Dec jan greenesaver 13 by GreeneScene Community Magazine / Direct Results

DECEMBER 2013

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GreeneScene Calendar

WINNERS

Calendars winners are pictured here (L to R): Kimberly Kennedy, Pam Blaker, Karen Duke, Heather Guthrie, Patty Stewart, Kim Coles, Samuel Crowe. Not pictured: Austin Duffield, Elizabeth Danforth, Tammie Dunlap, Kathy Evans.

he new 2014 GreeneScene Calendar is here! From several hundred entries, a panel of judges selected 13 pictures to serve as the monthly themes and front cover. “It was, as always, a very difficult decision for the judges,” said Calendar Contest Coordinator, Pam Blaker of Direct Results, publisher of the GreeneSaver. “We have a number of talented photographers in the area, and of course, plenty of beauty and fun that serve as great GreeneScenes. Many of the pictures which were not selected for the calendar will now be showing up in future issues of the GreeneSaver, both as GreeneScenes and perhaps even front covers, so even if you didn’t make the calendar this year, keep a lookout for your pictures in the GreeneSaver,” Pam added. The winners of the 2014 GreeneScene Calendar Contest were Tammie Dunlap of Dilliner, PA (Front Cover & June); Heather Guthrie (January); Kimberly Kennedy of Waynesburg, PA (February); Karen Duke of Rices Landing (March); Austin Duffield of Sewickley, PA (April); Samuel Crowe of Waynesburg, PA (May & October); Pam Blaker of Carmichaels, PA (July); Elizabeth Danforth of Fredericktown, PA (August); Kim Coles of Jefferson, PA (September); Patty Stewart of Mt. Morris, PA (November) and Kathy Evans of Aleppo, PA (December). A reception was held for the winners at the Direct Results office at 185 Wade Street in Waynesburg, where each winner was awarded $100 for his or her winning photos. The new 2014 GreeneScene Calendar was made possible in part by sponsors Pennsylvania Senator Tim Solobay, Pennsylvania Representative Pam Snyder and the Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency. Close to 20,000 copies of the calendar will be distributed with this December issue of the GreeneSaver. Limited copies may be available for a short time at the Waynesburg office of Senator Solobay in the Greene County Office Bldg. on High Street, at Representative Snyder’s offices on Market Street in Carmichaels and Brownsville, and at the Greene County Office Building on High Street in Waynesburg; and at the Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency office on Washington street in downtown Waynesburg.

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Rise to Meet the Road I

by Regis Whetzel

n 1957, On the Road by Jack Kerouac was published, taking readers alongside Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarity as they traveled across America. In 1969, the film Easy Rider was released, embodying the free, romantic notion of “life on the road” for a generation. Eleven years later, Willie Nelson recorded On the Road Again, which became one of his most loved songs. There is a mythology about “the road” that makes people dream of getting out on it, by way of a roaringchrome-horse Harley, a red-hot summertime convertible, or a massive “Class A” family-truckster RV, heading toward the horizon in search of peace and quiet, or adventure, or any of a thousand other things that one might hope to find. Route 21—or just “21,” as I’ve always heard it called by anyone who lives nearby—is a daily fixture in the lives of many Greene County residents. It gets people to work, school, or church; it takes family-filled cars to the Alpha Aquatic Park and the Greene County Fair in the summer, and the Holiday Open House and the Waynesburg Christmas parade in the cold, darkening winter. Beyond that utilitarian description, though, there is an intangible “something” about this road that could lead one to say, “Gee, I never realized what a big part of my life that is…” Map from 1911 showing the original roads that became reassigned to become Route 21 Case in point: I grew up in Luzerne Township, Fayette County, in an area that was known long ago as “Sassafras District,” if you look on the official maps of the day, or as “Sassafras Hill,” if you spoke with those who lived there. My grandmother used to say—used to swear—that “21” once went right past our big, stone, built-in-the-late-1700s farmhouse. Now, that house was nowhere near what I’d always known as Route 21, and the road that went in front wasn’t much more than a glorified, paved cow-path, so I was very reluctant to believe her. I suppose I wanted to find out the real truth… Pennsylvania State Route 21 (its official name) had its beginnings in 1911, imagined as a connection of Legislative Route 256, which ran from the West Virginia border to Rogersville, Greene County; Legislative Route 111, from Rogersville to Waynesburg; and Legislative Route 112, between Waynesburg and Uniontown, Fayette County. While the actual roadways have sometimes been redirected or reassigned, Route 21 has always bisected Greene County, and part of Fayette, beginning in Richhill Township in the west, and terminating not far from downtown Uniontown, to the east. In fact, the section from the West Virginia border to just past Khedive has remained virtually unchanged from the early 1900s to the present day. It was officially designated as a state roadway in 1927 or 1928—sources differ in pinpointing the date—and construction began in 1929 for the section from Ryerson to the Hopewell-Yorkshire road. Paving of the section from the West Virginia border to Ryerson also started around this time, and both parts were finished the following year. By 1932, the road had been paved in sections, from Coal Lick Road to Bailey’s Crossroads, and Crucible Road to Jacob’s Ferry in Greene, and from East Riverside to Hibbs in Fayette. It curved just south of Republic, and passed through the town of New Salem before ending at Route 40—the famed “National Pike” road—in Uniontown. By 1940, entry from Greene to Fayette had shifted south, moving from Jacobs Ferry, to near Adah, and in 1946 that crossing point moved to its permanent home near Masontown, traversing the Monongahela River by bridge beside the (former) Hatfield’s Ferry Power Station. A realignment, bypassing Masontown, was completed in 1954, and all medians and divisions were complete by 1966, leaving the road as we know it, today. Little has changed about the roadway since then; perhaps the most dramatic revision in recent memory took place on September 28, 2013, when the Masontown Bridge, built in 1925, and originally known as the Intercounty Bridge, was imploded. This 1,466 foot long truss bridge was replaced by a new span prior to its demolition. Plans are underway to expand the new bridge, making two lanes in each direction. In November of 1975, the September 28, 2013: the old Intercounty/Masontown bridge is no more, imploded to make way for a entire 50.5 mile stretch of road An old postcard showing the Intercounty/Masontown bridge, long ago new, updated span was officially designated the “Roy E. Furman Highway,” in honor of the former member of the House of Representatives (1933-1940), Speaker of the House (1936-1938), Lieutenant Governor (1955-1959, under Governor George M. Leader), and member of Highway and Turnpike Commissions, who was, at the time of this designation, a member of the State Transportation Commission. And, lest anyone think that the question posed earlier had been forgotten, my grandmother was absolutely right, it turns out; Route 21 did, indeed, go directly in front of our old house. The names have long since changed, of course. What used to be “21” is now modern-day New Salem Road, connecting to East Riverside Road. Jacobs Ferry, the town, still exists, though the actual ferry has been gone for decades. In the end, the fundamental facts are simple. This road is made up of 50 miles and a hundred years’ worth of asphalt and reflective paint, guard rails and gravel, tire tracks and exhaust fumes. But the next time you’re on it, if you listen carefully, you may hear a bit of history rumbling underneath your tires.

