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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, 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? Want to share an original photo? Get in touch with us at (724) 769-0123 e-mail: carla@pabridges.com We’re also on Facebook facebook.com/ pennsylvaniabridges
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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 724-769-0123. Email us. We want to hear your voice. Get in touch.
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Treat Your Favorite Valentine to Sweet Sunday Story by Dave Zuchowski Guys and gals if you want to extend your Valentine's Day romance, consider buying your special someone a ticket to Sweet Sunday. Now in its 25th year, the annual event brings in as many as 30 dessert vendors who sample their creations in the hope of winning one of three taste competitions. A five dollar ticket gets you entry to the family-oriented, sweet event that also includes live entertainment as well as a Kids Korner. This year, Sweet Sunday is scheduled to begin at noon on Sunday, Feb. 24 and extend all day to 5 p.m. The site, the Printscape Arena in Southpointe, will be sectioned off to make room for the dessert vendors, who are donating their time and product to what happens to be the biggest fundraiser of the year for the City Mission in Washington. Another section will hold the stage where a range of entertainers - everything from aerial performers, magicians, and Irish and Christian dancers to bands and musicians, will entertain the crowd. Between entertainers, a panel of judges will taste each of the desserts in all three categories - professional, amateur and youth, then score, tally and announce the first, second and third place winners who will each receive a trophy. Patrons can taste the desserts as well. Simply purchase a punch card near the door in $1, $10 and $20 denominations, then make the rounds sampling the desserts that strike your fancy. Much like ride tickets at carnivals, the vendors will punch the ticket between one and four times, depending on the price of the sample. Each punch will be worth approximately 50 cents. Carl and JoAnn Brown of Finleyville, have been Sweet Sunday vendors six times in the past and have taken home a Best Professional trophy the last two years. In addition to second and third place finishes for their apple and cherry strudels, they've also got the People's Choice vote twice. Licensed to sell the flaky pastry for the Original Strudel Factory of Conneaut Lake, Pa., the Browns get the strudel shipped to their home frozen, then bake it in their convection oven. Both have full time jobs but still manage to attend 15 festivals each year selling their strudel with the help of family and friends. “We've been taking 700 to 800 strudels to Sweet Sunday, but because we've been selling out by 3 p.m. we're taking a couple hundred extra this year,” JoAnn said. “One hundred percent of our proceeds goes to City Mission, and we feel
blessed and privileged to be able to do this.” New this year is a cookie table, sponsored and set up by members of the Wedding Cookie Community, an organization with 13,000 members who carry on Pittsburgh's wedding cookie tradition. Attendees will be able to purchase a single cookie or have their choice of cookies boxed by the half dozen and dozen. A third section is geared to children's themed activities provided by the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh and tailored to youngsters from elementary school on down. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate with their children as no event staff will be available to provide child care. If you want something savory, Bubba's Burgers will be offering its full menu of food items throughout the day with a dine and donate 20% option to benefit the City Mission. Family tickets to Sweet Sunday will be available at a cost of $20, and VIP sweets (suites) in the balcony can be had for parties of eight that include runners to fetch your dessert favorites. The cost of each table is $100. In addition to taking a chance on a 5050 raffle, Sweet Sunday patrons will also be able to bid on over 100 gift baskets and items via tickets similar to those in a Chinese auction. Winners need not be present to win as the winning numbers will be posted to City
Mission's website and Facebook page. Last year around 3,500 people attended the annual event which has been a
popular draw since day one. According to Deana Wheeler, events manager, organizers hoped for about 500 attendees but 1,500 showed up. The event has been a sweet success every year since. Four women, Cindy Pfummer, Phyllis Ross, Helen Colletti and Isabelle Holzapfel, volunteers at the time, conceived of the event and did the advance planning ,or the first one, held at the Holiday Inn on Racetrack Road. “The idea was to have the event coincide at a time close to Valentine's Day when there was little in the way of local winter events for families to enjoy” said Gary Porter, communications manager. Dr. Ronald Salvitti, the lead sponsor for the fist Sweet Sunday, has continued to be a major supporter of the event. Bob Gregg, sports director at WJPA radio, hosted a live broadcast at the first event. For more information or to iquire about beiceming a vendor at the event, phone 724-222-8530.
EDITOR’S CHOICE “PIC”OF THE ISSUE
January 2019 Lunar Eclipse - Photo taken with LG Stylio3 using a Celestron 24X optic through an Orion 6 inch Newtonian telescope. Photo by Noah Churchel. 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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On stage at The Warhol theater at the Andy Warhol Museum: February performances Sound Series: Da Capo Chamber Players - Saturday, February 2 - 8 p.m. - The Warhol theater - Co-presented with Music on the Edge series of the University of Pittsburgh Department of Music - The Naumburg-Award winning Da Capo Chamber Players has established itself as one of the foremost chamber ensembles in the United States. Hailed for its “agile, hair-raising” performances (The New York Times), Da Capo has long been a leader in contemporary music, pointing with pride to more than 100 works written especially for the ensemble. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.Tickets: advance $15/$10 students and seniors; door $20/$15 students and seniors Sound Series: An Evening with Xiu Xiu (Solo) - Friday, February 8 - 8
p.m. - The Warhol theater - The Warhol welcomes Jamie Stewart from the experimental rock band, Xiu Xiu, for an intimate release show for the band’s new album Girl with Basket of Fruit. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.Tickets $20/$15 members and students; Visit warhol.org or call 412-237-8300 Half-Pint Prints - Wednesday, February 13 - 10 a.m.–12 p.m. - The Factory - Families work with The Warhol’s artist educators to create silkscreen prints during this drop-in silkscreen printing activity for children ages 1 to 4 years old. Free with museum admission; Registration is required; Visit warhol.org Sound Series: An Evening with Nellie McKay - Friday, February 15 8 p.m. - The Warhol theater - Co-pre-
sented with WYEP - The Warhol welcomes back the inimitable musician and songwriter, Nellie McKay, for a special day-after-Valentines day performance Doors open at 7:30 p.m. - Tickets: $30/$25 members & students; Visit warhol.org or call 412-237-8300 Sensory Friendly Silent Disco Saturday, February 16 - 6–10 p.m. Co-presented with The Pittsburgh Center for Autistic Self-Advocacy and Autism Connection of Pennsylvania The Warhol is proud to present a sensory-friendly social gathering inspired by Valentine’s Day. Join us for a silent disco experience at the museum designed specifically for individuals with autism spectrum disorders and those with sensory sensitivities. The Factory will be transformed into an
enclosed sensory room for the evening and quiet areas will be provided. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable, festive attire and to take portraits in the museum’s photo booth. Light refreshments will be served and a cash bar will be available. Tickets: $12/$8 members, seniors & students/$5 access/EBT cardholder; Visit warhol.org Sound Series: Jonathan Wilson Monday, February 25 - 8 p.m - The Warhol theater - The Warhol welcomes songwriter, guitarist and producer Jonathan Wilson for a special acoustic performance in the Museum’s intimate theater. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $18/$15 members & students; Visit warhol.org or call 412-237-8300.
Tri-County Division - Patsy Alfano, Assoc. Broker (Office) 724-330-5800 - www.ThePreferredRealty.com
©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.
Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company, “getting back to the way it was…”
YOUR
Story by Keren Lee Dreyer When it comes to coffee shops, there are plenty of sirens, goats, and roasters to go around. However, Dylan Sullivan of Uniontown, PA felt that “a lot of coffee companies have names that are a little impersonal.” So when Sullivan opened his own shop at 23 N. Beeson Blvd., Uniontown, Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company was a natural, and personal, choice. The forefront of Sullivan’s culinary mission is doing things “the way you did with your neighbors growing food, and people buying from the farms. Getting back to the way it was before World War II.” That is, sourcing fresh, unmodified food and meat from local farms and the finest coffee from local roasters. “We’ve gotten so used to eating out of boxes, and our groceries are a smaller portion of our paycheck. We want to get back to eating real food, and in their season(s)” Sullivan said, meaning, that if peaches, for example, are not in season, they won’t be part of any menu item at Sullivan Brothers. Red Range Farm, LLC, in New Salem, PA, provides farm fresh, naturally grown produce to Sullivan Brothers. Additionally, their pasture raised lamb, goat, and poultry products are grown to market maturity without additional hormones or medicated feed. For those seeking food made fast that is also fully farm fresh, Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company’s menu offerings are a welcome change from red heads and arches. Gracing the tempting menu are healthful selections of paninis, soups, sandwiches, salads and more, all of which are made by hand on a daily basis. “From the hummus to the bacon, everything gets touched (prepared) by human hands.” The hummus is made on site from “whole chick peas that are packed fresh and packed in water. We season them and puree them with loving care. Meryl Elliott is the chef and loves to cook” Sullivan said, “I couldn’t do it without her.” While there are savory meat based items for Sullivan’s more carnivorous customers, all dishes start with vegan based ingredients, with gluten
FOR HEALTH How to Prevent a Cold
free items also on the menu. Sullivan explains the process of building dishes, and the ingredients’ origins “We came to the conclusion that we love vegans first, and then we can just add protein. We have a Mediterranean salad with pickled eggs from Red Range Farm, and greens from them, too...we had Mediterranean goat sausage soup that was incredible. People didn’t know what to expect, so we gave out samples and it was very popular. We make Italian sausage soup with fresh roasted garlic. We do different things than the standard soups and chowders, but still make it relatable (to people from our area). There’s something in it that reminds them of something familiar from this area.” Bacon lovers are in for a fresh treat when ordering from Sullivan Brothers as well. According to Sullivan, “We do our own bacon. We buy it from a local farm north of
us, and we’re constantly looking to add new local sources. Everything is actually prepared by hand; nothing comes from a package and goes onto a plate.” To compliment all the good and natural foods are teas from Steven Smith Tea Makers and, of course, locally roasted coffees. However, putting together a coffee shop involves more than good intentions and a coffee machine. While Sullivan has “always loved service, and serving people and making them smile,” he knew that, along with Meryl Elliott’s back of house and chef experience in restaurants, another expert was needed to guide the setup for the heart of his coffee shop. Working with TJ Fairchild of Commonplace Coffee House and Roasters in Pittsburgh, PA, Sullivan learned about coffee workflow and Continued on next page...
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Hand-washing is one of the easiest ways to prevent the spread of the common cold. That's because some of the viruses that cause a cold can survive outside the body — on surfaces or your hands — for a few hours, said Walker Winn, PharmD, a pharmacist in Austin, Texas. “Avoid touching commonly touched surfaces, including shared writing instruments, public doorknobs and light switches, unless necessary,” Dr. Winn told RxWiki News. “Washing your hands with warm water for at least 20 seconds soon afterward can prevent transmission. It is also a good idea to wash or sanitize your hands after shaking someone else's hand.” If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol instead, the CDC recommends. For young children who tend to rush their hand-washing, have them sing a short song, such as “Happy Birthday,” to ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Viruses live on your hands and can easily enter your body this way. It's also a good idea to avoid sharing personal objects like utensils, cups and water bottles. If you can, stay away from anyone who is sick. Colds are spread through close contact with infected people. FMI about preventing colds, ask your pharmacy!
HOURS OF OPERATION Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
322 Third Street, California
724-938-2395 5
Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company, continued...
“Family owned & operated. Proudly serving the community over 90 years. Your comfort is a direct reflection of our success.”
