Jan Feb Greenesaver 2016 by GreeneScene Community Magazine / Direct Results

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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New Endowments Support 4-H The Penn State Extension has announced two new endowments, initially totaling $25,000 each, to benefit 4-H youth development programs in Greene and Fayette counties. Proceeds from the endowments will provide supplemental funds to help with 4-H operational expenses, salaries and wages. Funds also may be used to support awards recognizing outstanding accomplishments achieved by 4-H members. “4-H is one of the most recognizable programs administered by the extension system nationwide,” said Joseph Conklin, Penn State Extension district director for Fayette, Greene and Washington counties. “With guidance from dedicated 4-H extension educators and the commitment and expertise of many volunteers, 4-H helps members develop valuable life skills and become contributing citizens and leaders in the community,” he said. 4-H serves more than 100,000 Pennsylvania youth through clubs, community-service projects and school-enrichment activities. Young people can engage in subjects such as robotics, animal sciences, entomology, plant sciences, family and consumer sciences, forestry, energy, geospatial technology, photography and other topics. Conklin noted that interested residents can enhance the impact of these endowments by making tax-deductible contributions to the funds. In Greene County, donors can write a check payable to The Pennsylvania State University, indicating it is for the Greene County Extension 4-H Endowment in the memo line. Checks for the Greene County endowment should be mailed to Penn State Extension, 26 West High Street, Room 1, Waynesburg, PA 15370-1324. For more information, the office can be reached by phone at 724-627-3745.

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

I Love this P l a ce BIG History for small Village

t is one of those places that if you blink you might just miss it, yet, small as it is, Khedive in Cumberland Township has a quite interesting history. It was home to a professional baseball player, as

you’ll read about in this issue’s Sports Shorts Feature. Speaking of sports, there was a time when rat hunting was considered a sport in Khedive, too. The great event took place in the winter of 1887 when apparently there was a large rat population in the village. News accounts of the day said there were two teams of men, 16 strong, that competed using dogs, pitchforks and traps to bring in the tails of the “pestiferous and destructive vermin.” The men searched through corn fields and under the floors of barns in the effort. The eventual winner of the rat hunt was the team lead by A. L. Rich, the greatgrandfather of Khedive’s most successful businessman, Scott Rayfield Rich (see our story about Rayfield on page 8). The Rich team turned in 2,857 tails. Khedive as it is viewed by many today actually extends beyond the signs For winning, the men were treated to an marking its borders. There is Douglas’s Greenhouse, Watters Pools, and the building at the corner of Route 21 and Short Cut Road, once known as oyster and cracker dinner by the losers. the Swap Shop. To many older residents of the area it will always be that, Killing thousands of rats doesn’t sound all even though several businesses have come and gone in that location since that appetizing to us. it closed many moons ago. The same can be said of the former KovalContinuing the “sporting” tradition check’s Auto Body Shop. For many it will always be Kovalcheck’s, etched there, fights between dogs and raccoons in the memories of this generation like a ship in a barn for Brice’s. were held in the late 1800s and sparrow hunts in the early 1900s. Such questionable competitions aside, there are other aspects of the Village of Khedive to speak of, such as its early commerce. There have been barbershops, blacksmith shops, multiple country stores, a woodworking business, manufacturing and currently even a swimming pool sales operation. I visited with two men who grew up in Khedive, Brice Rush and Hank Curly’s Service Station was operated by Ray Smith “Curly” Moredock in Khedive Workman, to learn more about what it was like living in Khefrom 1934 to 1992 in the days when the gas was pumped for you, the oil was checked and the windows cleaned as part of the service offered. dive as a kid back before cell

NOW

Long Way Home… The Story of John B. Areford

n digging to find the history of Khedive an interesting story surfaced, that of Khedive native, John B. Areford, published in the Sept. 19, 1912 Gazette Times newspaper. Search as we might, we could neither confirm nor disprove the tale John provided to the Gazette Times newspaper 50 years after his family presumed he had died fighting in the Civil War. If there are any Civil War historians or members of the Areford family who might have record of John’s service please let the GreeneSaver know. Regardless, we found the story to be an interesting one, though not especially unusual for the times. Today if someone were to disappear as John did, there are a myriad of ways to track them down through everything from cell phone towers to ATM withdrawals. But it’s not much of a stretch to believe in that during the 19th century, John could have left home one day as a teenager and not return until he was nearly 70 years old. As the story went, John’s baby brother, Alex,

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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eight years his junior, was at his Khedive home one day in 1912 when the phone rang. Imagine the shock, confusion and mix of glee felt by Alex when the voice on the line said, “Hello, is that you Alex? I don’t suppose you know me. This is your brother, John.” Alex told the reporter he gasped and then dropped the receiver. After all, John had been dead for 50 years in Alex’s mind. He was but a small boy when John left home. The call from John had come from a mere 20 miles away in Uniontown. From there he quickly set about finding his way to the home of his emotional brother. John’s version of events started with the drafting of a man by the name of Evans McQuinn. According to John, McQuinn did not want to join the war and offered $500 to anyone who would take his place, which is exactly what John said he did. Interestingly, John said he was mustered out of service in 1864, less than two years later. So why didn’t the then 18-year old John go home? It seems

KHEDIVE, PA

by Tara Kinsell

THEN

phones and computer games. “There was a watermelon patch down the road (at a neighboring home) and we boys slipped out at 11 at night and snuck up in there. We had a watermelon under each arm when a spotlight was shone on us,” Brice said. “We all took off running and they never did catch us. But this one kid, he was new and didn’t know the area well and he fell in the crick.” Of This picture , taken sometime in the 1930s, shows several businesses course this gave the other boys quite a along the road through Khedive. It looks quite similar today. The chuckle as they continued on with their structure to the far left was torn down to make room for the widening of Route 21. Sadly, it wasn’t necessary in the long run. “borrowed” watermelons, as Brice and Hank referred to the booty. It is a wonder they didn’t get a stomach ache as the melpened to it,” Brice said. “Maybe someone will read ons weren’t quite ready for picking, they noted. this who knows.” Of course it goes without saying if The pair had so many stories and memories any of our readers knows what happened to the ship of Khedive we couldn’t include them all, but while built in Khedive we would love to hear it. sharing photos with me, Brice related another of With so many stories and interesting charachis favorite tales of the village we had to pass along. ters that have been a part of the history of the Village A man named Elbin Grooms is at the crux of the of Khedive how could we not love this place? story. For unknown reasons, Grooms and his friends decided to build a 50 ft. long ship big enough to haul 35 people and powered by two Cadillac engines. “They built it in Elbin’s barn and we boys would sneak in and pretend we were pirates,” Brice said. “When they sold it, they realized they couldn’t get it out of the barn. It was too big and they had to remove the double doors and part of the roof to get it out. It went down the street (on a trailer) with a guy riding on top of it to lift the wires.” He recalled the ship going on the Monongahela River to the Ohio River and on to New Orleans but never heard where it ended up. “I’d love to know what hap-

