November GreeneScene 2018

NOVEMBER

2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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GreeneScene Magazine •

NOVEMBER

2018

GreeneScene by Alicia Henderson

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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I Love this P l a ce

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Garrson Post Office circa 1903. Postal carrier Spencer Stockdale (left) standing in front of the post office with an unknown man on the right.

he once bustling village of Garrison sits at the crossroads on the ridge above Hundred, West Virginia, but its history is mostly a collection of family memories now. When I pulled its file at Cornerstone Genealogical Society, there were three items in the folder – a newspaper article celebrating Hixies General Store that now sits empty, a newspaper clipping telling who visited whom and who was recently born in the Garrison and Hundred of 1957, and a wonderful interview with Ray and Mae Estel that Grace Knicely typed up in 1972. Some of their reminiscing is spelled as spoken: “Bill Stockdale peddled glasses for a livin’…..Uncle Tom was ridin’ a horse up Fox Hill one night and a white hog came along and walked with him…..A whistlin’ woman and a crowin’ hen will never come to no good end…”

Ray allowed that he hoed corn for John Taylor in 1932 and that the first car he ever drove “was a ‘Riggle’. It belonged to Bert Snider.

He and his dad sold cars.” Johnnie Bosworth was called Johnnie the Tinker and he traveled with gypsies; Peddler Sam Potts stayed with Ray’s mom and dad. Both Ray and Mae agreed that Charles Bohr and Lester Lyons had a store in Garrison and sold salt fish for 25 cents a bucket and when “Peddler Potts ‘et his salted fish he didn’t soak it out or anything.”

These tasty bits of oral history reminded me there might still be people who remember those old, very real days and with any luck I would find them. Retired Central Greene art teacher Dave Lesako of

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New Freeport gave me my first big lead. “Talk to Wayne Knight. He has some great old photographic postcards and he remembers when Garrison was a teamster town. Lots of horses and wagons delivering pipe to the gas and oil wells.”

Wayne lives in Carmichaels but grew up on his mother’s family farm on State Rt. 18, half way up the hill to Garrison.

He remembers those teamsters as a kid in the 1930s and the stories his grandmother told about hitching the horse and wagon to pick up supplies and goods, brought in by rail to Hundred in the late 1800s. In those days before telephones, freight orders were placed by mail or telegraph. And in those do-it-yourself days you could order a whole house from Sears and Roebuck and have it delivered at the station, all boards cut, hundreds of pounds of nails in barrels and instructions any farmer could follow. Eat your heart out, Ikea!

Villages have sprung up at crossroads and intersections around a general store since frontier times. These natural settlements are usually named after an early resident and Wayne remembers a log cabin a mile from the crossroads where an old man named Garrison lived.

But villages became real community centers when the cultural push for post offices “within walking distance” of America’s rural families was on, starting in 1877.

G. Wayne Smith’s book Post Offices of Greene County notes the first one opened here in 1887. This might explain why the Caldwell Atlas of 1876 makes no mention of Garrison, but lists Deep Valley’s

GARRISON, PA

by Colleen Nelson

Sandy Lusco Huffman standing in front of the old schoolhouse which she turned into her cozy home in 2009. She is holding a picture of the schoolhouse which currently hangs inside her home.

post office on the western edge of Springhill Township, which was “taken from Aleppo and a small portion of Gilmore, and organized for civil purpose in 1860.”

In June 1894, Smith tells us that “the post office closed and went to Sand Rock, three miles away” but was back in Garrison by Christmas.

Over the years, the mail followed the postmaster - a position that could change with any election cycle - and the post office was located and relocated in stores and a number of homes scattered around Garrison.

Wayne Knight’s old photo of the Garrison Post Office is from the Rural Free Delivery days starting in 1903, with postal carrier Spencer Stockdale, known for trying to deliver with a motorcycle before reverting back to horse and wagon - standing on the steps of Pendergast’s Store.

The Garrison route became part of New Freeport in 1968 and its mail is still being delivered in all kinds of weather, not by horse and wagon or motorcycle with a sidecar but by sturdy vehicles – usually a Subaru! - that still drive house to house and farm to farm on those same old stone and gravel roads.

The western end of the county stayed muddy and rutted until State Rt.18 was paved from Rogersville to Holbrook in 1922. The new road made it to the foot of Nettle Hill by 1926 but it took another six years to make it up that steep grade as funding dried up with the GreeneScene Magazine •

NOVEMBER

2018

Great Depression of 1929. The last stretch, including a few hilltop much to entertain but David Fordyce and I played guitar and went “In the ‘30s the field across from school had three haystacks, 75 miles of the Warrior Trail, was finished in 1933 through Garrison to together to get lessons in Littleton. ” years later it’s standing timber.” What does he miss about living here? the West Virginia line.

Mike Pendergast had a store in Garrison with a cracker barrel, “Being out in the country, away from city noises.” Any advice for My next connection to the living past came when I visited sing- candy in bins and a wood stove. “The post office was in the store and living a long, good life? “Work hard, step right and eat hardy!” er-songwriter Sandy Lusco Huffman and she called Fred Bissett in there was a gas pump outside. We didn’t shop much for food, we raised Fred will turn 98 on November 13 and getting birthday cards Colorado to reminisce about growing up in and around Garrison in most everything we needed – milk cows, hogs, horses, chickens… ” from old friends and neighbors will certainly remind him of home. the 1920s.

Other Bissett family photos show teenage Fred with his guitar, Here’s his address: 22366 Quail Run Drive, Parker, CO 80138.

When Sandy turned the old schoolhouse three miles from Gar- posing with his musical brothers and sisters and later, home from rison into a cozy home in 2009, she found herself wondering about leave during World War II measuring oil in the its history, even its name. A lucky encounter with local historian Lew tank of the gas well that sat on the hill above the Doutt of Waynesburg brought her the answer in 2015. “He came to family farm. one of my shows in New Freeport and got my brochure, which has my Contemplating the changes that have come web site on it and my email.... I must have said something about living to pass in Garrison, Fred gives me a farmer’s in the old one room school, so he told Fred and Fred contacted me measure of time and sent me the schoolhouse photo via email! I have it hanging on my wall. We can call him up.”

In the photo, it’s 1927 and seven-year-old Fred is leaning on a post by Bargar Ridge School and that’s teacher Edward Archibald Fordyce on the porch.

Fred remembers “eight grades in one room and a potbellied stove in the center. All the books were in the attic.” A curtain on the teacher’s rostrum was used for plays and performances and “sometimes the eighth graders made a ruckus.”

Recess could be an exciting affair.

A sister and her friend Dottie got trapped in the outhouse by a billy goat, Fred recalls with a chuckle.

“There was a ball diamond in back and we played ball over the roof Fred Bissett (center) posing with his musical brothers and sisters.

Fred Bissett measures the oil level in the gas well tank on the hill above the family farm. and crack the whip. We didn’t have

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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G ree n e Sce n e of the Pa st

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Snider’s full service gas and repair station, store and restaurant together in the 1950’s.

f you’re heading for Hundred, WV on State Route 18, you’ll run right through Garrison.

And as far back as anyone can remember - and that includes Fred Bissett who was born in 1920 and has a prodigious memory - there’s always been a store of some sort sitting at the crest of the hill, at the place where country roads cross over the paved highway which takes you over the edge, as you drop down on your way to the WV state line.

Don’t blink. That was Garrison. And did you see the empty buildings that were once an old store?

I remember Garrison when that store was Hixie’s , a place to get everything from barbed wire to a wedding ring. Plus, they had gas!

Before that it was Jim Marling’s tack shop and the whole place smelled like leather. A series of different people made their living running the business on the hilltop there in Garrison over many years.

This photo takes us back to sometime in the early 1950s when A. M. Snider got a write up in the

paper headlined: “New Look for Village of Garrison.” But the story goes back further than that.

“The central building dates back to the 1800s,” said Steve Hixenbaugh, who may be only the 2nd or 3rd actual owner of the building where he and his wife Carol operated Hixie’s General Store for 25 years (1983 - 2007). “I’ve been told it was a sawmill at one time, a tavern…several different people rented or leased the business. But Snider owned the building for many, many years,” Steve said.

According to Wayne Knight of Carmichaels, who grew up there as a kid in the 1930s, there was a gas pump in front of the old store and over the years additions and alterations turned it into something of a country mall.

Times and owners changed. When Albie Rinehart’s uncle Albert, a gas and oil operator who grew up in Garrison, decided to give the place a facelift.

Long time managers Mr. and Mrs. Ray Estel had been retired for several months and the neighborhood would wait a long nine months for the doors

to open again. The old store was “completely remodeled and modernized” and the buildings next door, including Pendergast’s Antique Store were improved. Snider’s store had a full service gas and repair station and Garrisonites were “blessed with not only a store but a restaurant that now occupies part of the store building.” Mr. and Mrs. Kay Miller were the first managers after the re-opening.

The auto garage shown on the left in this photo was lost in a fire during the late 1960s. According to Jim Rizor, who operated the garage at the time, that portion of the building caught fire when a car being repaired backfired and ignited gasoline. The central structure remained intact, and was expanded upon later when the Hixenbaughs added on to the store.

“There were living quarters in there when we bought it and our whole family lived there. Then as we expanded the store we gave up one room at a time and moved into smaller and smaller spaces. We just kept mak-

by Colleen Nelson

ing more store and less house and finally moved out all together and built on to accommodate the hardware store,” Steve recalls.

Walking through it really was like a mall… from grocery store to sandwich shop, to jewelry counter, to sporting goods store to hardware store…all at the same time, one room after another.

Until one day in early 2007 when a man came in the store and asked if they would sell it. “We thought he was joking,” remembers Carol. “Steve came up with a price, and a couple days later we got a call from a Pittsburgh lawyer saying the people wanted to buy.”

So once again, the hilltop mercantile in Garrison changed hands and operated under J&K General Store for a short time before closing completely. The building remains unoccupied today, still standing there as a reminder of past enterprises that served so many people for so long.

However, you can still get a cup of coffee or gas up your car just up the road in the Log Cabin in New Freeport and Hundred, WV is only six miles away in the other direction for shopping and dining. But don’t forget - when you come to where the store once greeted travelers heading south, keep your eyes wide. That’s a pretty good curve and it’s a long way to the valley below!

