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> Collier Flag Day
> What Makes CV So Lovable?
> Student Diary: The Big
> What Makes CV So Lovable?
#1. The Rock Quarry
#2. Bridgevilles Revived
Community Day
#3. Colliers Best Kept Secret
#4. Bridgeville Area
Food Bank
#5. Bridgevilles Skate Park
#6. The Kane Woods Trail
#7. Homecoming Carnival
#8. Colliers Flag Day
#9. CV Musicals
#10. SnakeEyes!
#11. Keeping Silent
about Doing Good
#12. A Special
Summer Festival
#13. Scottie, the Scott
Twnsp Library Mascot
#14. StudyBuddies
#15. Stay Cool at Scott Pool
> Focus on Education> Student Diary: The Big
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What Makes CV So Lovable?
Its a fierce loyalty that residents
show when asked why they love
living in Chartiers Valley. Sometimes
the reasons given are obvious, other
times outsiders might have a hard
time grasping the point. Our editors
and writers have come up with a
list of the good, the bad and the
more mystifying observations of why
residents love Chartiers Valley.
For an event that debuted just days
after Sept. 11 and was canceled due
to Hurricane Ivan a few years later,
the annual Rock the Quarry
fundraiser held in Collier Township
each year has shown remarkable
resilience. The event has survived
tough times to rival Carnegies Blues
Fest as the premier showcase of live
music in the South Western suburbs.
This falls Rock the Quarry, scheduled for September 12 and 13, at the old rock quarry along the Panhandle Trail in Collier, marks its ninth year. Proceeds benefit the trail.
Money raised has been spent fixing flood-ravaged stream banks, installing fencing, resurfacing, and otherwise sprucing up the local section of the 29-mile trail that runs from Walkers Mill in Collier to Weirton, West Virginia.
Though now a major community event, the quarry concert began in humble circumstances. Back in 2000, former Collier Commissioner Doreen Ducsay organized a night hike along the trail as a way to promote its virtues. It was so wellreceived that the following year, a full day-long event was planned. The celebration was scheduled for Sept. 15. The organizers opted not to cancel it, instead turning it into a sort of remembrance ceremony.
Several hundred people showed up. They decided to go ahead because they thought it would be a good community spirit event, recalls Commissioner Kay Downey-Clarke. Since then, each subsequent Rock the Quarry has included a sunset vigil to remember those who lost their lives on September 11. Along with a prayer, a singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and sometimes Taps, 40 candles are floated in the nearby pond to honor the passengers who died on Flight 93.
The next year the concert was back in full swing, and proved a big hit. Except for 2004, when Ivan struck, the concert has grown ever since. These days, the event is drawing well over 2,500 people and attracting all sorts of vendors.
When this started, Downey- Clarke recalls, we sold hot dogs and kielbasa. Then we added hand-cut French fries. Today, there are so many different kinds of foods available. To check it out for yourself, stop by the Panhandle Trail on Sept. 12 or 13.
This falls Rock the Quarry, scheduled for September 12 and 13, at the old rock quarry along the Panhandle Trail in Collier, marks its ninth year. Proceeds benefit the trail.
Money raised has been spent fixing flood-ravaged stream banks, installing fencing, resurfacing, and otherwise sprucing up the local section of the 29-mile trail that runs from Walkers Mill in Collier to Weirton, West Virginia.
Though now a major community event, the quarry concert began in humble circumstances. Back in 2000, former Collier Commissioner Doreen Ducsay organized a night hike along the trail as a way to promote its virtues. It was so wellreceived that the following year, a full day-long event was planned. The celebration was scheduled for Sept. 15. The organizers opted not to cancel it, instead turning it into a sort of remembrance ceremony.
Several hundred people showed up. They decided to go ahead because they thought it would be a good community spirit event, recalls Commissioner Kay Downey-Clarke. Since then, each subsequent Rock the Quarry has included a sunset vigil to remember those who lost their lives on September 11. Along with a prayer, a singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and sometimes Taps, 40 candles are floated in the nearby pond to honor the passengers who died on Flight 93.
The next year the concert was back in full swing, and proved a big hit. Except for 2004, when Ivan struck, the concert has grown ever since. These days, the event is drawing well over 2,500 people and attracting all sorts of vendors.
When this started, Downey- Clarke recalls, we sold hot dogs and kielbasa. Then we added hand-cut French fries. Today, there are so many different kinds of foods available. To check it out for yourself, stop by the Panhandle Trail on Sept. 12 or 13.
