Southwestern Pennsylvania Business Journal - Summer 2024

FAYETTE COUNTY CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE responds to community needs with popular programming

VENDOR SHOWS, FARMERS’ MARKETS AND MORE provide some with flexible income

NEW CITY MISSION CEO DIANA IREY VAUGHAN discusses transition from public office to nonprofit work

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MONONGAHELA AQUATORIUM, A RIVERSIDE GEM

Rockin’ On the Mon summer concert series kicks off with RiverFest

24 TRANSFORMATION MEDIA:

Locally driven with the community at heart

{from the editor}

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TURNING PASSION INTO PROFIT:

Local artisans, vendors thrive during summer festival season

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IREY VAUGHAN EMBRACES NEW ROLE as City Mission CEO

Business in all shapes, sizes and styles

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FAYETTE COUNTY CAREER AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

offers diverse programs for all ages

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HISTORIC HOPWOOD LANDMARK gets new life as upscale restaurant

As I write this letter, we’re in the middle of our busy festival season. We recently wrapped up the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival, our annual three-day event every Memorial Day weekend with 50+ food trucks, vendors, live music, shopping and so much more. Did you know that the Observer-Reporter puts on events like this and others? Our events include Kids Fest, First Friday, Corks and Kegs, All for Her, and Holiday Market, just to name a few. Many people don’t realize everything we do, like producing the beautiful glossy magazine you’re reading now. People have told me before they just thought the paper inserted this publication, not realizing it was created in-house. As a media company, we’re not great at marketing ourselves. We’re continuously working on it, but it can be hard to prioritize promotion when news keeps breaking.

Walking around the Food Truck Festival, though, I found myself wondering about our vendors. I love my job, and one reason it’s so enjoyable is that I get to meet so many incredible people, including the artists, food trucks, small businesses and boutiques that make our events possible. For some, vendor shows, fairs and farmers’ markets provide their sole source of income. Others have taken their hobby and run with it. Each has a unique and interesting story, so we highlight some in this edition. Jill Thurston chatted with various pop-up vendors that take their wares on the road, some traveling great distances to battle the elements at outdoor shows. It can be a rough gig but also extremely rewarding.

With the Business Journal, I like to provide insight into many facets of business. We allow area chambers of commerce a chance to shine, which is a look at what many people assume when it comes to business. However, we also highlight nonprofits, education, business leaders, industry trends, and one of the essential linchpins of our communities, small businesses. I pride myself on showcasing stories you might not see in other business publications. I hope you enjoy these stories just as much as I love curating them.

If ever you have a story idea, please reach out. Email me at tthurston@ observer-reporter.com, or give me a call at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421. Take care, stay safe and see you in the next edition.

Editor

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DRIVEN BY HOPE: Washington Auto Mall’s commitment to community

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CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: Fayette County Chamber of Commerce

Editor

Trista Thurston

Advertising Director

Carole DeAngelo

Graphic Designer

Megan Morris

Contributors

Kristin Emery

Natalie Gloady

Muriel Nuttall

Rick Shrum

Jill Thurston

Dave Zuchowski

Observer-Reporter file photo Swope’s Berries and Bees sells many varieties of honey.

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Monongahela Aquatorium, a riverside Gem

Rockin’ On the Mon summer concert series kicks off with RiverFest

Story and photos courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency

Nothing feels more like summer than listening to live music on the water. If spending time with friends and singing along to your favorite songs while you feel the breeze of the river is your thing, you will want to put the Rockin’ on the Mon summer concert series at the Monongahela Aquatorium on your 2024 bucket list. A venue like no other in the region, the Noble J. Dick Monongahela Aquatorium is an outdoor amphitheater located right on the banks of the Monongahela River.

Built in 1969, the Monongahela Aquatorium was renovated in 2012, and the concert series was launched in 2013. Now a summer tradition in the Mon Valley, the Monongahela Aquatorium is powered by Aquatorium Innovations, an organization entirely comprised of volunteers passionate about bringing the community together with live music.

“We are so proud to have this incredible venue in our city. Our board of directors works tirelessly to secure talent and entertainment that will drive tourism and be an economic force in Monongahela,” Tanya Chaney, president of Aquatorium Innovations, said.

With bleacher seating for 3,700 guests, additional space for approximately 1,300 camping chairs, and an L-dock

so boaters can dock their boats concert side and enjoy the festivities, the Monongahela Aquatorium is the focal point of summer fun in the Mon Valley.

The 2024 concert season kicks off this weekend, June 21-22, with the first ever Rockin’ on the Mon RiverFest presented by the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency. Headlined by Bon Journey on Friday and The Commonheart on Saturday, this two-day, family-friendly festival will showcase an exceptional lineup of bands, food trucks and hopefully summer sunshine. Doors open at 4 p.m. on June 21 and 2 p.m. on June 22.

DJ A.J. Fresh will keep the entertainment going between acts. While you wait for the next big performance, challenge your friends to a round of cornhole or any one of the other yard games available on the festival grounds.

Other talented acts slated for RiverFest include the powerhouse country group Stampede, rocking country cover band Buckwild, legendary cover band Day One, new-to-the-scene rock band Broom and Pittsburgh native rock band Gene the Werewolf. You won’t want to miss a single epic performance.

Jeff Kotula, president of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, relayed the importance of culti-

vating new events and the impact of the Monongahela Aquatorium as a live music venue on the Mon Valley and throughout the county.

“The agency is committed to growing our county’s tourism industry, and we are proud to support the efforts of Aquatorium Innovations in creating this new event to drive incremental visitation to the Mon Valley. The Monongahela Aquatorium is a special place that highlights both the beauty and thriving live music scene in Washington County, and we are excited to share it with visitors,” Kotula said.

The show doesn’t stop after the festival. The weekly Rockin’ on the Mon concerts begin on June 29 and will occur every Saturday through August. Expect to see a blend of your favorite nationally known tribute bands and local acts grace the stage every week. Eagles tribute band 7 Bridges, Bob Seger tribute band Hollywood Nights, Beatles tribute band Come Together and southern rock band Six Gun Sally are just a sampling of the acts slated to headline this year. Follow the Monongahela Aquatorium on Facebook to keep up on the 2024 concert lineup.

