Holiday #2 2019 GreeneScene Magazine

FEATURES 4

I LOVE THIS PLACE

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GREENESCENE OF THE PAST

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SHINING THE LIGHT

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SPORTS SHORTS

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GREENE ARTIFACTS

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COOL AT SCHOOL

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GOING GREENE

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PUBLIC SERVICE PROFILE

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GOOD NEWS IN GREENE

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MESSAGE BOARD

Serbian Christmas Serbiantown, PA

Saint George Orthodox Serbian Church - Carmichaels A snapshot of Greene County sports John W. Eddy - a photo and a story Merit Badge University

John Corbly - a man of his time Greene County Drug Court

Awards & acknowledgements within our community Community announcements and opportunities

EXTRAS

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GREENE’S FATHER CHRISTMAS

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CHRISTMAS TREE EXTRAVAGANZA

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MT. MORRIS CHRISTMAS PARADE

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2019 CHRISTMAS PARADE RESULTS

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THE TURKEY HAS TROTTED

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WE NEED YOUR HELP!

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HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AROUND SWPA

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BEST PIZZA IN GREENE

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MEET DR: EMBROIDERY DEPT.

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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Glenn Toothman brought Old World Santa to Greene The 17th annual event supports those in need Celebrating 50 years

Results of teh Christmas Parade and Light Up Night Race results from Bowlby’s annual November event Help us identify these people for a reader Looking for something festive to do?

Winner: Scotty’s Pizza

If you’re looking for custom apparel, look no further Remember. Honor. Teach.

Greene County’s Father Christmas

G

lenn Toothman spent the opening weekend of Greene County’s Christmas festivities dressed in the style of Father Christmas. Between assisting at the Greene Connections Fundraising booth, he made his rounds around downtown Waynesburg for Light Up Night. On Saturday, he even stopped by the Greene County Historical Society’s Holiday Open House. One of the pictures from that event is featured on our front cover.

According to Glenn, “Father Christmas is one of the very earliest versions of what we know in America as Santa Claus. In the Old World beginning he was not so much the bearer of gifts as he was responsible for sharing and spreading the spirit of Christmas.

His presence in modern terms was all about ‘let’s get this party started.’ Get your decorations out, start playing your music, prepare your holiday food... Father Christmas has waved his staff an declares it to be so...Santa Claus, his gift-giving cousin, cannot do what he does unless Father Christmas comes before him and puts the people of the world in the Christmas Spirit. To touch

his robe or staff, or to be within the range of one of his pronouncements is the magic that allows you to have the full Christmas Spirit... once touched you too become an instrument to share hope, goodwill, cheer, merriment and blessings. Consider yourself touched... carry on!”

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I Love this P l a ce

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hen I call the Red Star Inn to talk to Miljo “Serb” Krewasky and get the recorded “number no longer in service” message, my heart sinks. Serb has been hosting Serbian Christmas on January 7 at his Carmichaels establishment for the last 55 years and I was excited to write about his family friendly celebration of the Julian calendar’s date for the arrival of the Christ Child. A call to my friend Cheryl Block of Crucible puts my mind at ease.

“He’s still around. I saw him last week in church.”

Serb and I had yet to meet, so I’m going in cold. Not being from Carmichaels I drive past the sedate maroon building with its small sign sitting along the edge of State Rt. 88 before you get to the turn off to Nemacolin and have to turn around.

Stepping into the Red Star Inn takes you back to the 1960s or maybe even earlier. You’re in one of those laid back, American Legion style family bars slash eateries that every working class town has at least one of. It makes me hungry for a fish sandwich and a draft. Turns out I’m the one that’s early. Serb will be in at three, I’m told, so I head up the road for some General Tso’s chicken at Main Moon and a chance to check my notes.

When Tara Kinsell wrote about her buddy Serb and his perennial Christmas

party for local kids and their families in 2012, she mentioned pogasa – a flat bread Serb uses that gets a lucky coin baked into it. A highlight of the festivities is a straw pile on the floor spiked with candy, coins and cash for kids to rummage. This Christmas treasure hunt has a spiritual twist - the straw represents the manger, Tara explains.

When Serb comes in for his shift “The phone? Oh I had that pay phone taken out years ago!” - we sit at a table and talk about the coal mining families we both know in Crucible and Nemacolin and yes, Serbian Christmas will be celebrated on January 7, not only here at the Red Star but at Dolfis in Masontown as well.

“Dolfis owner Stan Brozik is my kum, best buddy but that doesn’t mean we don’t give each other a hard time,” Serb says, with that kind of twinkle in his eye that tells you they’ve been best friends for a lifetime.

There will be the straw pile for the kids this year and a feast afterwards for the families that attend that includes lamb that Serb roasts up himself in the kitchen in back, along with cabbage rolls, the pogasa and more Serbian goodies.

Serb introduces me to the hand carved wooden monkey that guards the money that patrons donate all year for the straw pile and I’m happy to donate two dollars

Serb and the handcarved monkey that guards donations for the Christmas party.

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SERBIAN CHRISTMAS

by Colleen Nelson

Musicians tuning their instruments in prepartion for the party.

for the upcoming scramble.

At Stan’s 80th birthday party at Dolfis the following Sunday afternoon, Serb – who also sings in the choir at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church - is there with his camera taking photos and hugging and being hugged by Stan and everyone else.

I meet Stan’s daughter Melissa Heider-Latin, who taught accounting at Waynesburg University for 15 years before relocating to Charl ot t e s v i l l e , NC when her h u s b a n d ’s job took them there.

Tired of teaching, she transformed herself into a first class blogger who is the star of Charlotte Fashion Plate, featuring style, beauty and food – the Stan Brozik and Pam Snyder at Stan’s 80th birthday party. kind of food

her Baba Mildred Brozik cooked while she was growing up in Crucible.

Melissa tells me her dad serves up Baba’s chicken soup for Christmas at Dolfis and she promises to send me Baba’s recipe for nut rolls as soon as she gets back to Charlottesville and bakes some.

She also sends me a great link to Barbara Rolek’s Serbian Christmas Tradition, which describes the celebration of Christ’s birth that begins 40 days earlier with a fast from animal products – meat, eggs, cheese, and milk – up to and including dinner with fish as the main course on Christmas Eve. A branch from an oak tree has been cut that morning for the Yule log and straw is scattered throughout the house to honor Christ’s humble birth. “Walnuts and wheat are strewn in the four corners of the dining room along with a prayer for health and prosperity.”

The first words heard on Christmas morning are “Mir Boziji! Hristos se Rodi!” Peace of God! Christ is born! and the first guest – polozajnik - to visit stirs the Yule log and makes the sparks fly- “the more sparks – God’s blessings – the better.”

Breakfast breaks the Advent fast with hymns and singing followed by sharing the communal česnica loaf that sits in the

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HOLIDAY #2 2019

middle of the table along with a container of wheat grass that was planted on December 19, St. Nicolas Day. There is a coin in the česnica for one lucky soul and ribbons and a candle with the wheat grass. A toast of plum brandy comes next and wheat is sprinkled on the guests for good luck. “Only then does the feasting begin.”

But what about presents?

They were traditionally given to children on December 19 at the Feast of St. Nicolas, that kindly saint with the knack for giving just the right present to those in need during his own lifetime.

A few days after the party, Melissa sends me the recipe for Baba Mildred’s nut rolls and a link to her blog that features it and other recipes you might want to try if you’re hungry for a Serbian feast on Christmas day – or any day you might want some delicious down home cooking like Baba used to make.

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INGREDIENTS 6 cup flour 1 tsp salt 3 tbsp. sugar 1/2 lb butter 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup milk 2 packages rapid rise yeast

Baba’s Nut Rolls

Nut rolls have been a tradition in my family for as long as I can remember. My baba made them and my mom still makes them. This is an old recipe from a Serbian cookbook that my mom bought from the FILLING (ONE ROLL): church many moons ago.

4 cup walnuts, ground Be sure that all of the ingredients are at room temperature. Grind 3/4 cup granulated sugar the nuts in a chopper, hand grinder or food processor until they have a 1 to 2 tbsp. warm milk fine consistency.

After you have ground the nuts, place four cups in a bowl with the granulated sugar. Heat up a few tablespoons of milk and add to the nut/sugar mixture, a little bit at a time until you have a paste-like consistency that spreads easily. Set aside.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, salt and sugar. Incorporate the butter. You will notice it is a little crumbly. Work in the sour cream. Add in the eggs. Combine. Do all of this by hand. Do not overmix. In a separate bowl, warm up the milk in the microwave. Stir the yeast into the warm milk. Allow to dissolve. Incorporate the milk/yeast mixture into the dough. Mix until everything is combined. Do NOT overwork your dough.

Cut dough into 6 equal portions. Roll one portion of dough on lightly floured surface. I like mine thin…but would probably roll just a little thicker next time due to the amount of nut mixture I filled them with. Place a thin layer of butter on dough surface.

Place enough of the nut mixture to cover the dough. Roll from the longest side and place on parchment lined baking sheet, seam side down. You can typically fit two rolls in a pan. Cover. Place in a warm area and allow to rise for at least two hours.

Once the rolls have risen, heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake until golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. In the last few minutes of baking, rub the tops of the rolls with butter. Remove from oven and allow to cool a bit before cutting. ENJOY!!!

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G reen e Sce n e of the Pa st

his is a photograph of Linda Rush’s grandfather, Anton Maurin, standing in Serbiantown and, by the looks of his clothes, is just coming off a shift. The year is sometime in the early 1940s, at the start of World War II and Anton is working at Crucible Mine. His job wasn’t as dangerous as it once was, but Anton had already lived through the days when miners were forced to fight for better working conditions and better pay and were met with sometimes deadly resistance as they went on strike and organized to get these concessions from the companies they worked for.

“Grandpa Maurin was extremely hard core UMWA. He was shot on the picket line at Gates Mine in Fayette County in 1933 and died with bb’s in his legs,” Linda notes.

Anton survived that picket line to live another handful of decades and even managed to hang on to life for an extra three days during his last illness, Brice Rush tells me, long enough through sheer will power to die in 1981 on April 1 – Mitchell Day. At the time of Anton’s death, it had become a celebration of the day in 1898 when the United Mine Workers of America won the rights to a 40 hour work week and the 8 hour day.

This hard won concession would in time become the standard for all working people of America. The struggle would continue for decades as industry fought back and miners and the UMWA responded in kind, organizing, unionizing and striking for the rights of the American working class to live the American Dream.

John Mitchell (1870-1919), a secondgeneration Irish immigrant, worked all his life in the coalmines, starting at age 6. He became one of the founding members of the United Mine Workers of America in 1890 and rose through the ranks to affect real change in the deplorable working conditions of the turn of the last century.