The Areford & Dugan General Merchandise store was a fixture along he had an adventurous spirit that Route 21 in Khedive in the 30s and 40s, as was Curly’s Service Station. It led him up the Mississippi to Chiis possible that John Areford, the subject of our story, Long Way Home, is cago. There he helped lead a sugar somehow related, but we could not verify it. wagon pulled by a team of oxen to Denver, Colorado. From Denver he those comrades, John told Alex that only five were traveled with a team of pack mules to San Francisco still alive at the time of the reunion. It was with one before drifting to New Mexico and later on to Texas. of the five, Judge Charles F. McKenna, that John The adventures did not stop there. For close spent several days with after the reunion before to a decade in Texas, John was what else but a cowcoming to Uniontown. Perhaps he was gathering boy?! On the plains of the Texas panhandle John the courage to speak to his family after so many was a ranger and cowpuncher. He told Alex that he years of absence. did not receive any battle wounds while serving in The story of John is an unfinished one. Did he the Army during the Civil War but thrice over was stay in Greene County? Did he return to his Miswounded after it. John told tales of attacks by outsouri home? We don’t know. Alex is buried in the laws and Indians while he was a cattleman. Muddy Creek Cemetery at Khedive. There is a John Eighteen years before he made his way to Areford, born in the correct year, buried in another Uniontown to place that startling phone call, John local cemetery but a story attached to him refers to had settled in Joplin, Missouri where he was said him as a lifelong resident and mason. If any of you to be a prosperous farmer and businessman. If you know the rest of our John’s story and especially if are wondering what made him finally return home you have a photo of him and/or Alex, the Greeneto Khedive, John said he was in Pittsburgh for a Saver would love to hear from you. reunion of his comrades from Company D of the 155th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. Of

Taking Collecting to a New Level

e are kicking off the new year with a new series that takes a look at the things people collect. In the works are stories about a circus memorabilia collecting reverend and a group of neighbors who coincidentally share a love of Wizard of Oz items. For this first installment, we introduce you to a collector of toy trains - a common enough hobby – though this fellow has anything but a common collection. When he got his first train set from his father at the age of 8, Nick Kovacic fell in love – with trains. He’s been a life-long collector, however this retired drafting instructor at the Greene County Career and Technology Center doesn’t just purchase the items that comprise his “train town,”’ he also makes many of them. During my visit with Nick in his train room - the basement of his Clarksville (Williamstown) home - he sits in front of his computer, a lengthy slide show of train scenes from around the world flashing across the screen as we talk. For his trains, Nick puts his years of teaching to work with three-dimensional rendering software to create various pieces, like dumpsters and street lamps. These images are then sent to a Robo 3D printer that uses plastic, in the way a traditional printer uses paper, to bring them to life. It is very

much like what his students at the GCCTC experienced as part of his class offerings when they replicated things like the Greene County Airport. Nick works with white and black plastic to print his creations and then paints them to suit his desired effect. Colored plastic is more expensive and not necessary for Nick, an experienced air brush artist. “All of these cars are from a kit,” he says, motioning to nearby wall shelves covered in what look like train cars one would purchase from a retail store. He clarifies that these cars come unfinished, like a model car kit would. “See that one there,” he asks. “You see how the pin striping is peeling off? I learned from that. I airbrush them all now.” The stripe he referred to was about an eighth inch thick, if that. I note the precision necessary to airbrush areas that are this intricate, even using masking tape. When asked if he also airbrushed the company logos, etc. onto the cars, Nick responded, not surprisingly, that he makes those too. Why spend money you don’t have to spend is a sort of motto for this enterprising train aficionado and self-taught luthier. When Nick isn’t making or setting up pieces for his train town, he is repairing or creating various stringed instruments. Some he sells and others are part of his other collection, Tamburitzan instruments and guitars. With deep roots in his Croatian heritage, Nick grew up playing Tambura music in the junior Tamburitzan ensembles

in the area. During his teaching career he would often bring in instruments to share with his students or instruct them in how drafting and design could have a practical application in building their own instruments. With all of the extra time on his hands since retiring from GCCTC in 2012, Nick is constantly honing the skills necessary to maintain and

by Tara Kinsell

grow both of his collections. His former students wouldn’t find this surprising. Mr. K, as they dubbed him, expected nothing short of their best and set the bar at the same level for his own work. As a picture is worth a thousand words, we share segments of Nick’s train town that include a traditional Croatian picnic and business names inspired by many of his Greene County friends and colleagues.

If you or someone you know has an unusual or fun collection, let us know! Call 724-627-2040. 6

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

GreeneScene by Brittany McIntire

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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he origin of the name Khedive is illusive. We could find no supporting documentation: however, speculation is fair game. It starts with the 1876 Caldwell’s Atlas of Greene County where there is no Village of Khedive identified. Five years later the Wise Post office is established in the area today known as Khedive. It only operated as such from 1881-1882. Starting in 1882 the post office became known as the Khedive Post Office and remained as such until its closure in 1934. So, why did the post office’s name change? This is where it gets interesting. We wondered, ‘What is a Khedive?’ The answer helps paint a picture that is certainly plausible. A Khedive is a title created in 1867 by the Ottoman Sultan Abu-ul-Aziz for the then governor of Egypt. Now, we recognize that is a long, long way from Cumberland Township in Greene County. However, the Khedive Ismail I, who ruled in the years leading up to the changing of the post office name to that of Khedive was especially in-

fluential in the development of the postal system in Egypt. He took it from a private entity to a public utility starting in 1864 and it grew from there. In 1881, a year before our Khedive Post Office came to be, an obelisk named Cleopatra’s Needle, also known as Pompey’s Pillar, was erected in New York’s Central Park. It was a gift from the Khedive of Egypt for the U.S. remaining a friendly, neutral power as France and Britain attempted to secure political control of the Egyptian government. As many times throughout history it has been suggested there is a connection to the Khedive of Egypt and the naming of the town of Khedive one can deduce much from this history. In 1881 the U.S. receives a gift from the Khedive of Egypt who was a driving force in the post system of his country and the Wise Post Office becomes the Khedive Post Office the next year. Was the town named for the post office or the post office named for the town? Were either or both named for the Khedive of Egypt? Or is this all mere coincidence? We may never know.

One Man’s Race to the Top

Rayfield Rich, smiling wide aboard his Harley Davidson motorcycle, circa 1950.

ne certainly can’t talk about Khedive without telling the story of inventor, builder, motorcycle racer, collector, and business man, the late Scott “Rayfield” Rich. If you drive through Khedive today you will still see remnants of the legacy of Rayfield Rich. A sign on a block building reads Rich’s Mobile Homes. Across the street a second sign atop a pole in an empty lot still bears the brand name of those homes. And, although since 2008 the large manufacturing building in Khedive has been home to the Greene County offices of Halliburton, this too was part of Rich’s Mobile Homes, built by Rayfield more than a half century ago. As a young man Rayfield worked in his father Chauncey’s Indian Motorcycle dealership. Chauncey was a well-known mechanic and passed his skills on to Rayfield. When he wasn’t working at the dealership, Rayfield was out fearlessly racing those bikes and winning many trophies while doing so. After time spent in the Navy during WWII, Rayfield came home to operate Rich Trucking and Automobile Sales. He had a tendency to race those as well, according to two Khedive natives, Brice Rush and his cousin, Hank Workman. Both men shared a story of the time Rayfield had a run-in with a police officer while travelling fast on four wheels. Brice explained that Route