Steve Hixinbaugh in Hixies General Store’s sporting goods department.

If you have an interesting old photo from the area you’d like to share, just send it to: GreeneScene of the Past, 185 Wade Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370. Or email to: info@greenescene.com with GreeneScene Past in subject line. The GreeneScene Community Magazine can even scan your original in just a few minutes if you bring it to our office. We are particularly interested in photos of people and places in the Greene County area taken between 1950 and 1980, though we welcome previous dates, too.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

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Lucille E. McClarren

omen played a part in the armed services in America as early as the Revolutionary War, where they served as laundresses, cooks, nurses and even spies. Some even served as soldiers by disguising themselves as men. At the turn of the century and because of World War I, women’s roles in the armed forces became more prevalent;

by World War II they were serving as mechanics, pilots, and field intelligence agents. Part of the changing stance of women in the military was the creation of the Marine Corps Women’s Reserve in 1943. The first woman to enlist in the MCWR was Lucille E. McClarren.

Lucille Ellen McClarren was born on August 25, 1922 in Graceton, PA to Olive Hockenberry McClarren and Daniel McClarren. She had an older brother, Daniel Edwin, and three younger siblings: Harry, Wayne, and Loretta Jean. The McClarren children grew up in Nemacolin and attended the Nemacolin Elementary School. Lucille graduated from Cumberland Township High School (now Carmichaels Area High School) in 1940.

After graduation, Lucille worked as a stenographer for the U.S. War Department in Washington D.C., living in the city. After the creation of the MCWR, Lucille became the first woman to enlist on Saturday, February 13, 1943. McClarren was sworn in by Captain H.W. Branson of the Marine Officer Procurement Unit, and once on active duty, would receive a starting salary of $50 and a $200 uniform allowance.

The March 4, 1943 issue of the Klondike Bulletin reports, “fellow-workers in the War Department entertained Pvt. McClarren at the swank Lotus Club in Washington Friday evening… Attending the affair were two other Nemacolin girls: Mildred Wilson and Patricia [Slevin], both close friends of the honored guest.”

The Saturday after her enlistment, Lucille was a guest at the Press Building for Marine Day celebration. The lone woman in the room, she gave a speech and was personally congratulated by Brigadier General Robert L Denig, who served as the Public Relations Chief of the Marines. Before going on active duty, Lucille was permitted a trip home to visit family.

The Klondike reported that Pvt. McClarren said, “With the Marine band and about 1600 fighting Marines, press reporters and high officials present, and me the only girl in the auditorium, you can imagine my excitement and joy. I was swamped for autographs and finally had to be escorted from the hall by an honor guard. Little did I expect when I left Nemacolin that one day I would receive all this publicity. But you can tell everyone I’ll give my best and endeavor to emulate the brave men in the Marines by doing every assignment given me to the very best of my ability. I am happy and proud to be the first girl Marine private in World War II.” Lucille was sent to Hunter College in The Bronx, New York City to begin training with the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). While there she would take part in “uniforming, drill, physical training, and lectures on customs and courtesies, history and organization, administration, naval law, map reading, interior guard, defense against chemical attack, defense

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against air attack, identification of aircraft, and safeguarding military information.”

After training, she was stationed in San Diego as a Clerk Typist 405 and advanced to Staff Sergeant. McClarren was discharged on September 22, 1945.

After her military career, she returned to Washington D.C. where she eventually married Army Captain William Andre DesMarais, a fingerprint expert for the FBI. She worked in the Pentagon in the 60s as Secretary to the Secretary of the Army, Cyrus Vance, Jr., under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. She later worked for the Veterans Administration until her resignation in 1970 to return to Nemacolin to care for her parents.

Dawn Rilk, her daughter, remembers some of the time spent in Washington, especially Newspaper article about Lucille McClarren in the Wednesdays, when they would Klondike Bulletin of Masontown announcing her get dressed up and go through enlistment. the halls of the Pentagon, where Lucille worked. “It was a very dall and Chelsea Sokol, and prestigious job for her, “ Dawn said. “And it was an step-grandaughter Danielle honor to get to know the people that she worked Nyland.

Lucille McClarren, the first enlisted woman in the United States Marine Corp with there.” They would then go to the Capitol, In August of 2018, a Women’s Reserve. ride the train from the east to the west side and eat memorial service was held lunch at a cafeteria frequented by senators. on her 96th birthday at her “I’m very blessed to be her daughter,” said resting place in Greene County Memorial Park in ny. The ceremony was a joint effort between the Dawn. “I had a very awesome upbringing in Waynesburg. The ceremony consisted of remarks Marine Corp League and the Tri-County LeatherWashington, growing with the culture and everyby County Commissioner Dave Coder, a welcome necks. thing there. It was a phenomenal experience, even

by Buzz Walters, and a prayer by Marine Corp.

We join Dawn and her family in paying tribthough I didn’t recognize it then at that age.”

League Chaplain Barry Bebout. Also in attendance ute to Lucille McClarren DesMarais for her service Lucille was diagnosed with colon cancer in was a representative of Pam Snyder, Nate Regotti. and dedication to preserving the rights of Ameri1987 and passed away on January 29, 1990 at the Lucille’s family was represented by her daughter cans and other people around the world. Thank age of 67. She is survived by her daughter Dawn Dawn and granddaughter Chelsea. A firing squad you, Staff Sergeant Lucille McClarren DesMarias.

DesMarais Rilk, and granddaughters Jenifer Kensalute and the playing of TAPS closed the ceremo-

Lucille’s husband, Army Captain William Andre DesMarais.

Lucille being congratulated by Brigadier General Robert L. Denig for her enlistment at the Marine Day celebration.

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2018

by Colleen Nelson

Pleasant Hill Church

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Fred Bissett’s uncle, Charles, standing in front of the abandonded church in the 1960’s or 1970’s.

leasant Hill Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1888 on the ridge that Garrison straddles, with a view that makes heaven look as close as the miles of sky and clouds that hang above it. A hundred years ago, these hills, steep as they are, were pastures, studded with sheep, cattle, and horses. These days, those fields are forested, home to deer, turkey and coyote.

The view then, as it is now, is spectacular, edgy and angular, heading down to the West Virginia line.

Pleasant Hill Church is no more – Dorothy Hennen’s Cemetery Records note that in 1975 the building was gone - but the steps remain and there’s a bench just beyond them that invites anyone who might drive by to stop and enjoy the view. Visit a relative. Say hello to an old neighbor.

The standing beams with their hefty crossbeam decked with a massive antique two man saw

were put there by the Geho family to honor their kin who are buried here, according to genealogist Lew Doutt, who has spent time here tracking down his own family roots.

The life and times of this almost forgotten church are part of the living memory of many local families, including Fred Bissett, who was born on Fordyce Road that runs beside the cemetery. He remembers attending church here as a kid in the 1920s and the family photos he sent me from his home in Colorado brings this sturdy wooden edifice back to life, with Fred’s family gathered beside it in the 1930s, and a later one of Uncle Charles standing in the open door as it sat abandoned sometime in the 1960s or early 1970s.

No one I talked to remembers when it closed or when it was taken down, but Wayne Knight, who used to live here remembers that the people who dismantled it “didn’t like climbing” so they stripped it down as far as they could reach “and had to use a truck to push it over, it was that well built.”

If you have any stories to share about Pleasant Hill Church, let us know. Cornerstone Geneological Society keeps records of churches in Greene County and it is not listed in the album detailing churches in Springhil Township. Don’t let it be forgotten!

The Geho family erected this wooden beam monument to honor their loved ones who have passed on.

Fred Bisset and his family standing beside the church in the 1930’s.

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Halloween Schedule for Greene County Aleppo Twp. trick or treat from 6 to 8pm Oct. 31st Carmichaels Borough parade at 2pm Oct 28th Chamber event, trick or treat to follow Center Twp trick or treat from 6 to 7 Oct. 31st Clarksville Borough trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct.31st Cumberland Twp. parade at 2pm, trick or treat to follow Oct. 28th Dunkard Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Franklin Twp trick or treat from 4 to 6 Oct. 25th Freeport Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Gilmore Twp trick or treat 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Gray Twp trick or treat from 5:30 to 7 Oct. 27th Greene Twp trick or treat from 4 to 6 Oct. 31st Greensboro Borough trick or treat from 5 to 7 Oct. 31st Jackson Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Jefferson Borough & Twp. trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Monongahela Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Morgan Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Morris Twp trick or treat from 6 to 7 Oct.31st Perry Twp trick or treat from 5 to 7 Oct. 27th Rices Landing Parade at 1pm Oct. 28th trick or treat follow 2 to 4 Richhill Twp trick or treat from 6 to 7 Oct. 31st Springhill Twp Trunk or Treat at 7pm Oct 27th Washington Twp trunk or treat from 5 to 6:30 at the Twp Park Oct. 31st Wayne Twp trick or treat from 6 to 8 Oct. 31st Waynesburg trick or treat from 4 to 6, parade follow Oct. 25th Whitely Twp no events

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Matt Yoskovich

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he July prior to his senior year, Marine recruiters visited Sgt. Matthew Yoskovich, USMC, along with his parents, at their home. He would not turn eighteen for three more months, but it was already clear at that point that he was certain of what he wanted to do: become a United States Marine.

He signed the contract for delayed entry when he turned eighteen and reported to Recruit Training at Parris Island in August of 2004, after graduating from Mapletown High School earlier that year.

By November of that year, he had moved on to School of Infantry, followed by Naval Aircrew Candidate training in Pensacola, FL. From there, he was off to Southern California for SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) School, and mechanic and flight training. Upon completion, Matthew was assigned to HMLA-269 at New River, North Carolina. He attended Weapons and Tactics Instructor School and served as a Crew Chief on the UH-1 Huey aircraft.

At the end of his commitment, Matthew chose to re-enlist.

Throughout the course of his service in the United States Marine Corps, he completed a total of five deployments: Four to Iraq, and one to the Mediterranean with a Marine Expeditionary Unit

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12-year-old boy watched an adrenaline packed movie, turned to his family and said, “THAT is what I am going to do someday.” Probably not a terribly unique scenario - but how often does it become reality? If it does – that IS pretty unique. Yet that is exactly how the remarkable career of one Greene County native took flight.

