June July GreeneScene 2017

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2017 • GreeneScene Magazine

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2017 • GreeneScene Magazine

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Waynesburg Center’s New Deck Serves All

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he Waynesburg Senior Center/Head Start building at 1605 Morris Street is now sporting a new, large deck to be utilized by both seniors and the children in Head Start program, which shares the facility – a unique approach that is offering new opportunities for both programs. The new deck measures 16’ x 60’ and has both steps and a handicap ramp. A canvas awning will soon be added.

The deck is divided in half with a gate which will allow both seniors and Head Start children to occupy it at the same time. Tables and chairs are provided for the seniors and toys are there for the children. This opportunity for interaction between the two age groups is a planned strategy to benefit both, while maximizing the use of the facility in our community.

The building of the deck was made possible by a grant from the PA Department of Aging which allows the money to be used for improvements, encourage technology, attract new members and to overall meet the needs of participants in the community centers. In addition to the new deck, the grant also enabled the Waynesburg Center to purchase IPads for use by the seniors, enhancing their ability to learn more technology.

There were two recipients in Greene County of this grant which totaled $114,798. Carmichaels Activity Center received $66,948 and the Waynesburg Community Center received $47,850.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 25th, a rather gloomy, wet, rainy day. However, just as the ceremony began, the sun’s rays shined through, as though it was smiling down on the participants and giving its approval to the completed project. In attendance were Greene County Commissioners Blair Zimmerman and Dave Coder, Darlene Bigler, executive director of Community Action Southwest, the seniors utilizing the center at the time, Head Start employees and children, along with Stacy Stroman the Director of Senior Services.

Following the brief ceremony the children went into the Senior Center portion of the building and, with the assistance of some senior citizens, planted flower seeds in egg cartons. Once the seeds have sprouted, the flowers will be placed on the deck. This is just the first step of trying to encourage more inter-generational activity between the two groups. With two Head Start classrooms and one classroom for infants serving children between the ages of six weeks to Kindergarten, there is a lot of room for growth between the two ages. The hope is to encourage more participation and use of the centers by seniors, and to offer more opportunity for children to interact

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Featured in the picture are Commissioner Zimmerman cutting the ribbon, with a little assistance from two Head Start children: Lucian Burdick and Alexis Ellis.

and enjoy this “grand” generation. “We are very excited about bringing together the children and the seniors and the possibilities are endless. We hope to do this as often as we can,” said Darlene Bigler.

Senior Community Centers are recognized as a community focal point and serve as a resource for older adults. The centers offer a wide variety of programs and services that may include: healthy and nutritious meal programs, enrichment programs, educational opportunities, transportation services, financial counseling and social and recreational activities. In one of the rooms in the Waynesburg Center is a large quilt rack where some of the women are currently working on a quilt.

The senior centers in Greene County are under the auspices of Community Action Southwest, a non-profit organization with a mission to mobilize public and private resources to deal with the causes of poverty, not just its impact.

Today Community Action Southwest operates fifty programs in Washington and Greene Counties serving almost 16,000 people per year. Community Action Southwest offers programming in the following areas: Early Childhood Services, Nutrition Services (including WIC), Family Economic Success, and Senior Services.

For more information, call 724-852-2893 or stop in at Community Action’s office, 58 E. Greene St., Waynesburg.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2017

Get ready to BAKE!

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any families in Greene County look forward to the arrival of Jacktown and Greene County fairs for more reasons than you know. One treat is getting to be the test panel for the bakers in the family who are planning to compete in one or more of the baking contests that bring out the best cooks in the county. Here are four that offer the highest premiums and a chance to advance to state competition.

All four contests will be held at each fair, at Jacktown on July 18, and Greene County Fair on Aug 18. Entrants in each of these contests must be Pennsylvania residents, and may not have won 1st place in the same contest at any other 2017 fair. Cash prizes will be awarded at all of the local contests and the 1st place winners in each will also advance to the state finals at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January for a chance at $500 cash prize for the winning recipe in each contest.

For more information and full contest rules, contact Melody Burns for the Jacktown Fair at 724-428-3617 or Jean Scott for the Greene County Fair at 724-627-9756. (Please note that the Greene County Fair has an entry deadline of June 30.) Entry forms and rules may also be found online at www.jacktownfair.org.

The INCREDIBLE Angel Food Cake Sponsored by Pennsylvania Egg Farmers and the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. There are two main types of cakes, butter and foam (egg-leavened). Angel food is the classic example of a foam cake. The cake is 100% fat free and, because of the eggs, is a good source of the highest quality protein, as well as a source of choline, which is essential to memory and brain development. Prizes awarded will be 1st place: $25; 2nd place: $15; and 3rd place: $10. When entering your cake, which must be made from scratch and using eggs produced in Pennsylvania, you must also submit the recipe. Cakes will be judged on the following categories and percentages: 30% Flavor (smell, taste, flavoring), 25%; Inside Characteristics (texture, lightness), 20%; Overall Appearance (surface, size, color), 15%; Creativ-

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ity, 10%; Topping, Icing or Decoration.

30th Annual Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest Sponsored by The Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, this is among the most popular contests and sought after award. Over 100 fairs across Pennsylvania will offer cash prizes for the best pie. Jacktown Fair’s and Greene County Fair’s contests are preliminary competitions that lead to the selection of the final Blue Ribbon Apple Pie winner held each January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The first place winner at the Farm Show will be awarded a cash prize of $500.00 for their winning entry. Other cash prizes will also be available for the top five entries.

Pies do not have to be traditional two crusted pies, and can have other ingredients in the filling, though it must be 60% apples. Judging will be based on total score up to 100 points according to these categories: Flavor - 30 points; Filling consistency, doneness, moistness & flavor - 25 points; Crust color, flavor, texture, doneness - 20 points; Overall Appearance - 15 points; Creativity - 10 points.

So dig out that favorite apple pie recipe and give it a try. You could end up being the Blue Ribbon Apple Pie winner Homemade Chocolate Cake Sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs (PSACF). A contest participant must be an individual amateur baker, the entry must be a layered chocolate cake made from “scratch”.

The entry must be frosted and the frosting must also be made from

“scratch”. The cake recipe must feature chocolate or cocoa as a main ingredient.

PA Preferred Junior Baking Cookies, Brownies and Bars Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred program and coordinated by the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. The goal of this NEW PA Preferred Junior Baking Contest is to highlight Pennsylvania agriculture by featuring locally grown grains, fruit and vegetables as well as locally produced dairy products and eggs in the contest entries.

A contest participant must be an individual amateur baker age 8 through and including 18 years old. The cookies, brownies or bars entry must include three out of the five PA Preferred featured ingredient categories. A comprehensive list of products is available on the PA Preferred website.

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I Love this P l a ce

This earliest photo was taken in 1869 from Town Hill, where kids went to sled ride back in the day. It shows both Old Town along the banks of Muddy Creek, then across the covered bridge to New Town where the Greene Academy can be seen.

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istory, it seems, is the job of the living to preserve, and at special times to use the occasion to throw a big party for all to enjoy.

The 250th anniversary of the founding of Carmichaels is happening June 29 through July 2 with art exhibits, historic reenactments – including an outdoor Sunday service with a circuit-riding preacher and an old time baseball game afterwards!

– a street fair in the town square, history galore at the Greene Academy on North Market Street, fun and games at Wana B Park and weekend shuttles around town to showcase the past that is alive and well in this old pre-Revolutionary town.

Two new books will be for sale – “Cumberland Township and Carmichaels” by Shelley McMinn Anderson and an updated and added-to version of the 1967 Carmichaels Bicentennial and the 1985 Carmichaels Businesses publications – “Carmichaels 1767-2017”. They serve up seven generations of images and first family accounts, from old deeds and the earliest snapshot of town taken in 1869 to 19th and 20th century street scenes, coal show parades, school photos and newsworthy happenings, clipped and scrapbooked by a proud community and now gathered for posterity.

The celebration got its walking orders more than two years ago from lifelong resident Bill Groves. He had come upon a stock certificate issued by the Bicentennial Committee of 1967 to help pay for their celebration.

“Bill showed it to my cousin Carole Gideon and said ‘We have to do something for the 250!’” avid genealogist Shelley remembers. “That’s when Carol and I started going everywhere, looking for history.”

So a committee of neighbors, relatives and friends came together to throw a party that would show the world why they love this place. As the word went out, others were drawn in.

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This 1950s view of town square is recognizable, if you look left you’ll see where the home office of Community Bank is today and the popular Hartley Inn on the right.

New Freeport landscape artist Dave Lesako went to an early meeting and was inspired by the plans being made. “My family moved here in 1960 from Vesta Six (in Fayette County) when I was ten.

Vesta Six was a patch but Carmichaels was a town!

I remember watching Westerns at the Lund Theater – they still showed newsreels and cartoons before the shows. My goal was to paint what’s still here and I started with the older buildings and farms and wandered down to the falls where I played as kid. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. Muddy Creek is why people settled here.”