21, back in the day, wasn’t nearly as traveled and didn’t go straight past the Greene County Airport in Waynesburg. It instead wound down by the entrance to Rohanna’s Golf Course and past Rolling Meadows to the airport. Eventually, the path would lead back to Rayfield’s Khedive home. “Old Rayfield, he went driving out there one day and he must have been doing 100 miles an hour. A police officer began to follow him (and couldn’t keep up). He knew it was Rayfield,” Brice said with a smile, he and Hank clearly enjoying the tale originally told by Rayfield himself. “The cop pulled up at Rayfield’s house and comes up behind him in his garage and says, ‘Gotcha,’ but Rayfield was in there long enough to have the hood up already. He looked at him and said, ‘Wasn’t me. I’ve been in here working on my car all day.’” Selling Indian Motorcycles expanded into selling Harley Davidsons. By the mid 1950s the motorcycle business closed, and Rayfield had embarked on the business that would come to be known across the United States. The patents for his inventions that were part of that business stretched even further to Canada and across the pond to England. Among them was a revolutionary, for its time, patent for a mobile garage. His mobile homes and garages were manufactured on site in Khedive. The cabinetry for the mobile homes was built by some of the areas fin-

est craftsmen. “These were first class mobile homes,” Brice said. Many of his mobile homes and garages can still be seen around the county today. One remains overlooking his former manufacturing plant from across the road at the end of the drive to the home Rayfield lived in until his death at age 93 in 2012. Along the way Rayfield leased a pile of red dog and even purchased a steam shovel to load it. Ever the entrepreneur, Rayfield was always finding a way to make money. “Everybody used red dog for their driveways back then,” Brice said. “He worked in the Crucible Mine and he leased the pile from them.” The ventures weren’t always financially successful, according to Brice. “In 1933 Rayfield and my dad decided to hold a motorcycle race at the Carmichaels Fairgrounds (where Wana B Park is located today),” Brice said. “They paid for the big riders of the day to come in and they paid prizes out too. Even though they operated the gate they still lost money by the time they paid it all out. There wasn’t a big enough crowd.” No matter, the old friends had a lot of fun doing it, he said. Having fun seemed to go hand in hand with many of Rayfield’s endeavors, and success came often enough to leave a legacy for a man known far and wide, and quite well right here at home. GreeneSaver •

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The Best They’ve Ever Been... Woodside Farm Shorthorns by Shelly Brown

This recent photo of some replacement heifers on Woodside Farm is one of several that appeared over the years on the cover of Shorthorn Country, a national breed magazine.

Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger (3rd and 2nd from right) receiving honors at the North American Livestock Expo in Louisville last November

reene County is home to one of - if not THE – oldest Shorthorn herds in the country. And not only is this herd historic, it is quite renown among the Shorthorn community across this country and beyond. We’re proud to congratulate Woodside Farm, owned by Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger, on being a recent honoree at the Jack C. Ragsdale National Shorthorn Show at the North American International Livestock Expo held this past November in Louisville, KY. Bradley, the 5th generation of his family to breed and show Shorthorn cattle, is continuing a tradition begun just a few years after the end of the civil war. In 1871, Bradley’s great grandfather, John H. Stosnider, bought the property that would become Woodside Farm, the name given by his great Aunt Annie Strosnider. The family began to raise cattle at that time; however, Bradley says “the oldest pedigree he can find is dated 1882.” He has several pedigrees from the turn of the century era, many that are handwritten. “They would get an official to hand write the seal to avoid forgeries,” Bradley explains. Today, Woodside Farm includes land that came down from his Grandmother Elizabeth Strosnider and his Grandfather Jesse Eisiminger, both from neighboring farm families in the community of Cummins, half way between Waynesburg and Kirby on US Rt. 19. The original farmstead home is the same house where Bradley and Shirley reside today. Many of their neighbors are extended family and the heritage remains strong, memories passing

through each generation. Bradley enjoys telling about his father, Lezear Eisiminger, as a young boy who, along with brother Charles, walked on foot leading two young heifers six miles into Waynesburg, where they were loaded on a train bound for Penn State to become the original stock for a breeding program that land grant university was developing in 1911. Shorthorns were not the only famous lives that started in this valley. Colonel John Glen, first man to set foot on the moon, has ties to this land also. John Glen’s great, great grandfather was born here in 1736, grew up and farmed the land that would later become the property of Jesse Eisiminger, Bradley’s great grandfather and, of course, now part of Woodside Farm. Bradley grew up on the farm, was very involved in the family Shorthorn breeding program, and was even a junior member of the American Shorthorn Association at the age of 12. He and Shirley each graduated high school in 1951 and were married in 1952, before Bradley served in the US Army 1953-55. Once back home, Bradley and Shirley continued improving the herd. In 1960 son Bret came along and was soon following in the family tradition, showing Shorthorns, including a trip to Keystone International Livestock Expo held in Harrisburg, Pa. Both Bradley and Shirley worked off the farm as well, Shirley at the local shirt factory and Bradley with Waynesburg Block Company (later Waynesburg Redi-Mix) until both employers closed their doors in 1980 and the couple was left without jobs

An early herd sire “Buckeye Billy” with Great Uncle Ingram Cummins holding the lead.

within six month of each other. That’s when the Keystone Autumn Classic Sale was born. The Eisimingers & Woodside Farm became host to one of the most strategic Shorthorn Cattle sales in the eastern United States, with buyers and sellers coming from Kentucky, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and even Canada. The sale continues to this day, 35 years later, still going strong. In 1985, Woodside Farm was recognized as one of Greene County’s official Century Farms, which requires that the farm operation be owned by the same family for more than 100 years, retain at least ten of the original acres of land and gross more than $1,000 annually from the production of agricultural products. For Woodside Farm, that was 30 years ago. Today, the Eisimingers are still at it, having several state and national champions among their herd over the years. They’ve won titles at such venues as the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the American Royal in Kansas City. They continue to be highly respected by their peers in the industry, and serve in leadership roles on the local, state and national level. Bradley currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Greene County Conservation District, and has served on many other committees, boards and organizations from the local Extension Board to the Greene County Fair. Both Bradley and Shirley have been recognized by the West Virginia State Fair, both the Pennsylvania and Maryland Shorthorn Breed-

Bradley’s father Lazear Eisiminger (right) and brother Charles leading the two young heifers purchased by Penn State in 1911.

ers Associations, and the American Shorthorn Association, who once gave Bradley Eisiminger the national title “Builder of the Breed.” Just a few weeks ago, In November 2015, Bradley was named Show Honoree at the largest all-breed, purebred livestock event in the world. The North American International Livestock Expo, host of the Jack C. Ragsdale National Shorthorn Show, which was held in Louisville, Kentucky. He was recognized for his outstanding contribution to the livestock industry, his long-time involvement with the American Shorthorn Association and his devotion to building the Shorthorn breed. The GreeneSaver congratulates Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger on this latest honor and achievement. We’re privileged to share just a bit of their story and, with over 40 head of beautiful Shorthorns still on the hillside today, we’re pleased to hear about the future plans for Woodside Farm. “I’m working on changing our facilities so it’s easier for us to feed…I have the same goals now as I ever did,” Bradley said. Shirley says she feels very fortunate that they are still able to work the farm at the age of 82. On the subject of retirement, Bradley says, “I just don’t know how to do it. My cattle are the best they’ve ever been. It’s just as much fun now as ever…or more.” Editor’s note: Much of the story presented here was adapted from a piece written by Erin Isenhart for Shorthorn Country Magazine. GreeneSaver •

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

G ree n e Sce n e of the Pa st

The congregation of the Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church gathers for the 1903 dedication of the church building, erected at a cost of $10,000.

f you ask someone where the Muddy Creek Church is in Greene County, chances are pretty good that you might receive a quizzical look in response. Ask if they know the church on Route 21 where the ambulance parks and the odds of a positive response is much greater. The church is certainly not hidden from view. It is in fact quite prominent in its location above the roadway. It isn’t a small building that is easily missed. And, by virtue of its odd shape, the red brick structure actually seems to stand out. However, it hasn’t operated as the Muddy Creek Presbyterian Church in many years and what independent congregations have met there haven’t been very consistent, according to Brice Rush. Brice, a Khedive native, is among the few who tend to the original church’s cemetery that borders the building on two sides. If one thinks they have heard of

the Muddy Creek Church, that most likely stems from an unusual handmade arched metal sign, marking not the church itself, but instead the cemetery. Brice had a hand in its fabrication. He credited a dwindling congregation for the discontinuation of services as the Muddy Creek Presbyterian church, noting it then made more sense to combine the congregation with that of the Carmichaels Presbyterian Church. Looking at our Greene Scene of the Past, with many of the 150 charter members of the church gathered for the 1903 dedication of the building, it seems unfathomable that a time would come when so few attended. One thing is certain, the building will remain a church, whether it is in use or not. Brice said that is assured. As for the cemetery, it contains the remains of many of those charter

by Tara Kinsell

member families. Walking among the tombstones one sees familiar family names known to Cumberland Township such as, Rush, Cree, Rich, and Gwynn. A memorial at the edge of the cemetery holds the names of veterans buried there and some who will be when their time comes, Brice said. He happens to be one of those, he added, before making note that spaces are still available at a reasonable price. “We ran an advertisement a few years ago for 8 plots for $600. That was a real bargain. The ad said if they waited the cost was going up to $1000,” he said. “We hardly sold any. We had hoped to sell enough to have money to support the care of the cemetery.” As that did not happen, Brice said they still hold out hope that someone will one day donate what is necessary to maintain it for perpetuity.

