Pennsylvania Bridges July 2019 - "Worth Doing Well"

Pennsylvania

BRIDGES

J u ly 2 0 1 9 E d itio n

FR E E

Connecting Our Communities

W orth Doing W ell

Pennsylvania

BRIDGES

Worth Doing Well It is with a heavy and conflicted heart that I sit down today to write this column. After 55 plus issues, it brings me no joy to announce I am stepping down from my duties as Editor-in-Chief of Pennsylvania Bridges and the print publication is going on a hiatus.

This was not an easy decision for me to make, nor is it one I made lightly. Aside from my family, I have never loved anything as much as I love this publication. Putting it together each month and then distributing it have been the highlights of my existence. Seeing the joy it brings our readers has kept me going through health and other issues, and I’ll cherish the memories I made in my role as editor.

However, other opportunities have presented themselves, and I have to be realistic about the fact that there’s only one me, and only so many places I can be at the same time.

I have always lived my life with the idea that anything worth doing is worth doing well. Comedian Jon Stewart, who is featured in this month’s Notable & Quotable, is a hero of mine for a lot of reasons, and I remember his statement when he stepped down as host of Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. In essence, he said if he couldn’t offer the show 100% of his industry, he was cheating the viewers. That sums up how I feel about my role at Pennsylvania Bridges, and I refuse to cheat even one of you, our loyal readers, by stretching myself too thin. You have been so supportive and generous with your appreciation of this publication, and you don’t

deserve anything less than my very best effort.

Speaking of my best effort, it has been my mission since the inception of Pennsylvania Bridges to bring you a quality publication that accentuates the positive in our shared communities, and I hope that I did so. Long hours and many holiday weekends were spent endeavoring to give voice to the ordinary heroes among us, and I will miss getting to know their stories most of all.

I would be remiss if I didn’t include a mention of the many people who, along the way, contributed to creating Pennsylvania Bridges.

There are too many of you to name individually, and I cannot adequately express my appreciation for your efforts. I often have said I had the best team of writers and contributors in southwestern Pennsylvania, and I stand by that remark. Thank you for your hard work.

To others who’ve supported us in other capacities, let me also extend my thanks to you. You made my job possible.

Let us not end on a dismal note, rather, know that I will forever treasure my time at Pennsylvania Bridges, as well as getting to know, first hand, the incredible talent and generosity of people in our region.

Truly, it has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. Thank you for reading.

Until next time, Carla E. Anderton

“I want to look back on my career and be proud of the work, and be proud that I tried everything.”

Pennsylvania Bridges is distributed free to schools, libraries, colleges and universities, community centers, organizations and better businesses throughout Washington, Fayette, Greene, Westmoreland & Allegheny counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.

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Pennsylvania Bridges is...

Carla E. Anderton, Editor-in-Chief Fred Terling, Editor Emeritus Hayley Martin, Associate Editor Chuck Brutz, Staff Writer Keren Lee Dreyer, Staff Writer Pastor Dawn Hargraves, Columnist Kayla Boulas, Summer/Fall Intern Contributors: Taylor Andres, Jennifer Benford, Brian Brashear, Lisa J. Buday, Michael Bury, Noah Churchel, Bre Collins, Christine Haines, Mark Pawelec, Bruce Wald, Ashley Wise, Dave Zuchowski & Daniel Zyglowicz

Get in touch with us at (724) 769-0123 e-mail: carla@pabridges.com We’re also on Facebook facebook.com/ pennsylvaniabridges

N O TA B L E & Q U O TA B L E

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Pennsylvania Bridges is a free publication bridging communities in Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland, and Allegheny counties. We feature profiles and articles about individuals and groups contributing to the advancement of the arts, education, healthcare, wellness, technology and other avenues of interest to our readers.

Pennsylvania Bridges is printed once a month and regularly updated online. Each edition of the publication includes fresh and original stories about area personalities and events of note as well as event listings. We welcome your story ideas and event listings.

We adhere to the philosophy that media should be both inspirational and thought provoking. We subscribe to the belief that media should be easy to access and share.

We routinely use social media to distribute news and updates and invite our readers to share us with their networks. Our site’s interface is designed with this aim in mind.

We welcome your input. Have questions, comments or angry exhortations? Call us at 724-7690123. Email us. We want to hear your voice. Get in touch!

***Important Notice*** All material contained in this issue is the property of Pennsylvania Bridges and may not be reprinted, reproduced or redistributed without our express written permission.

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Speers man Lou LaManna combines love of music and woodworking to craft cigar box guitars Story by Christine Haines Cigar box guitars are not the cardboard-box-and-rubber-band creations of childhood, though with the right kit one can be assembled in just a few hours without special tools.

With a bit more training and a few more tools, one man’s trash becomes another man’s professionalquality instrument.

“There are levels to building these.

There’s the beginner level that you can build in an afternoon and it will play, and then there are these that are concert-ready,” said Lou LaManna of Speers, pointing to the instruments he has made which grace the rooms of his house.

It’s a tradition dating back to about 1840, when cigars first started being shipped in smaller quantities in hardwood boxes. LaManna began building cigar box instruments four years ago, resuming a lifelong hobby of woodworking that was put on hold nearly three decades ago.

“I’ve been woodworking most all my life and I started building instruments about twenty five years ago. Once my second son was born, I stopped woodworking altogether. Then I came across cigar box instruments and said, well, I could do that,” LaManna said.

There are more than 20 cigar box instruments in LaManna’s living room, all of which he has made and more than half of which he has given to his wife as presents. A matched pair of the instruments served as thirtieth anniver-

sary present.

“I do them all: little eight-string mandolins, six-string guitars, banjolins, three-stringers. I just got an order for a two-string bass. I make a lot of one-string diddley bows, too,” LaManna said.

LaManna started taking piano lessons when he was five years old, was a drummer starting in sixth grade and performed with rock bands in Pittsburgh as well as with a fife and drum unit that covered an array of time periods. He later joined a Civil War reenactment unit and performed

in a Civil War era band.

Cigar box guitars fit well with that background. According to a published history of the cigar box guitar, there is evidence of the instruments almost as early as the start of the use of the

smaller boxes.Hard documentation comes in the form of an etching done in 1876 showing Civil War soldiers in camp, one of whom is playing a cigar box fiddle.

One of LaManna’s favorite cigar box guitars that he has built features a picture of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the front of the instrument, a special treatment done

by CBGitty.com, the company he gets most of his guitar parts from.

“In the 1930s and 40s they made really decorated tenor banjos. There was one that had this picture on the back on the resonator. I thought it was pretty neat, but I thought if I had it, I would want it on the front,” LaManna said.

LaManna got another idea from the traditional banjo--using a larger wooden box as a resonator for a smaller cigar box instrument.

“I experimented around and made a prototype,” LaManna said.

Shane Speal, who has the Cigar Box Guitar Museum in New Alexandria in Westmoreland County, has LaManna’s prototype resonator cigar box guitar hanging on the wall in his museum.

“It’s one of the only ones that isn’t Continued on next page...

EDITOR’S CHOICE “PIC”OF THE ISSUE

The hit culinary competition MasterChef Junior is debuting its first live tour this fall and coming to the Benedum Center on Sunday, October 6, 2019 as a part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents Series. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at TrustArts.org.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

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Speers man Lou LaManna combines love of music and woodworking, continued from page 3 100 years old,” LaManna said.

LaManna has recorded a number of albums using the instruments, but he is particularly looking forward to the current album he, his wife and friends are producing under the band name of The Electric Folk and Blues Band. The album, which features traditional music, will be named Billy’s Nail.

“I’ve recorded a bunch of albums over my life, but this one’s special because I made every instrument on it,” LaManna said.

LaManna also hosts a YouTube channel, Lou Manna CBG, where he shares building tips and songs. LaManna said that the more he and his wife play their three-string cigar box guitars together, the less they play their traditional instruments of banjo and mandolin.

“If we had had these when I was in school, everybody would have had one and everyone would have been a gui-

tar player,” LaManna said. “This is a growing, insane movement. People are realizing they don’t have to spend a fortune to make their own.”

LaManna sells his custom built instruments mainly to raise the funds

to keep his hobby going. Because some steps of the building process require a day or more before additional work can be done, such as applying the 10 coats of tung oil one coat a day, LaManna said he often builds more

than one instrument at a time.

“It might take me a month or six weeks to build a guitar. I don’t do this full-time, it’s just weekends and evenings,” LaManna said.”I’m not into this to make money from it. I’m into it for the fellowship and to challenge myself.”

LaManna can be reached at ljbanjar@yahoo.com.

Photos: (p. 3, top) Lou LaManna of Speers turns empty cigar boxes into professional-quality musical instruments in his basement woodshop., (p.

3, bottom left) Cigar box guitars come in all sizes and can be acoustic or electric., and (p. 4, top middle) A closet filled with cigar boxes waits in Lou LaManna's woodshop to be turned into musical instruments.

Tri-County Division - Patsy Alfano, Assoc. Broker (Office) 724-330-5800 - www.ThePreferredRealty.com

©2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.

Canonsburg Counselor Launches Podcast Series: “House Call” Story by Dave Zuchowski For the past 6 years, while Rueben Brock, Ph.D., listened to the clients he counselled in his McMurray office, he said he saw a lot of the same issues repeating themselves over and over.

This realization sparked a desire in him to find a way to reach out to a much larger audience than simply those he counselled in his practice.

His background in music (he studied trumpet for two years at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia) taught him he liked being in front of an audience. He also said he once had the goal of being the next Miles Davis and even getting into television.

He discovered, however, that there were more opportunities to have a career in the mental health field, and he eventually earned a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from West Virginia

University. While he likes working one on one with his clients, another

side of him enjoys engaging with a larger audience. It, along with his desire to make the world a better place to live, was probably one of the reasons why he ran for Pa State Representative the 46th District in 2018. (He lost the Democratic primary by a scant 300 votes).

Six months ago, Brock thought of a way he might be able to capitalize on his new-found name recognition and, at the same time, reach out to a broader community in his capacity of mental health counselor. He and a photographer friend, Danny Miller, bought a video camera with the idea of taping weekly podcasts in a series titled “House Call,” a reference to the doctors of times past who made home visits to those ill or injured.

“Danny and I started to learn about podcasts on the fly,” Brock said. “We began shooting episodes this spring, often with special guests, discussing current issues related to health and wellness, current events and politics.”

Brock's first episode addressed the issue of Black entrepreneurship in the Pittsburgh area with a link to the recent blackface controversy sparked by a medical school yearbook photo of Virginia governor, Ralph Northam.

Subsequent podcasts covered marijuana use among teens, student loan debt, the issue of abortion and the concept of its takes a village.

Because podcasts are open-ended, they're not bound by time constraints like television programs, although Brock said he' found out that the shorter videos get more attention from his viewers, so he's trying to keep them under the 15 minute mark.

To pick a topic, he holds weekly discussion meetings with Miller and two of his interns, although most of the subjects deal with things persisting in the lives of his clients. Upcoming podcasts include an episode with a local policeman discussing community relations and the recent upsurge in teen suicide, which includes an interview via Skype with psychologist Helen Hsu, Ph.D. an adjunct professor at Stanford University and one of the consulting psychologists in the Netflix Continued on next page...

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

FOR YOUR

HEALTH Form Healthy Eating Habits The 4th of July holiday is upon us and with it the urge to overeat.

Keep in mind that a “serving” is the amount of food recommended, while a “portion” is the amount actually consumed. Remember to always check the food label.

Fast food restaurants have inundated the roadsides of America and eating out has become a recreational activity. Here are some tips to win the Battle of the Bulge: Plan ahead - Look up menu items and their nutritional content ahead of time.

Don’t arrive starving and always skip the bread basket, sugared beverages and alcohol Follow-My-Plate: When is the last time you saw a 9-inch plate at a restaurant?

Fill up on fruits and vegetables Look for “light items” Practice portion control Take half of your meal home or share with a friend Choose steamed, broiled, grilled or baked foods Avoid fried, sauteed or crispy items Have all dressings, sauces and condiments served on the side and use them sparingly Substitute a side salad for fries or whole wheat for white products Eat slowly and stop when satisfied, not stuffed. Skip dessert or choose fruit for something sweet.

Drink plenty of water Choose low fat milk Keep 100% juice to 4-6oz a day Beware of all other caloric beverages by checking out their nutrition facts label.

FMI about healthy choices, ask your pharmacy!

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Canonsburg Counselor, continued from page 5...

“Family owned & operated.

Proudly serving the community over 90 years. Your comfort is a direct reflection of our success.”

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ADDICTION RECOVERY MINISTRY MEETS

ON MONDAYS THERE IS HOPE Addiction Recovery Ministry offers a Christ centered 12 Step Program for people struggling with addiction and for those in recovery. Meetings will be held every Monday from 6:308:30 at Malden Christian Fellowship at 343 Old National Pike in Brownsville. Fliers are available for distribution. FMI: Call 724-434-4597 or 724-785-3042

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series “13 Reasons Why,” While Brock specializes in counselling adolescent youth, he plans to expand his population group to include other age groups. “Adults are actually probably more likely to view my podcasts than teenagers, because they seldom realize they need help” he said. “On the other hand, adults are more likely to seek out professional help and view my podcasts.”

All of Brock's current podcasts can

be viewed on Youtube.com under “House Call Rueben Brock” and on Facebook on the Dr. Rueben Brock page. To help Brock grow his audience and reach more people, click subscribe on his YouTube page and “Like” on his Facebook page. By subscribing on his YouTube page, you'll be able to get weekly updates of new podcasts. The sessions are also available as a podcast on iTunes.

THE CAST IRON GALLERY HAS OPENED IN BROWNSVILLE, PA. We would like to invite you to visit us at 200 Bank Street.

We are open Saturday & Sunday from 12 p.m - 4 p.m. Weekdays

by Appointment.

Come explore Brownsville and be inspired by the rich history. There are new photos by Stephen Beckman, the creator of the gallery, and Charles Hoopes, his business partner. Our photos are on the website and available for purchase. castirongallery.com Questions? Call 973-652-5324.

We are searching for old photos of the area and artifacts to coincide with the same. Schedule your free tour today!

California Borough Recreation Authority announced their 2019 Riverfest will be held Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26 from 1-9 p.m. Enjoy a Fireman’s Parade, live music, family fun, food, crafts, sales vendors, and fireworks.

Visit California Borough Recreation Authority on Facebook for more info.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift & inspire - pabridges.com

Fayette county native plays vital role in moon landing

Helping the Hurt

Story by Christine Haines Ten years before Neil Armstrong took that one small step for man and leapt into history in an astronomical way, Fayette County native Marilyn Weaver was addressing her high school class on the challenges of the Space Age. “Can we enjoy personal security in this so-called Space Age with its satellites and cyclotrons?” Weaver asked her Connellsville High School classmates. “....(W)e are probably experiencing that same insecurity which our pioneer forefathers felt as they stood on the brink of an unknown ocean. As pioneers in this Space Age, we seek answers to so many questions.”

Little did Weaver know that just four years later she would be embarking on a 31-year career with NASA. Weaver’s father was a banker and her mother was an English teacher, so majoring in math with a minor in English at Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio seemed to be a natural fit. She did not take into consideration that the campus was just six miles from the NASA Lewis Research Center, now NASA Glenn Research Center.

“I was in college when (John) Glenn circled (the earth) and I thought that was the greatest thing in the world.

Little did I know that I would be working for the same organization a year and a half later,” Weaver said.

