GreeneScene Magazine Holiday II

• GreeneScene Community Magazine

See the Christmas Lights in Waynesburg!

are encouraged for listening.

To see the light display, visit the Rolling Meadows Church of God at 585 Rolling Meadows Road, Waynesburg, PA. FMI, you can call 724-624-9430.

I Love this Place FLAT STANLEY

Extra! Extra! Flat Stanley has made it home to Greene County after 11 years – and just in time for Christmas!

When I first heard the news from Souix Harbarger, it all came rushing back. Flat Stanley! The greatest geography-reading-writing project ever created for grade school kids –especially third graders! The story of Stanley Lambchop who was flattened by a bulletin board but found he liked it that way, was dreamed up by newspaper editor Jeff Brown of Manhattan in 1964 while reading bedtime stories to his own two boys. One asked his dad what would happen if that big bulletin board over there fell on his brother and a star was born. What ensued was decades of new stories as Flat Stanley traveled around the world, went to outer space and even did some time travelling. I’m betting most reading this have either mailed Flat Stanley or helped your kids put Flat Stanley in an envelope and send him off to a friend, just as Flat Stanley’s parents did to him in the first book.

For that you can thank third grade

teacher Dale Hubert of London, Ontario, who decided in 1983 that mailing a handcolored and carefully cut out Flat Stanley to a friend would be the lesson of a young lifetime for his students. Flat Stanley would go out to have his photograph taken with his new friend, hang out awhile, then be returned home with an envelope full of adventures that he had along the way.

The turnaround time is usually measured in weeks, maybe a month. But 11 years?

Well, it turns out the friend that Kolby Harbarger gave Flat Stanley to in 2011 was Jukka Salminen from Turku, Finland. And Jukka was planning to ride his bicycle around the world.

The Harbarger farm on State Rt. 21 near Khedive is the perfect place to meet a bicyclist from Finland, especially on a chilly spring day.

“We were cooking out when he pulled over and asked if he could fill his water jug and we invited him to eat with us,” Souix said. She remembers how they ate, laughed and

worked on the language barriers over lunch, delighting in the adventure Jukka was describing to them.

Kolby remembers that he was eight and Flat Stanley was part of his home schooling things to do. Stanley was freshly colored and ready to go off on that adventure, so Jukka tucked him away, along with Kobey’s return address and peddled down the road.

And the years went by.

“I just forgot about him,” Kolby admitted.

When the big envelope arrived on December 1, “wouldn’t you know it, Stanley has made it back!” Souix posted on Facebook, adding, “I wasn’t holding out much hope for Stanley to return. But I have thought about the young man every now and then, wondering if he made it around the world.”

Well wonder no more.

“Dear Kolby and family Harbarger, This little fellow had finally a time to return home. We had a long twisty and beautiful trip together through North and South

By Colleen Nelson

America. You gave me a task to take photos of this little man for your son’s school project. Actually I did take a few photos but a few months after we met during the chilly spring afternoon in Carmichaels my journey came to a halt in Mexico and I returned home for 1.5 years. Then we both had to rest a little bit and I also wrote a book about my travels on five continents. Later we returned to South America and I finished my project of cycling through six continents. So unfortunately I was lazy and undetermined to finish the task in time. But hopefully it is never too late and this homecoming warms your hearts!”

A lot can happen in 11 years. Jukka writes that when he moved back to Finland after his tour of six continents, he wrote more books, did photography and renovated a 120-year-old log house using “natural materials and traditional techniques.” He lives there with girlfriend Helmi and her daughter Hilla, and “these days life seems to be taking more into a direction of a teacher and kind of a spiritual guide.” Still an avid cycler, “in

January I will take on bicycle trip to Canary Islands. Somehow I feel that this upcoming adventure will be bit different, now that I am order, more experienced and in a different phase of life.” As for his adventures with Flat Stanley, “this little friend has been a reminder of your hospitality and the short time we got to share together on your lawn. I always remember your calm kindness and macaroni salad that you offered me. Those are the shared golden moment of a nomad’s life. I deeply thank you for that.”

Kolby, now 20, has graduated and is working for Clarks Nursery in Carmichaels doing landscaping while he contemplates his own next adventures in life.

And Flat Stanley? Is he ready to hang up is rather flat traveling shoes?

Souix laughed. “I think we’ll put Jukka’s letter and Stanley in a shadow box to keep

everything, well, flat and safe and hang it on the wall. I just hope he doesn’t feel bad about missing the trip to the Canary Islands!” Souix and her daughter are now friends with Jukka Salminen on Facebook and so am I. I can’t wait to see what he posts about the Canary Islands! If you ask to be his friend, be sure to tell him you know Flat Stanley.

Kolby Harbarger now 20, is reunited with Flat Stanley just in time for Christmas!

Jukka Salminen biked the world while carrying Kolby’s Flat Stanley with him.

Jukka Salminen’s letter to Kolby when returning Flat Stanley to Greene County.

By Colleen Nelson

It’s Christmas 1957 in Mather and Bridget Vernon’s mother Mary Moon got a bride doll and a desk.

“Both were bought at the company store,” Bridget texts when she sent me family photos from that Christmas at Grandmother Arabelle’s. When presents were unwrapped, Uncle Rich and Uncle Harold stopped over and cousins Peggy and Cindy Moon were in from Virginia and cousin Carol Cain came from Ohio, to show off their what else? - new dolls.

Dolls were the must have gift for little girls in the 1950s, along with accessories. The hair drier on the stand beside the well coiffed dolly under Grandmother Arabelle’s tree is the avatar for this era of beauty shop pretends and the pre-Barbie dolls that little girls just had to have. (I got bride doll for Christmas myself, when I was in second grade and earned stars in school to stick on the refrigerator so Santa would bring it! So I totally understand the passion. She was beautiful! Her eyes opened and shut! When Cousin Tommy tried to poke them out with a stick, boy did I fix him! Shhhh! Don’t tell Santa.)

I found this blast from Christmas Past photo when I ran into Bridget on the Facebook group You were a Mather kid if you remember….. Others got into the conversation as we posted. Of all the photos she sent me, I fell in love with the tree and its pie plate with the candle on top, the buck standing in for Rudolph on the wall and the beautiful glass ornaments so easily broken over the years. And the doll and her hair drier under the tree.

Thirty-one comments and six shares later, Christmas in Mather was coming into focus, sandwiched between the mine explosions of 1928 and 1949 that left their marks on the families who lived here. As I read it occurred to me that when spring comes and the wildflowers start softening the edges it

will be time to go to Mather and hear the rest of the gritty story that coal towns tell. But for now, it’s Christmas and Santa has always known the address of every kid in town.

Bob Rice Jr., from Scenery Hill remembers his father dressing up as Santa in the 1970s and visiting every home that signed up. “He had the kids names and some of the info parents gave him. My mother, me and my brothers would drive him around the whole town until he hit every house on the list.”

Bridget also has a photo of her mom with Santa at the company store in the 1950s. (I wish we had room for all those photos!)

“My mom grew up in Mather and I spent a lot of time there. My grandmother lived to be 97 and moved there when she was 21. I have fond memories of the drug store and getting penny candy and talking with Ruthann Broadwater. She made the best hamburgers.”

Deneen Nelson Rhodes stopped by to tell me “I can get you in touch with Annette Konsky Thistlethwaite. She is a Mather girl. We are also serving a Red “Port Style” wine named Liars Den at the Winery.”

What a nice way to end this story! Sometime this spring

I’ll be writing all about the Liars Den in Mather and talking to folks like Josephine Retus Kois who was born in Mather in 1942 and has a lot of memories to share. Contact me if you want to be part of that story. But for now, I’ll be heading to Thistlethwaite Winery to buy a bottle of Liars Den for Christmas toasting with my friends.

It’s that time of year. Cheers!

GreeneScene Community Magazine • HOLIDAY II 2022 HOLIDAY II 2022 • GreeneScene Community Magazine

When it comes to stocking stuffing, nothing beats Neighbor 2 Neighbor.

This cheerful Christ-centered community ministry proved that this year when it partnered with Waynesburg University to stuff stockings for a first - but hopefully not last - “I’m dreaming of a Greene Christmas” event on December 10 at the Benedum Dining Hall.

It was the perfect sunny December day as a slew of families and excited kids lined up to wait for the doors to open at 11 am.

The wait was made sweeter by music, hot chocolate and lots of holiday cheer as volunteers like Executive Director Bill Burns moved through the line, passing out drinks, chatting, holding hands, laughing, sharing stories and laughing some more.