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.

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Outstanding Commitment to Soil & Water Conservation Recognized

ach year, the Greene County Conservation District honors those within the county who have shown an outstanding commitment to soil and water conservation. Honorees this year included Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger of Woodside Farm, recipients of the 2015 Special Recognition Award for Agricultural Excellence. It was a banner year for Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger of Woodside Farm near Kirby as they were not only one of 12 honored at the 2015 Greene County Conservation District awards ceremony,

Agricultural Excellence Award Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger of Woodside Farm received the 2015 Special Recognition Award for Agricultural Excellence. Pictured, from l. to r., are Bradley Eisiminger, also Conservation District Board chairman, and Jim Cowell, District secretary.

Contractor Award Pine Belt Energy Services, LLC, was named the Outstanding Conservation Contractor of the Year. Pictured is owner Allen Entrekin (right) with District Treasurer Thomas Headlee.

Forestry Award Harold and Gay Thistle received the 2015 Special Recognition Award for Forestry.

but also as the 2015 North American International Livestock Exposition Shorthorn Show Honorees. Bradley and Shirley Eisiminger were recognized for their many years of agricultural and conservation efforts which also led to the recognition on Nov. 16 in Louisville, Ky., during the Jack C. Ragsdale National Shorthorn Show, part of the largest all-breed, purebred livestock event in the world. The Eisimingers were noted for their outstanding contributions to the livestock industry, long-time involvement with the American Shorthorn Association and devotion to building the Shorthorn breed. (See related story on page 10) Other conservation district honorees who, like the Eisimingers, showed an outstanding commitment to soil and water conservation included: Gay and Harold Thistle, recipients of the 2015 Special Recognition Award for Forestry; Pine Belt Energy Services, LLC, Outstanding Conservation Contractor of the Year; Gilmore Township, the inaugural Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program Municipality of the Year; and Rodney Parson, recipient of the 2015 Conservation Speaking Award. Gay and Harold Thistle were recognized for their forest conservation efforts that have gained them the honor of being awarded Pennsylvania’s Tree Farmer of the Year for 2015. The Thistles previously received the Conservation District’s Forester of the Year award in 2011. In June 1999, the couple purchased 98.2 acres, including about 30 wooded acres originally of a typical Appalachian oak-hickory type. The Thistles have worked with state and federal programs to plant more than 3,400 seedlings and nurture them into thriving trees. Varieties planted with deer protection include black walnut, white ash, northern red oak, sugar maple, chestnut, white spruce and butternut. The Thistles are the founding members of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Woodland Owners organization, which formed in 2000, and have hosted educational tours and courses and training sessions on their property. Pine Belt Energy Services, LLC, the 2015 Outstanding Conservation Contractor, was recognized for its protection of the environment and Greene County’s natural resources from erosion and sedimentation. The company was also noted for its willingness to work with landowners and its respect for the land. Pine Belt provides support to the oil and gas industry and has worked closely with Momentum Oil & Gas to repair and maintain slides that resulted from the installation of gas pipeline infrastructure in Greene County. The Conservation District also honored Kevin Willis, a teacher and Envirothon team coach for Carmichaels Area High School, who this year was listed as an honorable mention for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators. Four Conservation District board and staff members also received special service awards. Owner Allen Entrekin accepted on behalf of the company, which is based in Mississippi, but has a satellite office in Fairview, W.Va. This year for the first time, the Conservation District chose to award a municipality within Greene County that has participated in the Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program. This program was developed to enhance municipal roads with environmentally sensitive maintenance prac-

tices as developed by the Center for Dirt and Gravel Roads. The inaugural Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program Municipality of the Year award was presented to Gilmore Township. Gilmore Township was recognized for outstanding accomplishments in the establishment of environmentally sensitive maintenance practices that protect water quality within the municipality. Since 2013, the township has installed 10 projects and has applied for additional future projects. The township has worked diligently to complete these projects in a timely manner and has worked closely with the district to improve its road system. Rodney Parson, a junior at West Greene Junior/Senior High School and current FFA chapter president, was recognized for his outstanding speaking skills and for winning the 2015 Greene County FFA Speaking Competition with his speech, “EPA’s Waters of United States Rule and its Effects.” Parson not only placed first at the county speaking contest, but also continued through the local and regional competitions and became one of 12 students in the state to represent his FFA chapter, school and county at the State FFA Conservation Speaking Contest this past summer at the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention. He placed second overall. Parson is the son of Tim and Tina Parson of Graysville. This year, the District was honored to help with the unveiling and presentation of national recognition to Kevin Willis of Carmichaels Area School District. Willis made the list of honorable mentions for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators and received a special certificate. Willis was nominated for his leadership, guidance and accomplishments in engaging and expanding his students’ knowledge. Finally, four service awards were given to current Conservation District board and staff members. J. Robert Rice, board director emeritus, was recognized for 50 years of service to the board. Rice’s service includes three years as farmer director, nine years as district treasurer, 32 years as district chairman and the past six years as director emeritus. A tri-colored beech tree has been planted in his honor at the Greene County Historical Society Museum. Rebecca Salosky, District fiscal officer, received recognition for her 35 years of committed service. Salosky is a valuable asset to the board and staff and has watched the District grow over the years, from one other staffer to seven full-time and two seasonal staff members. District Manager Lisa Snider was recognized for 15 years of service. Snider began her career at the District as the watershed specialist and has been the manager of the office since 2010. Under her supervision, the board has dramatically increased its fiscal, programmatic and staffing responsibilities. Lindsay Kozlowski, environmental resource specialist, was recognized for five years of service. Kozlowski first started with the District as the West Nile Virus coordinator until she took her current position. She is responsible for environmental permitting and was commended for her knowledge of the programs she administers. The Conservation District also recognized and thanked the following for their contributions during the past year that helped improve district programs: Alpha Natural Resources, for its con-

tribution to the annual Envirothon scholarship; Community Foundation of Greene County, for funding to assist with the Envirothon; the winning Envirothon team members from Carmichaels Area High School; and all cooperating agencies and the County of Greene for another year of support. For more information on the Conservation District awards, call 724-852-5278.

Municipality Award Gilmore Township was named the inaugural Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Program Municipality of the Year. Pictured, from l. to r., are District Treasurer Thomas Headlee, Gilmore Township Supervisor Chuck Wise and District Secretary Jim Cowell.

Willis & FFA Award Kevin Willis of Carmichaels Area High School received a special certificate for his honorable mention for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators, and Rodney Parson, a junior at West Greene Junior/Senior High School and current FFA chapter president, received the 2015 Conservation Speaking Award. Pictured, from l. to r., are Willis, Parson and District Chairman Bradley Eisiminger.

