needs to talk, but they also are looking to provide a safe and healthy way for first responders to deal with the stress of their job. He adds, “We are all on the same team,” and events like these will promote a stronger sense of team work in the field as police officers, fire fighters, EMT’s, and dispatchers all come together and spend time in a positive environment.

The organization also holds events like their EMS appreciation week celebration, where they gave out prizes throughout the week and ended the week with a BBQ. These events open to any first responder and their

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• GreeneScene Magazine

families; it’s a chance to get together, enjoy a meal together and engage in conversations either about their jobs, or not. Walkos shares that the best way to keep up to date on these events is to like their organization on Facebook or seek out the fliers posted with all first responder stations in the county.

The organization will be partnering with the Pennsylvania Region 13 Task Force, who organizes the response to any critical incident or disaster in the southwest region of Pennsylvania. Walkos and his team at Bridges will provide the mental health support component to the first responders in the task force.

In addition to these planned events, Walkos, Miller, and Thomas, along with new members, Kris Burge, Jodi Boosel, and Tommy Sneddon, are always available for personal phone calls, emails, or face to face meetings with anyone who feels like they need someone to talk to, or some stress management coaching. They can be reached through their Facebook page or through their office number, 878-379-6491.

Washington Health System Greene New CT Machine

Bridges EMT Appreciation week ended with a BBQ for first responders and their families.

Greater Patient Comfort Shorter Exam Times Reduced Radiation State-of-the-art Diagnostic Accuracy Larger table that can accommodate pediatric to bariatric patients (up to 660lbs)

To schedule an appointment call (724) 250-6000

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EQT Students of Excellence Scholarships

Local Student Nominated for the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Boston, MA Kaileigh Coneybeer, a freshman at Jefferson-Morgan High School will be a freshman delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders in Lowell, MA held at the end of June.

The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students interested in the medical field. The event is to honor, inspire, motivate, and direct top students in the country and provide a path, plan, and resources to help them reach their goal.

Kaileigh’s nomination letter was signed

by Dr. Mario Capecchi, winner of the Nobel Prize in Medicine and the Science Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical scientist. She was chosen to represent Pennsylvania based on her academic achievements, leadership potential, and determination to serve humanity in the field of medicine.

During the three-day Congress, Kaileigh will join students fro across the country and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science winners talk about leading medical research, receive advice from top medical school deans, witness stories told by patients of medical miracles, and learn about cuttingedge advancements in medical technology.

She will also be able to witness an operation.

“I always wanted to help people,” says Kaileigh of her interest in the medical field.

Initially interested in medical journalism, Kaileigh is now focused on oncology. A family friend with cancer, Cathy Polen, inspired

Kaileigh’s change of direction, “I thought of her and decided I wanted to help people like Cathy.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing the surgery the most, as well as meeting people already working in the medical field,” she says in anticipation of her trip.

Kaileigh is a top student at school taking advanced placemat classes, psychology and sociology, classes and participating engineering/STEM programs. She is a member of the National Junior Honor Society, on the Principal’s Council, plays volleyball and enjoys hiking, running, riding her bike, kayaking and hanging out with friends.

Students Raise Money For St. Jude

Carmichaels Are High School seniors Grace Kerr and Joseph Kurincak organized a 5k run/walk this past spring to benefit St. Jude

Children’s Research Hospital. The two National Honor Society students raised $2,100 for the hospital.

Pictured L-R: John Hess (Carmichaels NJHS Representative), Joseph Kurincak, Grace Kerr, and Emily Harrison (St. Jude Representative)

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Six outstanding Greene County students were honored as recipients of the inaugural EQT Students of Excellence Scholarship according to the Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC).

The EQT Students of Excellence Scholarship was established by The EQT Foundation at CFGC earlier this year to provide the six scholarships for local students planning to purse a degree in a field that supports the fossil fuel industry, such as, computer science or information technology, civil, chemical or petroleum engineering, energy or land management, environmental science, geology, safety science or welding. The new scholarship fund provides one award of up to $72,000 - up to $18,000 per school year for four years of postsecondary education. The other five scholarships are one-time $1,000 awards.

“The generosity of the EQT Foundation in providing these scholarship opportunities is unparalleled in Greene County,” said Jeff McCracken, Chairman of the CFGC Board of Directors. “We are honored to partner with them to bring such a life-changing opportunity to our students.”

“The EQT Foundation strives to identify opportunities that impact the communities we serve in powerful ways,” said Dave Smith, President of the EQT Foundation. “And what better way to shape the future than by supporting the education of tomorrow’s leaders and innovators.”

