< Previous30 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2022 Montour honored its newest class of inductees into the National Honor Society during a ceremony held at the Athletic Center on March 15. In total, 73 inductees who had demonstrated academic excellence by achieving a 4.0 grade average were recognized. Inductees each also passed a faculty committee that evaluated whether they had met the pillars of scholarship, leadership, character and service required of members. CHS theories of leadership instructor Eric D’Antonio served as guest speaker and current NHS members were on hand to honor and pin the new inductees. Dessert for the event was provided by the Nutrition Group. A number of NHS members also spoke during the event, half of whom were officers. Others were chosen by NHS sponsor Allison Baldauff and officers for embodying the qualities of the NHS pillar. Remarks given were as follows: Introduction by Sophia Grace Trevenen, president; Membership Qualifications by Ryder Blyzwick, vice president; Scholarship by Om Arora-Jain; Leadership by Zoe Leone Brunick; Character by Isabella Groznik; Service by Sam Uhler; Significance of Emblem by Ava Cardamone, treasurer; and Meaning of Colors by Olivia Lynn Lyscik, secretary. National Honor Society inducts 73 new members Maddie Rimbey Mia Arndt Alexis Faye Bailley Kylie Michaela Barto Alan Robert Betten Delaney Mae Brennan Ella Leone Brunick Natalia Sofia Catarisano Peter Andrew Chacon Abigail Kathleen Chen Joseph Timothy Cole Bella Rose Crapis Eliana Davin Ameera Rashay Davis Ryan Hunter Dawkin Francesca M. Diaz Daniel Orvis Ditzenberger Gianni Patrick Domenico Kaaren Isabel Duran Arthem K Faerovitch Sara Marie Faith Cole Michael Fleck Mackenzie Paige Frederick Matthew Lloyd Freyermuth Sydney Avery Fusco David Gallagher Luke Albert Giannetti Johnathan David Heath Matthew Jacob Hermiller Isabella Rosa Hoffman Dailyn I. Hopkins Christopher Ireland Mikhala Marie Kletz Shane Gill Knause Logan Kunes Ava Isabel Laurenzi Corinne Renee Ludwick Sarah Marie Lugaila Mia Magliocco Vincent Dante Marino Kaitlyn Marie Molitoris Savannah Mulan Nelson Aidan O’Donnell Emmett Jay Pargeon Hanna Mira Parimal Lexie Nicole Patrus Zoe Joelle Paul Olivia Persinger Michael Charles Petrick Cameron Andrew Polny Avrie Ann Polo Isabelle Marie Prunier Rebecca Nicole Ralph Gavin Gerard Rawski Ty Charles Reed Natalie Mae Rodriguez Chloe Cecelia Sadowski Chase Ryan Schaltenbrand Maggie Leigh Scherrer Julia Lea Schiffhauer Jake Schoenly Branden Thomas Sniadach Sage Kira Sonnett Shane Sprys Lucas Anthony Swearingen Aiden John Thornton Makenna Grace Torrens Saveria Mariantonia Ulizzi Ava Noelle Vietmeier Ashley Lauren Vith Katelyn Nicole Walzer Adam William Weber Allison Marie Zane Angela Christine Zezza National Honor Society 2022 Inductees The newest inductees into Montour’s National Honor Society gather in the Athletic Center for this year’s induction ceremony. For the second consecutive year, the Montour High School Student Council has received the National Council of Excellence Award. To meet the requirements for the award, a student council must meet a variety of criteria. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, councils must demonstrate successful sponsorship and participation in activities. These activities can include leadership development and service to the school and community. Councils submit projects to a national database along with a portfolio demonstrating criteria from a variety of categories. “Receiving a National Council of Excellence Award reflects the amazing dedication of the students and school to make their community a better place,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Montour has gone above and beyond in elevating student voice to ensure they are establishing a positive climate and culture, as well as fostering academic and social growth for all.” Student Council again earns national recognitionMay/June 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 31 The Acts of Random Kindness and Interact Clubs at the high school teamed up to raise money for the Feed the Need Audacy Radiothon benefitting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank in March. Students in both clubs help run Montour’s Classroom Cupboard, which provides food and other basic necessities for those in need in the Montour school community. Junior Alaina Gasparovich and seniors Morgan Cholewa and Sara Yurkovich have been integral to the operation of the cupboard over the years and the trio - along with club sponsors Maureen Callas, Rhonda Marasco and Natalie Rowe - decided to jump