Service Awards Four Conservation District board and staff members received service awards. Pictured, from l. to r., are Environmental Resource Specialist Lindsay Kozlowski, 5 years; Fiscal Officer Rebecca Salosky, 35 years; Board Director Emeritus J. Robert Rice, 50 years; District Chairman Bradley Eisiminger; and District Manager Lisa Snider, 15 years.] GreeneSaver •

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GreeneScene by Vanessa Davidson Buchtan

Co o l at Sc h o o l

Jenna Henry, standing at left, with members of the WVU Society of Women Engineers at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources and the president of the Society of Women Engineers.

hen Jenna Henry was deciding what she wanted to study in college she knew it would be something that incorporated her love for mathematics. Engineering, although not a typical field for females, seemed the perfect fit. “WVU has a great engineering program. My brother (Garrett) and my cousin (Rick Kalsey) studied engineering and I asked both of them questions,” Jenna said. Both Garrett and Rick are graduates of WVU. Garrett is a drilling engineer for Chevron and Rick is a petroleum engineer for Rice Energy.

For Jenna, her path is leading to a career in civil and environmental engineering. “I have had people (upon hearing she is studying environmental engineering) say you will be against your brother and won’t be for gas wells. That’s not true,” Jenna said, noting she hopes to obtain a job in the industry upon graduating. “I am for it.” Jenna said the industry has its up and down sides but for the most part she believes it has been a “great thing for our region,” and can be done while still “sustaining the environment.” When her journey to become an engineer began, she is currently a sophomore, the fact that she might be one of, if not the only, girl in her engineering classes did not phase Jenna. “If you know me and my mom, we are strong people who get stuff done. Being a strong leader and all, it was a good fit and a good challenge for me. It’s not easy,” she said. “It makes me proud to be one of the only girls and staying right with them [her male counterparts]. We are definitely in the minority. There are only 3 or 4 girls, but I’m not intimidated by them [the guys], at all.” She added, “I can hold my own.” Jenna hopes to share her experience with other young women. To do so, she joined the WVU Society of Women Engineers and accepted the role as a co-planner for its annual 8th Grade Day, scheduled for Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Each year the 8th grade day is different. I could never find something like this when I was in middle school and high school. I want people to know that, although they call it “8th Grade Day”, this is for any students from 7th to 9th and it’s not just for girls,” Jenna said. Even though the event is planned by the WVU Society of Women Engineers each of the engineering societies on the campus present and take part in the day.

by Tara Kinsell

Engineers Without Borders, who make trips to areas around the world where there are bad water filtration systems to help out, is one such group. Another, the American Society of Civil Engineers, who build a concrete canoe each year along with a steel bridge, will also share their thoughts and ideas. “There are so many...The American Association of Drilling Engineers and the Society of Mining Engineers will also have booths. Each group will give a 30 minute presentation and offer activities,” Jenna said. “My co-chair, Rachel, and I noticed that last year, students were all from West Virginia schools. This year I wanted more Pa. schools to be there so I contacted all of the Greene County and Washington County schools.” Jenna said geographically these schools are as close, if not closer, than many of the West Virginia schools that attend. “It is tough to get kids to come because it is on a Saturday and not a field trip. Parents have to bring them, but we have already doubled in the number of students registered this year from attendence last year. I’m proud of that,” she said, noting there is currently only one student registered from her former school district. “We have one student from Margaret Bell Miller, so far.” She thinks sharing the link and information on her Facebook page and that of her mother, Cherie Rumskey Henry, is helping to spread the word further to Greene County parents and students. Jenna hopes many more will take advantage of the opportunity, especially other young girls with an interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) related careers. Anyone student in 7th through 9th grade who is interested in attending the engineering day at WVU. can register at http://statler.wvu/ edu/outreach/8thgradeday.php. Those who do should be sure to stop by the Society of Women Engineers’ booth and introduce themselves to Jenna. GreeneSaver •

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• GreeneSaver

THANKSGIVING

WORD SEARCH WINNER Robert Keener of Greensboro, PA

Winner of a $50 Gift Basket to 5 Kidz Kandy

is a

DECEMBER PICTURE PUZZLE WINNER Last Month’s Picture Puzzle Answer: Gingerbread Cookie

Lisa Conklin of Waynesburg, PA

Winner of a DOMINO’S PARTY PACK is a

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2015 TOYS FOR TOTS

ccording to Buzz Walters, commandant of the Tri County Leathernecks, “The 2015 Toys for Tots in Greene County was highly successful. The people and businesses really responded this year with their donations - the best ever,” Buzz said. It takes a lot of support and volunteers to organize the program and these are the people really responsible for the success of a special program that makes for a happier Christmas for so many area children.

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The Waynesburg site is operated by Murray Williams, USMC; Bill Winters; Roy & Shirley Negley; Diane Linsley; and Shaun Negley. Additional volunteers that work or support the Waynesburg area collection and distribution include Skip Black, Frank Smith and Bruce Black. The Clarksville site is operated by Dick Saxby, USMC, Linda Pelkey and George Reicks. The Greensboro/Bobtown site is operated by Jim Zalar, USMC; Toni Cline and Opal Taylor. Supporting businesses and organizations for the above sites include Giant Eagle, Walmart, all area Community Bank branches, Dollar General, Basic Energy, Michaels, VFW, CONSOL at Crabapple, Richard Krause, and the local media. Carmichaels/American Legion Post 400 site is operated by John Baily, USMC; Theresa, Barb & Laura Walters in memory of their husband/father. Additional volunteers that work and support the Carmichaels area collection and distribution include: Lisa & Andrew Allison; Coal Queen Kaitlynn Allison; Janet & Barney Kline; Linda, Roy, Erica & Zach Britner; Joetta Andrews; Cassie Menhart, Becky & Stephanie Mitchell; Patty Brozik; Jackie & Chessi Slogan; Josh & Garrett Bogucki;, Sean Maloy, Robert Fuller, and John Baily. Supporting businesses and organizations for the Carmichaels site include King Coal Association, Brice and Linda Rush, Carmichaels Dollar Store, Community Bank Carmichaels, 250-Club/ Carmichaels Fire Department, Michaels Auto, Carmichaels Service Center, Carmichaels Activity Center, Carmichaels School District, Fox Ford, Green Pellet Mill, and the American Legion Post 400. Special recognition goes to Tom and Jennie Hollowood, who have given over 500 bikes and Toys to the program.

Color Them Happy! T

he GreeneSaver joins First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County in congratulating the winners of its recent coloring contest! Three winners were chosen in each of three age groups, with first place winners receiving $50, second place winners receiving $40, and third place winners receiving $30. Front row L-R Carmen Lemley, first place 8 & 9 age group, Aubrey Ellis, 2nd place 4 & 5 age group, Joseph Pase, 1st place 4 & 5 age group, Benjamin Shook, 3rd place 6 & 7 age group. Back row L – R Judy Goodwin Tanner, President/CEO of First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, Rylee Jo Black, 2nd place 8 & 9 age group, Chelsea McGinnis, 2nd place 6 & 7 age group, Alexis Emery, 3rd place 8 & 9 age group, Chuck Trump Vice President of First Federal Savings and Loan of Greene County, not pictured Autumn Cumberledge, 3rd place 4 & 5 age group, Karmen Wright, 1st place 6 & 7 age group.

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We are pleased to share pictures of a few of our Greene County area hunters who have earned the right to

BRAG!

Dave Kovach

Toby Sell

Rick Sell

11 Point Buck

Greene County mammoth buck taken by Dave Kovach of Mapletown with his hunting buddies Levi and Noah Sell on the first day of PA rifle season. This bruiser buck, an 11 point with bladed brow tines and an inside spread of 18 inches makes this a true trophy.

Trophy Buck

This trophy eight point buck taken by Rick Sell of Mapletown with a crossbow in Garards Fort, Greene County has a Boone and Crocket gross typical score of 124, qualifying it for the PA Big Game Record Book.

First Deer

Toby Sell of Mapletown got his first deer this year at the age of 8.

Nick Teegarden

Tony Brunetto

Mark Teegarden

11 Point Buck 10 Point Buck

Taken at 7:34am on the first day of rifle season in Washington County. A nice 10 point buck!