Two of Dave’s larger oil paintings of the creek are on display in the windows of what used to be the Gideon and before that Kerr family store next door to the Hartley Inn, once a private residence that now serves tasty eats on Market Street. These old buildings reflect the staying power of a town that was built from scratch 250 years ago, by people whose descendants know that what they have is worth saving.

Finding a creek with fertile banks and rolling

CARMICHAELS, PA

by Colleen Nelson

as land was cleared and that generation produced everything they needed, with sawmills and grist mills along Muddy Creek, blacksmith forges for tools and horseshoes, harness, and saddle makers, cobblers, potters, weavers and tailors, stores where goods were bartered for farm produce and every backyard in town had room for a garden, some chickens, maybe even a pig. Farmers raised more stock and farmed more land each year and the extra produce they sold became disposable income that helped build the middle class.

With the basics of living attended to, these first settlers and their children turned their attention to building schools and churches, collectively paying for preachers and sometimes, even teachers.

Stones cleared from fields were used to build an Episcopal Church in 1790 on land owned by James Carmichael. The brick section was added in 1810 when church trustees granted use of the building for a school. The academy, very progressive for its time, had a “female department” as early as 1837 and served as the educational center of Greene County until Waynesburg College was founded in 1849. When Carmichaels built its borough school in 1893 the academy closed its doors and in time became a home for Civil War veterans, then apartments in the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1970s, the late Judge Glenn Toothman, who had a passion for preserving the county’s past, joined forces with historically minded citizens like Bill Groves and organized the Greene Academy. These dedicated volunteers provided the money, materials and hard work it took to reopen its doors as a National Heritage Site.

The old academy is now the community headquarters of Greene Academy of Art, Carmichaels Area Historical Society and the place to begin your adventure when the festival commences on June 30 (after a Thursday night dinner to kick things off, at the Senior Center).

There will be driving tours around Cumberland Township, shuttles from Greene Academy to Wana B Park and plenty of chances to just stroll.

Cross the covered bridge and you’re in Old Town, where Thomas Hughes built his first cabin, then escaped with his wife and his life when it was burned to the ground in 1770 as conflicts escalated on the Western Frontier.

hills was an arduous trek from the settled lands of the East for the Flennikin brothers who “tomahawked 10,000 acres” in and around Muddy Creek in 1760. In 1767 Mason and Dixon were busy surveying the line between Penns Woods and Delaware, Maryland and Virginia colonies when the Flennikins returned on the Braddock Road through Redstone, now known as Brownsville, crossed the Monongahela River near Fredericktown and followed trails to their claim.

They brought other families with them – Seatons, Swans, Hughes, Cragos and John and James Carmichael. England had taken Ft. Duquesne from the French in 1761 and renamed it Ft. Pitt. Indigenous tribes were Greene Academy member Bill Groves has a special bond with this old building that was the only place of higher learning in Greene fighting for territorial hunting rights and incoming settlers were caught in between. County from 1810 until Waynesburg College was built in 1849 – he once lived here. “There were three apartments and my parents These were uncertain times. lived in one of them during World War II. After the war they built The families staked their claims, built a house two doors down the street.” Bill was one of the historically cabins that doubled as fortresses and a minded volunteers who pitched in to restore the academy and help settlement was born. Their farms spread it receive its National Heritage recognition.

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When houses and shops were built across the creek on Market Street, that section of town was called New Town and the town square became its recognizable Colonial feature.

When Hughes sold his portion of land to James Carmichael for 2,500 Continental pounds on July 24, 1780 and moved to land around Jefferson, Carmichael named the village New Lisbon, but over in Old Town, Frances Seaton continued to call the land around his Muddy Creek store Elizabeth in honor of his sister Betty.

Betty married James Carmichael and their son William Seaton Carmichael married Nancy Harper. Her father Samuel “was a Revolutionary War veteran and is buried in Glades Cemetery. He’s my five times great grandfather,” Shelley said.

The town photo from 1869 shows a covered bridge across the creek although the present bridge is dated 1889.

“There’s always been a bridge there,” Shelley pointed to the photo. “See, just down from the bridge, that’s the Pennington greenhouse on the site where the Thomas Hughes cabin was. “There were greenhouses there on both sides of the road.

That’s all gone now.”

Samuel Harper’s stately brick home is still standing along St. Rt. 88, just past the almost-lastof-its-kind Sky View Drive-In that draws tourists hungry for the Happy Days of the 1950s all summer long. “The people who own it now gave me a tour

and it was very emotional for me. Harper House is a living piece of my family history and it’s in my book,” Shelley said.

As the twentieth century approached, the first families of Cumberland Township were joined by other immigrants looking for a better life, as the coal that Jesuit priests observed indigenous tribes burning for warmth in 1660 became the power source of the Industrial Revolution. Dilworth mine was opened in 1898, then Crucible, then Nemacolin. Miners and their families from many countries weathered layoffs, strikes and brutal conditions as they learned to work together to help each other live the American Dream. Coal patches sprang up around every new mine and workers dug the coal that powered production through World War II and beyond. In 1954 the community honored its new heritage by – what else? – throwing a party and having a parade! - and the King Coal Bituminous Coal Show was born.

These memories and more can be found in those two new books and there is plenty of memorabilia to be had at the festival that will give you the bragging rights to say “I was there for the 250.”

“I’m getting emails every day from all over the United States from people who are coming in for this,” Shelley said. “This is amazing because it shows me how far our families have gone and that they want to come back to visit old friends and celebrate with us.”

Over the weekend, Dave Lesako’s paintings are in the hallway that separates the stone from brick sections at the Greene Academy

Burying a time capsule at the Flenniken Memorial Library was part of the 1967 Bicentennial celebration. Here we see, from left, local dignitaries Steve McCann, J. Claude Smith, Rev. James Gahagen and Charles Donley posing for camera as the capsule is lowered. Joining the ceremony is Bertha Darrah Faddis, the oldest living student of the Greene Academy, which closed its doors in 1893 when Carmichaels built its first ward school.

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and Rev. Don Wilson will have his trains up and running in the room next door. The surrounding grounds will be Old Town revisited, with reenactors, crafters, quilters, musicians and roving historians, there to tell the story of how those first settlers did it.

Tread lightly when you visit the academy – ac-

cording to old records James Carmichael’s grave is under the flagstones by the back door. “We’re still looking for his original headstone. We think we know where it is – we just have to form an expedition and go get it,” Shelley said with a happy, historian’s grin.

Historians (and cousins) Shelley McMinn, left and Carol Gideon display the two new books just released and a sampling of artistic items for the 250th Anniversary celebration in Carmichaels.

Artist Dave Lasako displays some of the paintings he has created to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of Carmichaels

This photo of the Lund Theater taken in 1968 shows quite a fancy façade and something of the sense of humor the owner had. Kids like landscape artist Dave Lesako loved going here to watch westerns and get the latest news and some cartoons before the show. Now all that’s left is the parking lot beside Community Bank on the town square and the memories from those who were kids when this was the place to meet your friends and watch a show on a really big screen.

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G ree n e Sce n e of the Pa st

by Colleen Nelson

ditor’s note: With all the great photos of Carmichaels gathered over the years coming to the surface for the 250th Anniversary Celebration of the town, it was challenging to choose just the right one for our GreeneScene of the Past feature, until we ran across this one in Shelley McMinn Anderson’s collection. Colleen calls it “the man on the roof ” and here are her findings: That’s Steve McCann, holding an umbrella to shield himself from the hot August sun as an early King Coal Bituminous Coal Show parade commences down Market Street. The crowd waits to see the countless floats, marching bands, Shriners, antique cars, mine machinery and, yes, the Coal Queen and her entourage pass by.

“Steve was the MC for the coal show for many years and he had an incredibly loud voice,” Shelley remembers. “We could hear him from our house and we were blocks and blocks away.”

No one is quite sure what year this shot was taken but Shelley is sure it’s an early one. The Coal Show started in 1954 and judging from the Fonzy Happy Days style of the young men in this photo, we agree - it’s an early one.

Some of the buildings seen here are still standing.

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.

BOWLBY LIBRARY POETRY COMPETITION Editor’s note: Last month, our story reported the winners of the 2016 Poetry contest by mistake. We apologize to this year’s winners and all our readers for any inconvenience. Please read below for the true winners of the 2017 poetry competition sponsored by Eva K. Bowlby Library.

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or the second 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 awards prizes for original poems in five different age categories. From the 42 original poems that were submitted, judges with a Creative Writing concentration at Waynesburg University narrowed it down to the winners:

Space Thoughts

By J.J. Martinez (3rd-5th grade)

A Baby Calf

By Payton Duncan (K-2nd grade)

Time and space, the universe’s face.

A farmer had a baby calf, That laughed and laughed and laughed.

Because he saw bees, dancing in the trees.

He saw some pigs having fun.

They liked to lay in the mud and sun.