on board with the radiothon effort. With a goal of raising $1,000 for the Pittsburgh Food Bank in mind, a virtual fundraising page was created and shared within the community. With a few weeks left, the effort was short just a few hundred dollars of that goal. As a result, organizers decided to sell cookies and other treats for St. Patrick’s Day, which helped push the amount raised over the finish line and exceed their goal. On March 15, the day of the radiothon, Gasperovich, Cholewa and Yurkovich were interviewed on KDKA radio by host Rick Dayton, who also tweeted about their interview, stating, “this kind of generosity is hard to teach.” As a result of the generosity of students, parents and friends within the Montour School District, the Pittsburgh Food Bank will be able to provide over 5,000 meals to neighbors in need. “It feels really good to help others and help the school community,” says Yurkovich, who is also the Interact Club’s president. She’ll be succeeded in that role by Gasperovich next year. “I once heard a friend of mine say, ‘The person sitting next to you in class could get one of these [donations],’ and that’s always sat with me…,” says Cholewa. Students assist radiothon to benefit food bank Students at the high school took it upon themselves to organize a week of fun activities at the beginning of March to help foster an inclusive school environment. The effort, called Inclusion Week, was organized by the Best Buddies Program, a club that works with special education students at the high school. Through various activities such as art and gym classes, club members build relationships with their fellow students who have special needs. A number of club members are also a part of Montour’s unified bocce team, which competes under the umbrella of Special Olympics. Club member Sarah Eaton, who helped organize Inclusion Week’s activities, says she became involved with the club last year during her third year of early childhood development classes. At the time, she was working with special education students. Not long after, she and Morgan Cholewa planned a track day that sought to include members of the school community with special needs. “That’s when I started to become extremely involved with the club,” says Eaton. “Through the club we aim to make friendships in which we normally would not have the opportunity. We also try to bring as much inclusion into our school as possible.” During Inclusion Week, students wore different- themed clothes each day to show support for those in the school community. On Monday, students wore fun socks to show support for down syndrome and on Tuesday they wore 1990s fashion to honor the Best Buddies Program, which was founded in 1989. On Wednesday, students wore blue for autism and, on Thursday, students held a “polar plunge” in the Athletic Center’s pool. On Friday, everyone wore black and gold for Spartan spirit day. The school also hosted an assembly to honor Montour’s unified bocce team and hosted a bocce tournament. Student-led efforts foster inclusion at high school ABOVE AND BELOW: Students at the high school held a number of activities aimed at promoting inclusion in March. Alaina Gasparovich, Morgan Cholewa and Sara Yurkovich helped spearhead an effort to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and were interviewed on KDKA Radio. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2022 Lisa Weber of Montour’s official food vendor, The Nutrition Group, showed off her balloon art skills in the weeks leading up to Easter. In April, Weber created a carrot patch made entirely out of balloons. The artwork was then displayed in the DEW cafe for the entire school community to enjoy while eating lunch. Weber’s creation featured an Easter bunny with Easter eggs, grass and some impressive-looking carrots. While encouraging some healthy eating habits, it also helped get everyone in the spirit for the special holiday and their upcoming spring break. Lisa Weber from The Nutrition Group created this balloon art display for students at DEW. DEW school counselors and members of the Teen Leadership Club held a variety of theme days, challenges and activities the week of Feb. 14 to promote Kindness Week. The goal of the week was to promote a positive school culture and recognize students who had demonstrated kindness toward their peers. Students kicked off the week by wearing red and voting for the kindest students in each grade level. On Tuesday, students were challenged with talking with someone new, whether it be a teacher or student. On Wednesday, students wore Montour colors and #bethekindkid t-shirts. They were also challenged to help someone. On Thursday, students received pencils with the engraved phrase “In A World Where You Can Be Anything, Be Kind.” Students voted the kindest by their peers that Monday were: fifth-graders Reese Vojtecky, Max Zulka and Jackson Kraemer; sixth-graders Rithik Bharthi, Isabella Dreger and Lily Zielinski; seventh-graders Hope Rawski, Skylor Gorring and Carter Ebling; and eighth-graders Baylin McCleaster and Jakob Farr. DEW celebrates Kindness Week Every month during the school year, students in each grade at David E. Williams Middle School are chosen as Students of the Month. These individuals exemplify the positive characteristics of a successful student. Students of the Month for January and February are pictured below. DEW Students of the Month F e b r u a r y The Nutrition Group celebrates Easter with balloon art J a n u a r y DEW Students of the Month for January were fifth-graders Madeline Keating and Mason Holmes; sixth-graders Aryiah Cheatham and Noah Shisler; seventh- graders Abby Swank and Ray Machusko; and eighth- graders Cayleigh Freeman and Adrian Sanchez. DEW Students of the Month for February were fifth-graders Tanvi Donti and Kenneth Clark; sixth- graders McKenna Dubbs and Camden Schmidt; seventh-graders Victoria Smithnosky and Alex Zychowski; and eighth- graders Addyson Dell and Noah Stasa. During Kindness Week, students recognized each other for being kind. These students were voted the kindest in each of their grades. Stay up to date at www.montourschools.com! May/June 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 33 MES Students of the Month Every month during the school year, students from each grade in either Team Curiosity or Team Discovery at Montour Elementary School are selected as Students of the Month. These students are chosen for exhibiting appropriate behavior, performing random acts of kindness, demonstrating improvement in academic areas and exhibiting self control. The honor can also recognize a deserving student with a quiet disposition. Students of the Month for February and March are pictured below. F e b r u a r y Students of the Month for February were kindergartners Abigail Bohdan and Zeke Ziemianski; first-grader Caden Pannill; second-graders Madilyn Lang and Tyler Zawacki; third-graders Olivia Mackin and Brayden Fiedler; and fourth-graders Lilly Otey, Brayden Price and Alaina Starling. Students of the Month for March were kindergartners Payton Duffy and Nora Hardy; first-graders Mia Reed and Frankie Cosnotti; second-graders Cienna Humbert and Annabelle Smith; third-graders Olivia Hawk and Rowan Schmidt; and fourth- graders Brooke Lugaila and Ariana Cesare. Montour Elementary students will once again have the opportunity to continue learning after school lets out this year at the district’s Summer STEAM Camp. Over the course of four half days, MES students will be able to explore a range of fun, hands-on courses in the STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and math - disciplines. Courses being offered this year range from one where students will apply their scientific knowledge to making candy to another where they’ll explore the physics behind various types of sports. In all, 19 courses are slated to be offered at the camp, which takes place in June. Montour’s Summer STEAM Camp originally grew out of an opportunity educators recognized to facilitate learning by integrating hands-on activities and play. In years past, this innovative camp has given Montour educators a chance to try out new technology - including artificial intelligence - and teaching methods. The popularity of the camp has also grown over the years and is now offered free, making it a great value to Montour families. All 300 spots for this year’s camp filled up within just three weeks. The camp is also just one of a series of activities being offered across grade levels to help better prepare students for next school year. Students make slime at last year’s Summer STEAM Camp. Summer STEAM Camp returning this summer M a r c hWant more good news about Montour? Search #MontourProud on Twitter. 