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Shot this 11 point buck on November 7 with a bow 31 yards away just 20 minutes after he got into his stand in Washington County.

8 Point Buck

Tony shot this 8 pt. buck at 200 yards with his 30-06 on his property in Center Township on December 4th. This buck weighs in at 185 lbs. with a 18.5” spread.

Blayze Vilcoss

Chris Gillin Tina Gillin

9 Point Buck

Simon Cumberledge

10 Point Buck

This 13 year old from Fredericktown bagged his first nine point buck while hunting with his uncle Donnie in Greene County on December 11th.

Chris took this nine point buck with a bow on the first day of archery season.

Simon bagged this 10 point buck on Saturday, December 5th while hunting with his nephews on his property near Waynesburg. This trophy makes number 86 in the past 53 years of hunting for Simon and he says, “This is the nicest one I ever got.”

17 Point Buck

This buck was bagged with a crossbow in Ohio. It was just 23 yards away when Tina got him in her sights and pulled the trigger on this 17 point buck with a drop tine and a 173 Boone and Crocket score.

9 Point Buck

12 year old Marshall harvested this 9 point buck in Wind Ridge, PA with a cross-bow

Marshall Dobbs

Sydnee Watson

11 Point Buck

Sydnee shot this 11 point buck with a 243 rifle just a few hundred yards away from her family’s barn off of Hargus Creek Road. This buck with a 16 inch spread is a nice bag for 15 year old Sydnee’s first time hunting!

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Brock Bayles

Kory Taylor

Christina Kittle

14 Point Buck Turkey, Buck, & Doe

8 year old Kory from Waynesburg had an amazing first year of hunting. Starting in the Spring, he got a nice 8” long beard turkey with a 410 and followed that with a spike buck on the first day of archery season which he shot with a crossbow. To finish out the season he bagged a doe with a 243 on the first day of doe season. All of Kory’s hunts were done on a family farm in Washington Township. His parents are very proud and can’t wait to see what is in store for him next hunting season!

9 year old Brock and his father went out hunting right after school on December 2nd before it got dark on the day he bagged this buck. He took the shot with his 243 before the 14 point could take off from the field it was in just 80 yards away. The buck only ran a short distance before it dropped in the field in Washington County.

8 Point Buck

Christina bagged her first buck, an 8 point, on the opening day of deer season near Nemacolin.

First Buck

Caleb, from Dilliner, PA, shot this buck on the last day of archery season in Garards Fort.

Caleb Delansky

Kace William Robert Burrie

One Point Buck

Kace, 7, from Carmichaels bagged his first buck, a one point, on November 30th.

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Tom Palko

9 Point Buck

Tom got this buck on the first morning of PA rifle season on his property in Jefferson Township. The 9 point buck had a 19.5 inch inside spread.

Jeff Sholtis

8 Point Buck

Jeff, from Mather, took this 8 point buck on the last day of the season in Dilliner, PA on the Williamson Farm in Dunkard Township.

Nathan Bowlen

11 Point Buck

Nathan got this buck around 8:30am on November 30th.

Jade Policz

First Buck

Jade, from Waynesburg, bagged this buck while hunting with her mom Kathy Garber, this was Jade’s first year hunting.

Tammy Policz

10 Point Buck

Tammy shot this buck on December 2nd at her family’s farm. She got this 10 point from over 200 yards away. It is the second buck she has bagged in 3 years of hunting.

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John Kozikowski

10 Point Buck Courtwright Brothers

John bagged this 10 point buck on October 30th in Whitely Township with his Hoyt Charger compound bow.

Chuck Kubasik

10 Point Buck & Coyote

Dean Courtwright shot this buck on December 5th in Aleppo Township during a deer drive with his brothers. In addition to Dean’s 10 point buck, Timothy Courtwright shot a coyote as it came past his stand during the same drive. The Courtwright brothers, pictured from left to right: Wilbur, Timothy, Adam, Fred, Dean, and Jacob.

Rylei Rastoka

10 Point Buck

10 point taken on December 5th while hunting on a farm near Ruff Creek.

12 Point Buck

This 12 point buck was shot by Rylei Rastoka on her family’s farm with her crossbow on October 22nd. This is 8 year old Rylei’s first deer with her crossbow.

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Long Live the Monarch

2015 Community Builders of Greene County Class: Front (L to R): Maribeth Coote, Ashley Beaman, Trudi Monahan, Bill Monahan (CB of the Year), Kayla Coss, Lisa Milan and Melody Longstreth. Back (L to R): Adrienne Tharp, Bridget Dennison, Debbie Metheny, Jessica Cole, Cathy Jennings, Alexandra Johnson, Marshall Simmons, and Rocky King. Not pictured: Robert Reash.

“Long live the Monarch,” a program presented by Town and Country Garden Club member Rachel Miller (pictured) at the club’s January meeting, gave attendees the chance to learn about a crisis situation that threatens the annual migration of Monarchs over winter in the Mexican mountains. According to Rachel, the number of Monarchs is dwindling drastically each year due to pesticides, herbicides, toxins, and industrial pollution. Natural events such as lack of rain or sub-zero freezing also contribute to this decline. Widespread pesticide application and genetically modified crops cover important parts of the Monarch’s migratory path, killing them along with their favorite food source, Milkweed, according to Rachel. She added that garden clubs can help to protect the environment by sharing this information with the public so it can make informed choices that will ensure the Monarch can once again thrive.

Community Builders Honored

Looking For AED

Sixteen graduates of the twelfth Community Builders of Greene County leadership program received the Community Builders Nonprofit Leadership certification for completing the course on management and leadership of nonprofit organizations. Each 2015 graduate (pictured) was honored at a recent ceremony and received a framed certificate, a pin, a chocolate hammer and a copy of How Effective Nonprofits Work. The Community Builder of the Year Award was presented to William Monahan. The award is based on nominations by class members and recognizes the participant who displays the characteristics of a community builder throughout the program. Mr. Monahan is a Monongahela Township Supervisor. Community Builders provides training for persons interested in volunteering their time and talents to support Greene County nonprofit organizations. The nonprofit leadership program explores leadership, nonprofit governance and boards of directors, financial management, communication and team work, strategic planning, public relations, grant writing, fundraising and volunteer engagement. This series is geared to helping citizens become better volunteers with non-profit organizations in the community, whether it be through activities such as serving on non-profit boards, volunteering on fundraising committees, or providing volunteer services. The thirteenth Community Builders of Greene County will be offered August-December 2016. FMI call 724-627-2010, or email cfgcpa@gmail.com.

2nd Sam 9, Inc. is in need of an AED machine and all associated supplies. 2nd Sam 9 is a faithbased, non-profit, adult day program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 2nd Sam 9 has staff and volunteers trained in the use of an AED. If you have one in good working condition that you would like to donate, would be interested in purchasing one for the program, or contributing funds towards the purchase of one, contact Connie Hart at 724-852-1252 or email cmhart@ windstream.net. Learn more 2nd Sam online at www.2ndsam9.org or on Facebook.