Be sure to bring your appetite when you come to the Monongahela Aquatorium. Though outside food and drinks are not permitted, there are always at least two food trucks and beverage sales on-site at each show. Keep in mind that the concerts happen rain or shine, so don’t let those rainy nights keep you away!

The gates open every Saturday at 6 p.m., and the acts take the stage at 7:30 p.m. The concerts have a $10 per person cover. Tickets can be purchased in advance through monaquatorium.com and will also be on sale at the gate on show nights.

Though the concert series comes to a close at the end of August, the Monongahela Aquatorium keeps the events coming. The annual Monongahela Aquatorium Street Food Festival will take place on September 7. Mark your calendar to stop by for a day of music, entertainment and over ten food trucks from across the region. There is no cover charge for this family-friendly event.

Get in the Halloween spirit at the year’s final event at the Monongahela Aquatorium with WitchFest on October 19. Halloween enthusiasts from all over make a trip to this unique, adult-only event that is the perfect combination of fun and eerie. Enjoy the food trucks, music and over fifty vendors selling Halloween and witch-themed items. Let your inner witch out and participate in one of the highly anticipated witch-themed contests. Win an award for best dressed, best hat and even best cackle. Though dressing the part isn’t a must, you will want to run home and grab your broom when you are dazzled by the unique costumes all around.

Whether you visit in the summer or let your spooky side out this fall, the Monongahela Aquatorium is a hot spot you won’t want to miss!

Because he’s my Husband

“ After 45 years, it broke my heart that I couldn’t provide all the help he needed. But now, because of the terri c care he’s getting, I can focus full time on the promise I made to love, honor and cherish.”

TO LEARN MORE, ARRANGE A VISIT TODAY.

Living with Dementia

“There is just something about this place. As soon as we walked in, we felt it. Like nding the perfect house, you know it right away.”

—SHIRLEY JEWELL

Shirley and Tom Jewell relocated from Wexford to Phoenix for a life of partial retirement. For nine years, Shirley continued to work at a job she loved while Tom ardently golfed, enjoying the sport nearly year-round in sunny Arizona.

Then in 2016, Tom was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and possibly Lewy Body dementia. The disease, they were told, would not only affect him physically but he would also experience increasing dementia as well.

They hated to leave Phoenix, but their son and daughter wanted them close so they could help with Tom’s care. They found a patio-style house in Canonsburg with a walk-in shower and one- oor living to accommodate Tom as his mobility decreased.

Then, when Covid hit, they found themselves isolated. To mitigate the feeling of being on their own, Shirley enrolled Tom in the Woodside Place of Washington Adult Day Services

The warmth of the team members, the clean, new, and bright space, and the programming—movement

exercises, interactive large screens, and a sensory room with stimulating lights, textures, and sounds—all made choosing Woodside Place an easy decision.

Adult Day has provided Tom with socialization that has helped him cognitively and emotionally. When he comes home in the evening, he shares news from Adult Day with Shirley via a calendar the staff prepares that outlines everything he did during the day.

“The kindness, compassion, and caring of (team members) Tara, Tina, and Linda made Woodside a beautiful place,” Shirley said. “Adult Day has been very good for Tom.”

And for her, too. Now she doesn’t feel guilty or hesitate to take a day to just read her book, have lunch with somebody, or visit with her new granddaughter.

Shirley’s goal is to keep Tom with her for as long as possible. For now, it all works, and though she knows it’s not always going to be that way, she’s grateful for today and for Tom, the love of her life.

To learn more, contact Tara Gleason at 724.250.4981 or tgleason@SrCare.org

WOODSIDE PLACE OF WASHINGTON ADULT DAY SERVICES

Monday thru Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm 954 Redstone Road, Washington, PA 15301

• Safe and secure setting with outdoor courtyard

• Supervision and monitoring by nursing team

• Assistance with activities of daily living

• Physical tness, interactive electronic technology, and creative arts programs.

WOODSIDE PLACE OF WASHINGTON ADULT DAY SERVICES

Check out the 2024 Whiskey Rebellion Festival July 12-13 in Downtown Washington, Pa., for historic reenactments, live music, food trucks, vendors, and of course, great whiskey. Visit WhiskeyRebellionFestival.com for more information.

Turning passion into profit: Local artisans, vendors thrive during summer festival season

By Jill Thurston

Summer vendor shows and farmers markets are akin to pop-up outdoor shopping malls, where artisans and vendors gather and shoppers flock for the handcrafted and the homemade.

For some, their hobbies and passions have become lucrative side gigs and for others, their entire livelihoods. Either way, the theme among most is that it’s not as easy as it looks.

Here are some artisans and vendors you might see this summer and how they have turned their passions into income.

Rita M. Riley of Washington, started 16 years ago tinkering with beads as a hobby to learn how to make jewelry and discovered she loved it. “People asked me to make things for them, and very slowly, little by little, it grew. My first display was on a folding card table at the Apple Fest in Hickory, and now I’m a vendor there with the large displays,” she said. Her business, Isaiah 54 Gifts, sells handmade jewelry made with semi-precious gemstones, hand-painted t-shirts, and handmade candles and wreaths, all made by Riley. The name reflects her belief in God’s faithfulness during difficult times in her life. Early on, while complaining to God, she said she opened her Bible randomly to the Old Testament book of Isaiah. She thought it would be irrelevant, but instead, she found, “He answered my five main complaints in order. It was amazing. After I picked myself off of the floor, I said, ‘Well, there’s the name of my business.’”

She loves the friends she’s made and the camaraderie found at the shows. Even so, she admits, “It’s a lot of hard work that people don’t realize. My boyfriend had no idea how much work … hauling, packing and loading. And then there’s the weather,” she said. “Anything over 20 mile-an-hour winds, and you are fighting to keep your tent up and dry.”

