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once a month, 12x a year carla@pabridges.com All Rights Reserved© Pennsylvania Bridges is... Carla E. Anderton, Editor-in-Chief Fred Terling, Managing Editor Hayley Lynn Martin, Associate Editor Chuck Brutz, Staff Writer Cass Currie, Staff Writer Keren Lee Dreyer, Staff Writer Pastor Dawn Hargraves, Columnist Tasha Oskey, Columnist Reanna Roberts, Columnist Eric J. Worton, Columnist Contributors: Jennifer Benford, Lisa J. Buday, Noah Churchel, Carrie Gessner, Dr. Michele Pagen, Mark Pawelec, Lauren Rearick, Bruce Wald, Ashley Wise, Dave Zuchowski & Daniel Zyglowicz
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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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PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift and inspire. - pabridges.com
In this issue of Pennsylvania Bridges...
THE ARTS
IN OUR
MARCH 2018 EDITION
AREA
Carnegie Museum of Art announces upcoming exhibitions...p. 10 Performances by PBT...p. 18
BOOKS & LITERATURE Uniontown Author Series...p. 9
COMMUNITY & LOCAL BIZ EDUCATION & TECHNOLOGY Cal U welcomes public to four robotics events...p. 6 University to host Mock Crime Scene Workshop...p. 6 Westmoreland Community College opens student food pantry...p. 21 Student newspaper wins record number of awards...p. 22
Monessen Author Series...p. 11 Brownsville Library...p. 29 Bentleyville Library...p. 28 California Library...p. 28
STAGE & SCREEN Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story comes to Palace…p. 4 EQT Children's Theater Festival to be held May 17-20 in Pittsburgh...p. 8 Backstage with the cast and crew of California University's "Heathers the Musical...p. 15 Ballerina announces retirement from PBT...p. 17 Save the date for these performances by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre...p. 18 "Waitress" to premiere at Benedum Center...p. 20
California University inducts athletes into 23rd Athletic Hall of Fame...p. 5 Non-Profit aims to assist animal lovers & their feline friends...p. 7 Monessen Volunteer Fire Department welcomes first female fire captain...p. 10 Local Author Pens Moving Story of orphaned mother...p. 19 Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll plans new veterans memorial...p. 23 Passion for elderly drives Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette County Inc...p. 27
EDITOR’S CHOICE “PIC”OF THE ISSUE
Chartiers-Houston Library..p. 28 Citizens Library Events...p. 28 Donora Library Events...p. 29 Frank Sarris Library...p. 30 Fredericktown Library...p. 28 Monessen Library...p. 29 Charleroi Library...p. 29 Peters Township Library...p. 29 Rostraver Library...p. 29
FAITH & SPIRITUALITY Pastor Dawn: Consider the Honey Bee...p. 26
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Senior Hunger is a Nationwide Epidemic: Part II...p. 16 Mental Health Spotlight with Fred Terling...p. 21 About Face with Tasha...p. 25 WCCC offers AARP Smart Driver Course...p. 25 Exploring the Paranormal...p. 22
SPECIAL EVENTS March 2018 News: Donora Historical Society...p. 12 Brownsville Ministerium March 2018 events...p. 14 News from Greater Monessen Historical Society...p. 22
Troop 1391 of Fredericktown held an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Elek J. Buday on February 18 at the United Christian Church. Elek is the son of Jeff and Lisa Buday of California, PA.The Eagle Charge was conducted by Elek's Great Uncle,Victor Brutout, who is also an Eagle Scout.The California Public Library was the benefactor of Elek's Eagle Scout Project. He raised over $10,000 to install a new fences, benches and tables and also relaid bricks for the outside patio area. Over 400 hours of volunteer service by the the troop, family and community made the project possible. PHOTO
COURTESY OF
LISA CONSTANTINE & LISA BUDAY
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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Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story comes to Palace
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On the back of incredibly successful tours in 2015 and 2016, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story - the show that inspired a generation of multi-million selling jukebox musicals including Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, and We Will Rock You is back by popular demand! Seen by over 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences from 8 to 80 rockin’ in the aisles across the globe. Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22. In 18 short months, the Texas-born boy revolutionized the face of contemporary music influencing everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen. Boasting a phenomenally multi-talented cast, together they present two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On. With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of feel good family entertainment. Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, says of the show: “When we opened the show we never imagined Buddy’s music and story would still be rocking stages and entertaining audiences around the
Rightly Noted
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later. I believe this is testament to a great show – the first of its kind – and to the enduring appeal of Buddy Holly and what he represents; a youthful energy, huge talent and creativity, combined with a determination to make a lasting impression in this world.” Writer/Producer Alan Janes says “Audiences dance in the aisles every night to our enactment of the story of a young man whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period but whose music will be remembered forever.” To book tickets for Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story at The Palace Theatre on Sunday, March 25 at 7 p.m., visit www.thepalacetheatre.org or call the Box Office at 724-836-8000.
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California University inducts athletes into 23rd Athletic Hall of Fame
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Three individuals will comprise California University of Pennsylvania's 23rd Athletic Hall of Fame class. The 2018 inductees are Inga Chilingaryan-Babakhanyan ´07, ´08, ´09 (women's tennis), Joe Ruggiero (football), and Ishmieal Kamara (men's basketball). These former Vulcan standouts will be inducted officially at the Cal U Athletic Hall of Fame dinner, set for 6 p.m. April 21 in the Performance Center of the Natali Student Center, on the University's main campus in California. Tickets for the Hall of Fame dinner are $30 each, or $10 for children 10 and younger. The public may attend. For reservations, contact the Office of Alumni Relations, 724-938-4418, or email Staci Tedrow at tedrow@calu.edu. Proceeds from the dinner will be used to establish a Hall of Fame athletic scholarship. California University of Pennsylvania Athletic Hall of Fame 2018 Inductees Inga Chilingaryan-Babakhanyan (Yerevan, Armenia) played for the women's team from 2005-2006 through 2007-2008. She was a three-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-American selection and was the 2008 ITA Senior Regional Player of the Year. Also a three-time first-team all-conference selection in both singles and doubles competition, Babakhanyan was the 2006 and 2007 PSAC-West Women's Tennis Athlete of the Year and compiled a 29-1 overall singles record and 26-5
doubles record in 2006. During her 2007 junior season, she helped Cal U compile a 28-2 overall record and win its first PSAC team championship since 1993. The Vulcans also won the NCAA Division II East Regional title and reached the national quarterfinals for the first time in program history. Babakhanyan compiled a 33-5 overall singles record and went 334 in doubles play with teammate Yumi Matsuto. Babakhanyan led the Vulcans to a 26-3 overall record her senior season with another PSAC championship and NCAA East Regional title. She and teammate Helen VanEysendeyk, compiled a 21-1 overall mark in doubles competition. Babakhanyan compiled a 23-3 overall record in singles competition in 2008 to finish with an 85-9 singles career mark. Her doubles career record was 80-10. Ishmieal Kamara (Dublin, Ohio/Dublin Scioto High School) was a three-year starting guard for the men's basketball team from 1999-2000 through 2002-2003. Kamara was a three-time all-conference selection which included first-team honors his junior and senior seasons. He was also the 2003 PSAC-West Men's Basketball Athlete of the Year after leading the Vulcans to 25 victories. Kamara's 538 points that season remains 12th best in school history and his 82.2% free-throw percentage (139-169) was fifth-best in the conference. He finished his stellar career with 1,421 points, which ranks 11th in school history. Kamara also shot 78.4% from
the foul line (326-416) and produced 354 rebounds 213 assists, and 80 steals. Kamara helped the Vulcans compile an 88-31 cumulative overall record and 3513 PSAC-West mark during his playing career. Cal U won the PSAC-West title in 2003, were co-division leaders in 2000 and 2002, and PSAC tournament finalists in 2002 and 2003. Joe Ruggiero (Livonia, Mich./Franklin High School) was a four-year starting and three-time all-conference quarterback for the football team from 2004 through 2007. After suffering a season-ending injury during the fourth game of 2004, Ruggiero led the Vulcans to three consecutive PSAC-West championships with a 16-2 divisional mark and 29-6 overall record from 2005-2007. Ruggiero was a Harlon Hill Trophy regional finalist in 2006 for the award given to the top player in NCAA Division II. In 2007, Ruggiero passed for 2,365 yards and a-then school record 25 touchdowns leading the Vulcans to a 131 overall record and the team's first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance. After achieving the program's first undefeated regular season in 49 years, Cal won two playoff games and advanced to their first of three straight national semifinal appearances. He finished his career with 7,462 passing yards and 67 touchdown passes, which both still rank second in school history. Those figures along with his career 63.4 completion percentage, 611 completions and 963 attempts still rank among the conference's top 20.
PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com
ance to permethrins. WARNINGS/PRECAUTIONS & ADVERSE EFFECTS Flammable!! 78% alcohol. Do not expose to flame or hairdryers or electric curlers. Don't use if under age 6. May use down to 24 months if resistance is a problem. (AAP) The safety and effectiveness of malathion lotion has not been established by well controlled trials in children less than 6 years old. Malathion is contraindicated in children younger than 2 years of age. Unpleasant odor, due to sulfhydryl groups APPLICATION INFORMATION Avoid any open flames. Apply to dry hair, especially back of head and behind ears. Wash hands after application. Allow hair to air dry (no hairdryers!) After 8-12 hours wash hair with non-medicated shampoo Reapply in 7-9 days only if required For more info about essential oils, ask your pharmacy.
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Cal U welcomes public to four robotic events
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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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The robots are back at Cal U! This spring, thousands of high school students from western Pennsylvania and across the country will pack their toolkits and bring their custom-designed robots to California University of Pennsylvania. Cal U welcomes the public to four robotics events this season. Admission to all events is free: March 17: SeaPerch Underwater Robotics About 200 students from the region’s middle schools and high schools compete to build an underwater robotic rover and test its performance in the Hamer Hall pool. The project is organized in collaboration with the Navy Recruiting District, Pittsburgh. About SeaPerch: seaperch.org/index March 22-24: FIRST® Robotics, Greater Pittsburgh Regional Competition In the Convocation Center arena, more than 1,100 high school students from around the globe compete at FIRST® Power Up, putting their 120-lb., customdesigned robots to the test in a challenge that recalls classic arcade games. Teams
from China join U.S. competitors from Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Florida and Hawaii in this exciting competition. About FIRST® Robotics: firstinspires.org/ April 12-14: BotsIQ, Southwestern Pennsylvania Regional Competition Teams from 85 regional schools and community organizations battle for dominance in gladiator-style matches in the Convocation Center arena. Sparks fly as the 15-pound ’bots clash, smash and try to trash the competition. A free STEAM Showcase from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. April 14 spotlights science, technology, engineering, arts and math in the region; it includes a visit from the Intermediate Unit 1 Mobile Fab Lab. About BotsIQ: botsiqpa.org/about/ May 18-19: National Robotics League - The action is fast and furious when about 70 high school teams from across the country, including some southwestern Pennsylvania BotsIQ competitors, send their robots into battle inside the Convocation Center arena. Explore the NRL: gonrl.org
University to host Mock Crime Scene Workshop Waynesburg University will offer a Mock Crime Scene Workshop for high school juniors and seniors Saturday, March 17, from 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Registration will begin at 8:15 a.m. on the second floor of the Stover Campus Center, and events will take place throughout the University’s main campus. Students interested in careers in criminal justice or crime scene forensics are encouraged to participate. To sign up for the workshop, visit waynesburg.edu/undergraduate/admissions/group-visit and click the link under Specialty Visit Days. Participation in the Mock Crime Scene Workshop offers students the chance to experience first-hand the professional world of criminal justice and crime scene investigation. Sessions will be available for both students and parents and will run concurrently. Lunch for students is included in the cost of registration and will be available to parents for purchase in the Benedum Dining Hall. After lunch and upon completion of
the workshop, families can participate in a tour of campus and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the University and its programs. For the second consecutive year, College Factual has recognized Waynesburg University’s Criminal Justice Administration Program as a best value, ranking it in the top 10 percent nationwide. For more information, contact Bob Barnhart, admissions counselor, at rdbarnha@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3346.
PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift & inspire - pabridges.com
Non-Profit aims to assist animal lovers and their feline friends Story by Keren Lee Dreyer We love cats. We love kittens. Even “dog people” can be amused by a video of a tiny, orange tabby kitten pouncing at that other orange tabby kitten in the mirror. Many have gone down the rabbit hole of cute cat videos on youtube, only to come up two hours later wondering where the time went, but somehow feeling warm and fuzzy. So, who wouldn't more cats? Likely those overrun by them, that's who. A solution to reducing the feral and outdoor cat population, along with domesticated felines, can be found in the hands of volunteers at Fix Ur Cat, a 501(c)(3) organization operating in donated space above the Citizens Bank in Canonsburg, PA. Fix Ur Cat was co-founded by Michelle Bruce, its president, and Pat Spahr in 2012 (becoming a 501 in 2014), and from its beginning set out to be a low cost source for feline spay and neutering. Bruce explains when she realized an inexpensive neuter/spay service was needed: “I was overseas for a few years, and when I came back, I was shocked at how many people didn't spay or neuter their cats, and was also shocked at how expensive it is.” When a friend's son discovered that it would be $350 to spay a cat he brought back from college, the point was driven home, as were the cost implications for those with many cats living and breeding in a barn, or pet owners in low income families. “We currently do not have income guidelines, because if somebody is doing 30 cats in a barn, first off, they're really good people, second, it doesn't matter if they're making $20,000 a year or $150,000 a year, that's a lot of cats” Bruce said, adding that people with several indoor cats, and also students, can benefit from Fix Ur Cat's low cost
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Law Office of spay/neuter services. While rabbits are considered prolific breeders, cats are also quite adept at creating many more cats. Breeding can begin early as four months and, as Bruce explains “Cats have a two month gestation period, and can breed three or four times in good weather. If they have about five kittens per litter, and three are female, each can have 50 kittens in its lifetime.” With numbers like that, some help from other animal care organizations was needed to stem the tide of a potentially uncontrolled cat population. Working primarily with Animal Friends at 562 Camp Horne Road, in Pittsburgh, PA, Fix Ur Cat can spay or neuter “20 cats today, and 20 tomorrow, and likely, Animal Friends do more,” Bruce said. This year, Animal Friends plans to spay and neuter around 15,000 animals “and we'll probably do 12 - 1,500.” Helping the population control process are traps, which Fix Ur Cat loans and provides instructions on using. While effective for trapping feral cats, Bruce relates a time when “one lady had a cat that had gotten out for 101 days before she found it in a trap.” While emaciated and flea ridden, it was a happy reunion for
the pair. Though currently operating in borrowed space, Bruce said the organization put in a bid on a small building suitable for Fix Ur Cat's spay/neuter and other services, and may also house a retail shop and trap rentals. “Of course, we could not do this at all if it weren't for our volunteers, who donate their time and resources, and that's how it works.” Limited grant money helps defray the organization's costs, as do fundraisers, which have an emphasis on fun. Coming up is a Spaghetti Dinner and Bake Sale on Friday, March 9 at 688 Western Avenue in Canonsburg, PA. Presented by the Western Area Career Technology Center, Culinary Arts Department and Fix Ur Cat. All profits benefit Low Cost Spay/Neuter Washington County, d.b.a. Fix Ur Cat. More information on this and other events, along with pictures of adorable cats and kittens, may be found at facebook.com/FixUrCat, while spay/neuter forms and information about other services can be accessed at fixurcat.org. Don't forget to become a friend of Animal Friends of Pittsburgh by visiting thinkingoutsidethecage.org/ and clicking on your favorite social media link.
PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com
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EQT Children’s Theater Festival to be held May 17-20 in Pittsburgh
Free Produce to People Food Distribution - Fayette County Thursday, March 8 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Fayette County Fair Fairgrounds, 132 Pechin Rd, 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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Pastor Todd Rutherford 435 2nd Street, California
724-938-8555 Worship with Us this Sunday!
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The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces that the EQT Children's Theater Festival will be held May 1720, 2018 in the Cultural District in Downtown Pittsburgh. Fostering imagination through high-quality professional theater performances from around the world, attendees can enjoy six featured performances, hands-on activities, and a variety of family-friendly art and music at various indoor and outdoor venues. The cultural experiences offered throughout festival performances can be enjoyed by all ages. The 32nd EQT Children's Theater Festival features performances from Italy, Scotland, Canada, the United States, and Australia. The festival offers shows and activities for the youngest theater goers from six months of age to special shows and activities for kids and teens ages 7 and up. In the festival performance of The Young King, five local performers will be selected to act alongside the internationally acclaimed Slingsby Theatre Company from Australia. Audiences will go on journeys of exploration, taking part in interactive performances that showcase authentic music and traditions from around the world. PANDA'S HOME by Compagnia TPO - Italy - Ages 4+ | 50 Minutes Venue: Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue - This enchanting and interactive performance allows young audience members to take a journey to ancient China, following the footprints left by a panda. The panda's “house” is in a forest as large as all of China. In this imaginary journey, audience members will explore China's stories, tradition, and culture. Along with the panda, children discover and interact with the five elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They'll encounter bamboo forests, fireworks, kites, and more. In this sensory and interactive experience, the stage comes to life with innovative projection, colorful images, and playful sound. The performers and audience members will come together in this unique and immersive journey of imagination that extends beyond language and cultural barriers. POGGLE by Barrowland Ballet Scotland - Ages 6 months - 4 | 40 minutes - Venue: August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue - Vince is a boy who wants to explore the forest but is too scared to go on his own. One day, Vince meets Poggle, a friendly wood-
land creature, and together they go on an adventure through the forest where they discover the magical, musical tree. This warm-hearted, sensory performance uses live music, clapping rhythms, and comedy to engage the youngest audience members in an imaginative and adventurous exploration. THE RAINBOW FISH by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia, Canada - Part of the Citizens Bank Children's Theater Series - Ages 3-8 | 50 minutes - Venue: Byham Theater, 101 Sixth Street - The Rainbow Fish will delight even the youngest child with his silver scales and heart of gold in this show based on the award-winning book about the beautiful fish who learned to share his most prized possession. From the same company who brought The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Goodnight Moon and the Runaway Bunny to Pittsburgh, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings The Rainbow Fish to life with their enchanting and magical puppetry. * A sensory-friendly performance, which will include reduced sound levels and gentle lighting, is scheduled at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018. THE YOUNG KING by Slingsby Theatre Company - Australia - Part of the EQT Bridge Theater Series Ages 7+ | 70 minutes - Venue: Trust Arts Education Center, 805-807 Liberty Avenue - What kind of King would you be? A naïve boy raised in the countryside is discovered to be heir to the kingdom. Treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others? The achingly beautiful and tender language of Oscar Wilde joins the intimate and magical world of the internationally acclaimed Slingsby Theatre Company from Adelaide, Australia. Journey in wonder to a land of challenging choices and rich rewards. TERRANCE SIMIEN & THE ZYDECO EXPERIENCE by Terrance Simien - United States - All Ages | 50 minutes - Venue: August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue Join two-time GRAMMY® award-winner Terrance Simien and his accomplished band for a unique and powerful musical experience informed by traditional and contemporary influences that has become the signature sound of Louisiana. Zydeco, the indigenous music of the black and multiracial French-speaking Creoles of South Louisiana, is infectious, inviting and
smile-inducing. In Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, audiences will take a multicultural tour of the world with this blend of zydeco, roots, rock, New Orleans, funk, soul, world, and reggae-flavored sound. Audience members will feel the spirit of Creole country and the joy of zydeco with this engaging and inspiring performance. Plus, don't miss your chance to sing along to Terrance Simien's song “Gonna Take You There” from Disney's The Princess and the Frog! SUNJATA KAMALENYA: THE STORY OF THE TRUE LION KING OF AFRICA by Experiential Theater Company - United States - All Ages | 60 minutes - Venue: August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue - Sunjata Kamalenya is a completely interactive show celebrating the greatest hero of West African legend, Sunjata Keita, the first mansa (king) of the ancient Empire of Mali. This 13th century epic tale takes place in a magical world filled with sorcery and enchantment. A wandering hunter comes to the village of Farrakoro and makes an unbelievable prediction that a boy who is crippled and his outcast mother will overcome all odds to deliver their nation from an evil sorcerer. This beautiful tale follows their struggles and the strength they discover from their faith in each other. Authentic music, costumes, and scenery invite you into this modern Mandé village where the jelimuso (storyteller) guides your journey as you sing, dance, and act alongside professional actors and musicians in a truly unique and immersive experience. Sensory-Friendly Performances Schedule - The Rainbow Fish will be the featured sensory-friendly performance during this year's festival. This performance will take place at the Byham Theater on Saturday, May 19th at 2:45 PM. All ticketed performances will take place in the Cultural District. For tickets and information, please visit www.TrustArts.org/PGHKids, call 412456-6666, or visit the Theater Square Box Office at 655 Penn Avenue. Groups of 10 or more, call 412-471-6930 or visit: pghkids.trustarts.org/kids/groups. For a full description of each featured ticketed performance, including performance times, please visit www.TrustArts.org/PGHKids
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Center in the Woods March 2018 Activities The Center in the Woods is a nonprofit, 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. NEW! Weight Watchers at the Woods. Weekly meetings starting in 2018. Mininum of 15 participants needed. If interested, call Maria at 724-938-3554, ext. 103. Cost and payment options will be mailed upon request. Daily activities include: Mondays: Pianlessons, 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. Piano lessons are offered on Mondays. Call Judy at 724-785-6959 tschedule. 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. Mon Valley Hospital Lab Services Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-10 p.m. Koffee Klatch presented by Edward Jones on the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m. The Adult Day Center is in need of
volunteers. If you are interested in giving some of your time to assist our participants with activities or just being a friend, please contact Mary Beth at 724938-3554, Ext. 123. Volunteers are needed to serve as drivers or runners for the daily Home Delivered Meals program throughout the California, Daisytown, Brownsville and West Brownsville areas. Volunteers report tthe Center in the Woods by 10:30 am. on assigned days and distribute meals to registered participants. Reimbursement for gas mileage is available. Volunteers are also needed in the kitchen. We also need volunteers to help with various fundraising activities and administration work. FMI, please contact Maria at 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
SAVE YOUR LIFE: PRACTICE SAFE SELFIES The selfie:That simple act of holding up your phone and snapping a photo of yourself. (Please note: Having someone take a photo of you by yourself is not, by definition, a selfie.) What once seemed reserved for teens obsessed with documenting every aspect of their lives and celebrity red carpet events now seems to pervade all corners of our lives. Even politicians have mastered the art of the selfie. The practice seemed to hit its peak in 2013 when Oxford Dictionary declared “selfie” its word of the year.Yet, its ubiquity shows no sign of slowing. And while selfies can be an easy way to capture a moment, they can be dangerous. There are some statistics around selfie fatalities. But there is far less data about injuries resulting from self-
Uniontown Library Author Series: March 2018 Throughout 2018, the Uniontown Public Library will showcase the talent of novelists, short story writers, nonfiction writers, and poets. Every month, a visiting author will offer a short talk on a subject related to their genre, do a reading from their work, and participate in a Q&A session with the audience. A book raffle and signing will follow. All events are on Saturdays at 3 p.m. and will be free and open to the public. Refreshments will be offered by sponsors or by the Library. At each event, attendees will have a chance to win a copy of the author’s featured book.
March’s author is J. L. Gribble. By day, J. L. Gribble is a professional medical editor. She lives in Ellicott City, Maryland, with her husband and three vocal Siamese cats. Find her online (.jlgribble.com), on Facebook, and on Twitter and Instagram (@hannaedits). Gribble writes the urban fantasy/alternate history Steel Empires series, which includes Steel Victory, Steel Magic, Steel Blood, and the upcoming Steel Time. Her other jobs include medical editing, Netflix watching, cat snuggling, and blogging for SpeculativeChic.com. FMI: uniontownlib.org
ies, likely because there is no reporting mechanism for such things. …And let’s face it, who wants to admit to spraining an ankle taking a photo of themselves? At last count, there were 13 landmarks around the globe that have actually banned selfies in some form or fashion. And consider this: A 2015 survey by Erie Insurance found that 4 percent of drivers admit to taking selfies while they’re driving, while another 23 percent have seen others do it. With more than 420,000 people injured in car accidents involving distracted driving each year, it’s time to get serious about keeping your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. This information provided courtesy of Mariscotti Insurance Agency, 324 Third Street, California. Have a question? Need coverage? Call us!
MARISCOTTI INSURANCE AGENCY 324 Third Street, California (724) 938-9302 A commitment of spirit, pride & service in our community. mariscottiinsurance.com
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Monessen Volunteer Fire Department welcomes first female fire captain Story by Lauren Rearick For the first time in its history, the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department officially welcomed a woman fire captain to its rank. Jamie Sethman of Moessen, Pa. earned the honor after working with the department for more than seven years. During that time, she balanced multiple jobs and the daily stresses of life, but was always there to answer the call of duty. Fighting fires is in Sethman's blood, and she credits a member of her family with inspiring her to pursue the calling. “My dad has been a firefighter for thirty-some years,” she said. “I just followed in his footsteps. I had always wanted to do this and to serve the community, so the opportunity was basically killing two birds with one stone.” On February 8, Sethman got the exciting news. She said she received a call to come to the station and showed up not knowing what awaited her. Upon arriving she was told that she'd been selected for a captain role. She may have spent much of her lifetime attending training and preparing for the moment, but Sethman wasn't always
sure the title would be hers. “It was between me and one other person and I honestly don't know how it happened,” she said. Sethman now goes by the title of captain six at the Monessen Volunteer Fire Department. She explained that the new role requires more leadership on her part. If other captains or chiefs don't show up to calls, Sethman is considered to be in charge, and that responsibility is something she doesn't take lightly. Although she acknowledged the job is a promotion of sorts and there are now “a lot more lives on my hands,” Sethman isn't done learning. She continues to attend weekly training sessions, soaking in as much knowledge and
information as she can about her work. Since the role is volunteer, she balances the workload with a full-time job. The newly appointed captain may have worked with the department for years, but there's no guarantee as to what each day may bring. “Every time we get a call we never know what we're working on,” she said. “I do get scared sometimes, and I try to say a prayer every time I go out.” There's no one particular call or moment that has stuck with Sethman. Instead, she said the whole experience has been memorable, as nothing compares to the feeling of helping your neighbors in need. As for other women that may dream of following in her footsteps, Sethman encourages them go for it, but also be practical in their endeavors. She reminds aspiring firefighters to always go through the proper training and make sure it's the right career path for you. Meanwhile, Sethman is making sure she has time to enjoy the historic moment. “It's a big accomplishment for me,” she said. “I can definitely mark it on the calendar.”
Carnegie Museum of Art announces upcoming exhibitions Carnegie Museum of Art (CMOA) announces its 2018 schedule of special exhibitions, including the Carnegie International, 57th edition, 2018, the museum's signature contemporary art show. Visions of Order and Chaos: The Enlightened Eye - March 3-June 24 - Heinz Galleries - Through painting, sculpture, furniture, prints, drawings, and personal objects, Visions of Order and Chaos shows a Western world in tension between rational order and chaotic abandon. The exhibition is the first major survey of CMOA's 1750-1850 collections. During this time, the world changed dramatically. Revolutions toppled monarchies, and constitutional democracy took root in the US and France. This was a time of 10
explosive changes, with accelerating ideas on liberty and equality challenging social norms. Research and restoration projects have yielded several never-beforeshown works. Combined with new acquisitions and longtime gallery favorites, the exhibition tells a story of this sensational century. This was one of the most fascinating times in our history, and CMOA invites you to view our world through their eyes. Deana Lawson - March 15-July 15, 2018 - Forum 80 - Photographer Deana Lawson (b. 1979) addresses critical issues surrounding representations of African Americans and the African diaspora. No other photographer working today depicts the black figure so directly and sensitively. Many of Lawson's sitters are
strangers that she encounters in her everyday life and then photographs in intimate settings. For this solo exhibition, Lawson expands her artistic practice with new and experimental methods of installation. By applying her own photographs as well as appropriated images directly to the museum walls without frames, Lawson will heighten the immediacy of her work and invite audiences to consider urgent questions of race and representation. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. Learn more: call 412-622-3131 or visit cmoa.org.
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CHAMBER MUSIC AT OLD ST. LUKE’S Now in its fourth season, Chamber Music at Old St. Luke's once again gifts Pittsburgh music lovers with the opportunity to enjoy intimate chamber music concerts in beautiful Old St. Luke's Church in Carnegie, PA. This charming, historic building is an ideal setting for the close communion between performers and audience that makes chamber music such a special, rewarding experience. The 2017-2018 season of “Chamber Music at Old St. Luke's” features some of Pittsburgh's foremost musicians performing a wide variety of music, from classical treasures to traditional Appalachian carols in a series of eight lively programs. Performances will be held on Sundays at 2 p.m.: March 25 - Gypsy Stringz - virtuoso violinist George Batyi and his band play Hungarian gypsy music and more - 2 p.m. April 22 - Academy Baroque Ensemble - “Tutto Italiano” - 2 p.m. May 20 - harpist Marissa Avon 2 p.m. All concerts are free to the public. Donations are both accepted and appreciated.