Crouse School House

VA Office Says Thanks Dalene Watson, director of the Greene County Department of Veterans’ Affairs thanks the generous people who donated to make “our veterans have a brighter and warmer holiday season.” Dalene issued the thanks on behalf of the veterans and her office to the anonymous group who contributed, to Marty Johnson and Clarence Fisher of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5, Pa. who implemented the process of replacing a roof for a veteran, contractor John Wesley and crew who installed the roof, and Lance Wallman of 84 Lumber who helped secure the materials. Others who contributed to Greene County veterans include: Jane Detrich who donated blankets; Debbie Wallace of American Legion Post 278 in Fairchance who delivered the blankets; employees of Jefferson Division of Southwestern Pa. Water Authority who gave gifts to the veterans instead of holding an office gift exchange; Sorella’s Pizzeria of Mt. Morris who held a breakfast with Santa to benefit veterans of Greene County, and the Pa. Farm Women Association of Greene County who gave a donation to the Greene County veterans. Retired school teacher Dena Schultz of Waynesburg (pic“Our heartfelt thanks cannot begin to express how much the hard work and generous contribu- tured left) was the lucky winner of the original painting of tions you have made has meant to our office and our veterans,” Dalene said. “Thank you.” Crouse School House by local artist Barbara Deynzer, (right). A raffle for the painting, donated by Deynzer, was held as a fund raiser to support the on-going restoration of the old school house in Center Twp., now under the auspices of the Greene 4-H is a nation-wide youth organization providing opportunities for success through hands-on County Historical Society. A commemorative hat and sweatprojects and activities. 4-H educational materials are research-based, STEM centered, and meet PA shirt (modeled here by project supporter Buzz Walters) are now State School Standards. In 4-H, young people gain technical, leadership, citizenship, and life skills on sale at the Historical Society Museum store. Additional colto succeed. 4-H needs adults to become leaders. Greene County 4-H currently offers twelve out-of- lectible items are planned as future fund raisers. For more inforschool 4-H clubs along with opportunities for teachers to use 4-H curriculum in the classroom mation call 724-499-5332. or start 4-H clubs in school. Consider becoming a leader or getting your child involved in 4-H. For more information, contact Penn State Extension in Greene County at 724-627-3745, or visit the website at: http://extension.psu.edu/greene.

Think 4-H for Our Future

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Dr. Rekha Galla M.D. 3157 Mt. Morris Rd., Ste. #102 Waynesburg, PA 15370 Phone: 724-470-2025 Fax: 877-706-7396

Dr. Galla is a board certified pain management physician specialized in treating acute and chronic pain conditions including:

Herniated/Degenerated Discs • Spinal Stenosis Neck Pain • Low Back Pain • Facet Pain Arthritis • Cancer Pain and more

ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS AND ALL INSURANCES

GreeneScene by Rachel Monroe JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

• GreeneSaver

An Educational Alternative for Grade School Aged Christians

Students at the Greene Valley Christian Academy in Rices Landing, from left, second grader, Gage Edwards; first grader, Addison Henderson; first grader, Madysen Drew; second grader, Parker Drew; second grader, Tyler Reese, and third grader, Nathan Festog.

or this month’s Shining the Light we take a look at one of only a pair of Christian schools, located in Greene County. With Khedive as the focus of our “I Love This Place” feature, we decided to “Shine the Light” on Greene Valley Christian Academy, also located in Cumberland Township. Located at 558 Crucible Road, the academy currently serves grades first through third and also includes a daycare program. Plans for the 2016-17 school year include adding fourth grade classes. The small enrollment of just 27 students, at this time, affords pupils the opportunity for very focused attention from the teaching staff. Director Holly Hathaway said the school follows the A BEKA curriculum, created in 1954 by Dr. Arlen Horton and his wife, Beka, to provide quality learning materials that are comprehensive and written from a Christian perspective. Classes include reading, writing, language, mathematics, phonics, history, science, health and the Bible. In its statement of purpose, the reason for the academy’s founding is “to give students a high academic education in a Christian surrounding.”

“The Bible tells us in Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it,’” it reads. “We are taking on this great commission.” According to Hathaway, the goal at Greene Valley Christian Academy is to provide students with the best education possible as “our children are our heritage, our future, and most especially, our gift from God. They deserve the very best. It is our job to ensure that our rich Christian heritage is not forgotten.” The faculty of the Greene Valley Christian Academy puts their faith and trust in God, Hathaway said. Although excellence in academics in emphasized at the academy, faculty there is also concerned with the “spiritual needs of our students,” she adds. The school week begins with a chapel service. Each school day begins with prayer and Bible class, and basic Biblical principals are taught, not personal beliefs, according to the school’s statement of purpose. For more information about attending the Greene Valley Christian Academy, contact 724966-5831.

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Spo r t Sh o rt s

Remembering Khedive’s Yankee

Running Down the Competition

I H

e looks a lot like Derek Jeter and, like Jeter, some consider him to be among the top 100 New York Yankees of all time. Outfielder, William Franklin “Birdie” Cree was a Khedive native. For seven years Birdie put up consistently impressive numbers professionally, never hitting below the league average until his final season. At just 5 foot 6 inches tall and a slender 150 pounds, Birdie was fast, amassing 132 career stolen bases. In the 1911 season Birdie’s 22 triples fell second to the 24 hit by Ty Cobb. He was sixth in the voting for American League MVP that year. Birdie was on fire that season in every aspect of the game that he played. It appeared the 1912 season would be no different for the then 30-year old Birdie but he suffered a season ending broken wrist early on. Returning for the 1913 season, Birdie appeared in 145 games, hitting 25 doubles and stealing 22 bases but was only average when it came to his play in the field. A batting slump late

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in the season would lead to his contract being sold to the Baltimore Orioles, this with a .988 fielding average! Birdie was hitting like crazy on a team that came to include a young guy from a local industrial school, someone named George Ruth. Yeah, our Greene County Yankee played with none other than the Babe. When a second team was added in Baltimore, the Orioles began to lose money and ownership made the decision to sell Birdie back to the Yankees. Birdie played one more season like the player he had come to be known as but age, he was 33, and most likely old injuries, began to show in his play. Birdie made the difficult decision to walk away from the game he loved and clearly loved him back. Just in case you can’t see the resemblance of Birdie to Jeter, born 32-years later, take a look at this...http://www.captainsblog.info/2010/09/10/ separated-at-birth-the-eerie-resemblance-of-derek-jeter-and-birdie-cree/2540/.

by Tara Kinsell

t was a banner year for the West Greene High School cross country team who finished its 2015 season beating teams from Bishop Canevin, Riverside, Sewickley Academy, Mohawk, Greensburg Central Catholic, and California High Schools, among others. The team was the single A champions at the Mingo Classic beating 7 other single A teams and placing 12th out of 22 teams from A, AA, and AAA schools. The standout runner for the Pioneers was McKenna Lampe. McKenna finished 9th overall out of 112 A, AA, and AAA runners at the ABE Everhart XC Invitational early in the season. In October, the boys and girls teams competed at the WPIAL Cross Country Championship at Slippery Rock for the first time in the schools history. The team ended up placing 11th out of 21 teams with the girls garnering 11 dual meet wins from among some very stiff competition.

About 5 years ago, the GreeneSaver did a feature story on Birdie, inspired by Gary Murphy of Wind Ridge who brought us his Birdie Cree baseball card. We thought you might like to see it again….

Front

At the PIAA Cross Country Championships, McKenna had the best finish of any girl competing in single A and double A from Greene, Washington and Fayette counties with a time of 21:40, finishing 83rd overall in a field of 226 A runners from all across the PIAA. The West Greene section record for the year was 8 wins and 2 losses, each by a single point. Its invitational wins stood at 24 with one championship win. We’d like to thank Marcia Sonneborn for providing us with a photo and statistics for the team. In front, McKenna Lampe, Jessica Orndoff, Mikhayla Post, Vanessa Black, Jade Rittenhouse, Rachel Jones, Sarah Courtwright, and Madison Lampe. Back row, Rick Sonneborn, Will Ballard, Rory McGowan, Daisha Brown, Mitchell Murdock and Marcia Sonneborn.

