June GreeneScene 2018

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

GreeneScene by Shanna Meyers JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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I Love this P l a ce hen Revolutionary War Captain James Seals built his stone house and planted corn along the broad wet banks of Ten Mile Creek in 1792, Greene County had yet to be born. After Waynesburg was surveyed to become the county seat in 1796, farms like his ringed the new town whose only roads to the outside world were dirt trails leading north to Catfish Camp, later Washington, and east to Rices Landing on the Monongahela River.

Thanks to Glen Toothman and Candice Buchannan, this mid-1800s photo of Capt. Seal’s homestead has been preserved in their book Waynesburg, along with great shots of the path this western end of town has taken through the centuries. It went from frontier farms to the industrial age of railroads, tin mills, water works, oil derricks, lumber, scrap metal and livestock yards and seasonal floods that once nourished cornfields but later brought waters up so high that people still speak in hushed tones about it.

“It was 1994,” Larry Levine remembers, standing in his office at Levine Metal, more than a dozen feet above the parking lot. He points outside to the white two-story house, neatly fenced across State Road 21 that runs past the Respi Center and Cornerstone Care then up the hill to become West High Street. “The water was all the way up to the windows in their garage and it was two feet deep in my office!”

Now that was some kind of flood, I agree, enjoying this bird’s eye view of the overgrowth and abandoned industry that is comingled along that rambunctious creek hidden from view. Acres of scrap metal, rows of buildings, and more underbrush, crowned by the green metal thrust of the now-vacant Emerald Mine that opened in 1977 to extract the 11 foot Pittsburg Seam, keep it concealed.

If you want to really see West Waynesburg and understand its historic and future potential, you have to slow down, pull over and explore.

My favorite stop has always been Wayne Lumber, that place of friendly service, straight, knot-free two by fours and plenty of products for the home, from shingles, doors and rafters to hardware, fancy trim, wood stoves, paint and anything else you can imagine you’ll need to finish a project.

I used to stop by for screen beading to cut, drill and hold the pages of the Greene County Calendar in the 1980s when Wendy Saul and I would silk screen every page. Now I stop by for hooks, hangers and help with framing my paintings. It’s a chance to shoot the breeze with regulars about everything Greene County. It’s a place where everybody knows your name.

“We’ve been here since 1949,” Mark Headlee tells me. “Uncle Ken and my dad Shirl had their first place up by the stockyard, then they moved here the next year. You know the stockyard building used to

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WEST WAYNESBURG

by Colleen Nelson

Captain James Seals’ homestead along Ten Mile Creek, taken in mid-1800s.

be the tin mill didn’t you?”

I do. There was once a shovel factory next door to it too.

In 1900 the Buchannan family sold some acreage of their farm to W. H. Griffith and his Waynesburg Tin and Forge Mill brought the industrial age to town. The Waynesburg and Washington Railroad ended in what would later be called Bucktown and in its time Griffith’s mills shipped by rail more than 50 tons of plate tin daily and employed up to 800 men. Row houses for workers were built across the road and wages rivaled what union miners would earn a century later.

According to John O’Hara during the years of inflation after World War I, skilled workers might earn $35 a shift, compared to $4 a day for oil field workers and a dollar a day for farm hands.

But that same inflation brought on high freight rates over the narrow gauge railroad and by the 1920s Griffith’s mills were winding down production, according to Cornerstone historian, the late Malvine Zollars.

Later, the buildings would be used for livestock sales, something that still happens every Thursday when farmers bring their animals and produce to the Pennsylvania Livestock Auction. Vendors set up tables, fresh produce is sold and a great lunch can be had upstairs as the circular chant of the auctioneer competes with the bellow of livestock below.

At some point in time, the name Bucktown, a nod to the family that sold their farm to the 20th century had become a local noun and is celebrated today by the Vitola family who own and operate Bucktown Beer in West Waynesburg.

When I interviewed the late John Gusic in 2002 during his years of service with the Waynesburg Elks, he told me about the grocery store turned restaurant, then tavern run by his family in the 1930s and his memories of taking buckets filled with bottles of soda and ice across the road to the stock sale as a kid, of picking free fall apples from Ralph Bruno’s orchard for his mom to make pies and apple butter. West Waynesburg’s Ward school taught six through eighth graders, and the kids who lived here in the 1950s and ‘60s, including the Gusics, Levines and Headlees, can still tell stories about going to “Bucktown U.” Nobody I talked to remembers when Durwood and Helen Coe opened their drive-in that filled the field beyond State Route 18, where the W&W railroad once made the curve and followed it north to Washington.

But Linda Gusic Winegar remembers sitting on a hill above town with her cousins watching movies without sound on summer evenings in the 1960s and Larry Levine tells me that his family bought the land in 1978 and took down the screen which by that time was shedding its panels and ready for recycling.

As housing needs for those on fixed incomes increased countywide, Wayne Village was added to the neighborhood in 1972. West Waynesburg has kept up with the times, with a playground for young kids, quiet streets to ride bikes on and a neighborhood friendly environment that has room for family gardening and more, thanks to lay pastor Cathie Carpenter and her family living a few doors down from the WWJD Christian Center.

When Emerald Mine set up shop it closed White Ridge Road GreeneScene Magazine •

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that crossed Ten Mile Creek on one of the oldest bridges still standing in Greene County. This rare steel and cast iron truss structure was built in 1879 and is now shrouded by underbrush almost invisible from the road, but a fine sight to see when paddling under it on the four-mile kayak trail that begins at the nearby dam and meanders through Waynesburg and Morrisville to Rt. 188.

When the Emerald Mine site is recycled and repurposed, what are the chances that White Ridge Road could be reopened as a bike and hike trail? Kids would be able to cross the bridge and play in the original Emerald ball field like they used to do before the coal industry changed the landscape of Captain Seal’s cornfield and borrowed the name. When the mine was constructed provisions were made for a “new” Emerald field which serves the area little leaguers these days, but that old cornfield is beautifully flat and waiting to be enjoyed once more. And of course, West Waynesburg is home to Waynesburg University’s sports field complex: a modern and neat arrangement of baseball & softball fields, tennis courts and an auxiliary field for intramural sporting events. So nice are these facilities that the National Softball Association of Western Pennsylvania (NSAWPA) recognized Waynesburg University's softball field as the 2016 Facility of the Year. Each year, the NSAWPA holds girls fast pitch tournaments at the University's

field. "Waynesburg University has been privileged to host the NSAWPA for the last several years," said Larry Marshall, the University’s Director of Athletics.

As industry cycles through Greene County, secondary businesses continue to cater to the community. Gusics became the Bil-mar, then later Trinity’s. Now it is West Sides, a place for kids to hang out, do their homework, learn some scripture and be tutored by Waynesburg University student volunteers. Sophie Albert’s grocery store gave way to Eddie Albert’s Restaurant and is now Buddies, serving up drinks and fine dining along with rooms for gas and oil workers who share Scott’s Laundromat with the neighborhood. Across the road, G&H Sporting Goods just opened, is proud to sell locally made deer and turkey calls and is already making plans to hold a car show in its parking lot later in the year.

You can take your aluminum cans to be recycled at either Levines or Rohannas, tucked beside the livestock auction, stop at the Respi Center to visit an old friend or relative, clean your car at J&J Car Care Center, then stay to fish or launch your kayak by the dam. You’ll marvel at how nature still surrounds you here, along the banks of Ten Mile Creek. And you might take note of the lots that are now on the market for the next generation of entrepreneurs to take advantage of in West Waynesburg.

Ten mile creek is famous for overflowing as seen here in this early 20th century photograph. Note the oil well derrick.

Waynesburg University’s award winning softball field

A kayaker launching by the dam in West Waynesburg is about to cross under the oldest bridge in Greene County.

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

Many take advantage of the livestock auctions on Thursdays in West Waynesburg.

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“S

hining the light” Waynesburg Christian Outreach is a great way to took note. The group put a down describe Cathie payment on the old church buildCarpenter and ing on Third Street and WWJD – her Greater Waynesburg ChrisWest Waynesburg Jesus Distributian Outreach ministry in West tion Center – was born.

Waynesburg.

By 2001, the mortgage was “When you shine a light paid off and by 2002 Cathie beit drives out darkness,” she tells came an American Baptist lay me. Her mission to reach out to pastor. When a small brick house neighborhood children and add came on the market a few doors spiritual light to their everyday down from WWJD in 2005, the lives is as personal as it is inspiCarpenters bought it, added a rational. big friendly kitchen and became “It all happened after my the kind of neighbors you love to house burned down,” she says have. with a happy smile. “That’s what The next light came shinbrought me here to do this work.” ing when the bar Trinity’s, once known as Gusics, In 1982, 25-year-old Cathie Mason had a good then the Bil-Mar was purchased in 2008 and bejob in Ohio but little direction. The fire caused her came West Sides, a safe hangout and homework to take stock of her life. She admits to not being haven for youth and a place to hold dinners, comespecially religious, but that would change. She re- munity parties and holiday gatherings. When the members the “little voice” that told her “call your vacant church on Third Street came up for sale in sister.”

2012, some miraculous donations and community “My parents were from Greene County and effort brought it into the fold. The ministry now my sister lived in Waynesburg. So I called and told has room to hold Sunday services, along with after her I’d like to stay with her for the summer. I had no school programs and day camp in the fellowship idea what would happen next….” hall. Their original church building next door is The first small miracle came with her first job now home to 2nd Sam9, a Christian program for – tending bar at the Bil-Mar in West Waynesburg developmentally challenged young adults. and meeting Jim Carpenter, the man she would Jim Carpenter became a certified pastor and fall in love with and marry. If you tell Cathie this Pastor Cathie received the National Evangelism sounds like a marriage made in Heaven, she won’t Award for American Baptist Churches USA during disagree. the 154th Spring Celebration of the Ten Mile Asso“We raised our family in Spraggs, his four, the ciation for American Baptist Churches in 2013. The two we had together and his stepdaughter.” award recognizes her years of holistic approach to Pursley Baptist Church was the family’s spiri- evangelism, someone who takes care of the practitual center and raising seven children to face the cal needs of others. real world with faith in God was good training for When I stopped by to interview Cathie she what would someday become a mission. was in her kitchen with other volunteers, baking The Carpenters moved to Sugar Run Road in cookies for a fundraiser the next day on the court1994 and began attending the First Baptist Church house steps. There is a never ending need to raise of Waynesburg. While volunteering at the church the money it takes to send kids to camp, pay the food pantry, Cathie saw the many kids from West bills, get equipment and supplies, minister to the Waynesburg who also came to attend summer va- needs of the community. “We Baptists are the poor cation bible school. West Waynesburg had two bars ones,” she jokes. “We depend on God, our people and plenty of children living in Wayne Village but and the community for support. We’re independent no church to call its own, she realized. This was a that way.” need that had to be met with the shining light of faith in action.

With support from First Baptist and bunches of help from friends, family and the families who began to get involved, Backyard Bible Clubs were held in 1995 and again the next year. Weekday ministries were held during the school year for children and youth at the Wayne Village community center, along with scout and AA meetings. Bible camps and study groups, field trips and help with homework were the order of the day. When Head Start moved into the community building in 1996 the ministry moved to the old empty building by the Bil-Mar at the edge of town. By 1998 it was clear “we needed a place of our own,” Pastor Cathie Carpenter and some happy paritioners ready for Sunday Cathie remembers, and the Greater services.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

G ree n e Sce n e of the Pa st couldn’t resist setting up this photo to showcase what pastors Jim and Cathie Carpenter, shown here, found when remodeling Trinity’s Bar in West Waynesburg.

The old framed black and white photo shows the interior of the bar in the 1940s, by the look of the chairs, back when it was known simply as Gusics.

The Trinity’s sign is another piece of memorabilia that hung outside before the Carpenters and their West Waynesburg Jesus Distribution Center – WWJD (easy to remember if you change it to “What Would Jesus Do?”) bought the building in 2005 and turned an old watering hole into something new. It’s now a teen hangout where shakes and sodas are served, Waynesburg University students drop in to tutor neighborhood kids, dances are held, parties are thrown and meetings happen, from bible study to community volunteers and agencies gathering to plan new county programs.

Oral history is hazy on dates, but from what I’ve gathered from the family, by the 1930s Matthew Gusic, wife Katherine and their four children were living upstairs and running a little grocery store on the first floor with two gas pumps outside. Later, an addition was added for a restaurant that became well known for its spaghetti dinners, especially among Waynesburg College students.

When Matt died of pneumonia in 1936, the year second son John turned 16, it was up to the three sons to help their mom run the family business. Sometime in the 1940s Gusics’ restaurant obtained a liquor license and added drinks to the menu.