In 1987, Lt. Colonel Joseph Leonard Yoskovich, USMC, was that 12-year-old boy watching the movie Top Gun over and over again on VHS. That year his birthday cake even featured a picture of a military fighter jet with candles in the afterburners.

As ambitious and noble a dream as it was, his parents will tell you that they didn’t mind that he went on to pursue other interests. Maybe even that, with some relief, they allowed themselves to think he had gotten that “crazy idea” out of his head.

Through his growing-up years, Joe remained an avid hunter and outdoorsman, as well as an intense football player at Mapletown High School.

All his life, whatever he did - he did 100%. Upon graduating from Mapletown in 1993, he went on to study at Penn State University, where in 1997, he earned a degree in Labor and Industrial Relations.

While the expected next step might have been to go on and seek employment in that field, he did not. He announced to his family that his plan was to begin the process of becoming a United States Marine, with the intention to become a pilot.

Joe relocated to Florida where he worked odd

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aboard the maiden voyage of the USS New York.

Sgt. Yoskovich completed his service in 2013.

Matthew Yoskovich is the son of Jerry and Pamela Yoskovich, both of Greensboro. The brother of Stacey Flynn of Greensboro, and Lt. Col (Retired) Joseph L. Yoskovich, USMC, of Collinsville, MS. He currently resides in Marion, MS, where he works as a civilian aircraft mechanic at NAS Meridian.

GreeneScene Community Magazine is proud to join with the family of Sgt. Matthew Yoskovich to thank him for his service and dedication to preserving the rights of Americans and other people around the world. We appreciate and thank you!

Joey Yoskovich jobs while putting himself through civilian flight school. In October of 1998, he reported to United States Marine Corp Officer’s Candidate School in Quantico, VA. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in December 1998.

He continued to pass the tests and conquer the challenges that would eventually lead to, by now, 1st Lieutenant Yoskovich earning his wings and the designation of Marine Naval Aviator in April 2002.

Meanwhile, he met and married his wife, Tess, and their first daughter, Janie, was born. Almost four-years later, as Joe’s career continued to progress, they welcomed their second daughter, Josie.

Their girls, now 16 and 12, have grown up living the life of a military family. They’ve relocated numerous times and Joe has spent years away from his family over the course of five overseas deployments, numerous cross-country and at sea exercises and assignments for which he did not relocate his family.

Joe’s overseas deployments included the West Pacific and multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan aboard the aircraft carriers USS ENTERPRISE and USS TRUMAN, as well as a tour in Iraq as an Infantry Forward Air Controller. He also began serving as an Instructor Pilot, and in 2010 received two separate honors as Marine Instructor Pilot of the Year.

In 2015, Joe and his family relocated to Meridian, MS, where he finished out his career so that his girls wouldn’t have to relocate again prior to finish-

ing school. He served as Senior Marine and Instructor Pilot until his retirement in September of 2018.

Throughout his career, Lt. Col. Joseph L. Yoskovich completed fifty-six aerial combat missions and surpassed 3,800 flight hours in four models of military aircraft, including the F/A-18 and T-45C. As an Infantry Forward Air Controller, he executed over one-hundred vehicular, river-borne, and/or dismounted foot patrols in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq. He is a Rifle Expert and a nine-time Pistol Expert. His awards include the Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three Gold Stars, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star, as well as various unit and campaign awards.

Post-retirement, Lt. Col. Yoskovich will work as a civilian to train military pilots in Meridian, MS. He looks forward to spending more time with his wife and daughters, as well as focusing on his hobby and side business, Big Timber Customs, a sawmill and custom wood working business.

Joe is the son of Jerry and Pamela Yoskovich, both of Greensboro, and the brother of Stacey Flynn of Greensboro, and Matthew Yoskovich of Marion, MS. He is also the nephew and cousin of many very proud Greene County residents.

GreeneScene Community Magazine joins Lt.

Col. Yoskovich’s family in saluting his determination and dedication during his military service.

Thank you for helping to preserve our freedoms and our way of life. We salute you and appreciate you.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

GreeneScene by Lucy Defrank

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

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Each unique, each a common bond

By Mike Belding

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s a young freshman attending Penn State University at University Park, I happened to walk through the Student Union where a Career Fair was being held. That fall semester I was still trying to get to the right class, in the right building, on time. Unbeknownst to me, an encounter at the fair would change my life forever.

I saw two dozen or so company representatives recruiting students for employment opportunities. They were all dressed professionally, at a minimum a coat and tie, some in suits. Among the scene of students talking, handing out resumes and company representatives responding to inquiries and questions, stood a lone United States Marine.

With no one near him, the young Captain of Marines stood at parade rest wearing the iconic USMC Dress Blue uniform. More out of curiosity than interest, I approached and asked him, “What does it take to be one of you, a United States Marine?” His answer was quick, short and pointed. He said, “To qualify for the Officer Candidate Program you will need a college diploma, personal drive to succeed and the ability to lead others.”

A few days later on the 11th of November 1981, I signed on as a United States Marine, Officer Candidate with an aviation contract. Validating the Captain’s words, I was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Marines upon receiving a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Science on May 18, 1985.

I attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia followed by flight school in Pensacola, Florida. My first operational duty station was Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina. I would serve for the next 26 years as an aviation officer commanding at the squadron and group levels and completing joint and staff duties in between flying duty stations. I made many lifelong friends and lost many, as well.

On August 1st, 2012, I was transferred to the retired list, having completed 27 years of active duty service. This is my story, everyone has one, but this is my unique experience, rewards and tribulations alike.

More recently, I have become caught up in retirement activities - volunteering, attending county events, and traveling around our great country; but

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as each Veteran’s Day comes around, I am reminded of the great sacrifices our veterans have made toward our freedom, security, and way of life.

Since the Revolutionary War, through World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea and the more recent wars on terrorism, American men and women have been answering the nation’s call to duty.

From those who lay in trenches during World War I, to those currently serving at home and abroad, each serves a cause greater than one’s self. A common bond that links all veterans together - service to others.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, of 1918 effectively ending hostilities of World War I. Especially this year, we are remined of the sacrifices Greene County natives made during World War I. We are reminded of the individual stories, history, family relationships, and sacrifices of each of the Rain Day Boys as the Greene County Legacy Association honors and recognizes the sacrifices of each of them. Just as each Rain Day Boy is unique, every veteran is unique, whether they served in campaigns of years gone by, or serve today in faraway lands. Each veteran has an individual story, but all are related by a bond of service to others.

If not for those who choose to serve, our country would not have the freedoms today that many of us take for granted.

The unveiling of a new monument commemorating the service, sacrifice, history and legacy of Greene County’s Rain Day Boys will begin promptly at 1100, November 11th adjacent to the Greene County Historical Society and Greene County Tennis Courts, at the intersection of Rolling Meadows Road and Garards Fort Road. The Greene County Legacy Association invites everyone to come and honor the Rain Day Boys and mark the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.

This Veteran’s Day please take time to thank those who have served. There is no more noble a cause than to “stand up” and defend those who cannot defend themselves.

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2018

CORPORAL

Jesse Rinehart

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orporal Jesse Rinehart enlisted in the Army in April 1943, during World War II. He had basic training at Camp Edwards in Massachusetts. During the war, he was stationed in Saipan and Hawaii, where he served as a Machine Gunner (.50 caliber) and was a member of the Radar Crew. He served until December of 1945. Cpl. Rinehart is one of two surviving original Charter Members of the Waynesburg VFW. GreeneScene Community Magazine would like to join Cindy Rinehart, Jesse’s daughter-in-law- in thanking him for his service and dedication to preserving the freedoms of Americans and those across the world. We salute you, Cpl. Jesse Rinehart, and we thank you for your service.

CORPORAL

Vernon Baker

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orporal Vernon Baker, enlisted in the United Sates army. He served in Baumholder, Germany from 1956 to 1959. While in the army, he was a marksman. He is a current resident of Mount Morris. Greenescne Community Magazine is pleased to join Candy BakerMayle in honoring her father Corp. Vernon Baker of the US Army. Thank you for service in protecting the freedoms of the United States. We salute you.

Co o l at Sc h o o l PENN STATE VISITS CARMICHAELS

by Danielle Nyland

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shton Mehalik wants to immerse her students in science. Through continued effort, she has been able to provide reallife experiences to her students that allows them to see the careers and opportunities that science offers.

Ashton, a Carmichaels Area Senior High teacher, is providing her students with a better understanding of what science can do for them and, possibly, their future careers. At Carmichaels, she teaches human anatomy, medical terminology, and biology. Her medical terminology and human anatomy classes are part of the Westmoreland County Community College’s credit program.

Every school year, Ashton takes her college-

credit students outside of the classroom on field trips to schools and medical facilities. They’ve been to the cadaver lab at California University and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office; they’ve even traveled to Allegheny General Hospital to observe open-heart surgery.

This time, Ashton has brought the experts to Carmichaels, through a partnership with Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. Working with Penn State, Ashton was able to arrange four instructors – two in biology, one in nursing, and one in physical therapy – to come to Carmichaels and provide hands-on demonstrations to the students.

The instructors led demonstrations in sheep heart and brain dissections, a cheek cell micro-

Professor Vanderhoff of the nursing program teaches the students how to use stethoscopes.

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scope lab, and a heart and respiratory simulator session. These hands-on sessions weren’t just limited to her college-credit courses; both middle and high school students were able to spend time with the professors.

“We’re trying to get as many grade levels involved in as much hands-on activities as we can,” says Ashton Mehalik. “We want to allow our students to see the real world scenarios and potential careers.”

The partnership with Penn State started with the donation of 15 to 20 microscopes to the school’s

Mr. Allen and his 8th grade students watch and listen to the demonstration about sheep brains.

Professor Katrina Porter explains the workings of a sheep heart to students.

science program and has grown from there. “We’re very fortunate that they are willing to give their time. We’re so happy that they could come here. It’s very appreciated,” says Ashton. “We’re hoping to plan more events like this, either with instructors coming here or us going there.”

The students spent time working with each professor at their station, listening and interacting with them and getting to participate in the handson demonstrations. While some students were a little wary of the sheep heart and brain stations, most students participated eagerly, glad to get a chance to learn outside of their textbooks.