Joseph Reed received the EQT Students of Excellence scholarship valued at up to $72,000 over four years of college. In addition to the scholarship certificate, Reed also received a presentation check to commemorate his award.

Reed, who is graduating from West Greene High School is the son of Robert and Karen Reed of Center Township. He will be attending Grove City College, in Grove City, Pennsylvania, with a major in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Chemical Engineering. At West Greene, Reed is President of the National Honor Society and Calculus Club, Treasurer of the West Greene Engineering Club, and member of the Peer Mentoring

team and Ski Club. He served as captain of the West Greene Basketball and Baseball teams.

He also served as secretary of the Greene County 4-H Swine Club and participated in many school, community and church volunteer activities. He earlier experienced a job shadowing opportunity with a civil engineer at the Beaver Cracker Plan construction site.

The following students each received a $1,000 scholarship: Matthew Barrish, Cameron Cernuska, Joseph Kurincak, Selena Phillips, and Andrew Wise.

Matthew Barrish, the son of Andy and Kristen Barrish of Carmichaels, is graduating from Carmichaels Area High School. He will attend Fairmont State University in Fairmon West Virginia majoring in Civil Engineering.

Cameron Cernuska, graduating from Jefferson-Morgan High School, is the son of Steve and Juliann Cernuska of Jefferson. He plans to attend Bucknell University with a major in Chemical Engineering.

Joseph Kurincak is the son of Bernard and Donna Kurincak of Carmichaels. Graduating form Carmichaels Area High School, he plans to attend Penn State – Fayette to major in Environmental Systems Engineering.

Selena Phillips, graduating from Waynesburg Central High School, is the daughter of Jim and Paulette Phillips of Spraggs. She plans to attend Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky with a major in Petroleum Engineering. Phillips will participate in the 3-2 engineering program with 3 years at Morehead and 2 years at Penn State University.

Andrew Wise, son of Andy and Mary Ellen Wise of Graysville, is graduating from West Green High School. He will attend Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa. and plans to major in Civil Engineering.

“The selection committee was impressed with the quality of the applications we received,” commented Lucy Corwin, chairperson of the CFGC scholarship selection committee. “The eligible students who applied should be proud of their accomplishments in high school and we are confident they will succeed as they further their education.”

Pictured L-R: Dave Smith, President, The EQT Foundation, Selena Phillips, Joseph Kurincak, Andrew Wise, Joseph Reed, Matthew Barrish, Cameron Cernuska, and Jeff McCracken, Chairman, Community Foundation of Greene County

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Memorial Bridge Dedication A special memorial bridge dedication ceremony was held May 24 to honor Army Pfc. Brent A. McClellan, a native of Clarksville who served with dignity and honor during the Vietnam War, at the site of the newly constructed Clarksville bridge.

McClellan, a 1963 graduate of Jefferson-Morgan High School in Jefferson, Greene County, served as an infantryman to the 1st Platoon, B Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Calvary, 1st Calvary Division. On Feb. 28, 1966, McClellan was killed in an ambush by hostile forces in Bihn Dihn Province in South Vietnam.

He received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.Prior to his service in Vietnam, McClellan served in the honor guard at Fort Myers in Virginia, where he was chosen to stand by the grave of President John F. Kennedy.

Members of McClellan’s family were joined by State Rep. Pam Snyder, state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, Commissioners Blair Zimmerman, Dave Coder and Archie Trader, the Fredericktown American Legion, and Pastor Carl Liepold.

Nashville Trip 2019 Nathanael Greene CDC is planning a 4 day trip to Nashville on October 2th-6th.

The trip will include lodging, transportation,4 shows, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner. Also included: tour of the Titanic, Hatfield and McCoy Dinner Feud, Biltmore Estate Tour with lunch, Smoky Mountain Opry, General Jackson Show /lunch, Grand

Ole Opry. We will also tour RCA Studio and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Free time in Gatlinburg and Nashville to shop and explore. If interested, contact shine201027@ yahoo.com or call 724-943-4462 Pick up will be in Fayette and Greene County and Morgantown starting at 5 am. Cost for the trip per person is $1100.00 dbl.

CORRECTION Last month the GreeneScene featuring a girl feeding a cow was by Karen Cappellini. The GreeneScene featuring horses

in a field was by Angela Crawford. We apologize for the mix-up!