This photo is a window into a time that is mostly lost to living memory. Nobody I talked to remembers exactly when Gusics became the Bil-Mar and no signs were left behind for the Carpenters to discover. But the one artifact that hasn’t left the building since that photo was taken is the pool table – a hefty chunk of slate in a massive wooden frame that dares anyone to do more than change its felt.

Jim Carpenter did have its felt changed a few years ago, along with adding old fashioned table games, a sound system, lots of tables and chairs and twinkle lights around the ceiling. This fun, drug and substance free hangout still retains the aura of what it used to be. The bar is still a bar, but the food and drink are a pure teen snack attack. Posters on the wall proclaim every event that WWJD has to offer in the neighborhood, including the upcoming West Waynesburg community yard sale May 31-June 2 to raise money for WWJD Dartball and Overnight Camp. (Call 724-852-4205 for more info or to donate.)

Jim and Cathie bustle around, setting the stage for yet another activity. They want you to know this historic space can be rented for any family friendly events you or your community might have in mind.

And in the middle of it all, the old table that once challenged farmers, truckers and midnight ramblers still sits. It is now felted a cheerful red, with a plastic shade around the overhead light fixture that lets you know at West Sides you can still shoot a mean game of pool before doing your homework.

by Colleen Nelson

Pastors Cathie and Jim Carpenter, new owners of West Sides, a substance-free hang-out for teens (top photo). They are holding a picture of what the interior looked like as Gusic's Tavern in the 1940's. Below is a photo of what the building used to look like as Gusic's Gorcery Store and Gas Station in the 1920's.

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

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he Greene County Juvenile Community Service program is hoping to change the way that some students in the area feel about getting an education. As part of their upcoming program enhancements, the county will introduce a Greene County Rewards Card, or Greene Card. The Greene Card will incentivize school attendance and behavior.

Expanding beyond the traditional work assignments, like picking up trash and mowing, the Greene Card allows the program to offer positive reinforcement to help end the cycle of low-income and low-educational achievement.

The rewards card gives the entire community a chance to assist in preparing young people for a productive education and career – goals that are sometimes difficult to attain.

One of the biggest focuses of the program is an improvement in school attendance. Truancy is especially problematic and is a major challenge facing schools today. It has been linked to increased substance abuse and delinquent behavior. Motivating teens to improve their school performance and attendance overall will help deter youth delinquency.

Research suggests that using incentives can motivate teens’ interest in positive activities, in this case attending and staying involved in school. By offering various incentives, the program hopes to increase overall performance and effort in school while minimizing attendance issues, spurring higher academic achievement and improvements in both attendance and behavior.

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Effective incentives include monetary, food, and prizes. Monetary incentives are particularly helpful in promoting program participation, especially for teens. Monetary incentives can include cash, gift certificates, school-store coupons, and stipends. Food and prizes have also been used as successful motivators for youth of all age groups.

Activities such as special leadership opportunities, career development field trips, and service projects can instill in participants a sense of belonging. Incentives provide additional encouragement to continue in the program, hopefully resulting in improvements in behavior. The Greene Card would have tangible benefits to motivate offenders to change their behavior.

“The rewards card program is still in process and we would like to have it ready for the next school year,” says Bret Moore, Director of Community Service for Greene County. “We hope that it will work as a preventative to delinquent behavior, help with truancy and get kids to attend school. We will be working with the schools to select students who could benefit from the program. ” The Greene County Juvenile Community Service Program is reaching out to the community for support in their endeavor to keep kids committed to school. Community partnerships can help provide incentives by contributing funds or providing special opportunities. To help the program or for more information, contact Bret Moore at 412-874-5246.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

Greene County Parks Summer Fun The 2018 summer swimming season will be kicking off on Saturday, May 26 when the county pools open for Memorial Day weekend! The pools will close again until June 2, when they will reopen for the season.

Waynesburg Water Park offers a wide range of attractions and amenities, with a 330,000 gallon competition-sized pool, seven lap lanes , two diving boards & 12 ft. diving pool, 40 ft.x40 ft. children’s play area, 148 ft. spiral water slide , 25 ft. straight water slide, 180 ft. “Lazy River” with tubes for floating, water jets and recreation equipment. A community room is available to rent for special occasions. Adjacent to the waterpark is the Lions Club Park, updated with newly purchased playground equipment and a community building. The aquatic park’s hours are Sun-Thur 1pm-7pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-8pm.

Mon View Pool features a 200,000-gallon T-shaped pool, a diving board, an 11-foot diving pool, a 20x20-foot children’s play area with zero-depth entry, and a cool bench and sprinklers. It sits adjacent to Mon View Park, with volleyball court, horseshoes, newly renovated roller rink and community building for rent. Nearby is the Greensboro Borough hiking and biking trail. Pool hours are Mon-Sun 1pm-7pm Eastern (Carmichaels) Pool features a 300,000 gallon z-shaped pool, a diving board, an 11-foot diving pool, an 8-foot water slide, a 70-foot spiral water slide, and a 15-by-15-foot children’s play area.

Carmichaels pool is adjacent to Wana B Park, containing a playground with slides, swings and other equipment; ball fields; and an outdoor track. Pool hours are Mon-Sun 1pm-7pm.

All pools have a snack bar or snack machines, changing facilities, showers, restrooms, lockers and certified-lifeguards on duty. Each is adjacent to a nearby playground/park with pavilions available for rent. For those on the western side of the county, Ryerson Station State Park in Wind Ridge offers swimming facilities, as well as plenty of interesting trails to hike.

Returning this summer will be the “Canary Library.” While the pools are open, carts containing library books of interest for all ages will be available at each of the sites. Children and adults alike are encouraged to take a book, read and enjoy it, then either return it to the pool or keep it – all for free and without a library card.

Swimming lessons are offered at both the Waynesburg Water Park and Carmichaels Pool. Signup will be held from 9am-6pm on May 29 at Waynesburg and on May 30 at Carmichaels. Lessons are $25 per class. Each class is designed for swimmers of certain skill levels, starting with children as young as 6 months.

Following the opening of the pools, Greene County Day Camp will start on Monday, June 18th and run until Friday, July 27th. The six-week camp is for children ages 5 to 15 years old. Camp is held from 10 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday. There is a nominal fee of $2 per camp day for campers that would like to swim. A hot lunch and snacks are provided.

There are 4 camp sites: Wana B Park, Mon View Park, and the Lions Club Park, and at Ryerson Station State Park. Children living outside of these areas can register to be picked up and dropped off by bus at Bobtown elementary (bussed to Mon View), Jefferson Township Park (bussed to Wana B), Nemacolin Fire Department (bussed to Wana B), and Ninevah Community Center (bussed to Ryerson). Pre-Registration will be held on June 15, but campers can register at any time during the six-week program.

2017 introduced the UPSTREAM program, which is about “You Being Physical in Science, Technology, Recreation, Engineering, Art and Math.” Campers will participate in hands-on projects that focus on these topics, combined with physical activities. Local high school students serve as camp counselors, supervising all activities. The final week of camp will feature field trips for campers and a ‘Last Day Picnic’ on July 27.

The Greene County Day Camp Program is sponsored by the Greene County Commissioners; and is funded through sponsors and Department of Recreation fundraisers such as the Miss Greene County Pageant (held in March), and the Dock to Lock 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run (held in May).

Donations are also received from companies and other special events the county provides for the community. Parent donations are greatly appreciated to help with the cost of operation.

For more information about the camps or pools, call the Department of Recreation at 724-8525323 or visit www.co.greene.pa.us.

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

Memorial Day Services 2018 The First Official Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. This year we celebrate the 150th Memorial Day Anniversary. *HG – Honor Guard & FS – Firing Squad.

SUNDAY – MAY 27, 2018 The Brooks-Crago American Legion Post No. 816 of Rices Landing, PA will hold services as follows: • 1:30 PM Assembly for the parade will be at the Brooks-Crago American Legion Post #816.

• 2:00 PM The parade will begin at the post home and proceed to the Honor Roll located between the Hewitt Cemetery & the Hewitt Presbyterian Church. Parade participants: Jefferson-Morgan High School Band, Boy & Girl Scouts of Rices Landing; and the Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department.

• The parade will be followed by a salute to the deceased and placement of the wreath at the Honor Roll (HG/FS). Included in the services are a welcome by the Mayor Ryan Belski, the reading of General Logan’s Orders, read by Scot Lippencott, & In Flanders Field. Invocation & Benediction by Reverend Geoff Roch of the Hewitt Presbyterian Church, Rices Landing Speaker of the day will be John “Buzz” Walters, US Marine Corp Veteran.

• Following this service, another program will be held at the Crucible/St. Mary’s Cemetery Honor Roll (HG/FS).

• A light snack will be available afterwards at Brooks-Crago American Legion Post #816.

The James R. Maxon American Legion Post No. 992 of Mt. Morris, PA will hold services as follows: • 11:00 AM Services at Kiger Cemetery (HG/FS).

• 11:20 AM Claughton Chapel Cemetery (HG/FS).

The Carmichaels Honor Guard consisting of the Carmichaels American Legion Post No. 400, Carmichaels VFW Post No. 3491; and Greensboro VFW Post No. 6303 will participate and have services as follows: • 11:30 AM Garard Fort Cemetery Service, followed with a salute to the deceased, and placement of the wreath at the Monument (HG/FS).

• 1:00 PM, Greensboro VFW Honor Roll with a salute to the deceased and placement of the wreath to honor our deceased at the Monument (HG/FS).

MONDAY – MAY 28, 2018 The Carmichaels Honor Guard, consisting of members from Carmichaels American Legion Post No. 400; and Carmichaels VFW Post No. 3491 will participate in the listed services: • 10:00 AM Nemacolin Honor Roll • 11:00 AM World War II Monument/Crucible Honor Roll with speaker Ryan A. Giles, SRA/E4 US Air Force & Co-Founder of the BATTLE4WARRIORZ. • 1:00 PM Laurel Point Cemetery services with the speaker being the Honorable Judge H. Terry Grimes. Frank Ricco & the American Legion Post Band will perform the National Anthem.

• Included in the services are reading of General Logan’s Orders by David Morgan, presentation of the Wreath by William Varesko, followed by the Red, White & Blue Flowers by Frank Kirk, William Varesko and VFW Post Auxiliary Member Joy Morgan. The American flag will be presented by the American Legion Commander William Ross, followed by a prayer from the American Legion Chaplain David Morgan.The Invocation & Benediction by Reverend Dayton D. Mix. • 1:30 PM Lunch provided at the Carmichaels Legion Post No. 400.

The Waynesburg Honor Guard, consisting of members from Waynesburg VFW Post No. 4793 & the Waynesburg Legion Post 300 will hold a service at: • 11:00 AM at the Post home on Lincoln Street with Terry Hoyle, Jr. as the Master of Ceremonies. The participants are as follows: The Boy Scouts & Cub Scouts of Troop 1280 & Scout Master Bud Tripplett, the VFW , AL Honor Guard & the Civil Air Patrol (Composite Squadron 606).

• Included in the presentation: welcome by the Post Commander David Logan, the Invocation & Benediction by Zane W. Mitchell; with the National Anthem & Special Music to be sung by Sandy Huffman. The Pledge of Allegiance by all in attendance. The speaker of the day will be Michael Belding, Col. US MC (Lifetime Member of VFW Post 4793). There will be a tribute to All Comrades Wherever; May They Rest in peace. Also included are the reading of In Flanders Fields by Gary Milovac, the placement of Wreath & White Flower by Senior Vice Commander Forest Dains, placement of Blue Flower by Junior Vice Commander Martin Wilson, placement of the Red Flower by Officer of the Day Steve Morris. Taps by Gerard & Lisa Schielcher.

• A light lunch will be served afterwards at Waynesburg VFW Post No. 4793.

The Filer-Sadlek Post No. 954 of Jefferson, PA will have services as follows: • 11:00 AM Mather Honor Roll/Post Office with the speaker Pastor Nick Bardo of the Calvary Baptist Church in Lippencott, PA. Followed with a salute to the deceased; and placement of the wreath at the Honor Roll.

• 11:30 AM Jefferson Cemetery with a salute to the deceased and wreath placement at the Honor Roll (HG/FS) • 12:00 PM Service at the Veterans’ section of the Greene County Memorial Park, with a salute to the deceased and wreath placed at the base of the American Flag (HG/FS).

The James R. Maxon American Legion Post No. 992 of Mt. Morris will have services as follows: • 10:00 AM Services at the Mt. Morris United Methodist Church.

• 11:00 AM Parade from the Mt. Morris United Methodist Church to the Creek with a salute to the deceased by throwing a flower into the creek in memory of the Navy.