It wasnt so long ago that Bridgevilles annual
Community Day was dying a quiet death. For
years a virtual non-event, it was hidden away
at the hard-to-access Chartiers Park and
sparsely attended. The only people who turned
up seemed to be those who had friends or
relatives involved.
But then the committee responsible for organizing the event had an idea why not move Community Day to where it belongs, in the heart of town? Community Day kept diminishing year after year, says Councilwoman Mary Weise, who is a member of the Community Day planning committee. It dawned on us why. The majority of people want to mingle with other people in town on the street, not down at the park.
In 2006, the borough closed down part of Washington Avenue turned it into a genuine celebration of Bridgeville. The location highlighted Bridgevilles vibrant business district while allowing senior citizens and folks without cars to easily take part in the festivities. Even a mini-railroad train was introduced that people could ride for a tour of the borough.
Weve had such a good time, Weise remarks. Its amazing how many people who I hadnt seen in some time would stop and say, Mary how are you?
With the larger crowds has come increased interest from vendors. Two years ago there were 24 booths set up. This past June there were nearly 50.
Everyone gets involved, Weise says. Even every church in the region had a booth.
But then the committee responsible for organizing the event had an idea why not move Community Day to where it belongs, in the heart of town? Community Day kept diminishing year after year, says Councilwoman Mary Weise, who is a member of the Community Day planning committee. It dawned on us why. The majority of people want to mingle with other people in town on the street, not down at the park.
In 2006, the borough closed down part of Washington Avenue turned it into a genuine celebration of Bridgeville. The location highlighted Bridgevilles vibrant business district while allowing senior citizens and folks without cars to easily take part in the festivities. Even a mini-railroad train was introduced that people could ride for a tour of the borough.
Weve had such a good time, Weise remarks. Its amazing how many people who I hadnt seen in some time would stop and say, Mary how are you?
With the larger crowds has come increased interest from vendors. Two years ago there were 24 booths set up. This past June there were nearly 50.
Everyone gets involved, Weise says. Even every church in the region had a booth.
Photos by Robert Isenberg
One of the great historical
landmarks of Allegheny
County is also one of the
lesser-known attractions in
Collier Township.
Just across the street from Collier Towne Center is the former home of General John Neville, hero of the Revolutionary War and prominent figure in the Whiskey Rebellion.
The estate, called the Woodville Plantation, is one of only eight national historic landmarks in Allegheny County, and is the oldest house in the region still open to the public. But many people dont even realize its there.
One thing we hear almost every time we get new visitors is someone saying, Ive lived in the area for 50 years and I never knew what this was, says Rob Windhorst, president of the Neville House Association (NHA), the non-profit group that owns and cares for the house.
It is the second area home of John Neville, who fought at the side of General Edward Braddock during the French-Indian War and later rose to the rank of colonel in George Washingtons Continental Army, seeing action at Trenton, Monmouth, and Germantown. After the war, Neville was promoted to general and became a tax collector under the new American government.
Most of Nevilles fame or notoriety, depending on your politics comes from the Whiskey Rebellion. Not long after the Revolutionary War ended, the federal government began taxing distilleries to pay for the nations war debt. The issue that became incendiary was that the new tax favored large-scale distilleries, allowing them to pay a lower rate than liquor-makers putting out a few bottles at a time. This led to unrest among small-time Western Pennsylvania distillers. Collecting taxes at the time, General Neville came under gunfire from angry farmers
when trying to collect. On
one occasion, a group of
angry men surrounded
Nevilles Bower Hill
mansion, leading to a
confrontation that saw
Neville shoot one of the
protestors. The next day, in
an incident that helped convince President Washington to dispatch
soldiers to the area,
a mob burned down
Nevilles house.
The Woodville estate still
stands, though, under the
care of the Neville House
group, and is on its way to
being completely restored
with historical accuracy. The
back story alone makes the
Neville House worth visiting,
but making it more enticing
still are the frequent
activities held on the
property. Recent lectures
have examined everything
from what life was like
as a Native American in the
18th century to how our
forefathers cooked and did
laundry.
Its a labor of love for the volunteers here, Windhorst says. To have something of this caliber is a true gem for Collier Township.
The Woodville Plantation is open for self-guided outdoor tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indoor tours of the house are held every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.woodvilleplantation.org.
Just across the street from Collier Towne Center is the former home of General John Neville, hero of the Revolutionary War and prominent figure in the Whiskey Rebellion.
The estate, called the Woodville Plantation, is one of only eight national historic landmarks in Allegheny County, and is the oldest house in the region still open to the public. But many people dont even realize its there.