One of Mitchell’s earliest victories was uniting new immigrants from various na-

tionalities into a union force to be reckoned with, helping them overcome the language barriers and social prejudice they faced.

When he became the fifth president of the UMWA in 1898, Mitchell inherited the fallout from the Lattimer massacre when 19 miners were killed by police. He became a contentious negotiator when President Teddy Roosevelt intervened in 1902 and forced the anthracite coal industry to concede to a minimum wage and safer working conditions after a six-month strike. Union membership grew from 34,000 to 300,000 during Mitchell’s time in office and miners celebrated his tenacity with a yearly shout out even as they continued the struggle for safer working conditions, better hours and better pay.

I drove the three plus miles from Carmichaels to Crucible and then down the hill past the defunct Crucible Mine to Serbiantown to see for myself the neighborhood that was once an ethnic enclave. Now it is a short row of homes, some remodeled, some waiting for the right family to come forth, along the banks of the Monongahela River, overlooking overgrown fields where Crucible Mine once spread its industrial profile across the land.

It doesn’t take an artist’s eye to see the potential here. Industry is gone and what is left is the beauty of a river front town, waiting for new owners who will appreciate the low housing prices and the rails to trails that has made it to Serbiantown and will one day connect to Point Marion.

Like the once industrial South Side of Pittsburgh, these parts of Greene County are waiting for those with the vision to transform them into industrial parks and affordable housing for the workers that will come looking for a better life.

Times change. But the river is still as beautiful as it was when the Shawnee named it “Mehmonananagehelak.”

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@greenescenemagazine.com with “GreeneScene of the Past” in subject line. 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

Present day Serbiantown sits along the Monongahela River.

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“J

olly old Saint Nicolas lean your ear this way…..” Sooner or later, as the holy days approach, my radio head will tune in that song and memories of grade school sing-alongs will morph into the scrunchy joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. As a kid, I could tell Saint Nicolas wasn’t a right jolly old elf dressed up by advertisers to sell dolls, bicycles and toy trains to parents who had kids like me. I’d seen Saint Nick on a few holiday cards - he looked like he did some serious hiking and his beard looked pretty real. Sometimes he even had a staff and carried green branches. Hmmm! I knew Santa wasn’t real. But this guy?

In writing this story about Christianity’s ancient roots, I am thrilled to run into Saint Nicolas again, this time in his proper historical niche – 4th century AD - as guardian of children, families, the infirm, the outcast, the sailor and yes! a giver of gifts. And later, I learn, a miraculous protector of faithful miners not once but twice, in 1907.

Saint George Orthodox Serbian Church sits in a broad field along Old Route 21, with a drone’s eye view of Hatfield Power Plant to the left, a cemetery consecrating a field that stretches to the tree line on the right and a woodsy view of the Monongahela River.

The church’s patron saint, St. George, earned his spiritual spurs as a Roman officer beheaded in AD 303 for not renouncing his faith. He seems to be a good match for those I meet today who have persevered in a new land and not lost the faith they brought with them.

This is the only Orthodox Church, Serbian or otherwise in Greene County. Church board president Stan Brozik, owner of Dolfis Restaurant in Masontown, tells me some of its history as we linger over coffee with Father Saša (pronounced Sasha) Nedic and others in the basement after services. My senses are still charged with the energy of the beautiful call

An icon of Saint Nicolas.

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and response between Father Saša and the choir hidden in the rafters. It takes me back to

By Colleen Nelson Roman Catholic high masses with my grandmother, hers in Latin, Father Saša’s in Serbian that melds into English to make a point, clarify an intention, give information about an upcoming event, every breath a liturgical chant punctuated by chimes and bells, sweeping gestures, and incense.

The Serbians I meet today migrated from a thin sliver of what was once the Austria-Hungarian Empire, shared by Serbs and Croats. Their families migrated to Canada, then moved to Masontown to get jobs during the coal boom days of the early 1900s, Stan tells me. (What I don’t tell him is there’s a surprise 80th birthday party waiting for him at 2 p.m. at Dolfis. Shhh!)

Serbians and other nationalities living in Eastern Europe had come here for a better life. Old homelands had been divided and renamed by the politics of the day; the resulting ethnic tension lead to discrimination against minority populations and a lack of jobs or social opportunity for these marginalized cultures drove young men, families, sometimes whole neighborhoods to the industrial river towns and coalfields of Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

After decades of worshiping at other churches, the Carmichaels parish incorporated in 1951 and held services in Brownsville until St. George was completed in 1954. “Mr. Hartley donated the land and we had it paid off in five or six years,” Stan tells me.

In the basement I meet converts – Father Saša’s wife Rachel, clear eyed and welcoming, who grew up Lutheran and met Father Saša when he was in Chicago studying to be a priest and learning the ways of America. Orthodox parish priests are married men, those who choose celibacy live in monasteries, Father Saša tells me.

When Professor Rick Pierce, raised Methodist, came to teach English at Waynesburg University he knew he was “serious about God” but uncertain as to what church to be part of. At some point, university librarian John Thompson invited him to try St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church in Canonsburg. “I never heard of it so I did a Google search and read a pamphlet. It’s the oldest form of Christianity.” Now Rick is a catechumenate - a serious seeker - and is studying with a priest in Morgantown, finding the deep meaning that all religions share. “The purpose of life is to grow closer to God.” The birthday party for Stan Brozik fills the banquet hall at Dolfis – I walk in just as the band is tuning up for a few hours of Serbian songs that will follow Stan from the moment he steps through the door to the toasts, hugs, presents, more hugs, selfies, laughter, bending down to what else? hug! – a parade of musicians following Stan as he weaves through tables filled with a lifetime’s worth of friendship and family.

I sit down to eat with a stranger – Rose Ilich and within the hour we are Facebook friends. Stan’s daughter Marcy Sloneker comes over and says she wants me to meet her sister Melissa Heider-Latin – she has the recipe I’ve been asking for.

I make my own way through the tables to where Father Saša is sitting with his predecessor, Father Rodney Torbik. I met Father Rodney more than a dozen years ago at a grant writing workshop at Waynesburg College, then later, as a reporter, as he blessed the dead, along with the living who attended the annual commemoration of the Robena Mine Disaster of December 6, 1972, when 37 miners were lost. We gathered at the UMWA Memorial that sits along St. Rt. 21, just before it crosses the Masontown Bridge. It was my first time to

Father Saša Nedic and his wife Rachel on the steps of Saint George Orthodox Serbian Church.

cover the event and it drove home to me the sacred power of grief to bring change to a dangerous industry.

“Can you tell me about St. Nicolas and the mine disasters that people have been telling me about,” I ask Father Rodney tonight and he pulls out his smart phone. “I’ll send you the link,” he says. “It’s on the Internet.”

Later that night I log on and read about the miracle that is now celebrated with its own icon. According to news reports and church accountings, on December 6, 1907, the Gregorian calendar feast day of St. Nicolas, “miners of the Eastern Catholic and Orthodox faith, along with German and Dutch miners” took off work to attend service at a Roman Catholic church since there were no Eastern Orthodox churches nearby to celebrate the Julian calendar date of December 19. Those 60 some miners who went to church that day were spared when the Monongah Mine of Monongah, WV exploded, killing 362 miners - the worst coal disaster in American history.

Thirteen days later, on December 19, nearly 200 Carpathio-Rusyn miners at Darr Mine in Jacobs Creek forfeited a days pay and threats of termination to celebrate the feast of St. Nicolas with a circuit riding Greek Catholic priest. As they prayed an explosion shook the ground and 239 men and boys, died in the worst mine disaster in Pennsylvania.

American mines then were more dangerous than European mines because practices outlawed in Europe were still being used here. American miners were three to four times more likely to die on the job. But these horrific disasters did bring change. Self-contained breathing systems were used in the rescue operations of 1907 and within six months the US Geological Survey had a Mine Accidents Division and opened research into mine rescue techniques. The US Department of Mines opened in 1910, making the health and safety of miners part of the legal system.

The Robena mine explosion of December 6, 1972 brought the feast of St. Nicolas back into sharp focus for those whose family members still went into the mines to make a dangerous living.

The St. Nicolas Orthodox Church in Jacobs Creek built shortly after the 1907 disaster now has an Icon celebrating the protection St. Nicolas gave to those who honored him that day.

December 6 is now officially considered Miners Safety Day. Thank you St. Nicolas!

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HOLIDAY #2 2019

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HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Christmas Tree Extravaganza

he 17th Annual Christmas Tree Extravaganza was held the week of December 2 – 7 at the Carmichaels First United Methodist Churches Fellowship Hall. The beautifully decorated trees were raffled off to 26 lucky winners.

Local businesses donated fully decorated, themed Christmas trees for the event. The trees are displayed for a week in the Carmichaels First United Methodist Churches Fellowship Hall.

There were 24 trees and 2 wreaths donated to the Extravaganza this year. The top three trees for sales were Snowball Bucks” donated by the Civic Club, “Christmas at the Beach” donated

by Nan Vue Nubian Farm, and “A Little Bit of Chocolate” donated by the Donaldson Family. A photo of the trees will be printed on posters and displayed around town to honor the winners.

Winners of this year’s raffle were announced after Light Up Night in Carmichaels on Saturday, December 7. Tickets were pulled by Chloe Baker and Anthony Neff, while Mrs. Maddie Loring announced the winners via livestream on Facebook.

“I’ve been excited to take the reigns this year with the Extravaganza,” sais Nicole Baker.

“We have such a nice group of ladies on the board that devote so much time and energy to this.” She adds, “I am so grateful for everyone that took the time to donate trees and their time to come out and enjoy this event with us. This is my first year running this event and it has been a wonderful experience. We had alot of unique and beautiful entries this year.”

The annual event is organized by the A.C.T.S (Arts, Crafts, Talents, and Services) Shop and raises funds for the Cumberland Township Food Bank. Each year the Cumberland Township Food Bank gathers all its resources to provide the best boxes for those in the community.

The food provides plenty for the holiday season and upcoming winter. With the new year approaching, funding to purchase goods becomes imperative. The event raised $3530 to donate to the Cumberland Township Food Bank this year.

FARMHOUSE FEAST

WINNER

Congratulations to William Nicholson. He won a Farmhouse Feast from Bob Evans! He’s pictured here with Assistant Manager Jenn Taylor.

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Dear Santa, My name is Gage and I am 7 years old. I should be on the “Nice List” this year because I say nice words to people.

One time, when someone was about to slip at my Mom’s friend’s house, I went behind him and caught him before he fell! So hopefully that helps me to be on the “Nice List” too. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a four-wheeler and a Star Lord stuffed animal?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Gage Moore

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*restrictions apply.