• 12:00 PM Ceremonies at the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Followed by the placement of the wreath in honor of our deceased at the Monument (HG/FS).

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CARMICHAELS TEACHER WINS 2018 CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR

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ach year the Chestnut Ridge Chapter of This past year Kevin Willis and colleague Ken Trout Unlimited holds its annual banquet Perkins partnered with California University of and selects a “Coldwater Conservation- Pennsylvania professors Dr. David Argent and Dr. ist of the Year”. This year William Kimmel on a Youghiogheny at their 23rd annual banquet, Dale River Survey. The Drs. and students Kotowski, president of the chapter, floated the Yough from Dawson, PA to presented the award to Kevin Willis.

Layton, PA on PA Fish and Boat ComWillis has been teaching at Carmimission canoes and completed surveys chaels Area High School for the past of four tributary areas. On a second 22 years. trip, more sample areas were surveyed He teaches Chemistry, Inteaccessed by the walking trail with the grated Science, Conservation Biolhelp of Ohiopyle Environmental Eduogy, and College-in-the High School cator, Barbara Wallace and DCNR Chemistry – a 4-credit course Bureau of State Parks Ranger, Nick through Carlow University. Willis Deemer. As a conclusion to the projis the advisor of the ChemClub and ect, Carmichaels Area students visited National Honor Society and coaches California where the collections were the Envirothon team, which conreviewed. They also toured other Cal sistently places in the top 5 at the U sites with an emphasis on the enviPennsylvania State Envirothon. The ronment. team representing Greene County The students in Kevin Willis’ from Carmichaels Area High School classes are also involved in a variety of placed third overall in the 2017 State other projects. The Trout-in-the ClassEnvirothon competition, only 15.3 room program allows students to raise Kevin Willis, 2018 Coldwa- native brook trout from eggs to fingerpoints away from first place. ter Conservationist of the “For students at Carmichaels ling. These fish are then released to Year award winner.

Area, the Envirothon has become Meadow Run at Ohiopyle State Park. more than just a competition—it has The students also work on the nabecome a vehicle to prepare them for an environ- tive greenhouse project, propagating native plants mental-related career,” says Dale Kotowski. “It is in the greenhouse from seeds to restore habitats the real-world experiences and unique learning op- that have been affected by invasives both on the portunities that Kevin Willis provides for his stu- school’s Nature Trail and Ohiopyle State Park’s dents that is the real reason for the award.”

Ferncliff Peninsula.

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Students are also involved in a Monarch butterfly habitat restoration project where milkweed and other perennials are grown in the greenhouse and planted in butterfly gardens to provide not only host plants for Monarchs, but also nectar sources.

Butterfly gardens have been planted on the Carmichaels Area school campus, Wana-B-Park, California University of Pennsylvania, Jennings Environmental Center, and the most extensive planting at Ohiopyle State Park’s New Visitor Center.

In the past several years students have completed hands-on educational activities at Ryerson State Park, Ohiopyle State Park, Pittsburgh RiverQuest, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Pittsburgh Zoo, and Jennings Environmental Center to mention a few.

“Through these hands-on experiences students gain confidence interacting with the natural environment and strengthen their appreciation for the world around them along with develop skills that could lead to a lifelong passion for the envi-

ronment,” Kevin Willis says. “These are experiences that just cannot be replicated in the classroom.

Through our field experiences, our students are challenged to acquire the knowledge and skills they will need as they prepare for environmental-related careers and become informed citizens.”

In addition, Kevin Willis was a presenter for environmental education at the NSTA National Convention in Philadelphia, PA where he and colleague, Rob Cole, highlighted the LOOP TRAIL, a collaborative effort between high school and elementary school students. He has been a guest blogger for Project Learning Tree, and Lancaster Farming magazine interviewed Kevin Willis about his environmental education efforts. Kevin Willis was recognized as a Herald Standard Excellent Educator in March 2016 and received honorable mention recognition for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators for 2014-15. He also received a Greene County Conservation District Special Recognition Award in 2012.

Students and professors canoe the Youghiogheny River completing surveys for the PA Fish and Boat Commission.

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

Greene: Earth and Sky

By Pete Zapadka

Harbingers of Summer Will Be Shining Above Us, Sprouting All Around Us

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e waited far too long for spring to arrive this year. leaves are toothed, somewhat similar to that of the dandelion.

Cold temperatures seemed to hang on, so much They can be eaten in a salad or as a vegetable. so that the annual greening of Greene County The roots have been prized for centuries, roasted as an adand neighboring areas occurred later than usual. ditive to or a substitute for coffee. It was popular with coffee in The annual Enlow Fork Wildflower Walk was host to a Holland in the 1750s and took the place of coffee in France in hearty group of bundled-up participants on a raw, windy day in the early 1800s when Napoleon briefly halted imports of the late April with temperatures in the 30s. Indeed, it was a chilling beans. The French liked the chicory beverage so well that they vernal season. continued to use it as an additive. In the U.S., chicory use began Now, as the calendar pages continue to turn and the days in Massachusetts around 1785 and became more widespread in until school is out are numbered, our thoughts naturally turn the South during the Civil War when Union blockades shut off toward the arrival of summer. But will we also have to wait for coffee imports. In New Orleans, coffee with chicory remains a what many consider the most revered season of all? traditional drink.

In the strictest sense, summer will arrive at 6:07 a.m. EDT Chicory and Queen Anne’s Lace have been shown to have on Thursday, June 21 when the solstice occurs, giving us the lon- medicinal properties. Tea made from Queen Anne’s Lace is a digest period of daylight of the year. But there are so many signs in uretic and is bactericidal. Root extract from chicory is a diuretic, the sky and on the Earth that summer is nigh. a mild laxative and can lower blood sugar.

At the first of June, look to the southeast after darkness falls As with any wild plant, handlers should take care. to watch for the summer constellation Scorpius rising, bringing Despite chicory and Queen Anne’s Lace’s attractive and edwith it the bright orange star Antares. This year, we’re in luck ible properties, the “Peterson Field Guide for Medicinal Plant – the brilliant giant planet Jupiter is unmistakable, and shines and Herbs” offers warnings. The book says chicory may cause The flower of Queen Anne’s Lace with a tiny red droplet in the center. just above the scorpion as they rise. And with the arrival of the “rare allergic reactions” in sensitive people and that Queen summer solstice, the constellation Sagittarius is rising, this year Anne’s Lace may cause a condition called phytophotodermatitis. bringing with it the ringed planet Saturn.

After contact, the skin becomes sensitive to ultraviolet light and Here on the face of the Earth, some naturalists wait impa- blisters can form in sunlight. It is wise to use gloves to handle the tiently for the appearance of two European classics. Consider plant, particularly its leaves. these flowers as precursors of the summer season. Already, their The guide also warns that “proper identification is essenstems are sprouting. tial” for Queen Anne’s Lace – it is similar to the highly toxic Chicory and Queen Anne’s Lace now grow in the 48 contig- poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), which can cause death uous states and in most of Canada. Their flowers bloom during within minutes to humans and animals that ingest it. Poison the same months, from late spring through October, and attract hemlock, said to be responsible for the death of classical Greek many insects, including bees and other pollinators. philosopher Socrates, often is visible along Interstate 79 and on These flowers seem to love to grow along the roadside, and its medial strips. It also can be found in abundance along Rinesoon will be unmistakable in locations including Bucktown, hart Road in state Game Lands 179. where they often thrive together just past the Cornerstone Care These wildflowers widely are thought of as weeds — likely Community Health Center. because they’re difficult to eradicate from locations where they’re Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota) is the direct ancestor of not wanted. But knowledgeable outdoor enthusiasts know that the modern garden carrot. The plant is named for Anne, queen summer is set to shine once these blooms begin to reach for the of Great Britain from 1702 until her death in 1714, and her great- Sun. grandmother, Anne of Denmark, who lived from 1574 to 1619.

The flower primarily is white, but can be pink, and it looks Pete Zapadka is a Greene County property owner and a like lace with one small red dot in the center — said to represent retired local news editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He Once its seeds are mature, the flower of Queen Anne’s Lace curls up to look like a small a droplet of blood where Queen Anne pricked herself. can be reached at pzapadka@yahoo.com. bird’s nest.

Queen Anne’s Lace blooms in its second year, and can grow to 5 feet. Once the seeds mature, the flower curls up to look like a small bird’s nest. The juice of a crushed leaf or the hairy, wiry stem has an unmistakable odor of carrot. And like its relative, the plant’s root is edible, but is best when young and it should be cooked.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus) has an unmistakable and striking pale blue flower made up of rays and measuring an inch or two across. Only a few flowers on each plant open at a time and they last only one day. By late afternoon, chicory’s flowers have withered and closed, their backs a dull pink.

The plant’s stalk is rigid, can reach 5 feet in height, and is Chicory and Queen Anne’s Lace growing together along a parking area in state Game Lands 223 near more square than round. Chicory A tiny bee lands on the striking and unmistakable pale blue of the chicory flower.

Garards Fort.

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

11

OVER 175 PARTICIPATE IN HAWKEYES BENEFIT SHOOT

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ighteen individuals and two teams of four won awards during the benefit shoot hosted by the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes, Greene County’s Scholastic Clay Target Program team. The shoot was held Saturday, April 28, at Hunting Hills in Dilliner, PA. Participants could compete individually or in teams of four in the shoot of 100 clay targets.

Award categories included youth, ladies, male and team.

The following awards were given: • High Overall Male: Matt Friend of Point Marion.

• High Overall Female: Sarah King.

• Adult: Second place, Nick Clark of Carmichaels; third place, Billy Haines; fourth place, Dave Cole of Waynesburg; fifth place, Mark Clark of Carmichaels.

• High Overall Youth Female: Abby Ozohonish of Clarksville.

• High Overall Youth Male: Garret Efaw of Fairmont.

• Senior Varsity: Champion, Zach Abbott of Rogersville, and runner-up, Tristan Cole of Waynesburg.

• Junior Varsity: Champion, Garret Efaw of Fairmont, and runner-up, Thaine Miller of Waynesburg.

• Intermediate Advanced: Champion, Robby Dillon III of Adah, and runner-up, Owen Hughes of Rogersville.

• Intermediate Entry: Champion, Clarkson McHenry of Maidsville, and runner-up, Derreck Tennant of Carmichaels.

• Rookie: Champion, Sammy Riley of Waynesburg, and runner-up, Brendan Cole of Waynesburg.

• Team: First place, Landon Friend, Matt Friend, Dan Hill and Robbie Dillon III; second place, Joe Waligora, Nathan Hinerman, Arran Hinerrman and Doug Hinerman.

The benefit shoot was sponsored by the Greene County Commissioners and Greene County Department of Recreation, Roy and Sally Sisler and was organized by the Hawkeyes’ coaches and parents.

Additional sponsors include: 4 Seasons Lawn and Garden; Advanced Auto Parts; AutoZone; Cabela’s; Carmichaels Golf Club; Casey Williams, Morgantown Power Equipment; CoCo Photography; Dawn Henderson; D.J.’s Family Diner; Dominos; First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County; Fox’s Pizza Den; Friends of the National Rifle Association; Hinerman NAPA; Hot Rod’s House of BBQ; Hungarian Smokehouse; Hunting Hills; Jen Wise Samek; Mr. Lewandowsky, Mapletown High School teacher; Meme Crafts; Michael’s Auto Sales; MidwayUSA Foundation; Moose Lodge #461 of Waynesburg; National Wild Turkey Federation Warrior Trail Gobblers; Ozie’s Sport Shop; Pizza Hut of Masontown; Rocky Mountain The team of Matt Friend, Landon Friend, Dan Hill and Elk Foundation.

Robbie Dillon III placed first overall in the team division For more information, call the Department of at the annual Hunting Hills Hawkeyes sporting clays Recreation at 724-852-5323 or visit www.co.greene. fundraiser event held Saturday, April 28 at Hunting Hills, Dilliner, PA. pa.us.

Abby Ozohonish, 16, of Clarksville, received the High Overall Youth Female award from assistant head coach Randy Coss at the annual Hunting Hills Hawkeyes sporting clays fundraiser event held Saturday, April 28 at Hunting Hills, Dilliner, PA.

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Garret Efaw, 16, of Fairmont, received the High Overall Youth Male award from assistant head coach Randy Coss at the annual Hunting Hills Hawkeyes sporting clays fundraiser event held Saturday, April 28 at Hunting Hills, Dilliner, PA.

GreeneScene by Kristine Washko GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

Carmichaels Team Wins Greene County Envirothon

The 31st Greene County Envirothon competition was held at Hunting Hills on Wednesday, May 2. Fifty-five high school students from Greene County’s five school districts competed in this year’s event.

