Pennsylvania Bridges April 2019 - "Hop to It!" by Pennsylvania Bridges

Pennsylvania

BRIDGES

A p r il 2 0 1 9 E d itio n

FR E E

Connecting Our Communities

H o p t o It !

Pennsylvania

BRIDGES Pennsylvania Bridges is published online at

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Pennsylvania Bridges is... Carla E. Anderton, Editor-in-Chief Fred Terling, Managing Editor Hayley Martin, Associate Editor Chuck Brutz, Staff Writer Keren Lee Dreyer, Staff Writer Pastor Dawn Hargraves, Columnist Reanna Roberts, Columnist Contributors: Jennifer Benford, Brian Brashear, Catherine EhlersBrown, Lisa J. Buday, Noah Churchel, Christine Haines, Dr. Michele Pagen, Mark Pawelec, Kelly Tunney, Missy Tunney, Bruce Wald, Ashley Wise, Dave Zuchowski & Daniel Zyglowicz Have a story idea? Do you like to write? Get in touch with us at (724) 769-0123 e-mail: carla@pabridges.com We’re also on Facebook facebook.com/ pennsylvaniabridges

N O TA B L E & Q U O TA B L E

“Hop to it!” and other motivational sayings... Motivation. Some days, it’s in shorter supply than others, even when you work in a deadline-oriented profession like mine. Some mornings, you wake up feeling refreshed, and you bound into the sunshine with enthusiasm, ready to face whatever the day holds. Others, you just want to climb back into bed and hide beneath the covers from the challenges and frustrations that lie ahead. For me, today was one of those days, when the coffee didn’t seem quite strong enough to help clear my mental fog and the mountain of tasks I needed to scale seemed insurmountable. Music usually inspires me but today, even the dulcet tones of a favorite female songstress failed to stir me, and I found myself spending more of my morning staring out the window than not. Still, the brutal reality remained that today is/was press day and before I leave my office this evening, this month’s edition must be finalized and shipped off to the printer. Every “i” must be dotted, every “t” crossed, and I - along with my trusty coffeemaker - will be putting in a busy day’s work to ensure the issue meets our standards for quality. So, in an attempt to energize myself, I thought of a favorite quote that always serves to motivate me: “The most effective way to do it, is to do it.” First uttered a century ago by aerospace pioneer Amelia Earhart, this simplistic mantra offers common sense advice on how to achieve your goals, a sentiment echoed many years later in Nike’s “Just Do It”

Happ y Easte r

advertising campaign. The cure for inaction is activity. Anyone who knows me knows I have a low tolerance for talk versus action, and I believe if you declare your intentions of accomplishing something, you must follow through, no matter if the effort ends in failure or success. The achievement lies in the attempt. It is to the attempt that we dedicate this issue, to those who’ve set goals and refused to quit until they’ve realized them, on both the days when motivation has been present and the days when it’s been lacking. Until next month, Carla E. Anderton

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“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there.” MICHAEL SCHUMACHER GERMAN RACE CAR DRIVER 2

Pennsylvania Bridges is distributed free to schools, libraries, colleges and universities, community centers, organizations and better businesses throughout Washington, Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland & Allegheny counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. We’re also online at pabridges.com, where we continuously update our site with the latest in arts, entertainment, education and lifestyle news, which we share via our social media networks. If you or your organization would like to obtain copies of Pennsylvania

Bridges, email carla@pabridges.com with your address to be added to our distribution list. For information on advertising opportunities with Pennsylvania Bridges, call 724-769-0123 or email carla@pabridges.com for a rate sheet and more details. We’ve done our research and we’re proud to offer the lowest rates of any publication in southwestern Pennsylvania! We also offer free, custom ad design.

Pennsylvania Bridges is a free publication bridging communities in Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties. We feature profiles and articles about individuals and groups contributing to the advancement of the arts, education, healthcare, wellness, technology and other avenues of interest to our readers. Pennsylvania Bridges is printed once a month and regularly updated online. Each edition of the publication includes fresh and original stories about area personalities and events of note as well as event listings. We welcome your story ideas and event listings. We adhere to the philosophy that media should be both inspirational and thought provoking. We subscribe to the belief that media should be easy to access and share. We routinely use social media to distribute news and updates and invite our readers to share us with their networks. Our site’s interface is designed with this aim in mind. We welcome your input. Have questions, comments or angry exhortations? Call us at 724-7690123. Email us. We want to hear your voice. Get in touch!

***Important Notice*** All material contained in this issue is the property of Pennsylvania Bridges and may not be reprinted, reproduced or redistributed without our express written permission.

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World Healing Day set for April 27 in California Borough Story by Christine Haines At 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, individuals in California Borough will be joining with others around the world to practice the gentle art of Tai Chi, marking the official start of World Healing Day. While this is the first time for the day to be marked locally, it has been celebrated around the world for nearly two decades, according to local organizer Lesa Vivio. Vivio, a counsellor in her own practice at Sacred Centered You in California Borough, is hosting the event at SAI Farm, 377 East Malden Drive, Coal Center starting at 9 a.m. and running until 2 p.m. “My passion for holistic practices has grown exponentially over the past several years,” Vivio said. “Being in private practice allowed me to expand in that direction.” The day will be marked by mini presentations and classes in yoga, tai chi, qigong, feng shui, reiki, prayer, meditation, dance, art, sound healing and a drum circle. “Tai chi is a series of slow, fluid movements that is martial arts slowed way down. It’s a healing treatment in Chinese medicine to move your own life

forces through your own body,” Vivio said. Vivio said tai chi isn’t practiced much in this area, though it is growing in popularity. She first saw tai chi being practiced on the television show “Law and Order.” “We’re going to have mini presentations of different types of healing, such as sound healing using vibrational sound, whether it’s Tibetan bowls or tuning forks, to remove blockages in the body. It’s completely non-invasive,” Vivio said. The drum circle offers a different type of sound healing, Vivio said, calling it meditation through sound. “My focus for it is for people to step out of their day to day and beat a drum,”

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Vivio said. While the event offers numerous benefits to those attending, it is also a

fundraising benefit for the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania and for Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Admission to the event is free, but a basket raffle will be held to generate funds for the two nonprofit organizations. “In January 2018 my best friend’s son passed away and that year we started the Transformers Team. Nicholas in his life went through so many things and never complained. Nicholas was a light in everything he did It was hard not to be inspired by that,” Vivio said. Vivio said the event is dedicated to the memory of Nicholas Redding and the outdoor location is perfect for World Healing Day. “It’s private, but still part of our community,” Vivio said. “The church next door has been so kind to donate their parking to us as well.” Vivio said the event is family-friendly and dog-friendly and will give attendees an opportunity to connect with area holistic practitioners and vendors. Additional information about the event is available on the Facebook Event page: World Healing Day - One World, One Breath.

EDITOR’S CHOICE “PIC”OF THE ISSUE

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JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. The musical is set to take the Pittsburgh stage on December 21, 2019 to January 5, 2020 at Heinz Hall. For more details and information on how to purchase tickets, visit trustarts.org. Submit your photos for consideration for Editor’s Choice “Pic”of the Issue to carla@pabridges.com. Original photography only accepted for consideration.

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Monongahela River Community Festival Set for July A collaborative effort, hosted by the Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board, inviting all communities along the Monongahela River to participate in a weeklong celebration from July 13 to July 20. The Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board is thrilled to announce that they have expanded their popular one-day kayak race and community festival into a weeklong celebration along the Monongahela River. All events will take place in Belle Vernon. The weeklong celebration will kick off with a Miss/Mrs./Mr. Monongahela River pageant on Saturday, July 13, and conclude with an exciting daylong festival on July 20. The last day of the community festival will include a kayak race from West Brownsville to

Belle Vernon, a large community parade, vendor fair, concert, food stands, car show, performances, and an evening fireworks display. Throughout the week, activities will include a children’s night with a pet

parade and ice cream social, a farm-totable dinner, art and essay contests, and much more. All communities located along the Monongahela River are invited and encouraged to participate in the com-

munity festival. This weeklong festival will be the first of its kind and will emphasize community building, local collaboration, and positive emphasis on the Mon Valley region. The theme for the first-ever Monongahela River Community Festival is: The people on the river are happy to give - a lyric from the song Proud Mary. Entrants in the art and essay contest will produce works based on the festival’s theme. Entry forms for the art contest, essay contest, and the anticipated Miss Monongahela River Pageant are available at fb.me/BVAFriendsofRec Additional information and schedules will be continuously posted and updated via the Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board facebook page.

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Cal U Theatre closes out 2018-2019 season with “unexpected” offerings

YOUR

Story by Keren Lee Dreyer Students at California University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Music and Theatre, along with professors and technical crews, are working through final rehearsals on a series of shows sure to surprise audiences - and themselves. The series of Symbolist one-acts going up the first week in April, along with a sketch and improv show the week after, are a culmination of curricular fulfillment, fantastic set design, and directorial advancement. First up from director and Professor of Theatre, John Paul “JP” Staszel, Ph. D., is his production of Unexpected: a Selection of Symbolist Plays. Featured are oneact plays by early Symbolist Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck, with “Interior” and “Intruder”; “The Wayfarer,” a “psychodrama” from Valery Bryusov (Valerii Briusov) of Moscow, Russia; and “Trifles,” by Pulitzer prize-winning playwright, Susan Glaspell. “Each is themed around the idea of mortality and death,” Staszel explained. “They’re relatively dark. All are slow moving, and I think it’s been a challenge for the student actors, and it will be a challenge for audiences to get their heads around it…(these) were classified as experimental at the time and not really meant for general theatre at that time.” Challenges for the production continue with its unique set design that includes a life-size replica of a house on the main stage. However, audiences will quickly discover that their view will not be from regular theatre seating, looking into the house from the outside. Rather, Staszel said, audiences will traverse a walkway built over the usual theatre seats, head through the house and its kitchen, then take their seats at the back of the stage for an intimate view of the acts. “When the audience enters the house, it’s going to kind of look like a fairy tale house setting, sort of a Hansel and Gretel. That’s it. Once you walk through the doors and get through the first play, it’s more like a nightmare.” While a production and set like these seem fixed to produce real-life

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nightmares of their own, Staszel said that collaboration and knowledge of limitations are how he and the students involved mitigate difficulties in theatrical endeavors; “We know what our limits are - these are our wants, and these are our needs - and at a point, not get stifled by our wants and make sure we meet all of our needs and get excited (by putting up the production). In working with artists, you learn to enjoy those limitations and what you’re working with.” “I’m fortunate to be with artists who work so well together,” Staszel continued, “We overcome our challenges and, those we don’t, we learn from. We’ve only been together for four years, but there’s never been one of those arguments where someone pointed a finger and said ‘it’s all your fault.’ We learn together. You don’t overcome completely, but you accept the work you have according to your timeline...The group of artists I worked together with just know our limitations and say ‘let’s just work within our means and give

the students the best education we can.’” Unexpected: a Selection of Symbolist Plays runs at Steele Hall’s main stage from April 4 - 6 at 7 p.m., with a matinee on April 6 at 2 p.m. For tickets, call the box office at: 724-938-5943. Flipping the script from themes of mortality and death to scenes of sketch comedy and masterful improv is student director and theatre major, Jeshua Myers, with his own production titled Commit to the Bit. “I asked to do a sketch and improv for my senior thesis,” Myers said of his idea that took root two years ago. While he received training in theatre at Cal-U, with a concentration in musical theatre, Myers sought comedy and improv instruction for two summers at The Second City, Chicago’s now legendary school of comedy. There, Myers learned basic comedy and improv rules of “understanding ‘Yes, and’, building to a moment, heightening Continued on next page...

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Here are some simple tips that can help you avoid symptoms while still enjoying the great outdoors: Keep windows in your home and car closed as much as possible to prevent pollen from drifting in. The best times to be outdoors are when pollen levels are lowest. Peak pollination occurs for a few hours after sunrise and during the hours after sunset. Enjoy the outdoors on rainy, cloudy and windless days. Pollen is minimized when these weather conditions exist. If gardening, avoid touching your face and especially eyes. Shower after spending time outdoors. Pollen tends to collect in your hair and skin and ends up on your pillow which may worsen symptoms long after your exposure. Use air conditioning to filter pollen from the air in your home. Avoid activities that cause pollen to reenter the air such as lawn mowing or leaf blowing or use a facial mask and goggles if unable to avoid this contact during these activities. Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses to reduce the amount of pollen that blows into your eyes. Apply and rinse your eyes with saline eye drops after being outdoors to wash away pollen. Saline sinus rinses can bring much relief to those with chronic sinus or rhinitis problems by removing pollen from the nasal and sinus passages. Saline sinus rinse products can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Use products as directed. FMI about treating allergy symptoms, ask your pharmacy!

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Cal U Theatre, continued from page 5...