One thing we hear almost every time we get new visitors is someone saying, Ive lived in the area for 50 years and I never knew what this was, says Rob Windhorst, president of the Neville House Association (NHA), the non-profit group that owns and cares for the house.
It is the second area home of John Neville, who fought at the side of General Edward Braddock during the French-Indian War and later rose to the rank of colonel in George Washingtons Continental Army, seeing action at Trenton, Monmouth, and Germantown. After the war, Neville was promoted to general and became a tax collector under the new American government.
Most of Nevilles fame or notoriety, depending on your politics comes from the Whiskey Rebellion. Not long after the Revolutionary War ended, the federal government began taxing distilleries to pay for the nations war debt. The issue that became incendiary was that the new tax favored large-scale distilleries, allowing them to pay a lower rate than liquor-makers putting out a few bottles at a time. This led to unrest among small-time Western Pennsylvania distillers. Collecting taxes at the time, General Neville came under gunfire from angry farmers
Photos by Robert Isenbergg
Its a labor of love for the volunteers here, Windhorst says. To have something of this caliber is a true gem for Collier Township.
The Woodville Plantation is open for self-guided outdoor tours Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Indoor tours of the house are held every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.woodvilleplantation.org.
Hunger is an ever-present issue and
many communities respond by setting
up food pantries. At its monthly food
distributions, the Bridgeville Area Food
Bank helps feed more than 70 area
families. By donating just a few hours a
month, its 35 volunteers make a huge
difference in the lives of those they
help. For more information on donating
or volunteering, call 412-221-5132.
What a problem Bridgeville once had.
Skateboarding was becoming increasingly popular,
but local kids had nowhere to skate that didnt
incense the public. The police department was
inundated with calls about teenagers skating in
parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and other places
decidedly dangerous for the kids, pedestrians,
and parked cars.
Think what you will of the effectiveness of
local elected officials, but back in 2005 or so,
the borough council took action. Bridgeville
secured a large state grant to overhaul
McLaughlin Park and included in the new plans a
full-fledged skate park. There was some
concern about insurance liability and other issues,
but the plan moved forward and the park opened
two years ago. The result?
Bridgeville police are receiving fewer complaints about kids skating in the streets.
Although the park hasnt been completely trouble free with the occasional fight and bout of graffiti on the whole McLaughlin Park is being utilized more than ever. Skaters have a place to go and, frankly, township residents generally like the idea of government spotting a problem and tackling it in a simple and cost-effective way.
Photo by Kerri McMullen
Bridgeville police are receiving fewer complaints about kids skating in the streets.
Although the park hasnt been completely trouble free with the occasional fight and bout of graffiti on the whole McLaughlin Park is being utilized more than ever. Skaters have a place to go and, frankly, township residents generally like the idea of government spotting a problem and tackling it in a simple and cost-effective way.
Chartiers Valley area has no
shortage of walking trails. Area
residents already have quick access
to the Panhandle and Montour
Trails. Later this month, a third will
open in the Kane Woods property in
Scott Township (near the
intersection of Main Street and
Scrubgrass Road).
Developed by the Scott Conservancy on a 50-plus acre swath of forested land that the group obtained in 2003, the nearly three-mile path has a notable historical background the path follows the approximate route that General John Neville took in the early days of the Whiskey Rebellion as he retreated from his mansion on Bower Hill to Old St. Lukes Church (see Neville story on page 29).
The Scott Conservancy has
been working to honor that legacy
by naming the trails in the Scott
nature preserve after leading figures
and events in the Whiskey
Rebellion. One is named after Tom
the Tinker, one of the leaders of the
Rebellion, and another for Neville. A
Liberty Pole, a symbol around which
the rebels gathered, has been
erected, and the Conservancy has
placed story boards at key sites
along the trails explaining the
Rebellion. Brochures will also be
available for visitors who want to
learn more about the Rebellion.
The land is situated along the wooded hillsides bordering the new Providence Point development, site of the old Kane Hospital, and is ideal for hiking, bird watching, and other forms of outdoor recreation.
The main trails have color markings on the trees while newer side trails have ribbons to follow. The Kane Woods is also located near Scott Park, and the Conservancy is studying ways with the township to link the park and nature preserve so residents can easily enjoy both in a single outing.
Developed by the Scott Conservancy on a 50-plus acre swath of forested land that the group obtained in 2003, the nearly three-mile path has a notable historical background the path follows the approximate route that General John Neville took in the early days of the Whiskey Rebellion as he retreated from his mansion on Bower Hill to Old St. Lukes Church (see Neville story on page 29).
