< PreviousMoon Area School District News Two Moon Area High School seniors have been named semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors Chancharik Mitra and Thomas Molnar will have the opportunity to compete for two of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million combined. The scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2021. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors the nation’s scholastic champions and encourages the pursuit of academic excellence. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. Over 90 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing. More than half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. Chancharik is the president of Moon Area School District’s National Honor Society as well as a member of the speech and debate club and the math club. He is also a varsity tennis player. When not at school, Chancharik enjoys volunteering as a coding instructor and curriculum developer with the STEM Coding Lab for children in underserved communities. He is also the founder and CEO of the financial literacy education startup Deaux. After graduation, Chancharik plans to study both computer science and mathematics in college. Thomas enjoys STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) competitions. He has participated in the one- day STEM challenge TEAMS and STEAM competitions, where students are challenged with building a mechanism to accomplish a task. In his free time, he enjoys playing the piano. After graduation, Thomas plans to study computer science in college. Two Moon Area High School students named National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists Thomas MolnarChancharik Mitra Pennies for Patients For the past three years, McCormick Elementary has been assisting the Pennies for Patients Program, which benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year, McCormick families raised a total of $5,726 for the amazing program. Thanks to the generosity of the school community, McCormick Elementary received an award for ranking third out of 232 participating schools in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Ms. Glassbrenner and the McCormick Elementary Student Council spearhead this program every year and are excited to see what else this year holds for McCormick. Madelina DeLuca, a second grade student from Bon Meade, has been named the National Patient Hero for the Hero Squad Program in 2021. Madelina, who celebrated her fifth year of being cancer-free this past July, will be sharing her story with schools across the country. McCormick is excited to support one of its very own Moon Tigers this year. LEFT: Bon Meade second-grader Madelina DeLuca, who has been cancer-free for five years, will be sharing her story with schools across the country. RIGHT: McCormick Elementary received this award in recognition of their efforts to assist the Pennies for Patients Program. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2020Moon Area welcomes Dr. Beltz Moon Area School District has welcomed Dr. Jeffrey Beltz as the district’s new assistant superintendent. Beltz took the oath of office Oct. 12 with the Hon. Michele Santicola presiding. Prior to coming to Moon Area, Beltz spent more than 20 years working in the Beaver Area School District, where he served in various administrative roles. For 10 years, he was the middle school principal. While at Beaver Area School District, Beltz was instrumental in establishing their one-to-one iPad initiative and introducing the district to robotics and coding. He was also an administrative member of the Beaver County Innovation/Learning Consortium to expand STEAM opportunities in classrooms. “I am very appreciative of the opportunity given to me by the Moon Area School District. I am excited to support district staff and families in a positive manner and maximize the educational experience for all MASD’s students,” said Beltz. Dr. Jeffrey Beltz, Moon Area’s new assistant superintendent, took the oath of office from the Hon. Michele Santicola on Oct. 12. Student Council hosts World Inclusion Day 2020 J.A. Allard Elementary Student Council celebrated World Inclusion Day on Oct. 9. Allard fourth-graders read “Say Something” by Peter H. Reynolds to find inspiration and bravery through the use of their voices. By “saying something,” students are encouraged to make positive changes in their school and community. Student Council members also took a pledge to encourage unity and inclusion. Students created a socially distanced tiger paw and shared their inspiring messages with their peers! Bobby Rees, a student at Bon Meade Elementary School, was voted Artsonia’s PreK-3rd Artist of the Week in October. During a contest held from Oct.11 to Oct. 17, Bobby received 727 votes from visitors at www.artsonia.com. In recognition of Bobby’s work, Blick Art Materials generously donated a $100 gift certificate to Ms. Kristin Teeple, art educator at Bon Meade, and a $50 gift certificate to Bobby. Bobby Rees named Artist of the Week J.A. Allard Elementary Student Council members celebrate World Inclusion Day. November/December 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Your SchoolsYour Schools N RTCS reopens for in-person classes Robinson Township Christian School welcomed students back for in-person learning in late August. Students in grades K through 12 are now attending class in person five days a week. While all public schools were required to submit a detailed reopening plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education before the