But it’s also rewarding. “I don’t have to take a second job somewhere else. I can make my own hours, choose the vendor shows I want to attend, and it’s a creative outlet that is very therapeutic,” said Riley, who works full-time as an office coordinator.

Nicole Loether calls her business Perfectly Imperfect. Her leather creations are completely hand-stitched, and no two are identical. “I like to keep things natural. Nothing is absolutely perfect, and given that I hand stitch, nothing is going to be identical. I don’t want to strive for perfection because we aren’t perfect. Everything is ‘perfectly imperfect.’”

“I’ve always had a love for leather since I was little. We always had horses, so just the smell of the saddle, the reins, everything horse-related, I just love leather.” She officially began her business in 2023 but has been making products for the past two years, including wal-

lets, coin purses, cigar holders, purses and tote bags. That’s in addition to homeschooling her two children and working part-time.

Loether drives to Greensburg to buy her leather, and the price can be high depending on the quality and thickness; she purchases patterns, measures, cuts and sews the items, which she said accounts for the price difference between handmade and what is purchased in stores.

She recently attended her first large vendor show in May and admits, “It’s a lot of work to do a vendor show. What I’ve come to find is you meet people, and you meet those people’s people, and word gets around, and it’s amazing how small-knit of a community it is.” Loether likenes it to a domino effect.

Her products are carried at two local boutiques, Uncommonly Beautiful in Monongehela and Vintage Grace Boutique in Washington. She plans to be at the Corks and Kegs Festival at the Meadows Aug. 24-25.

When asked if she would like this to take off and become full-time someday, she answered, “Absolutely.”

For Ron Swope of Avella, Eddie Martinez of Canonsburg and Bonnie Oliver of Gibsonia, their products are now their livelihood.

Ron Swope lives outside Avella on a farm he and his wife purchased in 2016 to be closer to their grandchildren. He’s a longtime farmer who worked solely with fruits and vegetables for 23 years until he needed to give his back a rest. Pivoting, he became the director of business and finance for Pennsylvania State University until his recent retirement in 2016.

But farming is in his blood. He started an income stream through berries and apiaries with his wife, son and daughter-in-law. Owner of Swope’s Berries and Bees, his black raspberries and blueberries can be picked and purchased on the farm from late June to mid-July. Swope also harvests, extracts and bottles honey from a collection of hives on different farms in three area counties. While berries have a short season, bees make honey during the spring, summer and fall. “We are fortunate to have ample honey, and we sell honey yearround,” said Swope.

He brings his variety of honey products, including clover, wildflower and hot honey, to five area farmer’s markets: Robinson, Canonsburg, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Washington, as well as area festivals.

This year, the Swope family purchased Brown’s Orchard, now known as Swope’s Farm. The same family owns it but will operate in a different location, on Route 50 outside of Hickory.

Observer-Reporter file photo

Ron Swope, right, talks about his bees from Swope’s Berries and Bees at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival in 2023

Courtesy of Perfectly Imperfect Courtesy of Sip N’Joy Hand Painted Glassware

His son and daughter-in-law will care for the orchard. They plan to keep it as a fruit farm and operate it as the Browns had for the past 100 years, Swope said. The orchard will yield apples and additional fruits in the future. Next spring, Swope plans to plant strawberries and open the orchard for “pick your own” strawberries.

Bringing products to market isn’t easy. “For me, I’m the farmer, and I love growing things. When we came out here, we were not known by anyone and breaking into wholesale markets and getting shelf space is really difficult. The farmers’ markets and festivals are the route we had open to us, and it’s worked out really well.”

Eddie Martinez, owner of Brochachos Salsa, left his career job to start his business, which honors a family tradition. “My mom always made salsa on Sundays for the week. We’d eat it all week long. I started the same tradition with my family.” After sharing salsa with a neighbor, he soon started making double batches to share. The spark for his business came when he was given $50, which he didn’t want to accept, for salsa made for a graduation party. He decided to see if he could make a go of a side business. He used that money on Amazon to purchase plastic deli containers with lids and spent the rest on ingredients. He texted his neighbors and asked if they wanted hot or mild and received a 23-container order that week at $5 a container. He rolled that $115 into the following week’s orders and kept rolling the profits over. Now, he sells about 1,500 units a week on the fresh side, not counting store sales of his jarred salsa (currently, Brochachos Salsa is in Fresh Thyme, select Giant Eagle stores and every Market District between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis). Both his fresh and jarred salsa are all natural with no preservatives. He offers 13 different types, some seasonal.

While he’s not making as much as he did in the oil and gas industry, he calls it “a promotion in lifestyle.” He has more time to spend with his family, “I’m home every night, I get to take my kids to school every morning. I work to live, not live to work,” said Martinez.

Bonnie Oliver of Gibsonia found she needed more and more time to make her burnt wood products. When she started eight years ago, Oliver worked full-time and cut back each year as her business grew.

She crafts items for the bar, man cave, or she shed; the decor and games include bottle openers, wine caddies, yard dice games, ring toss games and tabletop corn hole. “It started as a hobby, making yard dice for family members for Christmas one year, and it just grew from there.

“I was working full-time when I started, and now it’s my full time job,” Oliver said. She sells at about 30 shows in a year, from March through December, a number of them outside of the Pittsburgh area in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and even Wisconsin. Her products range in price from $10 to $65.

Oliver has become handy with power tools. She cuts, sands, burns and lacquers the wood creations she makes. She admits she’s had a few “close calls.”

Vendor shows are her mainstay. “The circuit of artists and vendors are the best people you will ever meet,” she said. They watch out for each other and help each other. After losing a tent last year during a storm at night, other vendors camping onsite covered and protected her merchandise. “You take care of each other. It’s what we do.”

For Kari Kubacki of Canonsburg, her passion for painting has grown into a profitable side business she calls Sip N’Joy Hand Painted Glassware.