Photo by Erin Goldberger
The land is situated along the wooded hillsides bordering the new Providence Point development, site of the old Kane Hospital, and is ideal for hiking, bird watching, and other forms of outdoor recreation.
The main trails have color markings on the trees while newer side trails have ribbons to follow. The Kane Woods is also located near Scott Park, and the Conservancy is studying ways with the township to link the park and nature preserve so residents can easily enjoy both in a single outing.
Chartiers Valley has cooked
up the perfect formula for its
high school students to express
their pride in their school.
Every year, a few days before the homecoming football game, the students host a Homecoming Carnival.
The football stadium parking lot comes alive with games, food, and activities all designed by the student body. Virtually every club, group, and student organization sets up a booth.
Past years have seen dunking tanks, obstacle courses, Chinese auctions, and carnivalstyle games of skill.
In the past decade or so, under the care of Dr. Terri Flynn, high school principal, and Kate Taylor, student council sponsor, the carnival has grown from a rag-tag collection of booths into one of the biggest community events of the year, attracting people from all walks of life. Last year the carnival raised $8,000.
This combination of selfinterest (each student group keeps the money its booth raises), competition (theres a $500 prize for best booth, plus bragging rights), and school symbolism (outside of a major sporting event, youll never see so many CV sweatshirts, tshirts, and jogging pants) might represent the perfect expression of what school spirit really is a genuine, active involvement in the promotion and betterment of the school district.
Its wonderful to see all these kids work together to develop the carnival, Taylor says, from athletes, to arts students, to the academically inclined National Honor students. Im always amazed to see how many people from the community show up. Its a sea of people in the parking lot
Every year, a few days before the homecoming football game, the students host a Homecoming Carnival.
The football stadium parking lot comes alive with games, food, and activities all designed by the student body. Virtually every club, group, and student organization sets up a booth.
Past years have seen dunking tanks, obstacle courses, Chinese auctions, and carnivalstyle games of skill.
In the past decade or so, under the care of Dr. Terri Flynn, high school principal, and Kate Taylor, student council sponsor, the carnival has grown from a rag-tag collection of booths into one of the biggest community events of the year, attracting people from all walks of life. Last year the carnival raised $8,000.
This combination of selfinterest (each student group keeps the money its booth raises), competition (theres a $500 prize for best booth, plus bragging rights), and school symbolism (outside of a major sporting event, youll never see so many CV sweatshirts, tshirts, and jogging pants) might represent the perfect expression of what school spirit really is a genuine, active involvement in the promotion and betterment of the school district.
Its wonderful to see all these kids work together to develop the carnival, Taylor says, from athletes, to arts students, to the academically inclined National Honor students. Im always amazed to see how many people from the community show up. Its a sea of people in the parking lot
In many parts of the
country, Flag Day is
a nearly forgotten
holiday. Thats why
its nice to see
Collier keep alive
the tradition each
year with its Flag
Day celebration. And
of all the
communities in the
country, few are
more suited than
Collier to host an
extravaganza
honoring Old Glory.
For while the concept of Flag Day dates back to the Civil War, it didnt become an official national holiday until Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress in 1949.
At Trumans side
was William T. Kerr,
a native of Collier
Township who had
long lobbied
Washington to set
aside a day to honor
the flag.
Born in 1868,
Kerr was a patriot
from an early age.
His father, a Civil War veteran would tell him tales of his war service, and at age 14, young William was already giving public speeches about why Americans should honor the Flag. If we have a day to celebrate our independence, then we should have a day to honor our country and flag, and Im going to do something about it, he would say.
At the age of 20, he organized the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania. Kerr helped convince President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 to declare June 14 Flag Day. Most people would have been happy with the presidential proclamation, but Kerr wanted to see the holiday become official by pushing it through the Congress. He was 81 on the day he stood behind Truman as the president made Flag Day a national holiday.
For its part, Collier began its Flag Day celebrations in 1999, upon the completion of the Flag and Veterans Memorial that now sits outside the municipal building.
(Previously, Collier observed Heritage Days, a more general honoring of its history and neighborhoods.) The event has become one of the most popular community celebrations in the Chartiers Valley area and one of the great patriotic days of the year.
For while the concept of Flag Day dates back to the Civil War, it didnt become an official national holiday until Harry Truman signed an Act of Congress in 1949.
His father, a Civil War veteran would tell him tales of his war service, and at age 14, young William was already giving public speeches about why Americans should honor the Flag. If we have a day to celebrate our independence, then we should have a day to honor our country and flag, and Im going to do something about it, he would say.