Monessen Author Series welcomes Jason Miller The Monessen Public Library welcomes author Jason Jack Miller as the March guest in its 2018 Author Series. On Saturday, March 3, Miller will discuss writing, answers questions, and read from his works. The event begins at 1 PM, includes refreshments, and is free and open to the public. Jason Jack Miller knows it's silly to hold onto the Bohemian ideals of literature, music, and love above all else. But he doesn't care. As a record store clerk at a time when record stores mattered, as a whitewater raft guide on some of Appalachia's wildest rivers, and as a concierge in one of Florida's finest hotels-he has always sought every opportunity to be involved with and affected by the world around him. He chases experiences and then transforms them into stories Some of these stories can be found in his Murder Ballads and Whiskey series. The first four books are currently available: The Devil and Preston Black, Hellbender, The Revelations of Preston Black, and All Saints. Hellbender was Jason's thesis novel for Seton Hill University's Writing Popular Fiction Graduate Program. The novel won the Arthur J. Rooney Award for Fiction and was a finalist for the Appalachian Writers Association Book of the Year Award. His career got its start when he coauthored an outdoor travel guide with his wife in 2006. Since then his work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, literary journals, online, as part of a travel guide app for mobile phones, and in the award-winning writing guide Many Genres, One Craft. He is a high school science teacher, and is now an instructor and mentor in
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Backstage at a London theatre during a WWII air raid, Sir, the last of the great breed of English actor/managers, is in a bad way tonight and refuses to perform. Sir’s dresser, Norman, tries valiantly to prepare him to go on stage as King Lear.With Herculean effort on the part of Norman, Sir finally makes it on stage for the performance of his lifetime in this classic love letter to the theatre. “A FLEA
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10 – 12, 17 – 20, & 24 – 26 Laura Chandler believes that her husband Victor is having an affair with another woman, and tricks him into meeting her at a local “love” motel to catch him in the act. In doing so, she involves a huge range of characters, including a Tom Jones wannabe, a lascivious doctor, the owner of the Pussycat Motel, a very jealous Spanish nobleman and his wife, and a drunken porter named Potts, who happens to be Victor Chandler’s doppelganger. Hilarity ensues in this all out laugh riot farce set in the 1960’s. FMI: littlelake.org 11
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March 2018 News: Donora Historical Society Our spring Cement City Home and Walking Tour is scheduled for Sunday, April 22nd at 1:00 p.m. If Sunday sells out, Saturday, April 21st will be the overflow date. The tour will start at the museum located at 595 McKean Avenue with a photo, artifact and blueprint presentation on Donora's National Historic District - Thomas Edison's Cement City created 101 years ago in 1917. The photos are from our Bruce Dreisbach glass plate negative collection and were taken during all phases of construction in 1916 and 1917, over a century ago. The presenter is Smog Museum curator and Cement City resident Brian Charlton, who authored an article in the fall 2013 edition of the Western Pennsylvania History magazine published by the Heinz History Center titled “Cement City: Thomas Edison's Experiment with Worker's Housing In Donora.” A walking and home tour follows in the Historic District to point out various architectural and social details. The tour concludes by touring the interiors of at least two homes with rooms restored to the period. The cost of the tour is $13/person and space is limited. Please call or email to RSVP and your flexibility to attend either Sunday or Saturday. If you have any questions about Cement City or one of our Home and Walking Tours, please consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or contact the Historical Society. Additional tours will be scheduled again for September or October of 2018 depending on the Steeler's schedule if you can't make this April's tour. It's encouraged to call or email ASAP to get your name added to a waiting list to get contacted when dates have been scheduled. If you would like to schedule a private tour for your group, please call or email the historical society and we can discuss a date that works for both parties. Among the many items that the Donora Historical Society has in its collection are over 115 reels of game film of football teams from all over the Mon Valley and beyond from 1963 to 1970. There are even basketball games from the 1966 to 1979. They are all original 16mm films that are still in the process of being converted to DVD, but after launching this project over two years ago, many games have already been converted. Some games even show footage of cheerleaders, majorettes, band members and parents during senior
night. The games that contain that content are noted on our website. The games feature notable players such as: Larry Crawford, Bernie Galiffa, Malcolm Lomax and Ken Griffey, Sr. (Donora); Fred Angerman (Monongahela); Gary Seykoski and John Radic (Ringgold); Larry Hughes and Ken Burkes (Rostraver); Gary Cramer and Gene Belczyk (Belle Vernon); Jeff Petrucci and George Carlock (Charleroi); Joe Zdravecky and Lance Wall (Monessen); Jim Brumfield (Elizabeth Forward); and Jack Ham (Bishop McCort) to name just a few. Some teams have multiple games per season. The high school teams from the Mon Valley that have at least one game in a given season include: Donora: 63-64, 64-65, 65-66, 66-67, 67-68, 68-69 Charleroi: 63-64, 65-66, 66-67, 67-68, 68-69, 69-70, 70-71 Rostraver: 63-64, 64-65 Belle Vernon: 65-66, 66-67, 67-68, 6869, 70-71 Monongahela: 64-65, 65-66, 66-67, 67-68, 68-69 Monessen: 63-64, 64-65, 65-66, 6667, 68-69, 69-70, 70-71 Clairton: 63-64, 64-65, 65-66, 66-67, 67-68, 68-69, 69-70, 70-71 Elizabeth Forward: 63-64, 64-65, 6566, 66-67, 67-68, 68-69, 69-70 Brownsville: 63-64, 65-66, 67-68, 69-70 Mon Valley Catholic: 65-66 Thomas Jefferson: 66-67. 67-68, 6869, 69-70 Ringgold: 69-70, 70-71 If you have any interest or have questions on exactly which games we have, please consult the Historical Society by voice mail or email listed below, or see the full list of games on our website under the “Game Films” tab. If you have additional questions about the subjects mentioned above, the historical society, museum, presentations or possibly volunteering, feel free to stop by on Saturdays or by special appointment (with at least a week's notice), email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety@gmail.com, call us at 724-823-0364 and leave a message, visit us on the web at DonoraHistoricalSociety.org, or follow us and Like Us on Facebook at “Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum.”
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Brownsville Ministerium March 2018 events Pleasant View Presbyterian Church is starting a new group for children called Kingdom Kids. They will meet on Wednesday, March 14 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This group is for ALL children ages 4-12 years. The children will enjoy Bible stories, crafts, snacks, games, and songs. You do not have to belong to Pleasant View to participate in this free event. Questions-724-677-2149. Rev. Laura Blank is the pastor. Allison Nazarene Church (416 Vernon St., Allison) is hosting a Grace on the Hill Bible Study of the miracles that Jesus performed on Sunday eveningsFebruary 18, March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6, May 20, and June 3. The studies begin at 5:13 p.m. with a light dinner, singing, prayer time, and Bible Study. Pastor Roger Diehl is leading the evenings. The events are free and open to the public. The BAMA meeting on Tuesday, March 13 will be at 9:15 a.m. at the Calvin U.P. Church (307 Spring St., Brownsville). Rev. Aleda Menchyk will be the hostess. Allison Nazarene Church (416 Vernon St., Allison) is hosting T-N-T (Tuesdays N Thursdays) -- A Little Extra Power evenings March 13, April 10, April 24, May 1, and May 15. The prayer, video, discussion, and snack begin at 6:27 p.m. on Thursdays and 5:27 p.m. on Tuesdays. The events are free and open to the public. Pastor Diehl is leading the evenings. There will be a Lenten Service on Thursday, March 15 at the St. Andrew's Lutheran Church (307 High St., Brownville) beginning at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Rev. Charles House of Republic's Christian Church - Disciples of Christ. There will refreshments and a time of fellowship immediately following the service. The public is invited! The service will be cancelled if the Brownsville Area School District is closed or closes early that day due to inclement weather. The St. Vincent de Paul sponsored Food Bank will be held on Wednesday, March 21 at the First United Methodist Church (215 Church St., Brownsville). Folks can pick up their food from 11:30 a.m. thru 12:30 p.m. New clients can
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come at this time to register. The next date is April 18. There will be a Lenten Service on Thursday, March 22 at the Fresh Fire Church (6497 National Pike, Grindstone) beginning at 7 p.m. The speaker will be Rev. Aleda Menchyk of Brownsville's Calvin United Presbyterian Church. There will refreshments and a time of fellowship immediately following the service. The public is invited! The service will be cancelled if the Brownsville Area School District is closed or closes early that day due to inclement weather. Help is needed for the Food Bank at Calvin U.P. Church (307 Spring St., Brownsville) on Friday, March 23 at 8:45 a.m. to unload and help is needed again to distribute the food on Saturday, March 24 at 9:15 a.m. The food distribution begins at 10 a.m. The next distribution date is Saturday, April 28. Kairos Prison Ministry will be at SCIFayette the weekend of March 24 and 25. For more info or if you would like to help please reach Joe Gorecki at Christ Church Anglican at 724-785-7958. Sunday, March 25- FISH Clan Youth Group - 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Pleasant View Presbyterian Church (533 Smock Road, Smock). This once-a-month gathering of youth ages 11-17 (whether they are members of any church or not) will continue to meet at different churches this year. Wanting to be Faithful In Serving Him, they meet for Bible Study, spiritual fellowship, mission, movies, games, snacks, and just plain fun! Questions? Contact Pleasant View's Rev. Laura Blank at 724-677-2149. Free event! March 29 is Maundy Thursday and worship services are held at individual churches. March 30 is Good Friday and a Tenebrae Service for the public will be held at 8 p.m. at the Historic Church of St. Peter (300 Shaffner Ave., Brownsville). Father Kruthaupt will be leading the service. Easter Sunday/Resurrection Sunday is on April 1 and worship services are held at individual churches.
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On April 14, CalU students come together to help our California residents with any around the house projects they may need!
EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA Saturday, March 24 from 8 a.m.-12 noon Join us at United Christian Church on March 24 for a Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt. Cost is $6. Gluten free pancakes are available. FREE to all kids 12 and under. Easter Activities at 10 a.m. Egg Hunt at 11 a.m. Rain or shine! FMI about this event, call us or visit our website.
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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You can now support the ministries of the United Christian Church with online giving on our web site at uccdoc.org.
Backstage with the cast and crew of California University's “Heathers: The Musical” Story by Keren Lee Dreyer Rock n' roll. Bullying. Cliques. Touchy high school subjects. Murder. Suicide. Comedy. Plus, an educational message for real life area high school students. Cal-U Department of Theatre and Dance's production of Heathers: The Musical, has it all. But be forewarned; this is far, far from a child friendly show. Heathers: The Musical is based on the 1989 film, Heathers, and features original music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy. Set in the 1980s at Westerburg High School, it chronicles the antics of the three Heathers - Heather Chandler (“the almighty), Heather Duke “the beta”), and Heather McNamara (“the weakest link”), their “apprentice,” Veronica Sawyer, her “bestie,” Martha Dunnstock, and Veronica's love interest, Jason Dean (JD), who wants to make the world a better place...no matter what. With California University's Dr. Michele Pagen directing, Maria Gismondi handling choreography, and Music Director Brian Eisiminger guiding the live music, audiences are in for a darkly comedic musical treat. Regarding the show's difficult subject matter, Pagen said “Issues like this should be talked about in school. It should be out in the open and should be okay to talk about these things. I felt the weight of it, and like to answer the why...the things the Heathers talk about are hard, and I had to answer why the show is done. The opening number of the show tells why this show, why now.” Pagen is working with several local high school boards to bring in their students to see Heathers: The Musical, on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 10 a.m. Representatives from California University's Sociology Department, Women's Center, Psychology Club, Hearts for Health, and Rainbow Alliance
will be on hand to talk with high school students about their own personal and social situations related to the show. As a plus for participating districts, their only cost will be transportation to Steele Auditorium on Cal-U's campus. Once there, admission is free. “My hope is they do see there are resources for them out there,” Pagen said, adding that based on her own high school experience, many students don't take these troubles with them beyond high school. But if they do resurface, they'll see “at the college, there are resources about these things and, hopefully, there will be these resources where I go, even if it's not Cal-U.” And now, a few words from the Cal-U cast, currently in rehearsals.... Kayla Grimm, senior, theatre major - Veronica Sawyer: Veronica is the protagonist and narrator of the show; it's seen through her eyes. I like to think of Heathers as the original Mean Girls. There are these three girls, Heathers, who are the queen bees of the high school. Veronica gets in with them and becomes an apprentice. She's with them, but also meets another character, JD, Jason Dean, and he's her love interest, but he is also an outcast. The reason Veronica wants to be a Heather is because she sees the way it is
in high school with bullies and cliques, and she just wants it to be the way it was in grade school, when everyone got along and was friends. At a party, Veronica ends up puking on Heather Chandler's shoe; she makes the populars mad and is exiled from the group, and that's when the chaos starts to happen. I'm going to leave it there because, if I say more, I'll give away the show. Sidney Popielarcheck, senior, theatre major - Heather Chandler: Heather Chandler is “the almighty.” The way we meet Veronica is we're in the bathroom, we're late for class, and Veronica yells that they have a hall pass, and she forges a hall pass. So, whenever the Heathers see that Veronica can help them by writing prescriptions, permission slips, and absence notes, that's when they decide to befriend her. They give her a makeover and she's one of the Heathers now. Kitty Hoffman, senior, theatre major - Heather Duke: I am the beta, second in command to Heather Chandler. I'm kind of the go-to; if something needs done, I do that for her. I don't want to accept Veronica in the group, but if that's what the queen bee wants, I can't say anything about it. That's my deal. Chelsea Feudale, senior, theatre major - Heather McNamara: I'm the third Heather and like to think of her as the weakest link…she's a Heather because she's a follower and wants to do what it takes to have friends, and not be alone, and fit in. She doesn't always agree with the other Heathers, but goes along. In my opinion, my character believes in good, but it's hard for her to set that in motion…(she) doesn't have the power her other friends have Erin Stump, junior, theatre major Martha Dunnstock: She was rejected by Veronica, though she's my best friend. At the beginning of
JAZZ AT THE WOODS... an evening of dinner & entertainment Listen to California Area High School Jazz Band while enjoying a delicious spaghetti dinner and dessert at Center in the Woods! MARCH 24 FROM 4-7:30 P.M. CAHS PERFORMANCES: 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 Adults $10, Seniors (age 65+) & Children (3-10) $7. Under 3 FREE Take-out available. Benefits California Band Association Band Camp cholarship Fund and Center in the Woods. CENTER IN THE WOODS, 130 WOODLAND COURT, BROWNSVILLE, PA PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com
the story, Veronica and Martha are sort of like two friends being nerdy together, until Veronica gets the idea to be with the Heathers to escape all the problems we experience in high school. Even though Veronica breaks her heart in that situation, she plays it off, but she's really hurt. Jeromy Mackey, freshman, theatre major - Jason Dean: Jason Dean (JD) is a Slurpee addicted loner who gets moved around a lot because of his dad's work. He feels a lot of what Veronica feels and wants to make the world in her image, but he takes it so far that things start to go pretty badly for Veronica, and everyone, for that matter. He takes the idea of getting rid of a problem very literally. What that means is he wants to do whatever it takes to make the world a better place. As of this mid-February writing, rehearsals are two weeks in, and, according to Pagen, “We're taking it slowly because this show is kind of naughty in that way; there are a lot of topics that are addressed that could be scandalous. They're not scandalous, but could be, so we're talking about how to handle those with sensitivity.” Preliminary character preparation work begins with table work, Mackey said, where “We talk about the deep depths of the characters. Not just the lines, but the characters themselves - what they are fighting for more than what their motivation is. 'Fighting' is a stronger word than motivation.” As the characters begin to emerge from the actors' table work with Pagen, those same characters must prepare to be part of a musical, complete with song and dance numbers. Hoffman recounts Gismondi's dance conditioning techniques, saying, “We as a cast go over to our dance hall and get our butts kicked. (Gismondi) just gives us a little bit of routine. We start by stretching, and work on choreography - everything to get us ready to sing and dance at the same time. She's the type of person who pushes, and it's in the best possible way...it pays off so much.” Heathers: The Musical appears in the main theatre at California University's Steele Auditorium, April 12-14 at 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sat, April 14. Tickets are available at the box office by calling 724-938-5943, Mon-Fri from 10-5, and are $12 each. Come and enjoy, but leave the kids at home!