Weaver wanted to be a mathematician, but women weren’t hired for those jobs at NASA Lewis. Weaver applied for other jobs in the Cleveland area.

“My advisor told me to get into NASA any way I could, even if it meant sweeping floors, because that was where the future was. That was 1963,” Weaver said. “I got into editorial. It probably was the best thing. I edited all the research. All the scientific reports had to be written in a certain style.”

Weaver started at NASA Lewis a month before her college graduation.

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The job provided an opportunity to work alongside some of the brightest scientists and engineers in the world, and to proofread their work.

Weaver said that with a fresh batch of bright young minds brought into the facility on a regular basis, working at Lewis was like going to graduate school, though some of the learning experience was a matter of practicality.

“It’s better to edit with blue instead

of red. Red upsets the scientists,” Weaver recalled learning on the job.

Weaver said she had an FBI clearance that exceeded top secret. That highest clearance level only came into play on one project in her 31-year career, Weaver said, and involved a team of scientists and engineers, each of whom only knew his own part in the project which Weaver then edited.

“I’m the only one who saw it in its Continued on next page...

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

Happy Fourth of July from Attorney Buday, her staff, and Oliver the Office Cat. 7

Fayette county native plays vital role in moon landing, continued from page 7...

Free Produce to People Food Distribution - Fayette County Thursday, July 11 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

- Fayette County Fair Fairgrounds, 132 Pechin Road, Connellsville - The program provides supplemental food items to families each month. Typically families receive about 60 pounds of food each month. Residents of Fayette County who receive the food are asked to bring a large box, wheeled cart or laundry basket to put their food in. In an effort to speed up the process at the distribution center, we have implemented what is known as a Passcard. In order to receive the Passcard you will need to bring with you a copy of a utility bill with your name and address on the bill. You will also need a photo ID. Registration for the distribution begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11:30. All food is distributed based on a first come first serve basis.

To ensure you receive food please arrive no later than 10 a.m. You are able to attend if you live in another county other than Fayette.

FMI: freshfirechurch.net

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California Baptist Church Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:45

Pastor Todd Rutherford 435 2nd Street, California

724-938-8555 Worship with Us this Sunday!

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final form,” Weaver said.

Weaver has a certificate noting that she was among the 300,000 NASA employees who helped to make the moon mission possible. The task was more than rocket science.

“When we first started, we didn’t know anything. We had no idea how to do this. The things that were invented to get it done, that was a miracle,” Weaver said. “To be just a small part of it was really special.”

Weaver said the enormity of what she was involved in hit even before the moon landing. Six months early she and her mother watched Apollo 8 circle the moon Christmas Eve. “We always went to church Christmas Eve, but we didn’t that Christmas Eve. Mother and I stayed

home and listened to them read from Genesis. I couldn’t believe I was involved in it, even in a very small way,” Weaver said.

Weaver said she was thrilled by the excitement of racing the Russians to the moon.

“I always liked a good race. It was a challenge and it was an opportunity for me to be a part of the ultimate challenge,” Weaver said.

Weaver said all of the studies that went into developing products for NASA are available to the public and can be used by any company to develop products. Earthbound spin-offs went far beyond powdered breakfast drinks and freeze-dried ice cream. Just a few of the items to come out of the space research were lubricants for

razor blades and artificial joints.

Weaver said she has always been a bit amused that the space suits worn by the astronauts were custom made

by Playtex.

“They certainly knew how to give support and make it fit,” Weaver said.

One item that couldn’t be tested before its use was the Lunar Module because of the weightless environment in which it would operate.

“Nobody knew how the LM would operate because it couldn’t be tested,” Weaver said.

The landing really was an act of faith, one which the astronauts marked outside the public eye.

“When they landed, they asked for a moment of silence and (Buzz) Aldrin took communion. That wasn’t shown on television,” Weaver said. “He said it made us seem so insignificant because there are so many stars bigger than we are.”

Weaver said she choked up as she watched the moon landing and first steps live on television 50 years ago.

Fifty years later, having been involved with NASA when man first walked on the moon is still something which fills Weaver with awe.

“The ingenuity of the Americans and the number of people it took to get us there and to be just a small part of it was really special,” Weaver said.

“We’ve had some tremendous successes and some horrific disasters. These men and women are tremendous adventurers and they know the risks.”

Tickets on sale for “Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music” Tickets are on sale for Nick Jr. Live!

Move to the Music, which includes five performances taking place January 17-19 at the Benedum Center. . Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music” is an all-new, one-of-a-kind adventure.

For the first time on stage together, this musical spectacular features characters from multiple Nick Jr. hit ani-

mated series, including Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol (produced by Spin Master Entertainment), Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines, and Top Wing. Nick Jr. Live! With innovative costuming and a Broadway-style set, Nick Jr. Live! is a perfect way to introduce theater to

young children. The show is split into two acts with an intermission.

Tickets (starting at $22.50) are available at the Box Office at Theater Square, www.TrustArts.org, or by phone at 412-456-6666. Prices are subject to change. Additional fees and special offers may apply.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift and inspire. - pabridges.com

Center in the Woods July 2019 Activities

Center in the Woods would like to extend a warm welcome to anyone who would like to come and be a part of our community. Whether you’re looking for fellowship, a new activity, or you’d like to volunteer, we encourage you to stop in. No membership is required. Make a reservation a day ahead and join us for lunch at noon.

The Center in the Woods is a nonprofit, senior facility with the goal of hosting fun activities and community events for adults ages 60+. Lunch is served at 12 noon; please call one day in advance to order. !Daily activities include: Mondays: Piano lessons, Watercolor, Choir & Cards; Tuesdays: Lab services, Billiards lessons, Chair dancing, Healthy Steps, Bingo, Dart ball & Cards; Wednesdays: Bible study, Bean bag toss, Oil painting, Basket guild & Beauty shop; Thursdays: Lab services, Chair dancing, Healthy Steps, Jam Session & Bingo; Fridays: Beauty shop, Wii Bowling & Euchre Visit the beauty shop on Wednesdays & Fridays by appointment.

Bethany offers massage therapy by appointment. Call 724-678-3308.

Jam sessions every Thursday at 1 p.m. feature local talented musicians.

Sit and enjoy or bring an instrument and join in.

Piano lessons are offered on Mondays. Call Judy at 724-785-6959

to schedule.

Birthday celebration the last Tuesday of the month at 12 noon.

Bridge on Monday and Thursday, 500 Bid on Wednesday and Euchre on Friday. Games start at 1:15 p.m.

Koffee Klatch presented by Edward Jones on the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m.

The Adult Day Center is in need of volunteers. If you are interested in giving some of your time to assist our participants with activities or just being a friend, please contact Mary Beth at 724-938-3554, Ext. 123.

Volunteers are needed to serve as drivers or runners for the daily Home Delivered Meals program throughout California, Daisytown, Brownsville and West Brownsville areas.

Volunteers are also needed in the kitchen. We also need volunteers to help with various fundraising activities and administration work. FMI, please call 724-938-3554, Ext. 103.

The Center’s hall is available for rental. Call for details. FMI on programs and other activities, call 724938-3554 Ext. 103. CITW is located at 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville.

FMI: centerinthewoods.org

PROTECT YOUR RIDE While you’re out there riding the wind and chasing sunsets, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance. That’s why we’ve revved up our motorcycle coverage and revamped our motorcycle insurance prices, too.

PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR MOTORCYCLE ERIE’s improved motorcycle coverage gives you great protection, including coverage for damage to your accessories, gear and safety riding apparel. And our new motorcycle insurance rates offer the lowest possible cost for the safest drivers on the road. Insuring your motorcycle with ERIE means: Your gear and safety riding apparel are covered (think helmet, riding boots and even protective eyewear).

Your special touches are covered, too (like custom paint, chrome, saddlebags and more).

Medical payments can help pay your covered injury expenses (ask your agent how to add this to your policy).

Optional roadside assistance is available, should your bike ever leave you stranded (believe us; it’s worth the small add-on cost).

You get a 12-month policy that protects your ride all year long.

SAVINGS & CONVENIENCE If it’s been awhile since you looked at motorcycle coverage with us, you’ll want to get a quote. Our new pricing may surprise you. If you already have ERIE auto insurance, you may add your motorcycle to your existing auto policy. If you have the ERIE Rate

ON THE

OPEN ROAD

Lock® feature on your auto policy, you could lock in your motorcycle premium as well. And you get the convenience of one policy, one bill and a few less worries. Customers new to ERIE: we’d love to get to know you and your bike. You can get coverage from a financially strong company that believes in doing the right thing.

GET THE MOTORCYCLE PROTECTION YOU NEED Your local ERIE agent, Kim Mariscotti of Mariscotti Insurance Agency, can provide more information, help you with a quote or add your motorcycle to your current auto policy.

This information provided by Mariscotti Insurance Agency, 324 Third Street, in California. For more information about all types of insurance coverage offered by Mariscotti Insurance Agency, contact your agent, Kim Mariscotti, at 724-938-9302.

MARISCOTTI INSURANCE AGENCY 324 Third Street, California (724) 938-9302

A commitment of spirit, pride & service in our community. mariscottiinsurance.com

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

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July news from the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum JULY 13TH ALL-CLASS REUNION - For all of those coming to Donora for the Donora/Monongahela/Ringgold/Mon Valley Catholic all-class reunion on Saturday, 07/13/19, the Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum will be open and volunteers will be on-hand to show our town’s historical past and answer any of your questions.

We have numerous football and basketball game films that you are free to watch as well. We also have quite a few Donora souvenirs: T-shirts, books, etc. for purchase. Please stop in.

DONORA FOOTBALL – CRO CLUB - Due to the enthusiasm generated from our ongoing game film project, our “Game Film Event” at the Donora Cro Club in 2017, and our presentation “Donora Football Dragons – Part One – 1904 to 1945” in 2018, we will host another football event titled “Donora Football Dragons – Part Two – 1946 to 1968” to present a comprehensive history of Donora Dragons football from the opening kickoff in 1904 to the final whistle in 1968. The event is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Croatian Club (Cro Club) in

Donora located at 329 Castner Avenue.

The presentation will be shown in the club hall with food and drinks available for purchase from the Cro Club.

The event is free but donations will be gladly accepted. We encourage audience participation by sharing your stories or memorabilia as we present the history of Donora Football through photos, game footage and stories.

Part One included the years 1904 to 1945 and can be repeated on a future date. Part Two includes the years 1946 to 1968. Hear stories about Coaches Jimmy Russell and Rudy Andabaker, Tony Romantino, Angelo Dabiero, Steve Turkovich, Tom and Bill Urbanik, Larry Crawford, Bernie Galiffa, Malcom Lomax, Ken and Fred Griffey, and many others.

NEW SMOG MUSEUM TSHIRTS - We now carry newly designed Donora Smog Museum “stacks” logo T-shirts and sweatshirt.

Printed with black, white and orange ink, you can buy heather gray shortsleeve Tees ($20), long-sleeve Tees ($25) and crewneck sweatshirts ($30) in sizes S, M, L, XL, 2X and 3X at the Smog Museum on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Hoodies ($35)

are made to order. If that isn’t convenient, call us and leave a voicemail or email us with your order and we can arrange your pick-up at the Donora Public Library (Monday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Friday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Shirts can also be mailed, but will require additional S&H. Quantities are limited, so please consider having your order added to a waiting list if your size/color is sold out.

Keep in mind, we still sell our Dragon T-shirts designed by Donoranatives Jesse Francis and Jared Altamare, and printed by Armand Forlini. These can be found at both the Smog Museum and the Donora Public Library. Quantities are also limited, so please consider having your order added to a waiting list if your size/color is sold out.

FALL CEMENT CITY HOME AND WALKING TOURS DATE SET - Our fall Cement City Home and Walking Tours and your chance to see Thomas Edison’s solution for worker housing created 102 years ago in 1917 and the inspiration for the featured addition to the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village

are scheduled for Saturday, September 28th and Sunday, September 29th at 1:00 p.m. (NO Steelers game this day.)

The cost of the tours are $15/person and space is limited. It is encouraged to choose a date, then call or email to get your name added to a pre-RSVP signup list to be contacted when the tour date gets closer. If you have any questions about Cement City, one of our Home and Walking Tours or our project with the Carnegie Science Center’s Miniature Railroad & Village, please consult our website and click the “Cement City” tab, or contact the Historical Society.

ADDITIONAL INFO - If you have additional questions about the subjects mentioned above, the historical society, museum, presentations or possibly volunteering, feel free to stop by on Saturdays or by special appointment (with at least a week’s notice), email us at DonoraHistoricalSociety @gmail.com, call us at 724-823-0364 and leave a message, visit us on the web at DonoraHistoricalSociety.org, or follow us and Like Us on Facebook at “Donora Historical Society and Smog Museum.”

Get the Led Out to make summer debut at The Palace Theatre After repeatedly selling out two shows each winter at The Palace Theatre, Get The Led Out will make their Greensburg summer debut in 2019. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, Get The Led Out (GTLO) have captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their dis-

10

posal, GTLO re-creates the songs in all their depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album…GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, GTLO brings what the audience wants…a high-energy Zeppelin concert with an honest, heart-thumping intensity.

GTLO has amassed a strong national touring history, having performed at major club and PAC venues across the country. GTLO’s approach to their

performance of this hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance.

“Led Zeppelin are sort of the classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time.

As cliché as it sounds, their music is timeless.”

A GTLO concert mimics the “light and shade” that are the embodiment of “The Mighty Zep.” Whether it's the passion and fury with which they deliver the blues-soaked, groove-dri-

ven rock anthems, it's their attention to detail and nuance that makes a Get The Led Out performance a truly awe-inspiring event!

Presented by Westmoreland Cultural Trust, the band will perform for one night only, 8 PM Friday, July 5, 2019, at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA. Tickets are available for $27, $31, and $37 by contacting The Palace Theatre Box Office at 724-836-8000 or visiting www.thepalacetheatre.org.

The Palace Theatre is located at 21 W. Otterman Street, Greensburg, PA.

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2019 EQT/MVAA Summer Concert Series to present eight free shows The Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, an Arts and Cultural 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization, is very pleased to announce that, for the third consecutive year, the EQT Foundation has sponsored the 2019 EQT/MVAA Summer Concert Series. The Summer Concert Series will be held at two different locations in 2019. Chess Park in Monongahela and Palmer Park in Donora, Pa. and are Free and open to the public.

On Sunday July 14 , the MVAA will host the 2nd concert of the 2019 Concert Season at Chess Park,

Monongahela. The Gazebo concert will begin at 1:45 and conclude at 4:00. Sage Sneith, a senior at Bentworth High School will open the concert with the National Anthem followed by the popular “Allies Band”.

The headliner band will be the favorite act “Mark & the Wild Things”.

On Sunday July 21, This Sunday afternoon event, also sponsored by EQT Fnd., will be the second of a series of events held at Palmer Park, Donora. The day will start with 11th Annual Donora VFD Car Cruise, 10

AM-4:00 with trophies, auction and food vendors. The “Oldies band “The Platinum Band” featuring “Southside” Jerry Mellix and Sam Ferrella will perform from 4:00-6:00 on the main stage.

Between June 2019 and September 2019, eight (8) outdoor concerts will be presented FREE to the public featuring local and professional artists of varied genres. For more information: visit monvalleyacademyforthearts.org or email info@monvalleyacademyforthearts.org

Eddie B: I’m Already Professionally Developed tour to stop at Benedum Eddie B: I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour will be coming to the Benedum Center on Saturday, November 16, at 8 p.m.