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OPEN YEAR ROUND THERE IS HOPE Addiction Recovery Ministry offers a Christ centered 12 Step Program for people struggling with addiction and for those in recovery. Meetings will be held every Monday 6:30-8:30 at Malden Christian Fellowship at 343 Old National Pike in Brownsville. Fliers are available for distribution. FMI: 724-434-4597 or 734-785-3042

to a climax,” while infusing these techniques with a story arc. As actor turned director, complete with a new set of responsibilities and cast expectations, Myers said “I thought I understood how much it takes to put a show up. But I’ve learned how much more there is” when it comes to working with actors, lighting designers, stage crew, and extinguishing the many little fires which spring up in the process. Still, he finds support from the cast who make him “feel better about the process as a whole. I’ve never seen students so willing to work so hard on something that’s so different.” What separates Commit to the Bit from traditional student theatre fare is its derring-do on the part of Myers and the actors. The show’s first half is comprised of ten short

sketches, a few of which include explorations in “hyper-masculinity,” audience deception, and one about Humpty Dumpty without health insurance. The second half will be improv scenes based on suggestions from the audience, similar to “Scenes from a Hat” from Whose Line is it Anyway? According to Myers, Commit to the Bit’s overarching theme “is committing to the moment, no matter how ridiculous it is - that you just go for the moment wholeheartedly...we want to show people that they went for it and were not afraid to look ridiculous.” Commit to the Bit hits the stage for performances at 7 p.m. on April 17 and 18. For tickets, call the box office at: 724-938-5943. Photos by Kelly Tunney TO

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New Venture to Provide Unique, Fun and Entertaining Experiences

Helping the Hurt

Story by Dave Zuchowski The Uniontown Mall will become a new destination for those seeking different kind of adventures. While the focus of Art Adventures and Town Tours is on tourists, local groups are welcome to join in on the activities that include a choice of art-related activities with an optional black limo tour of the area customized to patrons' wants and desires. “Our goal is to encourage tourists and visitors to spend another day in the area after visiting the various tourist sites,” said Denise Stepanik, vice-president. In test mode at the moment, the activities at the mall will kick off on Saturday, April 13 and continue every second Saturday of each month afterward. Subsequent dates are May 11, June 8, July 13, Aug 10, Sep 14 and Oct 12. Times are from noon to 5 p.m. (Town tours may extend later as desired). Participants will be able to choose a minimum of two art activities from a list of four. The first option is a hair styling or makeup makeover that includes a nail color change. A stylist and make up artist will be on hand to provide basic and glamour makeovers, and the event will also feature two jewelry artists who will offer their creations for sale. “Groups can take before and after selfies and even stage a fashion show afterward,” Stepanik said. “We want the venue to be fun and entertaining.” Another option titled Painters' Square paints or sketches patrons' portraits. Of the four artists on hand, one works in fanciful watercolors; another makes a framed, hand-painted digital print. The two remaining artists will sketch patron portraits or even their aura. Examples of their work can be viewed at www.facebook.com/Art-Adventures-Town-Tours261071504786674. A third art option, JESi Games allows participants to learn new and unique war strategy games, paint game pieces and play a new card game called Goof 'n Golf . Games are available to order at the event which is a perfect place for board gamers to hang out all afternoon. The final option Paint Mob is a mixture of mosh-pit, dance, and art to make a fun group activity. Art Adventures will have a large selection of music genres from which to choose for paint mob parties. Keep in mind that groups of 5-15 participants are necessary to make this activity fun. “I don't know anywhere else that's offering this merge of dance, movement and painting,” Stepanik said. “During the event, participants will wear clothing protection, dance and bounce gently off

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Lisa J. Buday one another in random fashion to create modern paintings to take home with them.” Paint Mob videos can be viewed on Art Adventures' Facebook page. For those wanting an addition experience, tours of the area in a nine passenger, stretch limousine can be reserved. Art Adventures will pick participants at their hotel or location of choice, then take them on a customized adventure tailored to their taste. Local groups such as Girls Night Out can also plan a limo

THE CAST IRON GALLERY HAS OPENED IN BROWNSVILLE, PA. We would like to invite you to visit us at 200 Bank Street. We are open Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m.. Weekdays by Appointment. Come explore Brownsville and be inspired by the rich history. There are new photos by Stephen Beckman, the creator of the gallery, and Charles Hoopes, his business partner. Our photos are on the website and available for purchase. castirongallery.com Questions? Call 973-652-5324. We are searching for old photos of the area and artifacts to coincide with the same. Schedule your free tour today!

tour that might include stops downtown at restaurants, antique stores, salvage shops, lunch at the Summit Hotel, and/or a drive along Millionaire's Row in Uniontown. Tours can also be arranged for bridal parties, class reunions and other organized events. All activities and prices can be found by clicking on the Book Now link on the Facebook page. To promote their new venture, Art Adventures is stocking brochures at several hotels and inns in the area, at the Fayette County Visitors Bureau, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, the Uniontown Art Club and the Connellsville Canteen. In its June edition, “Group Tour” magazine, distributed to tour operators up and down the East Coast, is featuring Art Adventures. The start-up is also highlighted in the Spring e-newsletter of the Laurel Highlands Vacation Bureau with additional coverage in the summer and fall e-newsletters. Additional Information Reservation Payment Options: Credit Card (all kinds); pay pal; check by mail. Payment Options for Day of Event Purchases are additional: Check, Credit Cards (all kinds), cash Last Minute Decisions? If space is available you may register for an activity on the day of event, however, fees at the door are usually $5 more than advanced reservation fees. Audience Participation is encouraged and is free. Prizes are given to the most enthusiastic audience member.

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April news from the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum

Free Produce to People Food Distribution - Fayette County Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Fayette County Fair Fairgrounds, 132 Pechin Road, Connellsville - The program provides supplemental food items to families each month. Typically families receive about 60 pounds of food each month. Residents of Fayette County who receive the food are asked to bring a large box, wheeled cart or laundry basket to put their food in. In an effort to speed up the process at the distribution center, we have implemented what is known as a Passcard. In order to receive the Passcard you will need to bring with you a copy of a utility bill with your name and address on the bill. You will also need a photo ID. Registration for the distribution begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30. All food is distributed based on a first come first serve basis. To ensure you receive food please arrive no later than 10 a.m. You are able to attend if you live in another county other than Fayette. FMI: freshfirechurch.net

HIKE THROUGH HISTORY: HOW DONORA’S KILLER SMOG GAVE BIRTH TO CLEANER AIR On Saturday, May 18th, 2019 at 10:00 p.m. the Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP,) Venture Outdoors and the Donora Historical Society are teaming up to take hikers on a trek through the past, present, and future of air quality in Southwestern PA. We’ll walk along the Monongahela River in the footprint of what was once Donora’s mighty Zinc Works, then visit the Donora Smog Museum to learn more about the 1948 Smog event that took the lives of over 50 people and helped spur on the clean air movement in the United States. The total hike is roughly two miles. GASP is a non-profit citizens’ group that works to improve air quality to protect human, environmental, and economic health, and a healthy, sustainable environment in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1969, GASP has been a diligent watchdog, educator, litigator, and policy-maker on many environmental issues, with a focus on air quality in the Pittsburgh region. Venture Outdoors of Pittsburgh organizes outdoor adventures that involve hiking, biking or kayaking, but could also include museum tours, food and beverage tours, rock climbing and snow shoeing. This Hike Through History is part of GASP's Athletes United for Healthy Air campaign. The main goals of that campaign are to get people who are active outdoors to understand that they are uniquely affected by air pollution, learn

some ways to minimize their exposure while being active outside, and to get them interested in taking a stand for cleaner, healthier air. Registration through Venture Outdoors at ventureoutdoors.org/events/3356/ (members $5 and non-members $10) includes the hike, admission to the museum and lunch. SPRING CEMENT CITY HOME AND WALKING TOURS DATE SET Our spring Cement City Home and Walking Tours and your chance to see Thomas Edison’s solution for worker housing created 102 years ago in 1917 and the inspiration for the featured addition to the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village are scheduled for Saturday, April 13th, Sunday, April 14th, Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th at 1:00 p.m. The cost of the tours are $15/person and space is limited. It is encouraged to choose a date, then call or email to get your name added to a pre-RSVP signup list to be contacted when the tour date gets closer. If you have any questions about Cement City, one of our Home and Walking Tours or our project with the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village, please consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or contact the Historical Society. ELDORA PARK WALKING TOURS – SOLD OUT Our third annual Eldora Park Walking Tours scheduled for Saturday, March 30th and April 6th were SOLD OUT early. We are now accepting names and contact info for people interested in next

year’s tours tentatively scheduled for April 4th and 11th, 2020. Please contact the Historical Society to RSVP and get your name to the top of the list as space is limited. You will be contacted in February with tour dates. LIVING LEGENDS OF DONORA FOOTBALL – AN AFTERNOON OF STORYTELLING Stay tuned for upcoming details about an afternoon of storytelling with a group of Living Legends from the 1940s and 1950s to share stories about their experiences of growing up in Donora, playing for the Donora Dragons, playing in college and coaching football. Those expected to attend are Lou “Bimbo” Cecconi (Class of ’46), Nick DeRosa (Class of ’47), Bob Rosborough (Class of ’53) and Rich Mongelluzzo (Class of ’57). This event will take place in the downstairs Community Room of the Donora Public Library at 510 Meldon Avenue on Saturday, June 1 at 1 p.m. ADDITIONAL INFO If you have additional questions about the subjects mentioned above, the historical society, museum, presentations or possibly volunteering, feel free to stop by on Saturdays or by special appointment (with at least a week’s notice), email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety@gmail.com, call us at 724-823-0364 and leave a message, visit us on the web at DonoraHistoricalSociety.org, or follow us and Like Us on Facebook at “Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum.”

Firsthand account of 9/11 events discussed at Peters Township Library We are a Bible Believing Church!

California Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:45

Pastor Todd Rutherford 435 2nd Street, California

724-938-8555 Worship with Us this Sunday!

Hear a firsthand account of the day our nation was under attack at 9/11 and the Heroes of Flight 93 hosted by the Peters Township Public Library on Thursday, April 11 at 7:00 p.m. Register to attend this special National Library Week event by emailing programs@ptlibrary.org or call 724.941.9430 #1. Shortly after the Pentagon was hit that September 11 morning, Mahlon Fuller, watch supervisor at the Pittsburgh International Airport, evacuated the control tower and radar room because a hijacked plane was flying directly toward the airport. The plane was later identified as United 93. Fuller returned

to the radar room after the evacuation to see if there was still a threat to the airport, but the plane was no longer under radar coverage. It had crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania – sixty-eight nautical miles from Pittsburgh International Airport and eight miles beyond Pittsburgh’s radar range. At the conclusion of the program, Mr. Fuller will accept free will donations with all funds for the benefit of Friends of Flight 93 National Memorial.

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Center in the Woods April 2019 Activities Center in the Woods would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come and be a part of our community. Whether you’re looking for fellowship, a new activity, or you’d like to volunteer, we encourage you to stop in. No membership is required. Make a reservation a day ahead and join us for lunch at noon. The Center in the Woods is a non-profit, senior facility with the goal of hosting fun activities and community events for adults ages 60+. Lunch is served at 12 noon; please call one day in advance to order. !Daily activities include: Mondays: Piano lessons, Watercolor, Choir & Cards; Tuesdays: Lab services, Billiards lessons, Chair dancing, Healthy Steps, Bingo, Dart ball & Cards; Wednesdays: Bible study, Bean bag toss, Oil painting, Basket guild & Beauty shop; Thursdays: Lab services, Chair dancing, Healthy Steps, Jam Session & Bingo; Fridays: Beauty shop, Wii Bowling & Euchre Visit the beauty shop on Wednesdays, & Fridays by appointment. Bethany offers massage therapy by appointment. Call 724-678-3308. Jam sessions every Thursday at 1 p.m. feature local talented musicians. Sit and enjoy or bring an instrument and join in. Piano lessons are offered on Mondays.

Call Judy at 724-785-6959 to schedule. Birthday celebration the last Tuesday of the month at 12 noon. Bridge on Monday and Thursday, 500 Bid on Wednesday and Euchre on Friday. Games start at 1:15 p.m. Koffee Klatch presented by Edward Jones on the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m. The Adult Day Center is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in giving some of your time to assist our participants with activities or just being a friend, please contact Mary Beth at 724938-3554, Ext. 123. Volunteers are needed to serve as drivers or runners for the daily Home Delivered Meals program throughout the California, Daisytown, Brownsville and West Brownsville areas. Volunteers are also needed in the kitchen. We also need volunteers to help with various fundraising activities and administration work. FMI, please call 724-938-3554, Ext. 103. The Center’s hall is available for rental. Call for details. FMI on programs and other activities, call 724-938-3554 Ext. 103. CITW is located at 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville. FMI: centerinthewoods.org

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Sixth & Lookout, Charleroi, Pennsylvania

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WILL YOU BE PROTECTED Floods can happen anywhere it rains. What if an inch of water filled your home or business? Even worse, what if you lost everything you own in a flood? Flood insurance can help cover the devastating financial losses from such disasters. WHY DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE? Floods can occur anywhere and anytime, even in places where you would think it could never happen. Damage from a flood can be extensive and costly to repair. Flood insurance can offer you lots of protection. It covers damage from heavy or prolonged rain, coastal storm surge, melting snow, blocked storm drainage systems or other similar causes. It gives you coverage that’s not available through home or business insurance. Many people think that flood damage is covered by their home or business insurance policies—it’s not, and that could be a costly assumption. Thinking about all that you could lose in a flood, insurance coverage is a smart and safe choice. Flood insurance is available for homes, apartments, manufactured homes, condos and businesses. Erie Insurance offers flood coverage through a partnership with American Bankers Insurance Company, a federally funded flood carrier. If you ask around, you’ll find out that ERIE has been offering great coverage and service for a long time—over 90 years, in fact. With help from our agents, we can help get you covered. WHAT DOES FLOOD INSURANCE COVER? Flood insurance1 helps cover damage to your building or person-

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al property. It can help cover things like: A home and its foundation A building and its foundation Electrical and plumbing systems Air conditioning equipment, furnaces and heaters Appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, refrigerators and stoves. Personal possessions, such as clothing, furniture and electronic equipment. To help ease your worries about flood cleanup, which can be a tough process with lots of mud, flood insurance also offers coverage for debris removal. If you rent, you can get coverage just for your personal belongings. If you’re thinking about adding the coverage, don’t put it off. GET THE PROTECTION YOU NEED Affordable protection is just a phone call away. This information provided by Mariscotti Insurance Agency, 324 Third Street, California, PA. Contact your agent, Kim Mariscotti, at 724-938-9302.

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Comedy for a Cause to benefit MGA of West Penn Culinary Quick Start program offered in Uniontown The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA will hold its 5th annual Comedy For A Cause to benefit the organization’s FREE patient support services. The event is slated for Saturday, April 27 at the Sokol Club Banquet Hall, 2912 East Carson Street, South Side. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., followed by buffet dinner at 7 p.m. and show time at 8 p.m. In addition to entertainment from three acclaimed comedians (Headliner Gene Collier, Feature Comic Larry XL and EmCee Joey Welsh), the evening will feature silent and live auctions of autographed sports memorabilia and other exciting prizes, a basket raffle and much more. Admission is only $40 per person

and includes dinner. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are also available for the comedy show only @ $20 per person. In 2015, Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western Pennsylvania (MGA) celebrated its 60th year of service to people affected by Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disorder of extreme muscle weakness with no known cause or cure. MGA is a proud partner of the Allegheny Health Network and Allegheny General Hospital. To purchase tickets visit slapsticksproductions.com or call MGA at (412) 566-1545.