The calf saw some horses eating some hay.

The calf had a very fun day.

He went to the barn to take a rest.

There he saw a little bird nest.

It was time for everyone to go to sleep.

He laid down next to the sheep.

Dark and light, the forces of life.

Moons and stars, glowing afar.

An infinite, miraculous place, filled with the force of amazing grace.

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Payton Duncan, K-2nd grade, won for her original poem “A Baby Calf.” J.J. Martinez, 3-5th grade, chose space for his winning entry, “Space Thoughts, and in the adult category, Charles Berryhill won with his entry, “Seasons of Wind-Songs.”

The winners gathered in the Gallery of the library to read their winning poems.

Each winner received a gift card to Barnes & Noble, along with a notebook to record their future poems!

Seasons of Wind- Songs

By Charles A. Berryhill (Adult) In the depths of midwinter, when the ice rules the scene, Does each tree, sighing sadly, remember the green— Or in nightmares compose a lament for its death.

Not recalling the joy of the spring’s birthing breath?

In the winter, the wind with the North’s icy voice Sings of Yule as the ice gnomes feast, dance, and rejoice.

The earth’s tilting axis is reason for seasons If someone is seeking to learn Nature’s reasons.

When God gave spring life to awaken the earth He planned springing life as His greening’s rebirth.

The winds of the spring are life-warming and spill His blessings on sea, on the plain, and each hill.

Maturing and aging, the summer winds blow; As seeds become plants and continue to grow.

The warm winds grow humid and drenching streams flow, And some few long for winter and a fireplace’s glow.

The autumn’s breeze blows and the harvests are nigh, Though its joy comes with hints that there’s frost in the sky.

Now the deep green of summer’s deserted scene, And the crystal-clean waters reflect silver sheen.

Soon autumn’s behind us and north winds grow bold As they bring ice and snow for the season of cold.

Now, remember spring’s lurking on seasons great wheel, And, quite soon, it will be spring’s rebirth that you’ll feel.

Spreading over the earth, spring is springing abroad; And the earth is receiving the blessings of God.

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2017

ATV UTV DIRT DRAGS

Jacktown Fair

Wed., July 9th at 7pm

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early everyone loves the thrill of a race. Two wheels or four - Since automotive vehicles have been around – so have race tracks.

Sometimes the most heated are in the field and dirt roads and country paths… which has given birth to the hugely popular and growing competition of ATV & UTV Dirt Drags. Now here’s a race the whole family can enjoy! What kid among the country folk doesn’t love to peel out in the dirt…. Of course, when you’re having this kinda fun, you feel like a kid no matter your age.

Come try your luck, or just watch the fun – Jacktown Fair is introducing a new event this year – The Jacktown ATV UTV Dirt Drags on Wednesday Night, July 19, beginning at 7pm.

Complete rules and information are available online at jacktownfair.org. Here are the classes available, each has a $10 registration fee: Classes: Wednesday, July 19, 2017: 1. Stock ATV - 50cc and under, Age 4-8 2. Stock ATV - 51cc - 110cc, Age 4-8 3. Stock ATV - 80cc - 110cc, Age 7-12 4. Stock ATV - 110cc - 200cc, (up to 300cc 4-stroke)Age 12-15 5. Stock ATV - Age 16-24 6. Stock ATV - Age 25 and over 7. ATV - Run What You Brung 8. Stock UTV - 600cc and under, Age 18 and over 9. Stock UTV - 601cc - 850cc, Age 18 and over 10. Stock UTV - 851cc and over, Age 18 and over 11. UTV - Run What You Brung

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Old Fashioned Outdoor Service at Carmichael’s 250th

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By Colleen Nelson

hen Reverend Reagan Fike of First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church at 235 South Market Street got involved last year with plans for the Carmichaels 250 celebration June 29-July 2, another chapter of local history was resurrected, if only for a day.

Why not hold an outdoor worship service “revival” on Sunday to honor the past, complete with a circuit-riding preacher arriving in a horse drawn buggy? Why not give area churchgoers a chance to worship together, like the pioneers did before the first churches were built and the pews were fallen logs and the pulpit a stump?

Why not indeed! Can anyone say amen?

The little white church on Market Street has a countrified air and its front signage spells out why parishioners sometimes refer to themselves as “People of the Parenthesis” - the Disciples of Christ, Reagan said, grinning.

She was taking a break between getting ready for Vacation Bible School and meeting fiancée David Rager after church for lunch to tell this reporter a little about her mission of faith for wholeness in a fragmented world - “to welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God welcomed us.” What better way than to bring your lawn chair and meet your neighbors under a big tent at Wana B Park at 10:30 a.m. on July 2 and have some of that old time religion!

The first United Methodist Church with pastor Dayton Mix will hold service at 8:30 a.m. for those unable to attend services at the park, Reagan added.

“I’m head of the Carmichaels Ministerium we meet the first Thursday of the month. I brought the idea up at a meeting and we worked it out.

(Retired) Reverend Harold Kelly of Greene Valley Presbyterian Church will be our circuit rider.

He has a costume and is really excited about it. He broke his knee and is in therapy but the thought of being the preacher is keeping him going.”

In the early 1800s Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist and Presbyterian churches had established themselves on the American frontier, but the individual experiences of isolated people in Pennsylvania and Kentucky as they rebelled against the rigid denominationalism of these established church doctrines caused breakaway congregations to form around charismatic preachers who stumped for converts at backwoods revivals. The converts give their

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Reverend Reagan Fike and fiance David Rager in front of the First Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church in Carmichaels.

new churches more inclusive names - Christian and Disciples of Christ. By 1832 the two branches joined together with a mission to restore Christian unity through New Testament belief and practices and were open to other Christian traditions.

Today’s church is culturally diverse, does mission work worldwide and has dialog with the Roman Catholic Church and the World Communication of Reformed Churches.

When Reagan became the first female pastor in the Carmichaels church 14 years ago, she was made welcome.

“My congregation lets me tell stories that have a bible theme as part of my sermon and the children participate in some of our adult services. Once a year the children give the sermon and conduct services and I’ve had teachers tell me that some of the shy kids give better reports in school because they’ve learned to lead here at church. I’m proud of them - our kids raised $800 to put new shingles on the roof. Last week we had 23 kids at Vacation Bible School and they weren’t all from our church.

Everyone’s welcome to join us.”

Sunday service starts at 10:30 a.m. and you can come casual. Jeans are fine. And on July 2 please consider joining Reagan and her congregation at Wana B Park. Look for the big white tent and don’t forget your lawn chair.

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2017

THE LEGENDARY JACKTOWN FAIR PARADE WILL BE HELD JULY 18

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he legendary Jacktown Fair will be held July 18 – 22, 2017, celebrating 152 years.

The celebration actually begins with a worship service at 10am on Sunday, July 16 and Queen and Princess Competition at 7pm that evening at the Fairgrounds in Wind Ridge, Pa. The Jacktown Fair is sponsored by the Richhill Agricultural Society, originally named The Richhill Agricultural, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Association in its charter formed July 6, 1866. The first Jacksonville Fair (as it was initially named) occurred on October 3rd and 4th of that same year.

The 152nd Annual Jacktown Fair will kick off with the Jacktown Fair Parade on Tuesday, July 18, beginning at 6:30pm.

In addition to the Grand Marshall, not yet named at press time, the parade will feature Laura Wise, daughter of Mary Ellen and Andy Wise of Graysville, the reigning 2016 Jacktown Fair Queen, the new 2017 Jacktown Fair Princess, and the contestants vying for this year’s Fair Queen. State and local dignitaries will make an appearance in the parade, along with various community groups and entries in the float contests.

The Jacktown Fair Parade offers prize money in two float contests. The mini float contest, with prizes of $40, $30, $20, & $10 features floats con-

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structed on a child’s wagon, a wheel barrow, garden cart, small cart, etc. It can be hand pulled or pulled by a lawn size tractor. This contest was introduced last year, in addition to the regular float contest in which winning entries receive $100, $75, $50, and $25. Both float contests will utilize this year’s fair theme “Country Scenes – Blue Ribbon Dreams”.

Float entries will be judged on their attractiveness, design, workmanship, use of the theme, originality and other elements. Groups, individuals…anyone wishing to enter a float corresponding to this year’s theme is encouraged to do so.

The Jacktown Fair Board invites all interested bands, businesses, churches, fire companies, groups, organizations and individuals to participate in the parade. If you have an interesting, entertaining, showy or unusual item; your entry is welcomed. Antique and classic cars, clowns, horses, regional/ local queens and princesses…all are invited to join the parade!

It is imperative to contact parade chair Marcia Sonneborn as soon possible, so the parade’s line can be constructed. Your date of entry will be taken into consideration when forming the parade line.

For more information or to reserve your place, call 724-428-4344 or email: marciasonne@windstream. net.