Eddie B is comedy on steroids! The Houston native is single handedly changing the comedy game, tapping into the minds of teachers around the world and selling out major arenas throughout the country in minutes!

While others waited in the wings for a shot at becoming a top standup comic, Eddie soared to new heights by creating his own opportunity with the blockbuster “I’m Already Professionally Developed Tour”!

Coming off his previous, highly successful “Teacher’s Only Tour”, the worldwide comedy showcase is shattering attendance records with soldout shows.

Eddie B has established himself as the official voice of teachers across the globe. Educators from America to Africa, Dallas to Dubai, New York to New Delhi (and beyond) are getting a lesson in the funniest ways to express their worst frustrations and they are loving every second of Eddie B’s uncensored, raw, and hysterically realistic portrayal of a teacher’s hectic life, from the point of view of an

actual teacher!

The phenomenon, which began with a series of videos entitled “What Teachers Really Say” (written, produced, and starring Eddie B) has tapped into a niche only this multifaceted comic/teacher can comprehend. Tickets (starting at $35) will be available at the following official Pittsburgh Cultural Trust ticket sources: online at TrustArts.org, by calling Guest Services at 412-4566666; or in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue.

Westmoreland Chooses Palaschak as New Head Volleyball Coach Michael Palaschak has been selected as the new head women’s volleyball coach at Westmoreland County Community College.

“I am excited for this opportunity and want to take the Wolfpack to the next level,” said Palaschak. “Not only on the court but also in the classroom, work and future endeavors.”

Palaschak has served as a PIAA volleyball official for the last 13 years and also has coaching experience at the college, high school and club levels. From 2007-09, he was an assistant coach for Carlow College in the fall

while also working as an assistant boys coach at Fox Chapel High School in the spring. In addition, he worked two seasons as a head coach for an 18year old boys team with the United Club Volleyball program.

Palaschak’s coaching career began after his playing career ended, as he was a three-year starter at Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA. He earned a scholarship at Mercyhurst after a decorated playing career at Norwin High School in North Huntington, PA, where he was a two-time First Team

All-Section pick.

In his first college head coaching position, Palaschak will lead a Wolfpack volleyball program which won four games last year, but improved its standing in the Western Pennsylvania Collegiate Conference (WPCC) from the previous season.

Palaschak earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Mercyhurst in 2007.

In addition to coaching volleyball, he is the Regional Sales Manager for Balfurd Linen Service.

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SETON HILL UNIVERSITY ALUMNI HOST AUTHOR BOOK SIGNING EVENT Seton Hill University’s Writing Popular Fiction program alumni are hosting an author book signing event at the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center, 100 Harrison Avenue in Greensburg, on Saturday, June 29, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The book signing event will showcase over 20 authors and guest author Mark Oshiro in town for the In Your Write Mind Workshop.

“I'm so thrilled to be able to be a part of In Your Write Mind this year, and I'm eager to share my own work with those attending!,” said Ohiro. “The signing will be a great chance to meet other aspiring writers and the greater community.”

Mark Oshiro is the Hugo-finalist (in the Fan Writer category) creator of the online Mark Does Stuff universe (Mark Reads and Mark Watches), where they analyze book and television series unspoiled. They were the nonfiction editor of Queers Destroy Science Fiction! and the co-editor of Speculative Fiction 2015 with Foz Meadows. Their first novel, Anger is a Gift, is a YA contemporary about queer friendship, love, and fighting police brutality, out now with Tor Teen. It was winner of the Schneider Family Book Award for 2019 in the Young Adult category; it was also nominated for the LGBTQ Children’s/Young Adult category in the 2019 Lammy Awards. When they are not writing, crying on camera about fictional characters, or ruining lives at conventions, Mark is busy trying to fulfill their lifelong goal: to pet every dog in the world.

The In Your Write Mind Workshop, an annual event hosted by the Writing Popular Fiction alunni at Seton Hill University, is held from June 27 - 30 this year.

To learn more about this year’s event, visit the web site at: inyourwritemind.setonhill.edu 11

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Steele Named New Head Men’s Soccer Coach Laura Coss has been named Chief Financial Officer of Waynesburg University, the University announced today. In her role, she will provide leadership and oversight for the University’s Business Office.

“My financial background and lifelong involvement in the Waynesburg community have helped me appreciate all of the special things Waynesburg and Waynesburg University have to offer,” Coss said. “I am grateful to have this opportunity to support the University’s great mission that promotes students recognizing their full potential and gifts to make a difference in the world through faith, learning and serving.”

Coss joined the University as a senior accountant in 2008.

She has also served as assistant controller and controller.

“Mrs. Coss’s varied experience in financial management as well as her

familiarity with the mission of Waynesburg University make her a great fit for this role,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee. Prior to Waynesburg University, Coss served as a revenue accountant at CONSOL Energy and an accountant at 84 Lumber.

Coss holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, both from Waynesburg University.

She is also a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Initiative.

Coss resides in Waynesburg with her husband and children. She is actively involved with various ministries at St. Ann Catholic Church and volunteers with the Central Greene School District.

RNCareers.org ranks Waynesburg BSN Program No. 2 Waynesburg University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Program was recently ranked No. 2 in the state of Pennsylvania by RNCareers.org.

Waynesburg received a score of 98.72%. More than 668 schools were evaluated nationwide, and among the top 100, Waynesburg ranked No. 23.

Programs were scored according to their accumulated NCLEX-RN pass rates for the past three years, in addition to data such as program offerings, accreditation, institutional ranking, cost and graduation rates.

“One of the best measures of a nursing program’s ability to prepare its students to become a registered nurse is to look at an institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates,” as stated on the RNCareers.org website.

Of the 36 Pennsylvania schools that were evaluated and ranked,

Waynesburg holds the highest NCLEX-RN pass rate with a threeyear average score of 99.01%. The average score for Pennsylvania schools is 89.91%.

Waynesburg University's pass rate has not dipped below 96% in 10 years.

The BSN Program has also been ranked No. 2 in the state of PA by RegisteredNursing.org for three consecutive years.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE, One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036, 202-887-6791).

For more information about the Nursing Program, contact Kathy Stolfer, professor of nursing, at kstolfer@waynesburg.edu or 724-852-3207.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift and inspire.-pabridges.com

PennDOT to distribute funds for red light enforcement Governor Tom Wolf today announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will distribute $15.4 million in Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding to 38 municipalities statewide to fund 50 safety projects.

Pennsylvania’s ARLE program aims to improve safety at signalized intersections by providing automated enforcement at locations where data shows red-light running has been an issue.

“This program helps communities across the state make investments in traffic flow and safety,” Governor Wolf said. “These improvements complement the many road, bridge, and multimodal projects happening in Pennsylvania.”

Under state law, grant funding is supplied by fines from red light violations at 30 intersections in Philadelphia. The law specifies that projects improving safety, enhancing mobility and reducing congestion can be considered for funding.

Municipalities submitted 134 applications, totaling almost $38 million in requests.

Projects were selected by an eightmember committee based on criteria such as benefits and effectiveness, cost, local and regional impact, and cost sharing.

This investment brings the total dollars awarded through the ARLE funding program to $78.49 million, funding 416 safety projects

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Approved projects in our reading area: Washington County East Washington Borough – $56,000 to improve safety at along East Beau Street by installing LED school zone speed limit warning devices.

Westmoreland County Hempfield Township – $70,000 to upgrade school zone speed warning devices at two schools.

Sewickley Township – $53,000 to improve safety at Young Senior High School along Lowber Road by installing speed limit sign with flashing beacons.

For more information, visit the traffic signals page under “Travel In PA” at www.penndot.gov, or email RA-PDSIGNALFUNDING@pa.gov.

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FMI, email taskforce@ laurelview.org

If you have prayer concerns, or would like more information on events, worship times, or youth & young adult groups, please call the church!

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J&D Cellars Brings Wine Country to Washington Story by Taylor Andres When most people think of wine country, they imagine the rolling hills of Napa Valley, California or the exotic landscapes of Italy, France and Spain. What many locals of Washington County might not consider is that a little piece of wine country can be found right in their backyard.

Readers of the Pittsburgh PostGazette and The Observer Reporter have voted J&D Cellars the Best of the Best two years in a row for its homemade wine, unique wineinfused lifestyle products and dedication to bringing community members together at in-store events.

With two locations in Washington County, residents of the area can visit this local, family-owned business at their vineyard and winery in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania or at their second location at The Street at The Meadows. The Tasting room at the Eighty-Four location is situated in a log cabin that captures the rustic feel of the environment, and the location at The Street embodies the same country charm.

“All of our furniture and fixtures are either handmade by John, or are an antique we found during our travels,” said Holly McIntosh, co-manager of J&D Cellars’ location at The Street.

People interested in attending one of J&D Cellars’ various events should visit their location at The Street. This year-round location holds weekly events like trivia nights, live music and bingo. The Eighty-Four location also organizes periodic events, but is only open April through December.

“We host various events throughout the month such as Ladies Nights, Craft ‘n Sips, Plant ‘n Sips, fundraisers, Pre-Game Parties, Pop-Up Shops and events that other people plan such as vendor shows and pri-

vate parties,” said McIntosh.

In October 2018, J&D Cellars launched CRUSH, a wine-inspired lifestyle brand featuring a monthly wine membership program and wineinfused skincare products like bath bombs and body scrubs. They are in the process of developing wineinfused coffee and candles and wineinspired apparel to expand upon the existing collection.

J&D Cellars’ location at The Street houses the CRUSH boutique where all of the lifestyle products are available for purchase. Customers can also sign up for monthly CRUSH subscription boxes featuring their lifestyle products and wines.

“I’d say 75% of the items in our

boutique are locally made,” explained McIntosh. “You can purchase our CRUSH collection items, as well as items provided by other local businesses and artisans.”

At the heart of J&D Cellars is a passion for wine making. John Husk and Dot Harvison have been making wine with their family for nearly 15 years and opened J&D Cellars as a way to share their hobby with others.

John and Dot also started the Washington County Chapter of the American Wine Society to help other local winemakers master their craft.

They sell wine making supplies such as chemicals, yeast, bottles and capsules at their winery to provide the necessary tools of the trade to anyone eager to learn.

Bottles of their homemade selections can also be purchased in their stores and at several external locations. Customers can choose between dry reds, dry whites, semi-sweet, and sweet wines.

“The Cabernet Sauvignon is by far my favorite,” said Haley Welsh, a local of Canonsburg. “J&D Cellars has some of the best dry reds I’ve tried, and the whites aren’t bad either.”

Photos by Bre Collins

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

Gallery 86 is now the home of the Uniontown Art Club and is located at 86 West Main St. in downtown Uniontown. The gallery and gift shop is filled with unique and one-of-a-kind works of art made by local artists.

Hours of operation are MondaySaturday 12:30-5:30 p.m.

The UAC is a local non-profit that was established in 1927. They have been promoting and generating appreciation of the visual arts in the community for over 90 years.

Their web address is www.uniontownartclub.org. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming special events and shows.

FLEA MARKET Every Saturday beginning March 30 through the summer

7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

SNOWDON SQUARE BROWNSVILLE, PA $20 per space = size of two parking places Food will be available Call 724-812-6207 Sponsored by Brownsville American Legion Post 295 15

Motorcycle Event “The Blue Ride’’ raises money for local charities Story by Michael Bury The Blue Ride is a charity motorcycle event co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chapter 16 of the Blue Knights and Washington Pennsylvania’s Lodge 164 of the Freemasons. The ride was first organized in 2004 for police officers and civilians to come together and help the community.

“Through the 15 years we’ve had the Ride, we have broken half a million dollars in donations,” says, Dave Richards, an original event organizer and member of the Blue Knights and Freemasons. “It is such a great event for the entire community to come together for a greater cause.”

Over 40 local charities have received donations from the Blue Ride, some of these include the SPHS Care Center, the City Mission, the Washington County CASA for Kids organization, the Ronald McDonald House, the Washington Human Society, the Salvation Army, Wounded Warriors, and many more.

The Ride includes many different activities for riders and spectators.

Some of these events include food from all around the county, games, and

music. At the end of the day, there is a raffle for a brand-new motorcycle.

“We pride ourselves on following the principles of family and community for the event. Some of the charities who we have donated to have received over $10,000 from us. It is with great pride that we are able to do this for so many great organizations,” says Dave Richards.

“We did extremely well. [last year].

We had somewhere between 300-500

people who attended the event, along with 185 cyclists,” says Donald King, a volunteer and Freemason. “It was a lot of fun and very fulfilling to see that many members of the community coming together for such an event.”

The Blue Ride takes place on the last Sunday of every July. This year that will be July 28th. It begins at the North Strabane Volunteer Fire Department and ends at the American Legion Post in the city of Washington.

The ride takes cyclists all the way around Washington County. There is usually one stop in between destinations, which will be predetermined at a later date. Registration for the 16th annual Blue Ride will be held at the North Strabane Volunteer Fire Department on Route 19 on the day of the Ride from 9am to 11pm. Departure for cyclists is set for 11:30am.

The Blue Knights are an international club founded in 1974 in Maine that includes 650 chapters and over 20,000 members that is spread out over 29 different countries. The club consists of both active and retired law enforcement officers who share a common interest of riding motorcycles and upholding the United States Constitution. The Freemasons is a fraternal order of men founded in 1717 in London, England and consists of over three million members worldwide who unite men of good character and share a belief in both the fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of mankind.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to see so many people coming together for a greater cause,” says, Dave Richards.

“We hope to keep gaining numbers and continue to do this event for many more years to come.”

Recording group Straight No Chaser announces Pittsburgh stop on their “The Open Bar Tour” Atlantic Records recording group Straight No Chaser has announced plans for another epic U.S. concert tour, The Open Bar Tour. The dates begin October 25th at Biloxi, MS IP Casino and then continue through the holiday season before culminating with a very special New Year’s Eve event at Portland, OR’s Keller Auditorium. Straight No Chaser’s Open Bar Tour takes the Benedum Center stage in Pittsburgh on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 as a part of the Cohen and Grigsby Trust Presents Series. For complete details and tickets, please visit sncmusic.com/tour and TrustArts.org.

Straight No Chaser’s latest studio album ONE SHOT is available through all streaming services as well

16

as via the official Straight No Chaser store. The album sees SNC doing what they do best with distinctive takes on classic pop and soul favorites, including Ricky Martin’s “Livin La Vida Loca,” Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way,” James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” and the LP’s first single, an energetic mash-up of Boyz II Men and Montell Jordan entitled “Motownphilly/This Is How We Do It.” The track is joined by an official lyric video, streaming now at the official SNC YouTube channel.

ONE SHOT is further highlighted by a richly-harmonized version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound,” in which the hard-touring group expresses their deep yearning for the comforts of family life. In addition, the LP fea-

tures seven entertaining, conversational interludes wherein the nine members of Straight No Chaser trace their unlikely rise from an undergraduate singing group at Indiana University to a beloved Atlantic Records act with a devoted international fanbase.

Straight No Chaser’s version of “The 12 Days of Christmas” – interpolating Toto’s “Africa” – proved the hottest viral video of the 2007 holiday season, receiving more than seven million views that December alone, and now boasting close to 23 million views.

Among those millions of viewers was Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman, who promptly signed the Indiana-based a cappella group to the label’s legendary roster. Taking off from the runaway success of “The 12

Days Of Christmas,” Straight No Chaser made its now-classic debut with 2008’s HOLIDAY SPIRITS, followed in the next year by CHRISTMAS CHEERS. Both albums reached the top of the holiday charts at Amazon and the iTunes Store and are now certified gold by the RIAA. The extraordinary decade that followed has seen the group amass album sales in excess of 1.6 million in the U.S. alone, along with more than 100 million YouTube views thus far.