Registration open for Summer College at Cal U Students who attend any college or university, including the 14 universities in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, have a choice of more than 200 credit courses at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Both on-campus and online courses are offered during the 2019 summer term in convenient five-week, seven week and 10week sessions. The summer sessions begin on May 20 and end on Aug. 9. The flexibility of Summer College is designed for students to advance their education and careers. “Our Summer College is an ideal way to help students get ahead or catch up on credits and improve their GPAs,” said Kathy Gavazzi, Cal U’s associate registrar and director of Summer College and

Winter Session. “For others, it’s an opportunity to focus on a single course, or to take a class in a subject they’ve always wanted to learn more about.” Current Cal U students do not have to apply for Summer College; they can register online through VIP or email summer@calu.edu. Visiting students can apply and view the 2019 Summer College brochure, with all course offerings, sessions and dates at calu.edu/admissions/visiting/summerwinter.aspx. To learn more about Summer College, email summer@calu.edu or call 724-938-5962.

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Westmoreland County Community College is partnering with Fayette County Career and Technical Institute to offer a Culinary Quick Start program in Fayette County starting April 16 at the technical institute located at 175 Georges Fairchance Road in Uniontown. There are hundreds of immediate openings for line and prep cooks in professional kitchens and this program prepares students for entry-level positions in the food service industry upon successful completion. Topics include basic kitchen vocabulary and ingredients, knife skills and safety, basic preparation, recipe reading and conversion, sauces, sanitation and job search preparation. Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to test for a ServSafe Certification. This certification is a nationally recognized/accredited food safety certi-

fication desired by employers in the food service industry. In addition, those completing the program may earn two college credits that can be applied toward Westmoreland’s credit Culinary Arts program which can then be transferred to a four-year university. Classes will be held 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the following dates: April 16, 17, 24, 25; May 1, 2, 7, 9, 14 and 15. Tuition is $395 plus a $235 material fee which includes apron, hat, chef’s knife and paring knife, and a ServSafe book with answer sheet. Registration deadline is Friday, April 5. FMI, contact Sylvia Detar, director/Continuing Education, at detars@westmoreland.edu or 724.925.4190. To register, call the college at 724.925.4204.

Westmoreland Open House scheduled for April 3 Westmoreland County Community College will hold an Open House Wednesday, April 3 from 3-7 p.m. at its new Science Innovation Center at the Youngwood campus. Designed for prospective students, parents and adult learners, the open house will provide information on the college’s programs of study that prepare graduates for careers immediately upon graduation or for transfer to four-year universities, as well as its athletic programs, and clubs and organizations. Information will be available about

financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and the admissions process. Future students may complete the Application for Admission for free. Faculty, staff and students will be available one-on-one to talk and answer questions.Participants will also be able to tour the college’s new Science Innovation Center which recently opened in fall 2018. Guests may stop by anytime between 3 and 7 p.m. FMI, call 724-925-4000.

Mon Valley Academy for the Arts April 2019 News The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts is very pleased to announce that, for the third consecutive year, the EQT Foundation has awarded a grant to be used for the 2019 EQT/MVAA Summer Concert Series. The $20,000 grant will assist and continue the growth of the 510(c)3 Non Profit Organization established in November 2015. On Sunday April 28, the MVAA will kick off the 2019 Concert Season with a “Spring Fling” gala at “Off the Wall Arts Studio”, 532 McKean Ave., Charleroi, Pa., From 4-7 PM. Doors open at 3:30. The event will be an announcement and celebration of the upcoming 2019 Concert Season. The $10 donation will include entertainment by Jessica Lee Jazz, appetizers, wine tasting and special announcements concerning the 2019 EQT/MVAA Summer Concert

Series.The Sunday afternoon event will be co-sponsored by EQT Fnd, Off the Wall Arts and Washington Winery, Charleroi. Also, appearing will be pianist Joseph Hodges recent winner of the WVU Jazz Honor Band. Thirteen year old Joseph placed first in the 13-18 age category for the Honors Jazz Band competition Also, he is the pianist for the Twin Coaches Jr. Stage Band for the third consecutive concert season. Between June and September, eight (8) outdoor concerts will be presented FREE to the public featuring local and professional artists of varied genres.Concert locations will be Chess Park in Monongahela and Palmer Park in Donora. FMI: monvalleyacademyforthearts.org or fo@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org

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The Spirit of Courage and Healing: For All Those Who Served: Part 1 - Courage By Catherine Ehlers-Brown Ardy opened his weary eyes at the start of another day. He was not optimistic about the promise of a new dawn or the possibility of a fresh beginning. Ardy was living and battling the war of his past. His new dawns and fresh beginnings were instead a never-ending repetition of broken promises and painful endings. No one had prepared him for consequences of this kind. He had survived the war and returned home without physical injury. It was not supposed to be this way for he had no bodily wounds. Of course, back then Ardy knew he would be putting his life on the line and could possibly be one who would be making the ultimate sacrifice. He was, with honor and courage, prepared to make this sacrifice. He was prepared to become a silent defender for his country. What he was not prepared for were the sacrifices he would have to make for the rest of his mortal life, as a living defender of his country. Ardy was not a religious or spiritual man. However, he did have strong innate beliefs and values at the core of his being. Ardy did not believe in taking the life of another human. Instead, he valued the essence of life itself and respected the human embodiment of that life force. However, Ardy also knew that during his service he would be faced with the realities of war. Ardy knew that he would be expected to go against his core beliefs and values by not only witnessing the taking of human life but by potentially participating in

the task himself. Ardy sacrificed his core beliefs and values to serve and defend his nation. Today, as Ardy opened his weary eyes, he was especially pessimistic. It was Memorial Day. This day always magnified his emotions, his fears and the pain that accompanied his flashbacks and nightmares. Today he was especially pained by the memories of those he had to leave behind. Every Memorial Day following his service to his country, Ardy felt and carried the burden of “a righteous cause” for himself and his fellow defenders, both the silent and the living. On this Memorial Day, Ardy fought back the powerful emotions and the memories that streaked through his mind and body with the sights, sounds

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and smells of events he did not want to remember nor re-live. But as it has been since his service days, this is a battle Ardy continues to fight in the war that is now within his own mind and being. This is Ardy’s sacrifice as a living defender. As Ardy fought off the enemies of his personal war, he prepared to take his daily walk to the park to visit the monument. The monument that was designed and dedicated in memory of all who served. Ardy wanted to visit the monument before the annual Memorial Day services, so he started his walk just at the crack of dawn. The air was crisp and cool and a glistening blanket of dew covered the grass. A thick, white mist of fog rose from the river nearby. The sound of the wind blew through the

trees and swirled around Ardy. It was as if this essence of nature surrounded him to provide comfort to his weary soul. As Ardy took each step ahead, he embraced the peace and tranquility of the ethereal scene that he bore witness to. Ardy was calmed and awed by the beautiful gift nature had bestowed upon him on this special day. Reaching the monument, Ardy entered the walkway that led up to the monument itself. The path of the walkway was made of square concrete stones. Between each stone and set in progression towards the monument, was one word of the phrase “to-all-who-served.” The walkway was lined with stone figures representing men and women who have fought for Ardy’s homeland, the United States of America. Each statue stood at attention with their right hand raised in salute. In their left hands each held the American Flag. At the end of the walkway and between the walkway and the monument itself was a red concrete walk area shaped like a large heart with a jagged line down the center. This area is a representation of all the hearts that have been broken. The broken heart area was respectfully designed and constructed by Ardy’s fellow veteran defenders. Ardy, still standing at the entrance to the walkway, became aware of how his own heart was broken and needed to be mended. As Ardy stepped ahead in procession down the walkway, he saluted each set of figures on either side, one side and Continued on next page...

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The Spirit of Courage and Healing, continued... then the other. As he saluted each figure, he voiced out a loud heartfelt, “thank you to all who served.” Ardy’s eyes were then drawn upward to the semicircle of flags flying high above the stone monument. The flags that represented America, POW’s and the U.S. branches of service were waving in the brisk breeze as if they were beckoning Ardy to come ahead. Ardy then noticed a small statue beside the monument. The stone figure was of a fellow defender carrying a wounded comrade over his shoulder. Ardy’s heart ached for those he could not save. Moving slowly Ardy reached the end of the walkway and stepped into the broken heart area. He was immediately overcome with powerful emotions. He bowed his head and wept uncontrollably. Tears of guilt, pain, suffering and loss, flowed down his cheeks dropping on to his chest. The tears landed just above where his heart was pounding from the depth of his emotions. Ardy knew he had sacrificed the strong

beliefs and values at the core of his being but what he did not realize, until that moment, was how his sacrifice had created a conflict within him. A conflict that was at the root of his guilt, pain, suffering and sense of loss. Ardy realized that at his core, he was not at peace with the sacrifice he had made. He could not forgive himself for what he had witnessed and for what he had been required to do. Maybe he thought, the flashbacks and the emotions were forms of punishment for going against his core beliefs and values. Maybe he deserved the never-ending pain of the nightmares he experienced throughout his days and nights. Maybe he was wounded too. Maybe his wounds were not visible to human eyes. Ardy was transfixed there within the broken heart. He was lost within his own tormented mind and spirit. Ardy just stood there frozen in time and place... Ardy’s story, Part 2, Healing, will continue in the May 2019 issue.

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Healing Heroes Initiative Assists Local Veterans When Armstrong began the Healing Heroes initiative, on Veteran’s Day of 2016, the goal was to raise enough funds to donate five service dogs to qualifying disabled veterans within communities they serve. More than two years later, Armstrong has raised enough funds to donate 11 service dogs, with six of those dogs being already paired with veterans. Four of those veterans just returned from the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs facility in Williston, Florida. The latest four veterans to be paired include Bryan and service dog Fahrny (Wadsworth, OH), Lisa and Yogi (Hamlin, WV), Harvey and Rosa (Austintown, OH) and Samara and Angel (Scottdale, PA). The veterans spent time training at the Guardian Angels headquarters, learning how to live with their new companions. “It is very satisfying to see these veterans coming back with smiles on their faces and starting their ‘new normal’ at home,” said Jeff Ross, Armstrong President. “When Armstrong committed to this cause in 2016, these were the moments we were most excited to see.” “The training and pairing expense for each service dog is approximately

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Order Online: nudgeshoppe.com PANCAKES & PRAISE ON APRIL 13 Join us at the church on April 13 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for “Pancakes & Praise” - Enjoy hot, delicious pancakes & warm fellowship. Cost $6 Our annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on April 13 at 11 a.m., with fun activities for kids 12 & under beginning at 10 a.m. If you have prayer concerns, or would like more information on events, worship times, or youth & young adult groups, please call the church!

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EQT Children’s Theater Festival programming lineup announced, begins 5/16 The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that tickets are on sale for the 2019 EQT Children’s Theater Festival. Now in its 33rd year, this Festival fosters imagination through high-quality professional theater performances from around the world, including performers from Denmark, Mexico, France, and the United States. Highlights of the 2019 Festival include six featured performances, free hands-on activities and experiences, a Frog Stop Scavenger Hunt, and the world premiere of French artist Cyril Lancelin’s circle, circle, circle. This Festival experience is tailored to children of all ages, and includes sensory-friendly performances of Air Play. “The EQT Children’s Theater Festival showcases featured artists from around the world to inspire creativity through the arts,” says Pamela Komar, Director of Theater, Music, and Youth Programming for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “Families will discover a setting that sparks imagination and discussion. Questions like, ‘What do

you think happened in the show?’ inspire meaningful conversation. Rain or shine, with both indoor and outdoor events, the Festival is an easily accessible and positive shared experience away from the screen.” In addition to the EQT Foundation,

the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust thanks its sponsors, Giant Eagle, Inc., Citizens Bank, Gateway Health, the Maranne P. Welch Family Endowment, Allegheny Regional Asset District, The Grable Foundation, The Buhl Foundation, and The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Special thanks to collaborators Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, City of Pittsburgh, Citiparks, Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, and Alco Parking Corporation, and media partners KDKA-TV, Kidsburgh, Trib Total Media, and 91.3 WYEP. FEATURED PERFORMANCES The FREE World Premiere is made possible by the Maranne P. Welch Family Endowment circle circle circle by town.and.concrete | France Age Recommendation: All ages Festival Location: Outdoors at Penn Avenue and 7th Street Immerse yourself in a larger-than-life cube of colors. A 3D rainbow of circles creates a 15-foot tall maze that’s as fun to gaze at as it is to adventure inside. Artist Cyril Lancelin’s work has been shown around the world. Discover and explore this exciting world premiere! Open during Festival hours. Finale of the 2018-2019 Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Season Emily Brown and the Thing by Tall Stories | United Kingdom Age Recommendation: Ages 3+ Festival Location: August Wilson Cultural Center Something monstrous is keeping Continued on next page...

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Gallery 86 is now the home of the Uniontown Art Club and is located at 86 West Main St. in downtown Uniontown. The gallery and gift shop is filled with unique and one-of-a-kind works of art made by local artists. Hours of operation are MondaySaturday 12:30-5:30 p.m. The UAC is a local non-profit that was established in 1927. They have been promoting and generating appreciation of the visual arts in the community for over 90 years. Their web address is www.uniontownartclub.org. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming special events and shows.