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Mt. Morris Christmas Parade Celebrates 50 Years

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f you are looking for the small-town cheer of a Hallmark movie, it can be found at the Mt. Morris Parade. The parade’s origins can be traced back 50 years, when it was started by Sherlene Wade. Sherlene’s daughter, Bridget Montgomery, has always been part of the parade planning process - since day one - and now co-sponsors the parade along with Sami Smith.

Each year, the parade features a unique line-up of approximately ten floats. Over the years, Bridget has seen many memorable floats. She recalls one of her all-time favorites: a float decorated as an Amish village, strung with Christmas lights. Bridget says it was like a gingerbread house. There was even a man costumed as the Grinch. Another year, Waynesburg Central High School had “live baby sheep and goats on hay with their float.

It was adorable.,” Bridget remembers fondly.

The float contest offers prizes for the top three floats. First place is awarded $150, second place receives $100 and third place is given $50. Joe R. Pyle Auction & Realty is sponsoring the cash prizes for this year’s float contest. The contest is judged at the United Methodist Church at 3:30 PM.

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By Michelle Church Local marching bands join in the festivities. This year, Waynesburg Central High School and Clay Batelle are slated to participate.

In addition to the floats and marching bands, this year’s parade includes fire trucks, a Christmas pageant, dance groups, and local queens and their royal parties. Throughout the parade’s history, it has only been rescheduled three times because of inclement weather. Bridget mentions one year when the local queen and her royal party were driven around in a truck with a tarp over the back.

The rain was coming down hard and the children had fun peeking out from under the tarp at the crowd. This year’s parade will take place on time, regardless of the weather.

Nostalgia and tradition are important with the parade’s crowd. It’s also a part of Bridget’s family history. When her mother ran the parade, Sherlene was known for her fun Christmas outfits. Donald Pyle, Bridget’s uncle, has been known to join in the fun. He often has one of his antique cars in the parade.

There is a yearly tradition of Santa Claus making an appearance at the parade and de-

lighting the children with his presence. This year, a new Santa will be featured because the original was pulled away to Sweden for Christmas.

On December 14, a Breakfast with Santa event will take place at the Mt Morris VFD at 9:00 AM until 11AM and there is a Christmas Craft show at Mt. Morris United

Methodist Church from 9AM until 3PM. The Mt. Morris parade begins at 4PM. During this most wonderful time of the year, grab yourself a toasty hot chocolate, treat yourself to a popcorn from JD’s Kettle Korn, and enjoy this heart-warming tradition along the southern border of Greene County.

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Dear Santa, My name is Lillian and I am 7 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I am always nice to my friends. I also help my sister when she needs to clean. I would love if you could bring me a special Christmas gift.

Could you please bring me a camera?

I am going to leave some cookies and milk out for you on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Lillian Yeater

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Spo rt Sh o r t s

by Zack Zeigler

Pioneers Boys Basketball Looks to Build Past First Round Playoffs in 2019-2020

For the past four seasons, the West Greene Pioneers Boys Basketball team has been in the WPIAL Class 1A Playoffs. However, each of those four years has consisted of an early exit for the team as they got kicked out in the first round all four times.

As the calendar flips to the 2019-2020 season, the Pioneers are looking beyond the first round as they try to move to the Quarterfinals and beyond. With 14 players returning from last year’s team, West Greene has the experience to accomplish their goals and put together a run in this year’s Class 1A playoffs.

Leading this year’s team are seniors Benjamin Jackson and Austin Crouse as West Greene starts their road to a possible fifth straight WPIAL Class 1A playoff appear-

ance. Crouse saw substantial minutes for the Pioneers a year ago and will look to provide the offensive spark that his team needs while Jackson will be a leader on defense throughout the year.

After starting the year at the Brownsville Tournament, West Greene will play their next two games on the road before opening up their home schedule with a section match-up against Geibel Catholic. As the calendar turns to 2020, the Pioneers are looking at a stretch of six straight conference games from January 7th – January 24th which will go a long way in determining their playoff hopes this season.

The Pioneers open the season on December 6th when they take on ChartiersHouston at the Brownsville Tournament.

Offensive Line Leads Eight Waynesburg Football All-PAC Honorees After bringing their 2019 season to a close with a 50-14 loss to Washington & Jefferson, the Waynesburg University football team had eight players recognized as part of the Presidents’ Athletic Conference All-Conference teams.

Senior offensive lineman Alex Paulina led the group earning First-Team All-PAC honors for the third consecutive season. Paulina has been a staple on the Yellow Jackets offensive line all four years in orange and black and ends his career as one of the top linemen in the conference.

Fellow seniors Tyler Smith and Brennan Sefick also made the list earning second-team

all-PAC honors. Smith was the team leader in tackles for Waynesburg while Sefick had the most passes defended with nine.

Five Honorable Mention All-PAC players rounded out the awards for Waynesburg with seniors Tanner Six, Alex Stoy, and Vashon Graham and freshman Justin Flack taking home the awards. Junior Cole Booth was named as the lone Yellow Jackets representative on the All-PAC sportsmanship team.

Waynesburg heads into the offseason looking to build off last season’s successes as they continue to grow for the 2020 season.

Young Mighty Mikes Looking to Move Forward in 2019-2020 The 2018-2019 season was a year of ups and downs for the Carmichaels Boys Basketball team. However, there were just too many tough stretches to overcome and the Mighty Mikes missed out on the WPIAL Class 2A Playoffs, finishing with an 11-10 mark and a 4-8 record in Class 2A section 2 play.

However, with 12 players returning to this year’s roster, the Mikes are looking to build on last year’s experience to get them back to the playoffs. With many of the underclassmen playing a role on last year’s team, they come back with higher expectations in 2019-2020.

Carmichaels finished last season win-

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PSU-Fayette Volleyball Wins First Ever National Title The Penn State Fayette Volleyball team has been one of the most dominant teams in the Penn State University Athletic Conference over the last decade. In that time frame, they have won eight PSUAC Championships, including winning the title in each of the last two seasons. However, the one accolade that has eluded them is the coveted United States Collegiate Athletic Association National Championship.

After coming in third place in the tournament a year ago, PSU-Fayette achieved their goal in 2019, winning the program’s first national title with a 3-1 victory over the defending National Champions Johnson & Whales.

After winning the first two sets by scores of 26-24 and 25-21, Fayette took a 2-0 advantage into the third set looking for their third sweep of the tournament. However, Johnson & Whales came back and took the third set 25-18 to force the game into a fourth set. Both teams battled to a 23-23 tie before senior Siteri Tale closed out the game with two big kills to give Fayette the 25-23 set win and the program’s first USCAA National Championship.

Tale led the way for the Lions finishing her career with a team high of 22 kills on 51 total attacks in the win. Junior Macheala Hall led the defense with 24 digs and sophomore, Carmichaels alumnus Jaydyn Barnish led the way with 20 assists.

For PSU-Fayette, it is the second USCAA National Championship by any sport in the school’s history. The Track & Field team was the first team to win a USCAA National title when they won the National Championship meet in Burlington, Vermont back in April.

“I am so proud of the team for this incredible season,” said reigning PSUAC and USCAA Coach of the Year Samantha Swetz in an interview after the game. “My mental state of mind has been on national championships all season and I knew that we had the talent to do it.”

Coach Swetz and her team now head into the off-season looking to continue the National Championship tradition for years to come.

ning each of their final three games including two big section wins against Brentwood and Chartiers Houston. Carmichaels is hoping to ride that momentum into 2019-2020.

Returning to lead the way are seniors Matt Kioska, Garrett Ponick, and Taggert Shea - all of whom will see time on the floor.

Carmichaels scored over 70 points only three times last season and those three will be looked at to get the offense going.

Carmichaels opens their season at the Geibel Catholic Tournament on December 6th when they take on Riverview before returning home on Tuesday December 10th for their home opener against Jefferson-Morgan.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Greenesports - Bringing You More Than a Decade of Greene County Sports

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by Greenesports Staff Writer

little over a decade ago, Jason Tennant and Lanfer Simpson, friends and co-workers at WANB radio, realized something was missing in Greene County.

After an extensive nine-month search for the proper equipment that allowed Tennant and Simpson to move the county’s sports coverage from the airwaves to the internet, Greenesports.net was born.

“We worked together for a number of years broadcasting football and wrestling for WANB Radio,” Tennant said. “When a decision was made to cut back on WANB’s sports coverage, Lanfer and I started thinking about the idea for GreeneSports.”

For the past 11 years, Greenesports has been the only source for coverage of Greene County high school volleyball, soccer, golf, basketball, wrestling, baseball and softball over that same time span. Of course, football has also been a part of the website’s lineup, even going as far as covering multiple games each week.

Simpson, who has a well-known reputation as a former football and wrestling standout at Waynesburg Central High School, knew that local fans needed a new way to follow their favorite high school teams. He also wanted to provide an avenue for hardworking county athletes to be recognized for their efforts on the field, the court, the mat and beyond.

“We recognized that there was just no way for local fans to follow high school sports if they weren’t at the site of competition,” Simpson said. “Jason and I feel very lucky and blessed to be able to fulfill that need. We feel like it not only helps the fans, but it gives the athletes a chance to be recognized for all their hard work.”

Since Greenesports first went live in 2009, Tennant, Simpson and their crew of

announcers have attended well over 1,000 events covering nearly every county program.

Over that same time span, the operation has expanded its coverage capability by forming a partnership with the Waynesburg University Department of Communication. The agreement, which was formed in 2013, allow Greenesport to not only provide even more content to its listeners, but it gave student broadcasters a chance to apply their training and sharpen their skills.

Over its lifespan, Greenesports.net has been in attendance at some truly memorable moments in local sports.

“We’ve had multiple state champion wrestlers and done broadcasts of multiple WPIAL Championship events,” Tennant said.

“The event, or in this case, the team that was most memorable to cover, were the West Greene Pioneer Softball teams from 2016 to2019. As for a specific event, it would have to be the game at which they won their first State Championship, coming back from a 7-0 deficit to win. It was an unbelievable comeback on the biggest stage.”

After more than a decade successfully following the five Greene County high schools, Tennant and Simpson have no plans to cut back on what is the most thorough local coverage of local athletics.

“We just to thank the sponsors and our listeners for their continued support. What we have been able to do over the course of a decade would be absolutely impossible without the support of all of them. There have been a few special sponsors that have been on every single broadcast we have done and there are others that have been with us for a long, long time. We’re proud to have been able to provide our coverage for the last 10plus years, and hope to continue doing this for a long time.”

Jason Tennant

HOLIDAY #2 2019

• GreeneScene Community Magazine

Lanfer Simpson

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2019 Christmas Parade

GreeneScene by William & Mary Phillips

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Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch were spotted throughtout the holiday festivities around downtown Waynesburg.

he holidays have arrived! And the best way to get into the Christmas spirit in Greene County is to celebrate with the annual Christmas parade, held by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce on December 7 in downtown Waynesburg. The execution of the Parade was underwritten by First Energy Foundation and without their support, this event would not happen.