H EATING * A IR C ONDITIONING * P LUMBING 1 MECHANIC STREET, CALIFORNIA, PA 15419 (724) 938-2480 - hollowoodheating.com
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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
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layout, along with which pieces of equipment would ensure efficient service and high quality, delicious coffee. Additionally, Sullivan cites help from family and a “great accountant and bookkeeper” for keeping the business healthy and organized. Local roasters provide Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company with prime coffee, and Sullivan’s circle of roasters throughout southwest Pennsylvania means that coffee aficionados have their choice of either the house favorite or a rotating, weekly selection of specialty brews. “With guys and girls like this (including Commonplace Coffee) doing great coffee, why would I roast? I have an unlimited selection and great variety because all these guys are doing slightly different things with their coffee,”
Sullivan said. Making meals Sullivan Brothers meals complete are treats from Millie’s Homemade Ice cream and, according to their web site, “locally sourced, natural food and pastries.” “It’s all natural ice cream, just the way it used to be made” Sullivan enthused, “There is real fruit for the peach sorbet, milk, and sugar. It tastes like the food is dancing on your tongue.” Stop by Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company at 23 N. Beeson Blvd., Uniontown for healthful dishes and fabulous coffee on the go, or eat in and hang with friends...or make new ones, too. Check out the complete menu at sullivanbrotherscoffee.com, and be sure to friend Sullivan Brothers Coffee Company on facebook to find out the special brew of the week: facebook.com/SullivanBrosCoffee TO
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Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents New Production of The Great Gatsby Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Presents New Production of The Great Gatsby The new ballet by Jorden Morris features an original Carl Davis score and will coincide with the announcement of PBT’s 50th Anniversary Season. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will premier a new production of “The Great Gatsby” by Jorden Morris with an original score by Carl Davis played live by the PBT Orchestra from Feb. 8-17 at the Benedum Center. The two-act ballet, based on the classic F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, chronicles the troubled romance of the mysterious Jay Gatsby and the married Daisy Buchanan. The brand new production by Jorden Morris remains true to the timeless story, incorporating both ballet and popular dances from the roaring ‘20s. “It’s very special to me to be creating this work on this group of artists here in Pittsburgh,” Morris said. “I think it’s a very versatile company of wonderful artists. Being able to create characters and choreography from the ground up with this company is, for me, very exciting and hopefully will be something very special for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre as well.” An original score by composer Carl Davis weaves new melodies in with classic motifs of the time period, blending old and new to create a brilliant backdrop for the drama of the Long Island elite. Cinematic sets designed by Peter Farmer invite you through the gates into Gatsby’s exclusive soirees, through his lavish mansion and along for the ride in his infamous automobile. Original costumes evoke the iconic style of 1920s America and the luxury of the life of Daisy Buchanan. About Jorden Morris: After retiring from the stage as a principal dancer for Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB), Jorden began to explore choreography, studying dance and theatre arts at New York University and early French choreography with Claude Bessy and Serge Golovine of the Paris Opera. In 1999, he premiered his first ballet: a one-act interpretation of The Three Musketeers. He has since been commissioned by RWB and others to create a range of classical and contemporary works. His full-length productions of Peter Pan (2006) and Moulin Rouge® – The Ballet, which toured throughout North America and Europe, set records at the RWB box office. Jorden has also
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Lisa J. Buday Workers’ Compensation Personal Injury Social Security Disability Wills & Estates choreographed for the nationally broadcast Genie and Gemini awards and the 2000 visit of Queen Elizabeth. He has worked with Atlanta Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Cincinnati Ballet, Nevada Ballet Theatre and Festival Ballet Providence. He previously served as chief ballet master for Boston Ballet and artistic director of Citie Ballet in Edmonton and currently divides his time between his new and existing works and working as senior creative director for Canada’s Shumka Dance Company. About Peter Farmer: Peter Farmer’s costume and scenic designs have been exhibited by art galleries in the U.S. and Europe. Born in England, Mr. Farmer received a traditional art school education and produced more than 300 set and costume designs for dance and theater. Nicholas Dromgoole of The Sunday Telegraph said of Mr. Farmer, “For me he is far and away the finest stage designer working in ballet, and his designs, as well as existing in their own right as covetable paintings, will one day be a nostalgic record of a high point in dance.” Mr. Farmer’s work includes Giselle (Ballet Rambert, Stuttgart Ballet, Australian Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Houston Ballet, etc.); Swan Lake (Royal
Winnipeg Ballet); Madame Butterfly, Anna Karenina and The Three Musketeers (The Australian Ballet); Cinderella (Ben Stevenson); and The Dream (Frederick Ashton). About Carl Davis:Carl Davis is a conductor and composer of symphonic works and notable writer for the ballet. He has driven the reinvention of the silent movie and written the score to some of the most beloved British television dramas. Davis studied composition with Paul Nordoff and Hugo Kauder and, later, with Per Nørgaard in Copenhagen. Early in his career, he conducted the New York City Opera and the Robert Shaw Chorale. He co-authored the revue Diversions, which won an OffBroadway Emmy in 1959 and travelled to the 1961 Edinburgh Festival. He has written or reconstructed scores for over 50 silent films and created scores for the National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company and television series, including the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. For the ballet, he has written scores for London Contemporary Dance Theatre, the Birmingham Royal Ballet and the Northern Ballet Theatre, working with choreographers David Bintley, Continued on page 9...
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February news from the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum
Free Produce to People Food Distribution - Fayette County Thursday, February 14 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
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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!
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ELDORA PARK WALKING TOURS You’ve heard of Eldora Park before, but had no idea where it was. Now is your chance to satisfy your curiosity. One of the many benefits (albeit unintended) of urbanization and industrialization was the development of leisure time for the laboring masses. What was once the exclusive domain of the “Idle Classes,” wage laborers working timed shifts, found themselves with two things they never had before: free time and discretionary income. This newfound leisure did not go unnoticed by enterprising entrepreneurs who realized providing service to fulfill the needs and wants of this new class meant big business. One of the more interesting combinations of service and entertainment was the trolley park. As the urban landscape expanded, mass transportation became a necessity in moving people from place to place. In an effort to increase ridership, provide a rural escape from urban living, and tap into discretionary income by selling entertainment, the trolley park was born. Eldora Park followed in the pattern of Kennywood, Luna, West View and dozens of others across the United States. Located three miles west of Donora, Eldora Park opened in 1904 to an overwhelming throng of five thousand people. Compared to the more famous trolley parks, the amusements were relatively meager: a gravity roller coaster, a carousel, a “bamboo” slide, and games of chance and skill. Just as important were the picnic pavilions, the bandstand and dance pavilion (converted into a roller rink in the winter), an “Electric Theater,” a picture gallery, a restaurant, and curiously Landfeld’s Men’s Clothing Store. Still, this tiny, out-of-the-way trolley park was able to attract world renowned speakers and performers. After two years of successful tours, the Donora Historical Society has scheduled their third annual Eldora Park Walking Tours for Saturday, March 30th and Saturday, April 6th both at noon after the winter has lessened the forest’s undergrowth. These will be the only Eldora Park tours this year. Names, phone numbers and email addresses are now being accepted and added to a
RSVP signup list. It’s anticipated that both tours will fill up, so please respond with your flexibility for each of the two dates. You will be contacted by phone or email to confirm your RSVP. If you can’t make this year’s tour, it’s encouraged that you still contact the Historical Society to get on a RSVP reminder list for next year. The tour will start at the Smog Museum (595 McKean Avenue) with a photo and newspaper article presentation highlighting the amenities and personalities mentioned above. Two newly acquired century-old Eldora Park panoramic photos will also be featured. The presenter will be Smog Museum curator and archivist Brian Charlton. The tour group will then drive the three miles to the Eldora section of Carroll Township to conduct the walking tour portion on the historic Wickerham farm, retracing the trolley line and trample through the wooded footprint of the original park with the help of one of the Wickerham descendants. Two hiking routes can be taken, one more demanding than the other. You may do as much hiking as you’d like to see the ruins and understand where the park amenities once existed a century ago. Three guides will be on hand to tell stories, point our ruins, and guide the groups. The cost is $12 per person and you should allow two hours for the presentation and walking tour. Appropriate footwear is suggested due to potentially wet or muddy conditions on portions of the trail. Hiking or walking sticks are
also encouraged. Space will be limited for each tour. If you have any questions about our Eldora Park Walking Tours, please consult our website and click the “Eldora Park Walking Tour” tab, or contact the Historical Society. 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. 1948 SMOG PRESENTATION IN ROSTRAVER Brian Charlton of the Donora Historical Society will visit the Rostraver Historical Society on Tuesday, April 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the historic Fells Methodist Church at 800 Fellsburg Road in Rostraver to present “The 1948 Smog Disaster.” This presentation has been given countless times in Donora and around the Pittsburgh area, and was also filmed by CSPAN. 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 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.”
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Center in the Woods February 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 par-
ticipants 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
The Great Gatsby, continued from page 7... Gillian Lynne, Derek Deane and Daniel de Andrade. Performance Dates: Friday, Feb. 8, 2019 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 – 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019 – 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019 – 7:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day Friday, Feb. 15, 2019 – 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019 – 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 – 2 p.m. Theater Programs: All programs are free and open to tick-
et holders. Fri., Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. Performance Preview Sat., Feb. 9, 7 p.m: Insights -- preshow discussion with the artists. Sun., Feb. 10 & 17, 1 p.m: Talks with Terry -- pre-show discussion with Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. Tickets to The Great Gatsby start at $28, and are available at www.pbt.org, 412-456-6666 or by visiting the Box Office at Theater Square.
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Life can be more fun when you own toys for recreation and sport, but always play it safe by having proper insurance coverage. Many types of miscellaneous vehicles can be added to an Erie Insurance auto policy. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE INSURANCE The great outdoors--you love being out there. A dirt trail or wooded path is perfect for a ride on your trail bike, four-wheeler or snowmobile. Erie Insurance offers auto customers insurance coverage for many types of outdoor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, trail bikes, mopeds and golf carts.1 ATV insurance (and other miscellaneous vehicle coverage) can help cover: Physical damage to your vehicle, including collision, vandalism and theft. Property damage liability (if another person’s property is damaged and you’re responsible for it.) An accident with an uninsured or
underinsured motorist. COVERAGE & CONVENIENCE By adding your off-road vehicles to your ERIE auto policy, you get the convenience of dealing with one insurance company, having one bill and you could end up paying less overall. Ask your local ERIE agent, Kim Mariscotti, about any discounts for which you may qualify. LOW COST, HIGH VALUE INSURANCE COVERAGE You might be surprised to learn how much coverage you can buy from ERIE for a modest cost. For most people, an extra $1 million in coverage costs less than $20 a month. (Let’s face it; you really can’t afford not to have this insurance.) 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 WCCC announces Full Time Faculty Award 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 27th at the Sokol Club Banquet Hall, 2912 East Carson Street, South Side. Doors open at 6:30pm, followed by buffet dinner at 7pm and show time at 8pm. 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 $40.00 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.
Auditions for “Peter Pan and Wendy” to be held Come audition for the Greasepaint Player's spring show! PETER PAN AND WENDY Directed by Margie Griffin Hillebrecht Show Dates: March 15-16 Rediscover the loopy fun and the darker corners of J.M. Barrie’s original novel with this faithful and fast-moving adaptation. Ages 8+ encouraged to audition, as this is a large ensemble. Audition needs: Female Wendy - 12 to 16 Mrs. Darling (Jane, Neverbird, Crocodile)- Adult Tiger Lily (Liza and Jane) - 12 to 16 Male Mr. Darling & Hook - Adult Michael - 8 to 10 John - 8 to 12 Either Peter Pan - 10 to 16 (if a girl
must have short hair or be willing to cut it) Smee (Nana) - older teen or adult 6 or more lost boys - 8 to 14 (could go older is shorter) Starkey, Jukes plus any extra - 16 to adult Breakdown: 2 adult women (18 to 40 - one needs to be old enough to be a mother); 1 adult man (one father figure and Hook;, not opposed to more as pirates if need be; 2 teenage girl - 12 to 16; 2 or more teenager boys (or girls willing to play boys); 8 or more younger boys (or girls willing to play boys) children aged 8 and 14 FOR AUDITIONS: Bring resume or headshot if applicable, will read sides from script
Brian Thigpen & Matthew Fiedler Owners
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HOURS: Tues-Thur 11-6 Fri 11-8 & Sat 12-5
57 W. Chestnut St. Washington, PA 878-212-3132
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Westmoreland County Community College named nursing professor, Dr. Rebecca Gediminskas of Irwin as the recipient of the Full-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. Presented by Dr. Kristy Bishop, vice president for Academic Affairs, the award recognizes and honors a Westmoreland full-time faculty member who demonstrates excellence in the classroom, instructional innovation, contributions to the community and leadership with the college. Faculty are nominated by students and the winner is selected by a committee of their peers. This year, 15 faculty members were nominated for the award. Gediminskas holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Carlow University and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pittsburgh. She has served as a fulltime faculty member since 1990 and had previously served as a clinical instructor. She is now a professor who served as interim dean of the School of Health Professions and Natural Science. Before joining Westmoreland, Gediminskas worked THE CAST IRON GALLERY HAS 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! OPENED IN
in the nursing field at the now closed Monsour Medical Center, Magee Woman’s Hospital and Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, part of Allegheny Health Network. “Becky is so deserving of this award,” said Bishop. “She is not only a very accomplished instructor, but she also freely gives of her time to students, the college and the community.” This is the third time Gedniminskas has been honored with the Outstanding Teaching Award; she received the award in 1999 and 2010 and has been nominated four times by her students. Gediminskas is involved in multiple committees and groups at the college and she has been a part of several organizations in the Norwin area for many years. She was a Norwin school director for 16 years. In the nomination, the student described Gediminskas as “knowledgeable and extremely patient.” She is truly an “amazing nurse and clinical instructor.” “I have been teaching for almost 29 years, but I am still learning how to maximize my effectiveness,” stated Gediminskas. “I have the best teachers, my students. I am inspired daily by their dedication and effort to complete their degree. For most it is not easy, but they never give up. I am so lucky to have a profession that helps students transform their lives.” Gediminskas received the award on Tuesday during a faculty meeting in Founders Hall Amphitheater, Youngwood campus.