At the age of 20, he organized the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania. Kerr helped convince President Woodrow Wilson in 1916 to declare June 14 Flag Day. Most people would have been happy with the presidential proclamation, but Kerr wanted to see the holiday become official by pushing it through the Congress. He was 81 on the day he stood behind Truman as the president made Flag Day a national holiday.
For its part, Collier began its Flag Day celebrations in 1999, upon the completion of the Flag and Veterans Memorial that now sits outside the municipal building.
(Previously, Collier observed Heritage Days, a more general honoring of its history and neighborhoods.) The event has become one of the most popular community celebrations in the Chartiers Valley area and one of the great patriotic days of the year.
Some schools are
known primarily for
their academics.
Many earn notice for
their athletics
programs. Still others
gain fame for their
marching bands.
Chartiers Valley is no slouch in any of those areas, but if we had to pick the first thing that comes to mind when we think of CV, its theater.
Specifically, spring musicals.
Every year for as long as we can remember, CVs students and faculty its worth noting that Renee Keil has directed every CV musical since 1975 have blown us away with the style, grace, and sheer energy they bring to each production. Whether turning Beauty and the Beast into a 2005 Kelly Awards blockbuster or breathing new life into the nearly-ancient Damn Yankees the following year, the schools theater department is something of which the entire community can be proud.
Chartiers Valley is no slouch in any of those areas, but if we had to pick the first thing that comes to mind when we think of CV, its theater.
Specifically, spring musicals.
Every year for as long as we can remember, CVs students and faculty its worth noting that Renee Keil has directed every CV musical since 1975 have blown us away with the style, grace, and sheer energy they bring to each production. Whether turning Beauty and the Beast into a 2005 Kelly Awards blockbuster or breathing new life into the nearly-ancient Damn Yankees the following year, the schools theater department is something of which the entire community can be proud.
Few American institutions are as unfairly skewered as
bingo. The butt of countless jokes, bingo is often regarded
as a pastime of last resort for people too old to do
anything else. A cursory glance at a local bingo hall seems
to support this most of the players youll see are past
retirement age. But what the critics dont understand is
that bingo is actually fun. Not unlike watching the Steelers
attempt a last-second field goal, sitting in a bingo hall
waiting for that one number you need to be called can
conjure up a delicious blend of tension and excitement
familiar to fans of any game or sport.
And frankly, it can be ferociously competitive. A famous episode of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm has the lead character investigating allegations of rigged bingo games at a local senior home. The bingo contests taking place at fire halls and churches in the Chartiers Valley area havent come to that, but look at the intensity on the faces of those people playing 12, 16, even 20 cards at a time, and you know theyre in it to win. And those lucky troll dolls arent there for decorative purposes.
Bingo may be one of those traditions that younger people might gravitate to if they could just get past the stigma. Rather than sitting around summer evenings complaining that theres nothing to do, a visit to a bingo hall to match skills with a seasoned bingo player whos scanning two dozen cards every few seconds could be an exciting and humbling experience.
And frankly, it can be ferociously competitive. A famous episode of the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm has the lead character investigating allegations of rigged bingo games at a local senior home. The bingo contests taking place at fire halls and churches in the Chartiers Valley area havent come to that, but look at the intensity on the faces of those people playing 12, 16, even 20 cards at a time, and you know theyre in it to win. And those lucky troll dolls arent there for decorative purposes.
Bingo may be one of those traditions that younger people might gravitate to if they could just get past the stigma. Rather than sitting around summer evenings complaining that theres nothing to do, a visit to a bingo hall to match skills with a seasoned bingo player whos scanning two dozen cards every few seconds could be an exciting and humbling experience.
Andy Huwe had heard of the Rotary
Club, but when he was asked to join
the local chapter, he wasnt sure what
to think.
I was kind of curious about what exactly the Rotary did, the Bridgeville chiropractor says. I didnt know all that much about it.
His confusion was understandable given the decidedly anti-promotional stance of the Rotary. The organizations motto is Service Above Self, and while the group is involved with countless charitable organizations both locally and around the world, it does very little to publicize itself. Typically, the only time a non-member will hear of the Rotary is in a flyer or newspaper notice for one of its fundraisers, like the Hickory Wintery Golf Outing, or the Chili Cook-Off. In fact, one longstanding tradition is that Rotary members have to pay a $1 fine every time their name appears in a newspaper or magazine article (sorry Andy).
Though the Rotary doesnt do much to tout its good works, the business owners and other professionals who make up its membership have done plenty to make the organizations presence felt in the community. Every spring, it awards academic scholarships to local high school seniors; it helps finance Camp Aim, a YMCA program for underprivileged children; it also lends support to the local food bank, Meals on Wheels, local parks, and more.