She’s loved painting and had a knack for it since she was small. She started painting glasses in 2016 when her three children were little as a way to relax. “I started painting on glass because I like drinking wine and I have a lot of friends and family who drink wine, so I made gifts for them. That’s where it all stemmed from, making gifts and donating to charities around.” People repeatedly told her that she needed to sell her work, and she thought, “No, this is just something little. I can’t make this into anything. Well, then it got a little bigger to the point where I did a few vendor shows here and there, and now

it’s grown into a nice side business for me.” In fact, her income has provided her family with the means to make multiple home improvements over the years.

She dabbles in other art forms, but glass is her main focus. “Not a lot of people paint on glass, and I like a challenge.” Anything involving nature is usually her forte; her glasses with Bigfoot are big sellers. Halloween and Christmas scenes are good sellers, too, she said, and she offers these all year round. She takes custom orders, and no order is too big or small for her. Prices depend on the time it takes her to paint the scene but generally range from $10 for shot glasses and up to $40 for larger glasses.

While she does some indoor shows during the winter, Kubacki said she really likes being outdoors, regardless of the weather. “We’ve been through the rain … the glasses are fine to get wet; the wind is concerning. That’s why I have tons of weights on my tent.” She’s been through the thunder and lightning, but no hail yet, she said, thankfully.

Still working full-time in the retail jewelry business, she has a good family “team” to help her. Her daughter, at age 10, has artistic skills “beyond what I had at her age,” said Kubacki. Her mom helps, and her sons ages 10 and 12 along with her husband, are great with loading, unloading and organizing. “My family, in general, is a huge help. Everyone gets involved. It’s a huge family function.

“We’ve made friends, we’ve made partnerships over the years, and it is one of the many reasons we do what we do. We’ve met amazing people.’’

“It’s my passion and a labor of love. I love doing it, and I’ll never stop,” Kubacki said.

Courtesy of Brochachos Salsa

Observer-Reporter file photo

Rita M. Riley of Isaiah 54 Gifts, left, chats with a customer at All For Her in 2021.

Dreaming of a backyard refresh this summer? Leverage your existing home equity, or ask about a home improvement or construction loan from First Federal of Greene County. We’ll help you dive in to any new project: a swimming pool, patio, outdoor kitchen, even a new driveway or garage. Whatever floats your boat. Visit one of our Loan Officers, or apply anytime online!

Fayette County Career and Technical Institute offers diverse programs for all ages

By Rick Shrum

Fayette County Career and Technical Institute is more than a beehive of activity. Several beehives, perhaps.

The school offers a diverse mix of career-related classes to three groups: high school students, adults and an intergenerational mix of both age groupings. It also has a number of interactive courses online.

Fayette CTI itself probably is older than any of its students. It opened in 1967, one of the first vocational-technical schools in Pennsylvania, yet the institution appears to be aging well.

CTI, located in Georges Township, a few miles south of Uniontown, continues to draw students and expand and revise programs. More than 750 adults and high schoolers attended classes last school year, said Maria Lovat, director of

Photos courtesy of the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute

Recent barber and cosmetology students at Fayette County Career and Technical Institute.

adult education. “We now have 750 high school students in 20 shops,” she said recently.

The school charges tuition and fees, the cost of which varies from class to class. Federal Title I and Title IV funding is available, though. “Everything has funding except the Pennsylvania state inspection and emissions,” Lovat said.

CTI works with PA CareerLink Fayette County on those programs. Students enrolled in four of the county’s six high schools may attend the vo-tech: Albert Gallatin Area, Brownsville Area, Laurel Highlands and Uniontown Area.

“We also have students coming in from Washington, Cranberry, Somerset and Johnstown,” Lovat said.

The school, headed by executive director Cynthia Shaw, has been attracting adults to its classes and striving to fulfill local needs, such as establishing a small engine repair shop and emergency technology class. Night classes at CTI, which sits at 175 Georges Fairchance Road, are composed mostly of adults, Lovat says.

She does not get much leisure time during her workday. “We offer a little bit of everything to adult students,” she said.

She oversees all programs available to adults except for Licensed Practical Nursing, of which Susan Lewis is in charge. “I have everything else (adult-wise),” Lovat said during a recent telephone interview. “Tuesdays and Thursdays, I’m pretty much here all day.”

Fayette CTI is a cut above most vo-tech schools statewide in a distinctive way. It is one of only three with a barber program, which started in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. The other two schools offering this program are in eastern Pennsylvania. Fayette CTI also has cosmetology classes.

Offerings have been many and diverse. Three years ago, culinary students introduced community engagement classes in which they made pierogies, cookies, pies and other items.

The school offers numerous other classes, including agriculture, auto body, welding, diesel, plumbing, electrical, culinary arts, HVAC, information technology and masonry.

Lovat said that welding and hand-knit blanket classes have been popular in recent years.

Fayette County CTI is, indeed, a multiple beehive and creating a buzz.

The first adult education emergency medical technician class.

A community engagement class making homemade mozzarella with culinary arts instructor Jacob Grim.

Adult education HVAC students on the roof of the Fayette CTI.

Fayette CTI offers one of the only barber programs at a vo-tech school in the area.

Students in the adult plumbing program.

A Christmas floral arrangement class.

Regional nonprofits flourish with support from Community Bank

Supporting the community is at the heart of Community Bank.

“Our driving mission at Community Bank is to partner with individuals, businesses and communities to realize their dreams, protect their financial futures, and improve their lives,” John Montgomery, President and CEO at Community Bank, said.

So, it should come as no surprise that they’ve partnered with a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and community groups over the years to provide vital resources to those in need and advance projects that impact our region. More recently, Community Bank has made two meaningful monetary donations to the City Mission in Washington, PA and The Way Community Center of Greene County in Waynesburg, PA to help move forward impactful projects that serve the community.

“We have a quote on the wall at our headquarters that reads ‘The community gave us the chance, and it’s the community we’ll serve.’ We see it every day, and we take it to heart.”

Montgomery said. “Serving our communities means that we offer financial solutions, support for local projects, volunteer at events and work to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us. For us at Community Bank, we are committed to the financial success and well-being of the communities we serve.”