Last year saw the release of a very special 10th Anniversary Edition of HOLIDAY SPIRITS, featuring two brand new bonus tracks, “That’s Why We Celebrate” and “The 12 Days Of Christmas: 2018 Remix (Live).”

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift and inspire. - pabridges.com

PBT’s Terrence S. Orr to Retire After 22 Years as Artistic Director After leading the company for 22 years, Artistic Director Terrence S. Orr has announced he will retire in June 2020 after celebrating the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s upcoming 50th Anniversary Season.

Over more than two decades as artistic director, Orr has grown the company’s repertory with more than 20 new commissions and dozens of acquisitions. He has debuted ambitious story ballets like “La Bayadère,” “Romeo et Juliette” and “A Streetcar Named Desire;” curated major masterworks by dance giants like Jerome Robbins, Jiří Kylián and Twyla Tharp; and provided a platform for emerging choreographers, including from within the company. His original production of The Nutcracker has been a Pittsburgh classic for close to 20 years. During his tenure, the company has grown its ticket sales, school enrollment and campus. It has debuted the country’s first professional sensory-friendly production of The Nutcracker and increased accessibility and educational programming in the theater, studio and community.

“I have made Pittsburgh my home and certainly my life ever since,” said Orr, who has lived in Sewickley with his wife, PBT Ballet Mistress Marianna Tcherkassky, since becoming PBT artistic director in 1997.

“It has been exciting to watch the company grow and rise to incredible heights.”

“We’ve developed a distinct voice

and special place in the city where you can experience the great classics, the great choreographers and the emerging voices moving this art form into the future. It has been my honor to lead this company for the past 22 years and great privilege to lead it through its 50th anniversary. I want to thank the dancers, musicians and patrons who have become like family. You have made my time here something I will always cherish.”

Orr, a California native, began his dance career at San Francisco Ballet, where he became a principal dancer by age 17. He went on to lead a celebrated career at New York City’s American Ballet Theatre (ABT), rising from corps de ballet to principal dancer. He joined ABT’s artistic staff while he was still performing and served as ballet master from 1978 to 1997. He has staged works for ballet companies worldwide, including the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, the Paris Opera Ballet, La Scala, Australian Ballet and National Ballet of Japan.

“Hundreds of students and professional dancers can attest to the immeasurable influence and passion that Terry passes on to future generations,” said Dawn Fleischner, chair, PBT Board of Trustees. “Terry is beloved by the entire organization and we can’t say enough about the indelible legacy he created in Pittsburgh.

His vision has set the stage for an exciting future for this company and

we will be forever grateful for his leadership.”

The PBT Board will work out the next steps of succession planning by forming a search committee and begin the search for a new artistic director starting this summer.

“It’s been a real privilege and honor to work in partnership with Terry over the past 13 years and he will be greatly missed,” said Harris Ferris, executive Director. “I look forward to supporting the board in the forthcoming search and transition in artistic leadership.”

Orr will close his career with PBT by leading celebrations for the company’s 50th Anniversary Season, which opens in October at the Benedum Center.

The season will honor the company’s history with a five-production lineup featuring Giselle with the PBT Orchestra (Oct. 25-27), The Nutcracker (Dec. 6-29), PNC Presents Beauty and the Beast (Feb. 14-23), Here & Now at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (March 20-29) and Balanchine & Tchaikovsky with the PBT Orchestra (April 17-19) as well as exciting repertoire to be performed on tour on prestigious national stages. For ticketing and program information, please visit www.pbt.org.

Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation announce weeklong celebration A collaborative effort, hosted by the Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board, inviting all communities along the Monongahela River to participate in a weeklong celebration from July 13 to July 20.

The Belle Vernon Borough Friends of Recreation Board is thrilled to announce that they have expanded their popular one-day kayak race and community festival into a weeklong celebration along the Monongahela River. All events will take place in Belle Vernon.

The weeklong celebration will kick off with a Miss/Mrs./Mr. Monongahela River pageant on Saturday, July 13, and conclude with an exciting day-long fes-

tival on July 20. The last day of the community festival will include a kayak race from West Brownsville to Belle Vernon, a large community parade, vendor fair, concert, food stands, car show, performances, and an evening fireworks display.

Throughout the week, activities will include a children’s night with a pet parade and ice cream social, a farm-totable dinner, art and essay contests, and much more.

All communities located along the Monongahela River are invited and encouraged to participate in the community festival. This weeklong festival will be the first of its kind and will empha-

size community building, local collaboration, and positive emphasis on the Mon Valley region.

The theme for the first-ever Monongahela River Community Festival is: The people on the river are happy to give - a lyric from the song Proud Mary.

Entrants in the art and essay contest will produce works based on the festival’s theme. Entry forms for the art contest, essay contest, and the anticipated Miss Monongahela River Pageant are available at fb.me/BVAFriendsofRec Additional info and schedules will be continuously posted and updated via the facebook page.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

State Theatre CENTER FOR THE ARTS

M AMMA M IA July 26 at 7:30 p.m.

July 27 at 7:30 p.m.

July 28 at 2 p.m.

TICKETS $10 & $15 ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father.

This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. This production is part of Summer at the State.

CLASSIC FILM SERIES July 19 at 2 & 7 p.m.

August 16 at 2 & 7 p.m.

July’s film is Yankee Doodle Dandy August’s film is Gone With the Wind Adults $5, Students, senior citizens & children $3

724-439-1360 STATETHEATRE.INFO

27 East Main Street Uniontown, PA 17

Capitol Ambition: The political career of James G. Blaine Written by Brian Brashear No history of our local area would be complete without the recognition of the successful political career of James G. Blaine. Blaine’s skill in the political arena set in motion one of the most notable careers in local history. His ability was able to gain him several important position in national government and brought him very close to being elected President of the United States.

James G. Blaine was born in West Brownsville, Pennsylvania on January 31, 1830. His family history includes a Great Grandfather, Ephriam Blaine, who served as a commissary for Gen. George Washington during the American Revolution. Blaine attended Washington College (now Washington & Jefferson) graduating in 1847.

Declining an opportunity to attend Yale University school of law, he headed west and accepted a teaching position at Western Military Institute in Georgetown, Kentucky where he taught mathematics and ancient languages. It was here that he met his wife Harriett, also a teacher, and they

were married in 1850.

The couple would move to Philadelphia where Blaine accepted an offer to become editor and eventual co-owner of a newspaper called the “Kennebec Journal.” He also began to take an interest in politics, specifically in the new and upcoming Republican party where he was a supporter of Abraham Lincoln in the election of 1860. Their stay in Philadelphia would soon come to an end as they would now move north and settle in Maine.

In 1862 as the Civil War raged across

the nation, Blaine was elected to represent Maine's 3rd district in the U.S. House of Representatives and was reelected again in 1864. Blaine remained in full support of the Union war effort as well as a loyal supporter of President Lincoln throughout the duration. At the conclusion of the war, Blaine took the stance of firm yet lenient approaches to reconstruction.

He was elected Speaker of the House in 1869 where he worked with President Grant on the Civil Rights Act of 1875. Blaine's rising political status propelled him to seek the Republican presidential nomination in 1876, though he would lose it to Rutherford B. Hayes. Blaine was then appointed to represent Maine in the Senate. In 1880 he sought the presidential nomination a second time, again falling short, this time to James Garfield. Garfield, recognizing Blaine's skill and ability, appointed him to Secretary of State in 1881. It was at this time that Blaine also began work on his memoirs titled “Twenty Years in Congress.” In 1884 James G. Blaine launched a third attempt to secure the Republican nomination for

President. This time he was successful, however he would lose in the general election to Democratic nominee Grover Cleveland. Blaine took a break from politics in 1886 and joined his family on a tour of Europe. In 1889 President Benjamin Harrison appointed Blaine to return to his former position of Secretary of State. In this role, Blaine would help lead early efforts which would lead to the eventual U.S. annexation of Hawaii.

Ailing health forced Blaine to retire from political life in the summer of 1892 and he passed away a short time later on January 27, 1893. Blaine’s legacy includes schools, streets, towns, steam packets, and foundations all named in his honor. James G. Blaine, a West Brownsville native, played an important role on the national political stage for most of the mid to late 19th century and his achievements will always be remembered by his hometown as well as the nation itself.

Westmoreland Cultural Trust appoints April Kopas as new Chief Executive Officer The Board of Directors of Westmoreland Cultural Trust today announced the hiring of April Kopas as the new CEO. The Board voted unanimously to hire Ms. Kopas at its June 4 meeting, following a threemonth long national search led by a nonprofit talent search firm.

“We are thrilled to bring April Kopas into the Cultural Trust,” said Board Chairman Terry Reese. “She brings to the CEO position all the attributes we were looking for – leadership, vision, and a record of success. The search committee went through a thorough process, with more than 50 applicants from throughout the country, each bringing a unique skill set. We had many qualified applicants, but April really proved herself to be the right choice with her passion, her personali-

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ty, and the community partnerships she’s forged throughout her career. I have the utmost confidence in her and her ability to lead the trust in its next chapter.”

“We would also like to thank Interim CEO, Col. Nancy P. Anderson, for shepherding us through this transitional period. She has been invaluable in leading the Trust on its continued path of success,” added Reese.

Kopas is currently the Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of Westmoreland County, a position she has held since 2009, as well as the Executive Director of the Westmoreland County Land Bank, an agency she founded in 2014.

She has been responsible for all facets of countywide redevelopment and revitalization efforts through a

variety of state, local, and federal programs and partnerships, including the administration of the countywide demolition program to strategically remove community blight. She created the Accessible Housing Program to provide home modifications for permanently physically disabled residents of low-to-moderate income and started the Brownfields Assessment Program, a $1 million six-year initiative to work with local governments and nonprofits to provide environmental assessments for the redevelopment of abandoned industrial and contaminated commercial sites.

Kopas was responsible for the creation of the Westmoreland County Land Bank, one of the first of its kind in Pennsylvania. This countywide organization develops programs to

deter blight, stabilize neighborhoods and return properties to a productive status. In only four years, the Land Bank acquired 100 properties, sold 73, and grew the budget to $1 million.

“I am honored and humbled by the confidence shown in me by Westmoreland Cultural Trust’s Board of Directors – all of whom are committed to the arts and to our communities,” Kopas said. “I look forward to working with them and our many community partners to cultivate arts and entertainment as a means to grow Westmoreland County.”

Kopas lives in Hempfield Township with her husband and five children.

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - We believe media should uplift and inspire. - pabridges.com

Museum Presents Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld As summer 2019 heats up, The Westmoreland Museum of American Art will be keeping things cool with a celebration of pop art, centered on an exhibition of work by one of the genre’s most influential artists. The Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld opens on July 20 and runs through October 20.

Over the past five decades, multidisciplinary artist John Van Hamersveld has created works of instantly recognizable graphic design. Early in his career, he crafted the legendary “Endless Summer” poster to advertise the 1966 film.

Subsequently, he became immersed in the world of rock and roll as art director for Capitol Records. During the 1960s and ’70s, he designed such iconic album covers as the Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour,” The Grateful Dead’s “Skeletons in the Closet,” and the Rolling Stones’ “Exile on Main Street,” as well as concert posters for artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Bob Dylan and many others.

Era of Cool will include a selection of Van Hamersveld’s album covers, poster designs, drawings, mural designs, photography and paintings.

“We are excited to open Era of Cool: The Art of John Van Hamersveld,” says Richard M. Scaife Director and CEO Anne Kraybill. “Over the past five decades, Van Hamersveld has created a wealth of instantly recognizable graphic design. We invite visitors to experience the eye-pleasing alchemy created when pop culture, music, and visual art converge.”

Other programming associated with the exhibition: Listening Session with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Wed., Aug. 21, from 7–8 p.m.

Nwaka Onwusa, Curator and Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, leads an interactive conversation and listening session celebrating the overwhelming musical explosion, creativity and impact of rock n’ roll music during the '60s and '70s by revisiting familiars sounds that shaped the culture while uncovering stories and sounds that helped to challenge and propel rock n’ roll further. $8 members / $10 non-members In Conversation with John Van

Hamersveld - Wed., Oct. 2, 7–8 p.m.

Join Chief Curator Barbara Jones as she talks with graphic artist, designer, photographer, professor and author John Van Hamersveld. Learn the story behind his iconic, career launching “Endless Summer” poster and hear more about the numerous album covers and posters he has designed for bands such as the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, Blondie and the Rolling Stones. Plus, learn about the numerous mural and public art projects he continues to do today. $8 members / $10 non-members Dinner for a Small Planet with Author Frances Moore Lappé and Chef Taylor Kalasky - Sat., Sept. 7, from 6-9 p.m.

At the same time John Van Hamersveld was creating album covers for the counterculture movement of the 1960s and '70s, many started to embrace vegetarianism. Pioneering that movement was Frances Moore Lappé who wrote the bestselling cook book Diet for a Small Planet in 1971. More than just another hip vegetarian cookbook, Frances used the printed page to explore not only healthy eating, but the environmental and economic impact of food production and its contributing role to world hunger.

Presenting a meal with a conscience, good for the consumer and the planet, The Westmoreland invites you to a unique vegetarian culinary experience that blends conversation with Frances and food inspired by the recipes from her book, prepared by Chef Taylor Kalasky of Yumzio Bistro. Learn more about being a vegetarian or how to embrace simple steps like “Meatless Mondays” during this delicious four course meal. $50 members or $60 for non-members Summer Saturday - Endless Summer Beach Party - Sat., July 20, 7 p.m. to movie end July’s featured movie is Endless Summer! We’ll keep the summer going while celebrating the Era of Cool with live beach tunes by Stage Right!, fun outdoor and in-Museum activities, Barry’s Italian Ice, Smoker’s BBQ and a cash bar. Movie begins at dusk and the fun will go on rain or shine. In the instance of inclement weather, we will move activities inside and have the

movie viewing in the Community Room. Sponsored by Penn State New Kensington/Penn State University New Kensington Alumni Society. FREE Summer Saturday - The Rolling Stones and “Pirates of the Caribbean” - Sat., Aug. 17, 7 p.m. to movie end Set sail with us during our August Summer Saturday! We’ll raise the Jolly Roger with live Rolling Stones covers

by Tupelo and Noah, fun outdoor and in-Museum activities, Barry’s Italian Ice and a cash bar. August’s featured outdoor movie is “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” with Keith Richards.

Movie begins at dusk and the fun will go on rain or shine. In the instance of inclement weather, we will move activities inside and have the movie viewing in the Community Room. FREE 2nd Annual Greensburg MusicFest, presented by The Westmoreland Cultural Trust - Fri., Sept. 13, from 6-8 p.m.

It’s MusicFest night in Greensburg!

While you’re out and about, be sure to stop by the Museum and listen to live music outside and some of your favorite records inside. In collaboration with Rabbit Hole Records, enjoy various genre listening stations inspired by John Van Hamersveld album covers, discuss the differences between vinyl and digital recordings, and make a playlist of your own. Also, check out our Robert Shaw Gallery to view the exhibition A Musical Number. FREE BIG ART PARTY - Peace. Love.

Art. - Sat., Oct. 5, 7:30-11 p.m.