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GreeneScene

DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

GreeneScene by Jeanine Henry

DECEMBER 2013

• GreeneSaver

by Regis Whetzel

f you’re ever in doubt about the meaning of the word, “passion,” sit down and talk with Delbert Miller for a while. Ask him about his horses—ask him nearly anything about his horses—and you can immediately feel the passion emanating from his whole being. “I was raised with horses. I tried to go without, but I just couldn’t do it. I love horses,” he says reverently. That same sentiment comes up again and again in conversation; now 70, Delbert has “retired” from horse ownership several times over the years, but he keeps coming back to that simple, guiding principle: “I just love horses.” Our quest for this story all began with a picture. In the last edition of the GreeneSaver, the cover photo, taken by longtime GreeneSaver photo contributor, Patty Stewart, featured two mighty draft horses gazing right into the camera. They are hitched to an elegant black wagon with white wheel spokes and blue upholstery, captained by a gentleman in a plaid flannel shirt, looking at those horses with affection that leaps from the page. The desire to know the story behind that picture made for a fun and interesting journey. Delbert and Wilma Miller live in Mount Morris, PA, in a cozy, inviting little farmhouse where you can hardly turn around without seeing reminders of the most important things in the Millers’ lives: family and horses. Pictures adorn the walls, formal portraits and casual snapshots; photo albums filled to near-bursting reside on a bookshelf in the living room, packed with memories that go all the way back to Delbert’s grandfather, who first instilled that love of horses to the youngster in his care. “I’ve worked with horses since I was old enough to remember,” Delbert chuckles. Before he can remember, in fact; his grandfather used to tell stories of how, when Delbert was a 3 year old toddler, he used to move shocks of hay around the farmstead, tethered to horses he guided. One might speculate that, because of this lifelong association, perhaps Delbert has developed some kind of “mystical, spiritual bond” with his majestic animals; whatever the case, it’s plain to see that the love is mutual. There are three Suffolk draft horses in the Miller family, right now: Polly, the matriarch of the group, is 15 years old; her offspring, Maverick and Spirit, both stallions, are 6 and 5 years old, respectively. Delbert and Wilma received Polly and Maverick from a farm in Bath, New York, about 6 years ago. Spirit, named after the hero of the 2002 DreamWorks animated film, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimmaron by the Millers’ granddaughter, was born the year after. Suffolk horses were first bred in the United Kingdom in the early 16th century, and are ideally suited for farm work. Their talents are put to use when Delbert hitches them to his riding plow, built in the early 1900s, or his more contemporary horse-drawn mowing machine, riding cart, or customized one-seat sled. There are unique challenges to consider when utilizing real, literal horse-power to do work, not least of which is obtaining and repairing equipment. “Most old machines rot up next to a fencepost,” Delbert sighs, but there are abundant sources of parts and machines throughout Amish country. There are even new, “hybrid” developments in technology, he reports, like mowing machines that are drawn by horses, but also have powered engines to do the actual work of cutting. Another difficulty can be how to keep the education flowing in a world that has moved away from using horse drawn implements, in favor of tractors and other machinery. Wilma praises the Tri-State Equine Social Club for their work in preserving the old methods and techniques, an organization where “The old guys teach the young guys,” as she puts it. How does Delbert compare the old ways to the new? “It’s slow—you can’t be in a hurry. You have to like horses,” he says, admitting, “A tractor is much easier, but then you got that muffler bellowing in your ear. With the horses, it’s much quieter, more peaceful. It’s almost like having a couple of friends out there with you.” And the Millers treat their friends well. Polly, Maverick and Spirit spend their inside-time, not in a drafty old barn, but in the bottom level of a specially-repurposed house on the property, a house where Delbert and Wilma’s son and his family once lived, until they built a new home just up the driveway from the old place. The “horsehouse” has individual stalls, plenty of light and ventilation, and an abundance of nooks and cabinets for harnesses and other hardware, in addition to a space for the larger implements and machinery. When asked about the time it takes to hitch the team up and get them ready for work, Delbert considers for a moment and reports that it takes about an hour and a half. At this point, Wilma chimes in, saying, “It’d take about 20 minutes, if you didn’t spend all the rest of the time brushing them,” and Delbert laughs, admitting that he may take longer than necessary, but it’s clear that he wouldn’t trade that extra time spent with his friends, just for the sake of a little more efficiency. Of course, there is also ample pasture space where they enjoy running, grazing, and relaxing. “When I’m not working them,” Delbert confirms, “they’re out in the field,” though he is mindful of bringing them in at nights when the weather turns cold. It doesn’t take long to recognize the level of devotion that the Millers have toward their animal friends, devotion that has been able to take root and grow steadily in the time since Delbert’s retirement. He had worked as a brick layer and in construction, first with a gentleman named Bill Hickman for 25 years, and then independently, before leaving the trade six years ago. Now, in addition to the “Plow Days” and regular, everyday work, the Millers and their horses are free to participate in the “National Pike” festival that takes place every year, in addition to many other public appearances. “I just really enjoy going out and working,” says Delbert. Though health issues may occasionally slow him down, Polly, Maverick, and Spirit—and the humans in his clan—certainly do their parts to fill his days and keep things moving along. Delbert gets in the final word on the subject, though, saying, “If I die out there in that field with those horses, at least you’ll know I died happy.”