At the Envirothon, five-member teams participate in a series of field station tests that focus on five topic areas – soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and environmental issues. The 2018 current environmental issue focused on the “Benefits of Grassland and Pastureland Management.”

Carmichaels Team #1 won this year’s competition with a score of 475 points out of a possible 500 points. Team members Christina Adams, Jacob Hair, Joey Kurincak, Ryan Swartz and Stephan Zacoi with team advisors Kevin Willis and Megan Patton will represent Greene County at the PA Envirothon, which is scheduled for May 22 and 23

at Susquehanna University and Camp Mount Luther.

Carmichaels Team #3, consisting of students Scott Adams, Anna Conard, Brady Jones, David Phillips and Katelyn Sinn with advisors Willis and Patton, earned second place with a score of 384 points.

The third-place team was Carmichaels Team #2, which included students Finn Dobosh, Elizabeth Matyus, Devin Sausberoy, Victoria Sullivan and Emily Zacoi with advisors Willis and Patton. The team earned 321 points.

The Greene County Envirothon is organized each year by the Greene County Conservation District and is funded through various donations and grants including EQT Foundation, Bankson Engineers, PA Envirothon, Hunting Hills, Dominion Energy and Direct Results. Each student on the winning team secured a $500 college scholarship

Carmichaels Team #1 won this year’s Greene County Envirothon with a score of 475. L-R: team advisor Kevin Willis; Mike Belding, GCCD Board of Director; team members Joey Kurincak (11th grade), Jacob Hair (11th grade), Ryan Swartz (11th grade), Stephan Zacoi (11th grade) and Christina Adams (10th grade); Bill Wentzel, GCCD Board of Director; Megan Patton, team advisor; Roy Sisler, Hunting Hills; and Bradley Eisiminger, GCCD Board of Director.

Carmichaels Team #3 won second place at this year’s Greene County Envirothon, organized by the Greene County Conservation District. L-R: team advisor Kevin Willis; Mike Belding, GCCD Board of Director; team members Scott Adams (9th grade), David Phillips (11th grade), Katelyn Sinn (12th grade), Anna Conard (9th grade) and Brady Jones (9th grade); Megan Patton, team advisor; and Bill Wentzel and Bradley Eisiminger, GCCD Board of Directors.

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

funded by donations made by these organizations and the Greene County Conservation District.

In addition to the continued financial support of sponsors and, other partners that made the event successful include Greene County Commissioners Blair Zimmerman, Dave Coder and Archie Trader; Phil Evans, Kimberlee Moninger, and Mike Hamilton, U.S.D.A. NRCS; Russ Gibbs, State Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry; Bill Wentzel, Greene County Conservation District; Chuck Kubasik, PA Department of Environmental Protection; Michelle Roupe, Farm Service Agency; and Brandon Bonin, PA Game Commission state game warden.

For more information on the Greene County Envirothon, call the Greene County Conservation District at 724-852-5278.

Carmichaels Team #2 won third place at this year’s Greene County Envirothon, organized by the Greene County Conservation District. L-R: team advisor Kevin Willis; Mike Belding, GCCD Board of Director; team members Elizabeth Matyus (10th grade), Devin Sausberoy (9th grade), Victoria Sullivan (10th grade), Finn Dobosh (10th grade) and Emily Zacoi (10th grade); Megan Patton, team advisor; and Bill Wentzel and Bradley Eisiminger, GCCD Board of Directors.v

13

SOUTH SIDE FOLLOW-UP

T WVU MEDICINE BREAKS GROUND

W

VU Medicine officials broke ground May 11 for a new clinic to be built on Murtha Drive in Waynesburg.

Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony where Albert Wright, president and CEO of WVU Health System, Blair Zimmerman, Greene County Commissioner, Judie Charlton, M.D., chief medical officer of WVU Medicine, and Frank Alderman, M.D., founder and CEo of MedExpress.

“We believe in and understand the importance of providing the right care to the right patient at the right time and place, and we believe that now is the time to create an easier connection between our providers and the people of Greene County,” Charlton said. “Nobody should have to travel a great distance to receive high quality primary and specialty care, and that’s why we’re bringing our providers to Waynesburg.”

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The $13.8 million, 24,300 square foot outpatient center will include 21 exam rooms and five procedure/specialty rooms. It will employ 25 people. It’s schedulted to open in fall 2019.

Approximately 15,000 square feet will house WV Medicine clinics for primary care, cardiology, orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, and a lab. Another 3,700 square feet will be occupied by MedExpress Urgent Care and the remaining 5,600 square feet will be shell space for future growth. There is also an additional 17,440 square feet of land that could be sued for future expansion.

“Our goal is for this outpatient center in Waynesburg to provide residents of Greene County and the surrounding areas with the same convenient access to our providers,” said Darin Rogers, vice president and chief ambulatory operations officer at WVU Medicine-WVU Hospitals.

he enthusiastic comments and feedback we received from last month’s feature on Waynesburg’s South Side indicates the many and endearing memories this part of town’s inhabitants have in their hearts no matter how far they have traveled.

Challen Matthews, who grew up on South Side, stopped by the GreeneScene office to “straighten us out” on a few of the details in our story. It was clear that Challen can see the streets and buildings of his old stomping grounds in his mind’s eye as if he were still 12 years old and romping through the neighborhood.

Here are some points of order he shared with us: •When the high school moved to Margaret Bell Miller, Southward became the elementary school and served grades 1-8.

•Donovan Waters pelt buying business was actually located on the south corner of Locust and Morgan (the alley parallel between Elm & 1st streets). Prior to Donovan Waters business being there – that’s where the original Wagon

Wheel Bar opened before moving on up the hill where it continued to operate, later becoming the Waynesburg Hotel bar.

• Emerson Bell’s grocery store was actually down south of Locust (Alley), and before it was Bell’s it was called Stephenson’s.

Challen also brought us a picture of an original painting of Harold Dulaney’s Wool House that was referenced in our story. The original was painted by Challen’s brother, Ed Matthews, sometime around 1970 and represents what the building looked like at that time. “I used to pack wool there,” Challen recalls, “Oh yeah…. GREAT big bags of wool…and man it was always hot on that job. I mean hot. I was about 10 or 12…that was one of my summer jobs. Farmers brought it in pick-up trucks in big bundles and they’d throw it up to us and we’d stomp it down into those giant bags to go to market.”

Thanks to Challen Matthews for sharing his memories and keeping us straight on the great South Side of Waynesburg.

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

Miss Rain Day Performs at Pathways of SWPA

Pictured L-R: BJ Myers, Janet Block, Susan McDaniel, Eden Rogers, Joshua Stone, Pam Snyder, and Bobbie Jo Brown.

E

den Rogers, Miss Rain Day 2017, visited Pathways of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Waynesburg location on May 10th to give a performance on her harp. She played 4 musical pieces adapted into harp solos.

She also talked a little bit about the instrument and being Miss Rain Day. Pam Snyder was in attendance, along with other Pathways staff.

“We wanted something a little different for everyone to experience,” said Aaron Rogers, Chief Information Officer for Pathways and Eden’s uncle.

Pathways of Southwestern Pennsylvania provides programs and services for individuals with disabilities and their families. Pathways provides intervention, care, and compassion to residents of all ages. It enables individuals with disabilities to reach new goals and believe in their abilities.

Eden has been playing the harp for about 5 years and takes lessons at the WVU Creative Arts Center. She also plays the trumpet, French horn and mellophone. She attends Waynesburg Central High School and is from Sycamore.

Flashlight Drag Season Opener on June 17

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he 2018 Flashlight Drag racing season is about to begin at the Greene County Airport in Waynesburg. Three races will be held this year on Sundays - Jun. 17, Jul. 22, and Aug. 19. Rain dates are scheduled for the following Sunday with the exception of Sept. 18, which will be announced at a later date.

Two additional dates will be held outside of Greene County, at CARFEST. These will be back to back on Sept. 1 & 2 at Pittsburgh International Race Complex in Wampum, PA. Gates open at 10am, with flashlight drag racing from 5:30pm to sunset both days.

Gates open at noon, with races scheduled to run from 2 to 6 p.m. Admission is $8 to watch and $35 to race.

For the races, street-legal cars and trucks are eligible to race, and all drivers must have appropriate paperwork, including a valid driver’s license, current state registration and proof of

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

insurance. Passengers are not allowed. All racers must sign a waiver and attend a mandatory drivers’ meeting prior to the start of the event.

For drivers wishing to race convertible cars, the top must be up, or the driver should wear a helmet. Mufflers and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation-approved tires are required.

There will be no refunds.

Produced by Altered Gas Performance Events, LLC, Flashlight Drags consists of a 1/8mile race along the airport runway. The format is heads-up, meaning that both vehicles leave the starting line at the same time. The name of the event refers back to the early days of drag racing, when a flashlight was used to signal the start.

For more information, call the Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323, or visit www. flashlightdrags.com for updates, a complete set of driver rules and to view videos from the races.

Photo by Dan Dishart.

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Photo by Nathan Pierce at the Highpoint Raceway on May 21st.

JUNE GREENESCENE CALENDAR SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

1 3

Kayaking & Birding on Wisecarver Reservoir

10

PetCon, Stream Stomp

17

Father’s Day, High Point National, Flashlight Drags, Alzheimers Assoc. Car Show, Bluebird Boxes for Dad

24 16

Rev. John Corbly Association Reunion

4 11 18 25

Fabulous Hubcaps Concert, Yoga Class

Bowlby Book Club, Brodak Fly-In, Yoga Class

Greene County Day Camp Begins, Yoga Class

Yoga Class

5

Flea Market, Kelly Miller Circus, Adult Book Club, Tiny Tin Tomato Project

12

Flea Market, Sounds of Summer Concert, Cornerstone Genealogical Society, Meeting, Free Healthcare Summer Camp, Brodak Fly-In, Young Writers Club

6 13

Farmer’s Market, Movie Night

Farmer’s Market, Free Healthcare Summer Camp, Movie Night, Brodak Fly-In

7 14

Flag Day, High Point National, Free Healthcare Summer Camp, Brodak Fly-In

Flea Market, 19 Sounds of Summer 20 Concert

Farmer’s Market, Movie Night

21

26

Farmer’s Market, Movie Night

28

Flea Market, Greene County Photography Club

27

Creative Crafting for Adults

Summer Begins , Warrior Trail Public Association Meeting

Produce to the People, Code Squad

8 15 22 29

Summer Reading Challenge Begins, Mather Yard Sale

Riverfest, Hummingbirds & Smores, Safety Day

High Point National, Brodak Fly-In, Nature Story Time

GreeneScene Mails, Healthcare Career Fair, “Christmas Belles,” Creatures of the Night

SATURDAY

2

Warrior Trail Public Hike, Flea Market, NVFD Gun Bash, Mather Yard Sale, Mt. Morris Yard Sale, Toddler Walk

9

Riverfest, PetCon, Steampunk Garden Party, Park Concert Series, Flea Market, Lego Brick Masters

Point National, 16 Idlewild &HighAtlantic City Boys, Flea Market, Brodak Fly-In

23

Motor Madness Benefit Car Show, 9th Annual Hilly Billy Roubaix, Flea Market, “Christmas Belles”, Summer Reading Kick-Off, Explore Ryerson Long-Distance Hike

30

Dryerson, End of School Carnival, Flea Market, Pioneer Day Festival, Bowlby Rocks

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

1

Summer Reading Challenge at the Flenniken Library. Includes field trips, special events and activities, plus free lunch. Kick Off party June 8, 5-7pm. FMI, visit flenniken.org.

Safety Day @ I-79 North Welcome Center @9am-1pm @ I-79 North Welcome Center (near Kirby). Activities include: Child Passenger Safety Checks; Traffic Injury Prevention Project and Child Passenger Safety; Work Zone Safety; Volunteer Fire Departments; PA Motorcycle Awareness; and DUI Moving Memorial.

Mather All-Town yard Sale June 1 and 2 @ Mather, PA. 2

Warrior Trail Public Hike @ 9:30am - 2pm beginning at the Warrior Trail headquarters in Fordyce, PA. FMI: Contact Kim Shiemke at 304-685-7564 or kimshiemke@gmail.com.

9 PetCon @ 9am – 7pm, June 10 @ 9am – 6pm. At the Greene County Fairgrounds. All about pets & horses. Raffles, exhibitions, contests, activities, seminars, food and more. Pets are welcome! FMI: petconnections.pet

18

Steampunk Garden Party @ 5 - 10pm at the Greene County Museum. FMI visit greenecountyhistory.org.