start of the term, private schools were given a bit more flexibility. While advised to adhere to the guidelines, they were able to tailor them to their own unique needs. To develop its own plan, RTCS put together a task force of educators, parents and healthcare professionals. After prayerful consideration and many meetings over the course of the summer, the task force determined a full return to the classroom would be feasible if everyone adhered to the measures outlined in their detailed safety plan. As part of the plan, parents are asked to monitor children for potential symptoms before sending them to school each day. Upon arrival, students and staff are met at a safety checkpoint, where they are given hand sanitizer and their temperature is checked. Students are also required to wear masks on the premises until seated in the classroom, where they are appropriately spaced from neighboring students. With a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, following these safety guidelines has been very achievable. “I really think we have a good solution, one that is very compliant with what the CDC is saying and the PDE,” RTCS Principal Bryan Campbell said. “But it’s also very compliant with what we think we need to be doing to serve our God and our constituents as a Christian school.” Campbell believes the small class sizes and close-knit community make RTCS able to adapt well with the ever-present changes of 2020. The nature of RTCS lends itself well to adapting as needed and being flexible. The school has also gained some new students whose families felt distance learning wasn’t the best option for them. “We are still getting calls regarding enrollment from parents who think their children aren’t thriving with virtual learning,” said Campbell. “I encourage them to come in and see what we have to offer as an alternative.” RTCS expands kindergarten program RTCS is pleased to announce the open enrollment of a second morning kindergarten class that started this fall. An afternoon aftercare program is now also available for both kindergarten classes. As well, RTCS welcomed kindergarten teacher Barb Beideman this school year. Beideman has taught in both Christian and public schools. She also homeschooled her own sons. She holds a BA in elementary education from Grove City College and a master’s degree from Clarion University in library sciences. She is certified in Orton-Gillingham, a phonics-based method of teacher reading skills. Beideman has taught as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Library Science at Clarion and led support groups for homeschooling families. She was a homeschool evaluator for 19 years. In addition, she has worked at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Pittsburgh and has provided private tutoring. “It’s a blessing to see children learn and grow. I hope to foster a love of learning and to come alongside parents at RTCS in helping them to educate their children in the Lord. I am already learning from the faith I see in my kindergarten students,” Beideman said. Robinson Township Christian School CONTENT SUBMITTED ABOVE: Second-grader Lucy Jackson celebrates returning to school in August. Barb Beideman 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2020 Even with COVID-19 complicating many traditions this time of year, there’s still lots to do that’s both safe and fun. Here’s a rundown of fun family happenings and activities happening either nearby or within a short drive. Holiday Happenings Your guide to day trip ideas, area light ups and other safe things to do this holiday season November/December 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 23Christmas Light-Up Celebration in Clinton, Nov. 21-Jan. 3, 5-10 p.m. nightly For the past 26 years, longtime Clinton residents Patty and Lloyd Faux have been organizing a Christmas drive-through light-up display in Clinton Community Park. Starting in September of each year, an all-volunteer effort gets off the ground to set up the enormous display. The one- mile drive-through route winds through Clinton Park’s scenic woodlands, the entrance to which sits just off Route 30. With hundreds of decorations, the light-up features an eclectic mix of themes appropriate for the season. Proceeds from the display also benefit a variety of needs in the community while local organizations, businesses and residents sponsor a Christmas tree display at the end. This year’s Christmas Light-Up Celebration in Clinton Community Park will be open every evening from Nov. 23 through Jan. 3, from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, including on holidays. A special walk-through evening takes place on the opening nights of Nov. 21 and 22. Pets and cars are not permitted those evenings. The remaining evenings are drive-through only. The $10 entry fee is payable in cash at the gate. For more, follow the Christmas Light Up on Facebook: @ ChristmasLightUpCelebration. Light - Ups The Christmas Light-Up in Clinton Park features light-up displays along a mile- long route. Moon Lights Holiday Festival, Dec. 5, 5-8 p.m. Moon Township’s annual light-up event will once again take place at Moon Park this year after outgrowing its old venue at Robin Hill. Plans are in the works to expand its light-up display and Santa will be on hand for socially distanced photos at the Rotary Pavilion. Count on performances from local dancers, food trucks, a s’more station and more. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale at the Airport Toyota Pavilion (see page 26 for details). Visit moonparks.org for more. Oglebay Festival of Lights, through Jan. 10 The show goes on in Wheeling as the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights carries on a tradition started in 1985. Known as one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, Oglebay attracts more than one million visitors each year. The display, which covers 300 acres over a six-mile drive and includes 90 lighted attractions, is a perfect event for social distancing. Though admission is free, a donation of $25 per vehicle is suggested to ensure the continuation of the light show for years to come. Oglebay is offering overnight holiday packages at its festively decorated Wilson lodge for visitors who wish to make a full weekend of Christmas activities. The Festival of Lights runs through Jan. 10. The display is located at Oglebay Park, 465 Lodge Drive, in Wheeling, West Virginia. For information, call 877-436-1797 or visit oglebay.com/ lights. Robinson’s Christmas Light Up, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., Clever Park, fireworks, Santa ride-by, letters to Santa drop-off (include return address), townshipofrobinson.com for the latest. North Fayette Tree Lighting, Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., North Fayette Community Center in Donaldson Park, free event, tree lighting, caroling with the West Allegheny High School and Middle School Show Choirs, train rides in the gym, holiday crafts, selfies with Santa, refreshments, www.north-fayette.com. The Moon Area band plays at the Moon Lights Festival. 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2020Visits with Santa at The Mall at Robinson, Nov. 27-Dec. 24 Santa will be back at The Mall at Robinson this year with some new safety protocols intended to protect both staff and families. Families will be able to get a photo with Santa atop a custom-designed sleigh that allows for a safe and contactless experience. In the past, The Mall at Robinson has given families the option of registering ahead of time for a visit with Santa and this year they are strongly encouraging families to do so. Masks are also required for anyone age 2 and up. Despite the circumstances, The Mall at Robinson is working hard to ensure children won’t miss out on the magical experience of a visit with Santa. To make a reservation, visit www.whereissanta.com/pennsylvania/mallatrobinson. Santa will be located in the same place he always has, in the rotunda lower level Macy’s Wing. He’ll be available from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. Conceived of as a unique way to promote Steubenville, Ohio to potential visitors, the Steubenville Nutcracker Village has grown and gained worldwide status in the five years since it began. Now called the world’s largest collection of life-sized nutcrackers, the annual display is set up throughout Fort Steuben Park and the historic business district of Steubenville. It’s also free and open to the public. The display consists of more than 150 six-foot nutcrackers with iconic likenesses such as Rosie the Riveter, characters from “The Wizard of Oz,” Slash from Guns n’ Roses and more. The nutcrackers are sponsored by local businesses and community members. Volunteers help paint them. Construction of the nutcrackers is managed by Mark Nelson, one of the originators of the display. Nelson owns Nelson’s of Steubenville, a family- owned shop offering handmade framed art, gifts, apparel and religious items. Several years ago, Nelson was approached by local appliance store owner and current Steubenville mayor Jerry Barilla with an idea. Not unlike others in the community, Barilla was distressed by the loss of population and declining business in the Rustbelt river town. While putting away Christmas decorations, Barilla envisioned collections of nutcrackers displayed in the empty storefronts as a means of drawing visitors to the downtown area and rebuilding the community. Nelson immediately expanded on the idea, enlisting his daughter, who is a graphic designer, and brother, a woodshop manager, to produce a six- foot prototype nutcracker. The display consisted of 37 original nutcrackers its inaugural year in 2015. That made Steubenville one of the top 10 cities in Ohio to visit during the holidays. With the pressure on to outdo that first display, Nelson’s produced 70 more nutcrackers in 2016. This year, the Steubenville Nutcracker Village will showcase more than 150 original figures. All of the nutcrackers are sponsored by Steubenville businesses and individuals. Hundreds of volunteers help bring them to life. A huge lighted hoop donated by a local hardware store forms a “hall” for the figures. Steubenville’s Advent Market coincides with the nutcracker display. It consists of dozens of vendors operating out of wooden, Swiss-style chalets built by Nelson’s. Food, merchandise and wares from local artisans will be available. Hay rides, a Holly Trolley, live entertainment and Santa Claus round out the outdoor scene in downtown Steubenville, one Barilla calls “a magic atmosphere” for families and friends coming together to enjoy the season. The Advent Market will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through Sunday, through Dec. 27. The market will be closed Christmas Day. Through Jan. 9, the nutcrackers will stand at attention throughout the park and town. They will also be spaced at a safe enough distance for photo opportunities. For more on the events and displays, visit: www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com. Steubenville Nutcracker Village, Nov. 27-Jan. 9 The Steubenville Nutcracker Village consists of over 150 unique life-sized nutcrackers. November/December 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 25 Janoski’s Farm in Clinton will be hosting its Christmas Open House on Dec. 5 and Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Janoski’s will also have its petting zoo open and hayrides will be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. As well, there will be visits with Santa and crafts for the kids. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a poinsettia and warm up at the hot chocolate bar in the garden center. A Christmas tree will be given away randomly each day. Then peruse a special Christmas craft show and head upstairs to check out their country gift shop. A trip to Janoski’s wouldn’t be complete without picking up some fresh produce, so the farm market will be offering daily specials on winter squash, apples, cabbage and potatoes. Be sure also to bring a toy donation for the West Allegheny Food Pantry. Janoski’s is serving as a drop-off for the pantry. For more, visit janoskis.com/upcoming. Janoski’s is located at 1714 Route 30 in Clinton. Allison’s Christmas Trees in Raccoon Township, Beaver County, will be welcoming visitors out to select and cut the tree of their choice. There will also be hayrides while a cozy Christmas barn on the property offers live wreaths and other holiday decor, as well as fudge, hot beverages and many other gift items. The landscape company has been in business since 1992 and is located at 121 Allison Lane, Aliquippa, 15001. Call (724) 495-2680 for more information. Bedner’s Garden Center at 315 Coleman Road in McDonald is also staying open for the first time this Christmas season. Normally closed after Halloween, Bedner’s will remain open through the holiday. Visitors can purchase fresh-cut trees and wreaths, garland, poinsettias, winter garden containers, and numerous décor and gift items. For DIY enthusiasts in need of a hands-on activity, Bedner’s is offering a series of classes on decorating pre-made wreaths and “build-it- yourself” wreaths, winter containers, and centerpieces. Family Wreath Decorating sessions scheduled for Nov. 29 and Dec. 6 are likely to fill up quickly, as class sizes are remaining small to maintain social distancing. Weather permitting, classes will be held outside. Bedner’s Christmas season hours from Nov. 27 to Dec. 22 are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Check Facebook for fall hours. For more information, call (724) 926-2541. To check the full schedule of activities and to register online, visit BednersGreenhouse.com/event. Hozak Farms , located at 488 Anderson Hozak Road in Clinton, is continuing its long tradition of adding holiday spirit to area homes with trees cut fresh on the property. Saws are provided to visitors who can either take a hayride or walk with a tree cart any time between 10 a.m. and dark to fell the fir of their choosing. Hozak’s also offers pre-cut trees, fresh wreaths, white pine roping, and bundles of fresh boughs. Hozak’s multi-room Christmas Barn contains more than 30 decorated trees as well as craft and gift items, candles, Santas, Steeler decorations, and wine accessories. Visitors chilled from a trek to the tree field can warm up with hot cocoa and spiced cider, home-baked pies and fudge. On weekends, guests can enjoy Hozak’s famous hot dogs and kielbasa. Hozak’s hours of operation are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nov. 1 -25; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 27- Dec. 23; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 24. For more information, call (724) 899-2400 or visit www.hozakfarms.com. The Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things sale will take place Dec. 5 at Moon Park from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. This special event coincides with Moon Township’s Moon Lights Holiday Festival (see page 24) and proceeds benefit the club’s various philanthropic efforts throughout the year. Garden club members will be on hand selling hand-made seasonal treasures, including swags, centerpieces, wreaths, mailbox covers and more. Cash, checks and Visa/ Mastercard will be accepted. Venues for Christmas trees, holiday greens, crafts and gifts Need a special gift for a loved one or some seasonal decorations to spruce up the home? How about a tree that you can cut yourself? Then check out these venues, which are offering some enlightenment and joy in the closing months of a serious year. For the most part, these venues are outdoors and allow for safe distancing between participants. Just the same, be sure to bring your mask and follow proper procedures. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2020November/December 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 27Hit the slopes Area ski resorts will be open this winter, just with some new protocols put in place to keep guests and staff safe. For the most up-to-date details on any particular resort’s protocols, visit the website listed. Some resorts are mandating face coverings both indoors and outdoors while others are implementing 50 percent capacity at indoor eating spaces. There are also some “arrive together- ride together” policies for ski lifts and lines. At least one resort is suggesting purchasing lift tickets ahead of time as limits may be placed on the number of tickets sold during busy holiday weekends. If traveling out of state, be sure to check if any restrictions have been placed on visitors. Many resorts are also implementing new cleaning and employee screening procedures to keep guests safe. With all