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Senior Hunger is a Nationwide Epidemic: Part Two
The “EmigrationImmigration-Migration” exhibit will be on display at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art through April 22. Emigration-Immigration-Migration is a civic engagement project that uses photographic imagery to document the faces and experiences of multiple generations of immigrants and their descendants. Using Pittsburgh's stories as a lens through which to consider the broader American immigrant experience, the project highlights the central role that immigration has played in the formation of our identity, in sustaining our economy, and in the enrichment of our cultural diversity; and in so doing, the project helps create a space for civil, constructive conversation about immigration today. Five photographers from the Pittsburgh region are participating in this project; they are Brian Cohen, Lynn Johnson, Annie O'Neill, Scott Goldsmith, and Nate Guidry.The two writers on the team are Reid Frazier and Erika Beras. The Museum is located at 221 N. Main Street, Greensburg. FMI: Visit thewestmoreland.org or call 724-837-1500
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In 2017, there are just more than 49 million Americans age 65 and over, and about 8 million of them can be considered facing the threat of hunger. Not only is senior hunger such a large issue now, the threat of it persisting as a problem into the future is high because of the high rate of seniors expected to exist. As seniors lost million dollars in the stock market through the 2007 economic recession, their wealth- including retirement funds, insurance payouts, and pension checks - plummeted. This increased the rate at which seniors spent money on lesser quality food in favor of other things like insurance. In 2014, the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger (NFESH) reported the following facts: 16% of seniors “face the threat of hunger,” meaning they're at some level of food insecurity 65% Increase in hunger among the senior populations from 2007 to 2014, which is credited partially to the economic recession that started in 2007 55,000,000 seniors are expected to be in America by 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau 80,000,000 seniors are expected to take up 20% of the population by 2050 Are Some Seniors More Affected than Others? An even deeper issue with senior hunger, aside from how many seniors it affects, is how disproportionately the food insecurity is spread out amongst race, class levels, and geographic location. Let's take a look at some of the factors that contribute to how certain seniors are more affected than the others. CLASS - NFESH performed a deep analysis of the level of food insecurity among seniors in 2008. Within the report is the role seniors' closeness to the poverty line plays in how food insecure they are, whether they are marginally food insecure, food insecure, or very low food secure. For example, nearly 80 percent of seniors “below 50 percent of the poverty line,” which in 2013 was $15,510 for a two-person household, were at some level of food insecurity. While food insecurity rates dropped closer to and above the poverty line, the
report clarifies that “hunger cuts across the income spectrum.” More than 50 percent of seniors who are at-risk of being food insecure live above the poverty line. Craig Gundersen, a professor at the University of Illinois and food security expert, says that the main areas where food security is increasing the most is among Americans making less than $30,000 per year and those between the ages of 60 and 69. Gundersen credits the increase in food insecurity rates to many things, but primarily there was a decrease in wages and overall net worth after the recession in the late 2000s. Many seniors lost mass amounts of money when the stock markets crashed, and as they're entering retirement, they didn't have the time to recover. “Most of them can't rely on Social Security income, and can't receive Medicare until they are 65,” Gundersen said. A Census Bureau report from 2011 notes that about 15 percent of seniors (about one in six) live in poverty, based on a “supplemental poverty measure” that adjusts the poverty level to modern day living expenses. This is important because you are more likely to develop an illness like cancer or heart diseaseboth often linked to your overall healthwhen you live in poverty. 50% Of Seniors Who are At-Risk of Being Food Insecure Live Above the Poverty Line 10% Of the Population Without a Car in Many Southern Counties Don't Have a Supermarket Within a Mile RACE - Another issue with senior hunger-and food insecurity in general-is how much race affects the likelihood that you are food insecure. And this is
directly tied to class level, as minorities often live in lower income brackets. While the AARP points out that, as you age, the rate of food insecurity raises among all races and ethnicities, there are still those who experience food insecurity at much higher rates. The aforementioned 2008 report of food insecurity found that AfricanAmerican seniors were far more likely to have some sort of level of food insecurity than white seniors (almost 50 percent compared to 16 percent) and that Hispanics were more likely to live at some level of food insecurity than nonHispanics (40 percent compared to 17 percent). “African-American households are two to two-and-a-half times as likely to be in one of the three categories as the typical senior household,” the report clarified, also noting that Hispanics face similar odds. It's also more likely in both these minority groups for someone to be food insecure if they are widowed or divorced and live alone. FOOD DESERTS - As mentioned, there are also certain parts of the country that are more likely to be food insecure than others. Areas where access for fresh produce and food is the most limited are known as “food deserts.” Not only does this include the absence of fresh food, but food deserts also include areas where access to food is inhibited because of the lack of grocery stores or the lack of transportation to get to one. Food deserts often fall in poorer areas of the country, which further fuels the food insecurity levels due to class. All but one of the top 10 states for food insecurity are in the South or Midwest. These states match a map of the United States that shows the high concentrations of food deserts. In many of the states with high levels of food insecurity, there are also counties with larger concentrations of areas where there is no supermarket within a mile of people who don't have a car. For instance, in many counties in Arkansas, Alabama, and Louisiana, more than 10 percent of the population without a car doesn't have a supermarket within a mile. This severely affects an individual's health.
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Ballerina announces retirement from Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Julia Erickson, one of Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's (PBT) longest-tenured principal dancers, has announced her plans to close her 17-year career with PBT following the company's 2018-2019 Season opener in October. This season, fans can still look forward to seeing Erickson dance one of her signature roles, Odette/Odile, in PBT's production of “Swan Lake,” on stage Feb. 16-25, at the Benedum Center. Erickson will star as Odette/Odile, commonly known as White Swan/Black Swan, in the 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, performance. She also is premiering original choreography in the “PBT: New Works” program, March 16-25, at the August Wilson Center, and preparing for the lead singing role of Anita in “West Side Story Suite,” part of PBT's May 4-6, Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein celebration presented by UPMC. The date of her fall farewell performance will be announced in early October. “I have treasured my time at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. The rich and rewarding personal and professional relationships I have developed will be with me forever. In this spirit I will relish my last months here with the company in the rehearsal studio and on the Benedum Center stage more than ever,” Erickson said. “As bittersweet as my departure is, I will remain connected to all of the people in the community who mean so much to me as I branch out and engage in new opportunities. I am excited to see where this new direction takes me, while knowing that I am forever better because of my time with this organization. I love you PBT and I love you Pittsburgh!” Erickson joined PBT in 2001, advanced to soloist in 2004 and was promoted to principal in 2009. She has spent the majority of her nearly 20 years as a professional dancer in Pittsburgh. Following her final bow with PBT, Erickson plans to branch out in Pittsburgh and beyond to explore a new chapter of her career. First up is a summer touring season, including an engagement at the Joyce Theater in New York City, with Barak Ballet, where she earned accolades from the Los Angeles Times during guest performances last
summer. “Julia is a smart, charismatic dancer, with versatility and dramatic range that set her apart on stage. She brings a special presence to every role and has gathered an immense following over her years with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. She will be dearly missed by her colleagues in the studio and her fans in the audience,” said PBT Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr. “We are grateful that she has dedicated so much of her career to PBT and we look forward to seeing what's next for her.” Erickson grew up in Seattle, and began dancing at Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) School at age seven. She continued training, on scholarship, through the Professional Division where she met her husband Aaron Ingley. She also trained for three summers at San Francisco Ballet School and toured with PNB to Europe and Asia, including performance engagements at the Edinburgh Festival and Sadler's Wells Theatre. She went on to dance for two seasons with Texas Ballet Theatre before joining PBT in 2001. With PBT, Erickson has performed the lead roles in many classics. As a Balanchine-trained dancer,
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Erickson also earned principal roles in George Balanchine's “Theme and Variations,” “Western Symphony,” “Who Cares?,” “Prodigal Son,” “Sylvia Pas de Deux,” “Agon,” “Serenade,” “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” “The Four Temperaments” and “Divertimento No. 15.” She has danced the roles of Lady Capulet in Jean-Christophe Maillot's “Roméo et Juliette,” Myrtha in “Giselle,” “An Episode in his Past” in Antony Tudor's “Jardin Aux Lilas (Lilac Garden)” and the Wife in Jerome Robbins' “The Concert.” Her contemporary credits also include Paul Taylor's “Company B;” Twyla Tharp's “In the Upper Room,” “Nine Sinatra Songs,” and “Octet;” William Forsythe's “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated;” and Ji?í Kylián's “Petite Mort” and “Sinfonietta.” Throughout her ballet career, Erickson has managed to integrate other professional pursuits. From 2010 until its 2015 hiatus, Erickson and her husband, Aaron Ingley, ran Barre, an all-natural energy bar business that started in her home kitchen and was distributed at Whole Foods retailers nationwide. She has blogged for the HuffPost, received the Pittsburgh dance community's BRAZZY Award for outstanding female dancer in 2014 and was one named one of Pittsburgh Magazine's 40 Under 40 in 2015. She serves on the board of the Oakland Planning and Development Corporation, guest teaches at dance studios regionally and nationally, and is finishing her political science degree at the University of Pittsburgh. In a 2009 column for Dance Magazine, Erickson wrote, “I dance because each time I walk out on stage I have an opportunity to give the best gift I possibly can, at that moment, to the audience...the very driving forces behind dance - to strive for excellence, to entertain, to tell a story, to express oneself through the creation and sharing of art are the very attributes that make us human.”
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State Theatre CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Rhythm of the Dance March 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets $40, $36 & $25 There’s no better way to wrap up your St. Patrick’s Day weekend than with a traditional Irish dance spectacular. Come enjoy the excitement and enthusiasm of Rhythm of the Dance!
Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers March 10 at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $15. Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Benefits Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll. Don’t miss this night of great Pittsburgh music.
Classic Film Series March 9 at 2 & 7 p.m. April 13 at 2 & 7 p.m. March’s film is North by Northwest April’s film is The Alamo Adults $5, Students, senior citizens & children $3
724-439-1360 STATETHEATRE.INFO 27 East Main St., Uniontown 17
Save the date for these performances by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the beauty and spectacle of a performance by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Save the date for these upcoming shows featuring PBT dancers. New Works Venue: August Wilson Center PBT has built its repertory around an eclectic mix of classics, modern masterworks and new commissions from both seasoned and emerging choreographers. In March at the August Wilson Center, Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr will hand over the program to choreographic voices from PBT's own company of dancers: Amanda Cochrane, Julia Erickson, Yoshiaki Nakano, Jessica McCann, William Moore, JoAnna Schmidt and Cooper Verona. Each choreographer will create a signature work on his or her fellow artists, offering audience members a personal, insightful look at the way today's dancers interpret
their own medium.. Friday, March 16, at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 17, at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 24, at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at 2 p.m. UPMC Presents West Side Story Suite + In the Night + Fancy Free
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with the PBT Orchestra Venue: Benedum Center PBT celebrates the 100th birthdays of collaborators Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein with three company premieres. The theatrical West Side Story Suite samples iconic songs (with dancer vocal debuts!) and Tony-winning choreography from the duo's groundbreaking musical (1957) and film. PBT also debuts in Robbins' first ballet and claim to fame: Fancy Free (1944), an early Bernstein collaboration that inspired the Broadway hit On the Town. Rounding out the program is a more rarely seen Robbins masterwork: his classical In the Night (1940), which sets romantic pas de deux for three couples to four Chopin nocturnes. Friday, May 4, at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 6, at 3 p.m. FMI: pbt.org
BURGERS
DOUBT: A PARABLE Presented by AAFC. Based upon a few circumstantial details and a lot of intuition, the ultrastern nun, Sister Aloysius Beauvier believes that one of the priests at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church and School has been molesting a 12-year-old boy. Sister Aloysius recruits a young, naive nun to assist her in monitoring the suspicious yet charismatic Father Flynn.
March 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
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Local Author Pens Moving Story of Orphaned Mother Story by Dave Zuchowski Rosemary Capanna begins the touching chronicle of her mother, Margaret, not in Pittsburgh where she was born, but in Quadri, a small Italian village a three hour drive east of Rome. She lays the foundation of this remarkable tale with the story of her grandmother and grandfather, who left their native land ten years apart to seek a better life in the New World. Capanna heart-wrenchingly tells the story of their love affair that separated them soon after they were married when Guissippe D’Arcangelo emigrated to the U.S. leaving his loving wife behind while he found work in the Pittsburgh steel mills. It wasn’t until a decade later that he earned enough money to bring her over to join him in Pittsnurgh.. Capanna relates the story of their trials and tribulations in their adopted country with such sophisticated detail and careful research that the reader builds an intimate and caring relationship with the couple. She also masterfully captures the era of early 20th century Pittsburgh, when the D’Arcangelos arrived with their hopes and dreams for the future. The story soon segues into the tale of their daughter, Margaret, whose relatively idyllic early years were cut short by the deaths of first her father, then her mother. Without spoiling the extraordinary adventures that Capanna spells out so powerfully in words by giving away any more of her text, I’ll just say that what comes next is worthy of a Dickens novel. Capanna began researching her family in the late 1970s, and, like many others, was interested in learning more about her family. “I never knew my maternal grandmother, Rose, and was intrigued that I was named after someone I didn’t know much about,” she said. Her story eventually winds its way to the small Mon River town of California, where her mother was sent to live with her uncle and aunt after she was doubly orphaned by the age of 12. Now 91, Margaret still lives in the small college town, as does Capanna. .After doing hours and hours of
genealogical research, the author started a Kickstarter campaign in September 2017 to finance a month off from her job as a freelance web designer and developer. “I had some of the book written by that time and all of it documented and finished my writing in a month,” she said. With a Kickstarter goal of raising $3,100, the campaign topped out at $3,700, two-thirds of which came from people Capanna grew up with or people she’d known for years. Sometime in March, she plans to stage a book launch and signing party for “Beginning on Boundary: An Orphan’s Story,” the title of her book. At the event, she plans to take along her mother, who is the subject of much of the book and its title character.. For those who might like to attend, she said she’ll post the date and location on her website beginningonboundary.com and on Facebook. (Note: Search for Author Rosemary Capanna.) The book’s title references the street on which Rose and Giuseppe D’Arcangelo lived after they reunited in Pittsburgh’s Panther Hollow neighborhood, an area then heavily populated by recent immigrants from Italy. “Readers will probably be surprised by the hardships my mother endured, but buoyed by the hopefulness of her story’s resolution,” Capanna said. For all her genealogical researches and interest in her family background, the
author has never been to Italy. She and her mother did set out once to visit her family’s village of origin, but after they got as far as New York, Capanna developed a double ear infection that made the long transatlantic flight impossible. “Hopefully, I’ll get there one day,” she said. Thanks to the Internet, Skype, email, Facebook and messaging, she’s been able to communicate with relatives in such far flung places as Paris, South America, Italy and Australia. A disclaimer in the book calls it “a creative retelling of my Mother’s story.” The fact that the author was a script writer for seven years for “His Place,” a religious television program that aired in the Pittsburgh area, made writing the dialogue a bit easier “The public should enjoy reading the book,” she said. “I feel that the more personal a story is the more universal it is. The gist of the book is who am I, where do I come from and where am I going. It’s something that most people ask themselves, and I hope it spurs them into looking into their own family history.” “Beginning on Boundary: An Orphan’s Story” is available for purchase in paperback at beginningonboundary.com.