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2022 Montour Elementary School once again celebrated the birthday of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss with a series of fun activities during the week of Feb. 28. Students enjoyed themed days, competitions and hearing stories from a lineup of special guest readers. There were also dress-up days that were appropriately themed around Dr. Seuss characters and books. On Grinchy Green Monday, students wore green in honor of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Then, on Tuesday, students wore their silly socks for “Fox in Socks.” On Wacky Wednesday, students dressed up in silly clothing like backwards shirts and mix-matched shoes. On Thursday, students wore pajamas to recognize “The Sleep Book” and, on Friday, students dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character. Guest readers from the high school also made appearances to read children’s books to MES students and even dropped in via teleconferencing to read remotely. At the same time, 55 fourth- graders participated in a Battle of the Books reading competition throughout the week. The battle encouraged students to read good books and have fun while competing with their peers. The battle began in late November, when school librarian Marianna Greenaway selected five novels from a variety of genres for students to read. Twelve teams had 11 weeks to read the books and met regularly in groups to discuss and study them. A dedicated parent who served as coach led each team as the weeks progressed. “For the team members and coaches involved, Battle of the Books is a substantial and meaningful commitment,” says Greenaway. “The preparation for a March competition begins in November. This event promotes a love of reading in kids and exposes them to titles and authors that they may not consider otherwise.” During the competition, the 12 teams were asked to answer 45 questions about the books. Teams, for example, could be asked about specific events or details in a book. “The battle inspires teamwork and good sportsmanship in an atmosphere of friendly competition,” says Greenaway. This year’s first place team was the Steel City Readers, which was made up of Christian Cabecinha, Carter Diianni, Travis Eisel, Sammy Higgins and Vince Sousa. Second place honors went to members of the Spartan Readers, which was made up of Lillian Baldauff, Charlotte DeCola, Karigan Hicks, Leah Holmes and Eva Mason. Third place honors went to the Hysterical Historians made up of Jihyo Bae, Case Martinec, Matthew Nawrot, James Rowe and Paschal Slifkey. MES celebrates Read Across America Day all week FROM TOP: First place at this year’s Battle of the Books went to the Steel City Readers, followed by the Spartan Readers and the Hysterical Historians. Students dressed up as their favorite Dr. Seuss characters the first Friday in March in celebration of Read Across America Day. Throughout the week, classrooms also hosted guest readers and, on Wednesday, students wore silly socks in honor of “Fox in Socks.” May/June 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 35 (412) 490-6500 Dr. Christopher Stone Superintendent (412) 490-6500, ext. 6221 stonec@montourschools.com Dr. Eric Sparkenbaugh Assistant Superintendent (412) 490-6500 ext. 6229 sparkenbaughe@montourschools.com Mr. Dominic Salpeck Director of Instruction and Academic Achievement (412) 771-8802, ext. 2611 salpeckd@montourschools.com Dr. Robert Isherwood Director of Special Education and Pupil Services 412-490-6500, ext. 6102 isherwoodb@montourschools.com Mr. Darryl Yonkers Director of Operations (412) 490-6500 x 6510 yonkersd@montourschools.com Mrs. Susan Sinicki Director of Human Resources 412-490-6500, ext. 6235 sinickis@montourschools.com Mrs. Anna Borsos Director of Finance (412) 490-6500, ext. 6232 borsosa@montourschools.com Mr. Bob Wagner Transportation Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 4700 wagnerb@montourschools.com Mr. Lou Cerro Athletic Director (412) 490-6500, ext. 1627 cerrol@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Todd Price Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1612 pricet@montourschools.com Mrs. Kylee Crawshaw Associate Principal of Academic and Student Affairs 412-490-6500 x 1615 crawshawk@montourschools.com (412) 771-8802 Dr. Jason Burik Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4312 burikjason@montourschools.com Mr. Michael Marvin Assistant Principal (412) 771-8802, ext. 2612 marvinm@montourschools.com (412) 490-6500 Mr. Jason Shoaf, Principal (412) 490-6500 ext. 4313 shoafj@montourschools.com Mr. Robert Carlisle, Principal (412) 490-6500, ext. 1615 carlisler@montourschools.com Every member of the gymnastics team qualified for the post season this past winter season, and so did the team. While the team has consistently sent individuals to the post- season meets over the years, this was the first in over five seasons that the team itself also qualified for the post season. At the meet, sophomore Dailyn Hopkins earned her second gold medal in her high school