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Southern Yanks Smokehouse, a southern style for yankee tastes Story by Keren Lee Dreyer When figuring which type of restaurant to open in southwest Pennsylvania, cousins Bruno Thigpen and Matt Fiedler reckoned that an area heaped with pizza and sandwich shops likely did not need another one. That is when Fiedler suggested an authentic smokehouse, complete with fresh beef, ham, and yardbird. When the pair were fixin’ to name their establishment, located at 57 W. Chestnut Street in Washington, PA,, a play on words brought Southern Yanks Smokehouse into being. “We kind of did a play with it because I was born up here but grew up in South Carolina, and Matthew was born in North Carolina but grew up here.” Thigpen, who spent time in the kitchen learning about cooking with his mother, subsequently went on to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. During his tenure at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, his sister moved to Alaska and “needed someone to help drive the vehicles. I thought this was kind of neat” Sullivan said, continuing, “I gave my two weeks and became head chef at the Gold Mine in Fairbanks.” After some time, Thigpen began working at a state corrections institute, mainly for the medical benefits. While this served his family well, the institution’s food suited no-one’s fancy. As Sullivan described, “I couldn’t care less why you’re here, you’ve already been judged. But I’m not going to serve you food I wouldn’t serve to my mother...The soup was gray. How did you make that gray? They said ‘I don’t know,’ so I said ‘throw that out and let’s
start over.’” Under Thigpen’s auspices, inmates learned about growing food in an on site greenhouse, along with the finer points of making hash browns, for example. Their experiences with food in prison led to work for at least one inmate upon his release, while “others got into food (service) because of this.” Despite Alaska’s beauty, Thigpen wanted to be closer to kin and returned to southwest Pennsylvania. Now it was time to bring his two decades of culinary experience to life with the freshest meats and ingredients in an atmosphere befitting a true smokehouse. Southern Yanks Smokehouse lives in a
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building erected sometime around 1891. While refurbishing the location, Thigpen said of wanting to maintain the interior’s vintage patina “We can’t sand off all that stuff, so we cleaned it up best we could.” Adding to the historic ambiance are complimentary interior features. “We put in picnic tables, but it’s barbecue, so you’re inside feeling like you’re outside. We even gave the bathroom doors an outhouse look. I said let’s have fun with this and not be like everybody else. Someone asked if you’re going to put televisions up and I said no, I want people to come here and talk to each other.” And with natural, fresh dishes built
from scratch, there is plenty for patrons to talk about. According to Thigpen, “People are getting smart with food, and they’re not interested in processed food. We can explain it all, what we’re doing and all the steps involved with it. Falisha (Fiedler’s wife) does the baking and makes outstanding cookies and pies. She’s definitely going to have a following soon. She’s back of the house and she does it all back there, baking, and and prepping the meats. I wish we had ten more of her back there because she does really good.” Southern Yanks Smokehouse features a savory “Pennsylvania Brisket” because, as Thigpen notes “We don’t have Texas Brisket because we’re not in Texas. We’re doing Pennsylvania Brisket and we use cherry wood (for smoking), medley pepper with pink and green peppercorns, along with pink Himalayan sea salt. It takes about 18 hours to smoke the brisket. It’s so tender we have a hard time getting it out of the smoker without it falling apart.” For the rotisserie yardbird (chicken, to yankees), Thigpen wanted a “different flavor, so I got Mojo Island citrus flavor for the chicken and we can’t keep whole and half chickens in stock.” Another menu delectable that sells out quickly are collard greens with ham hocks. “You can’t short-cut collard greens” Thigpen cautioned. “It takes almost a day to make them. Ham hocks take five hours, and another five hours to cook with collards. You have to have ham hocks in there (because) that’s where your flavor comes from.” To wash down their tasty barbecue, guests have numerous soda selections to Continued on next page...
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RETIREMENT SALE C ALL T ODAY FOR C URRENT I NVENTORY AND P RICING I’m in the process of retiring and enjoying the next stage of life which means Tech Boxz is in the process of closing its doors. After taking a rough inventory, I realize I’ve accumulated quite a lot of quality laptops, desktop computers and tablets. I’m pricing these items aggressively low for quick sales. How low? How about $100 for
hit the spot. “We teamed up with Grandpa Joe’s Candy Store. They have sodas in real glass bottles, with 260 sodas to pick from across the country. And that’s the beauty of it, all these little mom and pop shops making this soda, so it’s good” Thigpen said, adding that they can’t keep enough of Sioux City Sarsaparilla in stock. Additionally, Southern Yanks Smokehouse has Humankind water, teas, and lemonade on hand for patrons seeking a fizzless beverage while helping to provide for those without clean water in third-world locations. According to a statement on Humankind’s web site, “By buying a refreshing, delicious beverage, you're automatically helping end the world's water crisis by donating funds directly
to clean water projects.” For those heading to the smokehouse, Thigpen recommends checking out their latest social media posts. “We kind of keep up with social medial and let people know on our facebook page because we’re selling out really quickly on certain days. I notice that people in Pennsylvania will travel for their food, and I don’t want you traveling if we’re out of (a certain) food.” Be sure to check out Southern Yanks Smokehouse on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SouthernYanks-Smokehouse-521344894871561/, or visit them at 57 W. Chestnut Street in Washington, PA for an authentic smokehouse experience. To learn more about Humankind’s products and mission, visit them on the web at behumankind.com/
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Pittsburgh Cabaret Series announces 2019 season The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the TRUST Cabaret Series 2018-2019 season continues in the New Year featuring performances by award winning Broadway stars in February, March and April, at the Greet Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Avenue. The series offers patrons a rare opportunity to see Broadway’s stars and today’s leading vocalists in a uniquely intimate setting in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust gratefully acknowledges the Benter Foundation and Richard E. Rauh for their generous support of the TRUST Cabaret Series, which is arranged in cooperation with rj productions. The 2018-2019 TRUST Cabaret Series will feature performances in 2019 by Tony award winners and nominees, including: The Cooper Family | February 11, 2019, 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. starring Lilli Cooper, Eddie Cooper, and Chuck Cooper The Cooper Family features Tony Award-winner Chuck Cooper, Lilli Cooper and Eddie Cooper. Chuck Cooper, is a veteran of 15 Broadway shows, and has performed on Broadway in every theatrical genre from Shakespeare to musical comedy. He won a Tony Award® for his performance in Cy Coleman’s THE LIFE. His favorite role is Eddie, Alex and Lilli’s father, and he is gratefully married to playwright Deborah Brevoort. Lilli Cooper launched her Broadway career at just 16, starring as Martha in the first Broadway cast of SPRING AWAKENING. She recently starred on Broadway as Sandy Cheeks in the hit musical SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, and is the creator and star of the Glamour.com webseries “It’s Not Okay, Cupid.” Eddie Cooper’s most recent credits include THE NEW WORLD (Bucks County Playhouse), ASSASSINS, GOD BLESS YOU MR. ROSEWATER and LITTLE SHOP OF HOR-
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RORS (Encores! Off Center). Television credits include HBO’s Emmy-nominated THE NIGHT OF, BANSHEE, MOZART IN THE JUNGLE and FOREVER. Ann Hampton Callaway & Amanda McBroom | March 11, 2019, 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. One word most wonderfully describes this extraordinary evening featuring two of the cabaret world’s leading singers and songwriters: Divalicious. Music divas Amanda McBroom and Ann Hampton Callaway celebrate classics from the Great American Songbook and also their own works. Pianist and acclaimed songwriter Michele Brourman accompanies the duo in this stunning show of song and storytelling. Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp | April 8 (sold out); April 9, 2019, 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. - Acoustically Speaking – A 20 Year Friendship For the first time, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp will celebrate 20 years of friendship and the iconic Tony Award-winning musical RENT in a special concert tour. “Acoustically Speaking – A 20 Year Friendship,” is a new show featuring two Broadway giants, coming together to celebrate music, stories and their friendship. An intimate show, Adam & Anthony will deliver solo sets featuring both original tunes and songs that have influenced their lives, capped off by performing a few of the iconic hits from where it all began- meeting at RENT. TRUST Cabaret Series performances begin at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. Unless otherwise noted, single tickets range in price from $45-$65. Tickets for Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp start at $50. All performances take place at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Avenue, in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. FMI: call 412-4566666, TrustArts.org/CabaretSeries, or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue.
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BOWLS OF COMPASSION 2/24 Join us at the church on Sunday, February 24 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. for “Bowls of Compassion.” Receive a hand decorated bowl to fill with soup, macaroni and cheese, salad, bread, and dessert. Proceeds benefit Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee, and development missions fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. $8.00. Basket auction will be available.
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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United Christian Church 499 E. Malden Drive, Coal Center - (724) 938-2098 We worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome! UCCDOC.ORG
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State of the VA 2019: Our Managing Editor Fred Terling’s Take Story by Fred Terling BACKGROUND The Veteran’s Administration has been the subject of controversy since its formation in 1921. Abolished after a series of scandals, the original Veteran’s Bureau was dissolved after only nine years and reestablished in 1930 as what we know as the Veteran’s Administration. Throughout US history, there have been various blemishes on the face of the Administration. In 2014, it all came to a head. After widely publicized scandals, four major areas of concern became the focus of Congress and the Obama Administration. Bureaucracy with ineffective middle management was at the core of the issues as they held the purse strings for local VA hospitals and supposed to conduct oversight. What was occurring was the managers were over paid, underworked and accountability went out the window. Hoping to address this and to help reverse momentum, Congress passed the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014. The idea was to cut bureaucracy. Step one was to reduce the then extraordinary wait time to schedule internal visits by paying for patients to see outside doctors if the VA could not accommodate appointments within 30 days. The Act also takes into account travel time that may be excessive for internal appointments. The next issue was the massive claims backlog. Thanks to extended overtime, the VA has been able to make a substantial debt in disability claims. Some of these claims had been in the system for years. As of 2014, the claims waiting more than 125 days in the system without a decision dropped from 600,000 to 93,000 in under a year. Technology modernization has helped with this process as previously the system relied on documents going back and forth through the mail. Finally, more clinical resources have come to bear. Although the VA still faces challenges with finding and keeping sufficient medical professionals. The turnover rate is high for registered nurses and Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) staff are contracted and not part of the VA system. Paralyzed veterans are in need of more bedside nurses and one in five veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder. The nation as a whole,
both civilian and military are suffering a shortage of psychiatric professionals. To aid in recruitment of mental health care professionals, the VA has even started offering incentives for psychiatrists which include college loan repayments and better salaries. MANAGING RISKS and IMPROVING VA HEALTH CARE The Government Affairs Office (GAO) added the VA Health Care System to their High-Risk List in 2015. As of the 2017 report, it remains the same. Although it acknowledges the VA’s effort in addressing problem issues, the most recent report made the following recommendations in its action plan. According to the GAO Report of 2017, the VA must (directly from the report): Improve oversight of access to timely medical appointments Improve oversight of VA community care to ensure timely payment to community providers Improve planning, deployment and oversight of VA/VHA IT systems Ensure the recommendations resulting from internal and external reviews of VHA’s organizational structure are evaluated for implementation The overall goals are meant to improve the veteran and employee
experience, achieve support services excellence, establish a culture of continuous improved performance and enhance strategic partnerships. A FUNCTIONAL TEMPLATE Now that I’ve set the table, I’d like to toss out an example of a VA system that works letter perfect. Being that I use the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System for everything, I can share my experience with how things should be. I am in a unique position on this one as I utilize pretty much every service available. My primary care physician, psychologist and labs are all done at the CBOC near my home. I even have my psychiatric appointments through telepsych and retinal exams done tele-retinal. More on how those work in a moment. When I do visit the main facility in Pittsburgh, everything goes smoothly, from parking to getting to where I need to be. Let me throw a few specifics out there that were addressed in the background and GAO Report. The following are all my personal experiences with the VA and I have always lived by the adage of that being the best source of knowledge. I’ll start with what is the sore spot for most veterans, timely appointments. My visits to the CBOC are always met with friendly reception, short if any wait times to be seen and an automated phone call system that delivers a reminder message 48 hours prior to my scheduled appointments. The main clinic has a cool kiosk where I scan my veteran identification card which spits out a receipt that tells me where I need to go. When I turn around, there is always a fellow vet directing me to the location on the receipt. This is a great benefit as the main facility is pretty big and getting lost would be easy. Parking is always available and the typical trip in and out of the city goes smoothly with proper planning as Pittsburgh bridge construction traffic can be a pain. That’s no reflection on the VA. As far as care, mine has been exemplary. I utilize my CBOC for not only treatment, but also as my primary care physician. Nurses are thorough with lab results and even additional things like annual flu vaccinations, Hep-C testing, things I wouldn’t think about, they keep me on track. They also have a plethora of other informational classes on issues. This was extremely helpful 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. APPRISE, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, will hold free presentations that will help answer many questions concerning basic Medicare. Registration is required: Call 724-925-4204 Dec. 11 - WestmorelandYoungwood Campus, 2-4 p.m. 145 Pavilion Lane, Youngwood Registration code: PRDX 5019-01 FMI: westmoreland.edu 15
State of the VA, continued from page 15... when I was first diagnosed with diabetes. I was pretty terrified as my father struggled with this his whole life. The 16 week MOVE Program that they offer for first timers on what to eat, exercise and all of those other things that I would have to transition to really dissolved the fear factor. They even showed me how to use a blood meter and track the results. With in-patient procedures, the doctors are always very thorough in explaining the procedure. The patient system administrative system includes multiple tracking scan codes affixed to my wrist, chart and ankle in the event I wandered off. The main services I utilize on a regular basis are psychiatric, at both the CBOC and main clinic via tele-psych. In person, I meet with my therapist but can understand the pain point of turnover rate. I have experienced this twice and it is a very difficult transition between therapists as it does take time
to build a trust factor. Additionally, returning to explain old wounds also opens up those mental scars. It’s very much like starting over again after gaining so much emotional ground. Unfortunately, CBOC staff are contract employees and they do come and go. My tele-psych psychiatrist has remained the same and I have built a pretty strong bond there. Simply put, I trust her. She monitors my labs closely and ensures that all of my insides are working the way they are supposed with the medications she prescribes. My appointments with her are at the CBOC, but we communicate through teleconference. It is a great system and with the frequency we meet, I am grateful to not have to make all of those trips into the city. Being a diabetic, I am also required to do an annual eye exam. You know the ones, watery stinging eyes, blasts of light and those fashionable dark paper
glasses. Not anymore. Dialation is no longer required for the test on the new equipment. Technology has caught up. I also do this as a tele-retinal with the photos being taken in the CBOC and simply transmitted electronically to the main clinic. Speaking of technology, I am a huge fan of the VA website, myhealth.va.gov. I can reorder prescriptions, manage my benefits and even make my co-payments. I like anything that makes my life easier. Talking with prescription desk when I first started, I was informed that the Pittsburgh clinic alone fills around 4,500+ scripts daily. Yet, I always get mine on time and can even track them. My experience may not be the norm, but it should be. As a mental health advocate in the civilian world, I know by being proactive, and many times becoming a pest with a purpose, can get that squeaky wheel greased. If you are reading this and your CBOC or
regional Healthcare System is not performing the way you would like, get proactive. Make an appointment to talk with your legislators, send emails, make phone calls, track bills in committee and how your elected officials are voting on them. Make your voice heard. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few helpful links to get you going, both state and federal. By consolidating our voices from coast-tocoast, that singular effort can result in a choir of action. HOW YOU CAN HELP Find your state legislator here: commoncause.org/take-action/findelected-officials Find your federal legislator here: govtrack.us/congress/members Track Senate bills/actions here: veterans.senate.gov Track House bills/actions here: veterans.house.gov
Sustainable Gardening Tips from Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Kicking off the New Year, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens provides top tips for gardening more sustainably and announces a full roster of 2019 sustainable landcare resources to support better, greener gardening. Unlike traditional lawn care methods, which react to problems in the landscape, sustainable landcare cultivates healthy soil and plants, preventing problems from taking place. Sustainable practices also provide peace of mind, knowing your yard is chemical free, healthy for your family and welcoming to nature. Top Sustainable Landcare Tips for Homeowners: Observe your yard. Learn the sun and shade patterns, topography, water flow and microclimates of your space to better understand how to maintain and care for each distinct area. Choose the perfect plants. Read plant labels and choose plants that are suitable for your unique conditions. Select pest and disease resistant varieties. Feed the soil. Add compost and mulch around plants; these are natural fertilizers. Keeping the ground covered reduces watering and weed pressure, plus, adds nutrients to the soil. For more details, get a soil test and
talk to a professional. Recycle waste. Buy or build a compost bin for your yard scraps and kitchen waste. Use finished compost in your garden. Stop buying soil and chemical fertilizers. Attract and protect wildlife. Your garden is a small ecosystem. Native plants attract birds, bees and butterflies. Beneficial insects are natural pest control. Use less water. Only water when necessary and never more than 1 inch per week, including rain. Capture rainwater. Collect rainwater in a rain barrel or direct water to a rain garden to reduce water running off of your property. Mow less. Keep your grass 3 – 4 inches tall to shade out weed seeds and leave your clippings to feed the soil with nutrients and reduce watering needs. Add diversity to your lawn. Add white clover, trefoil and native grasses to your seed mix for increased drought tolerance. Reduce your lawn. Reduce the size of your lawn by planting a vegetable garden, flowers or wildlife habitat. Phipps has expanded its sustainable landcare resources to help the public garden more sustainably in 2019. With
spring planning soon underway, now is the time to look ahead at your lawn and landcare goals — and Phipps is here to help! Consult with a Phipps Sustainable Landcare Accredited Professional. Phipps provides a network of accredited professionals available to work with you in developing, enhancing and maintaining yards or landscapes that are not only beautiful, but healthy for people, pets and the environment. Each accredited professional has extensive sustainable landcare training and demonstrated expertise in specialty fields, including landscape architecture, soil ecology, garden design and lawn maintenance. To contact one of Phipps Sustainable Landcare Accredited Professionals, visit phipps.conservatory.org/landcare. Landscape and lawn care professionals who are interested in becoming an Phipps Sustainable Landcare Accredited Professionals are invited to enroll in Phipps’ Sustainable Landcare Accreditation Workshop Feb. 12 – 15 at Phipps Garden Center. To learn more and register, click here. Enroll in a class or program at Phipps. From sustainable horticulture classes to a spring garden planning series, Phipps’ Adult Education pro-
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gram offers a variety of enriching hands-on courses. Select classes begin as early as Jan. 14. All instructors are experts in their fields and provide a friendly learning environment. For a full list of class offerings, course descriptions and dates, visit phipps.conservatory.org. To learn more about Phipps’ commitment to green innovation at the Conservatory, at home, in the region and for the world, visit phipps.conservatory.org/ green-innovation. About Phipps: Founded in 1893, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, Pa. is a green leader among public gardens with a mission to inspire and educate all with the beauty and importance of plants; to advance sustainability and promote human and environmental well-being through action and research; and to celebrate its historic glasshouse. Learn more: phipps.conservatory.org.
