FREE! JUNE 2024 Vol. 21 Issue 1
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City Mission Hosts Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Women’s Shelter Page 8
‘Mutt March’ Held on Main Street in Monongahela Page 10
Messenger Celebrates 20 Years of Community News! Page 18
Thomas Jefferson HS Students Earn Second Consecutive Allegheny County Envirothon Title Thomas Jefferson High School students won first place at the Allegheny County Envirothon on April 26, 2024, and will compete in the statewide environmental competition in Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania. Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) hosted 135 high school students representing 11 school districts at the annual competition at North Pictured is TJ's winning team, including advisors (PHOTO COURTESY ACCD) Park. The winning team includes Reagan Sanderson, Lukeman El-Hajj, Hunter Houk, Kamryn Mull and Connor McCann. Thomas Jefferson teachers Dan Giger and Brian McClain are the advisors. Every winning student received a scholarship for academic pursuits following high school funded with support from event sponsors. "When students participate in Envirothon, they elevate their career readiness, gain valuable professional experience before graduating and are empowered to become action-oriented citizens," said Hayly Hoch Natural Resource Outreach Educator. "The Allegheny County Envirothon is only possible with the contributions of our sponsors who made this experience memorable for 135 outstanding students." Envirothon is the largest environmental education competition in North America aimed at engaging local youth in natural resource conservation learning and stewardship challenges. This hands-on academic competition requires months of study and teamwork on five subject areas: soils/land use, wildlife, aquatic ecology, forestry and current issues. Envirothon provides exposure to environmental career pathways through partnerships with the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission, Pa. Game Commission and the Allegheny County Parks Department. “Today’s participating youth go on to become tomorrow’s leaders. Our aim is to move students beyond classroom learning and motivate them to meet the environmental challenges of the future. We encourage them to continue learning, take action in their own communities and pursue further education in environmental fields,” said Executive Director Heather Manzo.
Family Fun Night Event Being Held in Elizabeth on June 21 Are you ready for a night of fun for the whole family? Saints Joachim and Anne Parish will be hosting ‘Family Fun Night’ on Friday, June 21 from 5:00PM – 9:00PM. The event will be held at St. Michael Church, located at 101 McLay Drive in Elizabeth. Featured Food Trucks at the event will be Kona Ice, Hot Dawgs, and La Palapa, and there will also be Funnel Cakes, Popcorn, and Cotton Candy!Live Entertainment by Hillbilly Gravy, a local band, made up of undergrad and grad music students from Duquesne. They feature a mix of country bluegrass, funk, and rock. Guests will also enjoy Game Booths, featuring a wristband area - pay once, then play all night long! There will also be a Classic Car Cruise! E-mail Emily at youth@joachimandannediopitt.org for car cruise registration information. Plus, don’t miss our world famous Pittsburgh Cookie Table, raffle baskets and so much more!