career on the balance beam. The two-time WPIAL champion won her first gold in the event in 2019-2020 season as a freshman. This season, she also earned the all-around silver medal at both the WPIAL championships and the PA Classic. Eliana Knause medaled as well in the diamond division while Lexie Patrus medaled in the silver division. Alexis Bailley qualified for the diamond division. Jenna Sobeck, Riley Sedlock and incoming freshman Jillian Zulka qualified for the post season as well. All of the Spartan team members spent the season scoring well. As the team isn’t graduating any seniors, it looks to have another bright season in the works for next year. “We have a talented group and over the last few seasons our scores are rising,” says head coach Christine Gulakowski. “In our last two seasons, we’ve been even more competitive and I’m so proud of the girls for their hard work.” Gymnastics LEFT: Dailyn Hopkins (left) is now a two-time WPIAL gold medalist on the balance beam after this past season’s performance. Eliana Knause medaled in the diamond division. RIGHT: The entire gymnastics team qualified for the post season, both as a team and individually. Fifteen members of the diving and swim team made the trip to the WPIAL meet this past March after both the boys and girls teams qualified to compete. There, nearly all of the swimmers achieved best times and two qualified for the state meet. Junior Isabella Hoffman placed eighth in the 100-meter breaststroke and ninth in the 200 IM, earning her a spot in the PIAA state meet in both events. Senior Sophia Trevenen also swam her two best times, placing fifth in both the 100-meter fly stroke and 100-meter freestyle. That earned her spots in the PIAA state meet in those events as well. Two of the girls relay teams also had strong finishes that qualified them for the PIAA meet. The girls 200 medley relay of Savannah Nelson, Isabella Hoffman, Sophia Trevenen and Amelia Trevenen placed fifth, advancing them to the state level. At the same time, all three of the girls relays qualified for the WPIAL meet. Among them, the girls 400 freestyle relay consisting of Isabella Hoffman, Savannah Nelson, Amelia Treven and Sophia Trevenen placed seventh and advanced to the state meet. The boys had two relays qualify for the WPIAL meet and junior Soma Burt qualified individually to swim in the 200 freestyle event. Senior Ryan Black also swam in the 50 and 100 freestyle individual events . Joining those athletes, two divers competed at the WPIAL meet as well. There, junior Sydney Jarvis placed ninth with a score of 289.2 in what was her first season on the diving team. Senior Sarah Eaton, in her second year, placed 14th overall with a score of 247.8. Both divers performed consistently throughout the entire season on their way to the big stage. Swimming and Diving Varsity Sports Swimming and gymnastics round out winter full of playoff teams36 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2022 Varsity Sports Baseball The baseball team has enjoyed a top Class 4A ranking throughout much of the regular season as it has torn through section play. After dropping their very first game of the season in St. Petersburg, Florida, the Spartans ripped off 15 straight wins to secure their second section title in as many years. With eight starters returning, head coach Bob Janeada says the team’s experience last year has helped thus far and will continue to aid them as they head into the playoffs. With just a few games left in the season, pitcher Dylan Mathiesen was undefeated and had a 1.0 ERA. Pitcher Mason Sike had a 2.0 ERA while Vinnie Markulin was 5-0 with no earned runs allowed. On the offensive side of the ball, senior Matt Luchovick and junior Nick Walker were both batting .350 while Cole Fleck was batting .371. Sophomore shortstop Jake Robinson, though, may very well the team’s breakout player of the season after registering a .432 batting average and giving the Spartans some good innings on the mound. As the playoffs were approaching, the Tribune-Review ranked the Spartans as the top baseball team in the WPIAL. If they do take their class’ title, it’ll be the program’s first in 50 years. Spartans represent in the spring Five Spartan spring teams look to have either secured post season spots or had individuals reach the playoffs. At the time of this writing, most of these teams are still wrapping up their regular seasons. Here’s where they stand at this time. In addition to these teams, the boys volleyball team has also had an impressive season and secured a playoff spot. Look for an update on that team and these