Traveling with TODAY: Pennsylvania hiking and star gazing

Pennsylvania Hiking and Star Gazing

In the winter 2019 edition of UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY, you might remember reading about a camping adventure of four USC moms to French Creek State Park in September of that year. During that trip, the group didn’t have much luck seeing the nightly stars because of a full moon and cloud-covered skies. This past May, Katie Perrotti, Ashley Collins, and Kerry Turner, were joined by Claire Cass on a similar camping trip. But, with a new moon and clear night skies, the star gazing in rural Pennsylvania was spectacular! The campground was basic and didn’t have showers. But, for four moms in a tent for two nights, it was perfect! The days were filled with hiking and exploring. The evenings were meant for lying in the fields Blue Run Rock hike, where the group found a hard-rated geocache and watching shooting stars. One of the highlights this year was a visit to Colton Point State Park, a 368acre park in Tioga County on the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge, a 47-mile gorge known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. After taking some pictures with the TODAY magazine, the group left the park and drove to Blue Run Rocks hiking trail, a 3.5 mile trek suggested to them by people who follow and post on the Hiking and Backpacking Pennsylvania Facebook page. The difficult hike pushed them and was rewarding! Knowing they were going to see rock formations, they were mesmerized when, through the trees after Kinzua State Park still shows signs hiking more than a mile, views were like something out of an In- of tornado destruction diana Jones movie. To top it off, while exploring and climbing the rocks, they found a really hard-rated geocache that hadn’t been logged on Geocaching.com since 2014. The final adventure (and on the way home) was a repeat stop to Kinzua State Park in McKean County. During the group’s last visit, they braved the Pine Creek Gorge, the Grand skywalk bridge. Having more time to spare on this trip, they hiked down

Canyon of Pennsylvania to the valley below the bridge and walked amongst the mounds of debris. “Feeling so small, it was awesome to observe what destruction Mother Nature can do (and a 2003 tornado did) to this man-made structure,” said Kerry. n

Discovering History

Koreshan State Park, in Estero, Florida, offers a window into the lives of a religious pioneer group and maintains 300+ acres as a discovery park and memorial. The Koreshan Unity Settlement was founded in 1880 by Dr. Cyril Teed of Moravia, New York. In 1984, it moved its original group of 200 (mainly from Chicago) to Florida along the banks of the Estero River to develop their utopian community. The group, who shared a commitment to Christian communal living and a belief that the universe existed on the inside of the Earth, operated a store, bakery, sawmill, boat works, printing press, and machine shop. Educa- A drawing of Cyril and Fidelia Teed is placed in tion, science, and art all played a major role in front of Planetary Court, a house built in 1904 shaping the community. where seven members of the governing council lived, including Fidelia.After the death of Teed in 1908, and without his strong leadership, membership declined. In 1961, and with only four members left, the group disbanded and deeded the land and assorted buildings to the state of Florida. Today, visitors can experience the past with tours of the encampment, as well as enjoy hiking, canoeing, and tent camping in a natural setting. TODAY was interested to learn about this commune A hiking path, surrounded by bamboo trees, follows the meandering Estero River, which of people in U.S. history. n was the main means of transportation during For more information, visit floridastateparks.org the settlement’s early days. or call 239-992-0311. Gopher tortoises make their burrowed

homes on the grounds of the park.

Cradled by the world’s oldest mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a retreat of all sorts. Relatively mild weather keeps the bountiful outdoors accessible year round. TODAY travelled there this past May. Explore Asheville early on in your trip using the Gray Line Trolley. Normally a hop-on, hop-off adventure, the pandemic curtailed the tour to a 90-minute trip without stop options. Nonetheless, it was a great way to learn about the city and its surroundings, and helped determine what sites to further investigate. Traversing the Blue Ridge Parkway by car for scenic vistas is a must. Hikers and mountain bikers, alike, love the cardio workouts offered by stepping and peddling into the many nearby mountain trails for spectacular sights, including Catawba Falls in Pisgah National Forest for its mesmerizing tumbling rapids. Shopping Asheville boasts “local” and offers hip boutiques, consignment shops, craft galleries, and novelty bookstores among great eateries found tucked into vibrant street corners. Check out the developing River Arts District (RAD), with more than 200 local artists clustered inside previous industrial buildings along the banks of the French Broad River.