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B-The Underwater Bubble Show to take stage at The Palace Theatre on Feb. 13 Following your dreams and allowing your inner child to take over for a while is the premise of B-The Underwater Bubble Show, performing at The Palace Theatre on Wednesday, February 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available for $20, $25, $30, $34, and $39 by contacting The Palace Theatre Box Office at 724836-8000 or thepalacetheatre.org. The Palace Theatre is located at 21 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA. Inspired by childhood standards like Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan, B-The Underwater Bubble Show is a modern fairy tale with one major twist. “Each classic tale represents a journey of a kid who grows up and learns something,” explains co-creator and director Enrico Pezzoli. “We wanted a story about an adult character who discovers that he can still go back and enjoy life. We don’t always need to grow up. Sometimes we need to step backwards for a bit and restart.” The show follows Mr. B, a creature of modern habits who “always feels pressed by a thousand things to do in a world that seems to be moving too fast.” The office worker discovers a little aquarium that appears like magic inside his briefcase and gradually becomes enchanted by the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia, which is full of seahorses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids and other creatures. “Mr. B represents each of us,” Pezzoli notes. “His transformation is a journey which each of us could take 'only if'...everyone dreams about the possibilities of taking a break to sit, relax and simply daydream.” Taking cues from Cirque du Soleil, the visually spectacular show incorporates the latest in stage technology. Lasers, low ground smoke and flying foam simulate waves and the underwater atmosphere. A juggler in a huge plastic ball is the performer that immediately attracts Mr. B and the audience into Bubblelandia‘s wondrous world, while dancers and
J OHN D ENVER M USICAL T RIBUTE S TARRING T ED V IGI L March 3 at 7 p.m. Tickets $36, $32 & $25
acrobats serve as small colorful fish chasing Mr. B and each other inside the aquarium. The main character is played by a skillful actor/mime exaggerating his gradual transformation from stressed out modernity to blissed out wonder. However, the biggest attraction of the show is the spectacular use of soap bubbles in multiple artistic ways. Creators Pezzoli and bubble artist/spouse Dace Pecoli have toured the world as a duo act for nearly twenty years working with the form, including a performance at the Sochi Olympics. “l have directed other big performances in the past, but “B” is our first independent big production,” Pezzoli explains. “The biggest challenge was to make everyone understand that the show is for everyone. Many people only relate it to kids, but everyone loves bubbles. After performing in so many countries around the world, we have seen adults enjoying the show as much as kids, sometimes with even bigger reactions,” stated Pezzoli. Developed over two years, The Bubbielandia journey debuted in October 2011 with a pair of shows in
Italy that drew in more than 5,000 spectators. It has since toured major theaters across Switzerland, Kaliningrad, lndonesia, Russia and Lebanon. A revised and enriched version made its UK and UAE debut in 2015 at the Blackpool Tower Circus and the Al Rayyan Theater in Doha, Qatar respectively. In 2016 the show toured the United State for the first time, selling out nearly 2/3 of their performances over a two-month tour. “Our main goal was to produce a show that could tour the world without any barriers, especially language,” Pezzoli explains. “We involved many elements of theater that could work without speech, like mime, puppets, physical comedy and sand painting, while adding visual special effects. Even in parts of the world where the culture may be different from our own, the result is always the same, with everyone cheering and applauding.”
Beloved family doctor Dr. Allison Verenna set to leave California practice In mid-December, patients of Dr. Allison Verenna received a letter informing them of her impending departure from the Washington Health System’s California Family Medicine office. Dr. Verenna spent more than eight years at the practice, first at the Third Street location, and later at the new facility which was built in Technology Park on Malden Road. It opened in late 2017. In her letter, she acknowledged that
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the decision was “difficult for me, since I have become a part of the California community and consider many of you friends and colleagues.” She cited her children as the reason for her exit. “For me, my children must come first. I’m making this change in order to be available while my children are young.” The Washington Health System is seeking a replacement for Dr. Verenna. That doctor will join Dr. Ereny Eskarous and Rebecca Thomas, PA-C, at the
California office. In closing, Dr. Verenna said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve this community. I will miss all of you and wish you the very best in your lives.” Her patients will miss her as well and wish her (and her family) the very best, too. Dr. Verenna’s last day will be February 24.
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The legendary John Denver evokes memories of an era in music which was both inspiring and influential. In this tribute by Ted Vigil, John’s great music lives on. With the uncanny resemblance and sound of the late John Denver, Ted Vigil performs many of Denver’s hits, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulder,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”
MUTTS GONE NUTS April 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets $30, $25 & $20 Disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton, and their hilarious pack of pampered rescue pooches have created a comedy dog thrill show like no other. A show the whole family will enjoy!
Classic Film Series December 7 at 2 & 7 p.m. January 11 at 2 & 7 p.m. January’s film is Bringing Up Baby February’s film is An Affair to Remember Adults $5, Students, senior citizens & children $3
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Families can explore the world of reptiles during “Reptiles: LIVE!” at Carnegie Museum of History Families can explore the world of reptiles in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s blockbuster exhibition – Reptiles: LIVE! Nineteen living dioramas from Peeling Productions will be housed in R.P. Simmons Family Gallery throughh May 12. 19 Living Dioramas - The primary attraction of Reptiles: LIVE! are the nineteen living dioramas featuring reptiles from all over the world. “Families will find themselves eye to eye with living crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards in this interactive exhibition about reptiles,” says Becca Shreckengast, Director of Exhibit Experience at Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Visitors will uncover the paradox of how the most beautiful snakes can also be the deadliest, and which snakes have venom that is poisonous to humans or only harmful to small prey. They will also find out why bearded dragons like to sunbathe, and how a veiled chameleon changes colors with its mood. Reptiles: LIVE! demystifies
reptiles and busts the myth that all reptiles should be feared. An experienced professional from Peeling Productions will stay on-site to care for the reptiles. Family-Friendly Hands-On Activities - Numerous interactive exhibits give visitors the opportunity to learn through play. Children can climb on a full-scale replica Galapagos Tortoise shell. Visitors of all ages can feel the texture of skins from different reptiles and guess whether they come from snakes, crocodiles, or turtles. Several trivia and guessing games like Lizard Wizard, The Shell Game, and Best Foot Forward draw visitors deeper into the world of reptiles and give them a richer understanding of the live reptiles on display. The hands-on activities complement the living dioramas and keep everyone engaged in selfpaced exploration and learning. Reptiles Programming - Exclusive reptile-themed programming will be available throughout the run of the
S TAY TOASTY WARM THIS W INTER ! W INTER HVAC M AINTENANCE T IPS *Make sure your filters are clean. The filter is a very important component to your furnace and clogged filters can restrict the flow of air to your home. Not to mention clogged filters can trip the safety switches in the furnace causing it to work harder and turn off. Make sure to check your air filters and change them regularly. *Clean the inside. If you are able to open up the front door to your furnace and clean out dirt and dust build up. You don't need anything special a regular house hold vacuum will work. This will help the furnace function properly and allow cleaner air to flow through your home. *Don't ignore unusual sounds. If your system doesn't seem to be working right or you have noticed some unusual sound, don't ignore them! Unusual sounds can be a sign of repair or replacement, and the
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alligator or snake feeding, scavenger hunts, and live animal encounters. Setting up sleeping bags and spending the night in Reptiles: LIVE! is the ultimate behind the scenes experience for kids and their parents. Reptiles: LIVE! is also a fun addition to field trips and group tours. Reptiles: Live! is $5 for adults and $3 for members, children, students, and seniors (after museum admission). For more information, visit CarnegieMNH.org. The exhibition is organized by Peeling Productions. Reptiles: LIVE! at Carnegie Museum of Natural History is sponsored by Highmark, Green Mountain Energy, Baierl Toyota, and Baierl Subaru. More information is available by calling 412.622.3131 or by visiting the website, www.carnegiemnh.org.
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exhibition. “We are very excited to offer this interactive and educational exhibition to the greater Pittsburgh community,” says Mallory Vopal, Assistant Director of Lifelong Learning, “Whether you are a seasoned reptile enthusiast or simply a lover of animals, this is a great opportunity for people of all ages to learn something new while visiting fascinating reptilian friends from around the world. In addition to the 19 animals on display, the museum will also be offering live reptile meet and greets daily in the exhibit space for visitors to get an upclose experience.” Visitors can see reptiles outside of their enclosures during daily Live Animal Shows featuring animals from our Living Collection. Shows will take place daily at 2:15 p.m. and Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Families can plan sleepovers or birthday parties for their kids with special reptile-themed activities. Exclusive activity options will include
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Mental Health Spotlight: Empowerment through Participation I am breaking format from the usual Spotlight format to announce a couple of events that are coming up regarding mental wellness. Being proactive in our conditions is not only important but can bring around a sense of achievement. Particularly when learning new things, interacting with others in the mental health community and often, just getting out and about for the day. As promised in the January issue, mark you calendars for State Representative Dan Miller’s Disability and Mental Health Summit on March 13th through the 15th, 2019 at the Beth El Congregation, 1900 Cochran Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. The summit is free to attend and will include informative sessions and a resource fair to the public. There will be many sessions on a range of disabilities and mental health issues spanning from early intervention to adults/seniors. I will be co-presenting with Nicki Dawson from NAMI with an In Our Own Voice session on Thursday, March 14th, 2019 at 4:15 p.m. Stop by, participate in the question and answer session and/or just say, “hi.” We will have full coverage in the March issue on the event, including an interview with Representative Miller himself on his evolution of the summit, why he feels these issues are important and some of the things he has spearheaded in the mental health and disability field as a state legislator. Additionally, for the first time ever, the three leading statewide mental health organizations, Mental Health Association in Pennsylvania (MHA), National Alliance on Mental Illness Keystone Pennsylvania (NAMI) and Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association (PMHCA) will be joining forces to present their annual meeting, May 20-21, 2019 at the Holiday Inn Harrisburg-Hershey, 604 Station Road,
Grantville, PA 17028. The conference is open to peers, family members, advocates, and professionals to experience this one-of-a-kind event that will provide a platform to learn, share, and network. Online registration for the conference and hotel will be available late February. I will be providing updates on this conference over the next two months on details as they become available, including session breakdowns and scholarship opportunities through affiliates for
those who may be a little cash strapped. In the meantime, you can check out the three organizations and what they are all about with the following links: MHA mhapa.org, NAMI Keystone - namikeystonepa.org and PMHCA - pmhca.org Please consider attending either of these conferences and joining these very active organizations. Next month, I will return to the regularly scheduled Spotlight format with trauma learning. NEED HELP? IN THE U.S., CALL 1800-273-8255 FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE. *Mental Health Spotlight is an opinionbased column. Any resources mentioned are provided for informational purposes only and should not be used to replace the specialized training and professional judgment of a health care or mental health care professional.