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SEWING ALTERATIONS *Alter/hem gowns, prom dress, pants, skirts *Add zipper to pullover hoodie, replace zipper *Add lacey collar or beads to a plain dress/top *Change an “old” t-shirt into a “new” one *Take in or out side seams and waistbands *Patch/mend holes, add belt loops, etc. SEWING SHOP *Get a pattern and fabric - Pay only labor *Will help design your own dress/suit pattern *Sell hand-made, unique, one-of-a-kind gifts *If cut 7” from hem, will make a tie! SEWING LESSONS *Learn to Sew! Individually or in groups *Learn to read & understand patterns *Learn to sew for a Scout badge (girl or boy) Taking orders for PROM now. If you have anything that needs altered or hemmed, let me know! If there is at least 7” of hem to cut off, I can make a tie with it in the exact color/fabric to match your partner’s gown. Taking orders for an EASTER gift for the child’s basket! I will make a child’s dress, or pants & matching vest! You purchase the material and pattern, then pay just labor fee (my fee is based on the style of the pattern). Will sew/design a basic Wedding Dress starting at $200 + three fittings Call for Appointment 412-997-0874 Located in California, PA

Emily Brown awake...One evening, Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a ‘Thing’ crying outside their window. He just can’t get to sleep. Emily Brown and Stanley set off on incredible adventures to the Dark and Scary Wood, the Whirling Wastes, and beyond to find the Thing’s cuddly, bedtime milk, and medicine, but nothing seems to help him settle! What’s really troubling the Thing, and will anyone ever get to sleep? Find out in this magical, musical show based on the muchloved book by Cressida Cowell (How to Train Your Dragon) and Neal Layton. 55 minutes, no intermission. Finale of the 2018-2019 EQT Bridge Theater Season Murikamification by Arch 8 | Netherlands Age Recommendation: Ages 7+ Festival Location: Throughout the Cultural District Step into the daydream that unfolds before your eyes. Using the magical, surrealistic stories of Haruki Murakami as a source of inspiration, Kaiel creates an intensely physical and absurd performance trail. In each version of Murikamification, the show is adapted to the surprising scenery in the streets of that city. Follow the action on this moving theater piece throughout Pittsburgh’s own Cultural District! 45 minutes. Sensory-Friendly Performance, Saturday May 18th Air Play by AirPlay Show |

United States Age Recommendation: All ages Festival Location: Byham Theater Ride the wind and dream with Air Play, a modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, larger-than-life balloons, giant kites floating over the audience, and the biggest snow globe you’ve ever seen will make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts. Air Play is a circusstyle adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal world while transforming ordinary objects into uncommon beauty. Fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, confetti turns into the night sky, and an enormous canopy of hovering silk forever alters their future. 60 minutes. The Friday matinee performance of Air Play has been generously supported through proceeds from the Gabe Rubin Student Performance Fund. FLY by Theater Patrasket | Denmark Age Recommendation: Ages 5+ Festival Location: Trust Arts Education Center FLY is a poetic journey into a circus universe with strange characters, big emotions and captivating puppet imagery. The orphan Max, is being bullied and suppressed – and is always longing to fly, even when he starts travelling with a circus. But one day he meets the giraffe woman Lily, and the great love that might give him wings. 40 minutes. Sky and Stone by Teatro al Vacio | Mexico Age Recommendation: Ages 1 – 4 Festival Location: Trust Arts

Education Center A stone falls from the sky and sparks curiosity, exploration, and play. Players explore with their bodies, playing to overcome gravity and investigate new possibilities, actions that imply a major challenge for children in their first years of life. Babies and toddlers are welcomed into a gentle and friendly experience with the invitation to explore and move with their bodies. 30 minutes. Sons of Mystro | United States Age Recommendation: All ages Festival Location: August Wilson Cultural Center Sons of Mystro use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their own creations. They are winners of the Emerging Artist under 21yrs Old award at IRAWMA (International Reggae and World Music Awards). Mentored by Black Violin, these artists’ stars are on the rise. 45 minutes. FESTIVAL GROUNDS Festival hours are 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19. During Festival hours, in addition to the featured performances, grounds include visual art programming in Cultural District galleries, free handson activities, public art, free outdoor performances, and a variety of food and drink options. A Festival box office will be open at 807 Liberty Avenue during Festival hours providing tickets, assistance, and merchandise. There will also be friendly Festival Guides roaming the Festival grounds and stationed in colorful tents throughout the Festival to help visitors navigate throughout the Festival. TICKETS - Featured performance tickets are $12 each, and multi-show packs are available for as low as $8 per show! Flex Vouchers from the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series and EQT Bridge Theater Series are honored for all ticketed events taking place during the Festival, but must be redeemed in advance of the performance. For tickets and information: Visit TrustArts.org/PGHKids, Call 412456-6666, or Visit the Theater Square Box Office at 655 Penn Avenue Groups of 10 or more start at $10 per ticket per show, and are as low as $5 per ticket per show. Call 412471-6930 or email GroupSales@TrustArts.org

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United Methodist Women celebrate 150 years of missionary work

State Theatre CENTER FOR THE ARTS

MUTTS GONE NUTS April 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets $30, $25 & $20

Story by Keren Lee Dreyer It was a dark and stormy night - literally - in Boston on March 28, 1869. What separates this dark and stormy night from all others is the meeting of eight women, at Tremont Street Methodist Episcopal Church, to organize support for female missionaries to India. The need for female missionaries, specifically, to provide sorely lacking spiritual, educational, and medical help to women and girls there, was brought to the attention of Clementine Butler and Lois Parker by their husbands, themselves missionaries in India. Butler and Parker were instrumental in organizing that first meeting, from which membership blossomed though the following weeks. “These women decided they wanted to do something. Within a week, they wrote a constitution and formally charted…(becoming) the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS),” said Mary Hart, President of United Methodist Women’s California, PA unit, of those early days. “Their purpose was to engage and unite the effort of the women of the church in sending out and supporting female missionaries, native teachers, and Bible women to foreign lands.” To raise funds for the missionaries, WFMS officers and members enlisted small measures which added up to real money, as Hart describes, “Dues were one dollar a year, and two cents per week plus a prayer. Women saved money using calico (an inexpensive material) for their dresses. One woman charged her children one penny every

time the child spilled food on the table cloth. They also sent letters of appeal to other women’s groups at other churches. They had lifetime memberships and things like that to get money to support this dream of theirs.” In just over seven months from its inception, that dream was realized on November 2, 1869. WFMS had raised enough money to send an educator, Isabella Thoburn, and a doctor, Clara Swain, to India. As an organization separate from the church itself, WFMS received no helping funds, meaning “the women had to raise all the money themselves” Hart said. Still, the mission work of Thoburn and Swain left a positive legacy in the area; Thoburn’s first school there eventually became Isabella Thoburn College, while Swain, according to Hart, “established the first hospital in all of Asia, and it is still in operation today.” WFMS went on to work in conjunction with other missionary organizations throughout the world for nearly a century, providing missionary support in the form of education and health care for women and girls. But it wasn’t until recent years that WFMS took on its newest name and stature. “The United Brethren Women’s Missionary Association became involved in work with women and children in the U.S.” Hart explained, continuing “In 1968, the UMC (United Methodist Church) and the Evangelical United Brethren Church merged, which then merged the women’s organizations. In 1973, the organization became the United Methodist women’s program. In 2012, it

became a separate agency of the UMC.” As the largest world-wide, faith-based organization, comprising 800,000 members, the UMW places focus on missionary education, spiritual enrichment, advocacy on critical social issues, and on leadership development, Hart said, while “the social justice issues they focus on are the ones that most affect women, children, and youth.” While every local unit of UMW, including the California United Methodist Women, will have their own ways to celebrate the organization’s 150-year anniversary, UMW is planning something more tangible and further reaching; a legacy fund will be established by year’s end to provide support for the core expenses of being a mission, including tech updates, scholarships, education, and salaries. The fund’s support of these aspects will then allow pledge money to exclusively fund UMW’s missionary work. For 150 years, UMW has lived its credo: “United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand the concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.” To get involved with kicking off UMW’s next 150 years of missionary work, contact Mary Hart at twoharts2@icloud.com, or call 724-7857976. Friend UMW at: facebook.com/UMWomen. For the national organization’s full scope of missionary education and work, visit unitedmethodistwomen.org

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Disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton, and their hilarious pack of pampered rescue pooches have created a comedy dog thrill show like no other. Expect the unexpected in this top-notch presentation that includes: incredible high flying Frisbee dogs, tight-wire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs, and, of course, the one and only . . . Sammie the Talking Dog!

T HE D OO W OP P ROJECT April 26 at 8 p.m. Tickets $38, $34 & $25 The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing tight harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today.

Classic Film Series April 12 at 2 & 7 p.m. May 17 at 2 & 7 p.m. April’s film is Rebecca May’s film is Kelly’s Heroes Adults $5, Students, senior citizens & children $3

724-439-1360 STATETHEATRE.INFO 27 East Main St., Uniontown 17

Childcare now available at City Mission’s Women with Children Shelter in Washington County “My cheeks hurt when I go home from all the laughing and smiling. This is the best job ever,” said City Mission’s new Childcare Coordinator, Lynne Thompson, as she played on the floor with Brax, one of the kids currently living in the Mission’s new Women with Children Shelter. The bright and beautifully decorated Childcare Center filled with Brax’s laughter. On average, Thompson watches four or five children each day, ranging in age from six months to twelve years old. “I’m here to assist the moms and the kids,” she explained. “The moms who find themselves at City Mission are working hard to improve their lives by taking classes, applying for jobs, and looking for housing. I help them with childcare, so they can focus on those things. So they can concentrate on what they need to do for themselves and for their children to move forward.” Lack of reliable childcare is a significant barrier for single mothers who are trying to attain or sustain employment, further their education, or work on their recovery. Unreliable childcare is one of the many factors that has made single women with children the fastest-growing homeless population in the United States. According to the Bassuk Center on Homeless and Vulnerable Children and Youth, 2.5 million children are homeless each year, and families with children now make up almost 40% of the overall homeless population. Homeless children are at greater risk and suffer more physical and mental health issues and developmental delays than other children. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network claims that homeless children are twice as sick, have twice the rate of learning disabilities, and three times the rate of emotional and behavioral problems. By the time homeless children are eight years old, one in three has a signif-

icant mental disorder. Thanks to generous donations, thoughtful planning, and a lot of hard work, City Mission is now equipped to help women with children overcome these barriers and break the cycle of hopelessness and despair. “We are blessed to be able to provide full-time childcare, so our residents can focus on their recovery and removing whatever barriers and challenges brought them to us in the first place,” said City Mission Director of Residential Programs, Leah Dietrich. “They can know that their children are safe. We’ve never been able to give our women with children everything that they need…but now we can.” Thompson, the Childcare Coordinator, is an essential part of City Mission’s plan to support homeless women with children. As a trained art teacher with degrees in Art History and Art

Education, she is also working to inspire and enrich the lives of the children. “I do a lot with the kids educationally. We do ABC’s and 123’s. Our theme this week is creation, so we’re learning about science, animals, plants, stars.” As an art teacher, her favorite activities to do with the kids are art projects. They draw, paint, and build collages. For Christmas, they made Nativity scenes. “But the kids’ favorite activity we do is music,” Thompson added. “They are at a great age when they like to dance, sing, and perform. Next week’s theme is ‘Make a Joyful Noise,’ and we’ll be making instruments and singing.” Thompson, a mother herself, has also taken on a role as a mentor for the young moms in the Program. “This is an opportunity to have more positive support in the lives of the kids and for the mothers,” said Dietrich. “As a mother herself, Lynne is a sounding board for

our moms.” Thompson agreed, “Because I’m here, I can help with advice for a lot of these moms. Young moms have a lot of questions, and I get to be here to help and encourage them.” “This job is a lot of responsibility,” she continued. “It’s amazing that these moms trust me to take care of their children. Some of them come from hard places. It can be difficult to trust. I thank the moms for trusting me and allowing me to have time with their little ones.” Every day at the Childcare Center is exciting and unpredictable. “There really are no average days,” Thompson explained. “You never know what each day will bring. One of the mom’s could have an interview, or one of the kids might be sick. You just have to be able to roll with it. You never know what’s going to happen here.” “I create lesson plans and plan activities, but I also have to be able to adapt the lessons to who we have. If it’s a snow day or a break from school, we’ll have more older kids who won’t want to do what the younger ones are doing.” City Mission’s Women with Children Shelter is working to strengthen our community by building strong families, empowering independent women, and nurturing happy and confident children. “I just love what is happening in this program,” said Dietrich, Director of Residential Programs. “We see families reunited, healing together, finding faith together, being supported and leaving with a solid foundation. Everyone in the program feels loved and supported!” Thompson added, “This is a great program. The women who have the courage to take that step and ask for help, they have to be strong already. They want to make a better life for their children. Not one of these women has ever put themselves first. It’s always about trying to make a better life for their children.”

Cook announces new Belle Vernon and California office locations to better serve constituents Effective April 1, Rep. Bud Cook (RFayette/Washington) will be opening a new Belle Vernon district office and a new satellite office in California (Center in the Woods). In addition, Cook’s current Bentleyville district office will close on Friday, March 29. Each of these changes is part of Cook’s ongoing efforts to reduce operating costs and improve efficiencies, while maintaining the highest level of constituent service for residents of the 49th Legislative District. In his first term Cook and his district office associates

saved Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $12,500 by taking services directly to the constituents and other prudent tax saving management practices. “Fulfilling my responsibilities as an effective and accessible public servant will always be my top priority,” said Cook. “The people of the 49th District should know that my team and I are here to do everything we possibly can to meet and exceed your expectations both at home and in Harrisburg while reducing the cost of services delivered. Most importantly, I invite everyone to stop by

or give us a call because we are here to serve you!” Belle Vernon, 10 Main St., Belle Vernon, PA 17745 - Phone: (724) 6692242 - Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. California, Center in the Woods (Satellite), 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville, PA 15417 - Phone: (724) 669-2242 - Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Thursday. Available services include assisting District 49 residents with PennDOT

paperwork, driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals; information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs; securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required); organizing tours of the State Capitol; copies of legislation; and many others. FMI: RepBudCook.com and Facebook.com/RepBudCook.