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Selecting Music for a Funeral or Memorial Service At your funeral or memorial service, music can take the form of a church choir, a friend playing or singing a special song, or a recording of any music or songs that are especially meaningful to you. There are certain pieces of music that are commonly played at funerals or memorial services, such as “Amazing Grace” or Louis Armstrong's “What a Wonderful World.” More and more, people are choosing to include less traditional music in funeral and memorial services. You can use music in your funeral to remind people of a certain time in your life, call out a particularly meaningful relationship you have, or leave people with a certain message. If you are going to have a religious funeral or memorial service, your religious traditions may dictate the types of music or specific songs that should be included in or excluded from the service. Asking someone to perform a song at your funeral or memorial service can be a very meaningful way for a person to participate. If you have any musically talented friends or family members, you might ask them to sing a song or play some music. If you are a part of a community that has a choir, you can also ask the choir to perform at your funeral or memorial service. If you would like live music to be a part of the funeral or memorial service you can also hire a band, musicians, or soloists to perform at the service. Whether or not you ask anyone to perform or hire anyone to perform at your funeral or memorial service, you might want to share any musical preferences or wishes you have with your family. Most venues, including religious places or worship, will be able to play music either from a CD or from an iPod or mp3 player. If you're going to need any special audio equipment, make sure that the service venue can accommodate your needs.
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
“Waitress” to premiere at the Benedum Center
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces WAITRESS, the Tony nominated musical premiering at the Benedum Center on Tuesday, March 6 through Sunday, March 11, 2018 for a limited engagement, has chosen two young local girls to perform in the role of “Lulu” for the duration of the Pittsburgh engagement. The auditions were held at the Trust Arts Education Center, 805 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 on Tuesday, January 23, 2018 and approximately 60 girls participated in the auditions, which were conducted by the WAITRESS company management. Thank Auditions will subsequently be held in cities across the country prior to the tour reaching them, so local girls will be cast in each tour stop. The two girls chosen from the Pittsburgh auditions are Ainsley Christof, age 4, from Pittsburgh, and Camlyn Reace, age 5, from Gibsonia who will alternate the role of “Lulu,” the daughter of the production's main character, during the WAITRESS national Broadway tour engagement at the Benedum Center. WAITRESS tells the story of “Jenna”, an expert pie baker working at a local diner and stuck in a loveless marriage. Her salvation comes in the form of her daughter, “Lulu.” Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”) and direction by
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Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Finding Neverland, Pippin, Hair). Inspired by Adrienne Shelley's beloved film WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. “It's an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune. “WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!” says Entertainment Weekly and “a monumental contribution to Broadway!” according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. In Pittsburgh, WAITRESS, will be presented March 6-11, 2018, at the Benedum Center as part of the 20172018 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Broadway Across America. Tickets (starting at $30) are available at the following official Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket sources: online at TrustArts.org, by calling Guest Services at 412-456-4800, 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.
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Mental Health Spotlight: Opening the Dialogue By far the most prominent question I get is: “I have a family member I believe has a mental condition, but they shut down when I try talking to them about it. What can I do?” This is of course a slippery slope as I am not a licensed therapist, nor do I practice medicine of any sort. Additionally, no two conditions are the same, nor are their treatments. One person being treated for bipolar disorder can be receiving completely different medication than another. There are clinical signs that one can go down as a self-diagnosed checklist, but without professional help, this can cause more damage than help. That's where the really frustrating part comes in. How do we get out loved one to see past the stigma and get the help they really need? Thinking about what to say in these situations has brought me great stress as I wish I could help each and every person who faces this dilemma. The best I can offer is advice from my own personal experiences, from when I was first diagnosed to my belief I was cured to my very dark relapse. Here is what I can offer. Acceptance is a mighty first step, as I've mentioned in previous columns. Getting there is a herculean task. The thing that worked for me was the intervention of family members that were closest to me. You see, when suffering with these conditions, the judgement center of our brains is broken. As a supporter trying to help your afflicted loved
one, this is something you must accept. We don't necessarily do things consciously to hurt other people or ourselves, it's a biproduct of the disease. I know this doesn't necessarily resonate with most people because it's hard to imagine. How can someone know they aren't hurting themselves? Simple, because these disorders have an autopilot that are put in check with medication, self-care, treatment and support. Try not sneezing during allergy season or not coughing when you have a chest cold. This is how the mind works with mental illnesses. How to get past this and to acceptance? The singular thing that worked for me was being tag teamed by my wife and my mother. They forced me to consider what life would be like for them if I wasn't around. It's one thing examining
self, but a whole new ballgame when I brought others I loved and cared about into the picture. How would that life be? I thought about the things we did together, how I am there for my mom with even simple errands. Then, the darkest of all things, I thought about how much my life has changed without having my younger sister in it. I lost her three years ago. She was battling depression her whole life. All the signs were there but we chose to ignore them believing eventually she would get better. However, that option doesn't always come to fruition. That was the final aspect of this acceptance that sent me back to the VA for treatment. This time, real treatment with a therapist, medication, follow-ups and inevitably group therapy. Therein lies the final truth of not confronting a loved one with a mental health condition, they may not be there by the time you decide to act. NEED HELP? IN THE U.S., CALL 1800-273-8255 FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE. *Mental Health Spotlight is an opinion based 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.
Westmoreland County Community College opens student food pantry Westmoreland County Community College cut the ribbon on their newly updated student food pantry on Monday, February 5 at 9:15 a.m. in Founders Hall. The concept creator, former student Emily Faulds said, “The project came about during one of my marketing classes at Westmoreland and I offered to present the project if need be. I was looking for a way to help students who need the help but knew that students tend to be private about their situations. I had the help of many in creating this project and it was not just my idea, but
my classmates and professors as well, and now we are able to see the project come to life.” Emily also had the opportunity to present the project with the National Council of Undergraduate Research (NCUR). “I am so proud of what Emily has done,” said Dr. Tuesday Stanley, college president. “She is a wonderful example of what a student can do to help other students. Dr. Robert Saul and Cheryl Miller, Emily's Council of Undergraduate Research (CUR) faculty mentors, were a key part in the great
work being done.” There is no grant or other funding for the Food for Thoughts Food Pantry. The pantry relies on generous donations from college faculty and staff. The food pantry is open Monday-Thursday from 7:30-9:30 a.m. in Founders Hall Room 345. For more information contact Janet Corrinne-Harvey at 724.925.4091 or corrinnej@westmoreland.edu.
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O PEN YOUR H EART & H OME 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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News from Greater Monessen Historical Society The upcoming Spring Exhibit will focus on local bridges and river transportation. If anyone has photos they are willing to loan or donate for the exhibit, please drop them off at the museum or email a scan to monessen@verizon.net. The annual Public Meeting for the Greater Monessen Historical Society membership will be Sunday, March 18, 2018, at 1 PM. The annual report will be presented, along with planned activities for the year. Board members will discuss their areas of responsibility. The new Spring Exhibit will be unveiled. Light refreshments will be served. The Museum Shoppe, located in the Heritage Museum, carries two Easter books compiled by Lawrence G. Kozlowski as part of his Easter series, “Celebrate Easter - Polish Style” and “Celebrate Easter - Slovak Style”. They are available through the Museum Shoppe for a donation of $12.00 each. The Historical Society membership renewal and fund campaign for the 2018 year will be ending. Individual memberships are $15 per year. A family mem-
bership is $20, with a business membership being $50. Membership is based on a calendar year and includes four issues of the newsletter, “Valley Historian”. Donations fund the operation of the Museum and allow the Society to follow its mission of preserving the ethnic and industrial heritage of Monessen and the Mon Valley region. Future plans include renovating the Milsom/Endicott Johnson Building into a museum annex. The Society is also still seeking photos of the Washington and Linden Elementary Schools. Photos can be dropped off at the Heritage Museum to be scanned or emailed to monessen@verizon.net . The Greater Monessen Historical Society has a Twitter account. Follow us at @MonessenHistory. We are also on Facebook. The museum is open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 AM - 3 PM. The address is 505 Donner Avenue, Monessen, PA, 15062. The phone number is 724-684-8460. Admission is always free.
Attention Vietnam Era Veterans (and families) Plans for an Honor Roll for Vietnam Era Veterans are moving along quickly in California, PA. The committee is collecting information about anyone in the California Area School District who served in the Armed Forces any time during the following dates: November 1, 1955-April 30, 1975. Vets (or their families) should send the following information to California, PA Vietnam War Honor Roll, P.O. Box 605, California, PA 15419: First, middle, and last name of the Veteran, Branch of
Service, Division, Years Served, Service Location, Current Address, Email Address, and Telephone Number. You may also email this information to VietnamWarHonorRoll@gmail.com.
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Student newspaper wins record number of awards Waynesburg University’s student-run newspaper, The Yellow Jacket, recently got word that it received eight awards from the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association (PNA), for work published in the 2017 calendar year. The PNA is a nonprofit trade association for print and online media in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each year, student and professional journalists are given the opportunity to submit entries for the Keystone Press Awards, in categories including general news, profile and feature writing and photography, among others. Staff members and alumni from The Yellow Jacket won a total of eight awards in the Division II category, for four year colleges and universities with enrollment under 10,000. This is four more awards than the publication received from the organization last year, which had been a record-breaking year. For Mattie Winowitch, junior journalism major and executive editor of The Yellow Jacket, this is an exciting accomplishment. “This is a moment that I have been waiting for from the moment I first sat in my executive editor chair this past August,” said Winowitch. “And to be able to say that I helped lead my staff to accomplish this difficult and amazing feat is more than I could ever ask for.” Winowitch attributes the success to the hard work of staff members and the leadership of The Yellow Jacket advi-
sors. The newspaper has a longstanding reputation for being professionally recognized—winning 4 awards from PNA and 11 from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2017. Winowitch is excited to maintain that momentum. “The Yellow Jacket has a deep history of being award-winning, and by maintaining that pattern, we are further showing the world that we are very skilled at what we do,” she said. “With each award, we are putting Waynesburg University on the map, and I think that’s pretty cool.” Sarah Bell, academic communications coordinator and one of The Yellow Jacket advisors, was ecstatic to hear about the awards. She said the accolades are testament to the hard work the staff puts into publication each week. “I am incredibly proud of The Yellow Jacket staff for all of their work this year,” said Bell. “Winning a recordbreaking eight PNA Keystone Press Awards is a reflection of how dedicated and multi-talented the newspaper staff is. Being selected to receive awards in a range of categories – from featuring writing and sports to photography and layout – speaks volumes to the quality of student journalism at The Yellow Jacket.”
Exploring the Paranormal with Reanna Roberts Do you know what leprechauns are? Do you think that they are real? Well, I'll do my best to tell you a bit about them now. Leprechauns are a type of fairy; but don't get confused and think I am saying they are like Tinkerbell from Peter Pan or, if you are more video game minded, one of the helpful little pixies/fairies from the Legend of Zelda games. In traditional folklore, fairies aren't always pleasant to encounter, and can even be murderous. The word leprechaun is, most likely, based on the words "leath bhrogan" in Irish, which means shoemaker. It is often believed that they are descended from the goddess Dana or Danu, which is where the majority of Irish mythology stems from. Leprechaun looks initially stemmed from anti-Irish sentiment 100+ years
ago, and although it could be considered 'racist,' for lack of a better term, the image has stuck. While leprechauns are known to be tricky creatures, if you run across one (perhaps while you are out looking for a lucky 4-leaf clover?) snatch him up! Just make sure when you give him your wishes, you aren't too broad and you don't wish for something that will make it easy for him to foil your plan for that wish or trick you. If he doesn't grant your wishes, or refuses to, then you should be given his pot of gold. It is said that when a leprechaun is caught, one or the other must happen.