Sally Mounts, the chief development officer at the City Mission in Washington, is thankful for Community Bank’s support. Their donation has helped to fund the nonprofit’s $7.1 million shelter that will house up to 50 women a night.

“Community Bank has been our friend for a long time, but they really showed up for us in this campaign, and I think it’s because they really do believe in building a stronger community,” Mounts said. “When we met with Community Bank to receive a very generous donation, they thanked us for what we were doing for the community. That’s the kind of people that you have at Community Bank.”

The shelter, named “Sally’s Sanctuary” after Mounts, is slated to open next May. The new facility will include a childcare space, a family sleeping unit, individual sleeping units and a common area. More importantly, it will fill an important void for the region.

“The problem for us has been that we have 90 beds for men, but only 40 beds for women. And the problem with that is the female population is now almost equal with the male population in homelessness. So, we’re turning women away,” Mounts said. “About 60 women a month.”

City Mission is continuing its fundraising efforts for the shelter. Mounts said the continued support from the community is impactful and appreciated.

“We’re not giving them a handout; we’re giving them a hand up,” she said.

Mounts isn’t alone in her sentiment. Jonathan Johnson, chairperson of The Way Community Center of Greene County, said programming aimed at improving the community doesn’t just impact those who utilize it.

“We needed a bright spot that people could look to in our community,” he said. “We’re trying to provide Greene County and its residents with opportunities that they otherwise would not have. We wanted to provide a space where everyone could be welcomed and valued.”

The Way, according to Johnson, will provide educational opportunities and resources to alleviate problems related to poverty, mental health, and relationships issues. The new community center is located in the former Belko Foods store. While they’re still actively fundraising for their campaign, Johnson hopes to begin programming in the coming months.

“The building was ready for some new life, and we hope that it instills an infused spirit of excitement within our whole community because it’s right on High Street,” Johnson said. “It’s already changed the neighborhood. It’s going to be able to serve so many different purposes.”

The space includes a fully functioning kitchen and a multi-purpose gym. Johnson said their vision is to partner with other nonprofits in the area.

“Our mission is to create a place where people can come and re-

ceive different services,” he said.

“We live in a rural community, so if you look at the circumference of a mile around the community center, we have a denser population than any other place in the county. It’s all about location, and it gives us the opportunity to connect people to resources.”

Johnson is thankful for Community Bank’s support and looks forward to finding additional ways to partner in the future.

“They’ve been vital to our mission,” Johnson said. “Their donation helped us with the renovation of the building, and that’s the most important thing for us right now so that we can have a physical space for the community to come and get resources in a convenient location.”

In addition to monetary support, the Bank also encourages its employees to get involved with local organizations and give back to the community. As a recent example, John Montgomery, President & CEO, delivered the commencement address to over 350 graduating seniors at Waynesburg University, encouraging them to follow their dreams, invest in their future and improve the lives of those around them, much like the mission of Community Bank.

For more information about Community Bank, visit their website at www.cb.bank.

Sponsored content brought to you by

Proposed rendering of The Way, Waynesburg, PA

Community Bank partners with individuals, businesses and communities to realize their dreams, protect their financial futures and improve their lives. Community is so important to us that it’s part of our name.

Driven by Hope: Washington Auto Mall’s commitment to community

By Natalie Gloady

In today’s business landscape, corporate social responsibility is more than just a buzzword — it’s a crucial element of a company’s ethos. Washington Auto Mall, a key player in the local automotive industry, exemplifies this commitment through its innovative Driven by Hope program. This initiative combines philanthropy with employee engagement, significantly impacting the community.

“An important part of our mission as a group has always been to support our community,” said Jennifer Trapuzzano, advertising and marketing director of the Washington Auto Mall. “We work here, we live here, our children go to school here ... it is important to us to be involved and give back as much as we can locally. This local focus ensures that the benefits of the program are felt close to home, fostering a stronger, more connected community.”

The Washington Auto Mall has long been known for its charitable efforts, but it wanted to do more — something that involved its employees directly in the process, as well as given the opportunity to partner with local media outlets to promote nonprofits making a difference within the Washington County community.

“We felt like it would be a great addition to our existing philanthropic efforts but also allow our employees a unique opportunity to get involved in the giving process,” said Trapuzzano. “By having Washington Auto Mall team members involved, we can ensure that the contributions are not just financial, but also personal, meaningful and, most importantly, local.”

Each month, the Driven by Hope committee carefully selects a Washington County-based nonprofit by considering upcoming awareness months, researching local nonprofits and discussing the impact these organizations have on the community. The committee strives for diversity in their giving, ensuring that a wide range of causes receive support.

“The committee is very intentional during the selection process,” said Trapuzzano. “We consider a variety of factors when it comes to naming a recipient each month. We want to make sure we are inclusive, intentional and are spreading the love across vast groups that support vast causes.”

The program’s impact extends beyond the financial support provided to the nonprofits. It aims to inspire other individuals and businesses to recognize the importance of giving back.

“It is our hope that individuals and businesses recognize what Driven by Hope is doing and inspires them to also give back to our community,” said Trapuzzano.

Recent beneficiaries

Literacy Council of Southwestern Pennsylvania

The Literacy Council of Southwestern Pennsylvania was the May 2024 Driven by Hope program beneficiary. This organiza-

tion is dedicated to improving literacy rates and providing educational opportunities for adults and children in the region. By supporting the Literacy Council, the Washington Auto Mall has helped empower individuals through education, fostering personal growth and community development.

Memories in the Makin’

Memories in the Makin’ was the April 2024 recipient and has greatly benefited from the Driven by Hope initiative. This organization focuses on preserving the memories of individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia through art therapy. The support from Washington Auto Mall has enabled Memories in the Makin’ to expand its programs, offering more sessions and resources to participants. This has provided significant emotional and therapeutic benefits to individuals and their families, enhancing their quality of life.

IMPACTED INC.

