< PreviousIngram Days Celebration, July 20-21 This annual celebration in Ingram Park will be celebrating its 40th year this July. The fun kicks off on July 20 at 5 p.m. and wraps up on July 21 at 11 p.m. with a fireworks show. Come prepared to enjoy lots of great fair food, games, crafters, vendors and live music. There will be free face painting and airbrush tattoos for the kids from 5-7 p.m. and a balloon artist from 6-8 p.m. both nights. Silent Partner takes the stage Saturday night around 7:30 p.m. Casanova Band performs Sunday night before a fireworks show to cap off the fun and the big milestone. Check out www.facebook.com/IngramDays for more. Oakdale Hose Company Street Carnival, July 20-27 Head to downtown Oakdale for this annual celebration and enjoy carnival games, live music, great food and more starting at 7:30 p.m. nightly. A parade takes place July 26 at 7 p.m. and an impressive car show will be held July 23. Bike night is July 24. Call (724) 350-6795 with questions. Crafton-Ingram Rotary Rib and Chicken Fest, Aug. 1 Come celebrate this annual cookout on its 27th anniversary in Crafton Park from 4-7 p.m. Choose between baby back ribs or a barbeque chicken dinner. In addition to great food, count on raffles, auctions, door prizes and a llama plop. Live entertainment kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Dinners include all the fixings. Proceeds support Rotary charities. For questions, call (412) 922-8824. Holy Trinity Festival, Aug 1-3 Head to Holy Trinity Catholic Church and enjoy some family fun at the Holy Trinity Festival from 6-11 p.m. nightly. There will be rides, games, bingo, a casino, food trucks and entertainment. This festival marks its 42nd. For questions, call (412) 787-2656. The festival benefits the new Archangel Gabriel School. North Fayette Township Community Days, Aug. 3-4 North Fayette’s fair takes place Aug. 3 in picturesque Donaldson Park and kicks off with a 5K in the morning (see 5Ks for race info). Expect live music throughout the day, plenty of fair food vendors, a beer tent, inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, clowns, games and a Zambelli fireworks show at the end. The fun runs 2-11 p.m. A car cruise takes place Aug. 4 (see cruises 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 Rotary Corn Roast, Aug. 13 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 $20 and can be purchased at the event. The party runs 5-8 p.m. Call (724) 695-1134 with questions. The fireman’s parade during the Oakdale Hose Company’s street fair gives children the opportunity to bag some treats. Fireworks and rides are part of the fun at Kennedy Township Community Days. Findlay Township Fair in the Woodlands in Clinton Community Park, Aug. 16-17 Findlay Township’s annual township fair at Clinton Community Park hasn’t been an agricultural fair for some time, but it still retains many of the same trappings. Prizes are still awarded for best livestock, vegetables, baked goods, sewing and more. There’s also pie eating and hula-hoop contests, a petting zoo, bounce castle, and miniature train rides. The fun starts the evening of Aug. 16 with a hilly 5K (check 5Ks listing for more) followed by a parade the next morning at 10:30 a.m. The fun then goes throughout the day. Count on live entertainment as well as inflatables for the kids. A fireworks show takes place that evening. The fun takes place under the shady, comfortable canopy of the woodlands. For more, call (724) 695-0500 x 240 or visit www. findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. Feastival and Ringing’ the Rocks Details for this year’s Feastival in downtown McKees Rocks are still in the works. For the past five years, though, this hip and family-fun festival has taken place in August and featured lots of great live soul and funk music. You can also expect food trucks, kids’ activities and more. Stay tuned to www.mckeesrocks.com. In the meantime, be sure to check out these “Ringin’ the Rocks” Art and Wine Crawls on June 7 and Sept. 6 from 6-9 p.m. Both are free to the public and, for a $5 donation, participants ages 21 and older who check in will receive a wristband and access to wine samplings throughout the crawl. The June 7 event focuses on the Broadway business district in Stowe Township and will feature pop- ups from area artisans and businesses from McKees Rocks. The Sept. 6 event will be held on the lower Chartiers Avenue business district in McKees Rocks and will feature pop-ups from local artisans and Stowe businesses. Email ringintherocks@gmail.