106 entries appeared on Saturday representing various schools, churches, civic organizations, and businesses from all over the county. The parade was streamed live on the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page and is avilable there for those that missed it.

FLOAT WINNERS 1st - Team Seldom Seen, “Dashing Thru the Snow to Seldom Seen Farm We Go” 2nd - WWJD Christian Church, “Love Came Down at Christmas” 3rd - First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, “Christmas on the Arc” Most Original – Waynesburg VFW Auxiliary, “Stockings for Soldiers” Most Spirit – GCCTC Practical Nursing Program, “Christmas Morning” Best Design – Richard Kronk’s 1930 Model A, “Santa’s Workshop” The “Miss Merry Christmas” winners were also selected at this annual Christmas celebration. The 2019 Miss Merry Christmas line-up is Talia Teagarden– Waynesburg Central High School, Kam Dudas – Jefferson Morgan High School, Emilei Grimm – Mapletown High School, and Katelyn Brown – Carmichaels Area High School.

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce thanks all those businesses and individuals who helped to make this year’s parade a success. Parade photos by Jeanine

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Richard Kronk’s “Best Design” winner from the Christmas Parade.

Mickey’s Mens Store placed 1st in the Window Decorating Contest at Light Up Night.

Henry.

Congratulations also to the Holiday Open House Window Decoratingand Ugly Sweater winners from Light Up Night, held the night before the parade. Window Decorating Winners: 1st – Mickey’s Mens Store, 2nd – First Federal S&L of Greene County, 3rd – High Street Hair, Community Choice – First Federal S&L of Greene County. Ugly Sweater Winners: Under 15 – Erin Harbarger, Adult– Cathleen Cochran, Adult Runner Up – John Buchcanan.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

GREENE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2019 Year in Review Mission Statement:

To provide services and programs that will increase the success of member businesses and organizations and enhance the economy and quality of life in the Greene County Area. To remain a politically unbiased and enthusiastic resource to our members and the community at large.

Served a membership of

350 members.

Welcomed 35 new members.

2,078 13

Worked with Small Business Administration to provide training for our members.

Supported the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education’s Pennsylvania Business Adventure Week for high school students.

Staff members are active in the community through the Waynesburg Rotary Club, Greene County United Way Allocations Committee, the Waynesburg Lions Club, the Greene County Veterans Council and the Greene County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee.

Facebook Followers

Ribbon Cuttings!

2019 HIGH POINTS

Hosted

38 events

Pittsburgh Business Times 25 Largest Chambers at number 18

– 14 years in a row on the list!

Become a member today!

Presented the 29th Annual Chamber Scholarship and the 2nd Dr. Nancy Davis Scholarships

Organized and coordinated the following annual events: 1st Christmas in the Burg 4th Women in Business Breakfast 6th Motor Madness Benefit Car Show 12th Halloween Spooktacular 15th Administrative Professional’s Luncheon 32nd Membership Banquet and Awards 35th Golf Outing 78th Downtown Christmas Parade Monthly Networking Luncheons Lunch & Learn Educational Series Published a 88 page full-color Community/ Business Resource Guide and Member Directory Published monthly eNewsletters and weekly eBlasts

2019 Distinguished Service Award to John “Buzz” Walters

MEMBER BENEFITS

Networking Events Web Presence On-Line Open House Committee Meetings Special Member Only Events Monthly Newsletter Weekly eBlast Membership Service Directory Mailing Lists & Labels

Advertising Opportunities Referrals Information Center Trainings & Seminars Group Health Insurance Commercial Insurance Discounted Electrical Service Free Notary Membership Plaque

Pennsylvania Association of Chamber Professionals Accredited Chamber.

724-627-5926 • info@greenechamber.org • www.greenechamber.org • www.facebook.com/greenecountypachamber

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Dear Santa, My name is Alex and I am 6 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I am a good listener at home and at school. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a couple of drones and a tank that shoots darts?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Alex Collins

Dear Santa, My name is Brilee and I am 7 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I have been kind to others and I help my Mommy with my little sister. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a little ring and a Barbie Ultimate Dreamhouse?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I will leave some cookies and milk out for you. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Brilee Hice

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

GreeneScene by Jeanine Henry

The Turkey Has Trotted

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he turkey has come and gone and another successful Turkey Trot has been completed. The race benefittingthe Eva K. Bowlby Library was held on Nov. 23 with 97 total participants. The top 3 male and female finishers in each walker and runner category received awards.

WALKERS – FEMALE 14 and under: 1st - Emmaline Beazell; 2nd - Abby Whipkey.

15-19: 1st - Emily McCarty; 2nd - BreAnn Jackson; 3rd - Kaley Pell.

20-29: 1st - Madeline McCarty.

30-39: 1st - Danielle Morris; 2nd - Joni Beazell; 3rd - Amber Griedel.

40-49: 1st - Ann McCarty-Chess; 2nd - Crystal Jackson; 3rd - Stacey Whipkey.

50-59: 1st - Lana Miller; 2nd - Sabrina LynnMurdock.

60+: 1st - Linda Keller; 2nd - Kathy McClure.

30-39: 1st - Nicholas Wise; 2nd - Zack Patton.

50-59: 1st - Blake Headen; 2nd - Robert Wells; 3rd - Scott Miller.

60+: 1st - Mike Romeszura.

RUNNERS – FEMALE 14 and under: 1st - Isabella Stokes; 2nd - Lauren Martin; 3rd - Eva Pester.

15-19: 1st - Kaitlyn Pester; 2nd - Sarah Collins; 3rd - Jenna Martin.

20-29: 1st - Emma Ricciuti; 2nd - Susie Hershelman; 3rd - Maci Caster.

30-39: 1st - Mallory Jarzynka; 2nd - Hayley Cratty; 3rd - Sarah Brandstetter.

40-49: 1st - Deborah Pester; 2nd - Kelly Kiger; 3rd - Melissa Kirsch.

50-59: 1st - Louisa Belding.

60+: 1st - Marcia Sonneborn; 2nd - Vonnie Teagarden.

ter; 3rd - Matthew Openbrier.

40-49: 1st - Douglas Basinski; 2nd - Jonathan Johnson; 3rd - Lawrence Calvert.

50-59: 1st - John Kirsch; 2nd - Mitch RUNNERS – MALE 14 and under: 1st - Parker Smith; 2nd - Kyle Radella; 3rd - Philip Lynch.

WALKERS – MALE Pester; 3rd - Joshua Archer.

14 and under: 1st - Easton Ketchem; 2nd - 15-19: 1st - Levi Corbly; 2nd - Aidan Pell; 3rd 60+: 1st - Pat Calmbacher; 2nd - J. Gary Grant McClure.

- Daniel Collins.

15-19: 1st - Jeremiah Miller.

20-29: 1st - Patrick Morris; 2nd - Ketan Sutton; 3rd - Edward Mendola.

20-29: 1st - Sawyer Cole; 2nd - Joseph Hol- Lakhera; 3rd - Wesley Hershelman. lern.

30-39: 1st - Jeff Fox; 2nd - Matt Brandstet-

HOLIDAY #2 2019

• GreeneScene Community Magazine

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Can You Help Us Identify These People?

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ne of readers, Tom Medlick, submitted this photo to the GreeneScene. It belonged to his mother, Marilyn (Lahew) Medlick and, unline the rest of her pictures, there were no markings on this photo.

Tom is trying to identify the people in this picture.

Tom’s family is related to the following familes and it may be one of these families pictured: Cumberledge, Delaney, Lantz, Cox, Lahew, Simpson, Belford, and Cain. If you can assist in identifying any of the people in the picture, please reach Tom at medlick78@ yahoo.com or send your information to the GreeneScene and we’ll pass it along to Tom.

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Dear Santa, My name is Addysan and I am 7 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I help my Mommy with my little brothers. I also help my Mommy make dinner sometimes. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me some makeup, bingo dabbers, and a Little Live Pets Sparkles Unicorn?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I will leave you some cookies and doughnuts! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Addysan Eddy

Dear Santa, My name is Savannah and I am 6 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I help my Mom and Dad clean. I always listen to my Mom. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me some LOL dolls and Pikmi Pops?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! We usually eat and sing Christmas songs before we go to bed. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Savannah Berryman

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

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HOLIDAY #2 2019

MONDAY Christmas Tree Extravaganza, Senior Monday

Flea Market, 1 Christmas Tree Extravaganza, Flenniken Book Club, Essentials Education

TUESDAY

Bowlby Book Club 14

13

Cookbook Club 28

20 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY 21

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Flea Market, 8 Flenniken Book Club, Essentials Education

Flea Market, 29 TAG, Afterstroke Meeting,

Flea Market, 22 Adult Coloring Club

Flea Market, 15 TAG, WQED Meet the Orchestra, Cornerstone Genealogical Society Meeting

Senior Monday 7

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Elizabeth Durbin of Waynesburg photographed this snowy winter scene.

Christmas Open House

SUNDAY

Movie Night 30

Movie Night 23

Brown Bag Book Club, 16 Movie Night

Movie Night 9

NEW YEAR’S DAY 2 Christmas Tree Extrtavaganza, Bowlby Holiday Open House

WEDNESDAY

3

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Knittting Club 24

Senior Day, 17 Warrior Trail Assoc. Meeting

Knitting Club 10

THURSDAY

4

Skate & Dance

Pie & Bingo, 25 Skate & Dance

After Hours, 18 Skate & Dance

Skate & Dance 11

FRIDAY

TOPS

TOPS, Lego Brick Masters, Skate

TOPS, Skate

TOPS, CPR/AED Training, Lego Brick Masters, WQED Writers Contest Kick-Off Party, Skate

SATURDAY

JANUARY

7

6

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HOLIDAY #2 2019 Knitting Club 5pm @ Bowlby Library. All skill levels welcome.

Movie Night 6pm @ Bowlby Library. Every Wednesday. Free popcorn and beverage. Visit evakbowlby.org/ events for film titles. FMI: call 724-627-9776.

Essentials Education 6:30pm @ Flenniken Library. Join us the first Tuesday of every month for a class on the uses of essential oils. Participants also have the option of a make and take item. FMI: 724-966-5263

Greene Co. Photo Club 7 - 8pm @ Waynesburg Bible Chapel. Meets every 4th Tuesday. Meetings features a photo challenge and presentation. FMI, visit www.greenecountyphotoclub.org.

5:30 – 7:30pm @ Faith United Presbyterian Church. Stroke support group meets every 4th Tuesday. FMI call 724-470-9187.

28 Afterstroke Meeting

6pm @ Bowlby Library. Try new recipes and make new friends. FMI, call 724-627-9776.

27 Cookbook Club

Want more events? Visit greenescenemagazine.com’s online event calendar! Or submit your own to be included.