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Volunteers of the Year

$25,000 Endowment for 4-H Two new endowments initially totaling $25,000 each will benefit 4-H youth development programs in Fayette and Greene counties, Penn State Extension has announced. Proceeds from the endowments will provide supplemental funds to help with 4-H operational expenses, salaries and wages. Funds also may be used to support awards recognizing outstanding accomplishments achieved by 4-H members. “4-H is one of the most recognizable programs administered by the extension system nationwide,” said Joseph Conklin, Penn State Extension district director for Fayette, Greene and Washington counties. “With guidance from dedicated 4-H extension educators and the commitment and expertise of many volunteers, 4-H helps members develop valuable life skills and become contributing citizens and leaders in the community,” he said. “In an era of scarce financial resources, these endowments will help ensure the continued success of our 4-H programs in Fayette and Greene counties.” 4-H serves more than 100,000 Pennsylvania youth through clubs, community-service projects and school-enrichment activities. Young people can engage in subjects such as robotics, animal sciences, entomology, plant sciences, family and consumer sciences, forestry, energy, geospatial technology, photography and other topics. Conklin noted that interested residents can enhance the impact of these endowments by making tax-deductible contributions to the funds. Donors can write a check payable to The Pennsylvania State University, indicating either the Fayette County Extension 4-H Endowment or the Greene County Extension 4-H Endowment in the memo line. Checks for the Fayette County endowment should be mailed to Penn State Extension, 34 West Peter Street, Federal Building, Uniontown, PA 15401-3336. For more information, the office can be reached by phone at 724-438-0111. Checks for the Greene County endowment should be mailed to Penn State Extension, 26 West High Street, Room 1, Waynesburg, PA 15370-1324. For more information, the office can be reached by phone at 724-627-3745. Penn State’s alumni and friends are invaluable partners in fulfilling the University’s land-grant mission of education, research and service. Private gifts from alumni and friends enrich the experiences of students both in and out of the classroom; expand the research and teaching capacity of faculty; enhance the University’s ability to recruit and retain top students and faculty; and help to ensure that students from every economic background have access to a Penn State education. The University’s colleges and campuses are now enlisting the support of alumni and friends to advance a range of unit-specific initiatives.

An exemplary volunteer service award was presented in December by the Greene County Commissioners to Marianne and Clarence Brewer of Crucible. The Brewers recently received the Pennsylvania Association of Senior Centers (PASC) Volunteers of the Year award for their work with the Carmichaels Activity Center. The Brewers deliver hot meals to the elderly homebound four days a week on a 90-minute route, often filling in for other drivers when needed, logging more than 8,000 miles a year delivering meals in rural areas of the county. They are active on the Carmichaels Activity Center Site Council, with Marianne representing the center on the Greene County Senior Citizens Council. A retired electrician, Clarence volunteers his time providing electrical services at the center. The couple is also involved with the Crucible Volunteer Fire Department. Clarence recently became re-certified as a volunteer fireman, and Marianne helps plan weekly fish fries and department upgrades. The Brewers were nominated as volunteers of the year by the Carmichaels Activity Center and Community Action Southwest. They received their award from Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne during the annual PASC conference Oct. 9 in State College, Pa. “Clarence and Marianne Brewer have been instrumental in helping to deliver meals in the Crucible area,” said Bridget Dennison, CAS center services manager. “They never say no, and they work tirelessly for us.” Pictured, from left: Commissioner Chuck Morris; Norman Higgins, member, Bea Mendario, president, and Peggy Yoney, secretary of the Carmichaels Activity Center Site Council; Commissioner Archie Trader; Clarence and Marianne Brewer; Stacy Stroman, senior services director for Community Action Southwest; Commissioner Blair Zimmerman; Bridget Dennison, center services manager for Community Action Southwest; and Nancy Riggle, Greene County supervisor for Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging.

JM Senior Class Donates Blankets

Stockings Stuffed for Nursing Home Residents The Greene County 4-H Horse and Pony Club recently stuffed Christmas stockings for the Rogersville nursing home residents as their annual community service project. Front row: Erin Harbarger. Middle row, from left: Kiley Meek, Morgan Mooney, Levi Whipkey, and Rachel Koratich. Back row: Haley Pierson, Nathan Cumer, and A.J. Cumer. Not pictured: Madison Kovach and Samantha Lambeth.

Pictured: Trevor Kniha (Vice-President of the Senior Class, ) Shirley Largent (resident,) and Emily Ozohonish (President of the Senior Class.)

Over 150 blankets were donated recently to the Rolling Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waynesburg, PA. The senior class officers of the Jefferson-Morgan High School organized the collection and, with help from the Jefferson-Morgan community, exceeded their initial goal to collect 120 blankets. Emily Ozohonish, President of the senior class, came up with the idea because she wanted to make the residents’ holiday season a little brighter. “It was really nice to see all of the smiling faces of the residents as we delivered the blankets to them,” stated Ozohonish. GreeneSaver •

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

GreeneScene by Rebecca Morris

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

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Sisters Give with Heart and Sole

nyone who knows Benedictine Sisters’ Sue Fazzini and Audrey Quinn knows the impact they have had on the Greene County community since moving here in 1989. As they tell it, they moved here not knowing how long the stay would be. With just a couple of dressers, a card table, a pair of chairs, prayer books and little else their Greene County Mission began. Going on 30 years now that ministry has brought coats in the wintertime, new shoes for the start of the school year, and a safe and loving fosKneeling, Sister Sue Fazzini, Juliana Kirsch, Joe Kirsch and Sister ter home year-round for many, many Audrey Quinn in 2014 when the children opted to not receive birthday of our Greene County neighbors. presents, instead donating to the Heart and Sole program so other Although they’ve “retired” from children would receive new school shoes. taking in foster children, Sister Sue and Sister Audrey were foster moms rector of the Salvation Army in Waynesburg. to more than 160 kids of all ages. Many are still in If that isn’t enough, there is the Christmas contact with them and all are prominently featured Backpack program, initiated by the sisters more in the photos lovingly displayed in the sisters’ Lip- than 15 years ago when one of their foster children pincott farmhouse. received just a brush and comb as Christmas gifts. When the winter months roll around, the sis- It was the day after Christmas when this child got ters’ collection of clean, warm, gently used coats her present. It struck the sisters that while other finds its way onto the backs of those who need children were receiving so much this child was exthem most. The coats, like any of the items collect- cited that the brush and comb matched. With the ed by the sisters for their various projects, come help of others who learned of the backpack profrom near and far. Churches, schools and indi- gram, new backpacks find their way to the sisters viduals have all contributed to help with the good throughout the year and each is packed with gift works of Sister Sue and Sister Audrey in Greene items. County. For Thanksgiving there is the food basket The sisters are quick to deflect the credit to distribution. Then there is the Sweet Dreams prothose who have donated and helped them in any gram that brings warm blankets and pillow cases way, like youngsters, Joe and Juliana Kirsch, who to Greene County children. The sisters have tuonce forwent birthday gifts to ensure other kids tored adults who are preparing to take the G.E.D had new school shoes. The Heart and Sole pro- exam. They’ve volunteered their time with Habitat gram is in its 17th year in 2016. On average, 400 for Humanity, the Corner Cupboard Food Bank, pairs of new tennis shoes are distributed by the sis- Produce to the People, and at St. Ann Catholic ters’ Heart and Sole program each August. This fall Church in Waynesburg. The list goes on and on. would mark nearly 7,000 pairs if the donations stay We are grateful that Sister Sue and Sister Auon track. drey chose to put down roots in Greene County Amazingly, and congratulate them on making a marked difboth ladies also ference in the lives of so many of their neighbors maintain em- here. ployment in the Anyone who would like to help the sisters county. Sister with any of the projects that are part of their Sue is an addic- Greene County ministry can do so by making a dotions counselor nation to Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh, Greene A portion of the new tennis shoes at SCI Greene County Mission, 274 Whites Road, Waynesburg, collected each August through and Sister Au- Pa. 15370. the Heart and Sole program for drey is the dischool children who need them.

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GreeneSaver •

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016