For Huwe, who ended up not only joining, but becoming the current president of the Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary, one of the most memorable times was shortly after the floods of 2004, when Rotary members were able to assist victims, many of whom had their entire houses flooded. The food, care packages, and other help the Rotary offered may have seemed small, but to the people who were struggling to recover, it meant a lot.
I think the Rotarys work brought a glimmer of light and hope to those who were affected by the floods, Huwe says. Thats what I enjoy about being a part of Rotary. Its rewarding to be able to help your neighbors and also help out causes internationally.
The Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary Clubs Second Annual Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for October 12 at Fairview Park (dont worry its the Steelers bye week). The event features chili made by entrants in four categories: individual, non-profit groups, restaurants, and non-food businesses. The tasting starts at noon. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-12, and free for kids 6 and under. For information about entering your recipe, call Kevin Biber at 412-221-9250.
I was kind of curious about what exactly the Rotary did, the Bridgeville chiropractor says. I didnt know all that much about it.
His confusion was understandable given the decidedly anti-promotional stance of the Rotary. The organizations motto is Service Above Self, and while the group is involved with countless charitable organizations both locally and around the world, it does very little to publicize itself. Typically, the only time a non-member will hear of the Rotary is in a flyer or newspaper notice for one of its fundraisers, like the Hickory Wintery Golf Outing, or the Chili Cook-Off. In fact, one longstanding tradition is that Rotary members have to pay a $1 fine every time their name appears in a newspaper or magazine article (sorry Andy).
Though the Rotary doesnt do much to tout its good works, the business owners and other professionals who make up its membership have done plenty to make the organizations presence felt in the community. Every spring, it awards academic scholarships to local high school seniors; it helps finance Camp Aim, a YMCA program for underprivileged children; it also lends support to the local food bank, Meals on Wheels, local parks, and more.
For Huwe, who ended up not only joining, but becoming the current president of the Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary, one of the most memorable times was shortly after the floods of 2004, when Rotary members were able to assist victims, many of whom had their entire houses flooded. The food, care packages, and other help the Rotary offered may have seemed small, but to the people who were struggling to recover, it meant a lot.
I think the Rotarys work brought a glimmer of light and hope to those who were affected by the floods, Huwe says. Thats what I enjoy about being a part of Rotary. Its rewarding to be able to help your neighbors and also help out causes internationally.
The Bridgeville-South Fayette Rotary Clubs Second Annual Chili Cook-Off is scheduled for October 12 at Fairview Park (dont worry its the Steelers bye week). The event features chili made by entrants in four categories: individual, non-profit groups, restaurants, and non-food businesses. The tasting starts at noon. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 7-12, and free for kids 6 and under. For information about entering your recipe, call Kevin Biber at 412-221-9250.
If youre a local Catholic, heres how old
you are. Remember when St. Anthonys and
St. Agathas churches merged to become
Holy Child Parish?
That was 14 years ago.
It might seem like just yesterday, but we checked with the parish office and yes, it really has been that long. As a nondenominational publication, well leave it to the parishioners to debate what was lost and gained in the merger, but one thing were glad to see survive is the annual summer festival.
Prior to the merger, each church had its own popular summer festival tradition. St. Agathas was a bustling carnival of people and games of chance, packed into the parishs rear parking lot just off Washington Street in Bridgeville; St. Anthonys was a more leisurely affair situated not far from its green lawn near Interstate 79 in South Fayette. They had one thing in common though: they were a lot of fun and a great chance to get out and mingle with your neighbors, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish or otherwise.
When the churches joined, many residents were happy to see the tradition continue, especially at a time when many parishes are dropping their summer festivals. Holy Childs seems to be going strong. This years saw masses of people in the St. Agathas parking lot playing games, enjoying the entertainment, having a meal, or simply taking in the atmosphere (and waiting for the annual big money raffle, with its $6,000 grand prize).
The parish tweaks the event slightly each year to account for the changing tastes of the public this year saw a Guitar Hero video game contest.
That was 14 years ago.
It might seem like just yesterday, but we checked with the parish office and yes, it really has been that long. As a nondenominational publication, well leave it to the parishioners to debate what was lost and gained in the merger, but one thing were glad to see survive is the annual summer festival.
Prior to the merger, each church had its own popular summer festival tradition. St. Agathas was a bustling carnival of people and games of chance, packed into the parishs rear parking lot just off Washington Street in Bridgeville; St. Anthonys was a more leisurely affair situated not far from its green lawn near Interstate 79 in South Fayette. They had one thing in common though: they were a lot of fun and a great chance to get out and mingle with your neighbors, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish or otherwise.