Don’t be square! Break out those vintage vibes and join us for one groovy night celebrating the Era of Cool with music by Them Vibes and our special guest, John Van Hamersveld! The evening includes a variety of bites and cash bar. Proceeds from this event will support The Westmoreland’s exhibition and education programs. Dress Attire: Ratted-up Beehives and Psychedelic Threads (aka Fun Cocktail Attire). $60 members / $75 non-members The Westmoreland’s hours: Wed. – Fri.: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sat. – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Mon. – Tues.: closed (except for scheduled school groups and partner programs)

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

Common Funeral Flowers According to Teleflora, “The type of flowers you choose can express your particular sentiment.” See below for an overview of the symbolic meaning behind the most common flowers.

Lilies - The lily is the flower most commonly associated with funeral services as they symbolize the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed.

Gladioli - Typically used in fan sprays as a classic and elegant arrangement for traditional funeral services, the gladiolus embodies strength of character, sincerity, and moral integrity.

Carnations - Long lasting and fragrant, carnations are a popular choice for sympathy arrangements. The red carnation evokes admiration while a pink carnation stands for remembrance. White carnations stand for pure love and innocence.

Chrysanthemums - Mums are frequently included in arrangements for funeral services. Their symbolic meaning varies from country to country, but in the US, they symbolize truth and the flower is usually regarded as positive and cheerful, although New Orleans is a notable exception.

Roses - As one of the most recognizable flowers, roses can be a beautiful part of an arrangement of funeral flowers.

White roses evoke reverence, humility, innocence, and youthfulness. Red roses convey respect, love, and courage. Pink roses signify love, grace, appreciation, and gentility. Dark crimson roses denote grief and sorrow. Yellow roses are given by friends of the deceased to symbolize their strong ties.

Orchids - Orchids say “I will always love you”. When giving an orchid plant as a gesture of sympathy, it is important to give consideration to color. Pink and white are traditional colors of sympathy.

Hydrangea - Sending a seasonal spring plant is a nice and appropriate gesture for a grieving family. The hydragea is a gift of thanks in repayment for understanding and is given as a gesture of sincerity.

Daffodils & Tulips - Bright yellow spring tulips and daffodils are a symbol of renewal and fresh starts. They are believed to bring encouragement and hope to a person who is grieving or unhappy so they make a great choice to send as a sympathy gift to the family home of the departed.

Mariscotti Funeral Home 323 Fourth Street California, PA (724) 938-2210 (724) 322-0500 - Cell Anthony Mariscotti, Supervisor

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Extra! Extra!

Read all about it! The second book in the Della and Lila series, Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure, is now available to purchase online at Amazon or at our official web site.

Voted “Best of the ‘Burgh” by Pittsburgh Magazine and “Best of the Best” by the Observer-Reporter. Author Brianne Bayer Mitchell was the proud recipient of the Inspiring Lives Magazine Empowering Women in Philanthropy Award for 2017.

Local Readers, get your copy of Della and Lila and the Treasure Adventure or Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid (or both!) at Flowers by Regina in California.

Learn more at dellaandlila.com or facebook.com/dellaandlila

PennDOT recognizes employees in District 12 The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Leslie S. Richards today recognized 30 PennDOT employees for their outstanding performance with the Star of Excellence Award, PennDOT’s highest recognition. Two employees from PennDOT’s District 12, which represents Fayette, Greene, Washington and Westmoreland counties were among the honorees.

“Every day, I am reminded of our employees’ dedication, their excellent customer service, and in many cases, their sacrifices,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “The accomplishments of our Stars of Excellence exemplify PennDOT’s mission to provide the very best transportation services to Pennsylvanians every day.

Local winners Gary V. Ferrari, who grew up in Fredericktown, PA and now lives in Uniontown and Jay Ofsanik from Uniontown were honored this afternoon at an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Residence in Harrisburg.

“Gary and Jay are two fitting examples of our many excellent employees in southwestern Pennsylvania. We are truly fortunate and honored to have such knowledgeable and dedicated individuals applying their expertise within our organization. Their work ethic and dedication are great examples of our commitment at PennDOT in excelling at our efforts to conduct our work in the most safe, efficient and effective way possible,” says District Executive Joseph Szczur, P.E. Gary V. Ferrari, Jr., Senior Civil Engineer Supervisor - Gary is a Project Manager within the District 12's Design Unit. In 2018, he managed some of the more complex and aggressive projects, many of which are related to the Governor's bridge goals and is the main point of contact for the P3 Rapid Bridge Replacement (RBR)

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project. His commitment to PennDOT Connects was apparent for the Ohiopyle Project which provided safety and sustainable transportation infrastructure related to pedestrian accommodations and rehabilitation of an existing bridge. His partnerships and coordination were exemplary in public meetings with local businesses, property owners, stakeholder, outside partners, and other intra-agency offices.

He provided many ideas to support and save money for the projects he’s managed, grouped bridge superstructure replacements, and was vocal as project delivery and design letting schedule meetings and offered creative solutions to meet desirable outcomes within budget.

John “Jay” M. Ofsanik, Safety Press Officer - Jay works hard to spread PennDOT's safety messages by promoting highway safety initiatives through the media and other creative mediums. His objective is always to lower vehicle crashes and fatalities on our roadways. One example of his creativity is the creation of the Speed Minder Program. He utilizes 14 speed minders that he strategically places along the roadways to alert motorists to the speed they are driving. He then works with the local police to enforce speed limits to slow down drivers and save lives. He has also acted as a mentor to new Safety Press Officers in neighboring districts and has worked to assist district 10 in their traffic safety since 2013 helping to conduct education and enforcement events. His safety accomplishments have been highlighted in editions of the District 12 Progress Report. His work helps save lives.

The Star of Excellence Awards are presented annually to employees who represent the department’s values of service, performance and integrity.

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City Mission resident graduates from program & earns his own keys “If God can change a crook like me, He can change anybody.”

Cowboy spent over twenty years of his life in prison. “I was a wreck,” he said.

“But I’ve been forgiven. I don’t live in the past. I live a new life now. Old things have passed away, and all things are made new.”

Cowboy grew up in the Natrona Heights area. “I had a great childhood,” he explained. “But I made it horrible. I was a nut case. The way I lived was the complete opposite of the way my parents raised me.” His parents were pillars of the community, and his Dad was his best friend.

Still, Cowboy started getting into trouble when he was twelve. “It was off to the races. I was a people pleaser. I got kicked out of schools. Then, when I started partying, it was curtains.”

“I was an animal,” Cowboy said of his time before he came to City Mission. “I did some stuff to people if they would have done to me, I would’ve killed them.

But I can’t live in the past. God created a clean heart in me. And I don’t know if I’d be the man I am today without all those self-inflicted wounds.”

While serving his second prison sentence, Cowboy gave his life to Christ, but he couldn’t quite put it all together and make a real transformation in his life. “I didn’t know anything about surrender,” he said. “I would just let loose without think-

MUSIC LESSONS

City Mission sits at the foot of the cross 24 hours a day. City Mission is God’s heart. That’s the best way I can explain it.

God is using this place.”

Recently, Cowboy got a job at MAC Discount Warehouse, and he walks to work every day from the Mission. Over the past few months, he has saved up enough money to get his own place. And on May 31, 2019, after a year of sobriety, Cowboy earned his keys by graduating the Mission’s program, and he moved into

musical instrument? Experienced

his own place.

Instructor Jon Klein is now offer-

“I don’t know about the future,” he said. ing. I was preventing the Revelation, because I wanted to do what I wanted to do. I had to slow my thinking down and let the Holy Spirit move.”

On May 31, 2018, Cowboy walked through the doors of the City Mission chapel for the first time. “I walked right up under the cross, and the blood of Christ rained down and covered my whole body, my whole soul. That was the day I turned it all around.”

“Now, every morning when I wake up, I ask the Holy Spirit, ‘where are you going today?’ I ask Him to be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

For the past year, Cowboy has been learning and growing and transforming his life here at City Mission. “I believe

Do you want to learn to play a

ing private lessons for students

“Today I just want to follow God. God

ages five and up for the Guitar,

stands outside of time. He holds time his

Ukelele, Drums & Percussion.

hand. Today, I follow God. That’s it.”

Not that long ago, Cowboy was a selfdescribed “wreck.” Now, after a year at City Mission, he is on fire for Christ. “I’m doing what God called me to do,” he explained. “Go out to all four corners of the Earth and preach the gospel.” Lives, like Cowboy’s are being transformed every day at City Mission. Just $50 can buy a week’s worth of meals for someone just like Cowboy, someone who is working hard to wake up every day and live for Christ. Please donate today: citymission.org/donation-form

No need to leave your home, Jon will travel to you! Great with kids, references available.

Offering quality musical instruction at competitive rates, Jon has over 25 years of professional music experience and holds a B.S. in Commercial Music Technology from California University of Pennsylvania.

For more information, contact Jon via email at sidekicksound@gmail.com.

Registration open now for summer enrichment program at California University of Pennsylvania Registration is open for SEEK, Cal U’s annual Summer Educational Enrichment for Kids program.

Classes will be held July 15-19 and July 29-Aug. 2 on the campus of California University of Pennsylvania.

Children will be placed in age-appropriate groups based on grade level:Kindergarten Readiness Camp, Grades 1-2., Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-10 (second week only) The Kindergarten Readiness Camp, for

children who are registered for kindergarten this year, and SEEK HD: High School Camp, for those entering grades 9 or 10, are new this year.

The morning, afternoon, or full-day program is focused on the improving and enhancing a child’s verbal skills, language development, work habits, gross motor skills and fine motor skills as well as self-help skills, social-emotional skills, and listening skills.

SEEK curriculum is tailored to specif-

ic age groups and encourages all participants to reach their maximum learning potential.

This year’s camp has an “It’s Magic” theme, with classes focused on science, arts and languages, performing arts and more.

Cost is $135 per child for a full-week, full-day program, or $90 per child for a full-week, half-day (morning or afternoon) program. Cost for SEEK’s new Kindergarten Boot Camp is $150 per

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges.com

child for a full-week, full-day program, or $115 per child for a full-week, halfday (morning or afternoon) program.

Full days are 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Participants are escorted between classes and supervised at lunchtime.

Each child should bring a bag lunch; refrigeration is not available.

To register or for more information, visit Calu.edu/seek

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Liberty Magic announces new subscription series Pittsburgh audiences can experience magic every Wednesday through Sunday at the intimate 811 Liberty Avenue. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is committed to elevating the art of magic. Since opening in February of this year, Liberty Magic has hosted months of sold-out shows from the world’s best magicians. Now, the Trust is pleased to announce the continued growth of Liberty Magic through a subscription series. As one of the only venues dedicated to magic in the entire country, Liberty Magic offers audiences a one-ofa-kind experience that is easy to access and hard to forget.

Liberty Magic’s 66 seats have been filling quickly since its grand opening, and subscribers receive first access as new acts come to town, along with other benefits such as flexible dates, the lowest prices, dining discounts, and more.

Subscription tickets can be purchased at TrustArts.org/MAGIC or by calling 412456-1390. Group tickets for 10 or more are available at 412-471-6930.

Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour - September 11 – September 29, 2019 The Magic Parlour is a simple entertainment in the Ricky Jay Mold: Old-fashioned trickery performed very well in an ideal setting by Dennis Watkins, a man with a heart and a story.” -The Chicago Tribune Award-winning, third-generation magician Dennis Watkins brings an evening of sophisticated tomfoolery to Liberty Magic, direct from Chicago! His headlining show, The Magic Parlour is the longest running resident magic experience in the Windy City- having hosted more than 30,000 guests and over 1,000 performances over eight years in the historic Palmer House Hilton hotel. This intimate magic show, rarely seen outside the Chicago city limits, is inspired by the great parlour magicians of the 1900s, and is replete with 90 minutes of mind-blowing magic, otherworldly cardistry and mentalism performed in an elegant, turn

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of the century style.

Hailed as “Chicago's Official Magic Man!” by The Chicago Sun-Times, Dennis Watkins travels the country creating unforgettable feats of storytelling.

Dennis is a company member with the famed theater company The House Theatre of Chicago, where he has written, acted, directed, and performed in over 21 world-premiere productions. He has reprised his role as one of America’s greatest magicians in The House’s production of Death & Harry Houdini, including the death-defying nightly performance of the Water Torture Cell, in over 150 performances in both Chicago and Miami.

Dennis serves as Artistic Advisor to Liberty Magic where his replica of Houdini's Water Torture Cell is on display in the lobby of the theater.

Lee Terbosic in The Life and Death of Harry Houdini - October 23 – November 3, 2019 Harry Houdini died on Halloween night in 1926. Join Lee Terbosic, widely considered one of the foremost magical experts on Houdini, as he explores the mysteries surrounding Houdini's astonishing life and death.

It seems quite appropriate that the world's most famous magician should pass away on the year's most “magical” day. Even more intriguing, Houdini was

52 years old when he died, the exact number of playing cards in a deck. Further, he was born 26 years before the start of the new century and died 26 years into the next one – as if his “life's deck” had been deftly cut in half by Fate, the ultimate magician. For a full ten years after Houdini's death, his wife Bess conducted a séance on October 31. These séances were always attended by the top names in magic, as well as personal friends of the great magician. Houdini had told Bess that if it were possible, he would send a message to her “from beyond” in secret code.

Lee Terbosic is an internationally-touring magician, comedian, actor, daredevil, and entertainer from Pittsburgh, PA who is proving that anything is possible. Lee is the co-star of Discovery Science Channel’s recent smash Houdini’s Last Secrets, a four-part TV docuseries that uncovers incredible secrets about Harry Houdini’s life, family, magic and science behind some of his biggest stunts and escapes. In this special LIMITED ENGAGEMENT event, Lee will lead audiences through an exploration of some of Houdini's most magical moments. The 75-minute part lecture, part Q&A, part demo, and all magic performance will leave you wondering if there was something more sinister afoot on the night of

Houdini's passing 93 years ago.

Robert Ramirez is The Musical Theater Magician - November 27, 2019 – January 5, 2020 Robert Ramirez is wearing tap shoes… and playing the piano…and singing while playing a ukulele. No, this isn't an audition, it’s the newest song and dance and magic phenomenon at Liberty Magic. A professional magician and musical theater actor, Robert Ramirez starred in the national tour of In the Heights by LinManuel Miranda, and has performed in theaters all over the country, including Pittsburgh's own Heinz Hall. As a magician, Robert has appeared on Penn and Teller: FOOL US and National Geographic's Brain Games. He took first place in 'Close Up' at the Texas Association of Magic in 2017 and second place in Strolling Olympics at the Magic Castle 2018, an unprecedented feat by a first-time competitor. Robert has performed his illusions for the Super Bowl, Special Olympics, on television and film, and on many stages throughout the world.

Robert is considered one of the most exciting young original magicians to emerge in recent years. His original magic routines, many involving iPhone magic, are performed by some the nation's bestknown magical artists.

In this brand-new production created exclusively for Liberty Magic, Robert provides a mash-up of magic and musical theater, unlike anything you’ve ever seen in Pittsburgh. His 70-minute tour-de-force promises costume changes, song & dance routines, humor and maybe even a disappearing piano. Be amazed by Robert's sleight-of-hand and fancy footwork.

Derek Hughes is The Stand Up Magician - January 8 – February 16, 2020 Quintessential funnyman Derek Hughes has been lauded by audiences and critics alike, with the New York Times calling him “thoroughly entertaining.” Awarded Continued on next page...

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Liberty Magic announces new subscription series, continued from page 22... first place in Stage Magic by the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Derek has performed his magic on MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and the CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us. Derek is also a member of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having appeared inCaptain America: The Winter Soldier and Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He is a consulting producer on TRUtv’s hit magic series The Carbonaro Effect, and was a finalist on season 10 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent,where he gained notoriety for his provocative materializations.