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Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll plans new veterans memorial Story by Keren Lee Dreyer The old men laughing and reminiscing on a park bench during a warm afternoon; the rickety gentleman with a crooked smile and twinkling blue eyes framed by a face deeply lined with age; the animated, cardigan clad grandmother exchanging recipes with a cashier in the grocery store checkout line - all seem to possess a certain...aplomb; a certain hint of victories hard won in their younger days. It was over 75 years ago that the Greatest Generation bonded as a country to simultaneously vanquish the staggering march of Teutonic lebensraum throughout Europe and an uncompromising Totalitarianism from the East. Though many of these proud military members were barely out of high school when they began serving our country, a sense of greater national purpose eclipsed their personal dreams of education and raising families With natural attrition now taking its toll on the approximately 558,000 veterans still alive who served the United States in The Big One, their monumental sacrifices, and the historic victories won by America and its Allies, unremittingly slide from proud national consciousness to crumbling, half-forgotten memorials. One local 501(c)3 organization, Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll (BAMHR), seeks to keep alive the memory of local World War II combat veterans, along with anyone in the area who served the U.S. military in any capacity, during any U.S. war or operation, through a new veterans memorial to be installed in downtown Brownsville's new Snowden Square Park. BAMHR Committee Chairman, Denny Falsetto, is particularly looking for names of those World War I and World War II service members "killed in action and missing in action from the Brownsville area - anyone who went to the Brownsville Area School at the time," to be included on the memorial. According to BAMHR, the upcoming memorial is dedicated to "the memory and bravery of our local heroes from the
Brownsville and surrounding areas," and will feature five upright monuments engraved with the names of those killed or missing in action from the Brownsville area. The upright monuments will be surrounded by a walkway comprising low maintenance, USA made brick pavers from Polar Engraving in Naples, Florida. Polar's lifetime warranty on the pavers will help the memory of local veterans endure for generations to come. However, honoring those meritorious service members with a durable monument comes at a cost; roughly $34,000 in this instance. The main way community members can help fund the memorial is by purchasing a brick (for the walkway), Falsetto said. Each brick can be laser etched with a living or deceased loved one's name, rank, emblems, insignia, and "is for anyone who has served. Not just for those in combat, but for anyone whoever went in the service in any way whatsoever." Local businesses have already stepped up, donating both money and meeting space to help keep BAMHR's operations flowing as it continues raising funds, and needed hardware, for the new memorial. "The people that have helped us, I can't thank them enough," Falsetto said, expressing gratitude to Hugo's for their monetary donations, Pepper-Ronnie's for providing BAMHR meeting space when the borough building is unavailable, the West Brownsville Legion for hosting dances, Skirpan Funeral Home, Inc. for
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providing the uprights at cost, Elmo's for its rifle raffle and sizable donation, and the Brownsville Area School District for helping BAMHR save approximately $5,000 in costs through its donation of a flagpole. In addition to paver purchases or taxdeductible monetary donations, potential supporters of BAMHR's noble efforts can also help by rocking out with Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers on Saturday, March 10, at the State Theatre Center for the Arts in Uniontown. Proceeds from each $15 ticket benefit BAMHR's memorial building fund. Phil Giannetti, of Giannetti Motors in Uniontown, PA, was instrumental in booking Grushecky at the State Theatre for this benefit concert. "Giannetti Motors got us involved with Joe Grushecky," Falsetto said, continuing, "(Phil) is not a member of the committee. He just likes to help." Community members also wishing to help accelerate completion of BAMHR's new memorial have several ways to contribute: Fill out a brick form, available at Pepper-Ronnie's, or from Denny Falsetto, who can be reached at 724366-2113 or lfalsetto@yahoo.com; Contact Falsetto with the names of anyone killed or missing in action in World War I or World War II; Rock out with Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers, with tickets available from statetheatre.info/portfolio/joe-grusheckythe-houserockers/; or send your taxdeductible donation, payable to: Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll, P.O. Box 636, Brownsville, PA 15417.
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The California Rotary Club will host a Spring Fling Happy Hour & Network Event on Tuesday, March 13 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Hampton Inn of California. Stop by for beverages and appetizers and meet other community members interested in “Service Above Self” - Plan to join them! The California Rotary Club will hold “Hats & Horses! A Derby Day Celebration” on May 5 from 47 p.m. at the Nemacolin Country Club. Hats & Horses! is a fun event of horses, hats, food and more to support the local and international projects of the California Rotary Club.Tickets are $50 or two for $90. Contact Lisa Buday at 724-938-1355 or Beth Baxter at 724938-7204.
Lenten Study
UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH 499 E. MALDEN DRIVE COAL CENTER, PA The United Christian Church will present a Lenten Study on Adam Hamilton's series, John: The Gospel of Light and Life. The study time begins with a light meal at 5 p.m and study at 6. Follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament. Join us in Holy study during this season of Lent on Tuesday evenings. We will start with a light meal at 5 p.m and begin the study at 6. This is for both adults and youth. If you would like the companion book, you can order it on Amazon or see Lisa Buday. If you could prepare the meal or assist in preparing food for an evening of study, please sign up. FMI: 724-938-2098
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Paint N' Sip event to benefit Myasthenia Gravis
Stover Center to host constitutional law expert
The Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA (MGA) will hold its fourth annual Brush for Bob, a Paint N' Sip event, to benefit the organization's FREE patient support services. The event is slated for Saturday, April 7 at Thistlethwaite Vineyards, 151 Thistlethwaite Lane, in Jefferson. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with a free wine tasting. Participants also receive a free glass of wine and light refreshments. A basket raffle and 50/50 raffle will also be featured. Wine will be available for purchase by the glass or bottle. For more than 60 years, the Myasthenia Gravis Association of
Waynesburg University’s Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership will host Josh Blackman, associate professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston, for a 7:30 p.m. lecture Thursday, March 15. The event, which is open to the public, will be held in Alumni Hall located on the third floor of Miller Hall. Blackman’s lecture, “Economic Liberty and the Criminal Law,” will explore the U.S. Supreme Court’s divergent perspectives toward economic rights and criminal procedure. Blackman specializes in constitutional law, the United States Supreme Court and the intersection of law and technology. He is an adjunct scholar at the Cato
Western Pennsylvania (MGA) has provided services 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. Brush for Bob is created and organized by Melissa Folman, sister of MGA Board President Bob Cribbs. Tickets for Brush for Bob are $40 and must be purchased by 3/28. Purchase online at https://buytickets.at/mgawpa or contact Melissa at melissafolman@gmail.com.
Uniontown Art Co-op announces extended hours The Uniontown Art Club's Artist Coop Gallery is announcing new extended hours!! They are now open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Add a fun visit to their place at 86 W. Main Street in Uniontown PA before or after you have lunch or dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. Receive a $5.00 gift card for some of the local nearby restaurants when you make a
$25 or more purchase at the gallery. The gallery features a variety of original art pieces and fine crafts created by local artists and artisans. Works include blacksmith pieces, oils, watercolors, wood sculptures, pottery, jewelry, photography and more from local artists. This is a great place to buy unique gifts for your loved ones or for you. FMI: uniontownartclub.org
Penn State Master Gardeners’ Spring Seminar Have you ever wondered why your neighbor's garden looks better than yours? Have you ever said, "I'll never plant that again?" These are some of the topics that will be covered when Penn State Master Gardener Emeritus Betty Robinson speaks Saturday March 17 at the Fayette County Master Gardeners' spring seminar. Thriving Gardens: How to Create A Healthy and Thriving Landscape will take place in the main conference room at The Hilton Garden Inn, 555 Synergy Drive just off Route 40 in Uniontown. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with light refreshments, many door prizes and a
Silent Auction. At the conclusion of her talk, Betty will hold a question and answer session. Betty has been a Master Gardener for more than 20 years. She and her husband are the owners of Robinson Plant Sanctuary in Scenery Hill, PA. They feature native perennial plants, trees, shrubs and have a delightful fairy tril through their woods, as well as many beehives. The cost is $25, payable by credit card online or by phone. You can register for this event by calling 1-877-345-0691 or by going online through CVENT.com at https://tinyurl.com/y7m69bam.
9th Annual AMI, Inc. Poetry and Fine Art Show Friday, May 4 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. 54 West Wheeling Street, Washington Free admission to the public. Submissions will be accepted from Washington County residents, 15 years of age or older, with a previous or current history of Mental Illness and/or a
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co-occurring substance abuse disorder. A maximum of 3 entries per category/ per person will be accepted. Poetry, photography, and fine art. Submissions due by Monday, April 9 at AMI Inc., 907 Jefferson Avenue Washington, PA 15301. FMI, contact Austin at 724- 228-5211.
Institute and is the founder and president of the Harlan Institute, whose mission is to bring a stylized law school experience into the high school classroom. Blackman has testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the constitutionality of executive action on immigration and has been named to the “30 Under 30” in Law and Policy by Forbes. Additionally, he served as a clerk for the Honorable Danny J. Boggs on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit and for the Honorable Kim R. Gibson on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law.
Cal U offering Open House programs this spring Cal U has scheduled two remaining Open House programs during the spring semester. The events introduce prospective students to Cal U or give students who have been accepted a chance to explore the campus. Open House programs are scheduled from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 24; and Saturday, April 28. Registration for each event begins at 8 a.m. on the third floor of the Natali Student Center. For more information or to register online, go to www.calu.edu/admissions/visit Prospective students may contact the Office of Admissions at 724938-4404 or email admissions@calu.edu. Following a welcome by University President Geraldine M. Jones, there will be admissions and financial aid
overviews. A campus marketplace in the Natali Student Center’s Heritage Lounge is the one-stop place to learn about a variety of university services such as programs of study, housing and student life and transfer procedures. Campus tours will include the residence halls, classrooms and departments, and facilities such as the Herron Recreation and Fitness Center, Vulcan Village upper-campus housing, and the Convocation Center. Students and families can talk with Cal U students and meet faculty members. Each campus tour group will include at least one tour guide from the Cal U Welcome Center, admission counselors and other professionals from various University offices.
PA COSTARS Program Seminar Planned California University of Pennsylvania's Government Agency Coordination Office (GACO), PTAC is sponsoring a seminar on “COSTARS Contract Program” from 9 a.m. to Noon on March 14, 2018, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Racetrack Road, Washington, Pa. At this free seminar, companies will learn about the cooperative purchasing program managed by the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), Bureau of Procurement. For interested businesses there are currently 33 COSTARS contracts ranging from copiers, IT hardware, street lighting, parking meters & street furniture to
maintenance repair & operation equipment & supplies, graphic and printing services and pest control. Once on contract, businesses can market to COSTARS members (local governments, public authorities, non-profit educational and health entities, school districts, and fire and rescue companies) to purchase supplies through their COSTARS state contract. The seminar is free but pre-registration is suggested by March 12. For additional information or to register, contact Tracy Julian at 724-938-5881 or julian@calu.edu
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About Face with Tasha Oskey: Chemical Peels & Microdermabrasion Since I've been an esthetician, I get asked often by my clients about noninvasive treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, derma planning, microneedling, etc. Most want to know what they are and what they do. In this column and in subsequent ones , I will be explaining what these treatments are and the benefits of them to the skin. For this column, I will be tackling chemical peels and microdermabrasion. First of all, a noninvasive skin treatment is anything that doesn't include cutting into the skin with a type of medical instrument. That is why these kinds of treatments have become so popular because it doesn't require you to go under the knife. A chemical peel is a chemical process applied to the skin which causes a deep exfoliation that eventually leads to peeling. This shedding process leads to new, fresh, younger skin being revealed. There are different types of chemical peels w hich have different concentrations of acids. A superficial peel which is normally a alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic, salicylic, and/or lactic acid is more on the mild side and it gently exfoliates the outer layer of skin. These types of peels can be used during a facial because they are wiped off with water whereas the stronger peels are left on. I also recommend this type of peel to someone who is on the fence about getting a strong peel. A stronger chemical peel will now include trichloroacetic acid along with glycolic acid. This medium strength peel will penetrate the outer and middle layers of the skin. A deeper peel will have trichloroacetic acid or phenol. These peels penetrate the middle layer of skin. Since this is a very strong chemical process, most of the time these types of
peels are performed in a dermatologist office. So what are the benefits of getting a chemical peel? There are many such as treating aging skin, fading acne scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, sun damaged skin, minimizing deep set wrinkles, and poor elasticity in the skin. You can see chemical peels really do address many different skin concerns. However, not everyone can get a chemical peel. Generally speaking, fair skinned and light haired people are better candidates for chemical peels. Although, darker skinned people can get the milder peels. Also, nursing or pregnant women should not get a peel. Before anyone gets a peel, they should go over the list of contraindications to make sure you can get the peel. Most chemical peels require downtime where you should avoid the sun and any physical activity for a few days. Obviously the stronger the peel the more downtime is necessary. As far as the peeling process goes, that also depends on the type of peel you get and the sensitivity of the person's skin. If you follow the correct aftercare instructions for your peel, the whole process should work out fine and you will really love the results! One of the things that people don't like about chemical peels is the downtime
that is required so a microdermabrasion treatment might be better. Microdermabrasion is similar to a chemical peel in that it also exfoliates but it is not a chemical process. A microdermabrasion treatment uses a instrument usually with a diamond tipped head to sand your skin. This application technique resurfaces the outer layer of skin and can also act as a extraction process too. Microdermabrasion is good for treating acne, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and blackheads. The act of the application wand moving over the skin stimulates collagen production in the skin. Really anyone can get a microdermabrasion treatment although the treatment can pull on aged skin that is lax which might feel uncomfortable . Also, microdermabrasion treatments don't penetrate as deeply as chemical peels do. However, there is no downtime after you get a microdermabrasion treatment which is nice because you can go about your business. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion both offer great results. I have some clients that alternate between both for wonderful benefits. Also, if you were thinking about getting a chemical peel, now would be a good time to get it while we still have some cooler weather left so the downtime won't be so inconvenient. Until next time, I hope I was able to answer some questions or concerns about these treatments. About Face with Tasha is a regular column devoted to all things pertaining to beauty and skincare. Tasha Oskey isa Licensed Esthetician and Skincare Specialist at Massage Envy in uptown Mt. Lebanon. Have a question about skincare? Email us at pennsylvaniabridges@gmail.com and we’ll pass it on to her.
FISH FRY AT ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH 6TH & LOOKOUT, CHARLEROI - (724) 483-4072 - DELIVERY AVAILABLE Fridays in March: 3/2, 3/9, 3/16 & 3/23, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (Good Friday is excluded). Menu includes fried fish or crab cake dinner with coleslaw and side order of haluski or French fries or hush puppies, dessert and coffee or tea; pub-style 1/2-pound fish sand-
wich; crab cake sandwich; pierogis; child's fish
SAVE THE DATE FOR Cal U’s Upcoming Shows 2017-2018 SEASON
Almost, Maine The Blaney Theatre March 1, 2, 3, 2018 @ 7 p.m., March 3, 2018 @ 2 p.m. This show explores gender, sexuality, discrimination, and bullying issues and introduces the concepts of civic responsibility and the nature of the human condition. High schoolers are welcome. Heathers: The Musical Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre April 12, 13, 14, 2018 @ 7 p.m., April 14, 2018 @ 2 p.m. This laugh-outloud musical comedy unapologetically explores issues of teen suicide, murder, bullying, homophobia, and gun violence. following the performance. Suitable for high school students. Cognitive Distortions: Spring Dance Concert 2018 Steele Hall Mainstage May 3, 4, 5, 2018 @ 7 p.m. Join student and faculty dancers and choreographers as they explore the communicative aspects of the body. Open to all ages of students interested in dance; and to
stick dinner. Separate orders of haluski, fries,
high school students studying psy-
hush puppies, soda & bottled water are also
chology, physical and mental health,
available. Delivery in Charleroi area. Evening
and society and cultures.
Lenten services will follow at 7 p.m.
PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com
FMI: calu.edu
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NOW PLAYING! Thursday, March 8 at 8 PM -FOREIGNER - $75, $85, $95, $105, $125, $150 - VIP Reception (limited number available) - $125 per person (concert ticket required and not included in price) Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world responsible for some of rock and roll's most enduring anthems including “Juke Box Hero”, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Urgent”, “Head Games”, “Hot Blooded”, “Cold As Ice”, “I Want To Know What Love Is”, “Waiting for A Girl Like You” and “Dirty White Boy.” Saturday, March 10 at 7 PM - DONNIE IRIS & THE CRUISERS - The Three-Peat! (…with a little help from some friends) - Tickets $24, $38.50, $48.50, $74 Due to overwhelming demand, Donnie Iris & The Cruisers have added a third performance for his 75th Birthday Celebration. The iconic Pittsburgh singer’s first two performances: 75th Birthday Bash February 3rd and The Encore performance featuring “The King Cool Album” February 10th have both SOLD OUT. All shows will include unique surprises, special guests and guest speakers. Saturday, March 17 at 7:30 PM Westmoreland Symphony Orchestra MUSICAL LANDSCAPES - $15, $27, $33, $35, $48 Tickets available by visiting www.westmorelandsymphony.org or calling 724.837.1850 Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 PM DAUGHTRY - $52, $62, $74 ($5 additional per ticket day of show) As the frontman for the band bearing his name, Daughtry has become one of the most visible and consistent rock & roll torchbearers of the 21st century. Since rising to prominence on the fifth season of American Idol, he has released four albums, all of which reached the Billboard Top Ten and have combined sales over 8 million
copies in the U.S. Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 PM EDDIE MONEY - $43, $48, $53, $58, $68 Known for his blue-collar brand of rock and roll, Eddie Money continues to delight multi-generational crowds with his legendary style. Eddie Money’s trademark raspy, husky voice is easily recognized today. With such hits as “Take Me Home Tonight,” “Shakin’” and “Think I’m in Love,” he maintains his strong signature tone just as he did thirty years ago. Friday, March 23 at 8 PM - HOME FREE Timeless World Tour 2018 $34.50, $44.50, $59.50 - Home Free Ultimate VIP Experience $199.50; Q&A Visit with Home Free Package $99.50 The all-vocal country sensation Home Free is bringing Nashville country standards and country-dipped pop hits to town (and having a great time doing so). The band is performing on the heels of their most recent full-length album release, TIMELESS, bringing with them new music, new jokes, and new production. Saturday, March 24 at 8 PM “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC - The Ridiculously Self-Indulgent, IllAdvised Vanity Tour - Special guest: Emo Philips - $50, $65, $75 ($5 additional per ticket at the door) “Weird Al” Yankovic burst onto the scene over three decades ago and never looked back. For the first time in his storied career, the world’s foremost musical satirist and four-time Grammy-winner foregoes his usual high-octane, big-production show for an intimate evening of music, focusing on original (non-parody) songs from his 14album catalog. Friday, March 30 at 8 PM - PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO - An Acoustic Evening - $59, $69, $79 ($5 additional at the door) Pat Benatar’s staggering vocal range and Neil Giraldo’s trailblazing artistry as a guitarist, producer, songwriter and arranger, together forge the unprecedented sound that created some of rocks most memorable hits, including “Love Is a Battlefield,” “Heartbreaker,” “We Live for Love,” “We Belong,” and the signature, “Promises in The Dark.” Together they have sold over 30 million albums worldwide and won an unprecedented, four consecutive Grammy awards.
THE PALACE THEATRE 34 W.Otterman Street, Greensburg
Box Office: 724-836-8000 26
thepalacetheatre.org
Pastor Hargraves: Consider the Honey Bee If you are allergic to bees, perhaps reading further is not expected. For anyone else, please read on. It is bee time. My husband and others in the area are beekeepers. This winter has been hard on the bees. I am not a scientist, so I can only speculate as to why although if you talk to a local beekeeper they will tell you the reasons. The extreme fluctuation in temperature is abnormal. Subzero one week and then above 55 degrees the next, even I was thrown for a loop thinking spring was nearer than the season would have it. Must be odd for the bees also. The temperature alone was enough to make any living thing unhealthy however with the fluctuation in temperature brings illness due to bacteria growth or viruses. And with bees there are always predators. The bee loss for our farmstead is substantial - 4 of five hives, I think. That equates to hundreds of thousands of bees. My uncle also lost most of his hives. In total, that amount is likely a million bees dead this winter. Dead bees mean no pollinators. No pollination means no fruits and vegetables. It means a significant decrease in food. I like food. I need it. So, do others, like you. Animals too. There are reasons bees are dying. And there are reasons bees can thrive. Bees thrive when we provide plants they gather food making pollen from. Bees thrive when we do not destroy the natural food sources and habitats they need. Bees love flowers like marigold and dandelions, sunflowers and daisies. Bees also love ragweed and dogwood. Bees need early blooming flowers and late blooming flowers. Bees need clean water and pesticide free regions. And we need the bees. We need bees for another reason besides much of our food. We need bees because they are miraculous. They should not be able to fly and yet they
do. Their wings are not the size needed to support the size of their bodies. The wings are small, too small to fly, and yet the bee can fly long distances to gather pollen to manufacture its own food. Yes, manufacture its own food. The bee is the only animal that works to make its own food. The bee colony manufactures its food. There is nothing like the honey bee in the animal kingdom. Honey bees are important to my family - raising them, being in stewardship to conserve them, and enjoying them. Bees may not be something you thought about however if you can, plant some flowers this spring and leave the pesticide on the store shelf, please. Pause before you squash a bee as honey bees are not aggressive unless you mess with their hive or their food source. Buy local honey, it is pure, and it supports the local farmer along with the local bee population. And trust me, take some time to try a little cheddar cheese dipped in honey, or honey blended in some goat cheese. Yummy. Or make it easy, spoon, honey jar = snack! Save the bees, please. And for a little fun, they are black and gold after all. Pastor Dawn is the pastor at California United Methodist Church..Services are held at California United Methodist Church each Sunday at 10 a.m. at 227 Third Street in California. All are welcome!
Breakfast with
THE EASTER BUNNY You’re invited to join us for Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, March 24 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. at California United Methodist Church, 227 Third Street, California. Cost is $5. Picture with the Easter Bunny available. Sponsored by California United Methodist Church Youth Group IMPACT.
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Passion for elderly drives Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. Story by Keren Lee Dreyer
so grateful. I hope that when I leave, the
According to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2015 estimates, fully 17% of Pennsylvania's 2 million plus residents are aged 65 or above. Only three other states in the country have a higher percentage of elderly (defined as 65 and over) within their population. For many families, this means looking forward to holiday fun and summer visits with grandma and grandpap. Unfortunately, another segment of the elderly population remains without family contact or support, meaning they are alone a great deal of the time. They may wait for days wishing for a ride to their next doctor appointment, or simply a phone call to ask how they are. It is for this segment of the population that Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. lives to gladly serve. Two years in the making, and stemming from a grassroots movement at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Uniontown, PA, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. was incorporated into a 501(c)(3) in 1993. According to Carol J. Ashton, Executive Director since 1994, “We're just people of faith working together to help the elderly.” The statement is simple, but its implications mean hope and help for the frail elderly in Fayette and surrounding counties. Volunteers from Trinity, along with those in outlying counties, help the organization deliver meals, make telephone reassurance calls, provide medical transportation, do grocery shopping, balance checkbooks, and make minor home repairs. All are done for free, based on need, and with no income
next person has this passion.” King echoes Ashton's experiences, relating, “It's very rewarding to know they are so appreciative and thankful. They can't say enough kind things about you. But we don't do it for that, we do it because the Lord told us if there is a need, do something.” However, King added, “There is a waiting list because they don't have enough drivers. Any time (anyone can give) would be appreciated. It could even be once a month they'll call and ask if you're free on such and such a date, and it's yes or no.” restrictions. While Interfaith Volunteers does not provide “personal care, clean houses, or give medical advice,” Ashton said, they do work with agencies and protective services to bring needed help in those areas. While the available services meet an obvious temporal need for the elderly, a greater, underlying void is filled by the volunteers, as Ashton explains, “We see a great deal of loneliness and isolation. Someone said 'I just need someone to call me in the morning and make sure I'm not dead.' There was a little laughter in the conversation, but you realize this is all they have.” During another client interaction, Ashton delivered a meal to a blind gentleman “who knew I wasn't the regular volunteer. He asked me what color my eyes are, and I said blue. His wife had blue eyes, and we talked for about five or seven minutes, grieving his wife, the love of his life...I left affected,” Ashton
N OW AVAILABLE . S UBSCRIBE
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said. “Each meal isn't about the meal, it's about human contact. When people get older, they still need that hug, they still need for someone to listen” Volunteer Jeannie King, of Uniontown, PA, also relates the positive impact volunteers help provide, beginning with her first client, “One woman lost her husband, lost her only son, lost her daughter-in-law. She is very isolated. She was my first client and we've made friends. I had her over for Christmas, and she's just such a lovely lady we just bonded, so it worked out well.” The benefits of volunteering flow in both directions, as Ashton explains, “We're changing lives by twos: Lives are changed by volunteering and volunteering changes lives. You can keep on living your faith (after retirement) and learn about the community and the need. When you give of yourself you get more than you gave. The sense of peace is hard to explain, but I think it gives me energy to keep going, and the people are
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Volunteering with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. is not only rewarding, it is planned around any time that is convenient for volunteers to provide a ride or pay a visit, make reassurance calls, or even help around the office. “They could go once a month,” Ashton said, “and we track all that so they won't get called again. We have about a 99% match (between volunteers and clients), and we hardly ever say 'we can't help you.'” Some volunteers at Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. have been with the organization since around 1993, with no plans to leave. Ashton reflects their sentiment on giving time to help the elderly, saying, “It's really not a job, it's a vocation. People say 'Why don't you retire? You're 77,' but it's hard to leave something you believe in. Our staff is all older people, and they can relate.” Reach out to Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers of Fayette, Inc. at 724-4380709 to learn about volunteer opportunities or how to access services, and visit interfaithvolunteercaregivers.org/ for more information.
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BENTLEYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY 931 Main St. in Bentleyville washlibs.org/bentleyville
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 Wood St., California calpublib.org Every Monday at 10 a.m. is STORY TIME with Ellen, a retired elementary librarian. Ellen presents a fresh Story Time every Monday at 10 a.m. and Story Time with Kristen and Friends is presented on select Saturdays at 10 a.m. Each Story Time includes a snack & craft. Story Time is open to any child with a desire to learn and play. Reservations are recommended. The California Recreation Authority sponsors Saturday Story Time. FMI: Call 724-938-2907.
The Bentleyville Public Library has moved to a temporary location at the Fairway Communications building at 608 Main Street, Bentleyville. Make It Monday Stop by from noon till 7:30 for a stand alone activity every Monday that you can make yourself. (STEM Activity) Every Tuesday TOPS 5-5:30 p.m. weigh-in, 5:30 -6:15 - Meeting.Weight loss group Coffee & Crayons Every Friday at 10:30 a.m. Stop by and color with the community. Bring your own coloring book or try one of ours. Storytime for ages 30 months to 5 years meets every Monday at 11:00 a.m. starting March 5. Historical Society meets March 5 at 6:30 p.m.. Book Club meets at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday March 15. Friends of the Library meet on Monday at 6:30 p.m. March 26. The library is closed March 30. FMI: Call us at 724-239-5122.
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CHARTIERS-HOUSTON LIBRARY 730 West Grant St., Houston washlibs.org/chartiers-houston TAG:Teen Advisory Group meets First Saturday of every month at 12 noon. Are you in grades 6-12? Want to earn volunteer hours in the company of your friends? Join our Teen Advisory Group and meet once a month to brainstorm ideas about programs you’d like to see in the library, books you’d want to recommend, or projects you and other volunteers could help the library complete. “Brainfood”, aka, snacks, will be provided and the library Wii video games, and board games will be made available at each meeting. Looking for crafting buddies to inspire your creative projects? Come to our monthly crafterdays. Here we welcome crafters of all kinds to sit and knit, crochet, or even paper mache in the company of other creative crafters. Each crafterday will also include printed instructions and a live demo on how to make a simple craft. Event held 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. Join our Lego club on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. The program is open to all ages, although it is recommended for ages 5 and up.The library is also accepting donations of new or gently used Lego sets. Wednesdays at 6 p.m. “Shut Up & Write” This is a venue for writers to work in the company of other writers on a regular basis. First Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Join our Mystery Book Club for a riveting read and book discussion. Register at the library or call us at 724-745-4300.
CITIZENS LIBRARY MARCH 2018 ACTIVITIES March 6 from 6-8 p.m. - Come join Cheryl Hopper, a local fiber artist, and friends who would like to share their love of crochet. Bring your crochet and let us share our work and have an evening of friendship and crochet. If you would like to learn how to crochet come we would love to teach you. If you have questions call 724-747-0220. Iyengar Yoga - Yoga class offered by professional instructor. Iyengar focuses more on precision of poses and breathing. $15 a class. See website for dates and times. March 15 from 6-7 p.m. - Readers of the Lost Ark Book Club - The book for this month is An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor. Free and open to the public, feel free to bring a Snack! Meets in the Conference Room. March 16 from 6-8 p.m. - Wine Down & Paint - Paint a wine glass OR beer stein at our spring time event. $30 for materials and appetizers, byow! Sign up at the circulation desk. March 24 from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 36th Annual Chess Tournament Registration open to Washington residents grades 1-12. Lunch provided, guidelines available at the library. Sign up with the Children's department. Teen Time Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. 6 p.m. Come hang out, play games, use our Maker Space, & more. New activi-
ties every week. For grades 6 and up. Middle Grade Book Club - Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Discuss books, make a craft, and eat some pizza. For grades 6-8. Every Friday in the Children's department there are crafts to make or activities to do. Stop by any time for these drop in activities, no sign ups required. Monthly Chess Club Meets the first Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m., and is open to all ages and all levels of play. Instructors will be available. Chess Club is free, and is open to all ages, including adults. LEGO Club will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mons, from 5-6 p.m.The program is open to all ages, and there are sets of larger building blocks for children who are too young for regular sized Lego bricks.The Children’s Dept. is also accepting donations of new or gently used LEGO sets. CitiBooks, a used books bookstore in the lower level of the library, is open from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.Tues & Wed; 10 a.m to 6 p.m.Thurs; & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sat. CitiBooks is staffed by volunteers & all proceeds benefit the library. To volunteer, email friendsofcitizenslibrary@gmail.com. Citizen’s Library is located at 55 South College Street,Washington, PA 15301. Phone # is 724-222-2400 FMI: washlibs.org/citizens
FREDERICKTOWN AREA LIBRARY 38 WATER ST., FREDERICKTOWN WEBSITE: washlibs.org/fredericktown PHONE: 724-377-0017 Book Buddies Book Club will meet Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. Hillbilly Elegy by J. D.Vance will be discussed. Dr. Seuss Story Hour will be held Thursday, March 1 at 10 a.m. at the library. Mr. Rogers Story Hour will be held Thursday, March 15 at 10 a.m. at the library. Please call the library to register your child. Library Board of Trustees will meet Wednesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Reading Club will meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library. Call the library to register your child. Discovery Detectives will meet the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library. Call the library to register
your child. Teen Book Club will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the library. Call to register. Sit N Knit/Crochet will meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Beginner through expert is welcome. Rep. Pam Snyder's Community Outreach staff is at the library every third Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Just stop in! Would you like to be a powerful advocate for the Fredericktown Area Public Library? We are looking for a few good men and women who would like to serve as library trustees. If interested just stop in the library. Our underwriters for March are BCR Lions Club for underwriting the cost of our Internet service for one year.