“To go to church is important, but to BE the church is essential,” Neighbor2Neighbor

Greene County Coordinator Renee Wright shared when I interviewed earlier, adding that volunteers representing 35 southwest Pennsylvania churches do neighborly outreach, with coat and holiday drives, Laundromat ministry and prayer.

Today she had on her fuzzy Santa baseball hat and jingle bell necklace, cheerfully ready to be a sermon in her shoes as the people in line caught the spirit with her.

There was no preregistration and everything was free. Those who entered filled out cards specifying what they needed, then WU students and volunteers from local churches took them through the dining hall-turned-mall for their shopping spree.

Tables of new hoodies, toys, toothpaste, shampoo and toiletries lined every wall and there were 20-inch stockings to stuff for families with kids.

On the way out shoppers were treated to boxes of cookies and boxed lunches and a cheery God bless you.

Leadership service initiative grants offered through the Richard King Mellon Foundation are used to fund these kinds of on and off campus projects to help Greene County address community needs, Center for Leadership and Bonar Scholar director

By Colleen Nelson

Adrianne Tharp told me.

Professor of Chemistry Heidi Fletcher applied for and received a grant to help fill the stockings with the goodies that were then listed on Facebook to alert the community to this holiday offering. In the days leading up to the 10th, Hilltop Packs Coffee Co. offered free cups of coffee to those who dropped off donations.

“What an amazing day! We had 29 volunteers and were able to serve 120 families, stuff 336 stockings with new toys,” Wright texted the next day. She noted that 120 hoodies and 200 to-go meals also went home with the satisfied shoppers.

Afterwards, those who volunteered, participated and benefitted gave their thumbs up on Facebook to a great new addition to Greene County’s season of giving. Some are already looking forward to next year. Some are already volunteering to help out.

To learn more, look up Neighbor2Neighbor on Facebook and see what everybody’s talking about.

Merry Christmas! And God bless us, every one!

Public Service Profile

By Morgan Marisa

WARM NIGHTS

As temperatures drop and Christmas songs fill the air, there is nothing better than cuddling up in some heavy blankets or relaxing in front of the fireplace after a long day’s work. Unfortunately, not everyone has the option to do so. Many have to face the winter’s harshest months without a roof over their heads or heat sources within their homes. Thanks to Warm Nights program, at least every person in Greene County has a safe, warm place to turn to on the coldest of nights.

“If you have no place to stay, then we can help,” said Amy Switalski, the director of Greene County’s Housing Department.

Warm Nights provides a free overnight shelter at the Greene County Fairgrounds on nights that are 25 degrees and below. It is open to both individuals and families from December through March. Participants must call to register by 4pm on the day of their stay and may arrive between 7 and 10pm. There are no walk-ins allowed. Guests are welcome to stay from 7pm to 7am. The shelter provides a cot and bedding for a full night’s sleep. Some basic amenities are also provided such as electricity, running water, hot showers, living furniture, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

While anyone is welcome to stay at the facility, there are some ground rules. Warm Nights is intended to provide a safe and comforting environment for all its guests. No weapons, drugs, or alcohol are permitted inside the shelter.

GRANT ALLOWS PAID ASSISTANCE FOR

PRESCRIPTION EYE CARE

The Waynesburg Lions Club has received a grant though the Community Foundation of Greene County that will allow prescription medicine for eye care to be provided for those in need. Once a patient has qualified for assistance, the Waynesburg Lions Club will provide up to $200 per patient to be paid to the pharmacy filling the prescription. The new program should be available for the community in January, FMI, contact Eleanor Chapman at 724998-6962.

Animal companions also cannot come along unless they are registered service animals. Fortunately, the Greene County Humane Society provides free overnight housing for pets so they have a safe place to rest their heads as well.

The whole initiative is possible thanks to the collective efforts of the Greene County community. A variety of organizations, businesses, county departments, and officials have helped make Warm Nights a reality and continue to help support its mission. At the heart of Warm Night’s success is also the volunteers who dedicate their time to keeping the shelter running. All the donations to the shelter also help significantly.

“So, in essence, everything pertaining to the house and program is taken care of through generous donations and the cooperation of the many involved entities and volunteers,” said Switalski.

Along with providing a place to stay during the night, the housing staff additionally suggests daytime spots to go to that will protect guests from the bitter cold. In the future, they also would possibly

like to expand through a partnership with the local Salvation Army and food pantries. Right now, any meals offered to depend on donations from volunteers and community members.

Thanks to everyone involved in running Warm Nights, families have had refuge from the cold for eight years now. Whether it is because of a broken heater or an unpredicted situation, anyone who needs a break from the weather has Warm Nights as an option. In order to register, call SPHS Crisis line at 1-800-417-9460 or dial 211.

Volunteers assist shoppers at the Christmas stocking stuffer event held by Neighbor2Neighbor at the Benedum Dining Hall.

Greene County Coordinator Renee Wright greets volunteer elf George Junkins of Carmichaels who stopped by to help out.

argaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” At Carmichaels Area School District, staff members have organized the Mikes on the Move. Mikes on the Move is a wellness organization that meets the first Thursday of each month to complete a 5K at the elementary trail. Members of Mikes on the Move contribute $10 a piece monthly and they donate the funds raised to charity.

Each member can complete their 5K by walking or running, whichever is more comfortable for the participant. If a member of the organization is unable to meet with the group on the first Thursday of the month, they can complete their 5K on their own time.

Mikes on the Move have completed two 5Ks so far and have also donated to two charities: Courageous Steps and Christians for Camp Carmel. Madeline Loring explains about how the charities are chosen, “Each member selected a cause they are passionate about at the beginning of the year. We have 16 causes and one is randomly selected at the beginning of each month. In December, our proceeds will go towards Suicide Prevention.”

Once everyone has submitted their $10 for

Cool at School

Church CARMICHAELS AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

the month, the charity is then picked at random from their group of selected charities.

Every year, the staff at Carmichaels Area School District has the chance to participate in a Wellness Day. The idea of Mikes on the Move came to life during a Wellness Day. Cassie Menhart, another member of the group, says, “Our administrators have been gracious enough to allow our staff to participate in a virtual 5K on this day. Since there was much success within the past two virtual 5Ks, Madeline and I felt that Mikes on the Move would be well received by our staff members. We collaborated together, established a name and the guidelines we felt would be most beneficial for the group and set everything into motion! We are thrilled with the response we have received so far!”

“We are a group of caring individuals who get together monthly to exercise and try to make a small difference in our community by donating to organizations that need community support,” adds Madeline.

Mikes on the Move currently has sixteen members and is hoping to expand. Any Carmichaels staff member who is interested in

By

joining may reach out to Cassie Menhart or Madeline Loring.

Michelle

Going Greene

CHRISTMAS IN THE CIVIL WAR

Christmas is a season where many people look forward to happy memories, rare opportunities to gather as a family and enjoy good company, good food, exchange gifts – and pass on traditions that have been handed down over the years. For some, though, Christmas can be a time of separation, especially when it comes to service members, law enforcement and first responders, and those who work over the holiday season.

Such was the case during the American Civil War from 1861 through 1865. Many soldiers were separated from their families and spent Christmas together in the field. A sense of family though, undoubtedly, remained present. Most units during the Civil War would recruit their soldiers in small localities and regions, bringing many family groups into their ranks. It wasn’t uncommon for brothers, cousins, and extended family members to all enlist into the same units at the same times. In some instances, even, a father may be captain of a company with his sons and other relatives as privates serving under him.

Much of the Christmas tradition that we know today can trace it roots back to the early days of Christianity when ancient Roman and Pagan celebrations were adopted and transformed to become relevant to the new converts to Christianity. Christmas, however, as we know it really dates to the Victorian Era, or the reign of Queen Victoria of Great Britain which lasted from 1837 until 1901.

Perhaps most notably, and due largely to the Germanic Influences from Victoria’s husband, Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha, Victoria can be credited with making Christmas trees a part of Christmas celebrations by introducing the first tree to Windsor Castle during her early reign after her marriage to Prince Albert.

Christmas celebrations in the United States during the American Civil War were largely influenced by British culture.

Families would gather, erect an evergreen tree in a prominent location in their home and then decorate it with things such as gingerbread men, popcorn strings and other handcrafted decorations. Civil War soldiers in the field would not have the opportunity to engage in a full-fledged expression of the holiday.

Many soldiers would make entries in their diaries or in letters home and speak of how they celebrated Christmas in the field. Generally, it was simple, and some only mentioned the holiday and didn’t have the opportunity to engage in any special activities at all.