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By Regis Whetzel

Bells Are Ringing!

GreeneScene by Connie Hart

or the few weeks prior to Christmas, few sights—or sounds—are more familiar than the Salvation Army bell ringers who watch over their shiny red kettles, found on street corners, public thoroughfares, and outside the entrances to, seemingly, every shopping mall and department store in America. And there is good reason for that: the history behind this traditional fund raising mission is quite rich. The story of the kettle began in America in 1891, when Salvation Army officer, Captain Joseph McFee, was determined to find a way to provide a free Christmas dinner to the poor in San Francisco, California. He drew inspiration from a memory of his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England. While there, he’d seen a display called “Simpson’s Pot,” a kettle placed in a public space to receive charitable donations from people passing by. McFee asked permission from the city officials in San Francisco to mount a pot on a tripod at a ferry landing in Oakland, California. As he stood by, calling out to people to “Keep the pot boiling!” he attracted many donations from the public. From there, the idea quickly spread, and is now used by many Salvation Army organizations, all over the world. In recent times, innovations such as self-ringing kettles, musical “kettle booths,” and even some stations with the ability to receive donations by credit card have emerged, but perhaps none remain as comforting or ubiquitous as the traditional red kettle, with a kind-hearted bell ringer standing by to offer good will to all, with the hope of receiving donations to help those in need. Sometimes it works better than others. In some areas, apparently beginning in Illinois in the 1980s, several generous individuals have taken to anonymously putting gold coins into Salvation Army kettles; other rare coins, gold bullion, valuable jewelry, and even gold teeth have been found in those kettles at one time or another. In Greene County, the Salvation Army has volunteer bell ringers in Mt. Morris, Jefferson, Carmichaels and Waynesburg, according to Sister Audrey Quinn, Director of the Salvation Army’s Greene County Service Center. Duration of shifts can vary; says Sister Audrey, “It depends on how long they can stand the cold.” She adds that volunteers are always in short supply, and encourages anyone interested to take the leap and become involved. In addition to individuals providing volunteer hours, Sister Audrey reports that many area churches and organizations will often stage an entire day wherein people will ring bells at locations across the county. The “Christmas Kettle” campaign typically gathers 20,000 to 25,000 dollars from generous givers throughout the area, all of which remains local, to assist Greene County residents in need. In just a few days from now, the kettles will be placed back into storage, and the bell ringers will continue on with their everyday lives, for another year. But the Salvation Army’s mission to help those in need goes on, always. Whether by way of emergency response personnel, addiction dependency rehabilitation programs, social work, or their unique “Sports Ministry,” donations and volunteers are always needed, always welcome. To donate, volunteer, or learn more about the work and mission of the Salvation Army, please call 724-852-1479, or visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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CONSOL ENERGY SUPPORTS GREENE COUNTY EITC PROJECTS C

Jessica Johnson, External Relations Specialist, CONSOL Energy, presents a contribution through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) to Bettie Stammerjohn, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greene County to benefit the Foundation’s Educational Improvement Fund.