those measures in place, resorts are hoping for a fun season and even planning on hosting some of their annual traditions. WISP Resort — A two-hour drive south of Pittsburgh, WISP is part of the Deep Creek Lake all seasons playground in the mountains of western Maryland. The ski resort has expanded from its modest slope opening in 1955 to 33 slopes and 11 miles of trails on 137 acres. While avid skiers and boarders can experience the 700-foot vertical drop, other guests can try snowtubing, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. For the 2020-21 season, WISP is offering a “Mission: Affordable XTRA season pass” which will allow a one- time deferral of usage for a year if a passholder becomes concerned about the impacts of COVID on this ski season. WISP is located at 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, Maryland, 21541. For more information, call (301) 859-3159 or visit wispresort.com. Holiday Valley - Holiday Valley is located in Ellicottville, New York, which is just a tad bit farther away than the other resorts on this list. It takes about three hours to drive there on I-79 and I-86. Along the way you’ll skirt Lake Erie, the big body of water that makes this resort so great. Thanks to lots of lake-effect snow, Ellicottville gets blanketed in about 180 inches of powder each winter. The resort’s great mix of trails and slopes also provide lots of variety. Ellicottville, too, makes this resort a nice place to visit, with lots of charming bed and breakfasts, a brewery, winery and more. It’s likely, though, that many will be operating under restricted capacity due to COVID-19. There are, however, a number of outdoorsy happenings in town, including lots of Christmas decorations and even a living nativity. Check www.holidayvalley.com for more. Holiday Valley is located at 6557 Holiday Valley Road, Ellicottville, NY 14731. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2020Cozy up with this performance of “The Nutcracker” After a cold day out on the slopes you can enjoy this performance of “The Nutcracker” right from your mobile device. The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall is going virtual with this annual performance, though it will still be performed at the historic Carnegie Performing Arts Center in downtown Carnegie. The show will be both streamed online and available in pre-recorded form. As in years past, the show will feature local talent, with the lead roles filled by area high school students. Dancers from many community dance schools ranging from age 5 to adult round out the cast of swirling snowflakes and candy flowers. Monica Ryan, choreographer and director of the Carnegie Performing Arts Center, will be celebrating her 45th year of producing the performance. Streaming is $30 and will be released after Dec. 15. For a streaming code and raffle tickets for the annual Chance Auction, call (412) 279-8887 or visit www. carnegieperformingartscenter.com. A full stream of the performance and DVD will be available for $60. Sydney Avant from Washington plays Clara in this year’s production of “The Nutcracker” by the Carnegie Performing Arts Center. Seven Springs Mountain Resort - Boasting 33 slopes and trails, seven terrain parks, and 10 lifts, Seven Springs also lays claim to the only 22- foot superpipe in the eastern U.S. for freestyle winter sports. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can participate in snowmobile and snowshoe tours and horse- drawn sleigh rides. Seven Springs will again offer its Twelve Days of Christmas package from Dec. 11 to Dec. 23. Starting at $120.50 per adult, the package includes one night of lodging, unlimited skiing and snowboarding during the stay, breakfast, and access to the lodge’s pool and fitness center. Seven Springs is located less than two hours east of Pittsburgh, just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Pick up an E-ZPass and you’ll not only be able to pass through the tolls a lot quicker but you’ll also save money. See right for more. Seven Springs is located at 777 Waterwheel Drive, Champion, PA 15622. For more information, call (814) 352-7777 or visit www.7springs.com. Hidden Valley Resort - Located on the neighboring mountain and owned by the same group as Seven Springs, Hidden Valley bills itself as a comfortable environment to learn to ski or snowboard. Known for its calmer, more family-friendly environment than its sister resort, Hidden Valley has 26 slopes and trails and two terrain parks. It, too, is located less than two hours east of Pittsburgh, just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The resort is located at 1 Craighead Road, Somerset, PA 15501. For more information, call (814) 443-8000 or visit www.hiddenvalleyresort.com. Peek n’ Peak Resort — Two hours to the north of Pittsburgh and just over the New York state line is Peek n’ Peak Ski Resort, a winter playground that boasts an average of 180 inches of snowfall each year. The resort offers 27 lighted slopes and trails, seven snowtubing lanes, and five separate terrain parks. The 108-room “Inn at the Peak” is designed in an old English Tudor style and offers luxurious accommodations. Peek n’ Peak will continue its Traditional Thanksgiving Family Meal at the Inn on Nov. 22 and 26 from noon to 6 p.m. Reservations are required for the plated, full- course holiday meal event. Peek n’ Peak is located at 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, NY 14724. For more information, call (716) 355-4141 or visit www.pknpk.com. November/December 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >