Local artist recounts experience painting Greene County’s America 250 bell
12 Wander this way: Route 21
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United We Shine: Lighting the way for community, service and celebration
from the editor
15
The buzz about bees
THE LITTLE PLACES THAT KEEP OUR REGION ALIVE
Scrolling through LinkedIn the other day, I came across a really interesting tidbit: small businesses account for 43.5% of U.S. gross domestic product.
That’s the thing about shopping local. It’s never just a transaction. Small businesses are the backbone of economic growth, job creation and innovation.
In our corner of the world, businesses are often woven right into the fabric of the community. The person ringing up your purchase might also be sponsoring the local Little League team. The café owner might be the one hosting fundraisers for the fire department. The shop you visit during the holidays might have been there long before many of us moved to town.
I’ve always loved wandering through local shops, especially the ones tucked along our smalltown main streets. Sometimes you go in for one thing and leave with something entirely different. Sometimes you leave with a new recommendation for a restaurant, a local event you hadn’t heard about or a friendly conversation that brightens your day.
And honestly, those moments are part of what makes a place feel like home.
Local businesses carry a lot on their shoulders. They weather unpredictable seasons, shifting trends and the everyday challenges of running a company. Yet many still manage to greet customers by name and ask how the family is doing.
That kind of care can’t be packaged in a box or shipped overnight.
So the next time you need a gift, a cup of coffee or even just a place to browse for a few minutes, consider stopping into one of the many businesses that make our region special. You never know what you might discover — or who you might run into while you’re there.
As always, I’d love to hear your story ideas or suggestions. Feel free to reach out at 724-222-2200 ext. 2421 or tthurston@observer-reporter.com.
Take care, and happy exploring.
724.222.2200
issuu.com/observer-reporter
EDITOR
Trista Thurston
tthurston@observer-reporter.com
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR
Carole DeAngelo
CONTRIBUTORS
Elainea
Danielle Nyland
Megan Phillips
C.R. Nelson
Doug Wilson, WANB, master of ceremonies, and Pat Fitch Esq., are prepared to read the Nationwide Declaration of Independence on July 8, 6:30 p.m. Read more about Greene County's America 250
Talking about a revolution
Story and photos by C.R. Nelson
If you want to meet some Patriots, stop by Veterans Memorial Park.
How many Patriots are in the Memory Medallion that stands guard beside the Revolutionary War Monument in Veterans Memorial Park, Waynesburg?
“Over 300,” medallion creator and Fort Jackson Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution member Glen Toothman said. And counting. “We can add more when families contact us. They’re buried all over the county. When you scan the medallion with your phone, it opens to a list of all the cemeteries and graves. My ancestor, John Jacob Baer, is buried in the Methodist Cemetery in Mt. Morris.”
We’re sitting in a cozy corner of the restored log cabin courthouse (1797-1800) that is now the Greene Street face of Cornerstone Genealogical Society. It’s a bright April afternoon, and we’re in happy repose, discussing the many historic events coming up as Independence Day 250 comes calling.
This wonderfully restored space is where lawyers and laymen once gathered to do business before going upstairs to plead their cases. Turn onto Whiskey Alley and come in the back door, and you’ll find the expansive, digitized research room where historians, landsmen and local families untangle the past and do the work that just might add another Patriot to the Medallion. The life-size Luan Lady in period dress that Daughters of the American Revolution member Marla Patton just created is leaning against the fireplace. She now stands in the SAR-DAR Exhibit at the Greene County Historical Society Museum. When you stop by, say hello to Patton’s Luan Gent, wearing what SAR member, retired Judge Terry Grimes, wore during Greene County’s Bicentennial of 1996.