Greene County Day Camp @ June 18 – July 27. FMI call the Department of Recreation at 724-852-5323 or visit www.co.greene.pa.us.

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Park Concert Series @ 6 - 8pm at Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Allegheny Reign (Bluegrass band) performing. Bring your own blanket or chair. $5 admission, kids under 12 free.

Warrior Trail Public Association Meeting @ 6:30 - 7:30pm at the Warrior Trail Headquarters in Fordyce. FMI: 304-534-2213

22

Healthcare Career Fair @ 10am - 2pm at PA CareerLink in Waynesburg.

Flea Market Every Tues. & Sat., 7am-2pm at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

NVFD Gun Bash @ 5 - 11pm at the Nemacolin Vol. Fire Dept.

Mt. Morris All-Town Yard Sale June 2 @ Mt. Morris, PA. Toddler Walk @ 11a - 12pm at Ryerson Station State Park. Bring children 5 & under for walk with the park naturalist. Pavilion 2.

3

4

Kayaking and Birding on Wisecarver Reservoir @ 1 - 3pm. Explore Wisecarver Reservoir by kayak and observe its avian inhabitants. Adults & children 12 years and older (under 18 must be with an adult). Free, limited to 15 people.

FMI: Andy Lariviere at 724-428-4254 or alariviere@pa.gov by June 1, 2018.

Sounds of Summer: Fabulous Hubcaps Concert @ 6 - 9pm at Waynesburg Central High School. Presented by Waynesburg Lions Club. FREE Yoga Class @ 5:30pm at Bowlby Library. $10 per class. June 25 is “Happy Hour Yoga” for a $5 donation to the library.

5

Kelly Miller Circus @ 5 - 6:30pm, 7 – 9:30pm at Greene County Fairgrounds.

Tickets $13/adults, $8/children. FMI, visit kellymillercircus.com.

Adult Book Club @ 6 - 7pm at Flenniken Library. 1st Tues.of each month. FMI flenniken.org

Lego Brick Masters @ 11am at Bowlby Library; for ages 3 & older. FMI: 724-627-9776 10

11

12

7

Creative Crafting for Adults at 5pm at Bowlby Library. Cost: $20. FMI: 724627-9776.

8 Riverfest @ 5 - 11:30pm, June 9 2-11:30pm near Rices Landing docks.

Admission is $5 for Adults 18+, $2 for Children 5-17, children under 5 free. All Gate Admissions Benefit the Rices Landing VFD. Hummingbirds & Smores @8:30-10pm at Ryerson Station State Park. Join park naturalist Andy at the amphitheater along McNay Ridge Road for presentation. A fire will be ready for you to cook up some S’mores. Free.

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

23

Sounds of Summer Concerts @ 5:30 – 7:30pm at the Lions Club Park. June 12– Chanler Baily; June 19 – Yesterday’s News; June 26 – Dan Baker Group.

Free Healthcare Summer Camp @ 9am - 1pm at the Greene County Career and Technology Center. For 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. FMI 724-6273106 ext. 206.

Young Writers Group at 5pm at Bowlby Library. Creative writing club for 9-12 graders. FMI 724-627-9776 or visit evakbowlby.org.

13 15

High Point National at High Point Raceway. FMI: https://highpointmx.com/ event/pro-national-amateur.

Nature Story Time @ 10:30-11:30am at Ryerson Station State Park. Children will enjoy a story and participate in an activity, game or craft. Activities are designed for children ages 3-6, but older siblings are welcome! Meet at the park office on Bristoria Road.

16

Idlewild & Atlantic City Boys @ 11am - 11:30pm. Visit Idlewild Park and see a performance by the Atlantic City Boys. FMI, call (724) 966-8653.

17

Flashlight Drags @ 11am - 6pm at the Greene County Airport. Admission is $8. There is a $35 racer fee.

Motor Madness Benefit Car Show @ 10am - 3:30pm at Waynesburg Central High School.

9th Annual Hilly Billy Roubaix @ 10am at Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Free admission.

Summer Reading Kick-Off @ 11am - 1pm at Bowlby LIbrary. FMI 724.627.9776 to register.

Bowlby Book Club @ 6 - 7pm at Bowlby Library. FMI 724-627-9776 or visit evakbowlby.org.

Cornerstone Genealogical Society Meeting @ 7 - 8pm at the Cornerstone Genealogical Society Library. Open to public. FMI 724-627-5653.

Farmer’s Market Every Wed. May 16 – October @ 10am – 2pm. Near the courthouse in downtown Waynesburg. Locally raised fresh produce, meat, eggs, baked goods and more. FMI: waynesburgpa.org Movie Night Every Wed, 6-8pm at Bowlby Library. Free popcorn and beverage. www.evakbowlby.org/events.html for film titles and updates.

Stream Stomp @ 1 – 2:30pm at Ryerson Station State Park. Cool off in the shade of the forest while exploring Kent Run and the macroinvertebrates that live there. Wear waterproof boots or shoes that can get wet (no sandals). Meet at the Iron Bridge.

“Christmas Belles” @ 7:30pm at the Goodwin Performing Arts center in Waynesburg University. Tickets are $5 and available at: waynesburg.ticketleap. com/belles.

Explore Ryerson Long-Distance Hike @ 10am-2pm at Ryerson Station State Park. Challenging 7-8 mile hike on hilly terrain. Test your endurance and fitness level. Bring water and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Meet at the park office.

Brodak Fly-In. FMI (724) 966-2726 or (724) 966-9131 or email FlyIn@Brodak. com.

Tiny Tim Tomato Project @ 5pm at Bowlby Library. Children age 2-6yrs, FMI 724-627-9776.

6

Alzheimer’s Assoc. Car Show @ 12 – 4pm at the Carmichaels High School Baseball field. FMI, call 412-261-5040.

Bluebird Boxes for Dad @12-2:30pm at Ryerson Station State Park. Bring dad and join park staff to build a nest box. Materials and tools provided. Meet at the park office on Bristoria Road. Cost is free, register by June 15. To register call 724-428-4254 or email alariviere@pa.gov.

24

Rev. John Corbly Association Reunion @ 9:30 am at John Corbly Memorial Baptist Church in Garards Fort, PA. FMI 724-627-7129.

26

Greene County Photography Club @ 7 - 8pm at the Waynesburg Bible Chapel. FMI, visit http://www.greenecountyphotoclub.org.

28

Produce to the People @ 10am – 12pm at the Greene County Fairgrounds.

Free food for income-eligible households. Bring boxes, cart, or wagon.

Code Squad from 5-6pm at Bowlby Library. Students aged 6-12yrs meet every Thurs. and will develop own cartoons using PBS KIDS ScratchJr. FMI 724-6279776 or visit evakbowlby.org.

30 Dryerson @ 1pm – 4pm at Ryerson Station State Park Pavilion #3.The festival provides food, music, and entertainment for all ages and free to the public.

End of School Carnival @ 4 - 7pm at Mason-Dixon Historical Park. Backyard carnival games, a photo booth, concessions, prizes, and more!

Pioneer Day Festival @ 10am - 7pm at Kennedy Field at West Greene High School. Chicken roast, live music, raffles, crafts, and family fun.

Bowlby Rocks! @ 12-2pm at Bowlby LIbrary. This month’s theme: fireworks, patriotic & the beach! Bring two clean rocks with you to paint! FMI 724-6279776 or visit evakbowlby.org.

17

Missy Ziots of Carmichaels caught this lightning strike in Carmichaels during our recent storms. What a lucky shot!

18

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

Co o l at Sc h o o l

O

n May 8th, nineteen teams of 4-8 students met at Buhl Hall at Waynesburg University to compete in the 6th Greene County Reading Competition.

The teams consisted of 112 elementary, middle school and high school age students from West Greene, Jefferson-Morgan. Carmichaels, Central Greene, Waynesburg, Margaret Bell Miller and Flenniken Library.

Students have the option to join the team at their school, or a non-school team, like the teams through Flenniken Library. Coaches help the students prepare for the competition. To train for the competition, students receive a required reading list for their age group. After the students finish reading a book, they meet with their teams to discuss the theme and details of the book, complete activities related to the book, and practice for the competition.

At the competition, the teams compete headto-head with 1 to 2 other teams at a time for three rounds. Each round consists of 20 questions. Points are based off how completely the team answers each question directed at them, up to 2 points per question.

In the Elementary category, Flenniken Library’s “Fiction Addiction” won first place with a perfect score. This is the third year in a row that Flenniken Library’s elementary team “Fiction Addiction” has won first place.

by Danielle Nyland

GCLS READING COMPETITION High School: Members: Chloe Mitchell, Sara Roscoe, Logan Wil1st place: Reading Rainbows from West Greene lis, Elizabeth Husenits, Elizabith Lingenfield High School Elementary School: Coach: Jackie Slogan 1st place: Fiction Addiction from Flenniken Public Members: Abel Richardson, Essence Bowser, Rory Library McGowan, Elizabeth Brudnack, Alyssia Thomas Coach: Norma Kelley 2nd place: Rock “It’s” from Jefferson-Morgan High Members: Emma Bates, Ainsley Popson, Abby School Willis, Morgan Willis, Anneliese Popson, Ruah Members: Jessie Wei, Shelby Burkett, Molly Mylan, Dobish, Geneva Johnson Nevaeh Broadwater, Jasmine Blake, Madison Ko- 2nd place (tie): Rapid Readers from Central Greene vach, Savannah Salsan, Bria Jamison, Joelle Pahon- Elementary School ish Coach: Janet Menarcheck Middle School: Members: Chase Orr, Colton Spitznogle, Alex Wil1st place: Order of the Phoenix from Margaret Bell son, Aengus Doody, Brody Wood, Austin Tsang Miller Middle School 2nd place (tie): Bookworms Coach: Andrea Layton from West Greene Elementary FICTION ADDICTION Center Members: Faith Gumbarevic, Alexis Rockwell, Vivian GreenCoach: Tonya Meek wood, Caleb Hartman, Hailey Members: Darren Knight, Pace Matthew Wassil, Ericka Hat2nd place: Rocket Redemption kney, Courtney Main, Jackson from Jefferson-Morgan Middle Grimes, Gavin Cassidy, Kendra School Tharp, Noah Collins Members: Zoey Stull, Tyler 3rd place: WCES Readers Richmond, Lauren Pahler, Coach: Alice Matis Brody Ross, Wyatt Wilson, Mia Members: Joei Barchiesi, Joe Baker, Preston Wood Kirsch, JJ Martinez, Lane Mc3rd Place: The Arctic Circle Collum, Duncan Barto, Kol from Flenniken Public Library Ford, Cameron Reese Haught, Coach: Nicole Mitchell Keira Kennedy

READING RAINBOWS

ORDER OF THE PHOENIX GreeneScene by Ed Streit

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Section Champs

Tri-County Softball Coach of the Year Congratulations to West Greene’s Billy Simms for winCarmichaels’ Mikes baseball captured the Section 1-AA title on May 7 with an 18-0 win at Burgettning Softball Coach of the Year stown, after a ten game winning streak. Congratulations, Mikes! at the Tri-County Coach of the Year Banquet this year. This is his second year in a row to win. Also pictured are West Greene students Madison Renner, Madison Lampe, McKenna Lampe, Kaitlyn Rizor, and Jade Renner, honored for being named All-State in Softball.

Greene County Career and Technology Center Receives $200,000 Grant

Greene County Law Day Winners Congratulations to Cole Newland and Ashley Jones on winning First and Second Places, respectively, in Greene County Law Day Art Contest.

Cole is pictured here with his “Rock, Paper, Scissors” Project after being presented with the award

by President Judge Farley Toothman.

Carmichaels Places at Regional Inventionland Competition Carmichaels Senior High School won second place at the Regional Inventionland Competition in Pittsburgh on May 4. The invention team included Jacob Hair, Nick Swaney, Joey Kurincak, and Finn Dobosh with their invention, the “MagiPick.” Pictured l-r: Finn Dobosh, Joey Kurincak, Jacob Hair, and Nick Swaney.

Jefferson-Morgan School District Receives Food Service Grant State Rep. Pam Snyder announced the award of a combined $25,944 in state grants to the Brownsville Area ($14,696) and Jefferson-Morgan ($11,248) school districts for cafeteria equipment.

Snyder said Brownsville Area will get $14,696 to purchase a convection oven for its middle school, while Jefferson-Morgan is receiving two awards: $6,039 for a double reach-in warming cabinet for its junior-senior high school, and $5,209 for a convection steamer at its elementary school.