in the next edition. Softball Last season, the softball team rode a red-hot offense to the post- season and secured a first-round bye in the WPIAL playoffs. This year, the team looks to be building off that success. At the time of this writing, the Spartans sit at 8-3 and are in second place in their conference. The Spartans are also ranked second in WPIAL Class 4A. Five seniors are leading the team this season as captains, including Angelina LaMarca, Bre Pies, Paytun Wiernik, Kylie Ross and Ashlyn DeSchon. The team is also getting support from a strong group of underclassmen, including Mia Arndt, Avrie Polo, Jana Hess, Gia Labrie and Kaitlyn Molitoris. At the plate, Arndt, Ross, LaMarca and Polo are all batting over .460 while Kaitlyn Molitoris has pitched every inning of every game this season. At the time of this writing, she’s shut down offenses with an impressive 88 strikeouts. “We have had a good start to the season, but there is a lot of work to be done heading into the WPIAL playoffs,” says head coach Ken Kutchman. Boys Tennis The boys tennis team reached the post season after finishing second in its section and recording an impressive 6-1 record. That put the Spartans right behind defending WPIAL champion Quaker Valley. In singles play, freshman John Rohrkaste also took third place in the section and qualified for the WPIAL. He however lost to the eventual champion from North Catholic. John Rohrkaste and senior Jeremy Freeman, meanwhile, qualified for the WPIAL tournament in doubles. The team entered the post season as a seventh seed and, on May 2, defeated 10th-seeded Mt. Pleasant. That set the team up to play second-seeded North Catholic. According to head coach Eric D’Antonio, this is the team’s first post-season appearance since the 2014-2015 season. The boys tennis team secured a playoff spot for the first time since the 2014-2015 season. With four players batting over .460 and Kaitlyn Molitoris shutting down offenses, the Spartans look to be heading back to the post season. Track and field At the time of this writing, it has yet to be determined if the boys and girls field and track teams will make the post-season. With three invitationals to go, however, several individuals and relays do look to have a good shot at qualifying for the top 24 spots. Among them is Harley Kletz, whose 5:15 mile time currently has her in fifth place and her 11:16 two-mile has her in eighth. Alex Fleck, meanwhile, is running just a second behind Kletz in the one-mile event, which has her in 10th place. The two distance runners helped the cross-country team win a state title this past fall after Kletz finished third. The two are also part of the 4x800 relay team which, at the time of this writing, looks to be a shoe-in for the WPIAL meet, as it’s tied with four other teams for first place. Fleck and Kletz are running the relay with fellow cross-country state champion team members Sophia Trevenen, Amelia Trevenen, Mikhala Kletz and Lakyn Schaltenbrand. The girls 4x100 relay team of Dailyn Hopkins, Ariel Thompson, Chloe Horniak and Kim Randolph also looks like it will be a WPIAL contender as it is currently in the 18th spot. In girls field, sophomore Marlo Sayanovich is having a breakout season and currently ranked third in disc. She’s also right near the cutoff for shotput and contributing to the team in hurdle events. Her 129 points leads the entire team. On the boys side, Julian Kletz is currently ranked 13th in the two-mile and 16th in the one-mile event. Boys javelin thrower Aaron Deluca, meanwhile, is ranked 12th in javelin after throwing a 154.10. In discus, junior Michael Caufield is in 10th place and also looks to have a good shot at contending for a top spot at the WPIAL meet. Robinson Township Historical Society May/June 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 In the 19th century, the Steubenville “Turnpike” was the only route between Pittsburgh and Steubenville, and it was little more than a muddy cow path. Farmers would regularly drive their livestock - cattle, sheep, pigs and even turkeys - along the pike. Property owners along the route took care of portions of the roadway and charged travelers a toll per wagonload or head of livestock. Five inns along the Pike offered rest and refreshment to weary travelers. Three of these historic buildings still stand today: The Obey House in Elliott, the Summit House in Robinson, and the North Star Inn in Imperial. According to the large sign out front, the Summit House provided “Tourist Accommodations” and a menu featuring “Chicken and Steak Dinners” and “Lunch and Sandwiches.” The