In his newest show The Stand Up Magician, Derek has built on his astonishing reputation and devotion to the prestidigitation craft; bringing comedy and gravitas to each and every magical effect he performs. Rarely know to speak in public, Teller (of Penn & Teller) has remarkably broken his silence to compli-

ment Hughes, calling him “Engaging, artful and smart.” The Stand Up Magician combines Derek's witty sense of humor with his unique take on the art of conjuring.

Anna DeGuzman is The Queen of Cardistry - February 19 – March 29, 2020 What Anna DeGuzman can do with a deck of 52 cards will make your head spin! Manipulating cards into impossible 3-D configurations, she cuts, flings, flips, rotates, juggles, and shuffles playing cards in the middle of the street, along train tracks, and in close-up shows at the most prestigious magic venues in the world.

Her hands are a blur. There is a name for this art: cardistry (“card artistry”), and Anna DeGuzman is one of the world's best. A YouTube and Instagram star, Anna is considered one of the most influential social media magicians in the country. If

you missed her jaw-dropping appearance on 2019's Penn & Teller: Fool Us, now's your chance to see this rising star in the world of magic, live on stage.

Harry Houdini performed arm spreads and card fans that amazed audiences, but Anna DeGuzman takes the art form to new levels in her first-ever stage show. Be amazed as Anna brings the cards to life with double arm spreads, turnovers, tosses, and catches. Welcome to the world of The Queen of Cardistry, where you become part of a subculture of magic, making its leap from the streets to the seats of Liberty Magic.

Zabrecky in A Little Something Different - April 1 – May 10, 2020 Looking for a show a little outside-ofthe-box? Zabrecky is a two-time ‘Stage Magician of The Year’ award winner who has been voted ‘Parlor Magician of the Year’ twice by the Academy of Magical

Arts. Zabrecky combines irreverent dark humor, mentalism, wizardry, and amazing feats with magical storytelling. On the strengths of his fresh approach, Zabrecky has made a name for himself with television appearances including Criminal Minds, CSI NY, Comedy Bang Bang, Glow, Strange Angel, and The Next Great Magician. On Penn & Teller: Fool Us, Penn Jillette awarded Zabrecky the incredible compliment, “Sincerely funny and sincerely good!”

Like film director David Lynch, Zabrecky sets the stage for everyday life in his newest show A Little Something Different, then sets it on fire. Mysterious, hilarious, and always unexpected, Zabrecky's unique performance character combined with jaw-dropping magic and laugh-out-loud comedy makes his show one you will never forget!

Tour of Tony Award winning musical “The Band’s Visit” to take stage in Pittburgh next year Producers announced today that award-winning Israeli film actor Sasson Gabay will reprise the role of “Tewfiq” in the upcoming North American tour of the 10-time Tony® Award-winning Best Musical, THE BAND’S VISIT, the role he created in the 2007 film of The Band’s Visit and most recently played on Broadway. Joining him for the tour is critically acclaimed actress Chilina Kennedy in the role of “Dina.”

The Israeli star of stage, TV and screen, Sasson Gabay recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Israeli cinema at the Israeli Film Festival.

Gabay is one of the most respected and outstanding actors in Israeli film with work spanning five decades, including some of Israel's most popular and critically-acclaimed films as well as international hits.

Chilina Kennedy is known for her

role as “Carole King” in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on Broadway. She has starred as “Mary Magdalene” in Des McAnuff’s Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstarand headlined many productions around the world including, the first national tour of Mamma Mia!, Atlantic Theater Company’s This Ain’t No Disco and three seasons at the Stratford Festival, including “Maria” in Gary Griffin’s West Side Story.

The cast will also include Jennifer Apple as “Anna,” Mike Cefalo as “Telephone Guy,” Adam Gabay as “Papi,” Marc Ginsburg as “Sammy,” Kendal Hartse as “Iris,” Joe Joseph as “Haled,” Sara Kapner as “Julia,” Pomme Koch as “Itzik,” Ronnie Malley as “Camal,” James Rana as “Simon,” Or Schraiber as “Zelger,” and David Studwell as “Avrum,” along with Danny Burgos, Loren

Lester, Nick Sacks,Hannah Shankman and Bligh Voth.

Pittsburgh is amongst the first year of tour stops for THE BAND’S VISIT, which is coming to the Benedum Center March 10-15, 2020 as part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series.

THE BAND’S VISIT tells a delightfully offbeat story, set in a town that’s way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue.

Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways.

Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever.

With a Tony- and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, THE BAND’S VISIT rejoices in the way music makes us laugh,

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makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.

With music and lyrics by Tony and Drama Desk Award winner David Yazbek, and a book by Tony, NY Drama Critics Circle, Lortel and Outer Critics Circle award winner Itamar Moses, THE BAND’S VISIT has won “Best Musical” awards from the Tony Awards, Drama League, New York Drama Critics’ Circle, the Outer Critics Circle, the Lucille Lortel and the Obies. It is based on the screenplay by Eran Kolirin, and is directed by Tony, Drama Desk, Lortel & Obie Award winner David Cromer.

THE BAND’S VISIT original Broadway cast album received the 2019 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. The musical is also the recipient of a 2019 Daytime Emmy Award for a performance of “Answer Me” on NBC’s “Today”.

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Waynesburg University adds unique, comprehensive programs for upcoming year Waynesburg University will add four new majors and one minor beginning in the fall of 2019, the University announced. The programs will include data science, entrepreneurial leadership, forensic biology, forensic investigation and healthcare management.

Data Science Program Waynesburg’s Department of Mathematics, Computer Science and Physics will offer a new major in data science at the undergraduate level. A majority of the curriculum will include a combination of computer science, mathematics and data science courses.

Students will learn data analysis, visualization, data mining, data analytics

and machine learning.

Entrepreneurial Leadership Program - Waynesburg University will offer its first cross-campus minor in entrepreneurial leadership, an 18credit program that will be open to all students across campus, regardless of major.The goals of the minor program are to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in all students as a way to think, learn and execute; to provide multiple pathways for students to develop targeted skills based on students’ levels of interest and career aspirations; and to create an inclusive, coordinated and collaborative infrastructure to support this cul-

ture development across campus.

Forensic Biology & Forensic Investigation Programs - Waynesburg University’s Department of Chemistry and Forensic Science will offer two new majors – forensic biology and forensic investigation.

The Forensic Biology Program will enable students to develop a sound natural science foundation and learn the principles and techniques utilized by forensic biology practitioners.

The Forensic Investigation Program will prepare students for entry-level employment in crime scene investigations, evidence handling and criminal investigations, as well as other areas of

law enforcement & investigative work.

Healthcare Management Program Waynesburg University’s Department of Business Administration will offer healthcare management, a new comprehensive major combining healthcare with business basics. The major is designed to prepare students for a variety of positions in healthcare administration and medical management.

Courses will include the areas of business, economics, nursing, philosophy and biology; students will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BSBA) degree.

FMI, contact 1-800-225-7393 or admissions@waynesburg.edu.

Yohe named new Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Monessen Historical Society July 2019 News

Catherine (Katie) Yohe has been tapped as the new Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Westmoreland County Community College.

“I am looking forward to building the Women’s program at Westmoreland,” said Yohe. “I am extremely excited to develop a competitive program that is an extension of the classroom for our athletes, allowing them to not only develop their soccer skills but to also grow into successful adults in their chosen pursuits.”

Yohe spent last fall as the assistant coach at Ringgold High School and helped the Rams post a 5-6-1 section record. Following the season, two members of the team signed to play in college next fall at the NCAA Division II level.

Prior to her season at Ringgold, Yohe had worked with an array of club and high school/middle school programs. That included one season as the head coach at Yough Middle School, two seasons as the head coach at Beth-Center High School and years

The Greater Monessen Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Monessen Heritage Museum is once again open.

The Museum was closed temporarily last month, due to the ongoing construction on Donner Avenue.

The Museum will be closed on Thursday, July 4, for the observance of Independence Day. The annual Founders Day Dinner will be held on Saturday, October 19.

This year’s theme will be the 100th anniversary of the visit of former President William Howard Taft to Monessen. The meal will replicate the one served to the former president at the Pittsburgh Steel Company. Call and reserve your tickets today.

The Greater Monessen Historical Society’s Spring Exhibit in the Heritage Museum highlights Monessen professional athletes, Hall of Fame awardees, and the strong history of sports in the city.

Hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM and admission is always FREE! This is what we are looking for.

GMHS is seeking local photographs and memorabilia of the suffragettes.

Next year’s theme will commemorate the 100th anniversary of women being able to vote in the 1920 Presidential election.

While doing spring cleaning, please keep the historical society on your mind. Save historical memorabilia and photos to donate or loan the Heritage Museum. Also, deposit copies of family genealogies for safe keeping. Ask the museum, before throwing away what may be historical material cover-

as an assistant and head coach with Victory Soccer Club, with various Mon Valley Clubs and recently as a coach with Soccer Shots in Pittsburgh.

“We’re excited to bring Katie on board to lead our women’s soccer program,” said Westmoreland Director of Athletics Brian Rose. “She’s extremely knowledgeable and showed a great ability to work with players at various skill levels through her coaching career. With her network of contacts through the area, I believe she’ll recruit quality student-athletes to join the Wolfpack program who can be successful on the field, reach their goals academically and be a strong part of the Westmoreland campus and community.”

A graduate of Ringgold High School, Yohe earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History from California University of Pennsylvania in 2009.

She is currently working toward a master’s degree in Education from California.

CALIFORNIA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 227 THIRD STREET, CALIFORNIA

July 10-12 from 6-8:30 p.m.

For Information & Registration, call 724-9382270 or email california.umchurch@gmail.com

ing local history.

Individual memberships for the historical society are $15 a calendar year with family memberships being $20.00. Business memberships are $50. Membership is based on the calendar year of January through December and include four issues of the newsletter, “Valley Historian”.

Do you have talents to share? Do you have spare time? Do you want to give back to the community? Do you enjoy history? If so, please consider joining our group and volunteering at the Museum. Call for details.

The Heritage Museum is also home to the Museum Shoppe, which is filled with the area’s largest collection of ethnic cookbooks. They make great gifts. There are also many books and items dealing with local history that are for sale. The Greater Monessen Historical Society has a Twitter account. Follow us at @MonessenHistory. We are also on Facebook and have over 3000 followers worldwide! We can be located on Facebook. See our latest events, news and photos of previous events. Google us and find our webpage filled with all the necessary information to visit, donate, join or learn about us! The museum is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 AM until 3 PM. Saturdays by appointment. The address is 505 Donner Avenue, Monessen. The phone number is 724684-8460. Free admission.

Fish-for-Free Day Pennsylvanians can fish for free on Thursday, July 4.

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NOW PLAYING! Saturday, July 27 at 7 PM - BJ THOMAS w/special guest Donna Groom (of The Skyliners) - $38, $43, $48, $68 BJ Thomas owns one of the most distinctive voices in American pop music. Nothing about the identifiable sound of his voice has changed, but there's a re-energized commitment behind it. His signature hits include Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head, the million-selling (Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song, Hooked on A Feeling and his career-igniting cover of Hank Williams I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry. Tuesday, July 30 at 8 PM SCOTT STAPP, The Voice of Creed - $35, $45 ($5 additional at the door) - Scott Stapp is known as a Grammy-winning songwriter and frontman for Creed, and for his work as a solo artist who released the platinum-certified The Great Divide (2005) and Proof of Life (2013) which featured his first solo Billboard #1, Slow Suicide. His next solo venture reflects a new outlook after the biggest fight of his life – five years and counting. With new

single Purpose For Pain, one of rock’s biggest names roars back to the scene with a driving, introspective new single.

Friday, August 2 - HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2019 - $49, $59, $69 - This summer, the Happy Together Tour returns with the headline artists who delivered the biggest hits of the era: The Turtles, Chuck Negron (formerly of Three Dog Night), Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV and The Cowsills.

Sunday, August 18 at 6 PM JEANNE ROBERTSON, The Rocking Humor Tour - $25, $35, $55, $65 - At 75 years young, Jeanne Robertson continues to charm audiences with her humorous observations about life around her. This former Miss North Carolina, standing tall at six-foottwo, has a vivacious personality, heart and sense of humor. Jeanne’s witty depiction of everyday situations never fails to have audiences of all ages rolling with laughter.

Tuesday, August 20 at 7:30 PM - THE AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW - ALL THAT YOU LOVE 2019 WORLD TOUR - $39, $49, $59 ($6 additional per ticket day of event) After celebrating 30 years of playing Pink Floyd music around the world, The Australian Pink Floyd Show returns with a new tour for 2019, opening the next chapter in the story. The All That Your Love Tour will bring to the stage all the songs that mean so much to the band & Pink Floyd fans around the world.

Using state of the art lighting, video, lasers, inflatables and the incredible

live sound that was the benchmark of Pink Floyd shows, TAPFS promises a memorable live experience.

Saturday, August 31 at 7:30 PM - THE MCCARTNEY PROJECT: The Beatles/Wings/Paul McCartney Tribute - $20, $30 “THE WONDER OF IT ALL” is the ultimate live concert tribute to Paul McCartney, Wings and The Beatles.

The McCartney Project covers more than three decades of the most popular Beatles hits through the epic music of Wings and more. Each song replicates the authentic, iconic sound of Paul McCartney's music.

It is the family-friendly show for all ages.

Friday, September 6 at 8 PM JONNY LANG - $57.50, $63.50 ($4.50 additional per ticket day of show) - It is hard to believe that at 38 years old Jonny Lang has already had a successful career for two decades. Since the release of his debut album, Grammy Award-winning Jonny Lang has built a reputation as one of the best live performers and guitarists of his generation.

The path Lang has been on has brought him the opportunity to share the stage with some of the most respected legends in music, including The Rolling Stones, B.B. King, Aerosmith and Buddy Guy. Saturday, September 14 at 7 PM - THE PITTSBURGH LEGENDS IN CONCERT - $33, $38, $43, $48, $60 - Four Pittsburgh Legends come together for one night only, singin' and swingin' the greatest hits of all time as well as the hits that made them legends.

Live On Stage...Walt Maddox of The Marcels singing “Blue Moon” and

paying tribute to Nat King Cole; Frank Czuri of The Skyliners, singing pop standards of the 50s & 60s and the Skyliners’ ballads; Bo Wagner of The Vogues delivering some Sinatra chestnuts, as well as The Vogues chart-toppers; and Jimmie Ross of The Jaggerz taking a walk on the swingin’ side of the street, as well as singing his own “The Rapper.”

Sunday, September 15 at 6 PM - FRANKIE AVALON with special guest star LOU CHRISTIE - $48, $58, $68, $78 - If you can’t remember a time when Frankie Avalon wasn’t a part of your life, you aren’t alone. This talented performer can look back on a career that spans three generations of music, television and motion pictures. Lou Christie's chart-topping, multi-million selling career as a songwriter, recording artist, and performer started in his rural hometown near Pittsburgh when his first million-selling song, The Gypsy Cried, transformed a local choirboy into a national teen idol.

Friday, November 8 at 6 & 9 PM - BILL ENGVALL - $45, $55, $65 - The thing that makes any entertainer successful is the ability to connect with an audience.

It’s the quality of sharing the humor in everyday situations that has made Bill Engvall one of the top comedians today and among the busiest. Bill Engvall was part of the successful Blue Collar Comedy Tour concert films.