Planning Your Own Funeral: Things to Consider To help relieve their families, an increasing number of people are planning their own funerals, designating their funeral preferences, and sometimes paying for them in advance. They see funeral planning as an extension of will and estate planning. Funeral Planning Tips Thinking ahead can help you make informed and thoughtful decisions about funeral arrangements. It allows you to choose the specific items you want and need, and compare the prices offered by several funeral providers. It also spares your survivors the stress of making these decisions under the pressure of time and strong emotions. You can make arrangements directly with a funeral establishment. An important consideration when planning a funeral pre-need is where the remains will be buried, entombed, or scattered. In the short time between the death and burial of a loved one, many family members find themselves rushing to buy a cemetery plot or grave — often without careful thought or a personal visit to the site. That's why it's in the family's best interest to buy cemetery plots before you need them. You may wish to make decisions about your arrangements in advance, but not pay for them in advance. Keep in mind that over time, prices may go up and businesses may close or change ownership. However, in some areas with increased competition, prices may go down over time. It's a good idea to review and revise your decisions every few years, and to make sure your family is aware of your wishes. Put your preferences in writing, give copies to family members and your attorney, and keep a copy in a handy place. Don't designate your preferences in your will, because a will often is not found or read until after the funeral. And avoid putting the only copy of your preferences in a safe deposit box. That's because your family may have to make arrangements on a weekend or holiday, before the box can be opened.
Save the dates for Cal U Theatre performances to be staged in the new year Edges – The Blaney Theatre --February 21, 22, 23 @ 7 pm, February 23 @ 2 pm Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul - Edges is the first musical attempt by award-winning composer/lyricists Benji Pasek and Justin Paul (of Dear Evan Hansen fame). Edges is a song-cycle about burgeoning adults asking coming-ofage questions. Mtishows.com Unexpected: A Selection of Symbolist Plays, Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre -
April 4, 5, 6 @ 7 pm, April 6 @ 2 pm One-act plays by Maurice Maeterlinck, Susan Glaspell, and Valery Bryusov will have you on the edge of your seat. Commit to the Bit: An Evening of Sketch Comedy and Improvisation. Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre – April 17 & 18 @ 7pm Graduating senior Jeshua Myers, known to audiences for his portrayal of Ram (Heathers, the Musical) and Barfeé (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee),
Jesh will combine his training in theatre and improvisation in this showcase. An Evening of One Acts*** – The Blaney Theatre- May 2, 3, 4 @ 7 pm, May 4th @ 2pm. - Join us as we welcome our new crop of directors with this evening of one act plays ranging from laugh out-loud comedies to through-provoking dramas. ***Some subject matter may not be suitable for younger patrons.
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Mariscotti Funeral Home 323 Fourth Street California, PA (724) 938-2210 (724) 322-0500 - Cell Anthony Mariscotti, Supervisor
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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
Cal U announces 21 new & renewed accreditations California University of Pennsylvania starts the new year with new or renewed accreditations for 21 academic degree programs, bringing the total number of accredited programs at Cal U to more than 50 in all. Program accreditation is a quality assurance process designed to verify that a university’s programs meet nationally recognized standards of academic and professional excellence. Before a program can be accredited, a team of representatives from a recognized accrediting agency scrutinizes all aspects of the degree program, including its curriculum, faculty credentials and student outcomes. The team also holds an in-person “site visit” at the university. Once initial accreditation has been achieved, the program must be re-evaluated and its accreditation renewed at regular intervals in order to verify that high standards are being maintained. “Achieving accreditation is painstaking work, but it pays off for our students,” says Dr. Bruce Barnhart, Cal U’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “When you graduate from an accredited program, you know your degree has value. As a job candidate, you can point to program accreditation as a sign that your edu-
cation met the highest quality standards.” Fourteen degree programs in Cal U’s Department of Business and Economics have been newly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), the only organization offering specialized business accreditation for all degree levels. Cal U now offers accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) programs in fields such as accounting, finance, human resources administration and marketing; two B.S. in Business concentrations; and five Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs. Cal U programs re-accredited this fall are the bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, both recognized by the Council of Social Work Education; two Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs, accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education; the Master of Science inSchool Psychology, recognized by the National Association of School Psychologists; and the B.S. degrees in computer information systems and computer science, both recognized by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. FMI: calu.edu/academics.
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City Mission Resident Returns Home for the Holidays City Mission started a new initiative this holiday season to reach out to the community by serving hot, homecooked meals to people, outside their walls, who might not otherwise get a good meal for the holidays. This year, they served Thanksgiving dinners to the community at two, off-site locations: Arc Human Services and Thomas Campbell Apartments, both in Washington. “It was hard work, but it paid off big time,” said Dave G, a current City Mission resident who volunteered to serve at both locations. “It was worth it all to see the smiles on their faces.” Dave, who has been living at the Mission for ten months, is always looking for ways to give back. He acts as a mentor for the other residents and volunteers to help around the Mission, doing whatever is needed. So, it was natural for Jason Johnson, City Mission’s Director of Operations, to ask Dave for help coordinating the off-site meal serving. “I’m always happy to help anyone in whatever way I can,” Dave said. But Dave also had another reason for volunteering at Arc Human Services. His aunt works there. “I hadn’t spoken to my aunt in over three years,” he explained. “When Jason asked me to help him serve at Arc, that really got my wheels turning. I had been wanting to touch base with her for a while, but I was afraid of how she would respond.” When Dave was in high school, his mother died of cancer. She was only 43 years old. “I was raised single-handedly by my Mom,” he said. “She was my best friend.” Losing her was devastating. “After that, moving in with my aunt was my single best option. I lived with her for five or six years, into my early twenties.” During that time, Dave continued to work at the restaurant where his mother had been the manager. He started out bussing tables and washing dishes but quickly worked his way up the ranks and eventually became head chef. “I was very young to be running the kitchen,” he said. It was a stressful and demanding job with long hours. Unfortunately, Dave’s health started to
O PEN YOUR H EART & H OME
slowly deteriorate. He began having severe pain, stiffness, and loss of motion in his neck and back, caused by a degenerative calcification of the spine. Eventually, he had to start taking pain medication to keep up with the demands of his work. “That really got my addiction rolling,” he said. “It’s painful. Every day is a struggle.” As his health continued to decline, he needed more and more medication just to function. His addiction caused a strain on his relationship with his aunt, and he decided to move out on his own. They eventually fell out of touch. “My anxiety was through the roof that day we were going to serve at Arc. I didn’t know how she was going to
respond when she saw me. But here at the Mission, I’ve learned, as it says in 1 Peter 5:7, to ‘cast all my anxieties upon the Lord.’” Dave arrived at Arc Human Services knowing that he could be face to face with his estranged aunt at any moment. As he was setting up for the meal with the other volunteers, she walked in. Their eyes met across the room, and they both started to cry. They ran to meet each other and fell into an embrace. “It was pretty emotional. We were both crying. Everybody was crying. It was like the weight of the world had come off my shoulders. I was afraid I had burned that bridge forever.” Dave’s aunt invited him to dinner later that week so they could catch up. “She was living in fear for me all this time, thinking that she might see my name in the obituaries any day.” Dave and his aunt now talk on the phone every morning. After his reunion with his aunt, Dave had the privilege to serve the people that she serves every day. “It was a blessing to be able to serve them,” he said. “It was so rewarding to put a smile on their face and to show them that there are people who care.” “In the past, I would lie to my aunt and tell her I was ok even when I wasn’t,” he said. “To be able to be completely open and honest with her now is amazing.”
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The Southwestern Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is looking for individuals in your area to open their homes and offer a caring, safe, and nurturing family environment for eligible adults who cannot live independently due to physical, intellectual or age related impairments. Domiciliary Care Providers are typically individuals who open their homes and are willing to provide residents with housing, support, care and encouragement in a family-like setting. They are everyday people making a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. When you share your home and provide services, you receive $979.00 a month for each individual residing in your home. Services include meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication set up, scheduling and providing transportation to medical appointments. Domiciliary Care homes can accommodate 1-3 residents and are certified to meet the required fire, health and local zoning standards. If you are interested in becoming a certified Domiciliary Care provider and providing quality living alternative for a person who meets the criteria, or want to refer someone who will benefit from the programs services contact: Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Domiciliary Care Program at 1-800-411-5655.
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Phipps presents Orchid & Tropical Bonsai Show
Pastor Dawn: Is Our Peace at Risk?
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens presents Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Eye Candy, inviting visitors to a sweet escape of candy-inspired natural beauty, open now. Phipps is transformed with beautiful candy-striped orchids, orchids planted in the shape of oversized lollipops, confectionery-scented varieties and more, with over 1,000 spectacular blooms to enjoy. Visitors will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the delectable detail of tropical bonsai trees, meticulously trained for years and beautifully showcased in this special exhibit. A true treat for the senses, guests will be surrounded by deliciouslyscented orchids, including Wilsonara Eye Candy ‘Pinkie,’ Oncidium Sharry Baby ‘Sweet Fragrance,’ Phalaenopsis varieties, Oncidium Aka Baby ‘Raspberry Chocolate’ and many more blooms in a wide variety of vibrant colors, shapes, scents and textures throughout the Conservatory. Plus, in Phipps’ signature Orchid Room, visitors can explore the beauty and wonders of miniature orchids, in addition to exotic hybrids and exquisite selections from the Barbara Tisherman Slipper Orchid collection, curated in collaboration with the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania. The unique Frank Sarris Orchid, named in honor of the founder of Pittsburgh-based Sarris Candies, will make an appearance when in bloom. Phipps’ esteemed collection of ornate tropical bonsai trees will also be on display in Eye Candy. Classified by size and style based upon the shapes of their trunks, roots and branches, bonsai take many forms, from the iconic informal upright bonsai to the more dramatic slant bonsai that resemble windswept, centuries-old trees. Rich in tradition, these time-honored trees will captivate audiences. New miniature mudmen — small clay figurines popularized in China about 1,000 years ago to lend scale to the miniature landscapes the artisans were recreating — will be tucked within the collection, adding a fun treasure hunt surprise that all ages are sure to enjoy. Additional free-with-admission fea-
Do you ever get tired of the political stuff that goes on in this nation? I am currently at the end of my sit and do nothingness. I get tired of the rhetoric and propaganda, the tweets and the posts that dig in on certain “sides.” Sure, some of it sounds like just what I want to hear but beware of the wolf in sheep’s clothes my mother’s voice in my heads tells me. Some of it sounds like fearmongering. I mean really, have none of us ever seen Beauty and the Beast? We do not need to get out pitchforks, torches, and clubs to drive the beast out of here. It is likely the beast is already here, lurking around looking like a sheep or a politician or a neighbor or a family member or hey, let me call it as I see it, it’s the Devil. Each day, I see the Devil at work. Each day, I spend time doing pastoral things like reading scripture, writing a sermon, writing prayers, saying prayers, preparing for worship, and thinking about hymns. I also spend time talking to folks, folks that need food, folks that need coats, and folks that need someone to listen to them. I also help women in domestic violence situations, women with relationship issues, men with addictions, and men that have relationship issues. I talk with folks that have problems with depression, anxiety, lack of direction, family problems, overwhelming grief, trouble with transitions, and more. Occasionally, I do the work of treasurer for a local ministerial association. I visit folks at home, in the hospital and long-term care but could easily visit them more. The Devil is at work bring forth fear, pain, division, anger, hatred, sorrow, hunger, and more. And then, I go
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tures at Phipps: Learn more about orchids and bonsai through Phipps’ Public Programs held each Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Interactive presentations include Bonsai on Sun., Feb. 3. See the full schedule at phipps.conservatory.org. Phipps’ Discovery Programs provide added fun for kids, including weekly pot-a-plant activities, crafts and story time, in addition to interactive Discovery Stations throughout the Conservatory. See the full schedule at phipps.conservatory.org. This year’s miniature train exhibit Garden Railroad: Memories in Motion continues to delight guests, providing even more to explore during the show. Guests will go on a locomotive journey through the years at Phipps with fun, interactive features at every stop. Guests can explore the beauty and warmth of Tropical Forest Cuba, taking an immersive journey through the Caribbean island under 12,000 square feet of glass and towering palms. Tropical Sundays return this year, reminding guests that no matter what the temperature is outside, it is always tropical at Phipps. Guests who wear a tropical floral shirt on Sundays in February will take 50% off regular admission on a single ticket to relax under the palm trees. Don’t miss all of the sweet sights, scents and surprises at every turn it Phipps' new show — a much needed dose of Eye Candy to dazzle your spirits this winter! Phipps' Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show runs from Sat., Jan. 12 – Sun., March 10. Hours are 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Sat., Jan. 26. Admission is $17.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors and students, and $11.95 for children 2 – 18. Members and kids under 2 enter free. Learn more at phipps.conservatory.org.