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PICTURE PUZZLE PRIZE WINNER It seems our Picture Puzzle contest was a little too challenging last month. The three free oil changes were awarded to Deneen Rhodes of Mather, whose name was drawn at random from all entries received; however, none of the entries received were correct. So we’re giving you a second chance! Take another look, we’ve made it a bit easier for you to recognize. And here’s a hint: we chose this picture for our puzzle because we were paying tribute to Memorial Day.

PIRATES TICKETS WINNER! Congratulations to Larry Kuharcik of Mather, winner of our Pirate Trivia Contest – and four CLUB SEAT tickets ($120 value) to see the Pirates vs. the Brewers at PNC Park. Larry said he’s an avid baseball fan, but when we asked who he’s sharing the tickets with, he said that would be up to his wife. Better stay on her good side, Larry – make sure YOU get to go!

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2017

West Greene Softball: A Team For The Ages

By Jason Tennant

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o get the full story on the 2017 State Champion West Greene Pioneers, one needs to go back to the way the 2016 season came to a heartbreaking end.

There was a lot of buzz around Pioneer softball heading into last season with an influx of exceptional freshmen into the starting lineup. The young lineup featured four freshmen and three sophomores though that would have to prove themselves.

Prove themselves, they did.

After going 19-1 in the regular season and outscoring their opponents by a combined 225-32 (yes you read that right), the Pioneers stormed through the WPIAL Playoffs, knocking off perennial power Chartiers-Houston in the Championship Game, 12-3 to earn the first WPIAL title in program history and only the second in school history in any sport, joining the 1994 wrestling team.

From there it was the state playoffs, where the Pioneers continued to roll, all the way to the State Championship Game at Penn State University’s Beard Field where they found themselves tied, 2-2, with District 11 Champion Williams Valley after six innings.

The dreams of winning a state title were squashed when a fly ball over the head of right fielder Mackenzie Carpenter deflected off her glove and Williams Valley had a walk-off 3-2 win.

With the young roster, the future seemed very bright, but coming onto the scene as an unknown is much different than coming into a season as defending WPIAL Champions who were just one step

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away from a state title.

Coming into the 2017 campaign, the only hole in the West Greene lineup from 2016 was at shortstop as Bailey Bennington was lost to graduation. Head Coach Bill Simms made the decision to replace her with junior Madison Renner, who as a sophomore was the pitcher who took the Pioneers all the way to the State Championship Game. To replace a pitcher with that resume as a sophomore coming into her junior year might seem a little crazy, but Simms knew he didn’t have to look very far to find the new starting pitcher with Madison’s younger sister Jade starting her freshman year at West Greene. “(Jade’s) a freshman in grade only,” said Simms. “She’s thrown varsity games for us in the (recreation) leagues as a fifth grader! We throw these kids to the wolves just to try to get to this position because we thought we’d have a nice ball club when we got here.”

The overriding thought was the best defensive lineup Simms could put out there was with Madison Renner at shortstop and the left handed Jade pitching.

Jade did not disappoint, even as the Pioneers knew they weren’t going to sneak up on anyone in 2017. Game in and game out, West Greene was going to get their opponents’ best effort in an attempt to knock off the defending WPIAL Champions.

Though the overall numbers looked very simi-

lar to the runs from a year ago with West Greene outscoring their regular season opponents in 2017, 219-30, the season didn’t come without a few hard fought victories and even an unexpected loss.

West Greene was 12-0, and hadn’t really been challenged when they were set to host neighboring Waynesburg Central in a non-conference game on April 19th. Waynesburg stunned West Greene with a come-from-behind 7-6 win, dealing the Pioneers their first loss of the season.

Over the next couple of weeks West Greene would be challenged twice more as they narrowly defeated both Monessen (1-0) and Carmichaels (43). However when the playoffs rolled around again, West Greene left no doubt as to who was the favorite in Class 1A. In their opening game, in the WPIAL Quarterfinals, West Greene sent 15 batters to the plate in the bottom of the first inning against Bishop Canevin. They scored 10 runs that inning, four of which were driven in by second baseman Kaitlyn Rizor who doubled and homered in the same inning! The game ended, 17-0 due to the mercy rule, after just two and a half innings.

Next up was a WPIAL Semifinal matchup with Leechburg, whose pitcher Morgan Pierce, seemed to solve the potent Pioneer offense from the third inning on. West Greene however was able to do enough damage in the first two innings to ad-

vance. Madison Renner drove in one with a double in the first inning and then hit a 3-run homerun in the second to go up 6-0 early. West Greene went on to win, 6-2.

The Championship Game at California University of Pennsylvania on June 1st would pit West Greene against a familiar foe, the Monessen Greyhounds, who they had defeated just 1-0 five weeks prior. The Pioneers scored early and often this time to build up a 6-0 lead through four innings. A sixth inning that featured a 2-run blast by Madison Renner and a Rizor triple extended West Greene’s lead to 10 and put the game in mercy rule territory.

Jade Renner stranded Monessen runners at the corners with a strikeout to end the game and jump start the celebration of the teams 2nd consecutive WPIAL crown.

Following the game, Simms spoke about the high expectations the team had to face this season.

“I think the kids dealt with it much better than I did,” said Simms. “Knowing that you should be the favorite and having everybody tab you with this, it’s a different animal to take on and I think they reacted well.”

Back-to-back WPIAL titles was only part of the goal though.

There was a theme, with T-shirts and all, for Continued on page 20

15

PIONEERS

STATE C

Hunter Fredericks, Manager Emily Simms, Manager #2 Kaitlyn Rizor #4 Madison Lampe #5 Emily Goodwin #6 Brianna Amos #7 Linzee Stover #8 Lexie Mooney #9 Mackenzie Carpenter #10 Jade Renner #11 Marissa Rode #13 Brittany Bonnema #14 Shelby Morris #15 Courtney Ross

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Head Coach: Bill Simms Asst. Coach: Nicole Redlinger

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Asst. Coach: Asst. Coach

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CHAMPS

PIONEERS #16 Mckenna Lampe #17 Hannah Pettit #18 Sage Vliet #19 Rhiannon Campbell #20 Makenzie Thomas #21 Savannah Pettit #22 Jessica Orndoff #23 Brianna Goodwin #28 Haleigh Thomas #29 Kylie Simms #33 Deshaylah Bissett #44 Skyler Horr #48 Madison Renner

Jeremiah Allison h: Eric Bedilion

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Asst. Coach: Jeff Stover Trainer: Juan Lopez

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Meet The Brianna Amos - Freshman

Brianna Goodwin - Sophomore

Brittany Bonnema - Senior

Courtney Ross - Sophomore

Jessica Orndoff - Sophomore

Kaitlyn Rizor - Sophomore

Kylie Simms - Freshman Catcher Parents: Bill & Amy Simms

Lexie Mooney - Junior

First Base Parents: Heath & Denise Mooney

Mackenzie Thomas - Sophomore

Marissa Rode - Junior

McKenna Lampe - Sophomore

Rhiannon Campbell - Sophomore

Pitcher / Short Stop Parents: Jimmy & Cheryl Amos

Outfield Parent: Tina Orndoff

Short Stop / Second Base Parent: Heath & Angie Thomas

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First Base Parents: David & Michelle Goodwin

Second Base / Short Stop Parents: Jeff & Jenny Rizor

Outfield Parents: Jeffrey & Sheila Rode

Outfield Parent: Jason Bonnema

Center Field Parents: John & Stephanie Lampe

Outfield Parents: Steve & Brandy Ross

Outfield Parent: Stephanie Campbell

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Team!

Deshaylah Bissett - Freshman

y d a L

Third Base

Emily Goodwin - Senior

Haleigh Thomas - Sophomore

Parents: Deshanda & Ricky Bissett

Second Base Parents: David & Michelle Goodwin

Outfield Parents: Heath & Angie Thomas

Outfield / Second Base Parents: Mark & Christina Pettit

Linzee Stover - Junior

Mackenzie Carpenter - Sophomore

Madison Lampe - Sophomore Third Base Parents: John & Stephanie Lampe

Madison Renner - Junior

Pticher / Short Stop Parents: John & Misty Renner

Sage Vliet - Senior

Savannah Pettit - Sophomore

Shelby Morris - Senior

Skyler Horr - Freshman

Left Field / Second Base Parents: Jeff & Sheila Stover

Third Base Parents: Travis & Kristy Vliet

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Right Field Parents: Jason & Jess Carpenter

Outfield Parent: Nicole Jones

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Catcher Parent: Jodi Lahew

Hannah Pettit - Sophomore

Jade Renner - Freshman

Pitcher / First Base Parents: John & Misty Renner

P I O N E E R S

Second Base

Parents: Mark & Nancy Horr

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Continued from page 15

this 2017 team. Clearly stated on the back of many a blue T-shirt were the words, “Unfinished Business.” The “business” the shirts were referring to was winning the state title, which they had gotten so close to the previous year, but was the only thing for this team that remained “unfinished.”