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ONSOL Energy Inc. recently made an $81,000 contribution to the Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC) Educational Improvement Fund. The contribution was made through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The Educational Improvement Fund provides grants for innovative educational programs in the public schools. “CONSOL has been a wonderful partner in the EITC program and we are proud to work with them to support public schools and students in Greene County. Education is the core of building a new generation of community leaders,” remarked Nancy Davis, chairwoman of the CFGC Board. CONSOL Energy, both a coal and natural gas producer, has been headquartered in Appalachia for nearly 150 years. “Supporting educational initiatives in the areas in which we operate is a priority of our company,” said Jessica Johnson, External Relations Specialist at CONSOL Energy Inc. “We are pleased to partner with CFGC to encourage innovative educational initiatives for Greene County schools.” The Greene County Educational Improvement Fund was established in 2005 when the Foundation was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s EITC program. Businesses receive Pennsylvania tax credits for their contributions – 90% tax credit if the business makes a two-year gift, or a 75% tax credit for a single year gift, up to a maximum of $750,000 in credits per taxable year, for the innovative Educational Improvement and K-12 scholarship programs. The EITC Educational Improvement Fund supports innovative, advanced-academic educational projects that enhance the curriculum or academic program of a public school. Teachers and administrators in Greene County school districts may submit grant proposals to the Foundation at any time during the year to be considered for an EITC Educational Improvement Fund award. Criteria and application information can be found on the CFGC webpage at http://www.cfgcpa.org/schoolgrants.html. “The Educational Improvement Fund supports a wide range of projects in Greene County schools,” said Bettie Stammerjohn, Executive Director of the Foundation. “Because of CONSOL’s support we have been able to help Carmichaels Area High School build their greenhouse to teach students about native plant species; support the Greene County Envirothon, and partner with Westmoreland County Community College to teach Greene County high schools about careers in the natural gas industry. Those are just a few of the projects supported with EITC contributions.” For more information on the EITC program call the Community Foundation at 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.

FIRST FEDERAL SUPPORTS CFGC PRE-K SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

he Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC) has received a $50,000 contribution from First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County. The contribution will be used to support the CFGC Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Fund which provides scholarship assistance for Greene County children attending approved pre-kindergarten programs. “We are elated to be able to provide this support that will help Greene County children get a good start to education,” said Judi Goodwin Tanner, President and CEO of First Federal Savings and Loan Association. The EITC Pre-K Scholarship program provides children and families with an opportunity to participate in a quality Pre-K program which gives children a good start toward being successful in school and beyond. Families may apply for a scholarship, which is paid directly to an approved PreK provider, to help offset tuition and fees for the child. According to Bettie Stammerjohn, executive director of CFGC, some families think they can’t afford to send their child to a Pre-K program, but this scholarship opportunity will help offset the cost to the family and make Pre-K programs more affordable, even for middle income families. CFGC provided scholarships to more than 80 Greene County children attending eleven preschool programs during 2013. “It is wonderful that First Federal of Greene County has chosen to support the EITC Pre-K effort in our community. The whole community eventually shares in the benefits of making pre-kindergarten available to its young children and families,” Stammerjohn remarked. “This contribution will go a long way toward ensuring that we will be able to provide scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year.” To receive an EITC Pre-K scholarship, a child must be at least 3 years old and attending an approved Pre-K program. Household income must not exceed $75,000 with an additional $15,000 allowed for each dependent child. For more information on how to apply for an EITC Pre-K Scholarship, or how to become an approved Pre-K provider, call the Community Foundation at 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.

he GreeneSaver is pleased to welcome Bexley Marie Humble to the world. Bexley was born on October 8, 2013 and is the beautiful daughter of Josh and Jess Humble of Waynesburg. Jess is Bexley’s mom and she is an account executive and key member of the talented team at Direct Results, Home of the GreeneSaver and Custom Graphics. So Bexley is proud to show her DR pride this Christmas!

Left to Right: Judi Goodwin Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer, First Federal Savings and Loan Association presents a check for $50,000 to Bettie Stammerjohn, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Greene County for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship program.

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Commissioner Surprises Students Greene County Commissioner Blair Zimmerman recently surprised students at Bobtown Elementary School as a “mystery reader.” Commissioner Zimmerman read “Pumpkin Soup” by Helen Cooper to Ms. Kriston Appleton’s first-grade students, who also asked him questions about being a commissioner.

Preservation Board Receives Donation The Greene County Farmland Preservation board recently received a $1,000 donation from EQT Corporation, the company’s second such donation in as many years. “This will help us with the administration of the Farmland Preservation program,” said Commissioner Archie Trader, who also serves on the Farmland Preservation board. “It’s a great donation, and it certainly helps a lot.” The county’s Farmland Preservation program is dedicated to protecting valuable farm acreage from future non-agricultural development.

American Red Cross Volunteers Receive Van Western PA Region Disaster Response Specialist Betsy Myers was on hand to present Greene County American Red Cross volunteers with a cargo van stocked with disaster supplies to serve up to 40 families, courtesy of the Westmoreland County Chapter. The van and volunteers stand ready to be of service, working from the Greene County Satellite Office, located at the United Way office in Waynesburg

Pictured, from l. to r., are Commissioner Archie Trader; Jessica L. Carpenter, EQT community advisor; Laurel Rush, Greene County Conservation District agricultural technician; and Commissioner Chuck Morris.

Retirees Recognize Volunteer of the Year At its Fall Luncheon the Greene County Association of School Retirees recognized Janice Hatfield as its Volunteer of the Year. GCASR is the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees, an all-inclusive organization made up all school retirees whether they were employed as teachers, administrators, clerical staff, custodial staff, bus drivers or any others. One of the principle goals of the organization is the encouragement of their members to continue to contribute to their community as volunteers in as many ways as possible. Janice founded the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The effort, now eleven years old, serves students in Washington and Fayette Counties as well as her home county of Greene. The mission of the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to stimulate, promote and reward creative excellence in the visual arts and in creative writing to the middle school and high school students of Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties. Earning the Volunteer of the Year Award, Janice has given in excess of 500 hours of volunteer time encouraging students to express themselves Margaret Cipcic of GCASR (left) presents the 2013 Volunteer of the Year through art and writing. award to Janice Hatfield.