M. Lafayette Gordon, a Civil War soldier from Greene County who belonged to Company G of the 85th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry recounted that in 1863, his unit had gotten back to New Bern, North Carolina just before Christmas, and that for some reason, there was an inadequate supply of provisions so that on Christmas morning they had nothing at all to eat. At 11am that morning, they were issued some tobacco and later were given some bread.

Greene County veteran Henry White recorded that on Christmas Day of 1862, he and his group were “Trying to enjoy ourselves as best we can, this is the second Christmas we have spent in camp. Our only hope is that by next year the war may be over and that those who are now absent from their homes and families may return to their families and homes of felicity and untold happiness.”

A year before, however, in 1861, White gave an account of a much more pleasant Christmas time while he was with his unit in Littleton, Virginia, now Littleton, West Virginia, just outside of Greene County.

“December 25th, 1861. Christmas Evening, we began to prepare for Christmas Spree at Armstrong Hostutler’s. Fine a lot of turkeys were furnished by Lt. Parkerson and the messes furnished such rations as were necessary for the dinner. Misses Hostutler and Misses Owen being the cooks furnished such vegetables as were needed and at half past three, the dinner was ready. About 40 ate dinner and prepared for a dance. A row was raised in the evening which came very near spoiling the party. Finally, all passed off and the gentlemen brought in the ladies for a dance, a finelooking lot of ladies were present. Dance kept up till late hour. A number of the Burton (Burton WV, a few miles distant from Littleton) came down to participate in the dance. Everything moved off with perfect tranquility this evening, it being the first Christmas evening spent in Camp by any of us.”

In the Army then, as it is today, there is a lot of down time and waiting, and holidays for soldiers aren’t always doom and gloom. Soldiers tend to be a creative lot, who are always willing and able to make the best out of what is available to them. Though few very specific accounts of how Christmas was celebrated by Greene County Troops during the war, many accounts from Units from all over the County have survived.

Union Soldiers would often use hard tack (A cracker/bread type food common in Civil War rations) and salt pork to decorate trees. When possible, companies would often try to prepare special meals and feasts for their soldiers, though this was probably the exception not the rule due to supply issues and travel restraints. A few units, however, were notably against their troops celebrating Christmas and their troops could be punished for observing any festivities.

When celebrating Christmas, many troops would sing hymns and carols, many of which are still well known to us today, such as “Hark the Herald Angles Sing,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Deck the Halls.” It is easy to imagine Civil War era Christmas celebrations by troops over a century and a half ago being very similar to celebrations held by our troops in various parts of the world even today.

Christmas time was even used by some authors and newspaper articles to spread the Union message during the War. Thomas Nast, a writer and editor, created several lithographs and drawings during the era to show the suffering brought on by families being separated by the war. One of

By Matthew Cumberledge

Wishing you a safe and healthy Holiday Season.

his most famous images was published in an 1863 Edition of Harper’s Weekly Magazine that showed a soldier on the battlefield while his wife prayed at home, no doubt waiting for his safe and swift return.

With Veterans Day so near behind us, and the Christmas season right upon us, make sure to remember those brave men and women today, and from all throughout our history who have left their families behind to answer their nation’s call, and miss their families dearly as they created some semblance of a Happy Christmas celebration with their brothers in arms in the field.

whs.org/greene

M Lafayette Gordon, a Civil War Soldier from Greene County.

A Civil War Era image by Thomas Nast showing a Union soldier and the wife he was separated from at Christmas.

Greene County Prison Staff Helps Family

Greene County Prison Staff graciously raised over $300 in monetary donations from the staff to help a fellow Greene County family in need this Thanksgiving. The donation was used to purchase a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings and provide a financial gift. The staff is thrilled to extend this blessing to a family in need.

“The staff at our facility came to me

and wanted to ensure a warm meal was sent to a family in need in an effort to pay it forward for this holiday season, so it was done,” Warden Gumbarevic says. Front L-R: Officer Madeline Rishell, Lt. Robin Lantz, Officer Kelly Cummins-Rishell, Counselor Connie Swift. Back L-R: Officer Monte Keys, Deputy Warden Cline, LPN Pamela White, Officer Alison Tenney, Officer Tyler Cummins.

Haley Ferricks, a senior chemistry major and former ACS chapter president at Waynesburg University. “It shows that our members are actively involved with and dedicated to our goals of service, outreach and growth, despite any challenges we may face. We have a wonderful and talented group of chapter members on this campus, and it’s thanks to the teamwork between all of us that we can call ourselves an outstanding chapter.”

Each chapter is evaluated by a group of faculty advisors as part of the selection process for the awards. They are each rated on the number and quality of events and activities provided throughout the year and how well the goals outlined in their reports were achieved.

For the 2021-2022 academic year, the chapter sought to provide new activities, in addition to some of their annual events like the Haunted Lab, that would create a positive impact on students.

“After two years of pandemic regulations, the chapter wanted to try new ways to engage nonmembers,” said Dr. Evonne Baldauff, chairperson for the Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science and professor of chemistry. “One new activity was to prepare ‘exam encouragement kits’ for students in chemistry classes. Each kit contained some school supplies, treats and a note of kindness and encouragement from the ACS officers.”

FMI, contact Dr. Baldauff at ebaldauf@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-7617

WG Lions Club Outstanding Students

The West Greene Area Lions Club recently honored these outstanding students with a dinner, certificate, and Amazon gift card.

Levi Barnhart is the son of Brian and Christine Barnhart of New Freeport. He participates in rifle, track, and cross country. He has been a highest honor student since his freshman year. He is a member of the Church of Christ in New Freeport and volunteers at the Salvation Army. Levi’ plans to attend college to attain a degree in pre-law.

Nathan Reed is the son of Bob and Karen Reed of Iron Rock Road, Center Township, PA. Nathan’s accomplishments and awards include: serving as class vice-president for 4 years, member of the Na tional Honor Society, Sergeant in Arms, Engineering Club, Science Club, lettered three years in basketball, lettered two years in baseball, Greene County 4-H Swine Club, Peer Mentoring, Academic Achieve ment Award, Academic Excellence Award, and American Citizenship Award. Nathan volunteered for the United Way Stuff the Bus event. His future plans include going to college to become a mechanical en gineer.

St. Matthias Ladies Guild Pajama & Blanket Project

The St. Matthias Ladies Guild would like to thank the parishioners of St. Matthias Parish & community members for their generosity to the Guild’s recent pajama & blanket project for Greene County children in foster care this Christmas. Guild members gathered at St. Ann social hall

in Waynesburg to wrap the gifts for delivery to 65 children currently in foster care. Pictured are Holly Davin (treasurer), Crystal Plock (president), Barbara Nelson (vice president), and Jessica Welsh (CYS case manager).

Ben Shaner is the son of Andrew and Leigh Ann Shaner of Waynesburg. He is very active in FFA and has been a member for 6 years. The offices held and awards include: Chaplain, secretary, vice president, star strawberry salesman, bronze SAE award in poul try production, star greenhand award, star chapter award, and silver award in state poultry judging. He has volunteered 350 hours of com munity service to Father Son/Father Daughter Camp East. Ben’s fu ture plans are to attend Waynesburg University majoring in business and wishes to work as a stable farm hand.

Parker Smith is the son of Shannon and Sheena Smith of Waynesburg, PA. Some of Parker’s many accomplishments include: SADD President, Peer Mentoring Team Leader, Academic League Captain, Member of the National Honor Society, Science Club, De bate Team Captain, Wrestling Captain,Cross Country Captain, Aca demic Award for three years, Student Athlete Award for two years, and Fletcher-Bissett Wrestling Award. Parker has volunteered as a Little League Coach, BizTown Volunteer, and as a Trunk-Or-Treat volunteer. His future plans include attending Pitt-Johnstown University majoring in Economics and Financial Advising.

WU’s ACS Student Chapter Receives

National Award

The Waynesburg University American Chemical Society (ACS) Student Chapter received the “Outstanding Chapter Award” for activities conducted throughout the 2021-2022 academic year.

Student chapter awards through the ACS include “Outstanding,” “Commendable” and

“Honorable Mention.” Waynesburg’s chapter was one of only 56 to receive the 2021-2022 “Outstanding” award. This award makes the 15th “Outstanding” designation received by the chapter.