The quest to win the state title started with a PIAA First Round game at North Allegheny against Shanksville-Stoneycreek, the District 5 Runners-up. Once again, the potent offense of the Pioneers teed off for a 10-0 win, sparked by a 4-for-4 day for McKenna Lampe and closed out in style as Madison Lampe and Madison Renner connected on back-to-back homeruns in the sixth inning to get the Pioneers to 10 runs, ending the game with a walk-off mercy rule win.

It was then on to the PIAA Quarterfinals at Somerset against District 6 Runner-up Claysburg-Kimmel. This game was a different story. The Pioneers struck early when McKenna Lampe led off the game with a bunt and caught Claysburg-Kimmel’s defense sleeping to swipe second and third. She would score on a Madison Renner sacrifice fly to put the Pioneers up 1-0. From that point on, it was a defensive struggle as Bulldog pitcher Courtney Garver kept the Pioneers off balance. Of the first 18 West Greene batters, 10 hit infield pop-ups. Jade Renner and some fantastic defense by Madison Renner at shortstop and McKenna Lampe in centerfield kept Claysburg-Kimmel at bay too and the score remained 1-0 through 5 innings. Madison Renner and Rizor would hit back-to-back homeruns in the sixth

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inning to go up 3-0 and the Pioneers would hold on for a 3-1 win.

In the PIAA Semifinals, West Greene would go up against District 9 Champion DuBois Central Catholic, the same team they faced in last year’s semifinals, on the same field (North Allegheny), exactly 364 days earlier. Last year the Pioneers defeated the Cardinals, 5-2.

This year West Greene seemed to control the game from the start.

Rizor had a bases clearing double to put the Pioneers up 4-0 and by the time Madison Lampe connected on a 2-run homerun in the fourth inning, the Pioneers had built up a 7-2 lead. Lexie Mooney and Linzee Stover drove in a couple of insurance runs in the seventh to go up 9-3 and the Pioneers would go on to win by a final score of 9-5.

The PIAA Semifinals wouldn’t be the only dose of déjà vu for the Pioneers as the State Championship Game would also be a rematch.

Exactly one year to the day of last year’s game, the Pioneers would get their chance to avenge the loss to Williams Valley, District 11 Champion and now defending State Champion, at Penn State University.

Interestingly, both teams would start freshman pitchers who obviously had nothing to do with last year’s game.

Nobody could’ve predicted how this game would unfold as the Pioneers got off to a disastrous start in the first two innings. In the top of the first, West Greene failed to score despite 3 hits and a walk as they made two outs on the base paths. They then gave up 2 runs in the bottom of the first after a ground ball probably should’ve put the Vikings down in order. The Pioneers then fell further behind in a second inning where the Vikings benefited from an illegal pitch and a couple of errors. West Greene trailed 7-0 after two innings. Much of the starting lineup for West Greene had never faced that steep of an uphill climb in their high school career.

It was time to start chipping away and they did just that by plating 2 runs in the third inning. The real magic would come in the fourth inning when a Mooney walk, a Stover single, and a Carpenter RBI double set the stage for the top of the order still with nobody out. With the bases loaded and one out, Madison Renner drove one to deep centerfield coming very close to a grand slam, but the ball was trapped against the wall by centerfielder Mya Achenbach. It was not an out, but it did force the runners to only advance one base with a very long RBI single.

Jade Renner then came through with a 2-out, 2-run single that would pull the Pioneers to within a run at 7-6 by the time the inning came to a close.

Still trailing 7-6 heading into the sixth inning, the Pioneers got a leadoff double from Jade Renner, her fourth hit of the game in as many at bats. Then with one out, Mooney, who has had a knack for clutch hits all year long, smacked an RBI single to tie the game! West Greene would rally for two more in the frame to take their first lead at 9-7.

Williams Valley scored a run in the sixth to cut the lead to 9-8 and in the bottom of the seventh, got Autumn Calnon, the potential tying run, all the way to third base with one out.

Jade Renner then picked up a strikeout for out number two and the game would end on a groundball to Madison Lampe at third base. “It was like slow motion,” said Lampe. “Everything was going so slow and when I got it, and I threw it, and Lexie (Mooney) caught it, the feeling was unreal!”

It was a comeback for the ages by a team for the ages.

The West Greene Pioneers are State Champions. It’s the first state title for West Greene in any sport and only the second softball state title in Greene County history as they join the 1998 Carmichaels squad.

“This is not just for us but for the community,” said Simms.

“It’s an incredible feeling.”

West Greene completed the season with a final record of 26-1. In the past two seasons the team has a postseason record of 14-1, the only loss coming in last year’s state final. And of the starting lineup, only catcher Shelby Morris and designated player Marissa Rode have graduated meaning the vast majority of this team returns next year.

When asked for thoughts on a third straight trip to Penn State next year, Madison Renner replied, “I’m liking it. I think you’ll be seeing us again.”

For now let’s just celebrate the State Champion West Greene Pioneers!

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WAYNESBURG 50’S FEST The Waynesburg 50s Fest & Car Cruise Committee is inviting classic car, truck & motorcycle owners to submit photos of your “pride on wheels” for consideration as they design the 2017 collectible t-shirt and dash plaque magnet. Now as always, the committee admittedly is preferential to folks who are regular participants at our 50s Fest and/or have worked with the committee to keep the event going strong. But they also can’t pass up a great vehicle when they see – so everyone has a chance! Send a good quality picture and full description of your vehicle to shelly@directresults.us or you can drop off pictures or mail them to the Direct Results office and we’ll get them to the committee for consideration: 50s Fest c/o Direct Results 185 Wade Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. If you need more info, call Shelly at 724-627-2040.

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Carmichaels Wins Top Inventor Awards

The Yellow Jacket Wins National Award Waynesburg University’s student-run newspaper, The Yellow Jacket, recently won the Society of Professional Journalists’ (SPJ) 2016 Mark of Excellence Award for In-Depth Reporting, Small School Division.

“Winning a national award for this series, which was the work of four students over the course of an entire calendar year, not only is incredible for these students and is validation of their talent, but is also a reminder to the rest of The Yellow Jacket and other students in the department that hard work really does pay off,” said Dr. Brandon Szuminsky, instructor of communication and faculty advisor for The Yellow Jacket.

Pictured L-R: Luke Goodling, Kimmi Baston and Shon Meade.

Waynesburg University was only one of two Pennsylvania universities to earn a naexciting, but to be judged the very best in the entire tional award in any of the newspaper categories. country is phenomenal,” said Szuminsky. “It’s hard The entry was a five-story series on the her- to put too fine a point on this, but these four stuoin epidemic written by Kimmi Baston, Anthony dents wrote a series of articles that beat out every Conn, Teghan Simonton and Mattie Winowitch, student journalist at every college and university and it was one of four first-place region awards re- with 10,000 students or fewer.” All national winners ceived by The Yellow Jack in April, all of which were and finalists will be recognized at the SPJ’s 2017 sent on to be judged nationally against the 11 other Excellence in Journalism Conference in Anaheim, SPJ regions.

California, in September.

“Any time our students’ work is recognized is

Carmichaels Envirothon Team in Top Three

The 34th Pennsylvania Envirothon state competition was held last month at the University of Pittsburgh with high school students from 64 Pennsylvania counties participating.

The team representing Greene County from Carmichaels Area High School placed third overall in the 2017 competition. Carmichaels had the highest score of all teams in the state in the Forestry station with an 87, second highest Oral Component score of 96.7, and a total score of 515.7 points for the competition, only 15.3 points away from first place.

Each team member received a $500 scholarship from the PA Envirothon. For third place, the team

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Receiving the Top Inventor Award at Inventionland Institute are (l-r) Carmichaels Middle School students Hunter Voithofer, Lucas Swartz, Bailey Jones, and 8th Grade Teacher Brittany Phillips.

Carmichaels Area School District was awarded a grant originating from Chevron to the Intermediate Unit One for a special program produced

by Inventionland of Pittsburgh. Colonial School in Brownsville piloted the program last year and the Chevron Grant enabled the program this year at other schools in the Intermediate Unit of the tricounty area (Greene Fayette and Washington).

Created by George Davison, Inventionland is self-described as the “World’s Innovation Destination point” with over 1,000 visitors touring its invention factory each month. The institute offers comprehensive educational materials and innovation supplies and services for schools and corporate innovation labs.

“The challenge for our students was to come up with an invention or to modify an existing invention and pitch it to a panel of judges, much like the TV show ‘Shark Tank’,” explained CAMS 8th grade teacher Brittany Phillips. Students followed Inventionland’s “9-Step Method” of product development for their ideas, which included protecting, researching, brainstorming, sketching, modeling, drafting, packaging and communicating. The ideas were then “pitched” to a panel of judges composed of school principals and 8th grade teachers, with an audience of the other students who could ask questions about the inventions.

“All of the 8th grade groups that presented did

an amazing job, so it was a tough decision to choose a winner; however, the group of Lucas Swartz, Hunter Voithofer, and Bailey Jones won the local competition with their invention, the “Slope Master,” which is a ski bike,” said Mrs. Phillips.