When the churches joined, many residents were happy to see the tradition continue, especially at a time when many parishes are dropping their summer festivals. Holy Childs seems to be going strong. This years saw masses of people in the St. Agathas parking lot playing games, enjoying the entertainment, having a meal, or simply taking in the atmosphere (and waiting for the annual big money raffle, with its $6,000 grand prize).
The parish tweaks the event slightly each year to account for the changing tastes of the public this year saw a Guitar Hero video game contest.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers
decided to add a mascot to the
team last year, they couldnt
have come up with a worse
concept. While other NFL
teams have panthers or
acrobatic bears, the Steelers are
represented on the sidelines by
Steely McBeam, a jaundiced,
unshaven steel worker who looks
like hes still recovering from the
day his mill closed back in the
1970s. In choosing McBeam,
the Steelers violated every rule
of team mascots:
First, a mascots physical appearance should be comically ridiculous large floppy hands and oversized feet are a plus.
Second, a mascot should be
lovable something fluffy and
cute that small children would
want to hug, not a shadylooking
character who looks as
though he might have appeared
in your local police log recently.
And finally, a mascot should bring some excitement to the event.
The Steelers may have erred, but Scott Township library hit the mark perfectly when it decided to create Scottie, the librarys mascot. A six-foot, black-haired Scottish terrier with blue eyes and a tartan cap, Scottie hosts a weekly childrens story hour at the library and makes appearances around town promoting the library. This is the first time weve heard of a library having an actual walkingaround mascot, but we cant argue with the genius of the idea. In the age of Sesame Street, the Hoobs, and whatever other Muppet-esque creatures pique the imaginations of young children, why not create one for the library?
When I became director in 2005, says Janet Forton, library head, we already had a little plush Scottie that could travel, but I wanted to make more of a statement about Scott out there.
We bought this outfit online, and now Scottie has attended the Bridgeville Chamber of Commerce, local parades, and other events around town.
The costume is filled by library volunteers. Lately, Kevin McGoun and Kathleen Haack have been handling a lot of Scottie duty. Though its enjoyable to see the reactions of children when Scottie walks into a room, its no easy task transforming the volunteer into oversized walking dog. The costume is basically a giant fur coat, so in non-winter months, the person on the inside relies on an ice pack cooling system to prevent them from overheating.
Being Scottie is much more pleasant if its cold outside, Forton says. Its also kind of hard to walk, because you have no sense of where your feet are.
But its fun, you become an observer to the reactions of the people around you.
In an era where libraries are trying to shed their image as stuffy book repositories, we appreciate Scottie adding a little extra bite to an already great local library.
First, a mascots physical appearance should be comically ridiculous large floppy hands and oversized feet are a plus.
And finally, a mascot should bring some excitement to the event.
The Steelers may have erred, but Scott Township library hit the mark perfectly when it decided to create Scottie, the librarys mascot. A six-foot, black-haired Scottish terrier with blue eyes and a tartan cap, Scottie hosts a weekly childrens story hour at the library and makes appearances around town promoting the library. This is the first time weve heard of a library having an actual walkingaround mascot, but we cant argue with the genius of the idea. In the age of Sesame Street, the Hoobs, and whatever other Muppet-esque creatures pique the imaginations of young children, why not create one for the library?
When I became director in 2005, says Janet Forton, library head, we already had a little plush Scottie that could travel, but I wanted to make more of a statement about Scott out there.
We bought this outfit online, and now Scottie has attended the Bridgeville Chamber of Commerce, local parades, and other events around town.
The costume is filled by library volunteers. Lately, Kevin McGoun and Kathleen Haack have been handling a lot of Scottie duty. Though its enjoyable to see the reactions of children when Scottie walks into a room, its no easy task transforming the volunteer into oversized walking dog. The costume is basically a giant fur coat, so in non-winter months, the person on the inside relies on an ice pack cooling system to prevent them from overheating.
Being Scottie is much more pleasant if its cold outside, Forton says. Its also kind of hard to walk, because you have no sense of where your feet are.
But its fun, you become an observer to the reactions of the people around you.
In an era where libraries are trying to shed their image as stuffy book repositories, we appreciate Scottie adding a little extra bite to an already great local library.
Its understandable that when a school
district raises taxes or makes other painful
budget changes, its often senior citizens
who register the most vocal protests. Of all
the residents in a suburban community, it is
senior citizens who probably feel the least
connection with whats going on in the
school district. Long past the age of having
their own children in school, seniors only
interaction with the district often comes
through their annual property tax bill.