Snyder said the state Department of Education supplied the funding through its 2017 Food Service Equipment Grant program, which aims to

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help school districts purchase equipment to serve healthier meals that meet the updated meal patterns, improve food safety and expand access to food. Snyder said the grant program also emphasizes putting more fruits and vegetables in school meals.

“This is great news for two school districts in the 50th Legislative District,” Snyder said. “I thank the Department of Education for supplying this funding, which is intended to improve the safety and efficiency of meal preparation, in addition to upgrading the menus.”

A $200,000 state grant fulfills in one fell swoop the equipment purchasing and replacement needs of the Greene County Career and Technology Center under a five-year plan devised by Administrative Director Mark Krupa.

Krupa, who joined State Rep. Pam Snyder at a GCCTC news conference, said the funding Snyder obtained through the Department of Education will allow for simultaneous upgrades that benefit 330 students in 12 instructional programs, plus allow expanded adult education.

“Every program and every student in this building is going to benefit,” Krupa said. “Pam’s been absolutely instrumental in doing this. She came to the school, she walked around with me, she listened to me discuss the struggles that we have.

And we ended up investing in the community.”

Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, said the importance of vocational and technical training

as high schoolers and adults prepare for jobs in the current and future economies cannot be underestimated.

“These jobs require specialized training – and you can’t receive cutting-edge training using outdated equipment,” Snyder said. “This became a top priority of mine, and I thank the Department of Education for recognizing the need to do something big and bold to elevate vo-tech training in Greene County.”

Snyder said approximately half of the $200,000 will allow the school to purchase a new, modern and reliable paint booth for its Automotive Collision Repair Technology Program, something Krupa has been unable to do for years with his limited financial resources. The rest of will be spread throughout different programs to meet varying equipment needs.

Greene County Historical Society Receives $4,000 Grant State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/ Washington, today announced the award of a $4,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Greene County Historical Society.

Snyder said the Cultural and Historical Support Grant comes from a program designed to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting general operations of eligible museums

and official county historical societies not supported by other state agency funding programs.

“I’m once again grateful that the state is recognizing the importance of funding an entity in the 50th Legislative District,” Snyder said. “The historical society fills a vital role in our county, one that is deserving of the reinvestment of state dollars to help with its continued operation.”

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Chamber Announces Scholarship Winners

Ralph K. Bell Bird Club Memorial Scholarship

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund Committee has announced that the 28th anCongratulations to Katelyn nual scholarship will be awarded to Aubree A. Ferek of Carmichaels. Aubree is a graduating senior at Carmichaels Sinn, a senior at Carmichaels Area Area High School. Seventeen-year-old Aubree plans to attend Slippery Rock High School, for winning the Ralph University to pursue a degree in Exercise Science/Pre-Physician Assistant ProK. Bell Bird Club Memorial Scholargram. She is the daughter of Ron and Brenda Ferek of Carmichaels. ship for $1000. Kaitlyn plans to attend This scholarship is presented each year to a Greene County senior who Seton Hill University’s five-year Phyplans to attend a college, university or trade school. The scholarship is awardsician Assistant program. ed based on grade point average and an essay. In addition to the scholarship, The Ralph K. Bell Bird Club Aubree will also receive a laptop courtesy of John Frownfelter, owner of PCstarted this scholarship ten years ago, squared to use during her college career. and after the passing of Mr. Bell, it The Chamber also announced that it will award the first “Dr. Nancy became a memorial scholarship to I. Davis Memorial Leadership Scholarship” to Matthew P. Komula of Rices honor him Landing. The scholarship was established to honor the memory of Dr. NanPictured l-r: Club President Marjorie Howard, Katelyn Sinn, cy I. Davis who was an educator and advocate for education. In 2016 and and David Bell, son of Ralph K. Bell.

2017, the annual GreeneScene Road Rally, presented exclusively by Fox Ford of Waynesburg, raised funds for the scholarship awards.

Applicants were reAubree A. Ferek of Carmichaels quired to submit a narrative on how they have demonstrated leadership in education and a list of their local community involvement. The program is open to any Greene County resident who is enrolled or accepted in an undergrad or grad program.

Matthew is employed by the Trinity Area School District and is a 1992 Gabrielle Stewart Of Waynesburg Ventral High graduate of Duquesne University and a 2009 graduate of the University of School was awarded the $1000 Town and Country GarPhoenix. He is currently enrolled at Kent State University seeking his Master den Club Scholarship for 2018. She ranks 1st in her of Music, Music Education degree. graduating class and has held a 4-point grade average The scholarships will be presented at the May General Membership Netfrom 9th grade through 12th. She plans to attend Washworking Luncheon of the Chamber of Commerce set for Wednesday, May ington and Jefferson College, majoring in Biochemistry 30th at Waynesburg University’s Benedum Dining Hall. This year, thirty-three with a math minor and aspires to become an anestheapplications for the Educational Fund scholarship and thirty-six for the Dr. siologist. Gabby has received many awards and recogNancy Davis scholarship were received. The committee had a difficult task nitions for academics: Spanish, math, and science. She of selecting the winners from the qualified field candidates. The Chamber of Carol Harrison, Scholarship Chair and also lettered in track and cheerleading.

Matthew P. Komula of Rices Landing Gabrielle Stewart.

Commerce would like to thank all who participated in the process.

Town and Country Garden Club Scholarship

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Little Miss Firecracker Applications are now available for the Little Miss Firecracker Pageant, sponsored by the Waynesburg Lions Club and Waynesburg Sewing Center.

The pageant is staged at the Greene County Fairgrounds during the Lions Club annual 4th of July Celebration. It is a noncompetitive pageant for girls ages 5 to 8 (as of July 4, 2017). Participants appear in patriotic attire and are interviewed on stage, with the winner being determined by a random drawing of flowers. The winner receives a crown, sash, trophy and bouquet. Each contestant receives a participation medal. Pictured is the reigning 2017 Little Miss Firecracker, Alaya King, daughter of Lauren Keys , who will crown the new queen. The deadline for application is June 16, 2018. FMI as well as applications, call Eleanor Chapman at (724) 627-5284.

Waynesburg Central Elementary Students Run a Marathon!

Hoopin’ with the Jackets Boys and girls entering grades 3 to 9 are invited to a basketball skills camp at the Rudy Marisa Fieldhouse on Waynesburg University’s campus the week of June 4-8, 2018. Grades 3-5 will be 9 a.m. to noon

with grades 6-9 from 1 to 4 p.m. Camp fees are $85 per child. For more information or to register for camp, contact Coach Mark Christner at mchristn@ waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3466.

Miller Summer Youth Institute at Waynesburg University The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary will host its annual Miller Summer Youth Institute at Waynesburg University Sunday, June 24, through Saturday, June 30. The week-long program is open to rising high school seniors from across the United States and abroad.

In partnership with the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, Waynesburg University will serve as the site host and offer participants one college credit.

Campers will work with Waynesburg and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary faculty, room in the University dorms, have meals provided on campus and spend a

day in Pittsburgh at the Seminary.

The cost of the camp is $450 and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration. To register, visit forms.waynesburg.edu/machform/view. php?id=747259.

The Miller Summer Youth Institute is designed to form an intentional Christian community where young people can be challenged to move beyond their comfort zones in order to grow in faith, engage in academic theological study and explore ministry.

4-H Day Camps Offered by Penn State Extension Greene County youth 8 to 12 can participate in an exciting Horse Camp on Wednesday, June 20. The day begins at 8am in the 4-H building at the Greene County Fairgrounds with registration and mixers.

Youth will board a bus to visit Seldom Seen Farms to learn about horses – breeds, care, markings and more.

There will be hands-on activities along with many visual demonstrations. Campers will participate in crafts and games.

The cost is $15.00 per person and includes bus, lunch, and a camp t-shirt. Space is limited to 40 campers and reservations must be made at the Penn

State Extension Office, Greene County by Monday, June 4 to receive a t-shirt.

The 4-H will also offer an Environmental Birding day camp from June 12-June 14. It will be held in Rices Landing on the Greene River Trail in partnership with the Ralph K. Bell Bird Club. Cost is $75 and includes daily lunches and snacks/drinks. Scholarships available.

Call the Penn State Extension Office—Greene County, 724-627-3745 for more information about either camp.

Flenniken Library Day Camps The library will be holding a variety of camps this summer. June 4-8 features a slime camp, silly snack camp, and craft camp. June 11-15 features a mad scientists camp, bots camp, and comic camp.

August 1-3 features a Harry Potter mini camp. Each camp

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Students at Waynesburg Central Elementary in Waynesburg committed and trained by increasing their physical activity and make healthier food choices as part of P3R’s award-winning Kids of STEEL program during the 2017-2018 school year. Students had the option to culminate the training plan during the 2018 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events.

Students at WCES participated in a beforeschool training club where they track and run/walk laps of the school’s gymnasium. They log their miles, earn shoe charms for each mile they run and also participate in nutrition lessons. The WCES-Kids of STEEL Program is led by 4th grade teacher and Coordinator, Kellie-Ann Maute’. A participant, Emma Blair, a student from WCES, won the T-Shirt contest that each participant wore on race day. Every student was able to create a shirt idea based on what Kids of STEEL means to them.

Celebrating the completion of the program, students were invited to run the Toyota Pittsburgh Kids Marathon (1 mile) or UPMC Health Plan/UPMC

Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K Run (3.1 miles). More than 167 students from WCES completed the 2018 Kids of STEEL program.

The Kids of STEEL program was named 2015 Youth Program of the Year by Running USA and has grown impressively since it was launched in 2011.

More than 150 sites and 6,500 children participated in the 2016 program. Through the Kids of STEEL program, Waynesburg Central Elementary was awarded a transportation grant that provided busing to the Toyota Pittsburgh Kids Marathon. For more information, go to: www.kidsofsteel.org.

“P3R is dedicated to promoting lifelong, healthy habits for all ages” said P3R CEO Patrice Matamoros. “The Kids of STEEL program can be completed at school, home or in a community setting. By participating in our free program, we hope children will discover the joy of running, the benefits of good nutrition and the rewards of goal setting. We are so excited that students at WCES are making efforts to lead healthier lives this spring.”

STEAM Camp at Waynesburg University Waynesburg University will host its annual STEAM Camp Sunday, July 15, to Thursday, July 19.

The camp, which promotes learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, is open to high school students. Check in will begin at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, July 15.

The cost is $250 and includes instruction, all camp activities, lodging in the University’s upperclassman residence halls and hot meals throughout the week. To register, visit waynesburg.edu/steamcamp. The deadline to register is Friday, June 29.

All campers participate in the same evening programs but select their own traditional class sessions, which are filled on a first-come, first-served ba-

sis. This year’s sessions include: physiology or digital animation; bird study or artificial intelligence; animal disease or synthesis of vanillin; microbiology and microscopy or inorganic synthesis; and math and planetary science or separations.

A limited number of scholarships are available for students who are in need of financial assistance.

To apply, complete the form on the registration webpage. All scholarship requests must be received

by June 1. Successful recipients will be notified no later than June 15. For more information, contact Sarah Bell, academic communications coordinator, at sbell@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-7790.

WU Fine Arts Academy Summer Camp

Waynesburg University will host a a one week Fine Arts Summer Camp from June 25 – June 29. is $50/child and camps are limited to 10 children The camp is for teens and adults (age 12 and older) each. Registration begins May 9 and a $25 deposit per to develop their skills over a period of 5 days, while camp is due upon signup. The balance is due by June getting a taste of the Waynesburg University experi1. FMI, visit flenniken.org, stop by the library, or call ence. Classes consist of drawing, painting, pottery, 724-966-5253. introduction to Photoshop, voice ensemble, acting

& scene study, chamber orchestra and band. Individual lessons are offered in voice, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. There will be an ‘End of Camp’ Showcase offered on Friday June 29 at 5:30om.

Register online by June 8 at waynesburg.edu under the heading ‘Now at Waynesburg’ or email msrush@ waynesburg.edu FMI.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

Handcrafted Home

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n the back roads of Greene County, you will find a unique log cabin nestled on a 40-acre property. This non-traditional log home is owned by Ron and Kathleen Chopyak. When they moved to the farm, they wanted to build a log cabin. After looking at many log cabin home kits, they found that the costs and interest rates were too high. It was then that Ron found an article in Mother Earth magazine featuring a stacked log home.

“The magazine had one up in Canada they did an article on. He contacted the owner of the home and found out about the mortar and the shrinkage and drying times for the logs.” Kathleen stated.

In a stacked log home, also known as cordwood masonry construction, the walls are constructed of short logs. The logs are stacked similar to piles of firewood and mortar is added in between

each log. According to the Mother Earth article, “Portland cement, mixed with sand, sawdust and builder’s lime, generally serves as the mortar between the “courses” of cordwood.” In a traditional log home, the logs are placed with the grain side out while with the stacked log home the logs are placed with the end grains facing out. These homes can be built either in a rectangular fashion or the home can be round.