2019 Community Builders The 16th sereis of Community Builders will begin late August. Applications are being accepted through August 16th. Community Builders provides training for persons interested in volunteering their time and talents to support nonprofit oprganizations. The program explores leadership,

development, board governance, planning, marketing and more. Each participant is asked to pay $150 tiotion fee. Applications are available online at www.cfgcpa.org/ community-builders/. FMI call 724-6272010 or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.

Greene Arc Recycling Update

Effective July 1, 2019, glass will no longer be accepted by the Greene Arc Recycling Program. Residents will be able to add household glass bottles and jars to their regular

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garbage. Glass costs more to collect, store, andhandle than we are receiving from glass buyers. Questions? Call Mimi Ritenour at 724-852-5300.

Military Overseas Donations

Carmichaels VFW Auxiliary Post 3491 has received a grant for supplies and shipping costs for our overseas military personnel. They are asking for your help by donating non-perishable items. Items will be shipped as boxes are filled. You may also

include a card or a letter. Examples of items requested: beef jerky, gum, mints, hard candy, trail mix, sunflower seeds, current magazines, crossword puzzles, protein bars, white socks, toothpaste, paper, pens, DVDs, razors, gummy bears, dried fruit, etc.

Sheep & Fiber Festival Contest Results PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST Scenery First: Anne Cherry Second: Kelly Edgar Third: Jerry Hardy Animals First: Anne Cherry Second: Betsy Ohler Third: Jerry Hardy People First: Rebecca Reeb Second: Sioux Harbarger Third: Betsy Ohler Still Life First: Anne Cherry Youth First: Erin Harbarger People’s Choice: Anne Cherry Judge’s Choice: Anne Cherry FIBER ARTS CONTEST Cowls First: Lena Galing Second: Rose Mastronni Woven First: Deborah Hart Second: Jane Phillips Hats First: Nancy Petros

Second: Nancy Petros Shaped knits First: Sheri Franz Second: Emily Dale Flat knits First: Marissa Wiltrout Second: Linda Sue Boehme Other (felted & tatted) First: Rebecca Martinek Second: Debbie Marthrall Sweaters First: Sheri Franz Second: Cathy Riotto Best from Fiber Purcahsed from S&FF vendor: Deborah Hart Best in Show: Deborah Hart; woven shawl People’s Choice: Cody Edgar; woven shawl Runners Up: Cathy Riotto, Sheri Franz BEST VENDOR BOOTHS 2019 Best Craft Booth Award: Shepherd’s Custom Woodworking – David Shepherd of North Fairfield, Ohio 2019 Best Fiber Booth Award: Windy Meadows Farm & Fiber Factory – Jill Fielder of Hamlin, NY

Vendors, Crafters, & Artists Wanted for Art Blast

Nathanael Greene CDC is planning for the 13th annual Art Blast on the Mon to be held on September 1st at the Ice Plant Pavilion in Greensboro. Vendors, crafters and interactive artists are needed to make this event a special art and music festival. FMI, contact Mary Shine at 724-9434462 or shine201027@yahoo.com

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GreeneScene by Shera Hoy

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Annual Hawkeyes Benefit Shoot on Target

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he annual benefit shoot hosted by the Scholastic Clay Target Program team, the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes Association, was held on April 27. The event took place at the team training facility and sponsor, Hunting Hills Shooting Preserve in Dilliner, PA. A total of 175 participants, 40 of which were Hawkeyes, took part in the annual fundraiser. Those participating in the 100-clay target shoot could compete individually as well as in teams of four. Awards were presented for youths, females, males, and team.

The following awards were presented: High Overall Female: Tiff Bland High Overall Male: Matt Friend High Overall Youth Female: Kyleigh Kozel High Overall Youth Male: Tristan Cole Rookie High Overall: Sammy Riley Rookie Runner-up: Brendan Cole

Intermediate Entry High Overall: Emmitt Whipkey Intermediate Entry Runner-up: Wyatt Mooney Intermediate Advanced High Overall: Robby Dillon Intermediate Advanced Runner-up: Ivan Pavick Junior Varsity High Overall: Brandon Barkey Junior Varsity Runner-up: Derreck Tennant Senior Varsity High Overall: Tristan Cole Senior Varsity Runner-up: Cameron Cernuska High Overall Team: Ray Stewart, Doug Coffield, Dave Cole, Tristan Cole Runner-up Team: Joe Wallgora, Doug Hinerman, Nathan Hinerman, Bryce Bedillion

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Green e Ar ti facts

By Matthew Cumberledge, GCHS Executive Director

ADAM EVERLY POWDER HORN

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he Revolutionary War was a war that changed everything; it broke us from our ties to Great Britain and thrust us onto the world stage as our own sovereign nation. So much history, so many important dates and times but it’s the personal history that can be the most fascinating. Those small little glimpses into an individual life that can take us back through the centuries and allow us to tangibly experience the past.