At Chartiers Valley, one elementary school counselor has found a way to get seniors involved with the district in a way that directly helps the students most in need. The Study Buddy program, which marks its ninth year this fall, teams up volunteers from the community with elementary school children having trouble with reading. For 40 minutes a day, twice a week, the volunteers, who are mostly local seniors, help the kids with basic reading skills. It has proven a winning proposition for all involved.
I think the Study Buddies have become an important part of the success that those students are achieving, says Mariellen Kerr, the elementary school counselor who originally dreamed up the program. Im a data-conscious kind of person. I know what the kids reading scores are when they enter the Study Buddies program and what they are when they exit. Over the years, 51 students have participated in the program, and all 51 were promoted to the following grade.
One of the longest-running Study Buddies is Kay Downey-Clarke, whos been involved in the program for eight years. My original motivation was helping kids, she says, helping them read and making sure they got a good start. After I was there working with them, they really do become your buddies. After about a month into the year, they come running into the library with a big smile and theyre happy to see you. That really gives me a good lift.
With about two dozen volunteers, the program is going strong, but could always use more help. The more buddies, the more children get the one-on-one help they sometimes need to succeed. Its a worthwhile cause, and while it might not reduce the pain of paying that property tax each year, its a great way to reconnect with the school district youre funding.
For more information about Study Buddies, or to volunteer, call Mariellen Kerr at 412-429-7016.
At Chartiers Valley, one elementary school counselor has found a way to get seniors involved with the district in a way that directly helps the students most in need. The Study Buddy program, which marks its ninth year this fall, teams up volunteers from the community with elementary school children having trouble with reading. For 40 minutes a day, twice a week, the volunteers, who are mostly local seniors, help the kids with basic reading skills. It has proven a winning proposition for all involved.
I think the Study Buddies have become an important part of the success that those students are achieving, says Mariellen Kerr, the elementary school counselor who originally dreamed up the program. Im a data-conscious kind of person. I know what the kids reading scores are when they enter the Study Buddies program and what they are when they exit. Over the years, 51 students have participated in the program, and all 51 were promoted to the following grade.
One of the longest-running Study Buddies is Kay Downey-Clarke, whos been involved in the program for eight years. My original motivation was helping kids, she says, helping them read and making sure they got a good start. After I was there working with them, they really do become your buddies. After about a month into the year, they come running into the library with a big smile and theyre happy to see you. That really gives me a good lift.
With about two dozen volunteers, the program is going strong, but could always use more help. The more buddies, the more children get the one-on-one help they sometimes need to succeed. Its a worthwhile cause, and while it might not reduce the pain of paying that property tax each year, its a great way to reconnect with the school district youre funding.
For more information about Study Buddies, or to volunteer, call Mariellen Kerr at 412-429-7016.
The sun is beating down,
the humidity is turning
everything to mush, and
youre looking for a way
to beat the heat. You
could simply shut down
draw the curtains, crank
the AC to high, and sit
in the darkness of your
home with a cold drink.
But considering that Pittsburgh only gets 59 completely sunny days per year (even less than Seattles 71), we recommend that you enjoy the sun while its there, and instead head out to the pool at Scott Park. The only outdoor public pool in the Chartiers Valley area, its clean, spacious, only a few miles from home. And the $6 admission is a deal that cant be beat. Just remember to bring sunblock.
But considering that Pittsburgh only gets 59 completely sunny days per year (even less than Seattles 71), we recommend that you enjoy the sun while its there, and instead head out to the pool at Scott Park. The only outdoor public pool in the Chartiers Valley area, its clean, spacious, only a few miles from home. And the $6 admission is a deal that cant be beat. Just remember to bring sunblock.
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Presto, PA 15142
phone 412.257.0340
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All information contained in this publication is protected by copyright, and is owned by either McKee Magazines, Inc or a third party. Any and all information, trademarks, trade names, logos, designs and images are protected by U.S. Copyright and Trademark Laws. Reproduction, distribution, transmission or other unintended use of the material contained herein is prohibited without the express permission of the publishers of McKee Magazines. All rights reserved.
The views, opinions and commentaries contained herein are not necessarily those of McKee Magazines, Inc.
Also publishers of The Peters Township Source, The South Fayette Source, The Northern Washington Source and The Bethel Park Source.
McKee Magazines, Inc.
P. O. Box 301
Presto, PA 15142
phone 412.257.0340
fax 412.257.0302
website www.mcmags.com