T H E PA L A C E T H E AT R E 34 West Otterman Street, Greensburg

Box Office: 724-836-8000 26

thepalacetheatre.org

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FRANK SARRIS LIBRARY - 35 N. JEFFERSON AVE., CANONSBURG - franksarrislibrary.org Summer Hours: starting Friday June 14th and continuing through Friday August 23rd we will have summer hours on Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Our Monday through Thursday hours will remain 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Summer Reading for Kids and Families - Shoot for the Moon game board of reading challenges to complete with prizes for each of the five levels. Everyone who reaches the moon will be entered for a chance to win a family prize pack of zoo tickets and a restaurant gift card!

Challenges will run from Monday June 17th through Saturday, August 3rd.

Summer Reading for Teens and Adults – for every book anyone age 13 and up checks out during the dates of the challenge, you’ll get one ticket in the appropriate raffle drawing (one for teens, one for adults).

The more books you check out, them more chances to win a $100

prize at the end of the summer.

Challenges will run from Monday June 17 through Saturday, August 3.

Summer Story Time for preschoolers will be Mondays and Tuesdays June 24 – July 29,10:30-11:00 a.m.

Family Nights will be on Tuesdays June 25 - July 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Teen Advisory Board (grades 7-12) meet to plan, organize and lead activities that will engage and benefit members of the community. New members welcome. Monday7/1, from 6-7 p.m.

Summer Quest for grades K-4 will be offered Tuesday - Friday the following weeks July 9-12, July 16-19, July 23-26 and July 30 – August 2, 10:30-12:30 p.m.

Tweens in Space for grades 5-8 will be offered the following dates: Mondays July 8, 15, 22, 29 from 12 p.m. or Thursdays July 11, 18, 25, August 1 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

July 4th – The Library will be closed in observance of the holiday,

but look for Wonder Woman, Princess Leia and Spider Man along with some of your favorite library workers in the Canonsburg 4th of July Parade!

Fiction Book Club will be discussing The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. New members always welcome! Wednesday 7/10, from 1-2 p.m.

Air Force One: An Honor, Privilege and Pleasure to Serve – join us for a presentation by Pennsylvania native John L. Haigh, Sr. who will speak about his experiences as Chief Steward on Air Force One. During the course of his career John served four presidents and met many dignitaries. The presentation will be followed by an ice cream social. Monday July 15, 4 p.m.

Teen Writers’ Club - Are you a student in grades 7 – 12 who enjoys writing? Whether you enjoy writing fiction, poetry, short stories or more, stop by to meet like-minded

teens. We will write, share and support each other through the creative process. Email questions to Beth Kairush at bkairush@franksarrislibrary.org. Monday 7/15, 6-7 p.m.

Save the date for FSPL Fan Fest – where comics, pop-culture and fandoms collide! This is an all ages celebration of comic books, graphic novels, anime, and pop-culture.

Admission is free. There will be a fan art contest, cosplay, artists, vendors, photo areas and activities.

Visit our Facebook Event or our website Event Calendar for updates and more information. Saturday, September 11, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For a complete listing of events, please visit the Frank Sarris Library’s website at franksarrislibrary.org, on the Event page, or call 724-745-1308 for more information.

CHARTIERS-HOUSTON LIBRARY - 730 W. GRANT ST., HOUSTON - washlibs.com/chartiers-houston Toddler Story & Playtime - Every Tuesday at 11:40am - For infants to 3 years old with Caregiver, this is a gentle language development program that helps build social skills.

T.A.C.O Tuesdays - Every Tuesday at 5pm - Kids ages 6-12 can join us Tinkering, Art, Creativity, & Oddities.

Preschool Storytime - Every Thursday at 11:40am - For children 3-5 years old with Caregiver, join us for stories, crafts, and fun to help build social skills and get ready for preschool or kindergarten!

Toddler Story & Playtime - Every Tuesday at 11:40am - For infants to 3 years old with Caregiver, this is a gentle language development program that helps build social skills.

Evening Book Club - Thursday July 11th and August 1st at 5:30pm - Join our evening book club once a month!

Adults get together to discuss a pre-

selected book. Call or email the library or ask at the front desk for a copy of the current month’s book.

Game Day at the Library - Saturday July 6th and August 3rd 12-4pm - Stop by to play some of your favorite board games or learn a whole new table top game!

Adult Craft Night - Thursday July 11th and August 8th at 5:30pm - Whatever your experience level, this craft night is for you! Local crafter and artist Mary Brubaker will walk you through how to create beautiful crafts and pieces of art!

Astronaut Training Challenge Tuesday, July 9th at 5:30pm - Learn about all the things astronauts have to do to prepare for space travel, from physical training to learning to cook in space, come and see if you're up to the test!

Poetry Workshop - Saturday, July 13th 1-3pm - FREE poetry workshop

lead by retired Canon-McMillan teacher of Poetry and English, Denise Matthews.

The workshop is free, but registration is required to ensure materials for each attendee. Please call or email the library

by July 11th to register.

A Universe of Stories Party Thursday, July 18th at 5:30pm - Come celebrate the universe of stories science fiction has to offer! Costumes are encouraged!

Kids Cosmic Paint Party - Tuesday, July 23rd 6-8pm - Join us for a special kids’ paint party!* Instructor-led class to walk you through how to paint your very own space themed artwork!

Recommended for children and teens ages 8+. *Advance registration required.

Cost is $15 per painter. Please call or email to register.

Writer’s Workshop: Ready to Publish - Saturday, July 27th 1pm - Do you think you’re ready to submit to an

PENNSYLVANIA BRIDGES - Arts, Entertainment, Education & Lifestyle - pabridges. com

agent or publisher? Or have you already taken the plunge only to get rejections or no response? In this workshop, we’ll look at all the little mistakes we might overlook or be blind to in our own pages such as POV shifts, passive writing, lack of tension, or being too nice to your characters. This workshop is led by USA Today Bestselling Author Annette Dashofy and is completely FREE, with book-signing by the author to immediately follow. Registration is required for the workshop, but not the book signing event. Call or email to register.

Take Me to Your Reader Party Thursday, August 15th at 6pm - Kids who completed their summer reading goals are invited with their families to attend this very special end of summer party for pizza, games, and most importantly, prizes!

27

MONESSEN PUBLIC LIBRARY - 326 DONNER AVE., MONESSEN - monessenlibrary.org

O PEN YOUR H EART & H OME The Southwestern Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is looking for individuals in your area to open their homes and offer a caring, safe, and nurturing family environment for eligible adults who cannot live independently due to physical, intellectual or age related impairments.

Domiciliary Care Providers are typically individuals who open their homes and are willing to provide residents with housing, support, care and encouragement in a family-like setting.

They are everyday people making a difference in their communities and in the lives of others. When you share your home and provide services, you receive $979.00 a month for each individual residing in your home.

Services include meals, housekeeping, laundry, medication set up, scheduling and providing transportation to medical appointments. Domiciliary Care homes can accommodate 1-3 residents and are certified to meet the required fire, health and local zoning standards.

If you are interested in becoming a certified Domiciliary Care provider and providing quality living alternative for a person who meets the criteria, or want to refer someone who will benefit from the programs services contact: Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging Domiciliary Care Program at 1-800-411-5655.

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Monessen Public Library & Cultural Center will close at 2 PM on Saturdays during the summer months. The schedule for the other days remain the same with the Library being closed on Fridays and Sundays.

The Library will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2019 for the observance of Independence Day. To commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing, the Library will present a special program on Friday, July 5, 2019, from 2-4 PM. Keven Manning, an astronomer, will host a program called, “Astronomy for Everyone: Size and Scale of the Universe”, which is free for all ages. Following the program, participants will be able to look through a telescope.

Ric Franz, local sculptor and the owner of Ric’s Kustom Polishing on Grand Blvd., Monessen, will host a program highlighting his scrap metal sculptures on Wednesday, July 10, 2019, at 6 PM. Come meet the artist and learn about his inspiration for his unique recycled works of art.

Learn how he creates his one of a kind sculptures.

The Mon Valley Genealogy Forum will meet on Monday, July 15, 2019, at 5:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served. The group will discuss “genealogy in the news” and new websites. New members are wel-

come.

See a performance by “Barynya”, a world renowned folk ensemble group on Saturday, July 29, 2019, at 2 PM. They will present Russian, Cossack, Ukrainian, Jewish and Gypsy Roma traditional dancing, music, songs and virtuoso performances on instruments including the balalaika, garmoshka, balalaika contrabass. The program is for all ages.

Support the Library and come to the first Monessen Public Library Car Show on Saturday, August 10, 2019, from 11 AM to 3 PM, at the Mihalich Boat Launch, located in the Eastgate Section of the city.

The Carnegie Science Center presents “Science on the Road: It’s Electrified” on Monday, August 12, 2019, at 1:30 PM. Learn about physics, engineering and the history of science, as they present the science of Benjamin Franklin. See the von de Graaff Generator and experience the shocking finale. For grades K-6. Sponsored by Duquesne Light and Monessen Public Library and Cultural Center.

The Library has an ongoing Summer Book Sale with gently used and new books, magazines and phonograph records. Hardbacks are fifty cents each and paperbacks are twenty five cents each. Stock up for spring reading.

A Job Corps representative will be at the Library on Thursday, July 11,

2019, from 10 AM to Noon. If you are interested, please contact Cherie at 412-773-3259.

The mission of the Job Corps is to help young adults attain the necessary skills for employment or further education.

PA Career Link and the Westmoreland Library Network are partnering with Intermediate Unit 1 to provide free adult education classes at the Library on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3:30 PM. The classes are structured to improve reading, writing, and math skills necessary for the GED exams, post-secondary entrance exams and for obtaining jobs.

Don’t forget to register for the Summer Reading Quest! Pick up a Summer Quest Event brochure at the Library The Kids Eat Free Program operates at the Library Monday through Friday and continues until August 9, 2019. Breakfast will be served at 8:30 AM and lunch at 12:30 PM. Participants are asked to use the side entrance near the alley loading dock. Look for the signs!

Non-perishable food donations are being accepted at the Library during regular business hours. They will benefit the Westmoreland County Food Bank.

The Veterans Banner program has now concluded. No new applications are being accepted.

CALIFORNIA PUBLIC LIBRARY - 100 WOOD STREET, CALIFORNIA - calpublib.org The library has a puppet show

copy of Gaiman’s book to the

every summer Thursday on our rear

scheduled for July 8 at noon. The

library so folks can come read it

patio. Sponsored by Cal U’s

title of the show is Cal U’s Puppet

before the show; after which they

Sustainability Club.

Brigade presents Neil Gaiman’s

can borrow it.

Instructions. They are donating a

A Farmer’s Market will be held

FMI, call the library at 724-9382907 or visit their web site.

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MONONGAHELA AREA LIBRARY - 813 W. MAIN STREET, MONONGAHELA - washlibs.org/monongahela Please note that all events with an asterisk are part of our summer reading program. Registration is required for all of those events.

Story Time: Story Times are held Wednesdays at 11:00 am. Ms. Becky reads with the children, completes a small craft, and incorporates some block play. Children 18 months and up are welcome to join the fun and socialize with others their age.

OsmoTime: Available for public use every Saturday from noon to 2:00 pm. OSMO is a award-winning game system that transforms screen time into healthy, hands-on, interactive play. OSMO fosters learning in key areas such as: creative problem solving, art, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and common core. For children 4 and older. Parental supervision is required. *Carnegie Science Center: Rockets– July 2nd 2-3 pm. Join the Carnegie Science Center and explore the science behind rockets. For grades K-5 *National Aviary: Owl Show- July 9th 2-3 pm. Students encounter live owls from around the world and dis-

cover the adaptations that make them successful hunters, day and night! For grades K-5 *DIY Worm Farm– July 16th 2-3 pm. Learn about recycling and taking care of the environment all while making your own worm farm! For grades K-5 *Jedi Training– July 23rd 2-3 pm.

Hone your Jedi skills, young Padawan and learn to use the force. Build droids and make lightsabers. For grades K-5 *Carnegie Science Center: Space as a Home–July 30th 2-3 pm. The Carnegie Science Center returns to teach us about living in space. For grades K-5 *Lift Off– July 1st 1-2 pm.

Customize and craft your own rocket. Find a buddy and make your rocket soar! For grades 6-12 *Paper Plane Challenge!- July 8th 1-2 pm. Construct your own paper plane, but be quick! For grades 6-12 *Teen Cartography-July 15th 1-2 pm. Design your own map and discover why its so hard to take something that is 3-D and make it 2-D. For

grades 6-12 *Sci-Fi Crafts– July 22th 1-2 pm. Be boop! Build your own droid coin bank and protect your valuables from the Evil Sith lords. For grades 6-12 *Space Food– July 29th 1-2 pm.

What kinds of foods do astronauts eat? Enjoy some samples and vote on which ones are the best. For those in grades 6-12 Lego Club: The cornerstone of an awe-inspiring creation begins with one small Lego.

Book Bites: July 18th 1-2 pm. The Book Bites group meets once a month for a lively discussion of a preselected book. The July book is The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian.

Crochet Club: Every Monday and Tuesday 6-8 pm. Join us to sit a while, chat, and work on your creations with fellow crochet enthusiasts Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Basic Computer Classes: Fridays by appointment only.

Writer’s Group: July 3rd and 17th 5:30-7 pm. The Writer's Group meets the first and third Wednesdays of every month at the library to critique and encourage each other's

writing. Writing exercises are utilized and tips and advice are given to budding writers. *Blast Off with Apollo 11: An Interactive Journey Through the Solar System: July 17th 5:30-6:30 pm. Join presenter Daniel Andre on a fun, educational interactive voyage beginning with artifacts and items from the Apollo era and a tour of the solar system featuring globes and models of all our mapped planets, moons and asteroids. Free posters will be available. This event is open to all ages. *Summer Reading Finale (August 1st): Join us at 5:30pm as we celebrate the end of Summer Reading and pick the winners of our raffle prizes.

All reading logs must be turned in by July 30th for entry into the Finale's raffles.

Summer Food Service Program From June 17th to August 16th we will serve free lunches to any child 18 and under who wants one. Lunches are served Monday through Friday from 12:30-1:30 pm.

FLENNIKEN MEMORIAL PUBLIC LIBRARY 102 EAST GEORGE STREET, CARMICHAELS - flenniken.org Mondays—June 17th—July 22nd 11 am: Moving Forward Mondays— Join us Monday mornings to move your body and learn about healthy living. We will be exercising our bodies and minds with a new topic each week. Topics will include Yoga, Saving our Pennies, and more! This class is open to all ages.

12 pm: free lunch for all children 18 and under. Please call by 11 am to reserve your meal.

1 pm: Movie Mondays—Each week we will enjoy popcorn and relax for an afternoon movie. June 7th: Space Jam, June 27th: Zathura, July 1st : Flight of the Navigator, July 8th Muppets From Space, July 15th: Space Buddies, July 22nd: E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial. Open to all ages 5:30 pm: Teen Time— Take time to get together with your friends while you engage in crafts and activi-

ties with teens in mind.

Tuesdays—June 18th—July 23 11 am: Pre K with Miss Norma— We will sing a song, create a masterpiece and learn social skills! This class for children ages 4-5.

12pm: free lunch for all children 18 and under. Please call by 11 am to reserve your meal.

1 pm: Kindergarten with Miss Norma—This class is designed for those children entering Kindergarten this Fall. Listen to a story, sing a song, and make a craft.

2 pm: Ready to Read—Join Ms. Brandy and get Ready to Read!