IMPACTED INC., the March 2024 selectee, is a nonprofit that helps others navigate the difficult and often overwhelming road of diagnosis, treatment and long-term effects of concussions. The support from Washington Auto Mall will allow them to grow their prevention, education, advocacy and support programs.

The Driven by Hope program is not static; it is designed to grow and evolve. The committee has recently been involved in and sponsored other local events to help raise awareness about the program and the nonprofits it supports. Looking ahead, the committee envisions expanding its activities to include volunteering and fundraising efforts.

“Driven by Hope will grow by the number of members, but we also plan to implement additional volunteering and fundraising opportunities for organizations, our teams and the community,” said Trapuzzano. “This growth will enable the program to make an even more significant impact in Washington County.”

The longer the Driven by Hope program runs, the more organizations are recognized and supported, which in turn spreads awareness about the vital work being done within the community.

“When these organizations personally resonate with someone, it inspires people to get involved or at least pass on the information, thus the more people impacted,” said Trapuzzano. “This ripple effect is a testament to the program’s potential to inspire broader community involvement and support.”

In conclusion, the Washington Auto Mall’s Driven by Hope program is a shining example of how businesses can play a pivotal role in supporting their communities. By combining philanthropy with employee engagement and focusing on local impact, the program uplifts the nonprofits it supports and inspires others to give back. As the program grows, its potential to effect positive change in Washington County and beyond is limitless.

Courtesy of the Literacy Council of Southwestern PA Literacy Council of Southwestern PA tutors work with students.

Courtesy of Memories in the Makin’ Memories in the Makin’ provides equine therapy lessons at Sugar Run Stables in Avella.

Transformation Media:

Locally driven with the community at heart

Housed at 84 Lumber’s team headquarters, the Transformation Media company is bustling as busy associates look for their next billboard location and assist customers. The only outdoor advertising company headquartered in and native to the South Hills of Pittsburgh, TM has come a long way since 2001.

“We’ve really come a long way since the outdoor advertising company was brought into the folds of 84 Lumber,” said Transformation Media Vice President Mark Gamble. “It had a very broad footprint with sporadic billboard displays stretched across 11 states. We’ve worked hard since then to create efficiencies through selling and trading inventory with a goal of providing better locations within our core footprint of states near Western Pennsylvania.”

Originally named 84 Outdoor, Transformation Media, or TM, was formed by 84 Lumber’s founder, Joe Hardy, in 2001 to support the advertising needs of the lumber company. As the company grew and its portfolio of signs and acquisitions expanded, TM evolved into a full-service outdoor advertising company with its mission to support other local businesses within the community it served. Today, TM operates as an independent operator and has been a subsidiary of 84 Lumber since 2016, with customers such as UPMC, Keller Williams Realty and the Washington Health System, among others.

“Our sales and design teams have done a terrific job over the last several years, helping our clients build true advertising campaigns through incredible creative,” said Gamble. “The result is we continue to build long-stand-

ing business relationships with our customers, which benefits both companies.”

With 93 percent of advertisers comprised of local businesses and most business partners located within 10 miles from billboard displays, TM has expanded and now owns and operates more than 300 billboards and seven digital billboards in five states across the mid-Atlantic region, with its newest expansion in Uniontown, Pa. and Parkersburg, W.Va. Customers can now advertise on the network for one price and reach different geographic areas where potential customers are traveling.

“Our customers are now able to purchase multiboard packages using bulletin inventory to develop their brand while also incorporating digital networks to highlight features of their business,” said Gamble. “This separates them from their competition. An added benefit is they can change their message as often as they like, keeping content fresh.”

Outdoor advertising in the form of billboards produces the highest online activations per advertising dollar spent, drives up website traffic and creates awareness. Billboards are the voice of small businesses, helping them to compete with larger companies.

With over 20 years of experience, Transformation Media, Southwestern Pennsylvania’s independently owned billboard company, is ready to assist your business needs. For inquiries, go to transformationmedia.com or call 724-228-3469 or 844-239-8404. Follow TM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates.

WVU Medicine to open Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

WVU Medicine to open Outpatient Rehabilitation Center

The new WVU Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is expected to open June 3, providing care for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.

of experienced therapists who are committed to helping patients achieve their optimal level of function.” Plans for the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center were announced in August 2023, when the West Virginia University Health System Board of Directors approved $177.4 million in capital projects.

The Center will house physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Treatment options will include aquatic therapy, manual and exercisebased therapies, soft tissue and joint mobilization, post-surgical care, stroke care, functional capacity evaluations, lymphedema care, and more.

The new WVU Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is expected to open June 3, providing care for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.

The new WVU Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Center is expected to open June 3, providing care for patients recovering from injuries or illnesses.

The Center will house physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Treatment options will include aquatic therapy, manual and exercise-based therapies, soft tissue and joint mobilization, post-surgical care, stroke care, functional capacity evaluations, lymphedema care, and more.

“We are excited to unveil this new Center and expand access to highquality rehabilitation services for our patients,” Jennifer Kostik Johnson, DPT, MBA, MHA, MS, ATC, WVU Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Services director, said. “This facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team

“We are excited to unveil this new Center and expand access to high-quality rehabilitation services for our patients,” Jennifer Kostik Johnson, DPT, MBA, MHA, MS, ATC, WVU Medicine Outpatient Rehabilitation Services director, said. “This facility is equipped with the

The Center will house physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Treatment options will include aquatic therapy, manual and exercisebased therapies, soft tissue and joint mobilization, post-surgical care, stroke care, functional capacity evaluations, lymphedema care, and more.

For

“We are excited to unveil this new Center and expand access to highquality rehabilitation services for our patients,” Jennifer Kostik Johnson, DPT, MBA, MHA, MS, ATC, WVU Medicine

Outpatient Rehabilitation Services director, said. “This facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a team

“We are always adding new providers and services to our outpatient clinics throughout the state and region based on the needs of our patients in those areas,” Darin Rogers, chief ambulatory officer for WVU Medicine, said. “Adding this state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility in Morgantown will fill a void in our continuum of care and further enhance the world-class care we provide.”

latest technology and staffed by a team of experienced therapists who are committed to helping patients achieve their optimal level of function.” Plans for the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center were announced in August 2023, when the West Virginia University Health System Board of Directors approved $177.4 million in capital projects.

of experienced therapists who are committed to helping patients achieve their optimal level of function.” Plans for the Outpatient Rehabilitation Center were announced in August 2023, when the West Virginia University Health System Board of Directors approved $177.4 million in capital projects.