“Receiving this award means a lot, not just to me, but to our ACS chapter as a whole,” said

Ian VanDyne is the son of Luke and Angie VanDyne of Wind Ridge, PA. Ian is a member of the Science Club, SADD President, Peer Mentor, three year Basketball Letterman, 2021-2022 Basketball Team Captain, two year Varsity Baseball Letterman, and Member of the 2022 WPIAL Section 2A Baseball Team. Ian’s future plans are undecided, but is considering attending a technical school or entering the workforce after graduation.

Parker Smith

Ian VanDyne

Nathan Reed

Ben Shaner

Levi Barnhart

Greene Artifacts

By Matthew Cumberledge, GCHS ExECutivE DirECtor

ARTIFACT PRESERVATION

Artifacts are objects made by man and can act as representatives from eras long since gone. An artifact can be found anywhere, not just on shelves in a museum or in an archaeologist’s lab. They can even be found in cemeteries in the form of grave markers that commemorate the life of someone who passed on before us.

Occasionally, here at the Greene County Historical Society, we get to do some very cool things to help preserve artifacts and give these representatives of the past a new, and in this case, much younger voice.

Recently, Zack Patton, a history teacher from West Greene School District, and an active local historian submitted a classroom scholarship application for the Dr. Nancy I. Davis Memorial Scholarship for Educational Support through the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship provides funding by the Greene County Historical Society in support of a historical learning experience within the county schools.

The scholarship was established in memory of Nancy Davis, a driven and hardworking person who, after having raised a family, decided to go to college and further her learning. It was her desire for EVERYONE to have the opportunity for an education, and this scholarship fund was specifically designed to help schools with tools, programs, and educational experiences that may not otherwise be covered in their operating budget.

Patton’s application was unanimously approved, and with the funding he hopes to engage students from the West Greene School District through the newly established History Club to help care for and repair several cemeteries throughout western Greene County. Patton’s enthusiasm for this project and history in general, cannot be understated and it is his strong hope

that in teaching and working with these students to care for and maintain long forgotten cemeteries he may be able to provide them with a “rooted” sense to the county they call home.

Melody Longstreth of the Chamber of Commerce, and Matthew Cumberledge from the Historical Society both agree with Patton that the hands-on aspect of this project is something admirable, and something that will engage these young minds and build within them a sense of heritage and respect for those who have come before us.

Zack Patton already has a great deal of hands-on experience taking care of decaying graveyards in his free time and is hopeful that working with the students of West Greene might create a new wave of interest and enthusiasm in selfless, and communitybased projects, especially those with an aspect of historical preservation.

As for us at the historical society, it was an absolute honor to be a part of this process, and a pure joy to see the love of history and the hands-on experience of caring for cemeteries and the gravestones within them be instilled in a younger generation.

In the future, please keep an eye out on our Facebook page, and the Greene County Chamber of Commerce’s social media for updates on this project, as no doubt we will all be excited to share as things progress, and, as always, it is a wonderful thing to see younger people have an opportunity to get hands on experience with history!

Angel Wings Horse Rescue Gives Horses a Second Chance

The season of joy and holiday celebrations is upon us. But for some, the time is less joyful than we would want. And that’s why it is important as a community to come together and support those less fortunate, whether they are people or animals in need.

Each year, many horses still able to be ridden or enjoyed as companion animals are sent to the kill pens. A sad end for horses still full of life. Horse rescues across the country try to give these horses destined for kill pens a second life, full of the joy and comfort they deserve.

Barbie McMinn started Angel Wings Horse Rescue a little over a year ago to help support the animals she has loved since a child. Each year and every year, her birthday wish growing up was for a horse. “I have a passion for horses, and I don’t believe that they need to be in the situations that they are. So, I will do everything that I can to rescue them and find them better homes,” Barbie said on the County Conversations podcast recently.

Barbie started the rescue with two horses approximately three months ago, a black and white paint and an American Quarter Horse. She found a couple that was interested in

adopting them and the pair went on to their forever home. To house the rescued horses, the rescue currently leases property and rents stalls at the Greene County Fairground. While horses are the focus of the rescue, the group ensures that other animals in need of rescue with nowhere to go get the help and attention they need.

Barbie plans to organize multiple events to support the rescue and everything that it does. The first of these is the food truck and vendor show called Christmas at the Barn on December 17, held at the indoor arena at the Greene County Fairgrounds. The event boasts a vendor show, food trucks and crafts galore, as well as demonstrations by Pampered Chef, a Santa Claus for the kids, a maybe even a horse or two to hug. Pictures can be taken with Santa and a horse creating a fun holiday memory.

If you’re looking for that specialized gift there will be vendors that sell essential oils, make homemade jewelry, mugs and tumblers, and ones that can place your favorite picture, logo, or design on a T-shirt. All things that make great unique gifts. Food sure to satisfy the pallet like homemade nut rolls, or items from the Twisted Potato and Grub Wagon will be available. A Chinese auction

and 50/50 are also part of the festivities for the day.

Proceeds from the event will support Angel Wings Horse Rescue animals. Part of the proceeds will also be donated back to the fairgrounds to go towards the repair of aging barns like the 4-H Horse Barn. A donation box will be available for those wanting to donate supplies or money towards the rescue’s needs.

Angel Wings Horse Rescue will hold another fundraising event in the spring on April 21-22, 2023, at the fairgrounds.

On those days, the rescue and Matt DeJohn of Bucking B Cattle Company provide a rodeo for the Greene County community.

Come join Christmas at the barn and support a great organization dedicated to the animals we all wanted as a child. If you want more information on Angel Wings Horse Rescue or to make donations, contact Barbie McMinn at awrescue@yahoo.com or call 724-833-4704.

By Rochelle McCracken

Dear Santa,

CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED: Moving help. Someone with a truck & trailer to move things from Jacobs Creek, PA to Greensboro, PA. It Approx.4 trips; we pay gas and load/unload. Email lynnjarrell19@gmail.com. I buy vinyl record albums. Currently buying only rock, jazz, blues, folk, and ethnic. Call 724-943-4406. Or email monongahela@windstream.net

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Fourth grade and up. Bowlby Book Club 4:30-6pm @Bowlby Library. New members always welcome! Puzzle Competition 9:30am-12:30pm@Bowlby Library. 10 teams of two compete to solve 500-piece puzzle in three hours. FMI or to register, call 724-627-9776 3

10am-12pm (Wednesdays), 1-3pm (Thursdays) @Bowlby Library. Need help with your device? A tech-savvy librarian is ready to help! FMI, call 724-627-9776. Discovery Detectives 7pm @Fredericktown Area Public Library, first Wednesday of the month.

SOAR Meeting 6:30pm @Greene Co. Airport. FMI, visit soarofgreenecounty.org. White Covered Bridge Assoc. Meeting 7:30pm @Greene Twp. Community Building. FMI, visit facebook.com/ wcbridge Nifty Knitters 11am-1pm @Bowlby Library. Meet the first and third Thursday each month. Share your ideas, projects, yarn and experience with like-minded knitters!

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Cost: $7. FMI: 724-852-5323. TOPS 10:15am @Bowlby Library. Weight management support group meets every Saturday. FMI: 724-627-9776. Nemacolin Flea Market 7:30am-1pm @Nemacolin VFD. Cost to be a vendor is $5/table. Entry for public is 25 cents. FMI, call 724-317-7911. THRIVE Community Garden Project Meeting 6pm @UMC Fellowship Hall, Carmichaels. Meeting to discuss community garden project. Reading Rangers Reading Club 7pm @Fredericktown Area Public Library, second Wednesday of the month. 2 5

Roller Skating 7-10pm @Mon View Roller Rink, every Friday & Saturday.

ATTENTION PARENTS AND COACHES!

Dear Santa,

My name is Jaxon and I am 7 years old. I think I will be on your “Nice List” this year because I have been very helpful with picking up my toys.

I

Intentional Walks

The last time Mapletown’s football team had an undefeated season, Brian Piccolo had just taken over as the Chicago Bears’ halfback for an injured Gayle Sayers. In Czechoslovakia, citizens were fighting in the streets to repel invading Russian troops (some things don’t change). George Messich, the Maple’s head coach for the last 41 years, was playing on their junior high team.

However, the strange system to determine playoff teams at that time kept the 1968 Maples at home, while Oakmont High School defeated Chartiers-Houston to win the WPIAL championship. The selection process was based on Gardner points – a complicated and flawed system that decided champions on mathematics formulas rather than on the field. Chartiers won the final playoff berth via a 37-0 defeat of Carmichaels in the last regular season game.