Disaster Response Specialist Betsy Myers presenting Disaster Services van to Greene County American Red Cross volunteers. L-R, Rosemary Yandura, Kaitlin White, Betsy Myers, Barbara Wise, Mike Yandura, Hayley Finley, and Mark Carlson

Garden Club Project Award Presented Members from the Town and Country Garden Club of Rices Landing were invited to the 2013 Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) Community Greening Regional Awards Presentation, hosted by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy last month. The Carmichaels Town Square Project, completed this past summer by the Club, was nominated for an award. Ninety Community Greening Projects were nominated throughout the state of Pennsylvania with sixty projects chosen for the awards. A metal sign with the PHS logo, and a certificate, were presented to the club members. “The reception was a wonderful gathering of people, representing many other Community Greening Projects, who were also award recipients,” said Kay Bair of the Town and Country Garden Club. There was a presentation that included pictures, and a description of each of the Community Greening Projects awarded from western Pennsylvania. Members of the Town and Country Garden Club of Rices Landing are pictured from left: Ralph Nicholson, Diane Nicholson and Terri Laird.

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DECEMBER 2013

THE CHALLENGE PROGRAM, INC. Kicks Off Program at West Greene High School

Students at West Greene High School were recently awarded checks of $250 from The Challenge Program, Inc. for their performance last year in the program’s four award categories. Standing from left are Tiffany Little (Junior Academic Improvement), Mattison Evans (Junior Academic Excellence), Tieler Gammage (Sophomore Academic Improvement), Renee Salai (Sophomore Attendance, Academic Excellence, and Community Service), Karley Isiminger (Junior Community Service), and Zachary Bedilion (Junior Attendance). CONSOL Energy serves as the program sponsor at the school.

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he Challenge Program, Inc., a regional non-profit organization that partners with business to build solid work habits in students, recently kicked off the program with an orientation and awards assembly at West Greene High School. CONSOL Energy serves as the program sponsor at the school. During the assembly, junior and senior students were awarded for excelling last year in the program’s award categories. Students were also introduced to the award categories, including The STEM Award, a new award recognizing excellence in a science, technology, engineering, or math subject. Fifteen students in the sophomore, junior, and senior classes who excel this year in the areas of Attendance, Academic Excellence, Academic Improvement, the new STEM Award, and Community Service will receive an award in the amount of $200 for their efforts. The total amount of awards totals $3,000. Since 2003, through the generous support of businesses, foundations, and individuals, The Challenge Program, Inc. has been introduced to more than 330,000 students and checks totaling more than $2 million have been presented to over 8,000 high school students in more than 100 high schools in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland. For additional information about The Challenge Program, Inc., contact either Mary Dreliszak, Director of Program Development at 724.984.0860 or Barbara Grandinetti, Executive Director of The Challenge Program, Inc. at 814.533.7401.

Where are the winners? Because the December issue of the GreeneSaver comes out a little earlier than usual (so we can bring you all the info about holiday happenings and Christmas shopping specials), the winners of our various contests, puzzles and prizes in last month’s issue won’t be announced until the January edition.

“There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~ Physicist Albert Einstein

Farmers Reminded About Regulatory Changes W

ith winter approaching, the Greene County Conservation District is reminding farmers and livestock owners about the importance of animal management in light of recent changes to Pennsylvania’s Chapter 102 regulations. Nearly three years ago, in November 2010, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) revised Chapter 102, the state’s regulations regarding erosion and sediment control and stormwater management. The revisions require anyone conducting agricultural plowing or tilling activities, including no-till, or whose land contains animal heavy-use areas disturbing at least 5,000 square feet, to develop an Agriculture Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. This plan must cover all areas of the farming operation. “An Agriculture Erosion and Sediment Control Plan can be written by the farmer and should be updated if conditions on the operation change,” said Laurel Rush, agricultural technician for the Greene County Conservation District. In some cases, an already existing Conservation plan, developed by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office, may be used as long as it meets the new requirements. “Farmers keep a lot of information filed in their heads,” Rush said. “For many farms, this plan simply documents in writing the good practices they already have in place. For others, it helps them identify problem areas and properly address An unimproved winter feeding area. them.”

“Winter is the perfect time to think about how to manage animals,” Rush said. “This is the most sensitive time of the year, and when most problems are noticed. Now is the time to make decisions and put a plan in place. Good recordkeeping is an essential part of that.” Since the new regulations went into effect, several common violations have been noted by the DEP, including not having either of the written Ag E&S ConA covered heavy use area with a manure stacking area. trol or Manure Management plans on site; failing to prevent manure or another pollutant from being discharged into water; and not implementing BMP’s related to both plans. The Conservation District can provide resources and assistance to anyone with questions about the new regulations, or who needs help writing an Ag E&S Control Plan. The Conservation District also offers workshops on developing Manure Management plans. “We stress voluntary compliance,” Rush said. “We are not a regulatory agency, but we can evaluate and help with plans, and meet with people in one-on-one sessions. The more complicated the operation, the more difficult it is to write the plan.” Although the process may seem daunting at first, writing and implementing the plans is well worth the effort, especially when farmers realize the small problems they may have. “In my experience developing these plans, it’s often very minor management changes that need made,” Rush said. “It’s not usually a huge wholesale change. It’s taking care of little things that make a big impact.” For more information on the new Chapter 102 requirements, or for help with an Ag E&S Control or Manure Management plan, call Rush at 724-852-5278. GreeneSaver •