“We are always adding new providers and services to our outpatient clinics throughout the state and region based on the needs of our patients in those areas,” Darin Rogers, chief ambulatory officer for WVU Medicine, said. “Adding this state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility in Morgantown will fill a void in our continuum of care and further enhance the world-class care we provide.”

more information on the WVU Medicine University Town Centre, visit

“We are always adding new providers and services to our outpatient clinics throughout the state and region based on the needs of our patients in those areas,” Darin Rogers, chief ambulatory officer for WVU Medicine, said. “Adding this state-of-the-art rehabilitation facility in Morgantown will fill a void in our continuum of care and further enhance the world-class care we provide.”

For more information on the

Irey Vaughan embraces new role as City Mission CEO

By Kristin Emery

These days, it’s increasingly rare to find someone who has stayed at their current job for 28 years. It might be even harder to find someone willing to take a chance on a career change after staying in one position that long. But don’t tell Diana Irey Vaughan that as she embarks on her new role as president and CEO of City Mission in Washington. The nonprofit has served homeless men, women and children for over 82 years. It provides food and shelter and addresses long-term needs, including drug and alcohol counseling, mental health and medical treatment, legal aid and employment training. Irey Vaughan is already elbow deep in work on plans for the organization’s future.

“I just knew that my time was done that I had done all that I could in the county, and I knew that it was time, you know, to see what else I could do in the community,” says Irey Vaughan, who served seven terms in office over 28 years as Washington County’s longest-serving commissioner. “Days after I announced I was not seeking reelection, Dean Gartland and Sally Mounts from City Mission approached me, told me of Dean’s retirement this year and asked if I would be interested in throwing my hat in the ring to replace Gartland.” She says it felt like a natural fit for her next chapter in serving the public. “I felt that I had accomplished all that I could for the residents in Washington County, and it was time for someone else to have an opportunity. I was very interested because I’ve been supporting City Mission for years, and not only City

Mission, but a lot of the population they serve.” She has previously volunteered and worked with the female population in Washington County Jail. She supports many nonprofits and charities and even uses her hobby as an avid runner to raise $100,000 for City Mission by running in half a dozen races, from 5Ks to full marathons. She says she decided not to seek re-election to the county commission without knowing her next step.

Big shoes to fill

Dean Gartland led City Mission for 15 years as president and CEO until retiring in March. He’s staying on as president emeritus through the end of September, and Irey Vaughan cites his mentorship as the key to her smooth transition out of public office. “The transition has gone smoothly,” she says. “Gartland is still serving as president emeritus, and he’s a phone call away. He’s been a tremendous mentor. He did a great job building a terrific campus for the mission and expanding the services they have.”

She credits his skills as an adept fundraiser, helping City Mission recover from a devastating fire in 2015 and increasing its available beds from 96 to 175 and its annual budget from $2.5 million to $8 million. “Now, I’m coming in … someone that’s a little more administrative minded and kind of sharpening the pencils, putting everything together more as a business.”

The first order of business: focusing on construction of a 50-bed shelter for homeless women this year. City Mission broke ground in late May for the new three-story shelter for both single women and women with children. It will house childcare, sleeping space for individuals and a family and a common living area. Construction will take just over one year to complete. “It’s directly behind our current women’s shelter,” Irey Vaughan says. “It needs replacement and expansion. It will have eight emergency beds for shelter and then our other dormitory-style living quarters.” That expansion is crucial since City Mission saw a more than 20 percent increase in the number of women they served last year, forcing them to turn away an average of 60 women per month.

“The average has been between 53 and 65 women for the last six months we’ve been turning away because we have no room,” she adds. “So that population has really grown. Unfortunately, this is an unseen problem in the community, the female homeless population, because these are women who, number one, are staying in dangerous domestic violence situations. They’re sleeping in

Diana Irey Vaughan Courtesy of City Mission

their car. They’re couch surfing or trading themselves for a night of shelter. This is the unseen issue in our communities.” Other potential projects down the road include looking at the possibility of being able to have a place for pets. “Seventy percent of women in domestic and dangerous domestic situations will not leave if they have to leave their pets behind,” says Irey Vaughan. Also on her wish list is a wellness program for residents, possibly partnering with more community resources for City Mission’s Career Center services.

All of this can’t be done without resources. Last year, City Mission’s thrift stores provided $500,000 to programs and services for people experiencing homelessness. “We’re really an $8 million service business,” says Irey Vaughan. “We’re serving the homeless; we take no governmental funds for operations, so we exist by the generosity and hearts of others in the community to invest in the work that we do. It could be a financial donation. It could be a donation of household goods that they drop off in our thrift store. It can be a donation of volunteer hours.”

Irey Vaughan says her new role has been keeping her just as busy as her previous one. “That administrative side of me just dove into all of that. Right now, I’m working 55-60 hours a week, and I love it,” she admits. “I really feel that God has been preparing me and called me to serve at City Mission. I had a heart for the population for a long time. And I think this was his plan for my life absolutely.”

City Mission Observer-Reporter file photo

Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter

City Mission Chief Development Officer Sally Mounts shares a smile with Diana Irey Vaughan, who now serves as the nonprofit’s president and CEO, during the groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction on the new 50bed women’s shelter in Washington.

Nursing H ome N eglect & Abuse

Government and media reports confirm that sometimes the facilities we trust to care for our loved ones aren’t providing the level of care patients expect, need, and deserve. Our loved ones are ignored, in pain, and mistreated.

If you suspect that your loved one has been neglected or abused while living in a nursing home, please call our office.

Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Income

If you can’t work because of physical or mental conditions, please contact our office for a free evaluation of your case.