The travails of Grimes’ five-times-great-grandfather, George Graham (1756-1840), take a deep dive into life in Colonial times. Born in New Jersey to Scottish immigrants, orphaned at age 11 and raised by a German family, Pvt. Graham was already a skilled carpenter when he joined the Continental Army in New Jersey. Wounded in the thigh at “the disastrous battle of Long Island” and spending time with General Washington’s Army at Valley Forge before mustering out of service, Graham lived to see America being born. After marrying Charity Kimbell in 1780 and “sometime after 1789,” the family headed West to the frontier, and Graham brought with him “a good kit of tools.” When the Pennsylvania Legislature formed Greene County in 1796, Graham, in his prime at age 41, and George Ullom, reportedly 18 years old, built this courthouse in just three months. The precise strokes on the hewn beams above us are testimony to the amazing work they did.
Waynesburg’s first Church — Methodist Episcopal — on Liberty Avenue was long gone when a housing development in the 1960s replaced its graveyard. The earthly remains of those first settlers were moved to a common grave with a stone in Green Mount Cemetery. But some names were left out. A Veterans Monument for George Graham now stands in the Grimes family section of Valley Chapel Cemetery in Jackson Township.
When America250PA kicked off in Greene County on October 8, 2024, state and local officials, patriotic well-wishers and Freemasons gathered to celebrate the planting of a Liberty Tree at Veterans Memorial Park. Our tulip poplar sapling is a descendent of scions taken from the last Liberty Tree left standing, until felled by Hurricane Floyd in 1999.
When SAR’s Revolutionary War Monument finally arrived from South Africa and was honored on November 8, the Memory Medallion went on duty, filled with history, 300-plus Patriots and counting.
Not every Revolutionary War Veteran has family in the SAR or DAR. Veterans in the medallion are found through research at Cornerstone, the Veterans Office and SAR records, both local and national. Tracing family bloodlines back to the astonishingly accurate, sworn military records of enlistment and widows’ pensions kept in Washington’s day requires original documentation and official records to join, which might take years of genealogical sleuthing to recover.
For Freemason and SAR member Willy Wilson, it was “not too difficult because I had a DAR great-aunt.” His Patriot, William Fife Sr., “Captain Billy,” led Washington County Militia Fourth Company, Second Battalion during the war. Its men were assigned to patrol the explosive Western Frontier between Pittsburgh and Wheeling. Throwaway details: On the way home after “accompanying the ill-fated expedition of Col. Wm. Crawford against the Indians on the Sandusky Plain in 1782,” Captain Billy “found a white child wandering alone, brought her back home with him and adopted her.”
New SAR president David Ricciutti of Carmichaels got a similar leg up from DAR grandmother Bernice Finley. “She did her research by hand.” His Patriot, Henry
Rhodes, was from Bucks County and Ricciutti, now a three-year member, is beginning to dig further into the past his DNA has given him.
For Patton, a retired elementary teacher, volunteering at Cornerstone is the perfect place to conduct the in-depth research the DAR calls for. “I’ve been working on my trees for the past four or five years. My Patriot is Isaac Hearton. He was born in Hebron, Connecticut, in 1730. He had 18 children and married twice. He was a sergeant in Thompson’s Company in Philadelphia, Battalion of the Flying, in the Service in 1776 at the battle of Long Island. He moved to Virginia, North Carolina, back to Virginia and finally Pennsylvania. He died in Jefferson in 1814 and is buried in Heaton Cemetery, Morgan Township.”
Some Patriots have a beat you can march to. Case in point — Yankee Doodle.
“His sister Elizabeth was the one who put feathers in their hats to make them look more organized!” SAR member Pat Fitch, Esq. of Waynesburg, found his Patriot in Norwalk, Connecticut. The eldest son of Governor Thomas Fitch, Thomas Fitch V (1725-1795), funded a troop of hometown heroes to march “into English service against the French” in 1755. An English doctor gets legendary credit for the shade he threw at Captain Fitch as he and his troop of dusty, un-uniformed men arrived to volunteer. The mocking words Dr. Shuckburgh wrote to an old marching tune would become the last laugh
At left, left: Shirl Vernon (Ethan Headlee), David R and James D Hixon (John Conrad Six) have Patroits recognized in the Memory Medallion. Scan the code below to meet them
At left, right: SAR president Dave Ricciutti and DAR member Marla Patton assemble their joint display at the Greene County Historical Society Museum
Right: The seven generations of Revolutionary War Veteran George Graham: Joel, 16, Terry, Jeff and Jackson Grimes at Valley Chapel Cemetery
rallying cry of the “Yankee” soldiers 20 years later, when the American Revolution came.