“Anytime they get to hold and touch science, that’s huge,” says Justin Allen, Carmichaels Middle School Science teacher. “We try to get them as many experiences as we can.”

Students creating slides of the sheep cheek cells.

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GHOST HUNT WINNER Congratulations to Payton Duncan of Clarksville who correctly guessed scarecrow in the last issue. She won a $50 cash prize!

Way to go Payton!

PICTURE PUZZLE WINNER Congratulations to Amie Baysinger of Waynesburg.

She won 2 tickets to Spirits of the Night and a copy of Haunted Hills and Hollows.

GreeneScene by Becky Robinson

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

Town & Country Garden Club Honored at District Meeting The Historic Summit Inn in Farmington was the setting for the 18th annual meeting for District X of the Garden Club Federation of Pennsylvania. District X awards were presented by Awards Chairman Michael Sarriano, President of The Garden Club of Munhall. The Butterfly Award was given to Cecilia Satler of Giant Oaks Garden Club. Director Vina McLeod Rudolph presented Certificates of Appreciation to Alice Harris, Autumn Harris, Sandra Grilli, Norman Miller and Michael Sarraino. Town & Country Garden Club was congratulated for receiving the L-r: Vina McLeod Rudolph, retiring District Director; more than 2 miles of the Greene River Trail Governor’s Trophy at the 2018 GCFP Convention in Rice’s Landing Borough and Cumber- in Washington, PA. At the convention, Town and Christine Leskosky, GCFP President; Kay Bair, new District Director. land Township, and $200,000 will help fund Country received an engraved silver bowl and walkways, bridges and trails at the Wise- tray, awarded to the most outstanding small garsistant Director, Linda Coleman, Secretary; and carver Recreation Area in Waynesburg. The den club with less than 29 members.

New district officers for 2018-2020 were in- Sandra Grilli, Treasurer. Kay is the former presigrants were awarded through DCNR. The Greene River Trail is 5.1 miles stalled by GCFP President, Chris Leskosky: Kay dent and a member of the Town & Country Garden long and the grant will help fund the south- Bair, District Director; Mary Jane Martucci, As- Club. ern extension of the byway for another 2.2 miles to Jacobs Ferry Road. The ultimate goal is connecting the trail to the village of Nemacolin and then on to Point Marion, to Sheepskin Trail and further.

The Wisecarver Recreation Area is a 360-acre The missing 16-year site that includes an 18.5-acre reservoir. Funding old male was located will help provide the park with more trails. Matchabout 1:30 p.m. on Friing revenue for the project will be provided by the day, October 12, 2018 in county. the Shickshinny, PA area.

A $1 million grant was awarded to the United The male was found, and Mine Workers of America Career Centers Inc. in is doing well. Catawissa Prosperity. The grant will allow for additional trainpolice say that 16-yearing at the UMWACC’s facility, in the in-demand old Wyatt Yohey was last fields of advanced manufacturing and mechatronseen, by his family, late ics. The center has partnered with the Community Tuesday night around 10 College of Allegheny County to offer a 400-hour p.m., October 9, 2018, certificate program in those fields. Mechatronics when he went to bed.

Squadron 606 members left Waynesburg at is a technology that combines mechanical engiCivil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the neering, robotics, electronics, and computer and 3:00 a.m. Friday to be on scene by 8:00 a.m when U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit organization with telecommunications to design, build and operate the day’s search would begin. Two Cadets and two 61,000 members nationwide. It conducts 90 percent Senior Members participated in the search: Cadet of inland search and rescue in the U.S. as tasked by products.

The $1 million grant from the state Depart- Senior Airman Kaitlyn A Pester, Cadet Tech Ser- the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and ment of Community and Economic Development geant Kyle A Pester, Sergeant Chase Owens, and other agencies. follows the announcement earlier this year of a $3 Capt David Shaw. million state grant to assist the UMWACC with construction costs for renovation of its facility. That award came through the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

Christina Becker, 4-H Extension Educator with Penn State Extension in Greene County and member of the professional association National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, received a national NAE4-HA award for radio spots airing on Waynesburg’s WANB Radio Station. Becker was recognized recently at the annual NAE4-HA conference held this year in Columbus, Ohio.

Becker was chosen as the national winner in the radio category of Communicator Awards.

Her entry, of 2 weeks of recorded Extension 4-H radio announcements, was selected from a pool of national finalists from four regions across the United States that advanced to the national level from their home states and regions. Becker’s radio spots were aired as part of the Penn State Extension Announcements segment on WANB weekdays schools, show up each year at the parade to per- at 7:30 am. Her announcements provide information about 4-H and often include 4-H members sponsored by Waynesburg Milling Company in form. JM performed the songs, “Our Fight Song” by Washington and Lee and who share their excitement about the program. The Waynesburg, PA. Penn State Extension Announcements segment is “Battle Hymn of The Republic”.

Greene County Receives Multiple Grants Totaling More Than $1.7 Million

During the month of October, Greene County has received grant funding to assist with recycling, land development, and job training.

Recycling and leaf composting efforts in Greene County will get a boost from a $145,000 grant announced today by state Rep. Pam Snyder.

The funding comes in the form of a Recycling Development and Implementation Program grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Eligible uses under the grant program include expanding recycling processing facilities, installing data collection systems on recycling vehicles, continuing or creating curbside recycling programs, developing educational materials, or operating leaf compost facilities. Up to 90 percent of approved recycling program costs are eligible under the grant program.

On Oct. 4 State Rep. Pam Snyder was joined

by Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Greene County commissioners at the Greene County Courthouse in announcing $603,000 in grants for two projects that will help improve the Greene River Trail and the Wisecarver Recreation Area. $403,000 will benefit the development of

Greene County Composite Squadron 606 Participate in Search for Missing Teen

GC 4-H Educator National Award Winner

JM Rocket Band Grabs 1st at Buckwheat Fest The JeffersonMorgan Band didn’t let the downpour stop them on Thursday, September 27 when they took part in the Buckwheat Festival Fireman’s parade, held annually in Kingwood, Preston County, West Virginia. The Fireman’s parade was the first of three parades at the 77th Buckwheat Festival, with one held each day on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Bands from around the area, including other Greene County

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Revisit the Fabulous Fifties at Flenniken’s Sock Hop Freshen up your bunny hop and limber up for limbo, Flenniken Library is having a 1950s sock hop at the Carmichaels Fire Hall on November 3 from 6pm to 9pm! There will be plenty of golden oldies spinning, with dancing, 50s cuisine, Chinese auction, 50/50 and more. Local wineries and distilleries will be available for tasting, as well as purchasing goods. Come decked in your best 50s attire – there will be prizes! – and be prepared to show off some 50s dance moves.

Tickets are $30/person. FMI, call 724966-5263. Be there or be square!

Tax-free Charitable IRA Seminar

The Community Foundation of Greene County (CFGC) will host a seminar on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 7PM to share information about an option for IRA owners that can help reduce their income tax while allowing them to give to their favorite charities.

An overview of the tax benefits and options for IRA owners and beneficiaries who are 70-1/2 and required to take an RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) through the Qualified Charitable Distribution, will be presented by Tom Milinovich, CPA, CFP, of Milinovich & Co., Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor.

According to Milinovich, persons who reach the age of 70-1/2 are required to take a minimum distribution from their IRA. However, not everyone needs that money. The rule allows them to make a charitable gift to one or more of their favorite charities directly from their IRA using some or all of their Required Minimum Distribution.

1pm at West Sides in Waynesburg. Proceeds help IRA holders, who make a tax-free transfer to continue the store for future Christmases and to a charity from their IRA, are not able to take a to support West Sides Youth. Call 724-852-4205 to donate.

Toy Drive West Sides Youth is sponsoring a toy drive.

They are collecting very gently used and new toys to be sold at a very reasonable price. The event will be held Saturday, December 8 from 9am to

Money Smart for Older Adults Elder financial exploitation is on the rise and is widespread. Financial Advisor, Michael Milinovich, will educate participants about how to prevent common frauds, scams, and identity theft among other financial related topics. Come and learn how to reduce your risk of becoming a victim. Classes are free and open to the public.

The next two classes will be held on November 1, 12pm at Waynesburg Community Center (1505 Morris St, Waynesburg) and November 7, 12pm, at Jefferson Senior Center (190 Washington St, Jefferson) FMI: 724-852-2893 ext. 520.

Bradford House Historical Association Poster Contest

The Bradford House Historical Association is sponsoring two Poster Contests, open to all middle and high school students (public, parochial, cyber and home-schooled) on a topic of Western Pennsylvania history, 1750 – 1850. The contest is open to students who reside in Washington, Greene, Allegheny, Fayette and Westmoreland Counties.

Students are required to construct

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a presentation on a standard size trifold display board, register online during January and February, and deliver the project to the Bradford House, 175 South Main Street, Washington PA in early March. For complete rules, hints for developing a project, and a list of possible topics, go to www.bradfordhouse.org and look under the education tab.

Winning projects will be displayed at the Symposium on 18th Century Life and Customs in Western Pennsylvania, An Evening with Alexander Hamilton, on March 29, 2019, at Washington & Jefferson College. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 5 entries in each division: Middle School (grades 5-8) and High School (grades 9-12). An outreach program to introduce teachers and students to the contest requirements is available.

Email bradfordhouseshop@hotmail.com for more information.

charitable deduction for that contribution. Nevertheless, the charitable gift keeps that money out of the adjusted gross income. This may help avoid a higher tax bracket or keep income below the threshold for the Medicare high-income surcharge, which can boost Part B and Part D premiums for some people. Keeping the money out of the adjusted gross income may also reduce the amount of Social Security benefits that are subject to taxes. It is also a way to benefit from making a charitable contribution if you do not itemize your deductions on your tax return.

The seminar will share this and more information on how IRA owners can benefit this year and every year in the future. Representatives of non-profit organizations 501(C)(3) and churches are also invited to attend.

The free seminar, which is open to the public, will be held in the CFGC Foundation Room at 106 East High Street, Waynesburg. Please RSVP to the seminar by contacting the Community Foundation of Greene County by phone at 724627-2010 or e-mail cfgcpa@gmail.com.