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram for more. Kennedy Township Community Days, Aug. 7-10 Rides, live music, fair food, inflatables, games and more await at this year’s Kennedy Township Community Days. Details are still in the works, but in the past the fair has taken place each evening at Fairhaven Park and the fireman’s parade has taken place the final day on Saturday. Fireworks cap off the fun that evening as well. Stay tuned to www. kennedytwp.com. Seventh Annual Autumn Festival, Sept. 14 Close out the festival season with Robinson Township’s Autumn Festival at the Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex in Robinson Township. Festivities kick off at noon and go until 9 p.m. There will be live bands throughout the day, youth performances, amusements, arcade games, a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline and more. As well, it wouldn’t be a festival without the food vendors and a fireworks show to wrap up the celebration. Check www.facebook.com/townshipofrobinson for more. Vendor applications will be available after July at www.townshipofrobinson.com. Findlay Township’s fair takes place under the canopy of the woodlands. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019 Just looking for the fireworks? Many of these are listed throughout this guide, along with contact information, but here’s the shortcut and a few additional dates. Show up early for festivities and to grab a good spot. Fireworks go off around dusk. Plans, however, may change due to inclement weather. Fireworks cap off the evening at McSummerfest. Independence Day Festivities: Findlay Township, July 3 (rain date July 5), Recreation and Sports Complex (810 Route 30). Robinson Township, July 4, Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex. Moon Township, July 4, Moon Park. McSummerfest, July 5, Heritage Park in McDonald. More Fireworks: North Fayette Township Community Days, Aug. 3, Donaldson Park. Findlay Township Fair in the Woodlands, Aug. 17, Clinton Community Park. Autumn Festival, Sept. 14, Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex. Ingram Days Celebration, July 21, Ingram Park. Robinson Township Autumn Festival, Sept. 14, Burkett Sports and Recreation Complex. Want more cookout fare? Then head out to the Findlay Township Municipal Building on the last Thursday of every month through September. There, you’ll find food trucks serving up their fare in the parking lot. When the weather’s nice, the township puts out tables and benches. When the weather’s nasty, take-out is still available. The lot is located at 1271 Route 30 in Clinton and is a short distance from the Clinton Exit off I-376 (the one just past the airport exit if you’re heading toward Beaver). Call (724) 695-0500 with questions. Get more cookout grub at Findlay’s Food Truck Thursdays May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 Want to keep the kids busy this summer? Then check out these camps, which offer a range of times, venues and activities. Youth Soccer at Settlers Cabin Park Allegheny County Parks is offering some Saturday and Monday soccer sessions for children ages 2-8 this summer at Settlers Cabin Park. Sessions run from mid-June into August. Go to alleghenycounty.us/ summercamps and click on Settlers Cabin Park at the bottom. You can also view the full list of the county’s camps at its other parks. Evening camps at The Landing Last year, Impact Christian Church opened the doors to its new community center, The Landing, to the public. Impact renovated the former Airport Ice Arena into a multi-use center with an indoor tennis field, basketball court, meeting space and more. This summer, Impact is again offering an evening camp the week of June 28. Attendees can take on a sports track called Get Moving, an arts track called Get Messy or a preschool track that combines both and is for ages 3-5. The other two tracks are for grades K through five. The cost is $30 per child and the camp takes place 6-8:30 p.m. nightly. Register at: impactpittsburgh.com/get-involved. YMCA Summer Day Camps at Settlers Cabin Park The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh is partnering with Allegheny County Parks and Recreation to offer several day camps this summer. Locally, two camps are being offered at Settlers Cabin Park and both have work-friendly schedules. They run from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with a before- camp starting at 7 a.m. and an after-camp wrapping up at 6 p.m. The Spencer Family YMCA Camp Olympus is for ages 6-14 and will offer themes each week ranging from “inventor’s workshop,” where campers are challenged to build a marble run, to “beach week.” Campers also get exclusive time at the wave pool. The other, in association with L.L. Bean, is called YMCA Discovery Camp and is for ages 8-15. Kids in this camp will be engaged in outdoorsy pursuits like backpacking, orienteering, archery, ecology, fly-fishing, geocaching and more. For more, including prices and registration, visit www.alleghenycounty.us/parks/activities/ youth-camps.aspx and