6 - 7pm @ Bowlby Library. 2nd Monday. New members are always welcome! To see book selection for the month, visit www.evakbowlby.org.

13 Bowlby Book Club

Skate 7 – 10pm @ Mon View Roller Rink. $5. FMI, 724-852-5323.

WQED Writers Contets Kickoff Party 1 - 3pm@ Flenniken Library. Activities and prizes, and a chance to check out previous winners.

Ages K-5. FMI: 724-966-5263 .

Lego Brick Masters 11am @ Bowlby Library. FMI: call 724-627-9776.

Pie & Bingo 6 – 8pm @ Bowlby Library. Library will supply all items including prizes. Call to register at 724-627-9776.

5:30pm @ Flenniken Library. 3rd Tuesday each month. FMI: flenniken.org or 724-966-5263.

21 Adult Coloring Group

4 -8pm @ Bowlby Library.

17 After Hours

10:30am – 2:30pm @Bowlby Library. Certification/Re-Certification offered at the library for Adult, Child & Infant first aid, choking, AED. For ages 10 & up; limited to first 12 registrations. Cost: $89. Register by calling 724-984-5702.

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11 CPR/AED Training

7 – 11pm @ Mon View Roller Rink. $5. FMI, 724-852-5323.

Warrior Trail Assoc. Meeting 6:30 - 7:30pm @ the Warrior Trail Headquarters in Fordyce. Meetings are 3rd Thursday of the month. FMI: 304-534-2213

12- 2pm @ Community Senior Center in Greensboro. Activity and light lunch. FMI 724-9433721.

16 Senior Day

12-1pm @ Bowlby Library. Bring your lunch; book discussion takes place during the hour. FMI: call 724-627-9776

15 Brown Bag Book Club

Cornerstone Genealogy Society Meeting 7 - 8pm @ Cornerstone Genealogy Society Library. Open to the public. Contact CGS library at 724-627-5653 FMI.

WQED Meet the Orchestra 6:30 - 7:30pm@ Flenniken Library. Hands on exploration of the orchestral musical instruments, led by Miss Norma. Register by 1/13. FMI: 724-966-5263 .

5pm @ Bowlby Library. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to come to the library and hang out! Bring a friend!

14 TAG (Teen Advisory Group)

Greene Co. Photo Club Meeting

Flenniken Book Club 6 - 7pm @ Flenniken Library. 1st Tuesday of each month. FMI: flenniken.org or 724-966-5263

Flea Market 7am – 2pm @ Greene Co. Fairgrounds. Every Tuesday.

Senior Monday 11am-12:30pm @ Bowlby Library. We will have a guest speaker, craft, and light lunch. To register, call 724-627-9776.

TOPS 9:30 – 11:30 am @Bowlby Library. Weight loss management. FMI: call 724-627-9776.

10 Skate and Dance

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Dear Santa, My name is Ralston and I am 7 years old. I have been a good boy this year because I let my sister pick out the movies to watch on our tablet. I also play with my little brother when I get home from school. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a Jurassic Park Brachiosaurus and Colossal T-Rex? I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I will leave cookies and milk out for you to eat. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Ralston Winston

Dear Santa, My name is Colbie and I am 6 years old right now, but I am turning 7 soon! I have been a good girl this year because I am always nice to my sisters. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me some slime and a dog stuffed animal?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I believe in you, Santa. I will make some cookies for you. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Colbie Six

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Dear Santa, My name is Julia and I am 6 years old. I have been a good girl this year because I smile and I am happy around others. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a babydoll and a Barbie?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Julia Tedrow

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Holiday Activities Around Southwestern PA

OVERLY’S COUNTRY CHRISTMAS – GREENSBURG, PA

CELEBRATION OF LIGHTS FAIRMONT, WV

Celebrate the season at Overly’s Country Christmas, a nonprofit organization mainly operated by volunteers who are committed to creating holiday memories with a unique, walk-around Christmas Village, filled with an array of oldfashioned traditions and treats. Sing carols around the bonfire, revel in the model train display, have your picture taken with Santa (in the days before Christmas), take a horse-drawn wagon/sleigh ride or shop for gifts in the C. Edgar & Sons General Store plus much, much more as you experience the warmth of this traditional Christmas Village! Overly’s is open November 22 through December 30. FMI, visit www.overlys. com.

OGLEBAY’S WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - WHEELING, WV

Local individuals, families and businesses sponsor over 475 lighted holiday displays that decorate the road and bring holiday cheer around Morris Park in Fairmont. Many people and groups volunteer their time to help with the set up and operation of Celebration of Lights event. Each year, over 1,000 hours of volunteer time is dedicated to producing this event for the public. This event is an annual fundraiser for the United Way of Marion and Taylor counties and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of South Fairmont. The Celebration of Lights begins on November 22 and ends December 28. FMI, visit www. celebrationoflightswv.com.

Beginning in 1985, the Winter Festival of Lights has grown into one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, attracting more than one million visitors each year. Identified as one of the top light displays in the United States by countless travel companies and national publications, the Winter Festival of Lights features three hundred acres of twinkling lights over a six-mile drive. The dazzling display includes ninety lighted attractions boasting more than one million energy-efficient LED lights. Now guests can experience this time-honored tradition in a whole new way with 3D ‘Sleigh Bans’ which transform every point of light into a magical display! You can visit Oglebay from Nov. 7 - Jan. 5. FMI, visit oglebay.com.

PHIPPS’ WINTER FLOWER SHOW & LIGHT GARDEN - PITTSBURGH, PA

CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING’S NATIONALITY ROOMS - PITTSBURGH, PA

PENNSYLVANIA TROLLEY MUSEUM WASHINGTON, PA

For 126 years, Phipps has been a beloved family tradition, and their upcoming Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden is their best and brightest yet, with over ten acres of gardens and lights to explore! This year’s theme – Festival of Trees – features a tree carousel, poinsettia trees, a floating forest, topiary reindeer and a rainbow glow tree. From a mesmerizing tunnel of lights to icy prism towers, a fountain of lights and more, Phipps’ Victorian glasshouse and glowing outdoor gardens will delight guests of all ages with stunning illuminated botanical exhibits, whimsical props and unique light displays. Family Fun Days and Evenings provide a fun learning experience for children, and Santa will be stopping by on select dates. FMI, visit www.phipps.conservatory.org.

Celebrate the holidays with the Cathedral of Learning in Pittsburgh. The Nationality Rooms are open during the holiday season and decorated for the holidays. The Rooms will be decorated beginning November 9 through January 18. FMI, www.nationalityrooms.pitt.edu.

Pennsylvania Trolley Museum’s stockings are hung by the trolleys with care and with the knowledge that Santa Claus will soon be there! The merriest man himself will be visiting the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum during their annual Santa Trolley on December 14 & 15, running from 9am-5pm with the last trolley departing at 4pm. Guests will have the opportunity to climb aboard a restored streetcar that will transport them around the museum’s 2 mile track. Santa’s happy to have visitors take his picture, so make sure to bring your camera.

The holiday spirit will be all throughout the air and your bellies will be filled with complimentary hot chocolate and cookies. While there, visit the Lionel toy train layout, see the wonderful LEGO display, and make a holiday craft. FMI, visit www.pa-trolley.org.

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Wishing you a safe and healthy Holiday Season. whs.org/greene

HOLIDAY #2 2019

• GreeneScene Community Magazine

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G ree ne Artifacts

By Matthew Cumberledge, GCHS Executive Director

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JOHN W. EDDY A PHOTO AND A STORY

ld family photos are perhaps among the most important and interesting relics an historian can study. They are that one single item that can truly bring us back to the human story of past events in lieu of just a list of dates and facts.

The Greene County Historical Society artifact this month represents a story that may easily be forgotten be it not for this one lone photo.

The Greene County Historical Society archives a pamphlet made for Memorial Day in 1910 that celebrates the life and honors the sacrifices of many of our young men who fought and died in the American Civil War. Among the many pages in this small booklet, one can find a photo of Private John W. Eddy of Company A of the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

This photograph appears different than many of the others. Most photos in the pamphlet show men, well advanced in age, and photographed in techniques common to the early decades of the 1900’s, but Mr. Eddy’s photo, appears very grainy and shows

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quite a young man with a very innocent look on his face. That innocence would not last long - John didn’t survive the war. He died in the Confederate prison at Belle Isle near Richmond on January 27, 1864.

John was born sometime around the year 1839 to John and Elizabeth (Kughn) Eddy, on a lonely farm on a ridge named after his family in southern Wayne Township, Greene County. He spent his whole life on that farm, working hard with his parents and siblings, planting and bringing in crops. It’s likely he rarely ventured into the big city of Waynesburg, but we know he did at least once. On September 4th, 1862, he and some of his brothers rode into Waynesburg and enlisted in Company A. John enlisted for three years, and the next solid information we have on him is that he fought at the Battle of Gettysburg and was shot in the side and severely wounded on July 3rd 1863. He was captured by rebel forces, and would then make his last journey to Belle Isle. He still remains in the area of Richmond, among the many union dead who were buried in mass graves in the Confederate Prison Cemetery.

Were it not for this one single photo, and a few records of the Civil War, John giving the last full measure of devotion may have been forgotten.

The Greene County Historical Society will reopen for Visitors and General Admissions on the 25th of April 2020. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page to stay up to date on our projects over the winter!

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Dear Santa, My name is Bryson Barrett and I am 7 years old. I should be on the “Good List” this year because I am always nice to everyone. I am a kind friend to others. I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a four-wheeler and a new Christmas ornament for our Christmas tree?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I will leave carrots out for your reindeer and cookies with milk for you. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Bryson Barrett

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Co o l at Sc h o o l

by Lachlan Loudon

The following feature originally appeared on Nov. 6 as part of The Yellow Jacket, Waynesburg University’s award winning, student-run newspaper. GreeneScene Magazine is pleased to share this and future stories from The Yellow Jacket, as we give these young journalists an opportunity to broaden their audience and share the good news of our region with you. You can follow The Yellow Jacket online at theyellowjacket.org.

Boy Scouts Come Back to Campus for Merit Badge University

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aynesburg University held its seventh annual Merit Badge University on Saturday, Nov. 2. This brought together the Boy Scouts of America in the region and university departments.

Scouts could earn themselves a merit badge based on the field they chose to study for the day. Topics from various academic departments, such as Chemistry, Indian Lore, Citizenship in the World, Photography, Movie Making and many others offered a possible merit badge.

Sophomore forensic science major and Eagle Scout, Joshua Gurtner, led the Citizenship in the World merit badge course, where scouts learned about how to coexist with different parts of the world and become a world citizen.

“I’ve had a chance to work with some great people,” Gurtner said. “This also gives me a chance to pass on what I know to the younger generations that might not learn these things otherwise.”