home where I hope to find peace. At home there is peace, until we turn on the television or go online. At home, the devil enters our home disguised by the face in front of the rhetoric. Too often, it is too late before I realize I am again separated from peace because of the political stuff that is going on. Too often, once the peace is lost, I merely switch channels or change websites not realizing that internally I hope to gain peace back. Peace, this is granted to us. I want that. I don’t want a big ego touting all that I do. I don’t want to soapbox. I want peace. I want that peace that has me saying the word – peace, with a drawing out of the “ea” sound with the ache from my heart and like my life depends upon it. Peace is not gained, it is given or granted. We can give peace to one another. We can. We can press our politicians to use peace as the threshold of their daily work and move on, so that the day to day problems are handled and they work toward something, anything at this point, together. We can press our media to report facts not fiction. And please, check the facts given to be sure they are facts. Remember when we bought National Enquirer for the fun of it? That same junk comes in a different package these days, and folks are believing it. Do you have peace in your life? If so, share it. Give it. Encourage it of others, especially those that are in positions that are disrupting the peace of people’s lives. Peace, Pastor Dawn
Smokin’ Guns looks to boost membership The California Hill Gun Club, located along Route 88 in California, PA, is actively seeking youths interested in the clay target sports. Our club team, The Smokin’ Guns, has helped develop area youngster’s shotgun skills and safety for over a decade. The Smokin’ Guns is open to all boys and girls in grades 5-12 and is also open to students enrolled in colleges and trade schools. We are encouraging your membership to spread the word and help send interested shooters our way. The best part about the team is no experience is necessary and we even have team guns and equipment for
beginner shooters to “give it a shot.” Shooters have the opportunity to practice, compete, attend state and national championships, and build teamwork and life skills as members of The Smokin’ Guns, an affiliate of The Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). Cost is also minimal, as 100% of fundraising goes towards ammunition and target fees for the shooters. Interested youth and their families are invited to a first 2019 season informational meeting on January 30 at 6 p.m. at the California Hill Gun Club.
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Mary’s Corner Cafe finds new home in Brownsville Story by Christine Haines The sweet, yeasty scent of freshbaked cinnamon rolls welcomes customers to Mary’s Corner Cafe Bakery in Brownsville. It’s a recipe that Mary Mayer knows by heart, one that she had made for decades. “My cinnamon rolls, I’ve been making since I was in the Air Force. I made them almost every morning for the guys,” Mayer said. Mayer had a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force, traveling around the globe. It provided her with an opportunity to feed her passion for baking. “I’ve lived all over the world, so when I was at a restaurant or bakery that had something I particularly liked, I’d talk them out of the recipe and in English. I do a stollen, which is a German Christmas bread,” Mayer said. Mayer’s passion for baking started early in life, fed by her two grandmothers. “One was from Yugoslavia, the other was a hillbilly from the hills of West Virginia. They both loved to bake and they taught me,” Mayer said. “It’s a lost art, the art of baking, but I love it.” Many of her recipes came from her grandmothers. “A lot of my cookies, my nut rolls, my pumpkin rolls and a lot of my pies
are my grandmothers’ recipes,” Mayer said. She keeps a notebook filled with handwritten recipes that she has gathered over the years, consulting it for specialty items and making others, like the cinnamon rolls and her chocolate brownies, from memory. Mayer doesn’t rely soley on tradition to make her baked goods special. “My brownies are made with real chocolate, not cocoa, and real butter,
so they’re really rich,” Mayer said. Mayer also offers a variety of specialty products, including chocolates and sugar-free chocolates featuring Merckens chocolate. She will be making gourmet chocolate covered strawberries for Valentines Day, along with strawberry and cherry cheesecakes. Mayer offers buttercream, fondant and marshmallow buttercream icings for her cakes, lady horns, gobs and gourmet cupcakes in a variety
of flavors. While Mary’s Corner Cafe Bakery is relatively new to Brownsville, opening just before Christmas, Mayer owned and operated Mary’s Corner Cafe and Bakery in the old Beallsville Hotel for more than 10 years, starting the business after retiring from the Air Force. “I decided to sell the hotel because it was getting to be too much for me,” Mayer said. Mayer is originally from Deemston Borough, where her mother still lives. She now lives in West Brownsville, making it convenient to offer hours by appointment as well as her regular hours of 8 a.m. until 5 or 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. “I will do appointments Sundays or Mondays if people need to pick up. I just can’t say no to people. I’m just two minutes away,” Mayer said. “I just love creating. I like to experiment and the people are great. I love my customers. When people are excited about my food, I’m excited about making it.” Mary’s Corner Cafe Bakery is located at 105 High Street in Brownsville and can be reached by telephone at 724-579-4519.
Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series Schedule: Share the magic of theater with a child you love Flight School the Musical–It’s the first day of Flight School, where they teach birds to fly. Penguin has the soul of an eagle and is ready to live on the wind, but he wasn’t built to soar, as the other birds constantly remind him. Penguin’s spirit won’t be grounded. With some friends of a feather, and a little help on the technical bits, Penguin follows his dream to flip, flap, and fly! Vital Theatre Company from the United States presents this show, based on the book from best-selling author Lita Judge. Suitable for children and adults ages 3+. Byham Theater, BUTLER REGION
(Seneca Valley Senior High School), EAST REGION (Greensburg-Salem High School), NORTH REGION (Marshall Middle School), WEST REGION (Cornell High School), SOUTH REGION (Mellon Middle School) - February 17–24, 2019 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
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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, 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.
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Carnegie Museum of Art announces new exhibitions, social programming and educational opportunities Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) announces four new exhibitions, dynamic social programming, and engaging educational opportunities for 2019. The exhibitions represent a wide range of artistic styles and periods, from decorative arts and design and contemporary art to classic Impressionism favorites. “I’m proud of the variety this year,” says Henry H.J. Heinz II Acting CoDirector Catherine Evans. “They show the dynamic and varied experiences you can have at a museum— from seeing Ruth Root’s fabulous patterns to studying the serial painting techniques of Monet to learning about the latest breakthroughs in accessibility design. Museums should be a place for discovery and inspiration, and I think 2019 embodies that spirit.” New Exhibitions Ruth Root April 19–August 25 Forum Gallery The 81st installment of CMOA’s Forum series will debut a new body of work by acclaimed New York– based painter Ruth Root. For the last two decades, Root has fashioned unruly paintings that push the boundaries of the medium and delight in the pleasures of pattern and shape. For this new series, curator Eric Crosby invited Root to mine CMOA’s collection of artworks and design objects as inspiration for her digitally printed fabrics, which suspend irregular sheets of painted plastic. Through a visual dialogue with the museum’s collection, her eyepopping works personify the wonder of painting. Influencers: The Pritzker Architecture Prize May 4–September 2 Heinz Architectural Center Since its establishment in 1979, the Pritzker Architecture Prize has become the most esteemed prize in architecture worldwide; awarded to individual architects for their total body of work, the Pritzker is frequently referred to as the Nobel Prize for Architecture. To mark the prize’s 40th anniversary, Raymund 24
Ryan, curator, Heinz Architectural Center, presents work from the museum’s collection done by Pritzker laureates. Bolstered by several recent acquisitions, these drawings, models, furniture, and photographs are presented in collaboration with the annual summer camp to stimulate the imaginations of museum visitors and camp participants alike. Hans Hollein, Stadtstruktur (City Structure), 1959, ink on paper, Carnegie Museum of Art. Gift of the Drue Heinz Trust. 2018.23. Monet and the Modern City May 25–September 2 Gallery One Monet and his contemporaries responded to the urban industrial landscape through works that convey the power and promise of modernization. Organized by curator Akemi May, this exhibition contextualizes Monet’s famous Waterloo Bridge series with other artists’ work from the time, exploring Monet’s process of serial painting and the enduring theme of industry in art. Carnegie Museum of Art’s own Waterloo Bridgepainting is presented alongside two others from the series, thanks to the Worcester Art Museum and the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, and captures the range of moods and colors that serial painting can produce. Other notable works include pieces by Camille Pissarro, Jean-Emile Laboureur, and James Abbott McNeill Whistler, which provide a broader frame of reference for the urban industrial landscape as subject. Access+Ability June 1–October 6, 2019 Heinz Galleries Access+Ability highlights some of the extraordinary research and designs developed during the past decade with and by people who span a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory abilities. Fueled by demand and advances in research and digital technologies, a proliferation of functional, life-enhancing products is creating unprecedented access. Low-tech designs that assist
with daily routines, digital technology like eye-tracking devices for communicating and editing, and sensors that stabilize tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease, plus innovations in all-terrain wheelchairs, are augmenting the potential for people to access the world in ways previously unimaginable. These objects—many of which are still in prototype stage—represent the future of accessibility design. Access+Ability was organized by Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. The CMOA presentation of Access+Ability is organized by Rachel Delphia, the Alan G. and Jane A. Lehman Curator of Decorative Arts and Design. Ongoing and Educational Carnegie International, 57th Edition, 2018. Open through March 25 Presented by Bank of America The second-oldest exhibition of global art, the Carnegie International opened with excitement in October of last year. This sprawling show, which permeates the museum’s exhibition spaces and reaches into its collection galleries, sees its final three months arrive with a variety of activities: visiting artist lectures by Jeremy Deller, Ulrike Müller, and Thaddeus Mosley; a Tam O’Shanter Drawing Session with Beverly Semmes; a Sound Series concert produced by Josiah McElheny, John Corbett, and Jim Dempsey with the Andy Warhol Museum; and drawing sessions with Yuji Agematsu and Tavares Strachan. See the works of Carnegie Prize–winner Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Fine Prize–winners Postcommodity before the exhibition closes in March. Social Programs Ongoing People engage with art on many levels. The social programming at CMOA aims to bring new faces into the museum and create opportunities for discovery and inspiration. These programs range from the FEAST dinner series—which pairs a local chef with a theme from the Carnegie International for a unique dining
experience—to monthly Third Thursday, a themed 18+ event that invites local artists and vendors to create programming relevant to the current exhibitions. An important piece of the museum’s mission of connecting people to art, ideas, and one another, social programs offer an avenue to build engagement and respond to the community. Summer Camps June 10–August 16 Following a winter and spring of educational programming, including the exhibition of work by students from The Art Connection, the museum will launch a full calendar of summer camps. Camps offer a unique opportunity to dive deeper into all aspects of art-making, creativity, and collaboration through week-long programs. As part of the museum’s ongoing mission of educating and inspiring, summer camps provide the structure and materials for young people to engage their own creative process. Using the museum’s collection as a resource, campers of all levels and abilities explore through classic and modern art techniques, styles, and practices. Our Mission Carnegie Museum of Art creates experiences that connect people to art, ideas, and one another. We believe creativity is a defining human characteristic to which everyone should have access. CMOA collects, preserves, and presents artworks from around the world to inspire, sustain, and provoke discussion, and to engage and reflect multiple audiences. Our world-class collection of over 30,000 works emphasizes art, architecture, photography, and design from the 19th century to the present. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. FMI: call 412.622.3131 or visit cmoa.org.
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Phipps showcases artist Cecil in “Deepening Roots”
Monessen Historical Society January 2019 News
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showcases the works of acclaimed Pittsburgh artist Ashley Cecil in a new exhibition titled “Deeping Roots: Our Growing Connections to the Botanical World,” open now. Plants may go unnoticed despite the essential roles they play in the lives of all humans, from food to clothing and shelter. Ashley Cecil’s thought-provoking series explores these deep human-botanical bonds, some familiar and some unexpected. These “plant profiles” are the result of Ashley Cecil’s residency at Phipps during which the painter and textile designer spent months with Phipps staff exploring the ways plants connect with and enhance human wellbeing. The most profound examples became the subjects of Ashley’s vibrant paintings, which she translated into her signature patterns. Each pattern is overlaid with the silhouette of someone in the region whose work embodies that connection. Guests can also participate in “It's ORGANic,” an interactive mural exhibit by Ashley Cecil opening today. The large scale mural illustrates the many ways in which human organs relate to plants and demonstrates the connections we have to the natural world. Kids and adults alike will enjoy coloring in a portion of the mural during their visit, located in the Center for Sustainable Landscapes Green Gallery. Additionally, to celebrate Ashley Cecil's new exhibit, fans can enter the Deepening Roots Sweepstakes beginning Monday for a chance to win signed prints of the artist's inspiring artwork, a handmade scarf
Don’t forget! Membership Renewal for 2019 and the annual fund appeal for the Greater Monessen Historical Society are wrapping up. Please return your membership renewal, so we can update the records. You are the reason for why we are here! We depend on your generosity to sustain us and help us grow! Please be as generous as you can be. We need your donations to continue the Annex renovation work! Memberships cover the expenses of keeping the museum open and preserving local history. Gift memberships make great gifts! Individual memberships are $15 a calendar year with family memberships being $20.00. Business memberships are $50. The Monessen Heritage Museum will be closed on Saturdays through the month of March. Special arrangements can be made for groups or individuals, who would like to tour the facility when we are closed. Please contact the museum to arrange a time. As we are a volunteer based organization, our hours may be affected by the weather. During the winter months, please call ahead if you are planning on visiting to make sure someone is at the museum to welcome you. 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
printed with the artist's botanical pattern and admission passes to Phipps. Enter at phipps.conservatory.org/deepeningroots. Winners will be selected at random among eligible entries received now through March 4. Mark your calendar to meet Ashley Cecil as she shares her personal inspirations and insights during a special artist talk at the Biophilia: Pittsburgh meeting at Café Phipps on Thurs., March 7 at 6 p.m. Attendance is free. Reservations are required in advance as space is limited — register at phipps.conservatory.org/biophilia. Following the meeting, all are welcome to attend the closing reception for the exhibit, which will take place from 7 – 9 p.m. in Phipps’ Welcome Center. “Deepening Roots: Our Growing Connections to the Botanical World” will be on display in Phipps’ Welcome Center Gallery until March 17. To purchase products from the artist’s signature line or get information about purchasing her original artwork, visit The Shop at Phipps. Artist Ashley Cecil specializes in paintings and sculptural works of flora and fauna that illustrate connections between the natural world and its human inhabitants. Her work includes collaborations close to home with several beloved Pittsburgh institutions such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, as well as far-flung adventures to biological oases like the Amazonian rainforest. The aim of her artwork is to endear you to nature by making scientists’ understanding of it relatable to our everyday lives. FMI: phipps.conservatory.org.
back to the community? Do you enjoy history? If so, please consider joining our group and volunteering at the Museum. Call for details. The Historical Society is also searching for interested individuals who are able to create models of well-known Monessen buildings that can be displayed inside the Monessen Heritage Museum. 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.