This year, the Declaration of Independence gets the last word on July 8.
Hawaii America250 came up with the ultimate shoutout — “Sharing the Spirit of America” — a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence across the ten time zones of these United States. The reading starts at noon HDT in Hawaii, the very moment Col. John Nixon began that first public reading in the State House Yard in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.
Greene County’s “Sharing the Spirit” moment will clock in at 6 p.m. EDT at Veterans Memorial Park.
Fitch will be the Master of Ceremonies, and WANB’s legendary DJ and Civil War Reenactor “Crazy Dougie” Wilson will muster us back to 1776 as he begins to read with fellow Americans, from Guam (8 a.m. July 9 - across the IDL) to Independence Hall.
See you there!
This colonial lady leaning against the fireplace at the beautifully restored log cabin courthouse is part of the SAR DAR display at Greene County Historical Society Museum
Supporting small businesses
By Elainea Cunningham WVU Capstone Intern with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce
For more than 60 years, the United States Small Business Administration has recognized Small Business Week to celebrate the contributions and resilience of small business owners across the country. Every year, the president issues a proclamation announcing the dates of National Small Business Week. This year, it is being celebrated from May 3 through 9. Small businesses have long been the backbone of our economy and communities. During Small Business Week, we honor the owners and workers whose hard work and perseverance continue to shape a stronger future for us all.
Supporting small businesses matters
Small businesses are essential to supporting local communities and economies. From community fundraising events to local economic development, they are consistently investing in the place we call home. When you support a local business, you're not simply making a purchase; you're supporting a neighbor and strengthening the community around you.
Local communities are some of the biggest beneficiaries of small businesses. They support local fundraisers and events and become ingrained in local culture. In Greene County, our local businesses help create a sense of community and pride. Whether you're picking up fresh locally-grown produce from the Waynesburg Farmers Market, attending any of the annual community parades sponsored by local businesses, or even just grabbing dinner with your family from your favorite local restaurant, all these experiences make Greene County a unique place.
Small businesses also play a pivotal role in supporting local economies. In fact, according to Forbes, in 2024, almost half of the U.S. workforce was employed by small businesses, demonstrating their importance as job creators in local communities. When money is earned and spent locally, it creates a powerful economic cycle. Local consumers spend money at local businesses, which in turn source materials and services from other local suppliers and businesses. They can then hire and pay wages to local employees, who in turn help repeat the cycle by spending money in their community. This continuous flow of money helps maintain a healthy and active local economy.
How can you help?
Supporting small businesses doesn’t require any major changes. Small actions can make a big difference. Spread the word: Recommend your favorite local coffee shop to a coworker or tell friends about a hidden gem restau-
rant you’ve discovered. Word-of-mouth recommendations are one of the most powerful ways you can help small businesses grow.
Engagement: Follow your favorite businesses on social media. You can share their posts, leave positive reviews on Google or their websites or tag them in photos and share your own experiences. These simple actions increase visibility and help them attract new customers.
Shop locally: Whenever possible, consider local options first. Visit farmers markets for fresh produce, choose local shops for gifts and rely on nearby service providers such as mechanics, salons and contractors. Each purchase helps keep resources within the community.
Small businesses in Greene County Greene County is home to a wide variety of small businesses that offer our community quality products and personalized services. From locally owned cafes to boutique retailers, professional services, and hospitality providers, there is endless opportunity to support small businesses right here at home. As we celebrate National Small Business Week, let's recognize the dedication and impact of the small business owners who help Greene County thrive. By choosing to shop local and vocalizing your support for small businesses, you can be a part of supporting local Greene County businesses every week.