The construction of the home began in 1985 and took over seven years to complete. Surprisingly, the home was Mr. Chopyak’s first attempt at construction. Chopyak was an environmental science teacher at McGuffey Middle School.

According to Kathleen, the logs for the home were gathered from the property. “The exterior came from the farm, except the beams because they

By Jenny Bradmon

were too long.” Kathleen continued, ““Ron would take each of the logs and use the hand tools to skin the bark from the logs.”

The walls of the first floor are 10 inches thick and completely constructed of logs and mortar.

The upper floor is traditional construction and the logs are shorter and used solely as the exterior covering. The home was designed with an open floor concept on the first floor and has four bedrooms on the second floor.

“He came up with the house. I came up with the floor plan. I kept it simple and square. I would make changes up until he hammered the nails.”

Mrs. Chopyak stated.

During the seven-year construction, Mr. Chopyak continually worked on the home and the family lived in a trailer on the property. “He would not stop. He would come home from work and would work on the house.” Kathleen added, “He would have the summers off which was great, but

he never stopped. We had friends that would help, but 99 percent he did himself.”

The Edgar Schoolhouse also sits on the farm. The schoolhouse was built in 1888 and remained open until the mid 1950’s Gladys Longstreth was the teacher at the school and lived further down the road on the Edgar farm. “Children would be brought to the school on wagons or if the weather was bad, they would bring them in on sleighs.” Kathleen added, “Gladys taught at the school for many years.”

Currently, the school is being used as a house for rescue cats and foster cats for adoption. Kathleen volunteers her time to help with Catnip Acres.

“There are so many litters and abandoned cats.”

Mrs. Chopyak stated.

Mr. Chopyak passed away in September 2017, but his home remains as a reminder to his family of the hard work and love he put in to it to create a unique and beautiful home for his family.

GreeneScene by Evan Williams II

SITE MANAGER WANTED Waynesburg Farmers’ Market

Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful Inc. is now accepting applications for Site Manager of its Downtown Waynesburg Farmer's Market.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE JOB: To coordinate weekly operations of the Market from mid-May to mid-October (Wednesdays, 9:30am - 2:30pm), be the Market "point person," and serve as a representative in good faith of Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful. Must be on-site during weekly Market hours and must be able to devote regular non-market time to marketing and administrative duties as needed. Must be available by cell phone during Market hours and have access to e-mail and/or the Internet.

Part-time seasonal, no benefits. Full description of duties and qualifications/ requirements available online at www.waynesburpa.org.

Interested candidates should send resume to Larry Marshall, WP&B Manager at MSM@waynesburgpa.org JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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CONSERVATION DISTRICT CONTEST WINNERS

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he Greene County Conservation District announced the winners of this year’s poster and coloring contests. The contests were open to all Greene County students, pre-K to 8th grade. Both contests offered young people an opportunity to express their views on natural resources and the environment through art.

Posters were judged by Conservation District board members and co-operative agencies in four grade-based categories (K-1st, 2nd-3rd, 4th6th and 7th-8th). The top three entrants in each category received cash prizes, with the first-place poster from each category advancing to a statewide Pennsylvania Association of Conservation District poster contest later this year.

The theme for this year’s poster contest was, “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home.” Entries were judged on their conservation message, visual effectiveness, originality and universal appeal.

Poster contest winners were:

• 2nd-3rd grade: First place, Leah Ayers,

Aidan Snider, 5th grade of Waynesburg Central Elementary School, won second place for the 4th-6th grade category.

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3rd grade; and second place Sara Tuttle, 3rd grade.

Both are from Waynesburg Central Elementary School.

• 4th-6th grade: First place, Kylie Jo Temple, 6th grade at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School; second place, Aidan Snider, 5th grade at Waynesburg Central Elementary School; and third place, Lilian Gencel, 6th grade at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School.

• 7th-8th grade: First place, Laney Ely, 7th grade; second place, Sami Morris, 7th grade; and third place, Vivian Greenwood, 7th grade. All are from Margaret Bell Miller Middle School.

The coloring contest was open to any child that was pre-K age and enrolled in preschool or lives in Greene County. The top entrants for the coloring contest received bicycles and helmets.

Coloring contest winners were:

• Bryson Barrett, 5, of Crystal’s Children Center; Lilly Kozlowski, 5, of Jefferson pre-school; and Hadli Rastoka, 5, of St. Ann’s pre-school.

The Conservation District received 95 total entries for the contests. The staff and Board of Directors would like to thank all who participated in this educational opportunity. For more information about programs and future contests, contact the Conservation District at 724-852-5278.

The Greene County Conservation District announced the winners of this year’s coloring contest. Pictured from l. to r. are: Bryson Barrett, 5, of Crystal’s Children Center; Hadli Rastoka, 5, of St. Ann’s pre-school; and Lilly Kozlowski, 5, of Jefferson pre-school.

The Greene County Conservation District announced the winners of their “Watersheds: Our Water, Our Home” poster contest. The winners for the 2nd-3rd grade category are: first place, Leah Ayers, 3rd grade; and second place Sara Tuttle, 3rd grade. Both are from Waynesburg Central Elementary School.

Pictured with Principal John Lipscomb and Guidance Counsellor Ashley Deurlein are the winners for the 4th-6th grade category: first place, Kylie Jo Temple, 6th grade; and third place, Lilian Gencel, 6th grade. Both are from Margaret Bell Miller Middle School.

Pictured with Principal John Lipscomb are the winners for the 7th-8th grade category: first place, Laney Ely, 7th grade; second place, Sami Morris, 7th grade; and third place, Vivian Greenwood, 7th grade. All are from Margaret Bell Miller Middle School.

GreeneScene Magazine •

JUNE

2018

Spo rt Sh o r t s

By Jason Tennant

GreeneSports.net Student Athlete of the Year

F

or the fourth-straight year, Greenesports.net proudly presented its annual Student-Athlete of the Year award to a senior Greene County student-athlete who exemplifies excellence both competitively and academically.

To make the presentation of a plaque and $1,000 check, representatives from the website made the trip to Southeastern Greene County, which is the home to a recordsetting athlete and exemplary academic achiever.

After four outstanding seasons on the gridiron and in the classroom, Dylan Rush has left a permanent legacy on the history of Mapletown High School. Hard to believe that it almost didn’t happen, or if it did, it could have been at a different school in a (L-R): Jason Tennant (GreeneSports), Jenny Rush (Dylan's mother), Dylan Rush, Jeff Rush (Dylan's father), Lanfer Simpson (GreeneSdifferent county. ports), Linda Messich (Mapletown Athletic Director).

Prior to beginning his high school athletic and academic pursuits, Rush matricuRush also shined in the classroom over his lated in the Albert Gallatin School District.

His move to Mapletown set the stage for four years four years at Mapletown. He currently carries a 4.33 that seemed to bring nothing but success for him GPA with a senior course load that includes AP calculus, AP statistics and AP biology. and the Maples.

Rush will graduate as a four-time Mapletown Rush was a driving force behind a four-year Scholar-Athlete Award winner and has received a stretch that saw the Black and Gold qualify for the WPIAL playoffs in 2014 and 2016. Prior to that, the multitude of scholarships from organizations like Maples last qualified for the District 7 tournament the United States Army, the Lions Club, the WPIAL and the Tri-County Athletic Directors Association in 2005.

Rush’s football resume is too large and impres- (Tri-CADA).

Jason Tennant, Greenesports.net’s co-founder, sive to recount it all. Among the biggest highlights are becoming a member of the exclusive WPIAL operations manager and member of the announc4,000-yard rushing club, setting the WPIAL single- ing crew, pointed to Rush’s unwavering dedication game rushing record (524 yards) and setting Ma- to success in the classroom as what gave him the pletown records for all-time rushing yards (5,762 edge over multiple deserving Greene County seyards), points scored in a career (516) and points niors this year.

“This year in the county, there were numerous scored in a single game (54).

“It’s been an amazing four years. When I came athletes, including Dylan, who had extraordinary to Mapletown, I never thought any of this would athletic achievements. From the start, we have have happened,” Rush said. “I could have never made academics a big factor in to who receives this imagined the level of success our teams have had. award. Dylan’s academics sets him apart,” Tennant It’s been amazing playing with the guys that I have.” said. “With the combination of athletic and acaGreenesports.net co-founder and announcer demic achievements, Dylan was the perfect choice Lanfer Simpson, himself a 4,000-yard rusher at for this year’s award.”

So just how did he do it all at such a high level Waynesburg Central High School, truly apprecifor four years? ated watching Rush build his legacy as an all-time “It’s all about time management and knowing Greene County great.

“It’s really been a lot of fun to watch Dylan ma- how much of my time to put into my studies and ture from a freshman through his senior season,” how much time to train, so that I can perform at a Simpson said. “He did a great job of making Maple- high level athletically,” Rush said. “My parents have town known through all of the effort that he put in done an amazing job of helping me grow up and figure out how much time to put into each.” on the football field and the baseball diamond.”

It may surprise some to know that despite Speaking of baseball, Rush’s springtime accomplishments are often overshadowed by his etching his name in so many record books in the dominance while carrying the football. He has re- state of Pennsylvania, Rush’s college goals do not ceived all-section and all-district laurels for his ef- include football at this time. He plans on attending forts and has ranked among the leaders in the WPI- California University of Pennsylvania in the fall to AL and the state in batting average, stolen bases and study secondary education and try out for the Vulcan baseball team. on-base percentage as a junior and senior.

JUNE

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

GreeneScene by Mark Koschek

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DOCK TO LOCK RACE

Seventy-five runners and walkers participated in Greene County Department of Recreation’s annual Dock to Lock 5K Run/Walk held Saturday, May 12 along the Greene River Trail. Proceeds benefit recreation programs, such as the Summer Day Camp program. The overall race winner was Aaron Mylan, 19, of Rices Landing.

S

eventy-five runners and walkers turned out for the annual Dock to Lock 5K Run/Walk on May 12, along the Greene River Trail.

Prizes were given for the top three male and female runners and walkers overall, as well as the top three male and female runners and walkers in various age categories.

Proceeds from Dock to Lock benefit Department of Recreation programs, such as the Summer Day Camp program, which offers free activities for county children ages 5 to 15. This year, Day Camp will be held June 18 through July 27 at various locations across the

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Aaron Mylan, 19, of Rices Landing crosses the finish line during the 2018 Dock to Lock 5K Run/Walk, held Saturday, May 12, along the Greene River Trail. Mylan, who competed in the 5K run, finished first overall among all runners and walkers with a time of 18:54.

county. Major sponsors of this year’s Dock to Lock included the Greene County Commissioners, First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County, First Student, Greene County Sheriff ’s office, Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department, and Direct Results.

For more information on Department of Recreation programs, call 724-852-5323, or visit www.co.greene.pa.us.

The top three overall winners in the 5K run were: Male: First place, Aaron Mylan, 19, of Rices Landing, 18:54; second place, Gabe McConville, 15, of Waynesburg, 19:32; and third place, John Koontz, 45, of Monongahela, 20:27.

Amy Koontz, 42, of Monongahela crosses the finish line during the 2018 Dock to Lock 5K Run/Walk, held Saturday, May 12, along the Greene River Trail. Koontz, who competed in the 5K run, finished first overall among all female runners and walkers with a time of 21:52.

Female: First place, Amy Koontz, 42, of Monongahela, 21:52; second place, Kelley Murdock, 35, of Washington, 23:09; and third place, Haley Filcheck, 13, of Uniontown, 24:19.

The top three overall winners in the 5K walk were: Male: First place, Richard Respole, 66, of Bellaire, Ohio, 40:31; second place, Michael Journic, 62, of Carmichaels, 41:01; and third place, Douglas Montgomery, 69, of Waynesburg, 43:10.

Female: First place, Dottie Amtey, 66, of Crucible, 41:23; second place, Linda Keller, 65, of Waynesburg, 41:59; and third place, Christine Mullin, 65, of Brownsville, 42:09.

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2018

Eva K. Bowlby Library Poetry Winners

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or the third year, Eva K. Bowlby Public Library celebrated National Poetry Month of April with the live reading of winning poems from its annual poetry contest held the previous month. The contest is open to the public and wards prizes for original poems in five different age categories. From the 28 original poems that were submitted, judges narrowed it down to the winners.

Payton Duncan, K-2nd grade, won for her original poem, “The Beautiful Butterfly.”