The bike, sans wheels, uses skis to mobilize.

It can go down snowy hills, off jumps, and is even equipped with lights and a water-bottle holder.

“The boys actually fabricated the prototype, doing much of the work outside of school on their own time. According to competition rules, the concept did not have to be original, modifications could be made to existing products resulting a unique design and improved product,” said Ms. Phillips. The trio of Carmichaels 8th grade inventors also designed their own logo for decals on the bike and on shirts they wore for their next presentation in Pittsburgh at the actual Inventionland factory, where they came up against other middle schools winners in the regional competition on May 17.

“Not only did they do an amazing job representing the school, but they took home the supreme award of ‘Top Inventor’,” said Mrs. Phillips. By winning this prestigious title, they also won funding from Inventionland Institute to extend the program. The $8,000 value of the award earned by the team assures the program will continue at Carmichaels for another year. Way to go boys!

was awarded a wooden plaque made from Pennsylvania hardwoods. For the high station score, the team received a plaque along with field guides.

Pictured are (L-R): Dave Schmit, DCNR Bureau of Forestry Forest Program Specialist; Megan Wojtowicz, team advisor; Christina Adams, Ryan Swartz, Kaleb Wilson, Brady Watters, Joey Kurincak, Kevin Willis, team coach; and Russell Redding, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture. This year marks the eighth year in a row and the ninth time overall that the team has placed in the top 5 at the State Envirothon.

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John Dorean’s Latest Release…Our Girl

By Shelly Brown

Star of the story Bethany Dorean holds a copy of Greene County Author John Dorean’s latest release Our Girl.

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any who didn’t already know Greene County resident and pastor of Jefferson Baptist Church, John Dorean, (though a small number that may be) became familiar with him when he authored a trilogy of mystery novels set in Greene County featuring the fictional character Mark Stewart (who also pastors a church in Greene County) and served as the lovable protagonist whose sleuthing skills were revealed in the first novel Murder in Greene released in 2011. The series continued with Witness in Greene, followed by Justice in Greene released in late 2014.

Fans anxiously awaiting John’s next release had a surprise coming. His latest book doesn’t feature Mark Stewart, nor is it a fictional novel, nor is it a mystery. Well, that last part may not be altogether true, for one consistent theme is this book does remind us that, in the lives of the Dorean family - and very likely your own – the “secret things” belong only to the Lord.

It is the story of a remarkable young woman, Bethany Dorean, not expected to live six weeks at birth, who, by God’s grace, has endured a life time of physical and mental challenges with a joyful spirit that encourages all who know her. Our Girl, released this month, chronicles the more than thirty years of the Dorean family’s joys and struggles in caring for Beth. John says he turned his writing to non-fiction and this account of life with his fourth daughter, because he felt it was a story that needed to be told.

“The faithfulness of God, not in working the miracles we prayed for, because they did not happen, but in sustaining Beth and all of us through some really trying times, and the faithfulness of the ever growing community of folks whose lives have touched and been touched by hers, is nothing less than incredible,” John says.

Early responses to the book have been enormously positive. Dr. Basil Zitelli, for decades a part of the pediatric diagnostics team at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh and author of the leading textbook on the subject in the world, and the man the Dorean’s credit – next to God – as being responsible

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for Bethany’s living now into her thirties, recently wrote the family this e-mail.

Well, I couldn’t wait for vacation and I read your book. I thought it was very touching and personally gave me great previously unappreciated insight to the trials and tribulations of caring for a special needs child. As a physician I see only a microcosm of a patient’s real life. You have opened my eyes. I also feel very privileged to have been a small part of the story. I found your descriptions of your feelings very real and deep. The feelings of being frightened, loss of control, fatigue, frustration, anger, disappointment and uncertainty are all there. Yet what truly comes out above all of that is the joy, happiness and everyone being together in this unique family. Beth touches every one she meets. Her energy, enthusiasm, and innocence is infectious. You have not kept her in a bubble, but let her spread her angelic wings to explore a world that she does not see as holding her back. Also the love everyone has for her helps to overcome the day to day drudgery. I was reminded frequently throughout the book (now don’t be too critical of my Biblical scholarship): Whatever you do for the least of my (children), you do unto Me. I truly saw Jesus in Beth with her love, openness and universal invitation to love her, as well as your own love for Beth and our Lord as well.

It is truly a touching story- especially for those of us privileged to know her, you and your family.

I’m glad you wrote the book now too! Thank you.

Thank you.

And former CEO of the Baily Agency, Chuck Baily commented: God led you to write it. He (you) wrote it for us. Either we have experienced some of what you went through, or we certainly will at some point. And the themes of your book, including your responses to what God has allowed to become your reality, are exactly what we need to know as we face similar circumstances. So in this regard, I felt your book was a powerful testimony to each of us that we will be able to draw on when (not if) it will be our turn.

Family friend and teacher of English at Peters Township High school, Jeremy Kuharcik, had this reaction: a must-read if you grew up in our small town and knew Beth and her family. A beautiful love story -- between parents and their children.

It made me want to hug every Dorean multiple times. Chronicling the challenges, resilience and energy of Beth’s life, the story is uplifting, funny, touching and compelling. And filled with poignant anecdotes and beautiful pictures capturing a life well lived. I couldn’t put it down.

It’s difficult to follow these impressive reviews without wanting to say “ditto” many times. I’ll leave it with this recommendation – buy it, read it. No matter your reading preferences, your personal life circumstances, your faith…you will find Our Girl rewarding, inspiring, entertaining. You will laugh, and you will cry. And when you turn the last page, you will find yourself flipping back through the pages, looking at pictures, remembering the story you’ve just read, and being very happy that you did.

The books are now for sale in the Giant Eagles of Dry Tavern and Waynesburg and Artbeat in Waynesburg. If you don’t find a copy, contact jmdorean@gmail.com.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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Greene: Earth and Sky

By Pete Zapadka

The Moon passes in front of the Sun during an eclipse in May, 2012, over Utah. Greene County residents who use proper eye care will be able to see a similar eclipse during the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2017.

Photo by Fred Klein, Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.

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on’t wait: Now is the time to prepare to watch a big bite taken out of the Sun later this summer.

Greene County residents and those living across much of the country can watch a long-awaited partial solar eclipse during the afternoon of Aug. 21 – only if they have procured proper protection for their eyes.

After all, it’s apparent to almost everyone: Never look at the Sun! Right?

An eclipse of the Sun occurs only when the Moon is at its new phase; that is, when the Moon, in its month-long orbit of the Earth, exactly lies between the Sun and our world. The Moon then can pass for a short time in front of the Sun, and block its light briefly.

Those in a narrow path, perhaps 70 miles wide, crossing Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina will experience the awe-inspiring total eclipse. The Sun will be completely covered by the Moon for as much as 2 minutes, 40 seconds.

So let’s say you’re not traveling to see the total phase of the eclipse. What can you expect?

In Waynesburg, 82.7 percent of the solar disk will be covered, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory, and that means there still will plenty of blinding light shining on us.

The website timeanddate.com says this is the first total eclipse of the Sun visible from all 48 contiguous United States (not Alaska and Hawaii) since 1979. The last time a total eclipse was visible from coast to coast was June 8, 1918. We don’t have to wait long for the next total solar eclipse – it’s April

8, 2024, and the path of totality will touch far northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Aug. 21 partial eclipse will last almost 2 hours, 45 minutes, 40 seconds in Greene County.

The Naval Observatory says the event will begin with the Moon first starting to move in front of the Sun at 1:10:25 p.m. EDT. Maximum eclipse (when most of the Sun is covered) will occur at 2:35:50 p.m., and the eclipse will end at 3:56:05 p.m.

Don’t fall for the old tales that say children and animals should be kept indoors during the eclipse.

There is no magic that prevents anyone from being outdoors and enjoying this stunning event. But eye safety is a must if you want to see the eclipse.

First, some absolute don’ts! Do not look at the eclipse with the naked eye. Solar radiation quickly can cause blindness. And don’t use supposedly safe items to diminish the Sun’s glare.

According to NASA, unsafe filters include all color film, black-and-white film that contains no silver, photographic negatives with images on them (X-rays and snapshots), smoked glass, sunglasses, photographic neutral density filters and polarizing filters. Most of these transmit high levels of invisible infrared radiation that can cause a retina burn.

The fact that the Sun appears dim, or that you feel no discomfort when looking at the Sun through the so-called filter, is no guarantee that your eyes are safe.

So what do you do if you want to see the eclipse directly?

One of the simplest and handy devices is the No. 14 welder’s filter. It will shield the Sun’s most intense rays in the visible area of the spectrum, and will block most ultraviolet and infrared radiation.

The inexpensive glass must be No. 14 and can be purchased at most welding supply stores.