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ROSTRAVER PUBLIC LIBRARY 700 Plaza Drive, Belle Vernon rostraverlibrary.org
PETERS TOWNSHIP LIBRARY February Activities ptlibrary.org
MONESSEN PUBLIC LIBRARY 326 Donner Ave., Monessen monessenlibrary.org
DONORA PUBLIC LIBRARY 510 Meldon Avenue in Donora washlibs.org/donora
Free Monday Movie Matinee. Stop by
Tiny Tunes Music Mondays at 11 a.m. Ages: 2½ 5 with an adult.Tiny Tunes Music is a fun, casual program of playing with and learning about music. Book Babies Tues at 10 a.m. Birth-12 months with an adult. Mother Goose Storytime Tues at 11 a.m. Ages: 12 24 months with an adult. They're just learning to talk -give them something to talk about. Toddler Tales Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Ages: 2 3½ with an adult. Wii Sports for Adults Every Wednesday Stay active in the comfort of your library. No registration required. Kindergarten Storytime Thursdays at 10 a.m. & 1:15 p.m. Ages: Kindergartners and 5-year-olds.This full-hour program goes the next step in learning and loving reading. Register at the Youth Services Desk. Coloring, Coffee & Classics 9:15 a.m. For ages 18 and up. Every Wednesday in Café Lee. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee. Drop In Chess Tues at 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Every Tues in Café Lee. Drop in with a partner and challenge yourselves to a game or two of chess. FMI, call 724-941-9430.
The Mon Valley Genealogy Forum will meet on Monday, March 19, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.. New members are always welcome. The group will discuss “genealogy” in the news and useful websites. Light refreshments will be served. The Monessen Crochet/Knitting Group is on winter hiatus. Children's Storytime will be held Mondays at 6 PM and Saturdays at 11 AM. Toddler time is Tuesdays at 1 PM. Children's events for March: Saturday, March 3 - Read Across America Day and the Birthday of Dr. Seuss. Meet the Cat in the Hat with Thing 1 and Thing 2, 11 AM. Monday, March 5 - Parachute Day with parachute games, 6 PM. Tuesday, March 6 - Toddler Time celebrates Michelangelo's birthday. Bring a smock!, 1 PM. Saturday, March 10 - International Day of Awesome. Watch the Lego Movie and enjoy popcorn!, 11 AM. Monday, March 12 - Napping Day, Wear pajamas and snuggle for storytime., 6 PM. Tuesday, March 13 - Pi Day Toddler Time. Let's do math and count snacks., 1 PM. Saturday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day! Leprechaun bingo, Pot O'Gold search, Pin the mustache, 11 AM. Monday, March 19 - Sparky the Fire Dog Day. Story and activities., 6 PM. Tuesday, March 20 - Spring has sprung! Let's plant seeds! Also, we shall celebrate Mr. Rogers Birthday., 1 PM. Saturday, March 24 - Egg Hunt and Bunny Hop. Pin the Tail on the Bunny and Jelly Bean Bingo, 11 AM. Monday, March 26 - Purple Day. Wear purple., 6 PM. Tuesday, March 27 - National Umbrella Day. Make tissue paper umbrellas., 1 PM Saturday, March 31 - National Crayon Day. Make crayons and a coloring contest., 11 AM. Check out our social media presence. We use Twitter, Instagram and Facebook! Follow our events!
Storytime with Miss Angie (Preschool ages) Friday's at 10 a.m. Please join us at the Donora Public Library for Storytime with Miss Angie, geared for preschool ages. Ladies’ Bridge Club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday's of each month from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Knit and Crochet Club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday's of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Book Club (Adults) meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 3:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Lion's Club Meeting is the 3rd Monday each month at 6 p.m. Monongahela Valley Community Band meets every Wednesday at 7 p.m. The Donora Public Library will partner with the Southwestern Goodwill to host a donation drive.We are once again asking anyone and everyone in the community to bring in any unwanted household items and books you no longer need or want.
the library on the first Monday of each month at 1:00pm for the viewing of a newly released film to DVD. Popcorn and water are provided. Friends of the Library Monthly meetings are held at 6:30pm on the 4th Monday of each month. Knitting at the Library meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. & the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Contact: Judy Yoskosky Afternoon Book Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of each Month at 1 p.m. Contact: Judy Wasko Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.Tiny Tykes Program For kids ages 18 months-3 years old. Please call 724-379-5511 to register.
JOHN K.TENER LIBRARY 638 Fallowfield Ave. Charleroi washlibs.org/john-k-tener Craft days for kids. A new craft will be available the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. FMI about the John K.Tener Library in Charleroi, call 724-483-8282.
BROWNSVILLE FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 SENECA ST., BROWNSVILLE WEBSITE: bfpl.org/ PHONE: 724-785-7272 Children's Spring Story Time will begin March 21, and will take place on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. through May 9. No registration required, the more the merrier! The library will be having a Celebrity Server Night Fundraiser at the Grindstone Pizza Hut on Wednesday,
March 28, from 5-8 p.m. One-on-one computer and technology classes are ongoing - call to make your appointment today. You can get your library card free of charge if you live within Fayette, Washington, or Greene County!
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 to carla@pabridges.com or call 724-769-0123.
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MARCH EVENTS AT THE FRANK SARRIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
AUDITIONS FOR DISNEY’S HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME Actors and Artists of Fayette County presents auditions for “Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame” on Friday, April 13 from 69 p.m. and Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film's Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz. The new book embraces story theatre and features verbatim passages from Hugo's gothic novel. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Audiences will be swept away by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical. Callbacks: Saturday, April 14 (Time TBD if necessary) Show Dates: June 14-17, 2018
FMI: FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/ 124270938257637/ 30
Family Escape Room Adventure - Help the Cat Get Back His Hat - This adventure is geared towards families with elementary aged students. Come and help crack codes, discover clues and solve puzzles during a 45-minute session. Call the library to register for your time slot; space is limited. Sessions available: 10a.m.-3p.m. Mar. 3. Teen Advisory Board comprised of students in grades 7-12 meet to plan, organize and lead activities that will engage and benefit members of the community. New members welcome. 67 p.m. Mar. 5. Author talk with Christopher George, author of Day-by-day with the 123d Pennsylvania Volunteers: A Nine-month Civil War Regiment from Allegheny County.The program is free but registration is required. Call 724-745-1308 to register. 1-4p.m. Mar. 10. Fiction Book Club will be discussing The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. New members are always welcome! 12p.m. Mar. 14. Teen Writers' Club (grades 7 - 12) will meet to write, share and support each other through the creative process. Whether you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, short stories or more, stop by to meet like-minded teens. 6-7p.m. Mar. 19. Page Turners - High School Book Club will be discussing The Dark Tower - The Gunslinger by Stephen King. New members are always welcome. 4-5 p.m. Mar 22. Escape Room Adventure - Dr. Johnson's Lab - This adventure is geared towards those ages 12 and up. Come help crack codes, discover clues and solve puzzles during a 45-minute session. Call the library to register for your time slot; space is limited. Sessions available: 10a.m.-3p.m. Mar. 24. Nonfiction Book Club will be discussing The Power Paradox by Dacher Kettner. New members are always welcome! Join us at 2p.m. on Mar. 27. Ultimate Gaming Friday - an after school program inviting all ages to come unwind before the weekend with our collection of video games. Friday Mar. 30. 2:30-5p.m.. Story Time for children 9 months to 5
years old - Mondays-Thursday mornings. Madcap Mondays for grades 5-8. Science, crafts, slime, painting, bots and more. Call the Children's Desk at 724745-1308 to sign up! Mondays 4:305:30 p.m. Madcap Mondays for grades 2-4. Science, crafts, slime, painting, bots and more. Call the Children's Desk at 724745-1308 to sign up! Mondays 5:306:30 p.m. Spanish Story Time - stories and songs in Spanish with Ms. Noreen.Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. Family Night is an evening story hour with stories, games and activitiesTuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Little Picassos - children ages 2-5 along with their fun loving adult can join Miss Barb for a craft with messing things like glitter, glue, water, paints etc. Dress appropriately! Wednesdays at 10:15 a.m. Lego Club meets every Wednesday 5-6 p.m. Table Top Gaming - organized board game playing time happens Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. Wiggles and Giggles - a motion class for 2-5 years old - we will be moving and dancing for 35-40 minutes! Thursdays at 11:15a.m. Of Dice and Men - Roleplaying Games take place Saturdays at 2 p.m. More from Your Library - CanonMcMillan students can earn Accelerated Reading points at the library.We have a computer reserved in the Children's Department exclusively for testing. Ancestry Resources - Come to the library to take advantage of our subscription to Ancestry.com and get started researching your family tree - you can search billions of census, immigration, military records and more! Visit the second floor of the library regularly to enjoy the exhibits provided by talented local artists and photographers.Visit our website to see what is currently on display. If you're an artist interested in displaying your work in this venue, please visit our website or stop in to get an application. Through the library's website, Frank Sarris Public Library cardholders can
access thousands of digital graphic novels and comics. Check out Typing and Keyboarding 101, Introduction to Gardening, Interview Skills and the other 500+ continuing education courses available at no cost through our website. Digital Magazines from Zinio - The Frank Sarris Public Library is the only location in the area to provide this resource, and we offer a selection of more than 40 titles. Our used book sale is ongoing and new titles are being added all the time...you can replenish your bookshelves for just $5 per bag or buy individual books for $0.25, $0.50 or $1.00. Playaway Launchpad is a pre-loaded tablet designed for a circulation environment.We have Launchpads for children, teens and adults. OverDrive - Borrow eBooks, audiobooks and Read-Along eBooks anytime, anywhere - all you need is your library card. Young Explorer Kits - These themed kits are filled with age-appropriate educational toys and other materials, and they are available to borrow. Stop by the Adult Circulation desk to borrow a Kit. New at the Library - RBDigital Borrow eBooks, audiobooks and magazines at home, in the library or on the go - all you need is your library card. Many titles are multi-access, so multiple users can check out titles at the same time, eliminating holds and wait times. RBdigital is compatible with all popular listening devices, and mobile apps are available for iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. PA DMV Practice Tests - Through the library's website, visitors can access free tests specifically based on Pennsylvania's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) materials.This website includes multiple car, motorcycle and CDL practice tests, on-line driver's manuals and a FAQ section with detailed answers to over 100 DMV related questions. For a complete listing of upcoming events and online programs, visit our website at franksarrislibrary.org, or call 724-745-1308 for more information.
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GREATER WASHINGTON COUNTY FOOD BANK
FOOD DRIVE
The Greater Washington County Food Bank will conduct a Food Drive until the end of March. Collection sites listed below.
To arrange for pick up of items, call 724-832-2190, #4
ITEMS NEEDED ARE Canned Meat Condiments Pasta & Sauces Canned & Dried Fruit Juices Personal Care Items Cleaning Supplies Paper Goods
--------2018 FOOD DRIVE COLLECTION SITES-------AVELLA Avella Food Pantry Avella Community Library BENTLEYVILLE Bentleyville Food Bank Bentleyville Public Library BURGETTSTOWN Burgettstown Food Pantry Burgettstown Library Petrucci's IGA The Shoppe Along the Way Chartiers Houston Food Pantry Chartiers Public Library CALIFORNIA California Food Bank California Public Library Center in the Woods California University of PA CANONSBURG Canonsburg Food Pantry Frank Sarris Library Bahr Hardware CECIL TOWNSHIP Jeffrie's Pharmacy Quality Quick Printing CHARLEROI Charleroi Food Bank John K.Tener Library Charleroi Borough MMVCC (Chamber) DONORA Donora Food Bank
Donora Public Library EIGHTY FOUR AREA Eighty Four Agway Claysville/Prosperity Minteer's Market FINLEYVILLE Finleyville Food Pantry Trax Farms FREDERICKTOWN Fredericktown Food Bank Fredericktown Library East Millsboro Save a Lot HICKORY Hickory Subway Hickory Dollar General MARIANNA Marianna Food Bank Marianna Library Log Cabin Fence MCDONALD Mc Donald Food Pantry Heritage Library Mc Donald Giant Eagle MIDWAY Midway Boro Building Midway Volunteer Fire Department MONONGAHELA Bartolotto's Market Monongahela Food Bank Monongahela Public Library Dierken's Pharmacy Cox Market
NORTH STRABANE North Strabane Township building North Strabane Township VFD PETERS TOWNSHIP Life Line Therapy-Water Dam Commons - 400 Water Dam Plaza Drive, Suite 260 Peters Township Public Library Goodwill Sun Chevy Miller's Ace Hardware Peters Township VFD Heisler's Market WASHINGTON COUNTY Citizen's Library Goodwill Mike's Feed Store Ann's Feed Middletown Tractor Sales Washington Crown Center March Kids Fest Log Cabin Fence 1st floor of Courthouse Square Bldg 1st floor of the Courthouse Lobby of the Jail Lobby of the Washington County Health Center Washington County Conservation District/Watershed Association
FISH FRY AT COKEBURG PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 100 WASHINGTON STREET, COKEBURG, PA Fish Dinner $9 - Includes Scrod Fish, French Fries or Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, Bun, & Pie Shrimp Dinner $9 - Includes 6 Jumbo Shrimp, French Fries or Mac & Cheese, Coleslaw, & Pie
Mac & Cheese Dinner $4.25 - Includes Mac & Cheese, Bun, Coleslaw, & Pie Cabbage & Noodles $2.50 French Fries or Mac & Cheese $2 Side of Coleslaw $1.50 Pie $2
PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com
TAX HELP FOR THE ELDERLY The Fayette County Community Action Agency will be assisting local residents with their income tax return this tax season. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) offers free tax help to people who earn $53,000 or less and cannot afford professional assistance.Volunteers will be available to help prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers with special needs, including persons with disabilities, low to moderate income, unemployed, and elderly taxpayers. Trained and certified community volunteers can help eligible taxpayer with credits, such as the EITC, Child Tax Credit or Credit for the Elderly Located at the Uniontown Mall, the days of operation are Monday thru Friday from 9a.m. to 3 p.m.. Mondays and Wednesdays- Walkins, and Tuesdays,Thursdays, & Fridays - appointment only,To schedule an appointment the number to call is 724-430-6430. This year we have another tax site location in the Masontown area by appointment only on Thursdays. For taxpayers who want to prepare and file their own tax returns electronically, there is IRS Free File. Individuals or families with 2015 adjusted gross incomes of $60,000 or less can file their taxes by using the free file software, www.freefile.irs.gov The VITA-TCE Program for Fayette County is sponsored by Fayette County Community Action Agency and is funded by the United States Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service and United Way. FMI: fccaa.org 31