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Business & civic leader Jacob Bowman: Brownsville’s Prominent Pioneer Written by Brian Brashear Of all the early settlers to the area of Brownsville (or “Redstone Old Fort” as it was called then), perhaps none were as influential in both business and civil affairs as Jacob Bowman... The eldest of 5 children, Jacob Bowman was born in Hagerstown, Maryland on June 17, 1763. Jacob's father, Simon Bowman, was born in 1725 near Heidelberg, Germany. In 1779, at the age of 16, Bowman took on employment under trader and merchant Col. Robert Elliott at Hagerstown. In 1786, Jacob Bowman married Isabella Lowry, the daughter of former British military officer Maj. James Lowry. Isabella was born at Castle Fin in County Donegal, Ireland in 1767. It was also in 1786 that Bowman became a partner in the enterprise of Col. Elliott and the two purchased land at “Redstone Old Fort” where they opened up a trading post/store under the title “Elliott and Bowman.” Col. Elliott then returned to Hagerstown, leaving his young partner Jacob at “Redstone” to operate the business. Bowman built a small stone structure in 1788 which would become the trading post. Next to it he built another structure of stone and brick which would serve as the first residence for Jacob, Isabella, and their newborn daughter Mary. By 1789 the trading post was ready for business. Bowman hired John Hayden and his team of horses to haul the first wagon-load of goods over the mountains from Hagerstown to Redstone. The load was recorded as “2,000 pounds in weight at a cost of $3 per hundred.” The round trip from Hagerstown to Redstone and back took approximately one month with much of the route being the track

which would eventually become parts of the National Road. With the outbreak of the “Whiskey Rebellion” in 1791, Jacob Bowman was named Assistant Commissary for the troops dispatched to suppress the unrest. Bowman supplied the troops so well that Gen. “Light Horse Harry” Lee (Father of Confederate Civil War General Robert E. Lee) recommended a commission for Bowman in the U.S. Army to which Bowman respectfully declined. Upon the death of Col. Elliott in 1794, Bowman became sole proprietor of the trading post and owner of the property at Redstone on which it stood. The trading post/store proved vital to settlers heading both west and south. With his success, Jacob began expanding his home. He and Isabella would have nine children; five daughters (Mary, Anne, Matilda, Harriett, and Louisa) and four sons (James, William, Goodloe, and Nelson). The additions he made to his home would be the early expansions to what would eventually become what we know today as “Nemacolin Castle” with his son Nelson completing it in

the 1850's. In addition to the trading post, Jacob Bowman was involved in many other enterprises in the area. Bowman was named Brownsville's first postmaster by President George Washington on Jan. 1, 1795 holding the position for the next 34 years. Bowman also served as U.S. Indian agent, settling disputes and overseeing trade and negotiations between native tribes and the U.S. government. Expanding his businesses, Jacob built the first nail factory west of the Allegheny mountains at Brownsville and also partnered with John Beaver (for whom Beaver county, PA is named) in building a paper mill. On Feb. 17, 1797, Thomas Mifflin, Pennsylvania's first governor named Bowman to the commission of yet another title, this one being “Justice of the Peace.” 1814 saw Jacob undertake the founding of the Monongahela National Bank where he served as it's president until 1843. Jacob was also a founder of the Christ Episcopal Church in Brownsville where he attended for many years. Jacob Bowman died on March 2, 1847. His children and grandchildren continued his legacy in many fields. Five of Jacob Bowman's grandsons served in the Union army during the U.S. Civil War with two of them achieving the rank of Brigadier General. Other grandchildren would go on to hold important positions and offices around the country. The hard work and dedication of Jacob Bowman in the early days of Brownsville played an important role in the early success and establishment of the town. A reminder of his influence can still be seen today as Nemacolin Castle stands overlooking Brownsville, PA, the town which he was proud to call his home.

Notifying Others of a Death: Who Should You Contact? Once a death has occurred, there are numerous people that must be notified. Attending to such details can seem an overwhelming proposition for family members who are also freshly coping with emotions of grief and loss, but nevertheless, this communication must occur. People that may need to be notified include: Minister/spiritual advisor - in order to begin planning a funeral and burial Employer - if the deceased was still working, the employer will usually help handle benefit issues, such as health and life insurance. Health and Life Insurance agents - will help begin the process of terminating the policies and arrange for payouts to beneficiaries. Attorney - if the person used legal counsel to set up a will, this lawyer will begin the legal steps necessary to processing the person's will and estate Accountant/Executor of the Estate - an executor (the person designated to carry out the wishes of the deceased) will assist the attorney in following the will and dispersing assets to beneficiaries. Social Security Office and Internal Revenue Service - the government will terminate benefits (e.g., Medicare and Social Security) and process taxes on the person's estate for the year in which he/she died. Bank and Mortgage Companies - the executor of the estate will make arrangements to pay back any loans and/or close out accounts with all relevant banks and mortgage companies. Remaining assets will be distributed per the person's will.

California Rotary Sponsors Memorial Day Remembrance on May 27 California Rotary is partnering with various local organizations to sponsor a Memorial Day ceremony, Monday, May 27, at 11 a.m. at Memorial Circle, Fourth and Union streets, California. The ceremony entitled, “We Remember,” will include tributes

to veterans and first responders, patriotic songs, and introduction of essay contest winner, and will conclude with the playing of taps. The entire community is cordially invited to attend the ceremony. Bring chairs and join with friends and neigh-

bors to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and to thank those who face danger daily to make everyone safe. For additional information about the event, contact Beth Baxter, californiafocus@verizon.net or 724-938-7204.

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Mariscotti Funeral Home 323 Fourth Street California, PA (724) 938-2210 (724) 322-0500 - Cell Anthony Mariscotti, Supervisor

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The second book in the Della and Lila series, Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure, is now available to purchase online at Amazon or at our official site.

Voted “Best of the ‘Burgh” by Pittsburgh Magazine and “Best of the Best” by the Observer-Reporter. Author Brianne Bayer Mitchell was the proud recipient of the Inspiring Lives Magazine Empowering Women in Philanthropy Award for 2017. Local Readers, get your copy of Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure or Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid (or both!) at Flowers by Regina in California, PA. Learn more at dellaandlila.com or facebook.com/dellaandlila

California Rotary honors student, hears speaker

Pictured left: The Rotary Club of California recognized Ailigayle Bruce, daughter of Frank and Shannon Bruce, as the February Student of the Month from California Area High School. Ailigayle wants to pursue a career in medicine. She is active in a number of clubs and organizations, both at CAHS and at Mon Valley Career and Technical Center. Congratulating her is California Area School District

Superintendent Michael Sears, a member of California Rotary. Pictured right: Ann Gaydos, director of Mental Health and all of its components at Centerville Clinics, spoke to the Rotary Club of California in February. Her presentation was interesting and informative as she detailed the many services available through Centerville Clinics.

Lunch Buffet $6.50 a person Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Spend $20 & get a free egg roll Spend $30 & get free crab rangoon

344 3rd Street, California, PA Tel.: (724) 938-8888 or (724) 938-8500 Please phone your order in for quicker service OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday 12 noon-10 p.m.

Canonsburg 4th Committee Revamps Float Competition groups got together to create rally cool

Story by Fred Terling

floats through concentrated effort, civic During its monthly meeting at White Eagles Hall, the Canonsburg 4th of July Committee discussed the passing of longtime member, know affectionately as Mr. Canonsburg, former Mayor Anthony Colaizzo. Typically, with such trips down memory lane, the topic of nostalgia with parade floats surfaced. Ah, parade floats. Those wonderful representations of civic and community pride that organizations, churches, schools and anyone else who wants to represent, that get us all parking chairs days before the actual event. Sure, the other components of the parade are important, but the floats have always been the show stoppers. To me anyway. With the reflections of Anthony Colaizzo and the look back at some of the great floats that have traveled down Pike Street over the past decades, the committee decided to add an additional award for float judging, the first annual Anthony Colaizzo Memorial award, to join the other four existing memorial awards. This year also has a theme, in hopes to spark imaginations, reignite enthusiasm and get more community organizations involved in presenting floats in the parade. “Maybe by increasing the award amount to $200 and adding another one in honor of Mr. Colaizzo, we can get more floats,” said Parade Co-Chair Jeff Shinshasky. The theme, with all previously mentioned

pride and community. It’s the main idea behind, ‘Remember When…’” said Committee Corporate Sponsor Chair Jennifer Shinshasky. Speaking of Corporate Sponsors, this competition is targeted more towards the community clubs, organizations and businesses. Not that corporate sponsors don’t fit that bill, they of course do. They have information provided to them annually through their sponsorship packet, which has already been delivered. in mind, will be “Remember when…” Remember when in Canonsburg is wideopen to all of those wonderful things about our town and community. Everyone has a favorite part of Canonsburg. Whether it be restaurants that are/were a mainstay, businesses that were an anchor and/or the great ethnic diversity of our town. “We hope this will get youth involved as well,” stated Committee Secretary Carmina Vittulo-McGarry. “I know a lot of us have the know how and would love to do a float, but we’re getting older and would love to help get the younger people involved and help with their efforts.” One concern of the committee is that people don’t know how to get started or even

how to build a float. The committee has compiled a “how to” guide of resources for anyone interested in building one. Simply visit the website at canonsburgjuly4th.org. The deadline for submitting your float is May 31, 2019, which you can via the website or by contacting the Parade Committee Co-Chair Beth Brooks-Ludwin. “It’s really important that people get final acceptance from the parade committee as there are over 100 units and there is a ton of pre-planning that goes into the parade. We want to be as inclusive as possible and having approval is vital with our planning.” adds Beth. “We hope to get people really fired up again, like in days gone by where their

Personally, I “remember when…” clubs even had multiple floats representing their organizations. It’s also one of the reasons I wake up early Thanksgiving morning to watch all the various parades. My favorite was the year Canonsburg had a huge turtle made from patches of carpeting. To this day, 40+ years later, I still remember EXACTLY what it looked like and the feelings of joy attached to that memory. Perhaps someone entering a float in the 2019 parade will create that same memory. A memory that 40 years from now will bring a smile to someone’s face.

B R U S H ST R O K E S & B U B B L E S

Twenty-two plus artists will be on display at Vinoski Winery in Rostraver Township for an art show and sale. The winery is located at 333 Castle Drive. The show will be hosted by the Valley Art Club and they are being joined by other local artists, including many from the Uniontown Art Club and Greensburg Art Club. The art to be on display ranges from original paintings and prints to pottery, photography, jewelry, and wood carving. Also in attendance will be a children’s book author who illustrates her own books. Each guest will receive a complimentary glass of Sparkling Rose' as they view the show. There is no charge and the tasting room will be open to the public during the show. PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

Art Sparks Imagination in Laurel Highlands

Story by Fred Terling The Art Sparks Project is quite unique. As is the Artist in Residence who oversaw the recent collaboration between the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and Pennsylvania Council on Arts. I introduce you to Susan Novak. She was the artist in residence who guided thirteen Hempfield High School art students on the project. Ms. Novak was selected as the Turnpike Commission was seeking a particular artist to work with the high ceilings, space and an abundance of light found in the New Stanton West rest stop. Although her expertise flows across several art disciplines, one in particular, caught the attention of PA Council for the Arts and Southern

Allegheny Museum of Art, her work with silk painting and shibori. Shibori is Japanese manual resist dyeing technique, which produces patterns on fabric. “The cool thing about shibori, is that it is like opening a Christmas present when it’s unwrapped. You never know what the final pattern will be,” said Susan. “Silk was a great medium to work with as the space emanates with so much light and space, it’s just perfect for a canvas that flows.” The concept began with a simple premise, “What would you want to see if you brought someone home?” The students took off from there under the guidance of Ms. Novak and her artist assistant. Susan remarked about how the students had grown exponentially from the project.

They were challenged with their original concepts, learned to adjust when something wasn’t working and take risks. They all developed a sense of pride in accomplishment, not only by the final work, but the process that it took to get them there. “I was really proud of the students in how they took risks and rose to the challenges,” Susan confirmed. “With all of the regular demands on their time from just being students, collectively they were able to work through that and their creations became a metaphor for southwest Pennsylvania. These types of projects are going on all across the remodeled turnpike stops in Pennsylvania. Each have very different representations, dependent upon the individual

space and geographical area. “We were all challenged. This project was overwhelming at times and we couldn’t have gotten through it without Ms. Novak,” the students agreed. The project began in late August of 2018 and was unveiled on Thursday, March 8th at the New Stanton West rest stop to a grand celebration including a jazz band, food and decorations befit a gallery opening. Please ensure that on your next trip out towards Greensburg, stop by the New Stanton West rest stop to view these masterpieces in person. Amazing work by a group of amazing people.

Theme announced for 2019 “Law Day” Contests: “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society” In the United States and around the world, freedom of speech and the press are among the most important foundations for a free society. Free speech and free press are prominent topics in public discourse and litigation. It is impossible to imagine a free society without these individual liberties, yet historical and current debates surrounding them continually challenge us to consider their boundaries and resilience. Changes in technology have reshaped how free speech and free press work in the everyday world. Grades 2-5 Bookmark Contest Format: Size is 8.5 inches by 2.75 inches (tip: fold letter-size paper into fourths).