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GreeneScene by Jeanine Henry DECEMBER 2013

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by Regis Whetzel

NATURAL GAS VEHICLE GRANTS

he topic of this month’s “Driving the Future” is a bit unique, owing to the wide diversity of our readership. Often, this column will focus on programs or information that are of most use to individuals, but we know that there are many business owners who also receive this publication, who may be wondering what benefits exist for them. For example, if you’re a business owner with a fleet of vehicles, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Act 13 Natural Gas Vehicle Program may be of particular interest for you. Vehicles powered by natural gas cost less to fuel, and emit fewer harmful exhaust gases into the air. This series of Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) grants has begun its second round of accepting applications, providing an estimated $11 million to help pay for the incremental purchase and conversion costs of heavy-duty natural gas fleet vehicles. Grant requests can be no more than 50 percent of the incremental purchase or retrofit cost per vehicle, with a maximum of $25,000 per vehicle. Those eligible to apply include non-profit organizations, for-profit companies, local transportation organizations, state owned or state related universities, Commonwealth or municipal authorities, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. For funding for Fiscal Year 2013-2014, Act 13 stipulates that 50 percent of the available funds be allocated exclusively for local transportation organizations, including non-profit agencies providing public transportation services and public transportation, port, and redevelopment authorities, as well as school bus projects. In accordance with the provisions of Act 13, this is the last round for which an exclusive allocation for local transportation organizations will be made. Among the key considerations for participation in the program are: • The minimum number of vehicles per project application is 5 • All vehicles must be registered in Pennsylvania • All NGVs must meet Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards • Applicants must identify their intent to use federal funds, if available. Vehicles from multiple owners can be aggregated under one application, though all vehicle owners must be eligible as defined by Act 13; all vehicles in the application must be related through a common fueling station; there must be a signed resolution among participating vehicle owners; and there is no threshold number of vehicles per participant in one of these “aggregated applications,” but the minimum number, as stated earlier, is five vehicles. Applications for this round of grants are being accepted online, only, using the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) “eGrant” system, accessed at www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us. The deadline to submit an application is 4pm, Friday, January 10, 2014, and grants will be awarded in the spring. To learn more about this grant program, including regional contact information, news updates, and listings of informational NGV seminars upcoming in your area, please visit the PA DEPs Act 13 informational website, at: www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/act_13/20789/natural_gas_vehicleprogram/

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DECEMBER 2013

Miss

Merry Christmas

Photo by Jeanine Henry

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he 2013 Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Waynesburg was presented by the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, with the execution underwritten by Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency. Ninety-One entries appeared in the parade representing schools, churches, civic organizations, and businesses from all over the county. Winners of the Float Entry Competitions were: 1st Place & Best Design – Seldom Seen Farms; 2nd Place – Greene Arc; 3rd Place – Greene County Relay for Life; Most Spirit – Oakview United Methodist Church Singing Angels; Most Original – WWJD Christian Center Each high school in Greene County selects a “Miss Merry Christmas” to represent her school in the parade. The 2013 Miss Merry Christmas line-up presented by the Chamber are pictured here in front of the Greene County Courthouse (L to R) Kirsten Stoneking - Jefferson-Morgan; Mia Virgili - Carmichaels Area; Karly Isiminger - West Greene; Jackie Tharp - Waynesburg Central; Lyndsay Kamenos - Mapletown. WCYJ Television from Waynesburg College videotaped, narrated and edited the parade for broadcast on local stations. WCYJ is a student operated television station under the direction of Bill Molzon. Student Dave Cross served as the Student Producer and Lanny Frattare announced for the University’s production. A broadcast date will be announced as soon as it is available. 1st place float and winner of the Best Design category from Seldom Seen Farms

Designing Your World with Direct Results and Custom Graphics by Regis Whetzel POP QUIZ: Take a look at the corporate logos shown here, none of which have any words accompanying, and see how many you can guess correctly. The answers are at the bottom of the page.