Also, there is an abundance of resources on the Internet at which safe solar viewers, made of material such as Mylar, can be purchased. Visit websites such as skyandtelescope.com, astronomy. com, eclipse2017.org, greatamericaneclipse.com or telescope.com to learn more.

Residents also should consider attending the eclipse watching event at 1 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Day Use Area at Ryerson Station State Park. A limited number of protective visors will be available to the public.

Finally, if you’re of strong mind and think that a glimpse without a filter won’t cause any harm, you’re being far less than brilliant. Consider this: the Sun is so hot and blinding that a pinhead size of solar material placed 100 miles away, say in New Castle, Pa., would immediately kill all of us in Greene County.

If you want to be smart, play it safe. That’s the way to enjoy this unequaled natural wonder.

Pete Zapadka is a lifelong amateur astronomer who saw his first total eclipse of the Sun in 1998 in the Caribbean Sea. Zapadka is a Greene County property owner and a retired local news editor at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He can be reached at pzapadka@yahoo.com.

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Helping Others

Summer Food Program In Greene County, 2,091 (or 29%) of school-age children are eligible for free or reduced school lunches.

That accounts for a potential total of 115,005 missed lunches during summer break, because the resources available to them during the school year are no longer present.

To alleviate this challenge, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank works with sites and sponsors across its 11-county service area to expand participation in the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (locally known as the Summer Food Program). In 2016, community organizations served 28,105 meals to children throughout Greene County. By continuing to work with partners in the county, the goal is to increase the reach of current sites and plan new sites thereby increasing the number of meals served in 2017.

“Child hunger is a problem in our region. Of the 360,000 people the Food Bank serves annually, children account for 21 percent,” said Lisa Scales, president and CEO of the Food Bank. “When school meals are no longer available it is up to us as a community to help.

The Summer Food Program provides a platform for that

to happen. Together, we can ensure that all kids have enough to eat this summer.”

By partnering with local schools, summer programs, churches and other community organizations, the Summer Food Program is able to provide nutritious meals to children during the summer. Many sites offer free, fun activities such as sports and arts projects for participants in addition to meals.

Through the efforts of many great community organizations and school districts that sponsor Summer Food Program sites throughout Greene County, the summer meal gap for children will continue to shrink.

There are no qualification standards for children 18 and under to attend a site and no paperwork is required to participate. Families looking for a Summer Food Program site closest to them can call 2-1-1 or text FOOD to 877-877.

Any organizations or individuals interested in learning more about how to become involved with the Summer Food Program can contact the Food Bank by email at partnership@pittsburghfoodbank.org.

Honoring Private McClellan

Members of the Greater Purpose Team Ministries made up of United Methodist Churches located in Jefferson, Rices Landing, Fredericktown, Denbo, Howe and Roscoe came together to put together UMCOR Kits to send to the United Methodist Conference held at Grove City, PA. The group will deliver 8 sewing kits, 26 school kits, 19

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health kits, 8 birthing kits, 8 layette kits, 8 bedding kits and 11 cleaning buckets to the conference. These kits will be used world-wide in times of disaster.

Those who helped to complete the kits are pictured from left to right Francie Wrenshall, Nicholas Wrenshall, Debbie Summerson, Jim Howard and Kathy Howard. Not pictured is Susan Christopher.

State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Greene/Fayette/Washington, said the state House of Representatives today unanimously approved her measure that would name a Greene County bridge as the Private First Class Brent A. McClellan Memorial Bridge.

“Army Private Brent McClellan gave his life on behalf of his country more than 51 years ago, and this tribute is long overdue,” said Snyder of her House Bill 952.

“With the Senate’s concurrence, the bridge along Castile Run Road spanning the South Fork of Tenmile Creek between Jefferson Township and Clarksville Borough will forever honor this young patriot.”

Snyder said McClellan was killed Feb. 28, 1966, in an ambush in Binh Dinh Province, South Vietnam, while assigned to 1st Platoon, B Company, 5th Cavalry in the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division.

“Brent was just 21, a native of Clarksville, a gradu-

ate of Jefferson-Morgan High School, and gone from our midst far too soon,” said Snyder, who recalled how news of his death reverberated through the community.

“Naming the bridge over State Route 1011 will remind all of us of the sacrifice made on our behalf.”

As part of his service, McClellan was selected to serve in the Honor Guard at Fort Myers, Va., during which time he was chosen to stand by the grave of President John F. Kennedy. He received the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

“We cannot repay the sacrifice of those who gave their lives defending us, but at the very least, we can and we must remember them,” said Snyder, who noted that the young private was one of 38 Americans killed that last day of February in 1966 in Vietnam.

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2017

GCASR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

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By Colleen Nelson

he Greene County Association of School Retirees [GCASR], a local chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees [PASR], has 250 local members including retired teachers, administrators, secretaries, aides, custodians, and

Carmichaels Area Senior High School recipient, Caitlyn Ricco, receives a GCASR $1000 scholarship award from GCASR member Wilma Tuttle.

Greene County Career and Technology recipient, Suzanna Schmelzlen, receives a $1000 scholarship award from GCASR president Myleen McCollum.

cafeteria workers. Marking the 80th anniversary year of PASR, the Greene County Association presented for the first time a total of six individual $1000 scholarships to graduating seniors who are furthering their education at an institution of higher learning. Alice Souders

Jefferson-Morgan High School recipient, Eva Humphries, receives a $1000 scholarship award from GCASR from in-coming scholarship chairperson, Sandy Whetzell.

Mapletown Junior/Senior High School recipient, Cora Goforth, receives a $1000 scholarship award from GCASR member Lori Greene.

served as chairperson of the scholarship committee which selected one graduate from each Greene County high school and Greene County Career and Technology Center to receive a scholarship:

Waynesburg Central High School recipient, Makayla Rogers, receives a $1000 scholarship award from GCASR member Joyce Morich-Chernok.

West Greene High School recipient, Hannah Reed, receives a $1000 scholarship award from GCASR president Myleen McCollum.

Brodak’s Fly-In Keep’s Bringing ‘Em Back

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lying stunts, precision acrobatics, carrier competition, racing, speed and even combat, with two planes engaged in a Red Baron dogfight to cut the ribbon fluttering from the opponent’s tail – this is what control line model plane buffs have been doing in John Brodak’s big back yard in Carmichaels since 1967.

This year they came from dozens of states and Canada June 12-17 to do what most have been doing since they were kids – fly model planes, not by remote, but with control lines. A film crew from Argentina was there to document the action for El Aeromodelista Hobby Show TV program. Kids tossed balsa wood gliders, grabbed fifty-cent hotdogs and splashed through puddles while moms passed out cookies, relaxed on lawn chairs and visited with old friends.

After twenty-one years, the Fly-In has its loyal fol-

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By Colleen Nelsom

lowers.

“We’ve seen kids grow up and bring their own kids,” John’s wife Carol “Buzz” Brodak said. “The first year we had 37 and it keeps growing. Some years we have 300 or more, including wives and kids. It’s a family reunion.”

“Brodak’s gets more attention for control line than the nationals in Munci Indiana,”Ara Moskel noted. He and his dad, Dr. Pete Moskel came from Scranton to enjoy the competition and camaraderie with others who brought their model planes of many sizes, powered with either a gasoline engine or one that runs on lithium batteries, just like your laptop, to be judged From left - Jim Vigani of Bridgewater New Jersey, Pedro Soto of Miami, Florida and Jacob for speed, skill of movement Bixler of Carmichaels have something in common – they love flying control line model and the ability to stay airborne planes at John Brodak’s annual Fly-in in Carmichaels, Pa. for how long.

Trouble with lithium batBut for now the pop-up tents of clubs and individual teries is they are being constantly refined and changing fliers ringed the roped-off fields where planes dipped and size – which means the planes have to be redesigned to hold them, one flier pointed out, standing beside the circled their handlers. The heat of a summer day mingled open hatch of his SUV, once filled to the brim with neatly with the threat of rain and clouds filled the sky.

If thunder was heard, the planes would be grounded stacked planes and crates of parts, tools and paraphernafor half an hour. If it rained, those pop-ups would come lia. Now colorful models were scattered in the grass and in handy.

But right now, it was time to fly. parts were spread on tabletops as this competitor made For more information about John Brodak and his last minute repairs for yet another take off. model airplane business that ships model planes and cusGetting everything packed up again and ready for the trip home to Florida, Oregon or Maine, was another tom parts worldwide, go online: www.brodak.com matter, he admitted with a big grin.

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Co o l at Sc h o o l

by Tyler Whipkey

NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE

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tudents at Carmichaels Area Elementary School recently had a unique opportunity to learn what a day in the life of a Native American was like. Mr. Dave Bates, fifth grade teacher and former principal, organized the special event, making it possible for all students in the elementary school to attend.