Project Linus Opens Chapter in Greene County

Project Linus, a volunteer organization that provides comfort and security to seriously ill and traumatized children through handmade blankets, has created a new Chapter in Greene County. Kelley Hardie will serve as the Chapter Coordinator for the area.

Her volunteer duties will include recruiting “blanketeers” to make new, handmade, washable blankets and afghans, as well as arranging with organizations for distribution of blankets to children.

“Through the mission of Project Linus, children will be provided with love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort who have been challenged with a difficult life event. We may never see the smile this new blanket may bring to a child in need, but will always feel their love in our

hearts,” said Kelley Hardie, Project Linus Greene County Chapter Coordinator.

Since its inception, Project Linus has grown tremendously and to date has delivered over 2.5 Million blankets. There are many opportunities to participate in the success of this project within Greene County. In addition to individuals, churches, schools, social groups, senior centers, clubs, boys and girls scouts and schools can coordinate projects to make blankets. FMI visit www. projectlinus.org.

Holiday Craft Blast Vendors Wanted Nathanael Greene CDC is looking for vendors for its annual Holiday Craft Blast on Sunday December 9th from 10am to 5pm. If interested

contact shine201027@yahoo .com or call Mary Shine 724-943-4462.

Rudnick’s Cancer Benefit Rudnick’s will be holding it’s last annual cancer benefit this year on November 13, 2018. The benefit lasts all day long and will start at approximately 11am. Winners for the baskets will be drawn around 8pm. You do not have to be pres-

ent to win a basket. Proceeds from the event will benefit two families struggling with the effects of cancer. FMI, 724-267-3399. Rudnick’s is located at 1143 10 Mile Road, Marianna Pa.

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1st Annual Red Kettle Run

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William F. Lewis

illiam F. Lewis enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1953; he trained at Paris Island for basic training and was then sent to Camp Le June, N.C. for advanced basic training and survival school. He spent 14 months in Korea for the Korean War before being sent home in 1955 for leave. While on leave, he married Mary Ann Robinson on December 30, 1955.

In 1957, William joined the Pennsylvania National Guard, where he served until 1959. During that time he served as the Chief of Police for Clarksville. William then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Navy from 1959 to 1974, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. While enlisted he also served as a police officer for the city of San Diego, CA. During his time in the Navy, he worked for the General Electric Company as the Bureau of Ships Technical Representative under Admiral Hyman

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Rickover, known as the father of nuclear power.

He toured on THE RL Wilson, Tidewater, Vogel Sang, the Harry E. Yarnell, the USS Sowden and the Easton. In 19070, he was shipped to San Diego to decommission ships. He was a Chief Master at Arms when he decommissioned his last ships and left the Navy.

In 1974, he moved back to Greene County and served as Chief of Police of Carmichaels Borough from 1974 to 1981. In 1981, he moved to the Cumberland Township police department and served as Chief of Police until his retirement on April 4, 2009. William also served as a Deputy Coroner from 1976 to 1994 and Chief Deputy Coroner from 1994 until his death on February 1, 2010.

GreeneScene Community Magazine is pleased to join William’s family in paying tribute to William F. Lewis, Jr. and thanking him for his service. We appreciate you and salute you.

he first annual Red Kettle Run will be held in Waynesburg on December 1st. This new 5K Run/Walk will also include a Kids’ Mile Fun Run. The race is fun way to support the Salvation Army in Greene County and a way to give back to the community.

“Races seem to be very popular in the area, so we thought it would be a wonderful fundraiser.” said Sister Audrey Quinn, Director of the Salvation Army’s Greene County location. “It goes along well with our annual kettle campaign.”

The race and the Red Kettle campaign are just some of the ways the Salvation Army works to serve those in Greene County. The Salvation Army provides assistance is many ways to those in our area – providing services that people might not even know are available.

In 2017, the Salvation Army served 823 households in Greene County. Their emergency pantry provided 288 households with food for meals. The Salvation Army of Western PA in Greene County also assisted 249 households with utilities, offered 58 people help with housing assistance, provided prescriptions to 25 households, helped 2 households with burials and assisted 203 households with seasonal needs.

In addition to all of those services, the Salvation Army can help with emergency supplies like diapers, coupon exchange, disaster services, backto-school clothes, Treasure for Kids, Kids’ Birthday Club, prom attire and Camp Allegheny.

The Salvation Army also partners with WTAE for Project Bundle-Up, to provide winter coats, shoes, hats, and gloves to children and seniors.

Since its inception, Project Bundle-Up has raised more than $13.4 million and provided outerwear for over 267,000 children and seniors – 4,565 in western PA in 2016.

This year’s first annual Red Kettle Run is presented by the Salvation Army in partnership with LOLA energy, First Federal Savings & Loan of Greene County, Contura Energy and other local sponsors. Registration for the race begins at 7:30 am. The Kids’ Mile Fun Run will kick off the event at 8:30am, followed by the 5k Run/Walk at 9:00am.

Once the race is over, take some time to relax and refuel at the Pancake Breakfast from 9:30 am until 11:30 am – which is included in the racer registration fee. If you don’t race, you can still enjoy the pancake breakfast for $6.

Sister Audrey shared, “The response has been great. We’ve had lots of people volunteering, people offering items for the Chinese auction, and sponsors to help with the costs of the event. A lot of things are coming together to help make this event successful.”

Awards will be given to the overall top male and female finisher competing the 5k run. Medals will be given to the top 3 male and female runners in each age group competing in the 5K Run and the Kids Mile Fun Run. Medals will also be awarded to the top two make and female walkers in each age group competing in the 5k Walk. All finishers will receive a Salvation Army patch.

Cost for the 5K Run/Walk is $20 if you register

by November 14th and $25 after that. The Kids Mile Fun Run is $15 before November 14th and $20 after that. Entry fee includes the cost of a long sleeve t-shirt. To guarantee a shirt, you must register by November 14. To register, pick up a pamphlet in local businesses, such as Direct Results, look for the info tubes with flyers throughout Greene and Fayette County, or register online at salvationarmywpa. org/5k.

For more information about the race, contact Ryan Smith at 740-359-4467 or rsmith@waynesburg.edu. For information about sponsorship, contact Sister Audrey Quinn at 724-852-1479 or Audrey.quinn@use.salvationarmy.org.

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Spo rt Sh or t s

By Jason Tennant

Carmichaels Golf Enjoys Historic Season

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he Golf team at Carmichaels Area High School has had their share of success in recent years, but the 2018 squad has set the bar higher than any other team in the program’s history.

The Mighty Mikes had reached the WPIAL Semifinals as a team each of the last four seasons, but that is where the team’s season ended each year.

This season, the Mikes went undefeated throughout the regular season and were able to take that next step in the postseason.

Their semifinal was held at Butler’s Woodside Golf Course on October 9th and with a team score of 416, the Mikes became the first Carmichaels Golf Team to qualify for the WPIAL Finals.

“It’s great to accomplish team goals because you get more kids involved,” said 13-year Head Coach Dave Briggs. “The kids were really excited.

When it’s team play, everyone’s got to play well to advance.”

Matthew Barrish led the team that day with a score of 74, followed by Taggart Shea (82), Ethan Greene (83), Remmey Lohr (87), and Delaney Lohr (90).

The Mikes’ combined score of 416 fell just one stroke shy of 2nd place North Catholic but was good enough for 3rd place and only the top 3 teams advanced to the WPIAL Finals. Sewickley Academy was first that day with a score of 390.

Two days later, Carmichaels headed to Cedarbrook Golf Course for the WPIAL Championships, and though they didn’t take the gold, the Mikes represented themselves very well in their first ever Final by taking 4th place. It was a solid fourth as they finished 22 strokes behind Elizabeth Forward and North Catholic, who tied for second place, but also 15 shots ahead of fifth place Greensburg Central Catholic.

For seniors Barrish and Greene it would be their last event competing as a team for Carmichaels, but certainly a great way to close it out. The

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others will hopefully be able to use the experience from this year to keep the success rolling for the Mikes.

“Matt and Ethan will be big shoes to fill,” said Briggs, “We had fifteen kids sign up for the team this year so there is a lot of interest. Hopefully the kids will work hard next summer and be ready to go for next season.”

Individually, the Mikes also continue to raise the bar for the program.

This season, Remmey Lohr became the first female golfer from Carmichaels to place in the WPIAL, when she took 3rd place at the WPIAL AA Girls Golf Championships back on October 3rd.

And Barrish, with his accomplishments, could certainly be considered the most decorated golfer in the program’s history.

Barrish, who finished 11th in the state last year, will make a return trip to the State Championships this season. He becomes the first Carmichaels golfer to ever reach the PIAA Championships twice in their high school career.

“He’s got a great work ethic and he’s very levelheaded, which is so important,” said Briggs. “He just continues to work hard at his game.”

Barrish, who is also a 2-time Section 8-AA Champion, finished tied for 8th in the WPIAL with a 74 back on September 27th at the Allegheny Country Club, where the top 16 advance to states.

At Tom’s Run in Blairsville on October 15th, he tied for 10th place in the PIAA West Regional with a score of 78, securing himself back-to-back trips to the PIAA Championships.

Unfortunately the deadline for this article made it impossible to include the PIAA Championship results.

It’s been a golf season that by most may be remembered more for the unfavorable weather than anything, but for Carmichaels, it’s been a season for the record books.

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Glen Kinsey

n June 1954, a young Glen ings are painted bright orange and Kinsey from Benton County most of the men don’t have weapArkansas volunteered for the ons…why don’t we pull a sneak atdraft and began his experience tack…” in U.S. Army.