#1 hit true crime podcast coming to Benedum Number one hit true crime podcast, My Favorite Murder, is coming to the Benedum Center on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale to the public and can be purchased at TrustArts.org. About My Favorite Murder - My Favorite Murder is the hit true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Since
its inception in early 2016, the show has broken download records and galvanized a devoted “Murderino” fan base. The show’s live tours are known throughout the world, selling out large theaters across the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe. For additional information about My Favorite Murder, please visit MyFavoriteMurder.com.
Chamber Music at Old St. Luke’s Church February 17, 2019 – 2 p.m. - “Amor!” Ballads and Fado - Chanteuse Daphne Alderson and the St. Michel Band March 24, 2019 – 2 p.m. - “A Bassoon Runs Through It” - Academy Chamber Ensemble with Bassoonist, Amy Baker April 28 – 2 p.m - “Contemporary Character for Flute and Clarinet” - PM
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Woodwind Project ~ Dr. Amanda Morrison - clarinet & Dan Parasky - flute Old St. Luke's Church is located at 330 Old Washington Pike Carnegie. FMI: Call 412-969-7072 or visit m.facebook.com/ChamberMusicAtOldSt Lukes. Free admission. Donations are accepted and appreciated.
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NOW PLAYING! Saturday, February 2 at 7:30 PM - Big Time Entertainment, LLC presents ROOTS & BOOTS - An evening with: Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin, & Collin Raye - $68.50, $78.50, $88.50 Three of the voices that defined 90s country music – Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye – join forces in the Roots & Boots tour. Combined, the trio has amassed more than 40 Top 10 radio smash hits and sold more than 25 million albums. Don’t miss these iconic country artists as they come together to swap stories and perform their classic songs all on one stage. Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 PM - Elko Concerts presents ABBA MANIA - $49.75 ($5 additional at the door) THE ORIGINAL TRIBUTE FROM LONDON’S WEST END, ABBA MANIA the tribute takes you back in time by recreating one of the world’s finest pop groups in a live stage performance. This highly polished and professional production has been delighting audiences of all ages since its formation in 1999, selling out UK theatres nationally. You’ll be “having the time of your life” with such hits as “Mamma
Mia,” “Voulez Vous,” “Dancing Queen,” “Winner Takes It All,” and “Super Trouper.” Friday, February 8 at 8 PM FriendlyHart Productions presents SAL VALENTINETTI $39.50, $44.50, $54.50 Sal Valentinetti, the ItalianAmerican crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and heart of gold, returns to The Palace. Sal saw success as a top 5 finalist on America’s Got Talent and has been touring the country and selling out venues of all sizes – from intimate jazz clubs to the legendary Madison Square Garden since. He continues to win over the hearts of fans through his emotional and comical story-telling style performances Thursday, February 14 at 8 PM - Latshaw Productions presents TOMMY JAMES & THE SHONDELLS - $40, $50, $55, $60, $65 Crystal Blue Persuasion, I Think We’re Alone Now, Hanky Panky, Crimson & Clover, Draggin’ the Line, Mony Mony and Sweet Cherry Wine are just a few of the many hits from Tommy James. Tommy has accumulated 23 gold records, 9 platinum albums and over 100 million records sold worldwide. In addition to his 32 Billboard Hot 100 charting hits, of which many have been covered by artists around the world, his music is heard in 40 motion pictures to date and numerous tv shows and commercials. Saturday, February 16 at 7:30 PM - Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra - HEART STRINGS Bartók: Rumanian Folk Dances - Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto - Chee-Yun, violin Beethoven: Symphony No. 4 -
$15, $29, $35, $37, $50 Violinist Chee-Yun’s flawless technique, dazzling tone, and compelling artistry have enraptured audiences on five continents. Charming, charismatic, and deeply passionate about her art, Chee-Yun continues to carve a unique place for herself in the ever-evolving world of classical music. Chee-Yun plays a violin made by Francesco Ruggieri in 1669. Sunday, February 17 at 3 PM Latshaw Productions presents MASTERS OF ILLUSION BELIEVE THE IMPOSSIBLE $28, $38, $43, $48, $60 Masters of Illusion–Believe the Impossible includes grand illusions, levitating women, escapologists, comedy magic, sleight of hand, and beautiful dancers. And it’s all LIVE! No camera tricks, no computer graphics—just amazing illusions in real time in front of a live audience. Everything you could possibly imagine and performances that you never dreamed possible—all rolled up into a live show! Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 PM - River City Brass presents CELTIC CONNECTIONS III Adult $25 – 31; Senior $23 $29; Student $10; Children 6 and under free RCB’s popular Celtic Connections is back for the third time! They honor the musical heritage of Ireland, Scotland, and Appalachia. Selections include: Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, and Oh, Danny Boy. Wednesday, March 13 at 7 PM - Live Nation presents NEEDTOBREATHE - ACOUSTIC LIVE TOUR - $39.50, $49.50, $75 NEEDTOBREATHE is a GRAMMY-nominated rock band hailing
from South Carolina. Their most recent album H A R D L O V E released in 2016 and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Albums, Top Current Albums, Top Rock Albums and Top Alternative Albums charts and #2 on the Billboard 200. NEEDTOBREATHE recently released their 4-track EP Forever On Your Side (Niles City Sound Sessions) – which includes the single “Forever On Your Side (with JOHNNYSWIM)” – and are set to debut their first-ever fully acoustic album – Acoustic Live Vol. 1. Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 PM - Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra - MUSIC & MAGIC $15, $29, $35, $37, $50 Falla: El amor brujo Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Amit Peled, cello Schubert: Symphony No. 3 Grammy-nominated cellist, conductor, and pedagogue Amit Peled enjoys a busy and dynamic career performing for audiences across the globe. A talented basketball player, at 6’5, Mr. Peled had to make a tough choice between the basketball arenas and the concert halls. Sunday, March 17 at 6 PM Latshaw Productions presents RHYTHM OF THE DANCE $35, $40, $45, $65 Combining traditional Irish dance and music with the most up-to-date stage technology, the show is a thousand-year-old story executed with all the advantages of the modern-day stage show. The production is an inspiring epic, reliving the journey of the Irish Celts throughout history. Using the traditional and modern arts of dance (ballet, modern dance, jazz) and music, this richly costumed show marries the contemporary and the ancient.
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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“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” to take stage at the Benedum Center in late January, early February The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is thrilled to announce that Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY will play the Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, from Tuesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 3, 2019. Tickets are on sale now. This event is part of the 2018-2019 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and Broadway Across America. Tickets (currently starting at $45) are on sale now and available at the following official Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket sources: online at TrustArts.org, by calling Guest Services at 412-4564800, or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue. For groups of 10+ call 412-471-6930, online at TrustArts.org/GroupSales or in person at Theater Square Box Office. Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY tells the story of Willy Wonka, world famous inventor of the Everlasting Gobstopper, who has just made an astonishing announcement. His marvelous—and mysterious—factory is opening its gates…to a lucky few. That includes young Charlie Bucket, whose life definitely needs sweetening. He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing, lifechanging journey through Wonka’s world of pure imagination. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper! Complete casting, as previously announced, for the national tour of Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY that launched in September 2018, includes Broadway veteran Noah Weisberg (South Pacific, Enron, Elf, Legally Blonde) starring as the extraordinary chocolate maker, Willy Wonka, with Henry Boshart (age 10), Collin Jeffery (age 11) and Rueby Wood (age 11),alternating in the title role of Charlie Bucket. They will be joined by James Young as Grandpa Joe, Amanda Rose as Mrs. Bucket, Jessica Cohen as Veruca Salt, Madeleine Doherty as Mrs. Teavee, Kathy Fitzgerald as Mrs. Gloop, Nathaniel Hackmann as Mr. Salt, Daniel Quadrino as Mike Teavee, David Samuel as Mr. Beauregarde, Brynn Williams as Violet Beauregarde, Matt
Wood as Augustus Gloop. The 36-member company also includes Sarah Bowden, Elijah Dillehay, Alex Dreschke, Jess Fry, David R. Gordon, Chavon Hampton, Sabrina Harper, Benjamin Howes, Karen Hyland, Lily Kaufmann, David Paul Kidder, Jennifer Jill Malenke, Joe Moeller, Tanisha Moore, Claire Neumann, Caylie Rose Newcom, Joel Newsome, Kevin Nietzel, Kristin Piro, Clyde Voce, Armando Yearwood Jr., and Borris Anthony York. With direction by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O’Brien, Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY features music by Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony Award® winnerMarc Shaiman, lyrics by Grammy® and Tony Award® winners Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, a book by Artistic Director of Edinburgh’s Royal Lyceum theatre David Greig, choreography by Tony Award® nominee and Emmy Award® winner Joshua Bergasse and includes additional songs by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley from the 1971 Warner Bros. motion picture. Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY features scenic and costume design by five-time Tony Award® nominee Mark Thompson, lighting design by four-time Tony Award®nominee Japhy Weideman, sound design by Andrew Keister, projection design by Jeff Sugg, puppet and illusion design by Obie and Drama Desk Award winner Basil Twist, orchestra-
tions by three-time Tony Award® winner Doug Besterman and music supervision by Nicholas Skilbeck. The hit Broadway musical features songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I've Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters from Hairspray. Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman), Langley Park Productions (Kevin McCormick) and Neal Street Productions (Sam Mendes, Caro Newling). For more information, visit www.CharlieonBroadway.com. About Roald Dahl and His Legacy Roald Dahl (1916-1990) was a spy, ace fighter-pilot, chocolate historian and medical inventor. He was also the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG and many more brilliant stories. He remains the World’s No.1 storyteller. Sitting in a hut at the bottom of his garden, surrounded by odd bits and pieces such as a suitcase (used as a footrest), his own hipbone (which he’d had replaced) and a heavy ball of metal foil (made from years’ worth of chocolate wrappers), he went on to write some of the world’s best-loved children’s stories. His first children’s story, James and the Giant Peach, was published in 1961, was a hit and every subsequent book became a best-seller. Today, his stories are available in 58
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languages and, by a conservative estimate, he has sold more than 250 million books. Many of these stories have also been adapted for stage and screen, including the 1971 film classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Wes Anderson’s acclaimed Fantastic Mr. Fox, the multi-award winning Matilda The Musical from the RSC with music by Tim Minchin, and Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster The BFG. The latest adaptation is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory The New Musical which opened on Broadway in April 2017 following three Golden years on London’s West End. Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Led by 13-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include The Band’s Visit, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, The Producers and Waitress. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com. The PNC Foundation joins the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in bringing the best of Broadway to entertain, enlighten, and complement the rich experiences that add to the region’s exceptional quality of life. The seven season presentations and four specials in the 2018-19 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series contribute to the city’s reputation as a major destination for the arts, culture, and world-class entertainment. To learn more about the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, visit TrustArts.org.
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BENTLEYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY 931 Main St. in Bentleyville washlibs.org/bentleyville
Storytime meets every Monday at 11:00 am for ages 30 months to 5 years. TOPS meets every Tuesday, weigh-in is at 5 meeting starts at 5:30. Coffee and Crayons meets every Friday at 10:30 am.