Gurtner has valuable experience as an Eagle Scout and is dedicated to enhancing and spreading the rich culture of the scouts.

Gurtner obtained many merit badges over the years as a boy scout. He said he “never really saw it as work” but he found it to be “a lot of fun.”

Another unique merit badge option for the Boy Scouts was Movie Making, led by Harry Oakes, senior electronic media major, and his younger sibling, Jessica Oakes, sophomore communication major.

Movie Making student for the day, Brighton Luniewski, Life rank from the Westmoreland-Fayette council, is hoping to become an Eagle Scout one day and wanted to take on a more creative approach for his newest merit badge.

“I chose [Movie Making] because I have a pretty big interest in it,” Brighton said. “I figured it’d be something new to try out instead of doing the other merit badges where you sit in a classroom … I figured I might as well have fun.”

Jessica Oakes, helping lead the Movie Making mer-

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it badge, has been a part of scouting for five years, and is part of the venturing system.

“I think it’s just a good way to be a role model to these scouts that are growing up and to just help the next generation be better leaders and to help them fulfill requirements in life,” Jessica Oakes said. “I was really involved with scouting in high school, but in college now I’m not as involved. Merit Badge University gives me an opportunity to continue with scouting and help other scouts with their merit badges.”

This was also the first time that girls involved with boy scouts could participate in Merit Badge University.

Participating in Movie Making was Stephanie Colist, a Second Class rank from the Westmoreland-Fayette council. “ I ’ m taking it [Movie Making] because I like being behind the c a m e r a ,” Stephanie said.

This is Stephanie’s first time partaking in Merit Badge University. She also has a passion and hobby for taking pictures and video as she brought her very own camera with her.

Altogether, the scouts all were eligible to earn a merit badge at the end of the experience. With over six hours of hands-on learning and instruction, the scouts finally earned their merit badges. At the end of the day, both the Waynesburg University faculty, studentinstructors and the Boy Scouts collaborated for another successful Merit Badge University and walked away with more knowledge than before.

Scouts from across the region attended Waynesburg University’s 7th annual Merit Badge University.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Dear Santa, My name is Bentley and I am 6 years old. I have been a good boy this year because I am always kind to my friends.

I also think about my Dad a lot, like I bought him an iPhone last weekend! I have a couple of Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me an iPhone 6 and a Hoverboard?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Bentley Dulaney

Dear Santa, My name is Jed and I am 7 years old. I have been a good boy this year because I give people compliments. I also help my friends. I have a Christmas wishes. Could you please bring me a drone?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I will leave cookies and milk out for you. There will be reindeer food out in the yard. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Jed Mason

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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G o in g G re e n e

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JOHN CORBLY - A MAN OF HIS TIME

imes were tough, it wasn’t like today when our problems are more a matter of inconvenience, then, problems were a matter of survival. Even a simple Sunday Service came with risks that in at least one instance ended in death.

“On the second Sunday of May in the year 1782, being about to keep my appointment at one of the meeting houses, about a mile from my dwelling, I set out with my dear wife and five children for public worship. Not suspecting any danger, I walked behind with my Bible in hand, meditating. As I was thus employed, all of a sudden, I was greatly alarmed with the frightful shrieks of my dear wife before me. I immediately ran with all the speed I could, vainly hunting a club as I ran, till I got within forty rods of them; my poor wife seeing me, cried to me to make my escape; an Indian ran up to shoot me. Seeing the odds too great against me, I fled, and by doing so outran him. My wife had a sucking child in her arms; the little infant they killed and scalped. Then they struck my wife several times, but not getting her down, the Indian who aimed to shoot me ran to her. My little boy, an only son, about six years old, they sank a hatchet into his brain and thus dispatched him. A daughter besides the infant they killed and scalped. My oldest daughter who is yet alive was hid in a tree about twenty yards from where the rest were killed, and saw the whole proceedings. She seeing all the Indians go off, as she thought, got up and deliberately came out from the hollow tree; but one of them spying her, ran hastily up, knocked her down and scalped her; also her only surviving sister, one on whose head they did not leave more than an inch round, either flesh or skin, besides taking a piece of her skull. She and the before-mentioned one are miraculously preserved; though as you must think, I have had and still have a good deal of trouble besides anxiety about them; insomuch as I am, as to worldly circumstances, almost ruined. I am yet in hopes of seeing them cured; they still, blessed by God, retain their senses, notwithstanding the painful operations they have already had, and yet must pass through.”

This is the Reverend John Corbly’s account of that fateful incident 237 years ago, as he related it to a friend in a letter a few years later.

Home built by the Reverend John Corbly Circa 1800.

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by Matthew Cumberledge

Corbly was born February 25th 1733 on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in the small but mighty English Nation. Little is known of his early life, but he must have been born of very humble origins as it is recorded that at the age of 14 he indentured himself into voluntary servitude to pay for his transport to the colonies in the Americas. He faithfully served out his time in Pennsylvania, and at around age 18 moved to Winchester Virginia. Not long after he arrived in Virginia he became acquainted with a young lady by the name of Miss Abigail Bull. She soon became his first wife. John and Abigail would settle in Berkley County, Virginia and that is where he would find the second and perhaps most important love of his life, the Gospel of Christ. The Elder John Garrard, a minister of the Baptist faith was a prominent and zealous preacher of the Gospel in that area. When Garrard came to know the young John Corbly, the state of his soul and salvation became an important topic. The Elder Garrard must have had an unforgettable effect on Corbly, as at once he converted to Christianity and his life was consecrated to bringing others to the Baptist faith.

The now Reverend John Corbly took the commands of the scripture seriously, and began preaching the Gospel with such zeal that other denominations and religious would persecute him in his efforts. He suffered many trials and tribulations, assaults, beatings and was arrested and placed in the Culpepper Jail sometime around 1768. But Corbly’s faith was strong and preached even during his confinement.

This time in prison however, along with the recent death of his wife Abigail, may have led to Corbly’s desire to find a new home where he could freely preach the Word as he saw fit. In 1769 or 1770, Corbly, like so many others in the Colony of Virginia, would make the hard trek to the lands near the Monongahela River and find a tract of land near the head waters of Whitely Creek where many of his friends and acquaintances were soon to settle. Among that early group of settlers were many members of the Garrard Family, no doubt relations of Corbly’s old friend Elder John Garrard. There, Corbly would marry his second wife Elizabeth. She was the wife that was killed in the attack in 1782.

Not long after, in the 1774, Garrards Fort was erected

Corbly Massacre Memorial at Garards Fort Cemetery.

very near to the Corbly and Garrard farms. It served as a beacon of safety to those early settlers. By 1776, Corbly had established the first congregation that would service the early settlers of what is now Greene County, known then as the Goshen Baptist Church. Though the meetings in those early days were held in the homes of the congregants, a log church was later built, and in the mid 19th century a brick structure was erected. The Congregation is still in existence today, and the church is now known as the John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church. It was to this congregation that Corbly was walking to from his home nearby on that fateful day in 1782, when so many members of his family would lose their lives. But it would take more than that to take the Reverend John Corbly down.

He continued to preach at that small rural church for many years, as well as other churches in the area, and married his third wife, Nancy. Corbly remained a public figure, and stayed active in local politics and was no doubt one of the most respected and well known citizens of the region.

In the early 1790s, when the Federal Government placed a tax on whiskey production, one of the few ways local settlers had of making money from their crops, Corbly would again find himself at risk of jail. Corbly was a man who was thought by the federal government and military at the time to have been meeting with conspirators and taking a strong role in the regional rebellion against the excise tax on whiskey. We now know this era of history as the Whiskey Rebellion. At a mass public gathering at Parkinsons Ferry, Corbly spoke out against the tax. Because of his remarks, he was among the 20 ringleaders of the rebellion arrested and imprisoned in November 1794. He was later pardoned by President George Washington. Once the rebellion was over, Corbly returned home and continued preaching until his death in 1803.

Corbly’s legacy is still strong, he founded nearly 30 churches in Greene County and the surrounding areas, and his descendants still meet every year at the Corbly Memorial Baptist Church to celebrate the life and times of one of Greene Counties most significant historical figures.

John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Public Service Profile

By Melody Eller

GREENE COUNTY DRUG COURT

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GreeneScene by Bryan Higinbotham

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y beloved Greene County”, says Christine Gardner proudly. Having lived in the area since 1980, most of her life has been dedicated to helping others. After retiring in 2011 from a career where she managed economic development programs and business incubators, she was approached by President Judge Toothman who saw the rapid growth of the opioid addiction in the county and the immediate need for a solution. With Christine’s professional background and her passion in helping the community he appointed her as the Court Assistant for Program Development.

Along with Judge Lou Dayich, they applied for a $150,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), which they were originally turned down for. Determined, a few additional attempts were made and the request was finally approved. Plans to move forward with a drug court program for defendants who have been charged both with drug crimes and crimes that are committed to support a drug habit could now begin. The PCCD grant was a joint project/effort between the Greene County Court System and the Greene County Board of Commissioners and is an ongoing partnership with many providers including Greene County Single County Authority, Mental Health, D&A and our county jail and service providers.

According to NADCP (National Association of Drug Court Professionals) 20.2 million American adults (about 1 in 10) have a substance use disorder. 43.6 million (about 1 in 5) have a mental health problem.

Tragically, people with these disorders are more likely to be incarcerated than treated.

The need for assistance in rehabilitation and recovery is greater now than ever before and increasing. “Addiction is a disease”,

says Gardner. “And it affects everyone. The wealthy and the poor. This is a tornado that we need to get our arms around. We are raising a generation of orphans due to the addiction crises”.

Drug courts have been around for 30 years with more than 3,000 treatment courts and are saving lives in all 50 states. Participation and successful completion of this rigid 18-24-month drug court program, followed by two years of case management follow-ups, can help defendants redirect and restore their lives and avoid incarceration.

The program entails starting with a quality assessment. They will then have their own individual service plan created with frequent drug testing, court appearances and treatment services. Along with the drug court planning committee, they will appear in front of the judge to discuss the individuals progress. Case management, hand holding and accountability are three important factors in the drug court process.

The drug court team and the District Attorney, will select the individuals who qualify for the program. The team has developed the handbook and policies and are currently working on the incentives for the program.

“Our aim with this program is to proceed slowly to get a great foundation under it”, says Gardner. “The state is coming to train our team in January and we hope to get the program running by mid-February to the beginning of March”, she adds. Christine also states that it’s very important to take notice that it’s not just one individual taking on this epidemic but rather it’s the whole community acting together. “Greene County has always been about coming together in a crisis’, she says. “That’s what makes us so unique”.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Dear Santa, My name is Rylee and I am still 6 years old, but my birthday is coming up soon! I have been a good girl this year because I helped with laundry and I helped clean up my room.

Could you please bring me some LOL dolls and an Instax camera?