Catawba Falls in Pisgah While opportunities to listen to music are still emerging after the pandemic, local bluegrass and other National Forest forms of jazz can normally be heard from musicians perched on street corners and in established venues. Visit South Slopes, where beer’s the boss! The wave of craft breweries that began in 1994 has continued to expand and create a city that boasts more breweries per capita than most anywhere in the county. Brewers tap into pristine water that streams down from the surrounding mountain springs and includes an abundance of Appalachian flora and other heirloom ingredients. Nearby Hendersonville is home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. It’s definitely worth the short car ride for the libations, as well as the grand facilities.

Omni Grove Park Inn, just outside of town, has a spectacular front porch view of the Blue Ridge Mountains (a portion of the Appalachian Mountains that span from Newfoundland, Canada to central Alabama) and is a suggested stop for, at least, cocktails if not overnight.

Just south of town is the esteemed Biltmore Estate. Built for George and Edith Vanderbilt, descendants of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the transportation guru, this 250-room 1895 French Renaissance chateau remains America’s largest home. Schedule a tour. The 8000-acre gardens are equally as impressive, especially during Biltmore Blooms (April–May), as is the nearby winery and Biltmore village, which resembles a small English hamlet.

So much to see, so much to do during this four-day excursion! n

TODAY enjoyed a Trolley Line tour along with, left to right, Dan and Mary Repischak, Bryan Shellenberger, and Kathy Parry A brewery in South Slopes

Traveling for a Concert

In May 2021, when life began to normalize, TODAY travelled to Delray Beach, Florida, to attend an outdoor concert, a first for 2021 and a first since the pandemic’s beginning in March 2020. Musician Jimmy Buffett, along with some of his Coral Reefer friends and singer Caroline Jones, played to an intimate crowd

Seating was in pods of four

of 800. At an outdoor venue on Delray’s Atlantic Avenue at Old School Square, seating was in pods of four to follow required protocol.

The music was tropical rock and roll, and the energized crowd sang along to some of JB’s most wellknown songs. n

Instructions for Traveling with TODAY

Read the following criteria to find out how to submit information. • Clear, close-up digital photo of USC resident(s) holding his or her TODAY magazine. • Attach jpg (at least 300 dpi) and send via email, including required information (see below) in the body of the email. • List name(s) of resident(s), group, and specific photo location, and objective of visit (leisure, volunteer, career, etc.) or stay-athome project. • Include email address or phone number should further contact be necessary. • Email information to usctoday@uscsd.k12. pa.us, with “TODAY” listed in subject line.

Note: Submitted photos and information for this feature section will remain on file for upcoming editions until published.

35th annual

Lanny Frattare

Golf Classic

Date: Monday, September 13, 11:30 a.m. shotgun start to 18 hole scramble, followed by 5 p.m. cocktail reception, 6 p.m. dinner and awards Location: Chartiers Country Club, 601 Baldwin Road, Pittsburgh Benefit: Familylinks

Tickets and sponsorship

information: Visit familylinks.org

USCHS Class Reunions

The USCHS class of 1970 will celebrate its long awaited 50+1 reunion September 24–26.

The USC Class of 1971 will celebrate its 50 th reunion October 1–2.

For more reunion information, see pages 41 and 42 in the School District section and check out USC’s alumni website at Connect2uscsd.com.

Rotary Chicken BBQ

USC-Bethel Park Rotary Breakfast Club Chicken BBQ. Price: $15 meal is half BBQ chicken, baked beans, coleslaw, roll, and dessert Date/Time: Saturday, October 9, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Location: Bethel Park High School, 309 Church Road, Bethel Park Benefit: Local charities Tickets: Visit Rotary’s Facebook page @USCBP. Rotary or day-of tickets available (if not sold out)

Fall Events at Boyce Mayview Park

For a list of familyfriendly fall events at USC Township’s Boyce Mayview Park, see page 60.

Town Hall South Speaker Series

Town Hall South’s 52nd season is approaching this fall. Town Hall South’s board postponed the season for one year, from 2020–21 to 2021–22, to ensure the health and safety of their audience due to COVID-19. The slate of five speakers agreed to move their scheduled appearances to the 2021–22 season, including Dan Rather on October 5, Kevin Surace on November 9, Leon Logothetis on December 7, Richard Stengel on February 1, 2022, and Dr. Temple Grandin on March 15, 2022.

Tuesday lectures take place at 10 a.m. in the USCHS theater.

For further information, visit www.townhallsouth.org.