“If we are lucky, a class field trip is made possible for one grade (eighty students or so). By the time we pay an entrance fee to an exhibit, transportation costs, and lunch, any budget we might have is already maxed out,” said Mr. Bates. This event, held at the school, was made possible through a grant from the Community Foundation of Greene County and the CONSOL Excellence in Education Fund. “We …extend our deepest thanks for their willingness to support such a worthwhile endeavor,” Elementary Principal Mr. Fred Moorecraft said, “every student in grades pre-K thru fifth was able to experience this unique expression of history and that’s a special day for our kids.”

Todd Johnson, also known as “Ghost in the Head”, has been educating and presenting programs about the eastern woodland Indians since 1999, and is dedicated to teaching the traditions of his own Huron heritage. He has served as consultant for various historic sites including Fort Neccessity National Battlefield, Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village among others. He has been a model for internationally known historical artist Andrew Knez Jr., and is featured in many of his paintings.

He appears in many documentaries pertaining to the 18th century time period and has received two letters of recognition from the United States Con-

gress for his portrayal of Huron heritage. Working with associate Dan “He Who Builds Fire” Caldwell, these two local authorities, dressed in authentic costume presented the day program at CAES. The program not only demonstrated how the eastern woodland indian looked, but also gave a hands-on experience to the children on how they worked, played and lived, including fire building from flint, displaying trade goods, and demonstrating weapons and tools with the students. Caldwell focused on the fire while Johnson focused on trade goods. Caldwell taught students the importance of fire in the life of early Americans. “Food preparation, working of wood, tanning of hides, building of weapons and a host of other topics were all melded into his fire presentation,” said Mr. Bates. Johnson explained hundreds of trade goods, tools, clothes, jewelry, weapons, and artifacts.

“The day’s story is best told in the expression on the faces of our kids. Every picture, documenting the day shows this locked on, totally focused look of interest from our students,” explained Mr. Bates, “students were not only given the opportunity to ask question after question, but were encouraged to handle all the artifacts as if these treasures were their own … The light switch really flipped on for our students when they were able to lay hands on the same items that they learned so much about throughout the school year.”

Todd Johnson and Dan Caldwell will be at the Greene County Historical Society’s Native American Weekend, September 23-24, if you want a closer look for yourself!

Dan “He Who Builds Fire” Caldwell teaches CAES students about the various ways that fire served the Eastern Woodland Indians.

BOWLBY BITS It’s Movie Night –July 26, watch “The Boss Baby,” beginning promptly at 5:00 pm. FREE popcorn and beverages!

T.O.P.S. - weight management support group meets every Sat., 9:30-11:30am.

Lego Club – July 8 & 22 at 11am. All ages! Library provides the Legos.

Bowlby Book Club – July 10, 6pm. Discussion on “Small Great Things” by Jodi Picoult.

Summer Reading Program @ Bowlby - Begins July 10 - August 18. Clubs and Story Classes for ages 0-12yrs. Teen Advisory Group meets Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Theme this year is “Build a Better World!” Adults can also read/listen, write reviews and compete for prizes!

Free test prep for adults studying for SAT, GED, Civil Service exams, Drivers Licensing and Life skills, and for basic reading and math skills. Free after school tutoring for school-age children. Call to schedule appointments.

Color Outside the Lines - adult coloring group meets every Wed., 11am-1pm or 6-8pm.

Brainfuse - Avoid the Summer Slide and keep your brain sharp with the Online Summer Skills Camp! Free online tutoring database, with one-on-one tutoring available daily 2-11pm. Writing lab, study guides, and skill building resources available 24/7. Access using your library card at www. evakbowlby.org.

Freegal - Enjoy free music! Library patrons can stream or download with mobile apps, visit www.evakbowlby.org.

Rocket Languages - 15 online Language courses are available through your library website, with your library card. Or download mobile app, visit HYPERLINK “http://www.evakbowlby.org” www. evakbowlby.org.

Call or stop in Eva K. Bowlby Public Library for more info or to register for any of the above events.

724-627-9776 • 311 N. West St., Waynesburg, PA 15370

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Todd “Ghost in the Head” Johnson explains the variety and importance of trade goods, weapons and tools to a group of students in a ‘hands-on” experience.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2017

Sport Shorts

Pieces of the Past Come Home to Carmichaels

by Jason Tennant

Joe Throckmorton: Hall of Famer

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man who has dedicated a huge part of his life to wrestling received a tremendous honor as Waynesburg’s Joe Throckmorton was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

At an induction ceremony held Friday, June 9th at the Doubletree in Meadowlands for the Hall of Fame’s Washington/Greene County Chapter, Throckmorton joined an illustrious group of 2017 inductees that was highlighted by Marty Schottenheimer of pro football fame and the 1961 Fort Cherry State Champion basketball team he played for.

The ceremony featured former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and current NFL analyst Bill Cowher as a guest speaker.

This is a hall of fame that includes the likes of Stan Musial, Jim Thorpe, Arnold Palmer, and Joe Frazier, just to name a few.

So it’s a big deal!

“It’s an honor to even be mentioned with the people that are in the hall, said Throckmorton. “It’s a tremendous honor, but it’s not why I do this. I do it for the kids. I love the sport.”

Throckmorton is just the latest inductee with ties to Greene County high school wrestling. Some of those he joins in the hall are his former coach Joe Ayersman, long time West Greene coach John “Buzz” Walters, coaching colleague Ron Headlee, and Jefferson-Morgan great Cary Kolat.

For Throckmorton the honor is based both on his wrestling career as a high school student at Waynesburg, followed by a collegiate career and then as a high school coach at his alma mater.

Joe wrestled at Waynesburg at a time that the Raiders enjoyed immense success as a team. He was a member of four WPIAL Championship teams from 1977 to 1980. From an individual standpoint, Throckmorton was a 4-time Section Champion and won a WPIAL title as a junior in 1979. His biggest success individually though came in his senior season. After winning the Outstanding Wrestler Award at the California Christmas Tournament (now known as the POWERade Tournament), Joe went on to win his second WPIAL title and won the 119-pound State Title!

Joe finished his senior year undefeated at 30-0 and was a member of the Dapper Dan Classic Pennsylvania team. He would then go on to wrestle as a 4-year starter at the University of Pittsburgh

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S where he was a team captain in his junior and senior seasons.

Coaching was next for Throckmorton as he joined the coaching ranks in 1991 as Waynesburg’s Youth Head Coach, while assisting with the varsity team at Waynesburg Central High Schol. He took over as head coach at Waynesburg Central in 2008.

In his 27 seasons either as an assistant or head coach at Waynesburg, Joe has coached 60 Section Champions, 19 WPIAL Champions, 47 State Qualifiers, 7 State Champions and even two that went on to NCAA Division I National Titles in Josh Koscheck and Coleman Scott. Scott of course took it even further, claiming an Olympic Bronze medal in 2012.

That’s an impressive resume that is far from complete just yet.

Even after 27 seasons in coaching and now a Hall of Famer, it appears Joe has no interest in giving it up any time soon. “The fire’s still burning, said Throckmorton. “I love the challenge and the kids keep me young.”

Recent contributors showing some artifacts donated to Carmichaels Area Historical Society, L-R: Brice Rush, Bonnie Ermlick, Brad Miller and Marianne Gideon (note the fellow at center in the frame is John W. Hathaway, early Carmichaels resident, whose image has finally found its way home also.

ome unique pieces of the past are coming home to the Carmichaels Area Historical Society and President Shelley Anderson couldn’t be happier.

Thanks to the society’s Facebook page with its plethora of old photos and historical tidbits, and the added excitement of the upcoming 250th anniversary of Carmichaels June 29 – July 2, the word is out and people are responding.

“We’ve generated so much interest, it has really surprised me,” Shelley said.

The society met at the Greene Academy on south Market Street on June 16 to honor those who have contributed another batch of artifacts and memorabilia, just in time for the festival –old photos and postcards, newspaper clippings and schoolbooks used by academy teachers in the 1800s donated by Brice and Linda Rush, Beverly Morton Dunlap and board member Bill Groves.

Original drawings of the academy by R.A. Matucci, donated by Tom Headlee, are ready to be hung. Also colored charcoal paintings of John W. Hathaway and wife Ary Anderson Hathaway, from prior to 1840, and a bell from Barnes School on Muddy Creek, the first one room

school house in Cumberland Township, were brought back home by Bonnie Ermlick.

Brad Miller made a contribution of mining memorabilia and with a surveyor’s transit that once belonged to his grandfather.

Board member Marianne Gideon’s donation of a shoemaker’s last from the Joseph Guerra Shoe Shop is a reminder of what everyday life was like when even shoes were made from scratch by a neighbor.

CAHS is a registered nonprofit and membership is open to all who are interested in preserving the rich history of Carmichaels and Cumberland Township. Members gain access to the society’s evergrowing genealogical collection and a recently awarded $3500 Greene County Tourism grant will be used to purchase the technology to collect, digitize and store old documents and photos. The grant, along with membership dues and donations will support “our initiatives through this unique assemblage of rural Americans – arguably one of the best collections in the region,” board secretary Traycee Bosle said.

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