Artwork may be vertical or horizontal and must be only on one side (with full entrant information CLEARLY PRINTED on the back). Use any one-dimensional medium (pencil, ink, crayon, paint, collage, etc); do not attach 2-D elements (tassels, buttons, etc.). Neatness, spelling, theme/accuracy, and creativity considered. Prizes: $50 ~ First place $40 ~ Second Place $30 ~ Third Place $25 ~ Fourth Place $20 ~ Fifth Place $15 ~ Sixth Place Grades 6-12 Editorial Essay Contest Format: 500-word (maximum), editorialstyle (opinion) essay, typed, single-spaced, 1 page (no cover sheet!). Style, content, grammar, punctuation, and spelling con-

sidered, as well as originality, creativity and relevance to theme. Prizes: $225 ~ First Place $150 ~ Second Place $100 ~ Third Place Note: must list word count and entrant info (name, grade, school, email, and, if any, teacher) at the top of page. Submit essays by mail, fax at 724225-8345 or email to kathy@washcobar.org. Grades 6-12 Creative Arts Contest Format: Visual, electronic and creative arts including painting, collage, fabric, photography, sculpture, film/video, poetry, song, dance, etc.; no Powerpoints unless there is a creative/artistic component. Entry must include 140-word (maximum)

written statement of entry’s relevance. Prizes: $225 ~ First Place $150 ~ Second Place $100 ~ Third Place Note: group entries permitted (prize money split). Submit video/ electronic entries on USB drive in a standard format (.mov, .wmv, .mpg) or by link to an online file to kathy@washcobar.org. Grades 6-12 , Adults Law Peeps Diorama Contest Format: Create a box* diorama using Peeps marshmallow treats; email one unaltered photo of the diorama (.jpg format), to kathy@washcobar.org. Entry

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Waynesburg University to host Sports Journalism Camp Waynesburg University will offer its annual Sports Announcing & Sports Journalism Camp, hosted by Lanny Frattare, beginning Monday, June 17, to Friday, June 21. The cost is $500, and students who are current sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to attend. Frattare, former voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates and assistant professor of communication at Waynesburg University, said high school students will learn practical skills for a career in sports broadcasting and sports journalism. Camp sessions will include topics such as interviewing techniques, play-by-play announcing and writing game coverage. The week will conclude with a trip to Washington, Pennsylvania, where campers will practice what they have learned at a

Washington Wild Things baseball game. “The Waynesburg University Sports Announcing and Sports Journalism Camp provides high school students with the rules for effective announcing and provides them with hours of practical experience behind the microphone,” said Frattare. “We want to have the campers experience the realities of

broadcasting to know if they might enjoy a career as a sportscaster.” Guest speakers at this year’s camp will include Bill Hillgrove, voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the University of Pittsburgh; John Steigerwald, former WTAE and KDKA sports anchor; Paul Steigerwald, former voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins; and Mark Kaboly, senior Steelers writer for The Athletic Pittsburgh. Space is limited, and campers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due April 26, and the remaining cost is due May 24. To learn more about this year’s Sports Announcing & Sports Journalism Camp, visit waynesburg.edu/ sportsannouncingcamp.

Law Day Contest theme announced, continued from page 22 must include a descriptive title and a 140word (max.) written statement of relevance (sponsors reserve right to edit). Prizes (Grades 6-12): $225 ~ 1st Place $150 ~ 2nd Place $100 ~ 3rd Place Prizes (Adults; groups that incl. at least 1 adult): $200 to winner’s charity of choice Note: group entries permitted (prize money split). Peeps of any variety and color may be used. *May use any size box to “frame”/contain diorama, but entry must be represented in ONE unaltered photo (no digital editing). Citizen Project Contest Format: Entry must include a 250 -300 word description of Citizenship Project, which must have been conducted at least in part within the past 24 months. Attach photos, supporting documents (10 pgs max). If project was conducted under the auspices of a school/ college or organization, a letter of support from that entity must be attached and include info about project’s impact and results. Include cover sheet with project name; and names, ages,

addresses of all eligible participants and/ or entities. Eligibility: Washington Co. residents or group consisting primarily of Wash. Co. residents, or an organization with its primary office address in Washington County. Prize: $250 awarded to the charity (501c3 non - profit organization) of the winner’s choice. Entries must be received at 119 S College St, Wash., PA 15301 or via kathy@washcobar.org, no later than 4pm, April 12. Awards presented at Law Day on May 1 (winner need not be present). Contest Judging Prizes awarded for those entries that are, in relation to all received, the most effective in expressing the Law Day theme and on their quality, originality and creativity. Judges’ decisions are final. Sponsors reserve the right to limit or expand prizes depending on the #/quality of submissions received. Submission Guidelines — All Contests ALL entries must be marked with entrant name and include a contact EMAIL. Self-

submitted entries must include grade/ school and email. School-submitted entries must include school mailing address and teacher’s email. Winning entries will be identified only by name, grade year & school (Adults Peeps Contest entrants, identify entry as such). Entry must have been created solely by entrant(s), who must own all rights to reproduce and/or publish entry in any medium without restriction. An entry cannot be submitted to more than one contest category. One entry per person per contest category. Sponsors reserve right to display/ reproduce entries in Law Day promotions. Call WCBA at 724-225-6710 to schedule in -classroom visits by lawyers to present Law Day, Constitution Day, “Turning 18: Legal Issues in the Real World” and other law -related programs Law Day Celebration - Free & Open to the Public Washington Co. Courthouse 6pm, May 1, 2019

M USIC L ESSONS Do you want to learn to play a musical instrument? Experienced Instructor Jon Klein is now offering private lessons for students ages five and up for the Guitar, Ukelele, Drums & Percussion. No need to leave your home, Jon will travel to you! Great with kids, references available. Offering quality musical instruction at competitive rates, Jon has over 25 years of professional music experience and holds a B.S. in Commercial Music Technology from California University of Pennsylvania. For more information, contact Jon via email at sidekicksound@gmail.com.

Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series Schedule: Share the magic of theater with a child you love Rosie Revere, Engineer–Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive outof-the-box thinkers. Theatreworks USA presents a fun, new musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer, Iggy Peck, Architect, and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering, and math). Recommended for children and adults

ages 4+. Byham Theater, BUTLER REGION (Seneca Valley Intermediate High School), EAST REGION (Greensburg-Salem High School), NORTH REGION (Marshall Middle School), WEST REGION (Cornell High School), SOUTH REGION (Mellon Middle School) - March 31–April 7, 2019 Emily Brown and the Thing– Something monstrous is keeping Emily

Brown awake...One evening, Emily Brown and her old grey rabbit Stanley hear a Thing crying outside their window. He just can’t get to sleep. Emily Brown and Stanley set off on incredible adventures to the Dark and Scary Wood, the Whirling Wastes, and beyond to find the Thing’s cuddly, his bedtime milk, and his medicine…but nothing seems to help him settle. What’s really troubling the Thing,

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and will anyone ever get to sleep? Recommended for children and adults 3+. Byham Theater - May 16–19, 2019 Accessible services are available.To purchase tickets, call (412) 456-6666, visit TrustArts.org/Kids, or visit in person at the Box Office at Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue.

Registration opens for annual CSI Camp at Waynesburg University Waynesburg University’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science will host its annual summer Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Camp Sunday, June 16, through Friday, June 21. The camp is open to current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. The cost is $500, which includes all meals, housing and activity materials for the six-day camp. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required to secure a spot, and the deadline to register is May 6. To register, visit waynesburg.edu/csi-camp. Students may also apply for a scholarship to help with the cost of registration. The scholarship deadline is April 8. Notifications will be sent by April 19. “Our CSI camp provides an irreplaceable hands-on experience for high

school students interested in careers in forensic science and criminal justice,” said Faith Musko, instructor of forensic science and co-director of the camp. “The goal for our attendees is to arm them with the knowledge and experience to make a more informed decision regarding future careers in forensics and law enforcement.” Camp sessions will include crime scene processing, forensic drug analysis, fundamentals of fingerprinting and bloodstain pattern analysis, among other subject-specific activities. The camp will include instruction by our Waynesburg University faculty, including Mike Cipoletti, assistant professor of forensic science and a retired analyst from the Pennsylvania State

Police Crime Lab; Adam Jack, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences and a former forensic detective and police officer; Musko, a former toxicologist and forensic chemist; and James Tanda, instructor of criminal justice and a retired special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Additionally, current Waynesburg forensic science and criminal justice administration majors assist at the camp by mentoring participants. “CSI Camp was the highlight of my summer,” said Jennifer Estrada of Tucson, Arizona, a past participant of the camp. “It gave me the opportunity to get to actually do hands-on activities that helped me get a glimpse into the

different fields I was interested in.” Waynesburg University’s Criminal Justice Administration Program was recently named a “Best Value for the Money” by College Factual. The program ranked No. 6, placing it in the top 1.5 percent nationwide. The University enrolls approximately 1,400 undergraduate students and offers more than 70 academic concentrations. Ninety-nine percent of the Class of 2017 has reported working full time or studying in their chosen field within a year of graduation. For more information, contact Bob Barnhart, admissions counselor, at 724852-3346 or rdbarnha@waynesburg.edu.

People of Action – California Rotary On The Move

Monessen Historical Society April 2019 News

Rotary International defines its members as “people of action” and the Rotary Club of California and its satellite club prove how accurate that description is. The satellite club was initiated in August 2018 with 12 serviceminded people and is now proudly boasting 20 members and growing. The “Sunset” Club meets at 5:30 p.m. once a month and is well on its way to becoming a force in the California community. Because it meets in the late afternoon, its name reflects that, while the “Sunrise” Club meets at 7:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Hampton Inn and Suites, California Technology Park. Meeting only once a month hasn’t slowed the Sunset Clubs’ activities and plans for the future. The members are distributing Child Seat Occupant IDs to local day care and early childhood education centers, PTAs, and to any parent or child-care provider or guardian. The project is part of WHALE (We Have a Little Emergency). The goal of the project to have WHALE ID stickers attached to child safety seats. The stickers include vital information for first responders in case of an emergency where the person driving the car is unconscious or unable to provide critical information such as the child’s name, age, medical info, emergency contacts and phone numbers. Two small WHALE stickers attach to the rear side windows where they alert first responders that emergency info is on the back of the car seat. Anyone interested in obtaining one of the IDs should contact Project Chair Susan Morris-Rutledge (morrisrutledge@calu.edu). In addition to the child safety project, Sunset Club members are looking for-

The Greater Monessen Historical Society announces that the Spring Exhibit in the Heritage Museum will focus on Monessen professional athletes and the strong history of sports in the city. Anyone who has photos or memorabilia they are willing to loan or donate are asked to contact the museum at 724684-8460. For Easter, the Heritage Museum has a stock of old fashioned printed Easter Basket covers. There are also two books by Lawrence Kozlowski. “Celebrate Easter – Slovak Style” and “Celebrate Easter – Polish Style”. The books cover Eastertide practices and traditions from the cities and countrysides of Poland and Slovakia. Author Lawrence G. Kozlowski takes the readers through the six weeks that make up Fat Tuesday, Lent, and the culmination of Easter Sunday. The books explore each custom, ritual and practice with origins, folklore, recipes, and instructions for crafts. The books gives an opportunity to learn and become acquainted with the traditions that our ancestors took part in. The beginning of the book looks at the history of Easter, giving many historical facts as well as orthodox traditions and recipes. It then moves on to Fat Tuesday describing the Shrovetide celebrations, a transition between the traditions of winter and the welcoming of spring. Included are numerous recipes, a list of the Saints’ Days, how to dye Easter eggs with onion skins, and various crafts. Other chapters include “Holy Week”, “Holy Thursday”, “Holy Saturday”, “Easter Sunday”, “Dousing Monday”, and “Ascension of Our Lord”. There are also special family sections at the end of the book which include room to list a family tree, special family traditions, and family recipes. These are used to personalize the book and be able to pass it down to future generations. The Museum also has postcard images of many old Monessen churches that can be sent with Easter greetings. The Monessen Heritage Museum will be closed on Good Friday, April 19. Please send in your membership dues for 2019. Individual memberships are $15 a calendar year with family memberships being $20.00. Business memberships are $50. Membership is based

ward to getting their hands dirty (literally) with another project: a community garden and the planting of fruit trees at Rotary Park. Spearheaded by Sunset Chairman Joe Grodz, the community garden has been approved by both the California Borough Council and the Recreation Authority. He has also presented a proposal to the California PTA and it has agreed to purchase materials for the elementary school students to raise vegetable seedlings for the garden. Local Boy Scout and Girls Scout troops are also on board to help with the planting. If this sounds like a Club on the move, it is! The Sunrise Club is also looking to continue improving Rotary Park. Last year, under the leadership of thenPresident Marianne Gideon, the Sunrise Club purchased three new flagpoles for the Park and installed the United States, State of Pennsylvania, and Rotary flags on them. This project was possible through an matching grant from Rotary District 7330. This year, with the help of another Rotary District 7330 grant, the Club will landscape the area around the Flagpoles and the brick wall, completing the entire area. Two years ago, the California Sunrise Club planted 100 daffodils to mark the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Foundation. Those golden harbingers of spring welcome the new season as well as the many people who enjoy Rotary Park. Anyone interested in more information about either of the Rotary Clubs or their projects can contact Beth Baxter, via phone at 724-938-7204, or email californiafocus@verizon.net.

APPRISE to offer free Medicare 101 presentation APPRISE, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, will hold a free presentation that will help answer many questions concerning basic Medicare. These Medicare 101 presentations will be held at the following locations and registration is required: April 9 - Westmoreland-Murrysville, 6-8 p.m. Registration code: PRDX 5019-91 May 14 - Westmoreland-Youngwood

Campus, 6-8 p.m. Registration code: PRDX 5019-02 Through these free presentations, participants will learn the basics regarding Medicare. Call 724-925-4204 to register. Space is limited. This program is presented by APPRISE, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

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on the calendar year of January through December and include four issues of the newsletter, “Valley Historian”. During the year of 2019, we will be remembering the 175th anniversary of the birth of Rebekah Cook Schoonmaker, wife of Colonel James M. Schoonmaker. We also will celebrate the 125th anniversary of Gretchen Schoonmaker’s birth. She was the daughter of Colonel James and Rebekah Schoonmaker. Lastly, we recall the 155th anniversary of the famous cavalry charge at Winchester, for which the Colonel received his Medal of Honor. Stay tuned for further details. GMHS is looking for individuals willing to present a lecture or program on local history or families in 2019. If interested, please contact the museum. Do you have talents to share? Do you have spare time? Do you want to give back to the community? Do you enjoy history? If so, please consider joining our group and volunteering at the Museum. Call for details. The Heritage Museum is also home to the Museum Shoppe, which is filled with the area’s largest collection of ethnic cookbooks. They make great gifts. There are also many books and items dealing with local history that are for sale. The Greater Monessen Historical Society has a Twitter account. Follow us at @MonessenHistory. We are also on Facebook and have over 3000 followers worldwide! We can be located on Facebook under “Greater Monessen Historical Society”. See our latest events, news and photos of previous events. Google us and find our webpage filled with all the necessary information to visit, donate, join or learn about us! The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM until 3 PM. The address is 505 Donner Avenue, Monessen, PA, 15062. The phone number is 724-684-8460. Admission is always free.