The 2022 Maples did not have to rely on such a system. As Tri-County South conference champions, they received a first-round home game against Leechburg. The team delivered an exciting 41-28 victory after shutting down the Blue Devil’s vaunted running back Braylan Lovelace, a Pitt recruit.

I thought it would be fun to compare

the two teams to demonstrate how the game has evolved, yet the generational glue that binds the Southeastern Greene community is remarkably consistent. I loved going to the Maples’ games this season because the experience encapsulated everything that is great about Western Pennsylvania football. To me, a small tightly-knit group of players and fans who are joined by deeply entrenched roots is far more satisfying than the glitzy games that occur on the turfed suburban fields of larger schools.

The 1968 team defeated Jefferson-Morgan (26-0), St. Francis (40-7), Bentworth (27-7), Fairchance (26-6), Carmichaels (336), Frazier (39-13), West Greene (49-6) and German Township (26-0). The first team defense did not give up a single point all year. In the final game against German, the Maples yielded only 20 yards rushing and 26 yards passing all night.

The ’68 squad’s rushing attack was led by Joe Caldwell, who rushed for 590 yards on 103 carries for a 5.7 YPC average. He also scored 84 points on 13 TD’s and 4 PATs. He went on to be a three-year starter at Youngstown State and captained their 1972 team. The team’s quarterback was John Billetz, who threw for 841 yards and 13 touch downs. His playing career continued at WVU, where he was a three-year letter man at both wide receiver and defensive back. Billetz went on to be inducted into the Idaho High School Hall of Fame after a successful coaching career.

Receiver Jay Don ley caught six of those touchdown-throws and led the team with 446 receiv ing yards. He went on to a successful playing career at California College (PA). Donley returned to coach several sports for the Maples over the following decades and is currently a statisti cian for the team.

Other members of the ‘68 team with connections to the current conference champions are Packy Pekar, whose son is Rich Pekar, Mapletown’s superintendent and an assistant coach. Rich Menear, Sr. was the starting wingback and cornerback. His son Rick Menear is now an elementary principal and assistant coach.

Other locally familiar names in that lineup included: Ziegler, Walters, Danko, Gresko, Johnson, McManis, Hardy, Burich, Gashie and Michniak.

The 2022 team ran off 10 regular season victories against Avella, Frazier, Beth-Center, Carmichaels, California, Jefferson-Morgan, Bentworth, Monessen, and West Greene.

By Bret Moore

They were led by Landan Stevenson, who rushed for 2,321 yards on the season. He also broke the school career record with 5,762 yards and the WPIAL Single Season Scoring record with 285 points. Brody Evans quarterbacked the team and completed 36 passes for six TDs in 57 attempts. Brock Evans led the team in receiving with 12 catches for 224 yards and three TDs.

Undoubtably, the same experience exists at all of our county schools when that special season comes along. I understand the heightened sense of community pride and generational cohesion is experienced annually through high school sports around the country, but in my highly biased opinion Greene County is special in that regard.

Jaxon Grayson

Common Sense Gun Control & Other Oxymorons

In my yearly yuletide tradition, I save the most uncomfortable topic for the month of December and leave you to ring in the new year with something to ponder: common sense. Let it sink in. Do most of us have a good working definition of common sense? Before I dig into this month’s topic at hand, I’ll begin with the example which I most recently witnessed. I was standing at the counter at McDonald’s, where I just finished ordering a double quarter pounder with cheese value meal, substituting a chocolate shake instead of a Coke. I love grease. I am a recently diagnosed type II diabetic on medication. By some standards I might be considered obese at 5’9” tall and tipping the scales at 215 pounds. As I stepped aside to wait for my order, I watched a man well over 6’2” and I am guessing (I should reserve guessing privileges for the carnival) weighed close to 350 pounds. His order made mine seem paltry by comparison. The thing that caught my attention most immediately was that on top of several sandwiches, supersized fries, and a large drink, he said, “Make that a diet soda.” I almost brought my milkshake through my nose, I laughed so hard. I pretended I was pondering a funny meme on my TracFone, but I’m not sure I was successful. So taken with the absurdity of all that food being washed down with a zero-calorie beverage that I nearly lost my perspective. Where was the common sense in all this? It was right then and there that I got to thinking, “What business of mine is it if this guy wants to bathe in tubs full of diet soft drink or lather up with Saccharin? Maybe he’s a fellow diabetic making a stab at restraint? Maybe some folks truly enjoy the aftertaste of diet pop? Either way, it’s really none of my business. As someone who possesses the bodily dimensions of a garden gnome, who am I to point the proverbial finger?

Which leads me to my end of the year column. So much has been written in the weeks and months past about the urgent need for increased gun control legislation.

Scarcely a day goes by that I don’t read something in the paper about the need for a commonsense approach to gun control. I would strongly encourage anyone espousing such subjective notions to think about whose common sense we are going to use in sorting out all of this. Shall we use mine?

Yours? The guy from McDonald’s? Before we dive headlong into the fight for “commonsense gun control” I would propose that we use a little common sense in regards to other areas of our lives. Here’s some Constitutional common sense. The second amendment does not “grant” the right to keep and bear arms, but rather denies government authority to infringe upon our “right” to keep and bear arms. Since it is a right from birth, the argument is mute. Much of the gun control lobby wants to use their version of common sense in this argument against guns, so long as it fits the narrative. More guns mean more crime which supports the right to do “whatever” is needed to make people safer. Take away the guns and the crime goes with it. Except it doesn’t. The fly in the ointment is this. Murder is a crime and therefore, illegal. A felon owning a gun is illegal. Using a firearm in the commission of a crime is illegal. Most criminals obtain weapons illegally. Those same criminals do not undergo background checks, also illegal. In addition, all school shootings take place in gun free zones. Criminals will not follow the old laws, nor will they follow any additional, new laws. Therefore, I would submit that making more laws for us lawabiding citizens to follow and for criminals to continue to break will do relatively little to make any of us safer. It will do nothing but make politicians feel better and give political activists the sense that “at least we did something.” Unfortunately, that is all that will be accomplished in this exercise.

Now, for the big finish. What can we do? We can become safer by learning proper firearm safety in the responsible shooting, handling, and deployment of firearms. We can vote for politicians who are more interested in protecting our rights than they are in protecting their pocketbooks. We can talk with others respectfully who may not espouse the same ideology which we do, and truly listen to what is on the mind of the other guy. We can obey the law. We can support law enforcement. We can embrace our Constitution. And we can continue to foster a culture of respect and love for our fellow man. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Do you know of an achievement in sports and would like to see it shared in Hometown Heritage? Email it to: sports@directresults.us.

I would like a special gift for Christmas. Could you please bring me a new climbing tower?

can’t wait for you to come on Christmas Eve. I will put out a Christmas tree cookie for you and carrots for your reindeer. I hope you have a Merry Christmas!

BOYs and GIRLs OF THE MONTH

Parker Hyatt is the son of William Hyatt of Carmichaels and Linda Hyatt of Waynesburg. He was named to the Tri-County South All-Conference and Tri-County Athletic Director’s Association football teams for both 2021 and 2022. Parker also attends the Greene County Career & Technology Center, where he’s a student in the Emergency Medical Services program. After graduation, he plans to get his EMT certification and then become a paramedic.

Kendall Ellsworth is the daughter of Brent and Chasity Ellsworth. She is a senior and enjoys playing varsity basketball, softball and volleyball. During this volleyball season, Kendall was the first Carmichaels player to surpass 1,000 career assists. She was also selected to the All-County First-Team and was named Third-Team all WPIAL. Kendall plans on attending college to continue her athletic and academic career, playing volleyball and majoring in biology.

Mason Switalski is the son of Wayne and Amy Switalski of Waynesburg. He is a member of the Raiders golf and baseball teams. He is a two-year letterman in golf and so far a three-year letterman of baseball. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish club, ski club, yearbook, newspaper, and television workshop club. Outside of school, Mason enjoys golfing with friends, skiing, lifting, and baseball. Mason plans to attend a four-year university with an undecided major and potentially play a sport.

Jaden Tretinik is the daughter of Jimmy and Jennifer Tretinik. She is a sophomore and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. She is a two-year letter winner on the soccer team and was the Freshman MVP of the girls’ track team. Jaden is the Beta President of the Alpha-Beta club, as well as a member of the art club, Spanish Club and gifted program. She also plays club soccer for FC Alliance Central in Bridgeport, WV. Photo credit LB Photography.