Children will learn sight words and gain the skills needed for independent reading. This class is open to children ages 4 to 6 Wednesdays—June 19th—July 24th *No Class July 17th—WVU

Observatory Field Trip 11 am: Grades 3-5. Keep your brain working this summer! Each week we will do an activity, listen to a story and get messy with experiments.

12 pm: free lunch for all children 18 and under. Please call by 11 am to reserve your meal.

12 pm: Lunch Bunch with Miss Norma—Grades 3-5. Space is limited to 10 children. This summer we will be reading North American Indian Tales by W.T. Larned, while eating lunch and doing a craft.

1 pm: Grades 1-2. Keep your brain working this summer! Each week we will do an activity, listen to a story and get messy with experiments.

Thursdays—June 20th—July 25th * No Classes on July 4th—Library is Closed Thursday mornings Flenniken will be at the parks to meet with the children

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in the summer program.

12 pm: free lunch for all children 18 and under. Please call by 11 am to reserve your meal.

1 pm: PBS Design Squad. Join Blake for engineering challenges and experiments. This class if open to Elementary aged children.

2 pm: MakerSpace . Grades 6– 12 are welcome to join Blake for S.T.E.A.M. projects. This class is more challenging and geared for ages 12-18.

Fridays—June 21st—July 26th 11 am: Toddler Time with Miss Norma. This class is open to children ages 1-3. Sing a song, listen to a story and enjoy a fun activity 12 pm: free lunch for all children 18 and under. Please call by 11 am to reserve your meal.

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EVA K. BOWLBY PUBLIC LIBRARY - 311 N. WEST ST., WAYNESBURG - evakbowlby.org Library will be CLOSED July 4 & 5 for the Independence Day holiday.

SENIOR MONDAYS – Monday, July 1st, 11:00am-12:30pm; our theme is Patriotism. Jill Peth will be our guest speaker from BluePrints, and will share information about the agency's services available to seniors in Greene County.

We'll also make a quick craft, and enjoy a light lunch.

TEENTIME - Every Tuesday in July at 11:00 a.m. A special space will be offered for teens to create, participate and enjoy other teens interested in using STEAM manipulatives, such as the Makey-Make and Tumbling Tables.

BOWLBY BOOK CLUB – July 8 @ 6pm. Discussion on “The Handmaid's Tale” by Margaret Atwood. New members always welcome!

UFO/PARANORMAL SESSION Monday, July 15 w/ Fred Saluga, 6:008:00pm. Started researching UFOs, Bigfoot and other paranormal phenomena in 70’s while a police officer. Mr. Saluga is the Pennsylvania & West Virginia MUFON State Director and coordinator of the entity research project. Created and runs the following groups: West Virginia Center for Unexplained events, Fayette County Pennsylvania Bigfoot Research Group, Developed and instructed the following groups at The Eastern Gateway Community College,

Steubenville, Ohio: Cryptozoology, Ufology, Conspiracy Theories. Free & Open to the Public.

A UNIVERSE OF WILDLIFE - As part of our SummerQuest program, local district State Game Warden Chris Bencz will be at the Bowlby Library, Wednesday, July 24, from 1:30-2:30pm, to speak on the unusual wildlife in SW Pennsylvania. Interactive and Open to the Public.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP - The Bowlby Library invites Teenagers 13-18 years to join us at the library on Tuesdays, July 2, 16 & 30 @ 11:00 a.m.

LEGO BRICK MASTERS – Saturdays, July 13 & 27 @ 11am. All ages! Library provides the Legos.

SUMMER QUEST “A Universe of Stories!” - Is currently under way at the library through August 16; here's a schedule of classes-Play K Transitional (5-6yrs): Mondays @ 10:30am-12:30pm Preschool: Tuesday (3-4yrs) @ 10:30 a.m., Tuesday (4-5yrs) @ 1:30 p.m., and Tuesday (18-35mos) @ 5:00 p.m.

Toddler Share: Thursday (12-24mos) @ 10:30 a.m. and Thursday (24-36mos) @ 1:30 p.m.

School Age: Wednesday (6-12yrs) @ 10:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m.* We will be divided into age groups K-2 and 3-5.

We will have literacy and math components as well as hands on

interactive fun.

Stories Under the Moon: Wednesday (3-6yrs) @ 5:00 p.m.

Organized Play Group: Friday (1-3yrs) 10:30-11:30 a.m.

All Summer Quest Participants that register and earn book bucks they can use towards the store or end of session auction!

FREE lunches will be provided by the Summer Food Partnership during Summer Reading Quest on Tuesdays & Wednesdays (11:30-1pm), snacks on Mondays, Thursdays & Fridays (11:30am-1pm). Classes are filling quickly! Call to register your children today!

Why should the kids have all the fun?!

Adults are also invited to participate in the Summer Quest at the Bowlby Library. Register today at the Bowlby Library, start reading & listening, write a review, and compete for prizes!

COOKBOOK CLUB – Monday, June 29 @ 6:00pm. Theme: TBA. If you like to cook, this is the club for you! Let’s get together and try new recipes every month. FMI call 724.627.9776 PIE & BINGO – Friday, July 26, 6:009:00pm for ALL ages! Come play several games of bingo at the library; win prizes and enjoy some pie!

T.O.P.S. - weight management support group meets every Sat., 9:30-11:30am.

MOVIE NIGHTS @ YOUR LIBRARY - Every Wednesday evening at 5:00 p.m.

during the summer! Check our website for scheduled movies. Free snack and a beverage.

CPR/AED TRAINING [AHA] Saturday, August 3, 10:30am-2:30pm.

Certification/Re-Certification offered at the library for Adult, Child & Infant first aid, choking, AED. For ages 10 & up; limited to first 12 registrations. Cost: $88 due on that Saturday by cash, check or debit/credit.

LIBRARY NIGHT WITH WILD THINGS - Wednesday, August 7. All SummerQuest participants can earn a free admission to a Washington Wild Things baseball game slated for August 7. Parents/siblings may purchase an admission ticket through the library.

FMI call Youth Services at 724.627.9776 ANNUAL ZOO TRIP - Saturday, August 17. From 8:00am to 4:30pm.

Enjoy a day with the family at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium! Ages 2 & younger are free; older children/adults is a $15 admission. Pack a lunch or purchase a lunch at the zoo.

Transportation cost is included in admission price. You must register and pay for tickets by August 1st.

Call or stop in Eva K. Bowlby Public Library for more info or to register for any of the above events.

CITIZENS LIBRARY - 55 SOUTH COLLEGE ST. IN WASHINGTON - washlibs.org/citizens

Library will be closing at 5:00 on Wednesday July 3, and will be closed all day on Thursday July 4th, to Celebrate the Holiday.

July 18 6-8 p.m. - Master Gardeners - Betty and John Robison - “Tomatoes in your Garden” Readers of the Lost Ark Book Club: “Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Kalli Baur Jaswal” meeting Thursday July 18, 2019, 6-7, Conference Room, Free and open to the Public –Feel free to bring a snack!

Teen Programs June 11th 5pm- Teen Game Night, 6-12th grade, board, video and tabletop game. Meets weekly.

June 20th 5pm- Engineering Science,

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13+, weekly discussion for students interested in STEM fields.

June 19th 5pm-Middle Grade Book Club, reading A Land of Stories Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer.

June 19th 6pm-High School Book Club, reading Girls of Paper and Fire

by Natasha Ngan.

June 27th 6:30- Cupcake Wars, 612th grade. Design a stellar cupcake.

Must RSVP with Teen Department.

Citibooks: Used bookstore open 10-6, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays and 10-4 on Saturdays, in the lower level of the library.

Adult Book of the Month for June: “Such a Perfect Wife” by Kate White.

Children’s Dept. “Book of the

Month”- for July is “Would You Rather…?” by Justin Heimberg & David Gomberg. Random drawing open to all children 12 and under.

The winning entry will be drawn on Saturday July 31.

“U.F.O.” Party (Undeniably fun Occasion”-The big Summer Quest end-of-programming party on Friday, July 26, is open to all participants of Summer Quest at Citizens Library.

Please RSVP to Children’s Dept by Friday, July 19.

Summer Quest- summer quest continues; if you’re not signed up already, you still can! Schedules, reading logs and other information are available in the Children’s and Teen Dept. Family

Night program on Wednesday, July 10, at 6:00 pm. “Blast Off with Apollo 11, an Interactive Journey through the Solar System”will be presented by Dan Andre, a planet globe maker for NASA. Crochet with Cheryl, 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays in July 6-8 PM. Knitting Class with Lola, SaturdayJuly 20th, 1030-1130, FREE Yoga classes every Monday and Thursday in July, except July 4 at 5:00pm, $10 per class.

Discover Medicare: Educational understanding, Medicare discussion.

July 8 and July 23, 6-800. Free.

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Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces free summer Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District on July 12 The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the free summer Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District will take place on Friday, July 12, 2019, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. featuring over 20 Crawl stops at various indoor and outdoor locations and public art places.

SUMMER GALLERY CRAWL IN THE CULTURAL DISTRICT EVENTS Wood Street Galleries (New exhibit opening, and DJ music) (July 12 through August 25) - MYTHOLOGIES, works by Guillaume Marmin The work of Guillaume Marmin is part of a revival of visual creation that avoids traditional forms of narration and scenic supports.

937 Gallery (New exhibit opening) What We Don’t Talk About - Life cannot exist without death. Even stars— from the massive supergiant to the cool white dwarf—die. Despite this, in many Western cultures, death is what we don’t talk about, its inevitability the constant hum we try to ignore. Until we can’t.

Art can examine the comforts and constraints of ritual practices, and it can allow for humor—laughter—making space for a catharsis that is greater than tears. This exhibition intends to reveal the range of possibilities.

Trust Arts Education Center, 805 Liberty Avenue - Third Floor: The Art Trap: Paint Night - Create your own masterpiece in a painting session with instruction by local artists from BOOM Concepts or participate in painting a community canvas. Painting sessions are offered on a first come first served basis at 6 – 7 p.m. and 8 – 9 p.m.

Fourth Floor: American Society of Media Photographers plus music by DJ Inception - There are many things that make a great city; food, jobs, landscape, buildings, or possibly a sports team. For us, we believe that what makes Pittsburgh so great is the people.

“Burghers” is a photography project by Pittsburgh ASMP that celebrates what it means to be a citizen of this region.

Peirce Studio: Crawl After Dark event - Ticketed event (cost: $25) 9pm-Midnight, ages 21+ - This ticketed event includes a Pittsburgh Cultural Trust one year Partners Membership, 1

drink + bites, and dancing to music.

707 Penn Gallery (exhibition, plus live music by SPEED PLANS) Darkest Dark - Charcoal Drawings by Oreen Cohen (May 18-July 14, 2019) “Darkest Dark” is an ongoing series of large scale charcoal works on paper built up with residual marks from aggressive automatic drawing. For the Crawl, the exhibition will include drawing fiery motivated by live lo-fi punk music by SPEED PLANS. SPACE - Curated by: Brett Yasko (May 31 - August 4, 2019) - An exhibition of 1,921 photographs never been seen before — even by the photographers who took them. Brett Yasko asked 87 Pittsburgh artists to each shoot a roll of 35mm film and return it back to him, undeveloped.

Agnes R. Katz Plaza - The Flow Band (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.) - Enjoy music and dancing to Pittsburgh’s The Flow Band, a Reggae dance band that fuses the sounds of Neo Soul Rhythms over Tropical World beats.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Friends: Join the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh at their table for a fun activity, and to learn about the library's collections and services. The Carnegie Library's Friends group will also be selling great, used books with a focus on Art! Arcade Comedy Theater - Improv Comedy Shows: Stop by Arcade Comedy Theater for family-friendly improv comedy shows every half-hour during the Crawl!

August Wilson African American Cultural Center - Artmaking with Women of Visions, Inc. (New exhibit opening) - Women of Visions, Inc. based in Pittsburgh, is the oldest, active African-American women artist collective in the U.S. Seventeen Women of Visions artists will have on display a diverse range of works from sculpture, quilts and textile pieces, painting, mixed media, and installation art.

Seats of Power (April 27-July 21, 2019) - Seats of Power exhibition pays tribute to prominent and unsung heroes, mentors, and sources of inspiration that echo stories of the past, present,

and future.

Race and Revolution: Still Separate - Still Unequal (April 27-July 21, 2019) - The exhibition examines the ongoing racial and economic disparity in the U.S. public school system.

ColorPerfect Printing - Homeward Bound - Homeward Bound is a new mini exhibition by Pittsburgh based artist Danny Devine. It features new prints as well as books from City Slicker Press Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh Downtown - Works by local artist Fred Benson. - Crazy Mocha, 801 Liberty Avenue - SMS Art Studio Live mural drawing by Scott Saloney.

Scott Saloney is a muralist, portrait artist, illustrator, tattoo designer, and designer of homemade wooden frames.

Emmanuel Fine Art Photography Gallery - Come interact with one of Pittsburgh's premiere painters. You can view his work and get tips about painting, all while surrounded by stunning outdoor photography.

Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council We are Here: Asian Pacific Islander American Artists in Pittsburgh - This exhibition aims to provide visibility for this community: for the first time in Pittsburgh’s history, every exhibiting artist in We Are Here identifies as APIA. Harris Theater - High and Low Art: A poster gallery of The Harris Theater's fantastic film history.

Neighborhood Legal Services Affordable Housing? Who, What, Where, Why, When, and How? love, Pittsburgh - Small Mall Wall love, Pittsburgh is happy to partner with Lawrenceville's Small Mall, by showcasing local artists. Stop by and see who is featured in this quarterly rotating Small Mall Wall.

Market Square - Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership presents the Night Market, Market Square. AcoustiCafe Songwriters at the Night Market.

Omni William Penn Hotel - Jen Joyce, art therapist - Stop by Wigle Whiskey's Tasting Room in the Omni William Penn Hotel for photography and art by Jen Joyce.

Pop-Up Public Art Exhibit - Los

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Trompos (through fall of 2019) - 133 7th Street (across from Agnes R. Katz Plaza) - Los Trompos or ‘spinning tops’ are interactive public art works created by award-winning Mexican artists Héctor Esrawe and Ignacio Cadena.

Social Status - 24 by Tony Duff - 24 is a showcase of new works by Pittsburgh based contemporary photographer Tony Duff.

Theater Square, 655 Penn Avenue Backstage Bar: Yoko Suzuki Trio. Yoko Suzuki is an alto saxophonist working in Pittsburgh and New York City. Rotating exhibitions throughout the year feature artwork by local artists.

Greer Cabaret Theater: Salsa Friday ($5); part of Crawl After Dark events.

Tito Way (between 803 Liberty Avenue and 804 Penn Avenue) - Food trucks will be selling a variety of options from desserts to snacks, and light supper fare!

Welcome Pittsburgh Information Center - KloRebel Art - KLoRebel Art is the 100% hand-drawn and handcrafted work of native Pittsburgh artist Kirsten Lowe-Rebel. With a strong connection to time and place, Kirsten reimagines her architectural illustration into pieces you can use, wear and gift.

Her product line is grounded in the architecture of her hometown of Pittsburgh, though she continues to add to her stock of skylines, urban landscapes and landmarks as she travels to new destinations.

Since 2004, the quarterly Gallery Crawls, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, have brought nearly 30,000 annual visitors in and around the community to be part of this immersive artistic ‘open house’ experience for Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.

The Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District serves as a medium to promote inclusion and diversity through collaborative partnerships and welcomes everyone in the community, and visitors alike, to participate in a showcase of immersive artistic experiences.

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