Actually though, according to “I was sent to Fort Chaffee Glen, life in the 304th at that time Arkansas for processing, during the was not too bad. With the same aphottest part of July.” If Glen thought peal as an episode of MASH, Glen it was hot at Fort Chaffee, he had can tell stories of Mamasans arrangonly to wait three weeks before ing black market schemes; hitching boarding a troop train for the three a ride on an ox cart to attend an day ride to the fallaciously named enlisted men’s beer bust that lasted Fort Bliss near El Paso Texas. “It was all night, smoking Korean “White hotter than hell,” Glen recalls, “This Sheeps”… and stories of Susie, his was August and the desert was very local girlfriend who liked to play hot and dry, we had to crawl on our rummy and taught him how. “She bellies and little round rocks would always beat me because she cheated roll up our sleeves making red burn and changed the rules,” he says. Bemarks on our arms, I figured gauze friending the locals enabled many pads from a first aid pack wrapped of Glen’s best memories. “In our around my wrist might stop them. It crowded squad hut were several worked so well everyone started doROK Army soldiers we called the ing it and soon there wasn’t a gauze Katusas. I became good friends with pack to be found anywhere in our two whose names were Yang-incompany.” Just one of many recol- U.S. Army Private Glen Kinsey jang and Jung-ju-fu. If my American while stationed at the 304th lections. friends and I went out on the town, Signal Battalion near Seoul, After basic, and a short leave it cost a lot of money, if I went with Korea in 1956. back home in Arkansas, Glen drove Yang or Jung I could give them $5 his car to Fort Gordon, Georgia and when the night was over we’d where the next nine months involved training for have money left over.” long distance telephone and teletype equipment These recollections and more of life in the repair.

Army are a small part of a personal memoir Glen A gear head from the beginning, Glen didn’t has written to share with family and friends. After listen to the instructions all the soldiers received the Army, Glen went to work for Cessna Aircraft when coming out of basic – don’t take your car to as a draftsman in the hydraulics plant. Hydraulics your next assignment, because orders may come came naturally to him, and 17 years later Glen was through quickly and you may have to leave it. He chief engineer for one the major hydraulics producwanted his car. “It was a 1950 Pontiac Chieftan. It ers in the US. When the company sold out, Glen had a lot chrome and it was a metallic green – I re- switched paths and took a position as Eastern Really liked that car,” He ignored the warning. And gional Sales Manager for another hydraulics comof course his orders to “ship out” did come quickly pany, and transferred to its Pittsburgh office. He and he couldn’t get an overnight pass to take his car bought a home in Waynesburg, Greene County, back home.

Pennsylvania in 1982.

“My car was really nice and I wasn’t about And here he remains, probably best known to leave it, so Friday afternoon I went AWOL and these days as one of the self-proclaimed Grumpy took it to Arkansas. I had ridden the bus many Old Men of Greene County – all gear heads – who times to and from Augusta and never had the MPs like to tinker and build and restore anything autoat the gate check for a pass. I figured if I rode the motive, and serve as the committee that keeps the bus back, I’d make it in ok. Nope. My bus was prob- Waynesburg 50s Fest & Car Cruise going strong. ably the only one they checked that night, and I was We salute Veteran Glen Kinsey, and thank him on report again,” Glen recalls. But his orders came for his service to his country then and community through like all the rest, and the only thing he notes now. about the incident is, “I was going to Korea…the second page of my orders said I’d been promoted to Private First Class, the third page revoked the second page.”

Glen was assigned to the 304th Signal Battalion, located near the suburbs of Seoul, Korea. “We were housed in 12 man Quonset Huts, and there were only 3 problems,” Glen explains, “When we all moved in, there were 23 of us in our hut, there were no rifles for the new men, and half our buildings were painted the brightest orange primer you ever saw. We were only a few miles from the DMZ and the war hadn’t been over very long. We could imagine a North Korean spotter plane Glen Kinsey today at his garage where he enjoys building hot rods and calling back, “Just outside Seoul is a hanging out with the Grumpy Old Men. small battalion where half the build-

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Robert Armstrong

obert Armstrong enlisted in the United Sates Coast Guard Reserve in 1990 and served there until 1998. He had his basic training during the summer of 1990 at Cape May, New Jersey. While serving in the Coast Guard, Petty Officer 3rd Class Armstrong was involved in Personnel Administration and Data Processing. After leaving the Coast Guard, Robert served in the US Naval Reserves from 1999 – 2002 in Legal Administration as Petty Officer 2nd Class.

Robert has been a member of the American Legion for twenty-seven years and a Judge Advocate for the American Legion of Pennsylvania for 12 years.

GreeneScene Community Magazine joins with Robert’s family to honor him for his dedication to serving his country and the American people. We thank you, Petty Officer 2nd Class Robert Armstrong, and salute you for your service.

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GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

Don Longanecker, Jr.

By Carol Scott

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f you’ve ever moved, you know about stuff.

Four years ago when we were moving back to Greene County, we were seriously downsizing and our stuff had to be given away, boxed up, thrown out, recycled, organized, shredded…. It was endless and exhausting. And then I came to this old fire truck.

For years it had been relegated to the floor of my upstairs sewing room where it was catching dust rather than putting out fires. And this baby caught a lot of dust.

This Mack Hook and Ladder truck was manufactured by Steelcraft in Cleveland, Ohio sometime between 1928 and 1935. It has two ladders on the sides that attach to a ladder in the back. When these ladders are put together, they are over three feet high. A kid could put out some mighty fires with this firetruck.

The ladders can also be cranked up and down; it is the deluxe model. In 1930, there were no warnings on toys, and this Mack truck could do some damage. It has string that could choke; small parts that could fall off and hit; clips that could pinch fingers, and seriously sharp ladder edges that could poke an eye out. But it also has a real brass bell that dings and a hose that unwinds. Generations have played with this truck -- my kids played with it and lived (with no serious injuries).

It belonged to my mother’s brother, Uncle Donnie. I never knew him; he was killed in World War II in France in 1944.

My grandma Carrie always started to cry when his name was mentioned, so we never talked about him much. Mom only said that she was the kid sister, and just as she was getting old enough for them to be friends again, he joined the army and went off to war. He was a smart kid, an intellectual-type, who graduated from high school in 1943, went to college for one semester, and then went to war. A young boy who probably never wanted to be a soldier… and yet, he went, he served, and he died. At age 20.

He served with General Patton’s Third Army in the infantry. On October 26, 1944 the Democrat Messenger published an excerpt from his letters home. It is a very long article, and these quotes were taken from different sections.

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...the French people stand in front of their proud to join Carol in paying tribute to her unhomes (some of which have been bombed) with cle. We salute you and most of all we thank you pitchers and glasses of cider and wine. The only for your sacrifice and service to help preserve the trouble with the cider is that it’s hard instead of liberties we enjoy as American citizens today. soft… Since I wrote you last we have done a lot of riding over France. Also a lot of walking both day and night. I never before realized France was such a beautiful country. Excellent terrain land, mostly level, with acres of wheat, oats, hay and grape vines neatly taken care of. We were about a month too soon for the plentiful supply of apples, grapes, etc…. Where I am now acres and acres of fields of wheat, oats, etc. are going to waste because of fighting around them… Last night I slept in a trench for the first time and didn’t sleep badly. A fox hole will probably follow…

We had our first hot water showers yesterday since our arrival in France. You can imagine how we felt. We’re hoping to get some clean clothes soon…The past ten days or two weeks have proven rather rough and tough for some of us. Especially in the way of sleep. Strange thing about it though is that when we get a chance to sleep, we just can’t seem to close our eyes…

Yes, the war news is good, but don’t let the newspapers make you believe the war is about over. I’ll tell you one thing, if we didn’t have air supremacy, I don’t know what we’d do. You Don Longanecker, Jr. and sister Jean Longanecker Scott don’t see any German planes by day and few by circa 1943, standing in front of their house on W. Linnight… coln Street in Waynesburg.

Sept. 24. A lot of guys are getting souvenirs lately such as German pistols, knives, belts, etc.

I don’t think I’ll bother with anything like that… Besides I’m not interested in souvenirs -- just am anxious to get this thing over as soon as possible and get back home…

His obituary says he was killed on November 8 between Nancy and Metz in Northern France.

GreeneScene ComThe antique fire truck after a good cleaning. munity Magazine is

Don Longanecker, Jr.

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Love Greene Project: 1 Day 2 Serve Together

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By Stephanie Lampe

he concept of improving and connecting who they helped. One elderly lady couldn’t stop our community through volunteering watching the volunteers who were cleaning up to help others came to fruition for Juan her yard. She was very thankful. There was even Gallo, Justin Rhodes and Tim Meeks of a surprise at the Bowlby Library when the volunthe Greene County Youth Network on September teers discovered the stairwell they were there to 29, 2018, when more than 60 people of differing paint was actually four stories high! And they did ages gathered at the EQT Rec Center to volunteer it without complaint. One volunteer even went to their time for the first annual Love Greene Proj- her own home, picked up bags of her own mulch ect. They registered, chose a project, picked up when none was available at any store and genera T-shirt, gloves and safety glasses and then en- ously donated it to a site to finish up a landscaping joyed doughnuts, breakfast sandwiches, fruit and job. One gentleman even stated that this project drinks. The morning was cool, but the shining and those who created it were “building bridges” in the community. sun hinted at the beautiful day to come.

Everything for the event was donated either Registration/breakfast ran from 8-8:30 a.m.

By 8:15, there were more than 30 volunteers en- physically or financially. Sponsors for this event: joying breakfast and chatting with each other EQT, Sheetz, The Dapper Doughnut, Chick-fil-A while about 30 more flowed in by 8:30. A brief- (Washington), RG Johnson, First Federal, Direct ing/orientation was held from 8:30-9:00 with Results, Community Bank, Wayne Lumber, Travthree of the members of the Greene County Youth el Savers, and EQT Rec Center who donated the Network all speaking to the group. Juan Gallo use of the space for the event.

When speaking with Juan Gallo, he stated opened by welcoming everyone while touching on the concept of the event: bringing people to- that he was very “pleased with the turnout” espegether to serve the community and inspiring oth- cially for their first time holding the event. They ers to do the same. Tim Meeks went over some plan to make the Love Greene Project an annual general guidelines such as respecting yourself, event and hope to “plant the seed of volunteering.” others, and the work site and putting safety first. They are also going to do Justin Rhodes finished up with stating that there ongoing volunteer work were going to be site leaders at every site and that and even have more projmany of the tools and supplies were provided by ects already lined up. If the property owners, property managers and/or you would like to volunthe event staff. A phone number was provided in teer or make a donation, case something was needed that was not already or have a project, send an supplied. Once questions were answered, a prayer email to lovegreeneprowas spoken before ending the orientation. At 9 ject@gmail.com or visit a.m., most volunteers had already left the EQT their Facebook page @ Volunteer working on the raised flower beds Rec Center to begin their day of service to the lovegreeneproject. at Corner Cupboard. community.