If you have applied for disability benefits and been denied, you need our experience on your side to fight for the benefits you deserve. We handle cases at every level of appeal and there’s no fee unless we win.

Historic Hopwood landmark gets new life as upscale restaurant

Photos and story by Dave Zuchowski

Moses Hopwood would be proud. As the builder of the two-and-a-half-story 1816 stone tavern along Route 40 in Hopwood, the tavern owner served travelers along the National Road.

Two hundred eight years later, the same historic structure, now on the National Register of Historic Places, is once again serving food to discerning patrons thanks to three enterprising locals who want to carry on the tavern’s hospitality focus.

Except for a period when the building served as a private residence, it served as a restaurant, most recently Chez Girard, Doctor McCarthy’s Kitchen and now, the Hopwood House. After the building sat idle for a while, Tange McDowell, owner of Your Pets in Hopwood, and Justine Blout, owner of Blout Veterinary of Hopwood,

bought the building in March 2022, intending to rent it out to a restaurateur.

“I live close by, and when I drove to work each day for the past 25 years, I went past the building,” McDowell said. “I admired it so much I wanted to save it, which is why I decided to buy it.“

Preparing to rent the building, the two owners purchased a liquor license, then asked a good friend and Uniontown resident, Riley Harbarger, facility manager at SOFIE at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, if he’d consider operating the restaurant.

“At first, I felt my job would be too demanding, but after further collaboration with Tange and Justine, we decided to make a go of it together,” Harbarger said.

Owners Justine Blout, Riley Harbarger and Tange McDowell sitting at the bar

Because most of the building’s furnishings and kitchen equipment had been removed when they purchased it, they went about replacing everything from tables and chairs to everything needed in the kitchen.

Every good restaurant needs a good chef, and the owners found one in a referral from a friend of a friend. Their choice of executive chef, Collier native Joseph Martin, claims to have been taught on the job since 1986.

“My first job was working at the Uniontown County Club, followed by positions at beach resorts and country clubs on Hilton Head, Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island down south,” he said.

With an experienced chef on board, the Hopwood House staged a soft opening on Valentine’s Day this year, followed by an official ribbon cutting on May 16.

From left, sous chef Jonathan Georgi, cook Jakob Gray, Riley Harbarger, sous chef Jaiyen Szirelem-Jose, Justine Blout, Tange McDowell and executive chef Joseph Martin

Saucing the seafood stuffed shrimp

A view of the patio

“We serve high end cuisine you can’t usually get in the area in a casual atmosphere,” Blout said. ”The basic word around here is creativity.”

In the kitchen, the focus is on homemade and made from scratch, including sauces, salad dressings, desserts and more. “We even make our own sausage,” said Martin, who also mentioned that he likes to visit every table to chat with the customers every day the restaurant is open.

Each day the menu includes an appetizer special, including six tapas selections on Monday, a grilled special, a drink special, and, on most evenings, a catch of the day. The most popular entrees, so far, are the sea bass and bone-in rib eye. Beef eaters might like to know the menu also includes grade A5 wagyu beef.

The kitchen creativity extends to the bar where mixologist Tif Johnson concocts all sorts of specialty drinks

like the bourbon bubble, which comes with a bubble on top of the cocktail that can be popped by the patron to release the trapped smoke. “The smoke even adds flavor to the drink,” Blout said.

The restaurant features both indoor and al fresco dining on the patio. Starting June 14, the owners will have live music that features an acoustic guitar one evening each weekend. They plan to stage a seafood boil sometime this summer and introduce cooking and mixology classes. Wine dinners are also being considered down the road.

The Hopwood House, 1186 National Pike in Hopwood, is open for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m., Thursday through Monday, with a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner is not served on Sunday, and the restaurant is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information or to make a reservation, phone 724-550-4454.

Sous chef Jonathan Georgi watches as Joseph Martin flambees a dish

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The all-new 2024 Lincoln Nautilus steps into the future of the Brand as an elevated expression of Quiet Flight.

Taking a commanding exterior design, intuitive technology and sanctuary to new levels, the 2024 Nautilus features an all-new In-Vehicle Digital Experience that includes:

• An Impressive 48” Display

• An 11.1-inch center-stack touchscreen

It also includes a variety of features that deliver sensory experiences designed to create a rejuvenating interior environment.

Every Lincoln Client receives an exclusive collection of benefits and services that create an effortless ownership experience:

• Lincoln Pickup & Delivery

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• The Lincoln Way App

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• Calm App subscription

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT:

FAYETTE COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Editor’s note: This is part of a series from area chambers of commerce to provide these vital organizations a space to showcase their efforts and members.

Building relationships through a chamber of commerce is vital for business growth. It fosters networking, collaboration and support among local businesses. These connections enhance credibility, provide valuable resources and open opportunities for partnerships and referrals, ultimately strengthening the community and driving economic development. But really, no one can speak to the importance better than a member.

Fayette Chamber of Commerce member Wendy Gaither opened Reach Marketing and Design almost ten years ago. Knowing that she needed to spread the word about her design and marketing services, one of the first things she did as a new business owner was to join the Fayette Chamber. Gaither says that the chamber has been the most significant resource for business growth since she has been open. Through getting to know the chamber staff, attending events, and building relationships with other chamber members, she has enjoyed increasing new and repeat business each year.

“I am a one-person operation, with occasional help from colleagues when needed. So, investing the time into promoting myself is limited, but important to do,” said Gaither. “Branding and marketing someone’s business is difficult without knowing the people for whom you are working. Getting to know people through events and conversations is a great way to develop that relationship and see if you are a good fit for one another. This is something that happens organically when you become involved in a business focused organization like the chamber.”

Gaither understood that relationship building was the key to successfully building her business. That’s what chambers are all about — giving the business community the tools needed to grow and thrive.

Relationship building is just one part of the work of the Fayette Chamber: advocacy, marketing, education and more — everything a business needs to be great. Are you a member? If not, join today!

By Executive Director Muriel Nuttall