If you have any questions about how you can find and support local businesses, check out the Greene County Chamber of Commerce website at greenechamber.org or contact 724627-5926 or info@greenechamber.org.
Find your place in the sun for fun!
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!
Local artist recounts experience painting Greene County’s America 250 bell
By Danielle Nyland
In 2022, I heard about a new art series commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The project, Bells Across PA, wanted local artists to submit designs specific to each county. I wanted my design to reflect Greene County’s spirit: our deep roots, our hardworking communities and the beauty of the landscape that connects us.
After much thought, I highlighted Greene County’s rich heritage, history and wildlife. On one side, the design features the Nemacolin coal mine, highlighting our industrial heritage. The other features a log cabin and an old Mail Pouch barn along a waterway, with sheep grazing nearby.
I submitted the design, and as time passed, I assumed the project went to another artist. When America250PA emailed me in August 2025, informing me they had a sponsor and wanted me to paint my design on the bell, I was stunned. Photos do not prepare you for standing in front of a blank three-dimensional canvas of that size. At that moment, it really sank in. I was preparing to paint this bell, destined for the county’s 250th celebration, viewed by thousands. It was exciting and intimidating in the best way. Here it was, the largest blank canvas I’ve ever worked on — and too big to even fit in my studio!
I created a plan to complete this enormous task before its November 1 unveiling. My plan: sand the bell, add a coat of primer and repeat; then wash, transfer the design and start painting. I did most of the prep work and transfer during September, under a canopy. The transfer of the design was tricky; I had drawn the original design on a flat surface, but the bell curved in multiple directions. Adjusting perspective and making sure every detail still looked correct on a rounded surface took some time and patience. I then started blocking in the base coats using outdoor acrylics. During this time, the weather started its usual autumn moodiness, and I moved the bell to my in-laws' garage. I worked my way around the bell, adding more layers and depth. With the overall design complete, I moved toward the details. Tiny highlights, texture, shadows — all the little touches that make a piece feel complete. The last detail is still my favorite. The sight of a turkey vulture gliding across the top of the bell in the sky served as a perfect reminder of our history’s deep connection to the natural world.
The last step was to get the bell to the Greene County Career and Technical Center for its clear coat. Matt Cumberledge, Greene County Historical Society executive director, and his friend Ben picked the bell up and delivered it for its clear coat at the Greene County Career and Technology Center. Then they brought the bell to its ultimate home, the Greene County Historical Society. They will display the bell there for the next year.
As an artist from this area, being able to paint our county’s Liberty Bell was an honor. I appreciate being able to celebrate both our history and the creativity that thrives here. This project shows art’s place beyond studios or galleries, revealing history’s depth beyond written words. They’re part of how we tell our story as a community. I’m proud to have had a hand in that story.
Danielle Nyland poses with her complete bell at the unveiling ceremony
Wander this way: Route 21
By JoAnne Marshall, Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency director
courtesy of the Greene County Tourist Promotion Agency
Aleisurely drive along Route 21 offers more than just a way to get from one point to another. It is a journey through the heart of Greene County, where quiet farmland, rolling hills, small-town charm and scenic beauty unfold mile by mile.
Beginning on the eastern side of the county, the landscape opens with stretches of farmland and wide skies. Along the way, you may catch glimpses of the iconic Mail Pouch Barns, a reminder of rural heritage that still dots the countryside. As always, be mindful to respect private property and follow all traffic regulations while enjoying these roadside sights.
As you approach Waynesburg, the county seat welcomes you with a blend of history and community spaces. Just off the route on Rolling Meadows Road, Greene County Veterans Memorial Park sits adjacent to the Greene County Historical Society Museum, offering a meaningful stop to reflect and explore local history.