Craft Show

The Labouré Ladies Guild (FKA the DeMarillac Guild of St. Louise de Marillac Parish) will hold its annual Joy of Christmas craft show Saturday, November 20, 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m., at St. Louise de Marillac School and LeGras Parish Center, 320 McMurray Road, USC. One hundred and twenty-one crafters will attend and there will also be a Chinese auction. $2 admission fee includes a ticket for the auction. Lunch and snacks available. Due to the order of the Upper St. Clair fire marshall, strollers are not permitted.

Plans to Improve Morton Field Complex

Aerial view of the Morton Field complex

Upgrades and additions are coming to USC’s Morton Field complex! USC Township started a master plan process this past spring to guide staff in prioritizing and implementing park improvements to continue providing a highquality, all-inclusive place for recreation and a trail system. In July, a survey was made available for public input. The park, located along Morton Road, currently includes baseball fields, a concession stand, soccer/lacrosse fields, a playground, a pavilion, and trail connections to Boyce Mayview Park. Stay up to date on the project by visiting mortonfieldcomplex.com. n

Advertiser Index

Fall 2021

www.twpusc.org/usctoday

Advanced Surgical Hospital ................................................................... 69 Affordable Decks & Additions ................................................................. 67 Anderson Music Academy ...................................................................... 44 * Angelo Associates .................................................................................. 77 Arbor Tree Specialists, Inc. ...................................................................... 59 Ardolino’s ..................................................................................................9 Asbury Heights ...................................................................................... 72 Bactronix Corp. ....................................................................................... 83 Ballet Academy of Pittsburgh ................................................................. 49 * Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, The Preferred Realty, Rt. 19 South ...2 * Brookside Lumber .................................................................................. 83 Burn Bootcamp–McMurray .................................................................... 71 * Calabro Tire & Auto Service .................................................................... 77 * Coldwell Banker–Lynn Dempsey ............................................................ 81 Coldwell Banker–Dora Rudick ................................................................ 17 * Coldwell Banker–South Hills Office ..............................Outside back cover C&RC at Boyce Mayview Park ................................................................. 70 * Cupelli & Cupelli, Drs. ............................................................................ 27 Davey Tree and Lawn Care ...................................................................... 67

Davit, Flavia, Dr. ..................................................................................... 75 * Extended Day Services ........................................................................... 49 Friendship Village of South Hills .................................. Front cover, 10, 11 G’s Landscape & Supply LLC ................................................................... 77 G’s Window and Gutter Cleaning ........................................................... 67 George Girty Landscape Design ............................................................. 81 Greater Pittsburgh Plumbing, Heating & Cooling ................................. 42 Hastings South Fayette–Charter Homes & Neighborhoods ......................5 * Howard Hanna–Diane Horvath .............................................................. 67 * Howard Hanna–USC Office .............................................Inside front cover

J&A South Park, LLC Heating-Cooling-Plumbing-Electric ....................... 57 * Keller Williams–Sandy and Marshall Goldstein ..................................... 27 * Kerr Family and Cosmetic Dentistry ....................................................... 43 Lewis Music Studio ................................................................................ 47 Little Lake Theatre Company .................................................................. 49 * Manalo, Larry E., DMD ........................................................................... 43 Mister Sewer .......................................................................................... 19 Mt. Lebanon Awning .............................................................................. 77 * Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center ............................................................. 73 Movement Mortgage–Kevin O’Laughlin ................................................ 17 * Pinebridge Commons Associates ........................................................... 43 * Providence Point, a Baptist Homes Society community ......................... 68 * Rusmur Floors ................................................................. Inside back cover * St. Clair Health ....................................................................................3, 87 * Scott Bros. Windows and Doors ............................................................. 35 * Sesame Inn ............................................................................................ 29 Shoot 360–Pittsburgh ............................................................................ 69 South Hills Endoscopy Center ...................................................................1 South Hills Junior Orchestra .................................................................. 49

Southwest Gastroenterology Associates ...................................................7 * State Farm Insurance–Cindy Brophy ...................................................... 45 The Dance Conservatory of Pittsburgh ................................................... 46 * Thomas Dance Studio ............................................................................ 45 Torrente Apartment Homes .......................................................................9 Troy Orthodontics ................................................................................... 43 * Washington Health System ................................................................... 75 * Wellington Real Estate–Patty Thomas & Rebecca Lutz ........................... 15 Welter, Julie, Realtor® ............................................................................ 29

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