The Greene County Historical Society Museum artifact featured this month is exactly such an item. It’s a simple scrimshaw power horn, carved with rough folk designs depicting animals, buildings and a name: Adam Everly.

Adam Everly was born sometime around 1750 in Frederick County, Maryland. Few individuals had explored the lands that became Greene County at that time, however over the following decades waves of settlers moved into the area, and the Revolutionary War, as well as subsequent land grants, opened the county up even more.

On the January 20, 1776, Adam enlisted in the 9th Company of Light Infantry in the Maryland Troops, under the command of Captain George Strickler. He served near until the end of the war, advancing to the rank of Corporal. He was with General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, the individual from whom Waynesburg got her name, at the Battles of Stony Point and White Plaines.

Around 1780, he married Miss Barbara Smith and within the following year they had left Maryland and moved on to settle in Greene County, Pennsylvania. He settled on a farm in Dunkard Township situated along the waters of Dunkard Creek.

Greene County in the 1780s was a

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beautiful serene wilderness; however the beauty and fertile lands did not come without a cost. In those days Indian attacks were commonplace; many settlers were at risk, and undoubtedly were well aware of the attacks on the Spicer family in 1774, and the other attacks that led up to the 1790’s ending with the attack on the Crow Family in 1791.

What a lifetime of experience Adam must have shared with his children and grandchildren as they sat around the fire on cold winter nights in what would have been a cabin nestled in the rural 18th century landscape.

It is unknown whether or not this Power Horn was with Adam during his service in the Revolutionary War, or used by him after his removal to southwestern Pennsylvania, or both, but it certainly harkens back to the trials and tribulations of early American life, and is representative of what life was like in those early days.

We houseSeveral items here at the GCHS that relate to this period, however this powder horn is one of our more interesting pieces. The history surrounding its creator is without a doubt interesting, and the piece itself begs to tell that story as well as its own.

It is currently on display in our Main Exhibit hall, with many of our other late 18th century items, such as the collection of Items belonging to Michael Crow and the Spicer family, both well known for the attacks on the families by the Indians in the frontier days.

Please stop out at the GCHS and view this artifact and the remainder of our collection that tallies over thirty thousand items, we are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10AM to 3PM.

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GreeneScene by Brandee Kozich

CLASSIFIEDS Kitchen/Dining Room Drop Leaf maple table, 48”x20”down, 48”x34”up, 2 chairs + deacons bench, $80 excellent condition. 724-377-2389 2019 Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert 6Fattie Troy Lee Designs Edition $4,750. 2019 Specialized Turbo Kenevo Expert $4,550. 2019 Specialized Men’s Turbo Levo Comp Carbon $4000. 203-8711734.

Boys 13” bicycle with training wheels and helmet, $20. Boys 16” bicycle and helmet, $30. Boys 20” 10 speed bicycle, $50. Skateboard, red laminated wood, dimensions 30” X 9” with Ball Bearing Wheels and Shur-Grip surface coating. Includes Knee & Elbow pads. $20. (412)582-2544 Noritake Post-WWII (1948-1954) Pattern #48 Fine China Set. 8 settings, serving bowls & turines, gravy boats, plates, dessert plates, salad/soup bowls, and serving platters. Nearly complete set, approx. 70pcs and most marked as ‘Made in Occupied Japan.’

Only one matching cup/saucer, remaining cup/ saucers from later Noritake #48 edition. $500 OBO. (412)582-2544

Side table, 2 chairs, and stand with light for magazines. 724-966-5842.

Saddel, saddle pad, 2 bridles, and tie downs.

724-966-5842.

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Be a Master Gardener!

t’s the time of the year when everyone is busy with our gardens. Vegetables are ripening and what can’t be used right now is being preserved. Flower beds are beaming with beautifully colored bits of nature. And of course, there are plans on how to “make it better” for next year.

This is also the time when we want to learn more about what we are doing with our plants and whatever is happening with Mother Nature.

If you’ve ever thought about learning more and helping others learn more, consider becoming a Master Gardener. Master Gardeners receive intensive training in horticulture from Penn State. In exchange for their training, Penn State Master Gardeners serve as volunteers for the Extension’s horticulture program.