Back on Route 21 heading east, the Greene County Fairgrounds serves as a year-round venue for events, including the Greene County Fair in August, while across the street, the Greene County Water Park provides summer fun for families looking to cool off. Right next door, Waynesburg Lions Club Park offers a playground, ball fields and an outdoor amphitheater where free concerts fill Tuesday evenings with music throughout the summer.
Downtown Waynesburg, home of our beloved Rain Day tradition, invites you to slow your pace even further. Here, Route 21 briefly becomes a one-way pair, guiding visitors through a walkable district lined with a diverse mix of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture and locally owned shops. Treat yourself to something sweet at 5 Kidz Kandy, browse unique styles at Fashion Shoppe or Mickey’s Men’s Store, explore gifts at Gypsy Rambler or sip a handcrafted drink at RGB Coffee. If a day trip turns into an overnight stay, the historic Denny House offers a charming place to unwind as an Airbnb. Towering over town is the Greene County Courthouse,
built in the Greek Revival style in 1850–51, a striking landmark that reflects the county’s long history. Just a block away along Route 21, the original log courthouse, built in 1797, connects to the Cornerstone Genealogical Society, preserving stories from generations past.
Continuing west, the road passes the athletic facilities of Waynesburg University before leading into the quiet community of Rogersville. Here, small-town life is on full display. Stop into Gloria's Ceramics & Greene Gifts for handcrafted items, enjoy a homestyle meal at South Fork Kitchen & Fixins, or recharge with a cup of coffee or specialty drink from Morning Rush.
A short drive farther brings you to one of the county’s most recognizable historic structures, the Scott Covered Bridge. This wooden Queenpost truss bridge spans Ten Mile Creek and is known for its distinctive window, making it a favorite for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
As Route 21 climbs into the rolling hills, you will arrive in Wind Ridge, where Stokes General Store stands as a classic country stop. Inside, you will find everything from homemade fudge to pepperoni rolls, along with everyday essentials for the road.
Just beyond lies the Jacktown Fairgrounds, home to the Jacktown Fair, the oldest continuously running fair in Pennsylvania, held each July. It is a celebration of tradition and family fun that captures the spirit of the region.
If you continue west, your journey ends in the natural beauty of Ryerson Station State Park. With miles of trails, a swimming pool and a spray park, it is a perfect place to spend an afternoon outdoors. For those who want to linger a little longer, cabin rentals offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
From river views in the east to quiet hills in the west, Route 21 tells the story of Greene County one stop at a time. It is not just a drive, but an invitation to slow down, explore and stay awhile in a place where simple pleasures and scenic moments are always within reach.
Photos
United We Shine: Lighting the way for community, service and celebration
By Megan Phillips
In the heart of Carmichaels, a local nonprofit is quietly and powerfully making a difference.
United We Shine, rooted in Greene County, is more than an organization; it’s a movement built on compassion, service and a deep commitment to community well-being.
Guided by its mission, “to revitalize and support the Carmichaels and Cumberland Township community through inclusive programs and meaningful partnerships that promote positivity, growth and community well-being that enhance quality of life for all,” United We Shine has become a beacon of hope for many residents. Whether through festive events, behind-the-scenes assistance, or large-scale celebrations, the organization continues to bring people together in meaningful ways.
This year, United We Shine is preparing for one of its most ambitious undertakings yet: a major July 4 celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. The event is being held over two days, July 3 and July 4. It promises to be a landmark occasion for Greene County, bringing together families, veterans and neighbors for a day of unity, remembrance and pride.
tivities for children, ensuring that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, can experience the joy and magic of the season.
But some of the organization’s most impactful work happens quietly. United We Shine has made it a priority to support community members facing difficult times by anonymously paying utility bills for those dealing with financial hardship or medical emergencies. These acts of kindness, often unseen, are a testament to the organization’s genuine care for its neighbors.