I can’t wait for you to visit on Christmas Eve! I am planning to leave you some chocolate chip cookies with milk. I will feed the reindeer some reindeer food from a bag with oatmeal and glitter. Merry Christmas Santa!

Love, Rylee Sotler

GreeneScene by Remington Crooks

It’s Here!

The 2020 edition of the Greene Country Calendar,

by Wendy Saul and Colleen Nelson, is now available! Just $15 each at many local retailers, including Waynesburg Milling Company, Specialty Herbal and Direct Results, Home of the GreeneScene Magazine, in Waynesburg. You can also find it at Thistlethwaite Vineyards in Jefferson and Gloria’s Ceramics in Rogersville. Featuring pen-andink drawings of many local scenes, the Greene Country Calendar makes a great gift - even if it’s a gift for yourself.

If you can’t find one in your neighborhood, Colleen Nelson can be reached at crnelson@windstream.net. She’ll make sure you get one!

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Southwestern PA Among Beneficiaries of State Tax Credits

Dodgeball Tournament Raises Funds Saturday, November 16th, the Carmichaels High School Girls Basketball team put on a Dodgeball Tournament fundraiser at the school. The fundraiser was to raise funds for the girls basketball program. Twenty teamsn competed across several divisions. The event was sponsored by C&B Lawn Care and Subway. This was the inaugural tournament and plans are already in the works for next year’s event due to this year’s great success.

4th-6th Grade Boys Division Champions - “Team Ghosts.” L-R: (Front) Drew Adams, Jaymison Robinson, Brayden Ellsworth; (Back) Jack Shaffer, Darren Knight, Dayten Marion Adult Division Champions - “McCombs and the Meatballs.” L-R: Matt Kloska, Dylan Wilson, Dylan Rohrer, Drake Long, Coach Ian McCombs, Bradley Schnfeldt, Matthew Barrish Best Costume Champions - “Jack’s Mighty Rockets.” L-R: (Front) Jayden Kerley, Bronsyn Pratt, Trenton Sowden, Brody Pratt, Gunner Plavi, Landen Ekiert; (Back) Coach Kelli Pratt, Evan Kniha, Cole Headlee, Miles Sowden, Kallyn Novak Middle School Boys Champions “Team Tucker.” L-R: Dayton Reynolds, Jordan Watts, Billie White, Aden Matheny, Tucker Whipkey, Parker Hewitt Middle School Girls Champions “Dirty Dodgers.” L-R: Duski Staggers, Katie Waggett, Ashton Batis, Camryn Anderson, Megan Voithofer, Karissa Rohrer

Adult Division Champions - “McCombs and the Meatballs”

4th - 6th Grade Boys Champions - “Team Ghosts”

Best Costume Champions - “Jack’s Mighty Rockets”

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live.”

Greater Washington Community Food Bank: $104,500 for installing solar panels to provide electricity for their hydroponics program, creating renewable energy while also enhancing the food bank’s mission of storing and providing food to approximately 5,000 clients throughout its 46 distribution sites.

The tax credit program provides the credits to business that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems.

First Federal S&L Donates House As part of its continuing investment in the communities it serves, First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County recently donated a home in Clarksville to Greene County Habitat for Humanity.L-R: Charles W. Trump, Jr., First Federal CEO/Secretary; Keith Davin, Habitat Executive Director; James Strosnider, Habitat Board Vice President; and Chad M. Moore, First Federal Senior Vice President/Treasurer.

Greene County is ‘Filling the Food Bank’ Middle School Boys Champions - “Team Tucker”

Middle School Girls Champions - “Dirty Dodgers”

Creating a Merry Christmas for Area Kids The Greene County Regional Police Dept., in conjunction with the Supervisors of Morris, Perry, and Wayne Townships, delivered a trunk full of presents to Greene County CYS for their Angel Tree.

Together, They were able to fulfill 22 angel wishes for children in Greene County.

$709,500 in state tax credits have been approved for the area. “These tax credits will encourage businesses and programs to continue to invest in our region,” State Rep. Pam Snyder said.

Redevelopment Authority of the County of Greene: $187,500 to increase the number of owner-occupied homes in Crucible. “Blight can be a significant problem and a challenge for the entire community,” Snyder said. “Rehabbing homes in coal patch villages can help stabilize the erosion of property values and provide hope and pride in where they

On December 5, the 4th annual Holiday Food Drive for Corner Cupboard Food Bank helped ‘fill the food bank’ and provide much needed foodstuffs to the needy of Greene County. During the drive, hosted in collaboration with CONSOL Energy, CNX Gas and CESO, the food bank collected non-perishable food items and monetary donations to assist in their mission to provide food security to the residents of Greene County. WANB broadcased live from the drive. Refreshments (complimentary of Compliance Services) and raffle items were available. 1,417 pounds of food collected at the drive that will go to support those in need.

“This year’s drive [was] a successful one because our community came together to support the cause,” shares Candace Webster, CCFB director. “We had lots of volunteers and donations. And lots of visitors for hot chocolate and smiles!”

This collaboration between Compliance Services and the food bank wasn’t the first.

In November, Mary Bokat of Compliance Services and CCFB Board president reached out to the food bank on the behalf of Compliance Services and Green Waste Services LLC. Greene Waste Services was interested in help-

ing the community. They decided to purchase turkeys that would be distributed throughout Greene County. Greene Waste offered to purchase 500 turkeys and Compliance Services offered to purchase the remainder of turkeys needed in order to provide a turkey to every family who was currently registered with the Corner Cupboard Food Bank’s Pantry Distribution Program and who had been attending monthly pantry distributions regularly for at least the past 3 months. Corner Cupboard Food Bank distributed these turkeys at their 11 pantry sites throughout the county.

L-R: Jessica Cole, Mary Bokat, Candace Webster, and Sheila Zalar

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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Volunteers Needed Blueprints is currently seeking volunteers in Washington and Greene Counties for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The program provides low-to-moderate income households with free income tax filing services, protects them from predatory or expensive filing services and ensures they receive all the tax credits for which they are eligible.

Volunteers are needed for various positions including greeting and screening taxpayers and preparing income tax returns

during the afternoon and evening hours, one day per week in the City of Washington and in the Borough of Waynesburg during income tax return season.

Volunteers do not need prior experience in tax filing as they receive training and certification through the program. Individuals may volunteer as little as two hours each week and more if their schedule allows.

FMI please contact Rebecca by telephone at 724-225-9550 x. 516 or by email at rwhoolery@myblueprints.org

+60 Orioles Win National Tournament Mike Nath (L) and John Greenlee (R) display their team’s Championship Plaque for their team, +60 Orioles, winning the AA +60 Division of the National Adult Baseball Association’s 2019 Over 50 & Over 60

National Fun Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mike and John are members of the Washington-Greene Adult Baseball League and the Latrobe-Derry Old Timer’s League.

Free Christmas Day Dinner A free Christmas Day dinner will be held on December 25, 2019 at the Waynesburg Eagles at 5258 West High Street. Eat-in and to-go starts at 1pm and deliveries start at 12pm. Dinner includes ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, egg noodles, macaroni/potato salad, gravy, vegetables, dinner roll, and dessert. Sponsored by Chuck Wolfe & Family and Waynesburg Eagles. FMI, call 724-627-7565

Hunters Sharing the Harvest The Hungarian Smokehouse participates in Hunters Sharing the Harvest for anyone interested in donating a deer this year. All meat goes to the Corner Cupboard Food Bank in Waynesburg and there is NO charge to the hunter. You will have to use one of your deer tags to donate. For additional information, please visit www.sharedeer.org or contact the Hungarian Smokehouse at 724-966-7704.

Other area participants include Shuba’s Processing in Washington, Bobeck’s Deer Processing in Monongahela, and Lenik Deer Processing in Finleyville.

Holiday Fine Art & Pottery Sale A Holiday Fine Art & Pottery Sale will be held Sunday, December 15 from 2pm to 5pm at Riverrun Books in Greensboro. The art and pottery sale will feature work from local and regional artists. Stop by to find the perfect gift. FMI, visit Riverrun Books Facebook page or call 724-943-4406.

Greene County Warm Nights All I Want For Christmas Is... a Photo With Santa!

Bring your camera to Brooks-Crago American Legion in Rices Landing on Saturday 12-21-2019 from 11am-2pm. Santa will be there taking pictures with your children & pets. Santa is askingthat you bring a new unwrapped toy or make a monetary donation to Toys for Tots when you visit.

Enjoy cookies and punch along with a special visit from the Grinch and his dog Max. Please have pets leashed.

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Greene County Warm Nights is a FREE overnight shelter providing a warm, safe place to stay on extremely cold winter nights.

It’s open when temps are 25 degrees and below December through March. Guests can stay from 7pm to 7am and may arrive for the night between 7pm and 10pm. Located

at the Greene County Fairgrounds, cots and bedding are provided. Hot showers are also available. No pets are allowed. The Greene County Humane Society will house animals overnight at no cost upon request. Must call to register by 4pm pm that day.

No walk-ins are permitted. To register call 1-800-417-9460 or dial 211.

Toys for Tots Update The location for pickup for Carmichaels/Cumberland Township has moved from the Carmichaels American Legion to the Carmichaels Volunteer Fire Department. If you have any questions, please contact Buzz Walters at 724-4995332 or Theresa Walters at 724-966-2009.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

Customer Appreciation Day

Friday, December 13th, 2019, at All Branch Locations!

Waynesburg Main Office

25 East High Street Visit with Santa Claus from 12–2 p.m. and 3–4:30 p.m.

FREE Pictures with Santa, Music All Day, Treats & Other Goodies!

9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Treats & Goodies Also Available* at: Waynesburg Drive-Thru Uniontown Drive-Thru Routes 19 & 21 76 Brewer Drive Carmichaels Office Washington Office 101 West George Street 460 Washington Road Mt. Morris Office Taylorstown Office 101 Locust Avenue Ext. 2980 S Bridge Road *During Regular Uniontown Office Business Hours 1 West Main Street

www.firstfederalofgreene.com For more information, call 724-627-6116

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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efore Scotty’s Pizza existed, it started as Mario’s Pizza, a franchise in the Greene plaza. The pizza shop was struggling and when the perfect opening appeared, Mario’s manager John “Scott” Whipkey saw an opportunity for something better and bought the business in 1990. His intention was to turn it around and make it once again profitable. Sadly, he would never realize his dream as he died in a car accident shortly after buying Mario’s.

The business was passed on to his mother, Linda. “Scotty’s” brother Jim, having worked at Mario’s with him, helped run the business with his mother after Scotty’s untimely death. They got rid of the franchise, took the equipment and a few ideas and started fresh. Jim made new sauce recipes as well as fresh-made dough on the premises.

Together they changed and expanded the menu. Linda wanted to honor her son and Jim, his brother, and thus “Scotty’s Pizza” was born.