FROSTY FROLIC February 2, 2019
12 p.m. - Registration 1:10 - Costume Judging 1:30 - The Plunge Begins Coal Center Wharf Across from Lagerheads Water Street, Coal Center, PA $10 Registration fee to plunge $20 gets a free long sleeve T-shirt It’s time to shiver in the river! Help the California Area School District Foundation while you have a blast taking any icy plunge. Several scholarships support Cal U students. Get the most pledges and you might win more. Prizes for the most money raised, best costumes, and more. Changing tents available. Register or pledge online at calsdfoundation.org or go to our Facebook page “Frosty Frolic” to download registration form. For more information: Email monriverromp.com or call Walt MacFann at 412-292-4980 28
FRANK SARRIS LIBRARY - 35 N. JEFFERSON AVE., CANONSBURG - franksarrislibrary.org *The library will be closed for mandatory staff training on Monday, February 18, 2019. Yoga Story Time - February 4, 11 & 25 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am Stretch and be centered at this special yoga session for kids (and their grownups)! We use stories and childfriendly concepts to guide toddlers and up through a simple yoga routine. Learning yoga can help kids (and grownups) build concentration and focus, learn to manage stress and develop body awareness. Happy Monday! - February 4, 11 & 25 @ 11:15 am - 11:45 am Rise and shine and greet the new week with the sunniest story time session you can imagine! We will read stories, sing songs, and do other activities designed to make you feel good. All ages welcome. Madcap Mondays - February 4, 11 & 25 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Join in the fun for an after-school program that explores a new activity each week! Crafts, games and science are just a few of the possibilities. You can try something new or do something that you already love. Registration required. Register by the Wednesday prior to the session at the children's circulation desk or by calling 724-7451308 (option #4). This session is for students in grades 5-8. Mother Goose Story Time - February 5, 12, 19 & 26 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am For infants up to 18 months with a caregiver. This gentle language development program helps build social skills and fosters bonding between the caregiver and child. We enjoy stories, finger
plays, songs, and movement. Toddler Tales - February 5, 12, 19 & 26 @ 11:15 am - 11:45 am Provides active young children with stories, finger plays and songs based on simple concepts, repetition and lots of movement. For ages 2-3. Family Night - February 5, 12, 19 & 26 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm This is a time for everyone - toddlers through great-grandparents - to get involved in stories, crafts and activities. There will be new things to explore each week! Little Picasso - February 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am Inspire your child's imagination and self-expression with hands-on art activities. Every week there is a new makeand-take creation. For ages 2-5. Story Time - February 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 11:15 am - 11:45 am 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. Wiggles and Giggles - February 6, 13, 20 & 27 @ 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm Bring your little ones to stretch, sing and dance. This program focuses on movement while developing gross motor skills, listening skills and social skills while also introducing new vocabulary. For ages 2-5. Story Time - February 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am 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. Wiggles and Giggles - February 7, 14,
21 & 28 @ 11:15 am - 11:45 am Bring your little ones to stretch, sing, and dance. This program focuses on movement while developing gross motor skills, listening skills and social skills while also introducing new vocabulary. For ages 2-5. More Than a Story - February 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm At kindergarten story time, your child will enjoy great stories, songs and some rhymes. Each class is a chance to practice kindergarten readiness skills like listening during stories, making predictions and following directions. For ages 5-6. Super Science - February 7, 14, 21 & 28 @ 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm Each week kids aged 4-7 and 8-13 will have fun with science. Registration is required. Register by the Tuesday before the program at the children's circulation desk or by calling 724-7451308 (option #4). For children ages 4-7, a parent/guardian must stay in the program room for the entirety of the program to assist their child as needed. Spanish Story Time - February 8, 15 & 22 @ 10:30 am - 11:00 am Story time favorites in Spanish! Children in preschool and up will sing songs in Spanish and English that teach colors, weather, numbers, and more. Page Turners Book Club - February 14 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm High school students, join us this month as we discuss The Purge of Babylon by Sam Sisavath. If you don't have time to read the book but want to get involved for our next meeting, that's ok, stop by the Teen Lounge so you can have a say in our next book selection. New members welcome anytime!
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.
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MONESSEN PUBLIC LIBRARY - 326 DONNER AVE., MONESSEN - monessenlibrary.org Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center Is saddened by the passing of Marjorie A. Farr, a beloved Monessen teacher and former President of the Library Board of Trustees. She was 94. During her thirty year teaching career, she touched the lives of hundreds of students. The Mon Valley Genealogy Forum will meet on Monday, February 18, 2019, at 5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. The group will discuss “genealogy in the news” and new websites. New members are welcome. The Knitting/Crochet Club will meet on Wednesday, February 13 and 27, at 6 PM. 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 for 2019: StoryTime every Monday at 5:30 PM for ages 3-12. Techie Tuesday for ages 10+ and Lego Club for ages 7+ at 5:30 PM. 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. February Schedule: Saturday, February 2 – Groundhog Day! Will the groundhog see his shadow? STEM activity - shadow play. Monday, February 4 – Chinese New Year Celebration-Year of the Pig-make masks, join dragon parade & more. Tuesday, February 5 – Lego Club-
Build A Dragon. Saturday, February 9 -- National Pizza and Bagel Day. Let’s make a yummy bagel Pizza! Monday, February 11 – Prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day – ♥Make a
gift for the one you love♥. Tuesday, February 13 – Hearts and Flowers crafts and Valentines games for Toddler Time. Saturday, February 16 – National Inventors' Day (Thomas Edison's Birthday-born, 1847) - SNAP CIRCUITS . Monday, February 18 – Presidents’ Day. Tuesday, February 19 & 27 – Motorized Legos. Saturday, February 23 – National Tortilla Chip Day – Nacho’s. Monday, February 25 – Tell a Fairy Tale Day - Dress like a fairy tale character and enjoy fractured fairytales. Wednesday, February 28– Polar Bear Day –polar bear slime & Watch Movie: Norm of the North.
MONONGAHELA AREA LIBRARY - 813 W. MAIN STREET, MONONGAHELA - washlibs.org/monongahela Recurring events: 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! 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. - Every Saturday from noon to 2 PM 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. Quilter's Group: Have your pattern and blocks ready? Starting on Martin Luther King Day and running for 6 weeks, the local quilters group will be working on their creations at the library. - Every Monday in February 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: 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. (February 6th & 26th) Lego Club: The cornerstone of an awe-
inspiring 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 Nookworms: Pre-teens and teens ages 11-18 can join the fun of a book club! The group meets to review and discuss themed books the second Monday of every month. For February the book is The Story of Owen by E.K. Johnston February 11th 4-5 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 February book is Killing England by Bill O'Reilly. - February 14th 1-2 PM One-time Events: STEM: Valentine Science: Learn how to
make several valentine cards using science! For children ages 5 and up on Thursday February 7th from 6-7 PM. Registration is required. Valentine's Day Storytime: Join us for a special afternoon as we celebrate this special holiday with love stories and block play. Children 18 months and up are welcome to join the fun and socialize with others their age. Saturday, February 9th 1-2 PM Build-a-Snack: Enjoy a tasty treat while learning what is healthy to eat! Come join us for a fun hour of healthy snack making, presented by Holly Sischer, RN, as a requirement to complete her Community Health Nursing program. All materials will be provided and common food allergies will be observed. All you need to bring is your appetite! Class is open to children Kindergarten through 5th grade and registration is required. Saturday, February 16th Noon-1:00 PM
WEST NEWTON LIBRARY - 124 N. WATER ST., WEST NEWTON - westnewtonlibrary.com The West Newton Library, is located at 124 N Water St. West Newton, Pa 15089, 724-633-0798, and their hours of operation are Mon and Thurs 12-5 Wed 12-8 Sat 10-2. We are holding a large fill a bag book sale in our back-room. Come fill a bag with Hardcover, paperback, children’s
books. 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. Used jewelry of all
types: rings, necklaces, pins, earrings, bracelets, and watches All donations appreciated. One of our volunteers will provide you with a letter for taxes. The West Newton Library is holding it' 3rd Annual Super gift basket raffle event March 24 at the Turkeytown Fire Hall, 90 Supervisor Drive, West
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Newton, Pa from 1pm to 4pm. Doors open at noon, $10 per ticket covers light lunch, snacks, and 8 strips of general raffle tickets. Drawings begin at 2:30 pm. FMI call 724-633-0798. Tickets available at the Library, 124 N Water St or Gary's Churckwagon Restaurant, 2nd St., West Newton.
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EVA K. BOWLBY PUBLIC LIBRARY - 311 N. WEST ST., WAYNESBURG - evakbowlby.org Library will be CLOSED Monday, February 18, for Presidents' Day. LIBRARY LEGO CLUB - meets Saturdays, February 2 & 16 at 11:00am *NEW* SENIOR MONDAYS Monday, February 4 @ 10:30am-12pm. Kicking off a new monthly program just for seniors (ages 55+). Celebrating Heart Health month w/ free blood pressure screenings, Make & Take Craft, Light Lunch. Sponsored by SeniorLife; RSVP your seat today at 724.627.9776 MOVIE NIGHTS @ THE LIBRARY – Enjoy a movie here at the library every Wednesday evening beginning at 6:00 p.m. FREE popcorn and beverages! February 6 ~ Venom *5:30pm start* February 13 ~ Casablanca February 20 ~ House with Clock in Walls February 27 ~ Small Foot AFTER HOURS for FAMILIES - Friday, February 15, 4:00-8:00pm. WRITERS CONTEST WORKSHOP Thursday, February 21 @ 5pm. Write On! Contest Workshop for kids in grades K-5. Got a story to tell? Write it and you could enter to win prizes from PBS Kids! T.A.G. - Teen Advisory Group will begin meeting on Tuesdays, February 12 & 26 @ 5:00pm. Teens aged 13-18yrs are invited to the library! READING COMPETITION CLUB Kids in Grades 4-8 are invited to join the Bowlby Team! Join us Tuesdays,
February 12 & 26 @ 6:00pm. BOWLBY BOOK CLUB - meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at 6:00pm. New members are always welcome! Book discussion: Follow the River by James Alexander Thom. PIE & BINGO - Join us for Pie & Bingo on Friday, February 22, 6:00-8:00pm. All Ages Welcome! Library will supply all items needed including prizes; call to register at 724.627.9776 NEW PROGRAM!! COOKBOOK CLUB - Do you like to try new recipes, make new friends? Join us on the first meeting of this new program Monday, February 25 @ 6:00pm. CODE SQUAD - Students aged 612yrs, come join the Code Squad @ the Library! Classes begin in March! STORY CLASSES - Spring Story Classes will begin on March 4th for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and early elementary children! Preschoolers* ages3-4 Tuesday @ 10:30am, ages 4-5 Tuesday @ 1:30pm, Toddlers* ages 1835mos. Thursday @ 10:30am, ages 1835mos. Thursday @ 11:30am, Stories Under the Moon* ages 3-6years Wednesday @ 5pm, Baby Lapsit* Birth-16mos. Thursday 1:30 p.m., and Weekend Readers* ages 3-6 years Saturday @ 10:30 a.m. Call or stop in Eva K. Bowlby Public Library for more info or to register for any of the above events. FMI: evakbowlby.org
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CITIZENS LIBRARY - 55 S. COLLEGE ST., WASHINGTON - washlibs.org/citizens Readers of the Lost Ark Book Club: “The Power” by Naomi Alderman , meeting Thursday February 21, 2019 Conference Room, Free and open to the Public –Feel free to bring a snack! Cupcake Wars, Feb 13th, 6:00 pm Grades 5-12. Decorate crazy cupcakes & win. RSVP Tech Tuesday Feb 19th 5pm, Play with tech toys in our media studio. All ages welcome. Middle Grade Book Club Feb 21st 6:30. Grades 6-8. Discuss book & do a craft Game Night Feb 27th 6pm. Grades 612. Play video, tabletop & board games. Citibooks: Citibooks will be closed the entire month of February. Adult Book of the Month for January: “ Crucible: A Thriller by James Rollins Weekly Chess Club- Begins Saturday Feb 23 through March 23, 10:-1130, open to all ages and levels. Instructors available. Teddy Bear Sleepover-Bring your teddy bear for story time by the girl scouts Friday, February 15. Stories & snacks, teddy’s will sleep over. Owners will rejoin them Saturday morning at 10 FREDERICKTOWN AREA PUBLIC
for breakfast. You can also bring teddy even if you can’t stay, & come back Saturday to pick up. Story Times-Spring toddler and Preschool story times begin Feb 19 & 20. Registration with children’s Dept. is required. STEAM Design with Miss Emmadesign, invent & create will meet every Monday 5-6, six sessions beginning February 18, Registration is required. Children’s Dept. “Book of the Month” is “Fancy Nancy’s Favorite Fancy Words” by Jane O’Connor. Random drawing , children 12 & under. Drawn on Thursday February 28th. Citizens Library Presents- a program by the Red Cross on, house fires & volunteering, on Wed Feb 6, 6-8. Crochet: First and Third Tuesday in Feb. 6-8 PM. Free & open to the public. LIBRARY - 38 WATER STREET
FREDERICKTOWN - washlibs.org/fredericktown Book Buddies Book Club will meet Sunday, February 3rd at 2:00. Driving Force by Dick Frances will be discussed. John Dusha will be the host. Winter Story Hour will be held Wednesday, February 13th at 10:00 at the library. Reading Rangers Book Club will meet Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00 at the library. For 4th, 5th or 6th grade children. Teen Book Club will meet February 19th at 7:00 at the library. For 7th 12th grade. Discovery Detectives will meet in Tuesday, February 26th at 7:00. For your Kindergarten - 3rd grade student. Call to register for all storytimes and
book club events. Library Board of Trustees will meet February 20th at 6:30. SIT N KNIT/CROCHET will meet the second & fourth Thursday of the month. Beginner - expert welcome. Rep. Pam Snyder’s Community Outreach staff is at the library every third Tuesday of each month from 11 – 3. No appointment needed! 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. The Library will be closed Monday, February 18 for Presidents Day.
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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.
Following your dreams and allowing your inner child to take over for a while is the premise of B-The Underwater Bubble Show, performing at The Palace Theatre on Wednesday, February 13, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by contacting The Box Office at 724-836-8000 or thepalacetheatre.org. Details on page 17.
Families can explore the world of reptiles in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s blockbuster exhibition – Reptiles: LIVE! Nineteen living dioramas from Peeling Productions will be housed in R.P. Simmons Family Gallery through May 12. Details on page 18.
When figuring which type of restaurant to open in southwest Pennsylvania, cousins Bruno Thigpen and Matt Fiedler reckoned that an area heaped with pizza and sandwich shops likely did not need another one. That is when Fiedler suggested an authentic smokehouse. Details on page 11.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is thrilled to announce that Roald Dahl’s CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY will play the Benedum Center, 237 7th Street, from Tuesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 3. The hit Broadway musical features songs from the original film. Tickets are on sale now. Details on page 27.
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