Behind these efforts is a dedicated team committed to making a lasting difference. Marsha McMinn, president, Megan Phillips, vice president, Janice Pilsko, secretary, and Angie Hastings, treasurer, along with several volunteers, work tirelessly to turn ideas into action and compassion into tangible support.
Together, they have cultivated a culture of service that reflects the very best of Greene County — neighbors helping neighbors, and a shared belief that even small acts can create meaningful change.
More than just a celebration, the event will serve as a tribute to the men and women who have served our country. It is designed to honor veterans and active service members whose sacrifices have secured the freedoms we enjoy today. With a focus on patriotism and gratitude, organizers are working to create an experience that is both festive and deeply meaningful.
At the core of United We Shine’s impact is its dedication to year-round service. One of its most beloved initiatives is Christmas in Carmichaels, a holiday event that captures the spirit of giving.
Designed with families in mind, the event provides free ac-
As the community looks ahead to the historic July 4th celebration, United We Shine invites everyone to come together not only to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, but to honor the values of unity, service and resilience that define both the nation and the community.
In a world that often feels divided, United We Shine stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with purpose, heart and a commitment to lifting one another up.
For information on the upcoming July 4th celebration, follow their Facebook page, United We Shine: Shining in Carmichaels and Cumberland Township, or visit the website unitedweshine.net for updates.
The buzz about bees
By Lisa Lewis, Greene County Master Gardener
The slogan of the American Farmland Trust, an organization dedicated to preserving the land that feeds us by conserving small farms, is “No farms, no food.” A natural extension of this thought is “No bees, no food.” About 75% of the food we eat depends on the pollination bees provide. This means that roughly one in three bites of food we eat depends on bees. It makes sense, then, for us to know more about bees. Consider the following facts: By pollinating so many of our food crops, bees contribute over $200 billion to our global economy. Just a 3-5% drop in crop production results in as many as 427,000 deaths from nutritional insufficiency.
As bees visit flowers in their search for food, nectar and pollen, pollination occurs when pollen is carried from the male reproductive part of the flower to the female part. Pollination results in fertilization, and the flower then produces a cucumber, cherry or almond, depending upon the species of plant.
A recently and serendipitously discovered fact is that queen bumble bees can survive being submerged in water for up to a week by breathing underwater. Though hibernation has its dangers, most notably vulnerability to predators and exposure to the elements, many species survive the winter by hibernating. For some bee species, such as the bumblebee, the queen hibernates in an underground burrow for several months each year, a process called diapause. The queen is the only member of the hive to undergo diapause. Her hibernation burrow sometimes floods, and she is submerged. She survives through a combination of anaerobic metabolism and underwater respiration.
Less than 4% of the 20,000 bee species known around the world produce honey. Four thousand species of bees are native to North America, and few of them produce honey. Indeed, much as Americans love honey, honey bees (Apis mellifera) are not native to this continent. Most honey bees originated from Asia. Species of native bees include carpenter bees, bumblebees, sweat bees and mason bees. Mason bees and bumblebees are prolific pollinators.
As honey beekeeping proliferates, there is concern that honey bees may crowd out native bee species in this country, which do much of the pollination work for our crops. Bee populations have declined significantly in recent years due to habitat loss from urbanization, pesticide use and climate change. Some types of North American native bee species have declined by 96% over the past 20 years, placing pollinator-dependent food production at risk.
What can you do to help? From a bee's perspective, a well-manicured lawn is a wasteland. There is no nectar-producing flower to be found and no water to drink. Consider turning part of your lawn into a flower bed, incorporating native flowers that will nurture native bees. Consider learning to tolerate and even love the flower-producing dandelions, clover, violets and other “weeds” you have worked so hard thus far to be rid of in your lawn. They turn the wasteland of grass into a life-sustaining source of nectar and pollen. Consider adding a fountain to your yard or balcony and placing smooth stones in it for the bees to perch on while they drink. Consider using pesticides and herbicides as a last resort or not at all. In Amsterdam, converting some city land into organically grown flower beds increased native bee diversity by 45%.
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