Catherine Thompson’s “Sugar” won in the 9-12th grade category and Harriet Villers won in the adult category with her entry, “Ask the Winds.”

The winners fathered in the Gallery of the library to read their winning poems on April 30. Each winner received a prize package including a notebook, pen and candy.

Winner: Harriet Villers Category: Adult TITLE: Ask The Winds I asked the winds one day Where have all the heroes gone?

He laughed at me and howled away He could not answer me then.

Then I decided to ask the sun, He refused to answer and sent me away.

Then he was off with the clouds playing hide and seek, Perhaps because his time is short and he can’t stay.

I asked the trees standing there, Where did all the heroes go?

But all they did was stand and stare, So I went elsewhere to find out where.

I went down to the waters edge; The trees branches had sent me there.

The water only rolled in and talked to itself, It dismissed me too and refused to share.

I cried out to the mountain pointing upward there, Where have all my heroes gone?

I was determined that no matter how tall the wall, I would climb it and find the answers.

Harriet Villers, adult winner.

Winner: Catherine Thompson Category: 9-12 Grade TITLE: Sugar “·c’mon, sugar, You can’t walk by with a body like that and expect me to be quiet.” (l-r) Payton Duncan, K-2nd grade winner and Catherine Thompson, 9-12th grade winner.

Winner: Payton Duncan Category: K-2nd Grade TITLE: The Beautiful Butterfly There once was a beautiful butterfly that liked to fly way up in the sky.

She wanted to fly south with her friends.

Along the way she met a hen.

She met a dog and then a hog.

And saw a cat playing with a rat.

She flew by a lot of birds.

They sang a song she never heard.

She stopped on a flower to take a rest.

Meeting new friends was the best.

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There was his first mistake Because I am not sugar, I am salt Sprinkled dignity over a main course of self doubt Crystallized on city streets, plowed over and forgotten.

Sugar I realize just how much I hate the sting of sweetness How the aftertaste of tears has haunted my tongue since I was 13 When the sidewalk realized that I was beautiful When growing up was overshadowed by wolf whistles in a concrete jungle Where there are no survivors Unless your knuckles are lined in panic And your car keys are pinched so tightly between your fingers That the tinge of metal runs within your veins.

Sugar So the next time a man tells me where he wants to put his hands The next time that I am afraid because now he has followed me for three blocks The next time that my heartbeat is pounding in my throat Remember that I am not sugar Anything but sugar Everything But sugar.

The mountains beckoned to me with their white caps, And whispered they knew where my heroes lay.

Secrets would be told if only I would come, I must not dawdle and go astray.

Bravely I climbed to that mountain top, And looked down into that valley.

I feared not, even though it was a sheer drop, And into the valley I ventured.

Deep below me was a garden of stone, Each one inscribed with a hero’s name.

There were skeletons and skulls and cross bone I had found the answers I was searching for.

As I climbed up from the valley low, I laughed at the wind, the sun, the trees and the sea.

They all knew where the heroes were, They were just hiding the secret from me.

Looking for Bowlby Bits?

They’re in the Calendar Section now!

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BATTLE 4 WARRIORZ

(l-r) Cofounders of Battle 4 Warriorz, Ryan Giles, President and CEO with Mike Gulley, Vice President at Battle in the Park.

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local Vietnam-era veteran a handicapped van. The veteran, Mr. Lewis, had a stroke 4 years ago that left him bedridden. “After his second stroke, his daughter quit her job to take care of him. Mr. Lewis can’t make it to his appointments, so we are working to get him transportation so that he can receive the care he needs and deserves,” Mike said.

Battle 4 Warriorz is working to implement different programs to help veterans and the community. They are in the process of creating a oncea-month PTSD support group to help deal with the emotional struggles of returning home. A PTSD Art program will provide veterans a way to put their thoughts and feelings to canvas and a PTSD Athletic program will provide exercise and team environment. Skills 4 Warriorz will work with local vo-tech schools to provide certifications to get veterans back to work. Soldier On will help get veterans a home for 6-12 months through a grant.

Backpacks 4 Warriorz helps deliver backpacks of toiletries and non-perishable foods to veterans, many of which were donated to the Veteran’s Place in Pittsburgh. Mike and Ryan also keep at least one stocked backpack with them at all times in case they meet a homeless veteran.

There are also community programs like Warriorz Rebuilding, in conjunction with Blueprints.

This program assists low-income, elderly families with home repairs. Youth athletic programs for children and those with special needs are also available. They are currently working with Carmichaels and Beth-Center youth football and hoping to include more veterans in a mentorship role.

“Or main focus is on veterans, but we also focus on first responders and low-income families, “ Mike stated.

“We want to help the community any way that we can. This year we want to concentrate on raising funds for the programs that we are creating. 85% of what we raise goes back to the causes and the programs,” Ryan said. “And whenever we have our events, we go to that area to purchase the things we need, like shirts, prizes, anything like that, to try and provide an economic boost.”

Their board consists 5 members and they currently have about 10 active volunteers. Giles is the President/CEO and Gulley is Vice President. The board is a mixture of both veteran and non-veteran members. “I find vet programs and ideas for veterans. Mike ties it into the community and looks at other ways that we can help. The balance works and we often found it necessary to have both sides,” Ryan, who served 4 tours in Iraq, shared.

“We built this off our contacts, with our own money, with the idea of ‘What can we do for you?’”

Ryan said. “Even if you don’t have money you can

t all started with kickball. Mike Gulley wanted to play kickball at the United Way fundraiser last summer, so he made some calls, talked to some friends and persuaded Ryan Giles and ten other friends to create a team. The event was cancelled and “We were pretty bummed out,” revealed Mike. “So we decided that we would throw our own event.”

That event, Battle in the Park, got the ball rolling for Gulley and Giles. The event was a success and raised $4000 for It’s About the Warrior foundation, a non-profit that helps post 9/11 veterans and their families in the tri-state area and whose board includes Brandon Rumbaugh, a friend of Mike’s and a double amputee Marine veteran.

During the event, they saw that there was a dire need for a veteran non-profit in the community, something that could help veterans get on their feet and get the community involved in the process. “Most people don’t really understand the mental and physical handicaps that returning veterans have. When you’re in the military, your life is very structured; you have almost a robotic mentality. When you return home, your brain is constantly moving but doesn’t know what to do, “ Ryan disclosed. “Getting the community involved and the veteran involved with the community helps integrate the process, especially to keep the brain occupied.”

Battle 4 Warriorz became official in October 2017. Since its creation, the group has held a zombie run at Mon View Park to benefit Hurricane Harvey victims and participated in Mud on the Mountain to spread awareness of End 22, as well as raise funds. During the holidays, they organized Santa 4 Little Soldiers. They teamed up with STARS, and armed with a list of low-income children from both veteran and nonveteran families as well as donations, they were able to provide Christmas presents to 144 kids, hand-delivered by volunteers. Their goal this year is to provide for 600 children.

One of the things they are raising funds for currently is to get a Tug of war at the Battle in the Park.

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By Danielle Nyland

Ryan Giles (far left) poses in front of an army jeep during the 2017 Waynesburg Veterans Parade with Mike Gulley (far right) and friends and volunteers.

still help, still grow. Bartering and talking to each other is something that we’ve gotten away from but they’re important. What do you have that could help me and what do I have that could help you? That way everyone benefits.”

“We’ve got a lot of ideas and plans.

I think that Mike and I can really make a change.”

The 2nd annual Battle in the Park will be held towards the end of summer to raise funds for the new programs. For more information visit Battle4Warriorz.com or stop by their Instagram page.

Volunteers delivering christmas presents to a Veterans Place as part of Santa 4 Little Warriorz.

Mike Gulley and volunteers during the Mud on the Mountain mud run.

Mike and Ryan at the Greene County Airport on a photo shoot for their upcoming calendar benefiting homeless veterans.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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GreeneScene by Bridget Vernon

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Nemacolin Dive and Rescue Team

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he Nemacolin Volunteer Fire Department’s Dive & Rescue team will celebrate 25 years as an important part of the department next year. Being so near the river, it seems that it was inevitable that Nemacolin would create a dive and rescue team. There were a few incidents that led up to its creation, but it wasn’t until a very sad and tragic event 26 years ago that the ball really got rolling.

It was an incident in 1992 that served as the catalyst for the Nemacolin VFD to add a dive and rescue team to their lineup. A 5-year-old girl was with her uncle down by the Nemacolin ferry landing. Neither of them could swim well and she fell off a log and into the river.

“She was just 12 feet under and we couldn’t see her,” said Drew Cubic, Sr. “We called for helicopters and support, but we couldn’t do anything.

We could only stand down there. After that, we thought, ‘We’re right by the river. We’ve got to have this.’”

Jim Schiffbauer remembers that day, “I wanted to go in, I knew just where she was. I swam that river all my life, but we weren’t allowed to go in. We had to wait for divers from Greensburg to arrive. It made me mad and that’s when I decided ‘We need a dive team.’”

Before the tragic incident in ‘92 that left the fire department feeling helpless, the Nemacolin VFD had used other people with diving experience to help if available. After the incident, they began the process of getting an official group together, equipped, and trained. The Cumberland Township supervisors granted permission to the fire department to start a team and the program was state-funded through the Nemacolin VFD Relief Association. The original team consisted of 6 men, including Drew Cubic, Sr., Bob Schiffbauer, Jim Schiffbauer, Ed Walkos, Sr., Max Brozik, Jr. and Les Siebert, Jr. Drew was the first captain of the team and is president of the Relief Association.

Equipment for the team was purchased and their first boat was acquired through donation by a former member. George Hixon had a boat just sitting around for years that was very much in need of repair. After his death, his son-in-law offered to donate it the fire department, “It’s yours, come get it, for what it’s worth,” and in return a plaque was placed on the boat honoring Hixon. “We worked on the boat and trailer ourselves over a few months to get it ready for the river,” Bob Schiffbauer, a lifetime member of the Nemacolin VFD since 1997, says.

“We discussed amongst ourselves when we were starting it that we would do this just for rescue and recovery, in order to prevent getting burnt out. We dove a lot for training, usually a few times a month, and we dove recreationally,” Bob adds.

The team spent approximately six to eight months completing dive training. There were 5 different levels of training on open water to 60 feet, the more advanced open water to 130 feet, and cold water diving. They also trained to be forensic technology and equipment specialists, and learned search and recovery techniques, which included various underwater patterns. They trained at InterState Aquatics in Morgantown, with dive instructor Master Diver Keith Golden.

The fire department has continued to update

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By Danielle Nyland

This 20-ft trailer houses all the equipment needed by the team for their rescues.

Inside the trailer, the suits and equipment all stored, with benches for the divers.

and make additions to their equipment. Their original boat was replaced with a new 18-ft pontoon boat that was purchased about 6-7 years ago. They also have a 20-ft trailer stocked with a range of dive gear, including swift water gear.

Current captain Jeremy Nelson says that the department makes sure to stay on top of training. “All the divers are PADI certified. We perform check dives in the pool. Throughout the year, we take the boat out on the Mon and complete some training dives,” he says. “We also travel to the Yough for deep water dive practice.”

Jeremy has been on the dive team since 2009 and has been captain on-and-off for a few years. The current team consists of Jeremy, Paul Kozlowski, (a former dive team captain), Lucas Cubic (currently in the Air Force), Drew Cubic, Jr., Drew Cubic, Sr., with Jim Schiffbauer serving as a reserve diver. Two volunteer firefighters from Carmichaels are also part of the team: Rob and Bob Schiffbauer. Nemacolin VFD member Ed Helman helps pilot the boat.

“We’ve been called out to locate stolen firearms, missing bodies, and perform community service, like the one time that we were called out to save a farm pond that was bleeding out. We also helped out at Riverfest for a few years,” Jeremy says.

When asked about a memorable call from his time on the dive team, Jeremy and Paul Kozlowski recall a certain New Year’s Day when they were called to the western part of the county. A 4-wheeler had been found abandoned, floating in a pond, with no one around.

“We were called out to look for the rider, to see if he was in the pond,” Jeremy shares. “Luckily, he wasn’t in there.”

Paul adds with a laugh, ”He wasn’t in there – he was safe at home watching it on the news after having some New Year’s fun!”

The team has worked all along the eastern part of the county, often in conjunction with other fire departments. Like the incident with the 4-wheeler, they have also been called out to the western side of Greene County, as well, because there are only two dive teams in the entire county. The other dive team is part of the Rices Landing Volunteer Fire Department.

Captain Jeremy Nelson geared up and preparing to complete some training.

Lucas Cubic preparing to enter the water on a training dive.

The Dive & Rescue team uses this 18-ft pontoon boat, purchased approximately 7 years ago to complete their dives.

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