hen Barbara Wehn moved to the Peters area five years ago from Philadelphia, she put forth her best effort to connect with her new neighbors. Though it was summer time, it always seemed that no one was outside whenever she walked through her neighborhood. Then one day an invitation came in the mail. It was a party invitation from the Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors. Wehn immediately realized that this was the opportunity she had been waiting for to meet with the ladies in her new community. “Everyone was so warm and friendly; I immediately connected with them,” says Wehn, who is now president of the organization. Although the group has been invaluable to newcomers, membership in the organization is not limited to new residents or even to Peters residents. “We’ve had people that have lived in th e area for seven or eight years that have become members. It’s about coming to a place that is safe and welcoming,” adds Wehn. She also points out that nearby Bethel Park and North Strabane do not have such clubs, making Peters an attractive alternative for anyone wanting to make new friends. There is one stipulation to membership, however: no males are allowed to join. They are allowed to attend certain events w ith their spouses though. Wehn jokes that the husband of one of the members once suggested starting a golfing group for the men. Wehn politely told him to go start his own group, which he did with limited success. Peters Township Newcomers and Neighbors started in 1965 and has not stopped growing since. The 110 members participate in several different groups within the organization. For example, there is a b ook club, a play group designed primarily for those members with pre-school age children, a gardening group, a wine-tasting group, a couples’ social group and many others. The ladies participate in whatever groups or activities interest them and fit their lifestyle. The group has multiple events each year that provide opportunities for social interaction and fun such as road rallies, comedy nights, spa nights and Christmas cookie exchanges. In addition to entertaining activities, PTNN has practical functions as well. The group publishes a Consumer Reference Guide which recommends plumbers, electricians 52 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE |
Peters Township
By Pamela Palongue Photos by Gary Yon
and other services in the community for those not familiar with the local tradesmen or businesses. They also operate a babysitting co-op in which members trade babysitting time with each other, which helps with the family budget. PTNN has offered computer, cooking, and dance classes for their members at various times. An important feature of PTNN is their philanthropic work. Their annual Basket Auction has benefitted the Peters Township Library, the volunteer fire department, and the Washington Women’s Shelter in the past. This year the funds raised from the event will help Avis Arbor, a women’s shelter that is part of Washington City Mission. Each year the members vote on the recipient of the money raised. PTNN also holds garden tours to raise money and participates in Daffodil Days. They are a familiar si ght at Sweet Sundays, an event that supports the Washington City Mission, where they sell sweet treats made by the ladies
of PTNN. Recently added to the list of charitable causes is Comedy Night, which raises money for The Watchful Shepherd, an organization that equips at-risk children with electronic bracelets to summon help.