NOW PLAYING! Friday, April 5 at 7:30 PM JAMEY JOHNSON - $45.75, $55.75, $65.75 ($4.25 additional per ticket day of event) Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to The Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs for “Give It Away” and “In Color.” He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces. Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 PM River City Brass presents TAKE THE “A” TRAIN - Adult $25 – 31; Senior $23 - $29; Student $10; Children 6 and under free Pittsburgh’s own Billy Strayhorn wrote the music that gave us the title for this program. The big (brass) band is ready to swing classic tunes like Sing, Sing, Sing and What a Wonderful World. Sunday, April 8 at 7:30 PM -

REO SPEEDWAGON - $69.75, $79.75, $89.75 ($5.25 additional the day of concert); REO Speedwagon - Take It On the Run Package also available By the early ‘70s, the band’s unrelenting drive, as well as non-stop touring and recording, jump-started the burgeoning rock movement in the Midwest. Platinum albums and freeform FM radio staples such as “Ridin’ The Storm Out” followed, setting the stage for 1980’s explosive Hi Infidelity with millions in sales fueled by massive hit singles such as “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It On the Run.” Friday, April 12 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, April 14 at 2 PM Stage Right presents JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR - Adults $19, $23, $26, Students $16, $19, $21 This timeless rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. Saturday, April 27 at 7:30 PM - Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra - CARMINA BURANA - $15, $29, $35, $37, & $50 Orff: Carmina Burana. Featuring the WSO Chamber Singers,

Westmoreland Choral Society, University of Pittsburgh Choir, Seton Hill University Choir, Children’s Choirs, and Soloists from the Pittsburgh Opera After composing Carmina Burana Orff said “Everything I have written to date, and which you have, unfortunately, printed, can be destroyed. With Carmina Burana, my collected works begin.” Written between 1935 and 1936, it remains one of the most recognizable and popular works in the classical repertoire. Sunday, April 28 at 3 PM THE 5th DIMENSION - $38, $43, $48, $85 From the late 60s through the 70s, The 5th Dimension was about as big as it gets. This group scored seven Grammy Awards, 22 Top 40 songs, 5 #1 Billboard hits, and helped launch the careers of such songwriters as Ashford & Simpson and Laura Nyro. Their lushly orchestrated hits—dubbed Champagne Soul— include “Up, Up and Away,” “Aquarius / Let the Sunshine In,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Last Night I didn’t Get to Sleep,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Never My Love,” and “California Soul.” Wednesday, May 1 at 6:45 PM & Thursday, May 2 at 6:45 PM JOHN NOBLE’S 23RD ANNUAL WESTMORELAND NIGHT OF THE STARS - $20 - all seats reserved Two nights of the year’s most exciting high school musical theatre! High schools from across Westmoreland County will present excerpts from their musical productions. For tickets, contact Ely Carr at elly@noblemediation.com or call

724-925-1123 Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 PM River City Brass presents CARIBBEAN CARNIVALE Adult $25 – 31; Senior $23 $29; Student $10; Children 6 and under free River City Brass closes their 37th season with a trip to the islands. Get ready for summer with a collection of tunes that are sure to turn up the heat! Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 PM THE SOUND OF MUSIC National Tour - $34, $46, $60, & $74 THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new national touring production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to Greensburg. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award- winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history. Friday, May 10 at 8 PM BRIAN REGAN - $45, $49.50, & $55 Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Brian fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations.

T H E PA L A C E T H E AT R E 34 West Otterman Street, Greensburg

Box Office: 724-836-8000 26

thepalacetheatre.org

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FRANK SARRIS LIBRARY - 35 N. JEFFERSON AVE., CANONSBURG - franksarrislibrary.org Teen Advisory Board (grades 7-12) meet to plan, organize and lead activities that will engage and benefit members of the community. New members welcome. Monday 4/1, 6-7 p.m. Fiction Book Club will be discussing Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate. New members always welcome! Wednesday 4/10, 1 p.m. Teen Writers’ Club - Are you a student in grades 7 – 12 who enjoys writing? Whether you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, short stories or more, stop by to meet like-minded teens. We will write, share and support each other through the creative process. Monday 4/15, 6-7 p.m. Page Turners (high school) Book Club - Join us this month as we discuss Scowler by Daniel Kraus. New members are welcome! Thursday, 4/18, 6-7 p.m. The Library will be closed on Friday April19. Trivia Night of the Round Tables Grab some friends and pool your knowledge at our after-hours trivia competition. Open to teens, adults, and

families (with children ages 12+). Teams will compete for first prize answering questions from different categories. We will have snacks and drinks to satisfy your hunger while our questions challenge your brain. The fee is $5/person and teams can have 4-6 people/team. Registration is required and space is limited. Please contact Beth Kairush or Leslie Yoder at 724-745-1308 (option #1) for more information. Saturday 4/27, 6:30-9:00 p.m. Weekly Programs: Note: weekly programs run through May 18th and will be on break April 15-20th Yoga Story Time - Stretch and be centered at this special yoga session for kids (and their grownups)! Mondays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Happy Monday! - Rise and Shine and greet the new week. All ages welcome! Mondays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Madcap Mondays - Crafts, games, and science are just a few of the possibilities. Registration is required at the children’s circulation desk or by calling 724-745-1308 (option #4). Mondays,

HOUSE CHALLENGE WINNER GIVES BACK Mrs. Marge McKinley and her dog Mert won $50 in the fundraiser for the Brownsville Area Public Library: Christmas House Challenge. Her entry was appropriately a Dog House. McKinley wanted to return the winnings to the library. The fundraiser was coordinated by her daughter Margie and her friend Renee Walmsley. It was inspired by her daughter Laura who dealt with low vision and was totally blind at her death in 2018. The library staff expressed the need to increase their audio book library to help others. Laura’s favorite author was Nicholas Sparks so Mrs. McKinley has donated five of Spark’s audio books to the library. The titles include The Best of

Me, See Me, The Guardian, The Rescue, and Every Breath. Our hope is that people will remember to support the Brownsville Area Public Library throughout the year as it serves as a vital resource for so many people.

4:30-5:30 p.m. for Grades 5-8 and 5:306:30 p.m. for Grades 2-4 Mother Goose Story Time - For infants up to 18 months with a caregiver. Tuesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Toddler Tales - Finger plays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition and lots of movement. Ages 2-3. Tuesdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Family Night - Stories, crafts, and games. New things to explore each week. Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Little Picassos - Every week is a new make and take creation. Ages 2-5. Wednesdays, 10:30-11:00 a.m. Story Time - Stories, finger plays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition and lots of movement. Ages 2-3 but siblings are welcome. Wednesdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m Wiggles and Giggles - - Bring your little ones to stretch, sing, and dance. Ages 2-5. Wednesdays, 1:30-2:00 p.m. Story Time - Provides active young children with stories, finger plays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition, and lots of movement. Fit for ages 2-3 but siblings are welcome.

Thursdays, 10:30-11:00 Wiggles and Giggles - Bring your little ones to stretch, sing, and dance. Ages 2-5. Thursdays, 11:15-11:45 More than A Story –Practice kindergarten readiness skills like listening during stories, making predictions, and following directions. Ages 5-6. Thursdays, 1:30-2:30 Super Science - Kids ages 3-7 and 813. Come have fun with Science! Registration is required. Register at the children’s circulation desk or by calling 724-745-1308 (option #4). Thursdays, 5:30-6:15 Spanish Story Time - Story time favorites – stories and songs – in Spanish. Fridays 10:30-11:00 a.m. For a complete listing of events, please visit the Frank Sarris Library’s website at franksarrislibrary.org, on the Event page, or call 724-745-1308 for more information.

FREDERICKTOWN PUBLIC LIBRARY NEWS Book Buddies Book Club will meet Tuesday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. The Day The World Came to Town by Jim Defede will be discussed. Deborah Roberts will be the hostess. Pre-School Story Hour will be held on Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at the library. Call to register your child. Reading Rangers Book Club will meet Wednesday, April 10, at 7 p.m. at the library. Call to register your 4th, 5th or 6th grade children. Teen Book Club will meet April 16 at 7 p.m. at the library. It is for students in 7th through 12th grade. Call to register. Discovery Detectives will meet in Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m. Call to register your Kindergarten through 3rd grade student. Library Board of Trustees will meet April 17 at 6:30 p.m.. SIT N KNIT/CROCHET will meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Beginners through experts are welcome. Rep. Pam Snyder’s Community

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Outreach staff is at the library every third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Just stop in…no appointment is needed. Would you like to be a powerful advocate for the Fredericktown Area Public Library? We are looking for a few good men and women who would like to serve as library trustees. If interested just stop in the library. Our underwriters for April are: BCR Lions Club for underwriting the cost of our Internet service for one year, Dawn & Bill Bell and Stevie & Richard Kline for underwriting the cost of Reading Rangers Book Club, Fredericktown Real Estate Co. for underwriting the cost of 1 Story Hour, 1st Stepp Family Chiropractic for underwriting the cost of one Story Hour, and Stevie & Richard Kline for underwriting the cost of one Story Hour.

BENTLEYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY 931 Main St. in Bentleyville washlibs.org/bentleyville

Storytime meets every Monday at 11 a.m. for ages 30 months to 5 years. TOPS meets every Tuesday, weigh-in is at 5 meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Coffee and Crayons meets every Friday at 10:30 a.m.

29TH ANNUAL

Mason-Dixon RAMP FESTIVAL Save the date! The 29th Annual MasonDixon Ramp Festival will be held on April 27 & 28 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Vendor applications being accepted now! Set up fee is $20 for the weekend. All vendors must be set up by 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 27. Vendor applications must be submitted by April 10, with checks payable to MasonDixon Park. Send application and check to Connie Ammons, 73 Cosgray Run Road, Core, WV 26541. 28

MONESSEN PUBLIC LIBRARY - 326 DONNER AVE., MONESSEN - monessenlibrary.org Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center will host author, Richard Gazarik on Saturday, April 20, at 1PM. He will discuss his book, “Wicked Pittsburgh”. Join him as he reveals the wicked history of the Steel City. The Mon Valley Genealogy Forum will meet on Monday, April 15, at 5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. New members are welcome. The Friends of the Library are planning a spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the month of May. Tickets are $10 each and can be used on any day during May at Felicia’s Restaurant, on Schoonmaker Avenue, except for Mother’s Day. Tickets go on sale on April 1. Buy several and supper is ready! The Friends of the Library Spring Boutique runs until April 6. Come get great spring gifts and decorations at ridiculously low prices. In honor of National Library Week, the annual Spring Book Sale will take place during the month. Hardbacks are fifty cents each and paperbacks are twenty five cents each. Stock up for spring readying under the trees in the back yard. The Monessen Public Library Book Club will meet on Thursday, April 11 at 10:30 AM. This month’s book is “Strength in What Remains” by Tracy Kidder. In Strength in What Remains, Tracy Kidder gives us the story of one man’s inspiring American journey and of the ordinary people who helped him, providing brilliant testament to the power of second chances. Contact the Library to reserve a copy of the book! 724-684-4750. A Job Corps representative will be at the Library on Thursday, April 18 from 10 AM to Noon. If you are interested, please contact Cherie at 412-773-3259. The mission of the Job Corps is to help young adults attain the necessary skills for employment or further education. PA Career Link and the Westmoreland Library Network are partnering with Intermediate Unit 1 to provide free adult education classes at

the Library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3:30 PM. The classes are structured to improve re3ading, writing, and math skills necessary for the GED exams, postsecondary entrance exams and for obtaining jobs. Mark your calendars! Join Wayne Nagy on Saturday, May 4 at 1 PM, for “Listening to Incense”, a program on the centuries-old history, craft and culture of traditional Japanese incense. The Library is in need of a new commercial vacuum cleaner to keep the carpets vacuumed. If anyone is interested in donating a commercial model, contact the Library at 724-684-4750. The Monessen Veterans Council is partnering with the Monessen Public Library to sponsor the Monessen Military Banner Tribute. Under this program, a photograph of a veteran, living or deceased, or an Active duty military person will be displayed as a banner in the City of Monessen from one of the utility poles. The cost of having the banner produced and erected for display is $100 per banner. The average life span of these banners is three to five years. Applications for the banners will be taken at the Monessen Public Library. To order a banner, you must have a picture of the person, some general information of their service, and a check for $100 made out to the Monessen Public Library at the time of application. Persons who live out of the area can call the Library at 724-6844750 and may get an application online at the website at troopbanners.com/ Monessen and email the application and picture to the Library at dzilka@hotmail.com and send the check to the Monessen Public Library, 362 Donner Ave, Monessen, PA 15062. Once your check is received your order will be processed. Local artist, Missy Barber will be at the Library on the first Saturday of each month to provide art lessons for local children. Come be an artist. The Children’s Coordinator, Marsha

Adams is looking for donations of plastic storage containers to organize the Children’s Programming items. The containers can be of various sizes. They can be left at the Circulation Desk. Children’s Program Schedule StoryTime every Monday at 5:30 PM for ages 3-12. Lego Club for ages 7+ at 5:30 PM. (Tuesdays) Baby Basics on Wednesday at 11 AM for ages 3 mos. to 3 years. Also, Toddler Time, at 1 PM, for ages 3 to 5. Saturday STEM at 11 AM for all ages. April Schedule: Monday 4/1-Int’l Children’s Book Day–BOOKS HELP US SLOW DOWN-when to slow down! Tuesdays- April 2, 9, 23, and 30 Lego Club at 5:30 PM. Wednesday 4/3- Find a Rainbow Day - arts and crafts - rainbows for pre-K play Saturday, 4/6- Missy’s Craft Day-make an Easter Craft with Missy Barber Monday 4/8-Work Zone Awareness Wk.-wear safety vest & hard hat-play orange cone relay Wednesday 4/10-Easter Fun for Young’uns Saturday 4/13- No STEM activity Monday 4/15-No Story Time tonight Tuesday 4/16-No Lego Club tonight Wednesday 4/17- No baby or toddler Time today Saturday 4/20- *Visit with Easter Bunny & Library Easter Egg Hunt @ 11 a.m. Monday 4/22-Pennsylvania One Book Day-”This is Not a Box” - activities and games Wednesday 4/24- Join us for a musical extravaganza! Saturday 4/27-Happy belated Earth & Arbor Days-Plant flowers around the “Abria” tree Monday 4/29- Eeyore’s Birthday-Rainy Day STEM activity- let’s build him a house!