Jim says Scotty’s Pizza would never have come to fruition if not for the hard work of his mother. She worked countless hours and poured seemingly endless funds into the business to keep it afloat in the early years.

In 1995, Scotty’s Pizza moved to its current location on E. High Street at which time

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Linda pursued other business ventures and Jim worked on the pizza shop. Jim says Ian, currently the head manager of the successful business, has been one of the company’s best assets for many years and has become the unofficial ‘face’ of the business. He has the right work ethic and temperament for the restaurant trade. Jim’s longtime wife, Toby, also puts in time to help Jim make the business successful. Toby, along with their two daughters London and Pieper, have always been helpful and supportive of the business.

Scotty’s recipe for success has always been top quality ingredients and great service, providing a topnotch product and a positive dining experience. Scotty’s is dedicated to giving back to the community that has made them successful through the years.

Scotty’s has sponsored many sports teams, fundraisers, school activities and numerous other good causes, and even sponsored a Scotty’s Pizza party room at the community’s EQT REC Center.

For the better part of 30 years, Scotty’s Pizza has tried to give to the community that has done so much for them. Scotty’s thanks everyone who has made our staple of “Hometown, Homemade Goodness” work through the years.

GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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lose your eyes and tap your heels together three times. And, think to yourself, ‘There’s no place like home.’”

That’s right! Did you know that Direct Results, at home in the heart of Waynesburg, has an embroidery production department? Embroidery is an art form that can add a custom touch to almost any garment. Companies that add customized embroidery to their employees’ apparel add a higher perceived value to their brand. Embroidered apparel has a real lasting and branding power and customers associate such apparel with their brand.

Direct Results produces an average of 1000-2000 embroidered garments weekly! We’ve done embroidery on hats, shirts, aprons, backpacks, jackets, beanies, blankets, FR clothing, scarves, cooler bags, stadium chairs, and more. Our passion for quality design and production can’t be beat! We take pride in every piece that goes out the door, and our experience and attention to detail are undeniable. We are preferred vendors for the Pittsburgh Penguins, along with several large oil and gas companies, radio stations, finan-

cial institutions, and our customer base spans much of the United States, including customers in Alaska and Hawaii.

Direct Results has earned respectability as an innovative company that can take an idea and materialize it from concept to reality.

Our talented graphic designers work closely with Deb Heath in our embroidery department to make your clothing a work of art. “I want our clients to rave over the products we provide,” says Deb. “I love my career, and I want to help your business be successful.”

After the personalized design has been completed, Deb begins the process of creating the embroidered product on one of our state-of-the-art embroidery machines. She carefully matches brand colors to the perfect shade of thread and creates a test sample.

Deb works diligently to work out any issues until she has created a flawless piece.

Deb, a veteran, is active in her community. She serves in the Honor Guard as Sergeant of Arms, where she participates in military memorial services, along with other community based functions, includ-

ing parades, sending care packages to active military members overseas, and helping other local veterans. She currently lives in Waynesburg and enjoys traveling, people, and food.

In her free time, she likes to do arts and crafts with her godchildren, exercising, reading books and poetry, and listening to music.

If you’re interested in embroidered products for your business, and you’re not sure where to start, call 724-627-2040 and talk to one of our experts. Be sure to check out a brief video of our embroidery process in action on garments for the Penguins at https://vimeo.com/356222220. We will be happy to assist you in setting your business a step above with unique products and apparel.

You won’t have to look any further than your own backyard, right here at home!

Deb Heath prepares one-of-a-kind embroidered hats for a client.

CLASSIFIEDS 3.5 Bricks (1750 rounds) RWS R-50 Competition .22 Ammo, All same lot $325 Cash, ($630 value).

724-725-5331 10a-8p, leave mess.

Redfield scope, model 2x7 T.V., low profile, gloss finish, Like new, $125 Cash. 724-725-5331 10a-8p, leave mess.

“

Leupold .22 Rimfire 4x Compact Scope, gloss finish, Ex. Cond., $100 cash, 724-725-5331 10a-8p, leave mess.

Interarms Mark 5 Mauser 30-06 with Redfield 5 Star 4x12x40 AO scope, test fired only, $550 Cash plus Transfer. 724-725-5331 10a-8p, leave mess.

Sako Fin Bear Deluxe 7mm Mag with Nikon 4x12x50 S.F. scope, ex. cond., $1100 Cash plus Transfer 724-725-5331 10a-8p, leave mess.

Ceramic Christmas village, LEMAX, 6 lighted houses, 17 figurines (people, snowmen, playground, swings, merry go round), total 31pcs, $200 OBO. Dickens ceramics; 1 horse-drawn sleigh, 2 horsedrawn carriages, $75 OBO. Call Anna 724-7105814.

Sewing machine, Quik Stitch compact portable, $20 OBO. Call Anna 724-710-5814.

(4) Goodyear UltraGrip Wintertreads. 195/65R15, approx. 1000 miles. Mounted on steel wheels w/ covers. Sold as set. $450. 724-627-5994. Leave mess.

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

ach year, on the second or third Saturday of December, thousands of volunteers gather at local and national cemeteries to remind people to remember, honor, and teach. These volunteers spend the day placing wreaths across the graves of the many individuals that have fought for our country. Thanks to local organizations like the Civil Air Patrol and the Women’s Civic Club of Carmichaels, Wreaths Across America is able to spread its mission of remembrance into Greene County.

Wreaths Across America started quietly when Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine and owned by Morrill Worcester, had a surplus of wreaths towards the end of the 1992 holiday season. Morrill remembering a trip to Arlington National Cemetery during his boyhood, made arrangements, along with Main Senator Olympia Snowe, to have the wreaths placed in an older section of Arlington.

Other organizations became involved in the process – James Proust, owner of Blue Bird Ranch, Inc. – a trucking company – provided transportation and volunteers from the local American Legion and VFW decorated the wreaths with bows. Members of the Maine State Society of Washington, D.C. organized the wreath-laying and special ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This continued until 2005 when a picture of Arlington, covered in wreaths, brought national attention and requests began to pour in from people that wanted to help with Arlington; other requests came to recreate the ceremonies at local cemeteries. In 2006, civic organizations like the Civil Air Patrol held simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at over 150 locations. This year also began the annual Veterans Honor Parade that travels the east coast in December.

Each year the number of local cemeteries and the number of volunteers at Arlington grew. In response, the non-profit Wreaths Across America was formed expand and support the national effort. By 2014, over 1000 locations participated, with more than 700,000 wreaths placed. Three of those locations are here in Greene County: Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Green Mount Cemetery in Waynesburg, and Rosemont Cemetery in Rogersville.

For the past 9 years, the Women’s Civic Club of Carmichaels has been in charge of the event at Laurel Point Cemetery. The Civic Club, along with American Legion Post 400 and the Carmichaels VFW Post 3491, Scout Pack and Troop 1262 and other volunteers

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will place the wreaths on December 14th, after a noon remembrance ceremony. The ceremony will feature speaker Mike Belding and feature the music of the American Legion Post 400 Band, under the direction of Frank Ricco.

Andrea Semenoff, president of the Women’s Civic Club, read a local news article about the ceremony at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. She brought it up at the club’s next meeting and the club decided to adopt the Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels. They filed the paperwork and got organized, but because they started so late in their initial year, they weren’t able to get as much support and sponsorship as they hoped. “It was a nice thing to do,” shares Andrea.” It just feels so appropriate to honor the veterans during the holidays.”

For their second year, the club made it a priority to cover the veteran’s graves in the older portion of the cemetery, with the reasoning that those graves are more likely to be forgotten.

By the third year, they were able to cover all the veteran’s graves in the cemetery and have continued to do so ever since.

Last year, 339 wreaths were placed on the graves of veterans of Laurel Point and this year’s goal is to place wreaths on the graves of the 342 veterans who are buried there. “We have some very generous sponsors,” says Andrea. “A lot of people have loved ones buried in Laurel Point and will sponsor wreaths for their gravesites. And the local businesses are very generous. It’s one of the best things about living in a small community.”

Captain Dave Shaw, founder of Greene County Composite Squadron 606, has helped

with Wreaths Across America since it started at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA. Because of his hobby as a World War II Living Historian, the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies asked him to arrange for WWII vehicles and living historians to be present during the wreath laying ceremony, currently supported by Washington County Composite Squadron 601.

At the time of Squadron 606’s charter, only the Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels was participating in the program.

Squadron 606’s vision is to see the wreaths placed on all the graves of fallen veterans in Greene County, so they started by placing fifty wreaths at Green Mount Cemetery in Waynesburg in 2017. A ceremony was held outside the Greene County Courthouse that year, and several folks, including the Waynesburg Boy Scout Troops, helped place wreaths.

In 2018, they continued their work at Green Mount and placed 150 wreaths on graves. They also moved the ceremony to the Waynesburg VFW Post 4793. Because of the large number of wreaths, they were delivered by tractor trailer. The delivery was given an

The veteran’s graves at Arlington started what would grow into a nationwide ceremonial volunteer event.

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HOLIDAY #2 2019

The Women’s Civic Club of Carmichaels ensures that the Laurel Point Cemetery veterans are honored annually during Wreaths Across America.

escort from Carmichaels to the Waynesburg Post VFW 4793 and was attended by Cumberland / Carmichaels Volunteer Fire Dept., Pennsylvania State Police, Cumberland TWP Police Dept., Waynesburg Borough Police Dept., Greene County Sheriff ’s Dept., Greene County Regional Police Dept., and EMS South West Ambulance Service. The Squadron also treated the truck driver, Justin Schott, to a meal at a local restaurant before he continued on his way to his next delivery.

Justin is an independent truck driver and is contracted through Carey Moving and Storage of Asheville, NC. He’s been delivering wreaths on the east coast since 2015. Each year, Justin heads north to Columbia Falls, Maine, where they load his and all the other trucks with boxes of wreaths. Then Justin begins his assigned route. The route usually

takes him about a week to complete. Justin and the other truck drivers that participate are volunteers; the trip is paid for out of their own pockets, including fuel, tolls, food, repairs and more.

This year, the Squadron added Rosemont Cemetery in Rogersville to their efforts. The goal for wreath sponsorship is 293 for Green Mount Cemetery and 338 for Rosemont Cemetery. Boy Scout Troops 1280 and 9280 are raising funds to purchase wreaths and assisting with the wreath laying ceremony. Wreaths can also be purchased at the Waynesburg VFW and can be picked up and placed at any cemetery you would like.

The Squadron will continue to expand their efforts until all Greene County cemeteries are covered.

Major Ciara Williams places a wreath on a veteran’s grave at Green Mount Cemetery in Waynesburg.

HOLIDAY #2 2019

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GreeneScene Community Magazine •

HOLIDAY #2 2019