During the next four hours, the 60 some volunteers pulled weeds, mulched, painted, weed whacked, sorted, organized, and visited the elderly. Trails were cleared, lights were repaired, and carpets were vacuumed. Some of the sites were the following: Greene County Historical Society Museum, Cherry Door, Hidden Treasures, Cornerstone Bible Ministries, Corner Cupboard, Blueprints, Bowlby Library plus various residencVolunteers work on landscaping at the Mt. Morris es and nursing homes.

Cemetery When 1 pm arrived, many of the volunteers headed back to the EQT Rec Center for a picnic lunch provided through donations of many generous local businesses. While enjoying lunch, the volunteers were asked to share some of their experiences. All said they enjoyed the day and had lots of fun! Volunteers who went to a local nursing home said they sang songs and helped one man celebrate Kathy Bortz pulling weeds at the his release from the home. Some of private home of Ruth Mitchell in the workers who went to residences Volunteers painting bookWaynesburg. shelves at The Cherry Door. loved seeing the happy faces of those

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COLONEL

Gary W. Long

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olonel Gary W. Long graduated from the ROTC program at Duquesne University in 1977 and joined the Army as a platoon leader in Fort Hood, Texas. He went on to serve in Schweinfurt, Germany and Fort Monroe, Virginia. He retired from active duty in 1988, but was called up again in 1990 and served in ‘Operation Just Cause’ in Panama.

During his years as a reservist, he served as an intelligence officer and was named commander of the 3401st Military Intelligence Detachment in Meadville. In February of 2002, he was promoted to Colonel.

Prior to enlisting, Gary graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University. He later would earn a master’s degree in science in systems management from the University of Southern California.

Gary is deceased and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

We join with Nanette Long, Gary’s sister-in-law, in honoring Colonel Gary W. Long for his years of service and dedication. We salute you and thank you.

GreeneScene Magazine •

NOVEMBER

2018

Harris & Rutan: A Family of Veterans

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By Stephanie Lampe

he Harris & Rutan family of the Jefferson and Waynesburg areas has a long line of servicemen that includes four veterans, one currently serving, and another possibly enlisting soon. Ester Rigby of Jefferson has close ties to each one.

Ester Rigby’s father, Private (PVT) Howard A. Harris of Jefferson, PA, was born in 1907. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the peacetime between World War I and World War II starting in May of 1928. PVT Harris served with Company E 27th Infantry, Scoffield Barracks in Hawaii. He passed away in 1974.

Specialist 5th Class (SP5) Charles D. Rutan was Ester Rigby’s first husband. He was born in Rutan, PA, graduated from West Greene MiddleSenior High School, and lived in Waynesburg, PA. They had a daughter named Erica Rutan. SP5 Rutan served as a U.S. Army medic in Vietnam in 1969. He was wounded by a land mine while trying to save someone else. He received a Commendation Medal of Valor and a Purple Heart for his heroic efforts. He passed away in 2013.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Richard A. Harris, originally from Jefferson, PA, is the son of PVT Howard A. Harris and brother of Ester Rigby. He is an alum of Jefferson-Morgan High School. He graduated from West Point in 1976. LTC Harris served in the U.S. Army and was in Saudi Arabia from 1990-91. He has since retired from the military. He enjoys traveling and his favorite way to keep in shape is taking long bicycle trips. He’s been known to travel as far away as Washington, D.C. In fact, it’s not uncommon for him to show up at Ester Rigby’s house after riding his bike… from Ohio where he currently resides. And he does this all at the age of 68! LTC Harris is also still working. He is employed at AT&T in Cleveland.

Jacob D. McCallum of Waynesburg, PA, is the great grandson of PVT Howard A. Harris, grandson of SP5 Charles D. Rutan and Ester Rigby, son of Erica Rutan of Waynesburg, and great nephew of LTC Richard A. Harris. When Jacob graduated from Central Greene High School in 2017, he joined the long line of military men in his family.

However, instead of serving in the U.S. Army as the others did, he chose to enlist in a different branch of the military...the U.S. Air Force. Airman First

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

Class (A1C) McCallum is currently serving his country in Shreveport, LA. Rounding out the Harris/Rutan family line of servicemen is Technical Sergeant (TSgt) Anthony Jezewski of Mather, PA. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in World War II from 1943-45.

It should be noted that the rank of Technical Sergeant was renamed to Sergeant First Class in 1948.

TSgt Jezewski was the longtime boyfriend of Ester Rigby’s mother, Lucinda Harris. Although TSgt Jezewski and Lucinda never married, Ester still considers him part of the family. “Tony was the only grandfather that Erica ever knew.” TSgt Jezewski spent most of his time in the coalmine after his time in the U.S. Army. He passed away in 1996.

Ester Rigby is proud of her ties to the military.

She’s also fairly certain that she has another grandchild on the verge of enlisting, but we’ll have to wait and see. Having multiple veterans in one family is truly amazing, but both sides of a marriage is inspiring. Ester’s husband’s side of the family has military ties, too. “They are all Marines, but that’s a whole other book,” chuckled Ester.

The GreeneScene joins with Ester in celebrating her family’s dedication to service. Thank you all and we salute you!

HOWARD HARRIS

JACOB McCALLUM

RICHARD HARRIS

ANTHONY JEZWESKI

CHARLES RUTAN

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The Dancing Mushroom

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erence Keenan made a detour by Direct Results on his way to the Farmer’s Market in Waynesburg with a giant haul of Sheepshead mushrooms, otherwise referred to as the Hen of the Woods, Ramshead, or Maitake mushrooms.

The Maitake is referred to as the “dancing mushroom” in Japan. According to Japanese legend, the fruiting maitake mushrooms were found by a group of Buddhist nuns and woodcutters on a mountain trail. So happy of their discovery, they began dancing in celebration.

Sheepshead, properly known as Grifola frondosa, is quite abundant in the Western United States and is often found growing near the base of large oak trees that are abundant in our forests during the late summer and autumn. These full-bodied mushrooms Terence’s Sheepshead haul, along with a puffball Calvatia craoften weigh as much as 20 pounds, but ex- niiformis, named so because of its skull-shape, which is also an edible. ceptional specimens have been over 50 pounds, even reaching 100 pounds! These cooking from frozen works if you can’t eat them “Hen of the Woods” resemble a hen with ruffled fresh. It’s recommended to cut them length-wise to feathers or a wooly sheep’s head, hence their many keep them together and small enough to cook benicknames. They form into large rosettes that can fore freezing. Cook directly from freezer, no thawgrow up to 2 feet across or more. ing. When cooked, they resemble chicken meat.

The color of the Sheepshead mushroom Pieces can also be steeped in hot water to make a ranges from pale tan to dark brown. Beware any kind of tea. Sheepshead is reported to have mulSheepshead that look yellow, orange, or red in col- tiple health benefits. Studies have shown that the or – these have been colonized by mold, yeast, or mushroom can boost immune function, reduce bacteria and should not be eaten. Their undersides cholesterol, reduce weight gain, treat diabetes, and are white and have tiny pores and no gills. There even fight tumors. are similar mushrooms, but the Sheepshead has no This year if you go looking for them, you dangerous look-alikes, making it a favorite for all should find them, Terence shares. It’s been a good skills of mushroom hunting. year for them because of all the steady rain.

Fresh-freezing Sheepshead mushrooms and

Cream of Maitake Mushroom Soup Prep time: 20 mins Cook time: 45 mins Total time: 1 hour 5 mins Serves: 8 INGREDIENTS 2 lb Hen of the Woods (Maitake) Mushroom 6 cup Vegetable or chicken broth 1 lb Potatoes, chopped 1 lb Carrots, chopped 1 Onion, chopped 8 clove Garlic, minced 2 Bay Leaves 1 teaspoon Thyme, minced

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ou might have seen the open houses that would help the county in that area. Each citiadvertised during September, but didn’t zen that attended the meeting was given ten $100 make it to one, so you’re left wonder- bills that they could use to vote on how they would ing… what is it? What does the Compre- spend the money. The vision statement board had a draft vision for the county – “Live Greene • Work hensive Plan do? And why do we need one?

The creation and update of a County Compre- Greene • Love Greene” – with people sharing their hensive Plan helps provide a vision for the future thoughts and ideas on post-it notes.

After the meetings are over, the GCCPU of the county along with the steps that are needed to make that vision a reality. The plan consists of meetings headed to the local schools for grades 9th goals and strategies that can be implemented to ad- through 12th to get feedback from the students, as dress future controlled growth and preservation. It well as provide them an experience that shows how helps county leadership and municipal officials so local government plans are created and what goes they can assign resources. It also provides the basis into making them.

Craig Bailey, former superintendent of Carfor seeking future resources and funding, as well as providing recommendations to address challenges michaels Area School District, was part of the Workforce and Education committee. “It was a within the county.

The Greene County Comprehensive Plan Up- lot of working together, putting ideas on the table, date takes place every ten years. Before the public and then narrowing the goals down. A lot of good meetings were held, a committee was held to define thoughts came out of the discussion,” Craig said. the six pillars that are considered crucial compo- “We have to provide education and the opportuninents of the GCCPU. Each pillar was assigned a ties to make people want to stay in the area. A key focus group of local area experts to break the pil- part of that is having jobs available and showing lar down into goals that could be implemented. students it’s not a bad place to be.”

The six Greene County Pillars are: (1)Business and Industry, (2)Grow and Protect County Assets, (3)Workforce and Education, (4)Mobility, Transportation, and Infrastructure, (5)Quality of Life, and (6)Local Government.

“Around 100 people were involved in the focus groups, interviews, and committees and have contributed towards the goals,” said Brandi Rosselli from Mackin Engineering, who worked with the county to develop the pillars. “So now we’re bringing it to the general public for their opinions.”

County Commissioners, as well as other county representatives, and Macklin engineering associates were available at each meeting to answer questions and explain the process. Each public meeting consisted of a county map for Each dot on the map represents someone that attended a residents to check-in with their location, a vision statement board, a survey box, and a board for meeting and where they are from (photo taken at the Carmichaels Open House). each pillar. The pillar boards listed possible goals

1 teaspoon Sage, minced 1 cup White Wine 1 cup Heavy Cream 2 tablespoon Olive Oil 2 tablespoon Butter 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice 1½ teaspoon Salt ½ teaspoon Cracked Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS Thoroughly clean the mushrooms. Dry and then break apart into small pieces.