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MONONGAHELA AREA LIBRARY - 813 W. MAIN STREET, MONONGAHELA - washlibs.org/monongahela Easter Bunny Photos - Saturday, April 6, 12-4 PM - Get your child or pet's photo taken with the Easter Bunny! The cost is $10 which includes a 5x7 photo, craft, and treat bag. Children's photos will be taken from noon to 2 PM, and pets from 2-4 PM. Pictures will be available for pickup on Tuesday, April 9th at the library. Taking your photos will be the award-winning photographer Dave Savarino. This is a fundraiser for the library organized by the Friends of the Library. National Library Week Events - April 7-13 - Stop by every day of the week to celebrate National Library Week with a different, fun, library-themed activity or craft! Excel Basics Part 3 - Thursday, April 11, 6-7 PM - Understanding Microsoft Excel can be daunting to a beginner, but the library is here to help! Join us for the third of a 3-part series starting from the very basics. The class is taught by Ben Myers, an accounting manager at a local tech company with extensive public and private accounting experience. Participants do not have to attend all three classes. Stop by the front desk or call the library at 724-258-5409 for an outline of topics covered. Registration is

required. Patrons are welcome to bring their laptops, but we do ask you make certain they are fully charged before the class begins. Pysanky Egg Classes - Friday, April 12, 4-8 PM or Saturday April 13, 12-4 PM Join us to learn the traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decorating style! Classes are hosted by local expert Aura KimokeoMitomi. The price of the class is $20/person, and includes the cost of all materials. For ages 13+. Registration is required, but payment isn't due until the day of the class. Medicare 101 - April 24, 5:30-7 PM Get started with Medicare! Whether you are approaching 65 or already on Medicare, Chuck Karolewski, CIC, CLU of Greater Pittsburgh Insurance Consultants, Inc., will help you understand Medicare, how it works, and how to make it work for you. Please contact the library at 724-258-5409 or stop by the front desk to reserve a spot. STEM Wind Science - April 29, 5:306:30 PM - Discover the power of wind with several fun experiments and activities. Don't be blown away! For children ages 5 and up. Registration is required. Recurring Events: Crochet Club: Bring your yarn, bring

your hook and let's get our crochet on! Join us to sit a while, chat, and work on your creations with fellow crochet enthusiasts Monday and Tuesday evenings from 6-8 PM. Story Time: Story Times are held Wednesdays 11 AM-12 PM. Ms. Becky reads with the children, completes a small craft, and incorporates some block play. Children 18 months and up are welcome to join the fun and socialize with others their age. Writer’s Group: April 3 & 17, 5:30-7:00 PM - The Writer's Group meets the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the library to critique and encourage each other's writing. Writing exercises are utilized and tips and advice are given to budding writers. Lego Club: The cornerstone of an aweinspiring creation begins with one small Lego. Turn your imagined palace, tower, or fort into a reality; come build with us! The town will marvel at your projects displayed in the library. Each week will have its own theme! - Every Thursday 4:30-5:30 PM Basic Computer Classes: Need assistance using a mouse, browsing Facebook, conducting internet searches, or Microsoft Word? The library can help!

One-on-one classes are on Fridays by appointment only. Stop by or call the front desk at 724-258-5409 to sign up today! Nookworms: Pre-teens and teens ages 13-18 can join the fun of a book club! The group meets to review and discuss themed books the second Monday of every month. For April the book is Warcross by Marie Lu April 15, 4-5 PM OsmoTime: OSMO is a award-winning game system that transforms screen time into healthy, hands-on, interactive play. OSMO fosters learning in key areas such as: creative problem solving, art, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and common core. For children 4 and older. Parental supervision is required. - Saturday, April 13 and 27 from 12 noon-2 PM. Book Bites: Love reading and discussing books? Want to join a book club? The Book Bites group meets once a month for a lively discussion of a pre-selected book. The April book is Out of the Furnace by Thomas Bell. - April 18 from 1-2 PM The library will be closed April 19-20 to observe the holiday weekend.

WEST NEWTON LIBRARY - 124 N. WATER ST., WEST NEWTON - westnewtonlibrary.com On April 11, the library will host author Rich Gazarik, at the LeGrande Room, 105 S. Second St West Newton, at 6 p.m. He will speak about his latest book, Wicked Pittsburgh. Please phone 724-6330798 if you plan to attend this free event. We have begun our yearly pledge drive. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the library ONGOING AT THE LIBRARY We are holding a large fill a bag

book sale in our back room. Come fill a bag with hardcover, paperback, and children’s books. There’s something for everyone. Sale is ongoing until books are sold. Done reading your hardcover, large print and paperback books? Consider donating them to our library shelves to share with our patrons.We are also asking for donations for our upcoming jewelry sale in 2020. Seeking used jewelry of all types: rings, necklaces, pins, earrings,

bracelets watches from your home cleanout or if you are settling an estate. All donations appreciated. One of our volunteers will provide you with a write off letter for taxes. This year’s senior prom will be held at the Monessen Center for Active Adults (1925 Grand Boulevard, Monessen) on Saturday April 6 from 4-8 p.m. Tickets are $5 (per person) and may be purchased ahead of the event at the Monessen or West

LOCAL LIBRARIES, LEND US YOUR NEWS! Is your local library having a special event or fundraiser? Are you having a guest speaker or author reading/signing? Do you offer story hours, tech help and/or classes? Are you having a used book sale? Send us your news. There is NEVER A FEE to list library activities in our pages. Send your library news via email to carla@pabridges. com or call us at 724-769-0123. PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges. com

Newton Centers. Join us for a Jukebox Hop as we flash-back to those happy days. We will be rockin around the clock to your favorite songs. Don’t get stuck in Squaresville, purchase your ticket today. For questions please contact: Monessen Center – Marian, (724) 684-6105 or West Newton Center – Paul, (724) 872-4976

Hey you! Would you or your business like to sponsor our library pages? Call us at 724-769-0123 or email carla@pabridges.com for more information about how you can help us share the news about what’s going on at your local libraries. 29

EVA K. BOWLBY PUBLIC LIBRARY - 311 N. WEST ST., WAYNESBURG - evakbowlby.org April 7-13 is National Library Week an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians and library workers play in transforming lives and communities. Libraries are at the heart of their cities, towns, schools and campuses. They have public spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together and connect. Library programs encourage community members to meet to discuss civic issues, work together using new technologies like 3D printing or learn alongside one another in English language classes. Library staff also partner with other civic and service organizations to actively engage with the people they serve, always striving to make sure their community’s core needs are met. FINE FORGIVENESS WEEK - During National Library Week (April 7-13) the Bowlby Library is offering fine forgiveness to currently checked out materials that may be overdue! Check your shelves, in the kitchen cabinets, under the bed, or the doghouse for any overdue materials that need returned! SENIOR MONDAYS – Monday, April 1, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., our theme is Gardening. We will be planting some seed starters, putting together a quick

spring craft, plus a light lunch. Senior Mondays are the first Monday of every month! FREE S.A.T. PREP CLASSES Saturdays, April 6 & 20, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. For teens preparing for SAT exams; please bring a bagged lunch and a scientific calculator. ALL ABOUT ALPACAS & NEEDLE FELT CRAFT - Tuesday, April 9, 5-7 p.m. Join us for a hands-on presentation of alpaca fiber. After the demo on alpaca fiber, we'll be felting an alpaca figure with the guidance of local alpaca farm owner Lena Galing. Kit cost is $12; for adults and teens ages 14 & up. STORY CLASSES - It's not too late to enroll your child! These are the planned themes for April: Weather, On the Pond, Easter, Shapes and Spring. Preschoolers* ages3-4 Tuesday @ 10:30 a.m., ages 4-5 Tuesday @ 1:30 p.m., Toddlers* ages 18-35 mos. Thursday @ 10:30 a.m., ages 18-35 mos. Thursday @ 11:30 a.m., Stories Under the Moon* ages 3-6years Wednesday @ 5 p.m., Baby Lapsit* Birth-18 mos. Thursday 1:30 p.m., Weekend Readers* ages 3-6 years Saturday @ 10:30 a.m. LEGO BRICK MASTERS - meets

Saturdays, April 13 & 27 @ 11 a.m., for ages 3 & older. We provide the Legos, you provide the imagination! TEEN ADVISORY GROUP - The Bowlby Library invites Teenagers 13-18 years to join us at the library on Tuesday, April 9 & 23 @ 5 p.m. CODE SQUAD - Students aged 612yrs, come join the Code Squad @ the Library! Classes meet on Thursdays @ 5-6 p.m., through May 9. Come join us as we develop our own cartoons using PBS KIDS ScratchJr. New members are always welcome! MOVIE NIGHTS @ THE LIBRARY – Every Wednesday evening beginning promptly at 6 p.m. FREE popcorn and beverages! AFTER HOURS FOR FAMILIES – Friday, April 12 @ 4-8 p.m. Join us at the library for a colorful Easter themed program! Call to register your family at 724-627-9776 BOWLBY BOOK CLUB – Monday, April 8 @ 6 p.m. New members are always welcome to join! Book discussion on Jim DeFede, “The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland.” PIE & BINGO – Friday, April 26, 6-9 p.m. for ALL ages! Come play several

games of bingo at the library; win prizes and enjoy some pie! COOKBOOK CLUB – Monday, April 29, 6 p.m. If you like to cook, this is the club for you! Let’s get together and try new recipes every month. APRIL IS NATIONAL POETRY MONTH - ANNUAL POETRY COMPETITION - With the month of April being National Poetry Month, the library is inviting patrons/citizens to submit original poems to the library beginning Monday, March 25 through Saturday, April 13. The competition will be broken down into the following categories: Kindergarten-Second Grade, Third Grade-Fifth Grade, Sixth GradeEighth Grade, Ninth Grade-Twelfth Grade, & Adults. Entrants can enter up to 5 original poems; submission forms are available at the Circulation desk. Join us for the Poetry Reading & Awards Ceremony on Monday, April 29th, at 6:00 p.m. where we announce the winners from our Poetry Contest, and invite participants to read their original work. Light refreshments will be served; this event is free and open to the public. Call or stop in Eva K. Bowlby Public Library for more info or to register for any of the above events.

CITIZENS LIBRARY - 55 S. COLLEGE ST., WASHINGTON - washlibs.org/citizens

Readers of the Lost Ark Book Club: “This is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel Thursday April 18, from 6-7 p.m. Conference Room, Free and open to the Public – Feel free to bring a snack! Tech Tuesday – April 9 at 5 p.m., Play with tech toys in our media studio. All ages welcome. Middle Grade Book Club: April 18 at 6:30 p.m.. Grades 6-8. Discuss books & make a craft Game Night - April 23 at 6 p.m. Grades 6-12. Play video, tabletop & board games. Sat Prep.- Huntington, Begins April 6

with practice test & hours of instruction. $200, scholarships available. For info call 724-222-2400 x228. Citibooks: Used bookstore open 10-6, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays and 10-4 on Saturdays, in the lower level of the library. Citibooks: All gardening books will be half-price during the month of April. Friends program: Tickets for the April 12, talk on gardening by Doug Oster at 6:30 p.m., available at Citibooks during open hours. Adult Book of the Month for April: “We are the Gardeners by Joanna

Gaines and Julianna Swaney “ . Lego Club-Mondays- April 8 & 22 from 5-6 p.m. Design Squad with Miss Emma-design, invent & create for grades 3-6, will meet April 1, 15 and 29. Registration is required. Call to sign up. Play and Learn-registration April 10, call to sign up. Crochet: with Cheryl, every 2nd and 3rd Tuesday in April 6 pm. Yoga classes- Mondays and Thursdays in April (except April 11) 5 p.m, $10 per class Program- GySgt Christian Bussler, Author of “No Tougher Duty, No

Greater Honor” Thursday April 4 at 6 p.m, talking about his book, and books will be available for sale. Program- Carnegie Science Center for Adults: Wed April 10 at 6 p.m. “Gumshoe Detectives, seating is limited. Program-Washington Jazz Society presents: Tom Robards and an evening with Louis Armstrong, Thursday April 11 at 6 pm. Gameboard Café: Every month join us for a day of learning, playing and enjoying games. Saturday, April 20 from 2-4 p.m., Lunch Served.

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PARTING SHOTS Send original photography for consideration for use in “Parting Shots” to carla@pabridges.com. Photos selected will be determined according to space and subject matter.

Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all—and stay to find something they never expected. With the most unforgettable songs from Jimmy Buffett, this show will take the stage at the Benedum on May 1217, 2020. Save the date! For more info about the show, visit trustarts.org.

Unexpected: a Selection of Symbolist Plays will take the stage at Cal U in early April. For full details and information on the other shows Cal U Theatre will be staging to close out their 2018-2019 season, read our story on page 5 of this edition of Pennsylvania Bridges. Photo by Kelly Tunney.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells a story of heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit. For more details about the show - to be staged at the Benedum from November 26December 1 - and info on how to purchase tickets, visit trustarts.org.

On September 14, tthe Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is thrilled to present its second Sensory-Friendly performance of DISNEY’S THE LION KING, following the success of this program in 2013. For more details about the show and information on how to purchase tickets to the performances, visit trustarts.org.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges. com