To become a Certified Master Gardener, you need to complete a minimum of 40 hours of training, score at least 80% on the final exam, and fulfill 50 hours of volunteer service. To maintain your certification, you must complete 10 hours of continuing education and 20 volunteer hours annually.

The cost of the Master Gardener Basic Training class is $200 per person. The classes are held at the Penn State Extension Office

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in Waynesburg, where an instructor delivers the program live. The fee covers the training manual, printing, programming supplies and IT support. The manual is yours to keep.

The Penn State Cooperative Extension is accepting applications for the fall Master Gardener Program until September 13. Classes are held Thursday evenings from 6 - 8:45pm, starting October 3. Contact the Greene County Extension office at 724-627-3745 FMI or an application. Or visit the website at: extension.psu.edu/master-gardener. Image courtesy Penn State.

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Peace, Love, and Games

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he 2019 “Peace, Love, Games” Senior Games was a blast from the past! More than 700 senior citizens from Greene, Fayette, and Washington counties gathered at Carmichaels Area Senior High and brought Woodstock back to life with flower power and tie-dye, all while competing in a variety of events.

The 33rd Senior Games kicked off at 9:30am on June 18 with an opening ceremony, with a welcome by Karen Bennett,

President of Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors and Fred Morecraft, Carmichaels Area School District Superintendent. The Parade of Athletes followed, almost feeling like a fashion show with the throwback clothes, hippie beads, and tiedye shirts.

In addition to competing in events like the basketball toss, corn bag toss, bocce, putting, horseshoes, shuffleboard, and more, seniors were able to visit a health and wellness fair and enjoy entertainment from accordion player Mike Milinovich, DJ John Koval, and caricature artist Jeffrey Harris.

Food booths set up by the senior centers lined the Carmichaels Elementary cafeteria, full of delicious, homemade goodies.

“The Carmichaels School District could not have been more The Parade of Athletes brought out the tie-dye, hippie beads and flower power. supportive and enthu-

17th Annual

Stuff the Bus

siastic with lots of great student volunteers and staff,” shares Nancy Riggle of the SWPA Area Agency on Aging and one of the event organizers. “Our many sponsors were present and their financial support helped to make the Games such a huge success! The athletes were competitive and the music was indeed groovy, the food yummy, lots of health screenings and information along with The passing of the torch during the opening many super Bingo players! Everyone had a ceremony. great day and had fun with the Woodstock theme, Peace Love and Games!”

The Grand Trophy went to the Canonsburg Senior Center, with Masontown Senior center in 2nd place and Waynesburg Community Center in 3rd. The remaining trophies and medals were presented at a Victory Celebration/ Awards Banquet held June 27th, at the CarSeniors from Greene, Fayette, and Washington countie gathered to compete and enjoy the festivities. michaels Fire Hall.s

GreeneScene by Lucille DeFrank

Wednesday, August 14 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Lion's Club Park, Waynesburg To Register, Call 2-1-1 Beginning July 1 Donations accepted at Greene County United Way

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Amani Children’s Choir Visits Area

he Amani Children’s Choir, comprised of children aged 7-16 years old, uses their voice as one to reach the masses to show the world that in the midst of poverty there can be hope and joy. They are visiting the US from Uganda, Africa and performed in the Greene and Washington counties during the latter half of June.

They labor to give their audiences an experience with the Living God - a memorable and lifetime spiritual experience that draws the audience closer to God as they praise and worship God in the African way, with smiles and joyful African tunes accompanied by local instrumentation. The program features children’s songs, hand clapping, traditional spirituals and contemporary tunes. The Amani Children’s

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choir believes that praise and worship is from the heart - in spite of the tragedy that has marred their young lives, the children are radiant with hope, musically gifted, wonderfully entertaining and inspiring everyone their concerts to praise and worship God. The tours and focal ministry goals are: (1) Share the love of God through music, dance and testimonies of what God has done in our lives. ; (2)The Choir raises awareness of the need of destitute and orphaned children in Africa; (3) Raise funds for continued development and support of Light Africa programs in Uganda (Please visit lightafrica.org FMI); (4) The Choir’s international tours provide unique training and exposure for the children. Once Choir members have

completed a concert tour, they will return to their homelands with the tools necessary for bettering their future and also serve as godly servant leaders in Africa - making other people’s lives better.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Pittsburgh, PA Permit No. 1219

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