Bailey Rafferty plays basketball and volleyball for the Maples. She has a 4.5 GPA and is Vice President of the Sophomore class. Bailey was named MaxPreps Athlete of the Week, Second Team All-Section and All-County in volleyball this past fall. She helped her team to a fourth-place finish in the WPIAL. She has also played club volleyball for four years and currently plays for Morgantown Volleyball Club 16 National Team in West Virginia. Bailey is the daughter of Jeremy and Kelly Rafferty of Dilliner and is a member of St. Matthias Catholic Parish.

Junior Braden Nicklow plays basketball and football for the Maples. He was defensive lineman and helped the Maples make school history when the football team won the Tri-County South Conference with an undefeated 2022 season. Most recently, he achieved high honors for the first nine weeks of his school year. Outside of school, Braden is an active member of the Mapletown United Methodist Church, where he spends time volunteering for community and church events. In the summer, Braden works as a lifeguard for Greene County Parks and Recreation.

Grant Hathaway is the son of J.B. Hathaway of Waynesburg and Gretchen Brandstetter of Jefferson. The junior is a two-year wrestling letterman for the Rockets. His varsity record is 3216. He also golfs and plays baseball. In school, Grant is a member of the Principal’s Advisory Council.

Sophomore Alyson Harris in the daughter of Becky and Chris Harris of Jefferson. She plays volleyball and basketball for the Rockets. She also plays club volleyball for Morgantown, in addition to participating in several rec-basketball leagues. Alyson is a member of JM’s academic team and volunteers at her church.

Colin Whyte is the son of Gary and Erica Whyte of Aleppo. He was named to the All-County and All-Conference football team this past season as a freshman. He also plans on wrestling for the Pioneers this year and has high hopes to qualify for post-season awards.

Isabella Stokes is the daughter of Adam and Diane Stokes of Wind Ridge. She was named to the All-County Cross country team this year. She ran her best meet at Penn State Fayette. Isabella is a senior and enjoys working at the family store in Wind Ridge.

The Raiders girls’ soccer team finished the season 16-5 and played in the WPIAL semifinal game. Ashlyn Basinger finished with 116 career goals, and set the single season record with 56 goals. She was named to the All-WPIAL

Sports Shorts

JEFFERSON-MORGAN GCADA ALLCOUNTY ATHLETES

Football: Colin Biceglia, Houston Guesman, Ewing Jamison, Cole Jones, Aiden Miller and Seth Wolfe. Volleyball: Mia Baker, Alisa Long, Kayla Larkin and Alison Ostrich. Golf: Brock Bayles

2022 WPIAL CLASS 1A VOLLEYBALL ALLSTARS

First Team: Beth Cree (Carmichaels) & Krista Wilson (Mapletown). Second Team: Kasie Meek (West Greene) & Ella Menear (Mapletown). Third Team: Kendell Ellsworth (Carmichaels) & London Whipkey (West Greene.)

WAYNESBURG CENTRAL GOLF RECAP

The Waynesburg Central golf team won their section and qualified for the WPIAL Team Qualifiers. Three golfers; Braden Benke, Avery Davis, and Mason Switalski, qualified for the WPIAL Individual qualifiers. Four golfers; Braden Benke, Avery Davis, Chase Phillips, and Mason Switalski were selected for the Greene County Athletic Director’s Association team.

WAYNESBURG CENTRAL ALUMNI SOCCER UPDATE Rhea Kijowski, WVU; Brenna Benke, Johnson University; Jillian Kijowski, UNC Charlotte; Kaley Pell, Cal U.; Bailey Fudala, Winthrop University; McKenzie Booth, Fairmont State

TRI -COUNTY SOUTH ALL-CONFERENCE FOOTBALL TEAM

Coach of the Year: George Messich (Mapletown). Carmichaels: Alec Anderson (Sr, QB/ LB), Tyler Richmond (Sr, WR/DB), Aydan Adamson (Jr, HB/LB), Ambrose Adamson (Jr, HB/ LB), Parker Hyatt (Sr, OL/DL), Bradley Schoenfeldt (Soph., OL/DL), and Chris Mincer (Sr, OL/ DL). Mapletown: A.J. Vanata (Jr, RB/LB), Brody

Evans (Sr, QB/LB), Evan Griffin (Jr, WR/DB), Brock Evans (Soph, WR/DB), Levi Howard (Sr, OL/DL), Isaac Hall (Jr, OL/DL), Grant Murin (Sr, OL/DL), and Cohen Stout (Sr, OL/LB). West Greene: Colin Brady (Jr, RB/FS), Johnny Lampe (Jr, RB/LB), Colin Whyte (Fr, OL/DL), and Brian Jackson (Jr, OL/DL). Jefferson Morgan: Houston Guesman (Soph, WR), Colin Bisceglia (Jr, LB), Ewing Jamison (Sr, WR), and Cole Jones (Sr, QB)

GreeneScene Community Magazine • HOLIDAY II 2022 HOLIDAY II 2022 • GreeneScene Community Magazine

team after the season. She was joined on the AllSection team by teammates Lake Litwinovich and Kali Shriver.

On National Letter of Intent Day, Waynesburg Central announced the following signings: Ashlyn Basinger (Soccer at Maryland), Hannah Wood (Softball at Waynesburg University, Lincoln Pack (Baseball at WVU, Mac Church (Wrestling at Virginia Tech), Rocco Welsh (Wrestling at Ohio State)

Waynesburg Central’s Ryan McCartney, Owen Haught, Drew Layton and Nate Jones were named to the GCADA All-County soccer team.

Drew Layton was named to the Section 3AA “Fab Fifteen” All-Section team. His teammate Nate Jones received honorable mention.

Waynesburg Central’s Eli Makel and Brody Evans will wrestle Division I at Edinboro University

Mapletown’s Ella Menear signed her letter of intent to swim at the University of Alabama starting in the fall of 2023. Ella is a Two-time State Champion and a Four-time WPIAL Champion and has competed at the Junior National level, finishing in the top 20. She specializes in the 100 & 200-yard backstroke and the 200-yard individual medley. Ella also swims for Club Mountaineer in Morgantown. Pictured are her parents, Rick and Christy Menear, Renee Riggs (Club Mountaineer Head Coach), Rich Pekar (Superintendent of Southeastern Greene) and Linda Messich (Athletic Director).

Waynesburg Central alumnae Brenna Benke (2021) is a member of the Johnson University women’s soccer team. She started 11 of 15 games this season for the Royals.

Waynesburg Central alumnae Marissa Kalsey soars over the bar at the Ed Murphy Classic in Memphis, Tennessee. She is a member of the Full Vertical pole vaulting club based in Knoxville. The elite club is coached by Mark Hollis and trains vaulters with Olympic aspirations.

The turkey has come and gone and another successful Turkey Trot has been completed. The race benefitting the Eva K. Bowlby Library was held on Nov. 19. The top 3 male and female finishers in each 1K kids race, walker, and runner category received awards.

1K KIDS RACE – FEMALE

1-4: 1st – Ella Patton; 2nd –Norah McCauley; 3rd –.

5-6: 1st – Kaelyn Duncan; 2nd – Olivia Ullom; 3rd –Evynn Beazell.

7-8: 1st – Hailey Courtwright; 2nd – Lilah McCauley; 3rd –Adalynn Sumpter.

9-10: 1st – Maggi Courtwright; 2nd – Kaitlyn Courtwright; 3rd – Payton Duncan.

11-12: 1st – Shae Hopkins; 2nd –; 3rd –.

1K KIDS RACE – MALE

1-4: 1st –; 2nd –; 3rd –.

5-6: 1st – Malachi Courtwright; 2nd – Isaiah Cralton; 3rd –.

7-8: 1st – Kaden Arrison; 2nd – Grant Patton; 3rd – Gilbert Cross.

9-10: 1st – Luke Patton; 2nd – Mason Hopkins; 3rd –.

11-12: 1st – Joel Grimes; 2nd – Nathan Iams; 3rd –.

WALKERS – FEMALE

14 and under: 1st – Rylee Yeager; 2nd – Autumn Cumberledge; 3rd – Ellie Immon.

15-19: 1st –; 2nd –; 3rd –.

20-29: 1st – Peyton Chambers; 2nd – Rachel Riggleman; 3rd –.

30-39: 1st – Michelle Courtwright; 2nd –Sheena Courtwright; 3rd – Kayla Patton.

40-49: 1st – Andrea Henneman; 2nd – Lainey White Duncan; 3rd – Rebecca Kaczmark.

50-59: 1st – Misty Renner; 2nd –; 3rd –.