e bet that you got nearly all of them correct. Do you know why these symbols have become so recognizable, or even iconic? Because dedicated, professional graphic designers made them that way. What do you imagine when you hear the words, “graphic design”? You may think of someone creating a logo for a company, or laying out pictures and text for a brochure, or sorting through typefaces to find the one that looks “just right” for a company’s business cards. The truth is that while all of those activities are part of an average day’s work for a graphic designer, they are only a small part of the wide range of services that these talented professionals provide. A common mistake that many businesses make, especially since the advent of inexpensive, “do-it-yourself ” computer design programs, is to take it upon themselves to put together promotional materials with generic clip art found on the Internet, fonts that just “came with” the program, and no original content. In a competitive business climate where making a lasting impression can mean the difference between attracting customers or having them pass you by, having a professional design staff on hand to develop your brand can give you the power to rise above the crowd. The graphic design experts at Direct Results can greatly exceed your expectations in terms of creating a customized, fully integrated program of design services for your company. We can produce a unique, effective logo, or help improve and emphasize Sign shop an existing brand; we can then inteL-R, Jacob Shaffer, Pete Brunetto and Tim Levdansky prepare sign graphics for a client’s approval grate that into business cards and other print products, full-color product brochures, posters, or any other type of signage you can imagine. We can use your “brand” to design customized clothing for your employees, or T-shirts and caps to give or sell to customers; we can even place made-to-order graphics on your company car, truck, or van, to give you a “moving billboard” that promotes your business on every street. The Direct Results designers have an impressive 33 years of combined experience from which to draw. Shane Gottschalk heads up the team, having been with Direct Results/Custom Graphics for 5 years in January. A graduate of Waynesburg University, Shane was chosen for his expertise during his last semester, hired while interning for the Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce. Upstairs Pete Brunetto, another valued member of the team, is a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and has been a graphic deShane Gottschalk (L) and Chuck Scholtisek (R) review graphics for a print advertisement signer since 2009. Charles Scholtisek, also an Art Institute of Pittsburgh graduate, has 6 years of design experience under his belt, and, in addition to numerous other design duties, is the primary layout designer of the GreeneSaver. In the Direct Results/Custom Graphics sign shop, graphic designers Jacob Shaffer and Tim Levdansky create signage of all shapes and sizes. With 10 years of experience, Jacob’s specialty, in addition to design work, is large format printing; and Tim, a graduate of the Bradford School in Pittsburgh, has been involved in graphic design for 8 years, with a focus on sign making for the last 3. He specializes in design and brand identity. Our design staff is exclusively ours— Direct Results has no need to “outsource” any phase of our design work, and most manufacturing work is done in-house, as well. This means that your project will be personally cared-for, start to finish, by one dedicated team, while saving you time and money by eliminating middle-people.

All logo images are copyrighted and/or trademarked to their respective owners. No endorsement or advertisement of corporations represented by logos is either stated or implied. Pop Quiz Answers: 1. Pittsburgh Pirates, 2. Apple Computer Co., 3. McDonalds Restaurants, 4. NBC Broadcasting, 5. Chevrolet Automotive

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DECEMBER 2013

he mention of the closing of Hatfield Ferry Power Station conjures up negatives thoughts, particularly for the 88 students who have participated in the “HEAT” program over the past eight years. Since 2005, students from the school districts surrounding Hatfield Ferry Power Station (Albert Gallatin, Carmichaels and Mapletown) have been participating in the Hatfield Environmental Awareness Team (HEAT). This program, created and led by Dave Hoone, of First Energy, exposed college bound seniors and juniors to many aspects of the electricity generation process. Students have had exclusive opportunities to tour each of the plant’s operations and explore such topics as the coal and combustion processes; boiler and wastewater processes; SO2 “scrubbing” processes; passive water treatment wetlands; landfill operations; regulatory permitting issues; global climate change; and Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Plant and its park and trail system. “It was amazing to see all the parts of the power plant and to actually be able to begin to understand how many processes and regulations are involved in making electricity,” commented Eric Armel, a student in Mrs. Amber Burkett’s Environmental II class at Mapletown Jr/Sr High School. Recently, what may be the last HEAT session was held at Lake Lynn Hydroelectric Power Plant, where current and previous students have had the privilege to survey the inner workings of a Hydro Station and the rich history of the dam. “I was surprised to see that equipment from the turn-of-the-century was still in working order at Lake Lynn and that it has such an important role in our electricity grid,” said Douglas Kowalewski a student in Mr. Willis’ Carlow-in-the-High School chemistry course at Carmichaels Area High School. The HEAT program has provided experiences and lessons that will last the students a lifetime. Tom McKnight, a student in Mr. Mike Revak’s Advanced Placement (AP) Physics Course at Albert Gallatin said, “It was a fun and enjoyable experience that gave me an opportunity to realize how vital coal is to keeping America running!” We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave Hoone, Randy Jones, chemist, and the First Energy Corporation for providing invaluable experiences to the stuMapletown HEAT Team: From left to right: Ryan Kovach, Mrs. Amber dents who participated in the HEAT Burkett (teacher), Eric Armel, Tiffany Yelenik program.

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ould there be a more perfect image to represent this month’s Greene Scene of the Past than this snowy memory, frozen in time? This evocative photograph was taken at the corner of High Street and Morgan, in front of the “Victoria Square” building. If you happen to know who the sleigh-riding gentleman might be, we’d love to hear from you! This picture comes to us courtesy of Albie Reinhart, who discovered it among a collection of great old pictures found in the Waynesburg Borough Building. 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@greenesaver.com with GreeneScene Past in subject line. The GreeneSaver can even scan your original in just a few minutes if you bring it to our office. We are particularly interested in photos of people and places in the Greene County area taken between 1950 and 1980, though we welcome previous dates, too.