Place a heavy soup pot over a medium-high heat, then add the olive oil and butter. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and onion. Saute’ for about three to five minutes, and then add the hen of the woods to the pot, as well as the salt and pepper. Stir and cook over a medium to high heat for about 10 minutes. Add the carrots and potatoes and saute’ for another five minutes or so, stirring often.

Add the stock, bay leaves, thyme, and sage to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves and cool down the soup slightly. Add to blender in small batches and puree until smooth. Add back into the soup pot, add the wine and lemon juice and simmer for another five minutes. At this point the soup can be refrigerated and warmed for later use. Or, if you plan to serve immediately stir in the cream and salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with your favorite herbs, and serve hot!

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Greene County Comprehensive Plan Update

These boards represent 3 of the 6 pillars. Each boards has listed goals, with slots to drop in your Greene County cash.

GreeneScene Magazine •

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2018

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Charles Whitlatch

harles Everett Whitlatch graduated from West Greene High School on May 28, 1965 and enlisted in the US Army. He boarded the bust at the Fort Jackson Hotel in Waynesburg and headed south to Fairmont, WV to be sworn in. He then flew to Fort Jackson, SC for basic training; his advanced training was in Fort Belvoir, VA. Following training, he was stationed in Pirmasens, West Germany and assigned to the 5th Maintenance Battalion. While in Germany, he made ‘Soldier of the Month’ twice in the Battalion and once in the group consisting of ten battalions. While there, he received the rank of E-5. He decided that he wanted to spend his last year of service in Vietnam. He spent a 30 day leave at his home in West Finley and got engaged to his future wife, Patricia Adams before heading to Vietnam.

He served in Vietnam with the 27th Combat Engineer Battalion in Xuan Loc, Vietnam. He was attached to the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment, and served as a Platoon Sergeant. He received the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6, as well as other accolades

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2018 • GreeneScene Magazine

and medals.

Charles likes to say about his time in the Army “that I traveled around the world and came back by the grace of God and married the love of my life, my next door neighbor girlfriend, and got to see her graduate from the same school I graduated from.”

The following month, they were married; they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

They have been blessed with four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

GreeneScene Community Magazine join with Charles’s family in honoring his dedication to serving his country. Thank you, SSG. Charles Whitlatch, for your service. We salute you.

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A Lasting Love

PFC David Donham

By Lauren Nicole Bertovich, Specialist U.S. Army National Guard, Pennsylvania

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eventy years ago a young man walked into Kesocks, a local hotspot in the small town of Carmichaels, Pa, where young adults could eat, drink and dance. He was a soldier, home on a 30-day furlough, a nice break from the servitude of war. The man’s name was David Donham, and David was about to meet June.

“I think it was love at first sight,” June says with pride as she sorts through 70 years of memories with her husband. David met June that night at Kesocks while he was home from the war and although he dreaded leaving the country again, he now had someone very special to come home to.

David recalls carrying June’s photo in his uniform pocket. Wartime can be incredibly ugly and her beautiful face kept him going on even the darkest of days. They spent the next months getting to know each other by writing letters, filling the seven months until June and Dave would see each other again.

June recalls how hard it was for David to readjust to civilian life after the war ended and he returned home. She stayed by his side, helping him get through the difficult time. It wasn’t long after that David proposed and June accepted. On August 16th 1948 they were married.

David is now 96 and June is 94 and they have just celebrated 70 great years together. June loves Greene County and says she has lived here her

whole life. They have 2 daughters - Doreen, the eldest, and Mariam, their youngest, who unfortunately passed away 3 years ago. They are very proud of their grandchildren, Jordon and Wesley Gnatuk.

Both Jordon and Wesley are school teachers. June also speaks very highly of her son-in-law Claude Straight, who is a photographer and takes aerial photos from helicopters.

Their care nurse, Faith Harbarger, describes their relationship to be a real life version of The Notebook by Nicolas Sparks. “It just amazes me that 2 people who have been together for so long can still be this much in love. Each night June holds Dave’s hand while he falls asleep and always kisses him goodnight before going to bed herself. They just really care about one another.”

When asked what advice they could give to young couples or newlyweds, June’s answers are plain and simple. “Just be there for each other. It doesn’t matter how bad things can get because as long as we had each other nothing was as terrible as it may have seemed. You have to be kind to each other too. Treat each other with respect and love each other.” Sometimes in life we tend to over complicate many things, especially relationships. The story of David and June is a reminder to us all that love can conquer anything. Always treat the ones you care about most with kindness and respect and most importantly, be there.

David and June still love after 70 years of marriage.

David Donham, Private First Class 97th Infantry, U.S. Army, met his now wife of seventy years while home on furlough. He returned to Europe, traveling thru Germany, Czechoslovakia, and to Japan for Occupational Duty following a bombing that ended the Second World War. We join David’s daughter Doreen and his wife June in thanking him for his dedication to his country. Your service will not be forgotten. We salute you, PFC David Donham. Thank you for your service!

David and June on their wedding day.

GreeneScene GreeneScene by by Joan Joan Ianelli Ianelli

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Rodman Stewart

uff Creek native Rodman Stewart is pictured here returning home from Amsterdam in March 1991. Tech Sgt. Stewart was stationed at Camp New Amsterdam in the Netherlands and was deployed in Incirlik Air Base in Turkey during the first Gulf War in 1991. He was an aircraft mechanic serving the plane used in missions launched from Incirlik AFB. He is pictured here holding his son Rodman Wendel Stewart II, who ran out to greet him. GreeneScene Magazine joins his famly in paying tribute to TSGT Rodman Stewart. Your service and dedication will never be forgotten. Thank you.

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WWI VETERANS MEMORIAL

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very special ceremony will be held this gravestones, memorials or more. They feature a QR year on Veterans’ Day in Waynesburg. code that can be scanned by your phone, showing The new World War I Memorial, located pictures, a life profile and more. At the WWI Meadjacent to the Greene County Historical morial, each soldier will have one along the path.

This project has been made possible through Society and Greene County Tennis Courts, will be the hard work and donations received by the dedicated.

The site will honor the more than 1,000 Greene County Legacy Association. A list of conGreene County men and women who served their tributors can be found at raindayboys.com.

“We have come a long way on this WWI country during World War I. Tributes to the 58 soldiers that gave their all will be featured; along the Memorial project conceived on the battlefields of path a flowering dogwood tree with a solar pow- France last November now to near completion here ered garden lantern with Memory Medallion will back home,” said Glenn Toothman. “We are apbe placed for each fallen WWI soldier. The Memory preciative of all the help received and hope that the Medallion will share a picture and a profile for each citizens of Greene County and beyond will enjoy visiting it.” fallen soldier.

The event will be held on November 11 from The project was announced in January of 2018 and construction has been ongoing since then to 11am to 12pm. It is free and open to the public. prepare the site for the dedication in November, Family members of the 58 are encouraged to RSVP in time for the 100-year anniversary of the end of and will receive a custom Memory Medallion Dog Tag. FMI, visit raindayboys.com and click the WWI World War I. In 1932, a WWI monument was placed along M e m o r i a l Route 188 just outside of Waynesburg. Trees were section. planted along each side of the road, one for each soldier; a granite marker was placed near the road with the names of the fallen soldiers. However, this unnoticed monument has suffered at the hands of time. The new memorial will provide an interactive experience for each visitor, through the Memory Medallions.

Memory Medallions are stainless steel medallions that can be attached to the surface of monuments, Pictures are courtesy raindayboys.com and are models of the final project.

2018 +25 Age Division Repeat Champions

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he Canonsburg Knights of the Washington-Greene Adult Baseball League defeated the Monongahela Orioles 7-1 in game 3 of the Best-of-Three 2018 Championship Playoffs. The Knights dropped Game 1 3-1 but rallied to win Game 2 10-0 to force Game 3.

l-r: Front: Mike Munoz, Chris Dittmar, Eric Long, Sean Russel, Aaron Caldwell, Alex Hernberger, Ian Wallace, Andrew Andrones. Back: Zack Zebrasky, Brandon Dittmar, Adam Weigle, Scott Macerelli, Chris Douglas, Sean Douglas, Rich Adkins, Ryan Devine, Mitch McClay, Matt Douglas.

The Monogahela Orioles were the 2018 Runner Up team.

l-r: Front: Matt Nelson, Adam Grant, Kevin Madar, Jody Wilkerson & son Jackson. Back: Joel LeViere, Brandon Crawford, John Macik, Tyler Crowe, Jeff Toth. Not pictured: Adam Madar, Tim Madar, Pat O’Brien, Joe Colapietro.

VETERAN’S DAY PARADE APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED

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he Veteran’s Day Parade will be held Sunday, November 11th at 10:45 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

The parade theme is “100th Anniversary of Armistice Day”. The fighting in World War I ended in 1918 on November 11th, thanks to an armistice agreement, at 11am. Fighting ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. The war did not officially end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th a commemoration of the war, writing, “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”

In recognition of this anniversary, all units will be stopped in place for the observance of veteran’s participation, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good at exactly 11am. The bells in the area will toll 11 times and be followed by the singing of the National Anthem.

All units must be pre-registered

by November 5th in order to participate.

Line –up will begin at 9am and all units must be in place by 10:25am.

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The parade will step off at 10:45am. All units will be notified in advance of their line-up number and location by email. Placement in the parade will be determined by the order in which the applications are received. The parade will begin at the corner of Morris and High Streets near PNC Bank and continue east to the corner of Morgan and High. Traffic will be restricted on High Street beginning at 10:20 am until noon. Detour traffic will follow Franklin Street to Richhill. High and Franklin Street will be posted for no parking between 9:00 a.m. and noon.

Following the parade, a ceremony will be held at the VFW. on East Lincoln Street. All are welcome to attend.

Anyone wishing to participate in the parade that did not receive an application is asked to call 724-833-0667 after 2pm or 724-998-0598 after 6pm.

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GreeneScene by Brandi Kisner

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