inn was known for top-notch entertainment with “High-Class Music and Dancing.” Frank Yankovic’s orchestra provided the music for many dances in that era. It was a lively and popular tourist stop for many decades, and Robinson Township grew up around it. The hotel business that once operated out of the building is long gone, but the familiar yellow-brick structure remains. In the mid- 1950s, the Moon Run Fire Department moved into the building and remodeled the old dance hall. The department installed new flooring, lighting, a kitchen and a bar. The department later moved into another facility just down the street. Today, the old Summit House building is home to offices and the Moon Run Fireman’s Club. The refurbished dance hall is still rented out for parties and receptions. The Summit House STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ROBINSON TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY The Summit House on the Steubenville “Turnpike” changed quite a bit over the years. It is pictured above in 1929 and below in two undated photos. 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2022 Summer Fun Guide Summer happenings in and around the area Events subject to change. Be sure to check contact information listed for updates to any events. McSummerfest, July 30-Aug. 6 Carnival rides, fair food, live bands, fun and games will all return to Heritage Park for the McDonald VFD’s annual McSummerfest event this summer. The VFD held a scaled-down version of McSummerfest in the department’s parking lot these past two years. This summer, however, the department is planning to bring back all the trappings that have made it such a success over the past couple of decades, including rides, a main stage with bands and lots of fair food. Count on French fries, fried Oreos, funnel cakes, hot dogs and more. There will also be a beer tent and more than likely some additional food vendors. The fun takes place nightly from 6-11 p.m. except on July 31, when the fair will be closed. There will also be a fireman’s parade July 30 at 5 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for the evening of Aug. 5 with a makeup night Aug. 6. Rides will be at the park Aug. 1-6. Check www.mcdonaldfire.com for a band schedule and more. Crafton-Ingram Rotary Rib and Chicken Fest, Aug. 4 Come celebrate this annual cookout on its 30th anniversary in Crafton Park from 4-7 p.m. Dinners include all the fixings and a choice of either baby back ribs or a barbeque chicken dinner. In addition, count on raffles, auctions, door prizes and a llama plop. Afterwards, head over to Crafton’s Concert in the Park featuring Uptown Rhythm and Brass. Proceeds support Rotary charities. Food tickets are available at the door. Check their Facebook page, @cirotary, for more and to purchase llama plop tickets. Archangel Gabriel Festival, Aug 4-6 Head to the Archangel Gabriel Catholic School on the Holy Trinity Church campus of Archangel Gabriel Parish in Robinson Township for some family fun. There will be rides, games, a casino, food trucks, entertainment, bingo, a white elephant sale and more. The event will be held from 6-10 nightly. Call (412) 787-2656 or visit archangelgabrielpgh.org for more. Proceeds benefit Archangel Gabriel Catholic School. North Fayette Community Days, Aug. 6 North Fayette Township’s annual Community Days festival will return this year to Donaldson Park. The fun kicks off around 2 p.m. and a Zambelli fireworks show closes out the evening around 10 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be live music, lots of fair food vendors, a beer tent, inflatables, a petting zoo, games and more. A car cruise hosted by the North Fayette Police Department takes place the following day (see page 44 for more information). Organizations wishing to participate should contact the North Fayette Parks and Recreation Department at (724) 307-3725. For more, visit www.north-fayette.com/199/Recreation. Moon Township’s July 4 Celebration Fireworks cap off Independence Day festivities at Moon Park this July 4, but there will be plenty going on throughout the day from 4-10 p.m. Count on entertainment, family-fun activities, a petting zoo, inflatables and more. A special musical guest takes the stage at 8:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at 10 p.m. Be sure to leave your pooch at home as dogs will not be permitted. For more, visit moonparks.org. Janoski’s Harvest Wine Festival, July 9 Head to Janoski’s Farm in Clinton for an annual festival featuring regional wineries. This open-air event takes place on the farm along the lake and features