More than 125 children enjoy a ‘Breakfast with Santa’

GreeneScene

You can never be too old or too young to give Santa your Christmas list, as 6-week-old Hudson Davis of Carmichaels learned during the Greene County Department of Recreation’s annual “Breakfast with Santa,” held Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

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ore than 125 local children attended the Greene County Department of Recreation’s “Breakfast with Santa,” held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Children in attendance had the opportunity to sit with Santa Claus, discuss their Christmas lists with him and have their pictures taken. Each child also received a special treat and Santa’s helper hat, as well as a bag of reindeer food to help guide Santa’s sleigh team on Christmas Eve. Other activities included ornament-making and a coloring contest. Contest winners in different age categories received Wal-Mart gift cards. The breakfast was prepared and served by Chef Dan Wagner, culinary arts instructor at the Greene County Career & Technology Center. Helping with the festivities were 2013 Miss Rain Day Stephanie Mitchell and several 2013 Miss Greene County queens, including Petite Miss Annalise Willis, Junior Miss Joelle Pahanish and Teen Miss Amanda Frampton, who played Christmas tunes on her violin during breakfast. The Department of Recreation would like to thank Santa and Mrs. Claus, everyone who attended, and all volunteers and sponsors, including the Greene County Commissioners, Milliken & Throckmorton Funeral Home Inc., Rhodes & Hammers Printing Inc. and Washington Health System Waynesburg Family Medicine. For more information on “Breakfast with Santa,” call the Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323.

Domestic Violence Services of S.W. PA Offers Support Group

“Friends of Library” Accepting New Members

Domestic violence does not stop for the holidays. If you live in fear of your partner and need someone to talk to, Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern PA offers a weekly support group in the Mon Valley. FMI: in Washington Co., call 724-233-9190 or 1-800-791-4000; in Greene Co. call 724-852-2463, and in Fayette Co., call 724-439-9500.

The Friends of the Bowlby Public Library is accepting new members. Joining the organization is easy and your tax deductible donation will benefit the library. Friends of the Library group consist of people who care about libraries and who are interested in promoting the welfare and growth of the Bowlby Library. Membership is open for supporting and active members. For more information or to join the Friends Group contact the Library at 724-627-9776.

In-Service Event Speakers Available Domestic Violence Services of S.W. PA posts that the Education and Training Dept. is now offering speakers to present to groups for in-service days. Informational presentations on a variety of topics including domestic violence, dating violence, and bullying behaviors are offered. All programs can be tailored to meet a group’s specific needs, and are offered at no charge. FMI, in Washington Co., call 724-223-5477; in Greene Co., call 724-852-2373; and in Fayette Co., call 724-437-2530.

Library Seeking Local Artists The Bowlby Public Library is looking for local artists to display their artwork at the library during 2014. Collectors may also display collections in the Display case. For more information contact the Library at 724-627-9776.

Toys for Tots

Adult Literacy Program

The Adult Literacy program at the Bowlby Public Library offers free test preparation for the GED, Civil Service exams, and Drivers Licensing and Life skills. Also, any adult wishing to brush up on their basic reading and math skills can do so at no charge through the Family Literacy Department at the Library. The Family Literacy Department also offers free tutoring for school-age children for the upcoming spring semester. Now is the time to focus on difficult subjects (reading, writing, and math) in a relaxed atmosphere! To make an appointment, or more information, please call 724-627-9776.

“Team Cyber Share” Program Announced The Bowlby Public Library is offering “Team Cyber Share” the first two Saturdays in January 2014. The 2-part seminar is an introductory overview of web-design and development, offered freely as an incentive to join Team Cyber Share. Team Cyber Share is an informal, tuition-free education initiative, recruiting members from Greene & Washington Counties who would like to learn some basic tools & techniques to design, or develop basic to advanced websites or web applications. Speaker Barth “John” Jones will lead the seminars on Saturday, January 4, and January 11, at 2:00 p.m. Jones is the founder of Strong Advocate, and www.noblenotions.net. You can register for this free seminar by calling the library at 724-627-9776, or at www.noblenotions.net/teamcybershare/seminar/intro.

TOPS Support Group T.O.P.S. ~ Taking Off Pounds Sensibly is a weight management support group that meets every Saturday from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Bowlby Public Library. New members are always welcome! Library Closed for Holiday The Bowlby Public Library will be closed on Monday January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Taking a quick break during an Advanced Acro Class at the Tricia Ricco Dance Studio is Miss Rain Day Stephanie Mitchell and her fellow students. (Photo by Jeanine Henry)

Stephanie Mitchell, Miss Rain Day 2013 has teamed up with Greene County Leathernecks, Tricia Ricco Dance Studio and other local businesses to collect new, unwrapped toys for distribution to children in need in our area. According to Tricia Ricco Lohr, “Stephanie has been a part of my dance family since the age of 3 and I am honored to support her with such a worthy cause. Her determination and hard work are some of her strongest qualities and her service with Toys for Tots will be proof.” Mitchell said, “As Miss Rain Day, I wanted to support a cause that would make a difference this Christmas season. My Toys for Tots Toy Drive is my way of helping make a difference this Christmas for the less fortunate children in our area.” Emilia Bertugli, President of Rain Day Scholarship, Inc. (RDSI) stated “It is important for Miss Rain Day to give back to the community and RDSI strongly encourages such worthwhile efforts.” NEW, UNWRAPPED toys for both boys and girls will be collected through December 20th and can be dropped off at the Tricia Ricco Dance Studio located at 106 N. Market Street, Carmichaels on Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evenings after 4:30 PM. Other drop off locations include Community Bank Offices – 100 N Market Street - Carmichaels, Greene Plaza – 100 Miller Lane - Waynesburg or 30 West Greene Street – Waynesburg, Shear Expressions Salon (Carmichaels), American Legion Post 816 (Rices Landing) and Serb’s Red Star Inn (Carmichaels). For more information please call 724-966-9400

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OVER 45 YEARS Serving & Servicing the Finest Products in the Tristate Area for Over 45 Years

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DECEMBER 2013