60+: 1st – Katie Fisher; 2nd – Linda Keller; 3rd – Deborah Sands.

WALKERS – MALE

14 and under: 1st – Connor Thurman; 2nd –; 3rd –.

15-19: 1st –; 2nd –; 3rd –.

20-29: 1st –; 2nd –; 3rd –.

30-39: 1st – Nicholas Wise; 2nd – Zack Patton; 3rd – Timothy Ross.

40-49: 1st – Michael Romesburg; 2nd – Jason

Huber; 3rd – Andy Heisey.

50-59: 1st – Blake Headen; 2nd –; 3rd –.

60+: 1st – Dennis Cropp; 2nd – Jerry Patton; 3rd – Rocco Abbatangelo.

RUNNERS – FEMALE

14 and under: 1st – Eryka Hackney; 2nd –Sofie Strosnider; 3rd –Addonae Johnson.

15-19: 1st – Emmaline Beazell; 2nd – Lauren Martin; 3rd – Mia Rhome.

20-29: 1st – Emily Viglianco; 2nd – Sarah Courtwright; 3rd –.

30-39: 1st – Angela Courtwright; 2nd – Jessica Sumpter; 3rd – Michelle Cross.

40-49: 1st – Kelly Kiger; 2nd – Jackie Conkle; 3rd – Holly Thurman.

50-59: 1st – Michelle Wissinger; 2nd – Carla Martin; 3rd – Denise Silverman.

60+: 1st –Suzanne Natter; 2nd – Marcia Sonneborn; 3rd – Janet Cunningham.

RUNNERS – MALE

14 and under: 1st – Jackson Grimes; 2nd –Joel Grimes; 3rd – Ethan Kaczmark.

15-19: 1st – Oilier Sanvicente; 2nd – Morgan Kiger; 3rd –.

20-29: 1st – Lucas Viglianco; 2nd –; 3rd –.

30-39: 1st – Michael Campbell; 2nd – Kevin Courtwright; 3rd – Michael Bruno.

40-49: 1st – Jeff Moyer; 2nd – Jonathan Johnson; 3rd – Mark Strosnider.

50-59: 1st –; 2nd –; 3rd –. 60+: 1st – John Kupacs; 2nd –; 3rd –.

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

For more than a decade, the Women’s Civic Club of Carmichaels has spent a Saturday of each December, gathered at the Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels to celebrate Wreaths Across America. This year, 2022, marks the twelfth year that the group has overseen the event there, and has found a way to serve – the theme of this year’s Wreaths Across America.

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 mentioned it at a club meeting, and the club decided to adopt the Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels.

Their first year wasn’t as big as they wanted due to a late start, but for their second year, the club made it a priority to cover the veteran’s graves in the older portion of the cemetery, reasoning those graves were 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.

This year’s goal is to place 360 wreaths on the graves of the veterans who are buried at Laurel Point. “We have some very gener-

ous 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.”

The club, along with American Legion Post 400 and the Carmichaels VFW Post 3491, local scouts, and other volunteers will place the wreaths on December 17 this year. The Post 400 American Legion Band of Carmichaels, under the direction of Frank Ricco will begin playing at 11:30am.

The official ceremony will start at noon with a Minute of Silence, followed by the National Anthem sung by Kaylee Cutwright; the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Carmichaels Girl Scout Troop 52374 and Troop Leader Julie Murphy; a playing of God Bless America and the Navy Hymn; opening remarks by Frank Ricco; Master of Ceremonies; the laying of the wreaths at the cemetery’s monument by one veteran representing each branch of the military, a playing of Nearer My God to Thee; Guest Speaker, Eric Lundblom, (United States Marine Corps veteran and Readjustment Counseling Therapist with the Pittsburgh Veterans Center); and a play-

ing of TAPS. After the ceremony, volunteers begin the process of placing wreaths on all veteran’s graves in the cemetery.

Wreaths Across America started quietly in the early twentieth century when Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine had a surplus of wreaths towards the end of the 1992 holiday season. Company owner Morrill Worcester, remembering a trip to Arlington National Cemetery during his boyhood, working with Maine Senator Olympia Snowe, arranged to place the wreaths on graves in an older section of Arlington.

As time went on, other organizations became involved in the process. 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.

In 2005, a picture of Arlington covered in wreaths brought national attention to the donations 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 held simultaneous wreath-laying ceremonies at over 150 locations.

In response to the increasing number of cemeteries and volunteers, the non-profit Wreaths Across America was formed to support the national effort. By 2014, over 1000 locations participated, with more than 700,000 wreaths placed. Laurel Point Cemetery in Carmichaels, Green Mount Cemetery in Waynesburg, and Rosemont Cemetery in Rogersville have all been involved in Wreaths Across America.

THRIVING IN CARMICHAELS

The Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Flenniken Library have begun working together on several projects around the Carmichaels area.

This partnership has resulted in a mural honoring Carmichaels and a community garden that is free and open to everyone in the area. The mural focuses on the history of Carmichaels.

“I have found out that the people in Carmichaels are really passionate about their history,” Alexandra Brooks, director of prevention for DVSSP, said. “We held two public meetings with the muralist. She got some information about the community, what some important moments, people things to share were.”

According to Nicole Mitchell, director of the Flenniken Library, the mural is located just two blocks into Carmichaels. “The mural is a nice welcome when you get here,” she said.

The mural was created by local artist Randi Stewart. According to her website, she is a “muralist and mixed media fine artist” from Pittsburgh. Stewart has done other murals throughout southwestern Pennsylvania.

The mural was unveiled on November 9. State Senator Camera Bartolotta, Greene County Commissioner Betsy McClure, Carmichaels Area School Superintendent Fred Morecraft and Greene County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melody Longstreth were in attendance for the event.

Brooks said that the mural fits with DVSSP’s mission “ violence and its effect on the community, to empower those victimized by providing advocacy and safe and effective services, and to work for social change designed to eliminate domestic violence.”

“It may seem strange that a domestic violence organization is doing a mural to prevent domestic violence, but the fact is that

arts and cultural expression promotes health, it promotes physical activity, social connections and community engagement, and murals in particular can help residents feel a sense of pride and connection to their community,” Brooks said. “This mural alone will not prevent domestic violence, but it’s on every single one of us to do this together, to create safe and healthy environments where we will have safe and healthy friendships, relationships, and marriages.”

Over the summer, Flenniken and DVSSP partnered together to create a community garden for the residents of Carmichaels. “It serves a few purposes. It brings the community together. Carmichaels high school students built the bench and prepared the garden. The bench was donated by the Carmichaels Women’s Civic Club,” Brooks said. “Anybody can pick from the garden. There are no hours or locks on the gates.”

The community was surveyed to see what vegetables they wanted to see planted in the garden. In the end, the library and DVSSP planted lettuce, potatoes, yellow squash, herbs, a variety of peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, okra, cabbage, carrots and green beans. “Carmichaels ate a lot of squash over the summer,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said that she tried to connect people who were looking for fresh vegetables with the garden. “If people were asking for vegetables on Facebook, I would respond and tell them to get the free ones from the garden,” she said.

There are plans to improve the garden in the future. Improving community awareness is one issue that Brooks wants to address.

“A lot of people did say that they didn’t know it was there,” she said. “I learned that we aren’t the only community garden with this problem, so we want to create an interactive map that shows the locations of gardens. There have to be at least 25 gardens in our area that are available.”

Mitchell also plans to add a seed catalog to the library as well. The Flenniken Library will partner with a sister library in Arizona to share seeds.

“We are trying to start a seed catalog where people can dry their seeds and bring them in for others to take and grow them.”

By Micah Leith

This mural celebrating Carmichaels’ history is featured on the wall of Flenniken Public Library, in front of the revitalized community garden.

Preparing the WayXX

By Tracy Horne

Astep of faith was first taken by First Baptist Church (FBC) to purchase an adjacent property, the former Belko store, to establish a community center for Greene County. The Way Community Center of Greene County is an independent nonprofit organization solely responsible for the daily operations and programs.

From inception, community participation and involvement has always been critical to the vision. Visioning sessions and conversations were held with churches, community organizations, educators, government leaders and members of the public. The vision of these groups initially formed the basis for ways the building would be used and later for the design of the facility.

Just as excitement for this project was about to translate into fundraising, the pandemic triggered a delay. Fundraising began in June 2021 within FBC and the community and continues due to inflation of the initial projected costs. Many within FBC and the community, including The Denny House which sponsored a fundraiser in June 2022, the First Assembly of God which donated the proceeds of its 2022 craft show, have been extremely gracious in their giving. Others have given of their time to demolish in the internal structure of the former Belko building. Thanks to the December 3 event, the demolition is all but complete. Fundraising will continue even as construction begins.

Both church and community members came together that Saturday in an impressive community effort to take the

first step towards the completed community center. Folks of all generations and faiths came together to work, learn, hang out, or serve one another during the day. The community saw a need and rolled with, overcoming obstacles, and working together to fulfill a common goal. That day a much-wanted vision was being brought into fruition.

Jay Buckhalter, vice chairperson of The Way, shared the organization’s vision of reaching people, and how the group plans to be very intentional in relationship building. Whether it is with folks contributing to the project, or participating once completed, those relationships are important to The Way’s concept. They plan to provide a safe, educational, and intergenerational environment for all members of the community; this project is all about the people.

Before the work began that Saturday, there was a time of prayer. Area pastors prayed over the building, for the folks entering its doors, and the impact it will have on the community. It was touching witnessing both young and older folks working together to clean out the rubble of what is left inside the former Belko grocery store. The coming soon signs placed on the building at the project’s inception will soon be coming down as the vision of The Way grows ever closer to fulfillment.

While waiting for this phase of the project to get underway, the organization has been operating in the community. They are working with an area school district providing volunteers for a STEM project, working with students struggling with reading, and have collaborated with Greene County Me-

morial Hospital by management of the Cherry Door thrift shop.

When completed, The Way community center will be a multifaceted facility offering educational activities, multigenerational social activities and a cafe or community event space, among many other things.

“When people can come together with a common purpose and are willing to share their gifts and abilities great things can happen,” chairperson Jonathan Johnson said.

This is an exciting time for The Way and for the community, what a blessing this will be for years to come. Together as a community we are witnessing a vision coming to reality and are witnessing how powerful prayer and community truly are. If you are interested in more information on The Way or donating, check out their website at www.thewaygc.org.

Volunteers work on the cleanup and renovations of the former Belko grocery store - soon to become The Way.

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Christmas Parade & Holiday Open House

The holidays have arrived!

And the best way to get into the Christmas spirit in Greene County is to celebrate with the Holiday Open House, held by Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful on December 2, and the 84th Annual Christmas Parade, held by the Greene County Chamber of Commerce on December 3, in Waynesburg.

The execution of the parade was underwritten by West Penn Power, a First Energy Company, 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.

Float Winners

• 1st - First Baptist Church - “The Original Christmas”

• 2nd - Lippencott Alpacas - “Fleece” Navidad

• 3rd - Third - #11 - WWJD Christian Center - “Simply Jesus”

• Most Original – Marklee Mae Beal, 2022 Mini Miss Rain Drop - “Mar-

klee’s Goody Goody Rain Drop Land”

• Most Spirit – Girl Scout Troop

#80012 - “Girls Scouts Celebrate Christmas Spirit Around the World”

• Best Design – Corner Cupboard Food Bank - “The Griswolds”

The “Miss Merry Christmas” winners were also selected at this annual Christmas celebration. The 2022 Miss Merry Christmas line-up is Loren Schroyer (Waynesburg

Central), Kayleigh Coneybeer (Jefferson Morgan), Sophia Zalar (Carmichaels), Autumn Thomas (West Greene), and Emma Switalski (Mapletown).

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

Congratulations also to the Holiday Open House Window Decorating and Ugly Sweater winners from the light up event. Window Decorating Winners: 1st – Phillips & Ross, LLC, 2nd – Greene County Conservation District, 3rd – Fruition Bowls & Brews, Community Choice – Greene County Conservation District.

Miss Merry Christmas

Chris Polhemus Honored for Life of Flight

From the time he was 12 years old, Chris Polhemus knew he wanted to take to the skies. He and his family were flying back to Norway to visit his grandmother and the sight of the Pan-Am Boeing 707s, or Clippers as they were known, excited the young Polhemus.

“We flew to Norway out of New York International, now called JFK. The pilots, with navy blue uniforms and white hats were reminiscent of the days of sailing ships,” Polhemus says. “It fascinated me how they knew how to start the plane, fly all night across the north Atlantic, find Oslo, and land in any weather conditions! I felt this must be the most exciting and challenging of professions.”

50 years, and 34,000 hours of flying later, Polhemus’s journey brought him back to his home in Carmichaels, Pennsylvania. This time, he was surrounded by family and friends at the Greene County Airport. Unbeknownst to him, he was being honored by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of flight experience.

It took Polhemus by complete surprise, but he says he couldn’t have done it without the support of family, friends, and all the people he worked with throughout his career.

“Flabbergasted is the word I would use to describe my emotions that day,” Polhemus says. “The best feeling was looking around the room and seeing all the colleagues I worked with over the years. I just kept asking myself ‘Why am I up here? Lots of these guys deserve it as much as I. Flying is a well-paying job with a lot of time off, but my motivation was to master the art of flying.”

Polhemus’s journey in flying began while he was in high school. His godfather was a B 17 Commander in World War II and operated a sea plane base on the Hudson River after the war. His dad learned to fly there, and Polhemus’s Uncle Don would give him a present the year before he graduated from high school. He would pay for Chris to take lessons up to his first solo flight, beginning his career in the air.

Those lessons led to several accomplishments throughout his flying career. After four years at Purdue University with degrees in aviation and management he flew for an Allegheny commuter out of Jamestown, New York, flew a 707 for an air travel club, and flew skydivers in a DC3 on his days off. A 40-year career with US Air, 12 of which were in the training department, came to an end at the mandatory retirement age of 65.

“My favorite part of the job was being prepared both knowledge wise and spirit wise for every flight,” Polhemus says. “Challenges such as weather, mechanical problems, passenger medicals, or security concerns always kept the job interesting.”

He retired as the num ber three senior captain of the Boeing 767 out of Philadel phia. Today, he provides flight instruction for local students in both aircraft and simula tors. In addition, he instructs and provides pilot services to four different museums in the Douglas C 47.

No matter if you are looking to be a pilot or if you’re going into another pro fession, Polhemus’s advice is the same. Find something you are passionate about and pur sue it.

“Flying is what I have a passion for, and I have loved every minute of it,” Polhemus says. “When you find your passion and can find a way to get paid for it you will never

work a day in your life.”

By Zack Zeigler

We at the GreeneScene Magazine congratulate Chris Polhemus on a long and prosperous flying career and thank him for his service to the Greene County community.

Greene Receives $750,000 for Housing Repair Program

Greene County Commissioners are excited to announce an award of $750,000 through the Pennsylvania HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) to support affordable housing in the county.

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Announced yesterday by Governor Tom Wolf, a statewide distribution of $10,323,668 in funding will support affordable housing in 16 counties. “Pennsylvanians deserve safe, up-to-code, and accessible spaces to call home,” said Gov. Wolf. “The HOME funding approved today will help provide access to these spaces to individuals across the commonwealth while also revitalizing communities through renter and new homeowner opportunities.”

HOME is a federally funded program that provides municipalities with grant and loan assistance to expand and preserve the supply of decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanians. The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) receives HOME program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the annual entitlement appropriation process.

The $750,000 grant to Greene County will provide opportunities to assist with roof issues, safety and health issues, updates to major systems such as furnaces, outdated electric or plumbing systems, and other repairs to preserve, improve, and stabilize the

current housing stock in Greene County. “Our hard-working employees in Economic and Community Development Department have been extremely successful in implementing several programs that assist businesses and homeowners with funding streams that positively impact their ability to continue in business, retain or hire additional employees or expand their businesses. Homeowners have benefited from grant programs that allow safety and comfort improvements to their homes. This funding allows the department to continue this greatly valued work with homeowners.”, stated Chairman Mike Belding, Greene County Board of Commissioners.

“We are excited to continue assisting the homeowners on our HOME REPAIR Waitlist and encourage others to apply. The need for housing assistance is now more than ever. This program allows us to assist low-income families who are unable to invest in their homes that may otherwise be uninhabitable”, stated Crystal Simmons, Director CDBG/ HOME Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Program.

If you have questions or are interested in applying for the HOME Program for housing rehabilitation or work with us as a contractor, inspector or Lead and Radon Specialist, please contact: Crystal Simmons, CDBG/ HOME Director at csimmons@co.greene. pa.us or Phone (724) 852-5260.

Chris Polhemus accepts the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of flight experience.

L-R: Crystal Simmons, Director CDBG/HOME, Ginny Phillips, HOME Program Manager, Natasha Balazick, Program Associate.