a farm fresh buffet, live entertainment, vendors and more. Attendees also take home a souvenir wine glass. This is a 21-and-over event. Tickets are $55 in advance. Purchase tickets through the link to Eventbrite at www.janoskis.com under the events tab or at Janoski’s Farm Market in Clinton. Tickets are $65 at the gate. Carry- in food, alcohol or pets are not permitted. A portion of proceeds benefits the Beaver County Humane Society. For more, visit www.janoskis.com under Events or info@ janoskis.com. The fun takes place from 3-8 p.m. Fireworks light up the sky at McSummerfest. PHOTO BY STEVE SKARUPAMay/June 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 39 Moon Township Rotary Corn Roast, Aug. 9 This annual cookout takes place in Moon Park and helps the Moon Township Rotary Club raise money for its charities. Count on live music, quite possibly in the vein of polka, beer and cookout fare. Tickets are $25 at door and $20 pre-sale. To purchase, call (724) 695-1134. The party runs 5-8 p.m. Oakdale Street Carnival, Aug. 15-20 Head to downtown Oakdale for this annual celebration and enjoy great food starting at 6 p.m. nightly. Carnival games and live music start at 7 p.m. nightly. A parade takes place Aug. 20 and the department usually hosts a car show one of those evenings. Email president@oakdalefire215.org or call (412) 420-9089 for more information. Findlay’s Fair in the Woodlands in Clinton Community Park, Aug. 19-20 Head to the woodlands section of Clinton Park in Findlay Township for live music, great food and lots of fun for the kids this August. There will be free inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon artists, airbrush tattoos and more. The fun kicks off the evening of Aug. 19 with music by Tuned Up followed by the band The M 80s. The township’s annual parade takes place the next morning on Route 30 at 10:30 a.m. Then the fun continues throughout the day, with a performance by James Tobin and the Dewey Decimators at 4 p.m. and Alt Rocks at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (724) 695-0500 x 240 or visit www. findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. Kennedy Community Days, Aug. 17-20 Rides, live music, fair food, inflatables, games and fireworks are tentatively scheduled to return to Fairhaven Park this year for Kennedy Township Community Days. Details are still in the works but, in years past, the fair has taken place each evening with fireworks capping off the fun that Saturday. There will also likely be live music and a fireman’s parade. Stay tuned to www.kennedytwp.com. Moon Wizardfest, Sept. 10 Celebrate the imaginary wizarding world of a certain popular children’s author at the Moon Wizardfest at Moon Park from 2-7:30 p.m. Count on appropriately themed artisans, crafters, music, games, food, drink, a costume contest and more. A showing of “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” at the Moon Park Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. caps off the fun. Check www.moonparks.org/events/calendar.asp# for more. Findlay’s Rhythm, Ribs and BBQ, Sept. 10 Findlay is bringing back this annual music and food event in September. Count on barbeque and live music, starting at 4 p.m. in the woodlands section of Clinton Park. Visit www. findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation for more. Third Annual Robinson Lions Club Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser, Sept. 10 The Robinson Lions Club is bringing back their cornhole fundraiser this year. Check-in starts at noon at the Lions Shelter in Burkett Park and tossing starts at 2 p.m. Advance registration is $50 per team, $10 per non-player and $5 for children. Ages 10 and under are free. Cash prizes will be awarded. There will also be a DJ, a picnic-style buffet, draft beer, raffle baskets and more. Proceeds benefit Lions Club charities. Email Tim Barefoot to register at: TimRobinsonLions@yahoo.com. Robinson Township Autumn Festival, Sept. 17 Robinson Township’s Autumn Festival will once again close out the festival season at the Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex in Robinson Township this September. Festivities kick off at noon and go until 9 p.m. There will be live bands throughout the day, including performances by No Bad JuJu, an Eagles tribute band called Desperado, and acoustic trio Paul and Eileen Rennie. There will also once again be rides, games and lots of food vendors. This year marks the festival’s 20th. Check townshipofrobinson.com/special-events/ for more. The fun will return to Fairhaven Park for Kennedy Community Days in August. Next >