click on Settlers Cabin Park. Moon Parks and Rec. summer programs Moon Township Parks and Recreation offers a gamut of day and evening programs for children who live either in or outside of Moon Township. Programs range from co-ed flag rugby to a tennis program. There’s also a half-day summer playground program with discounts for multiple children. For some brief program descriptions, see page 29. For more, and to register, visit www.moonparks.org/programs/youth.asp. Montour’s Summer STEAM Camp, June 17-21 For the past four years, Montour School District has been hosting a morning summer camp aimed at area elementary and middle school students. Courses are taught by Montour educators and encourage students to pursue an area of interest in the STEAM - science, technology, engineering, arts and math - disciplines. With an emphasis on hands-on experimentation and learning, the camp has also been a testing ground for educators trying out new teaching methods. The popularity of the camp has grown to the point that it attracted about 350 students last year. This year, the Montour’s Summer STEAM camp returns June 17-21 and takes place daily from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at the high school. The camp is open to anyone in grades K-12. Courses range from fashion art to artificial intelligence. For a full list of courses, and to register, visit MontourSteamCamp.com. Sign up by May 27. Karen Prunzik’s Broadway Dance Summer Camps Do you have a budding performer between the ages of 3 and 18 in the family? Then cultivate their talent by signing them up for a summer camp at Karen Prunzik’s Broadway Performing Arts Studio. There are several themes to choose from, including “Paw Pals,” “Princess Camp” and “The Addams Family.” Students can also get a 50 percent discount off summer classes when they register. Visit www. prunziksbroadwaydancestudio.com or call (412) 920-1841. See the story about the studio’s new location on page 8. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019SUMMER CAMPS & YOUTH SPORTS AT THE ALLEGHENY COUNTY PARKS ALLEGHENYCOUNTY.US/SUMMERCAMPS NORTH PARK SETTLERS CABIN PARK BOYCE PARK SOUTH PARK FAMILY POOL PASSES FOR THE 2019 SEASON! ON SALE AT ALLEGHENYCOUNTY.US/PARKPASSES The Robinson Township pool got a big update in time for its opening last year. Among those updates were new tube slides, a climbing wall, dump buckets and an extended, zero-depth shallow area for children that also provides ease of access. The pool opens for the weekends starting May 25 and will remain open seven days a week June 9-Sept. 2. The township is also offering a bunch of swim programs for ages 1-15+. Passes are available for both residents and non-residents. Walk-ins pay $7 per day. For a complete list of prices, programs offered and pass rates, visit the pool office in Clever Park, see the township’s newsletter or visit townshipofrobinson.com. The township has a few community events planned at the pool, too: Luaua, June 22, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Spirit of Dixie Band Concert, July 14, 7:15-8:45 p.m. Glow in the Dark, Aug. 3, 7:30-10 p.m. Swimming Robinson Township Community Pool, Clever Park Allegheny County Pool Passes If you frequent the wave pool at Settlers Cabin Park then consider picking up a pool pass at alleghenycounty.us/parkpasses. The pass gives you unlimited access not only to the local wave pool but also the county’s other pools in Boyce Park, North Park and South Park. Packages are available for individuals, families and seniors. To view membership packages, select “memberships” and then search for “pool.” Moon Area High School Natatorium The pool at Moon Area High School will remain open to Moon Township residents with expanded hours June 10-July 11. Stop in any time between noon and 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday (hours while school is in session are 7:45-9 p.m., Monday through Friday). Rates are $3 for adults 18 and over and $2 for children ages 3-17. Children under 2 swim free. Children under 10 must have an adult with them. Moon Parks and Recreation is also offering summer swim lessons for children between the ages 3 and 12 from June 17-27 starting at 11:30 a.m. Half-hour lessons are $30 and one-hour lessons are $40. Visit moonparks.org for more. Robinson Township’s pool at Clever Park features a zero-depth shallow area and lots of amenities for children. May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 23Free concerts Most of the fairs and festivals listed in this guide feature live music. Here are some additional free concert dates scheduled throughout the area. Clinton Park Concert, June 11 (rain date June 12), 7 p.m., Clinton Park, John Reno plays Jimmy Buffet-style music. Spirit of Dixie Band, Robinson Township Pool at Clever Park, July 14, 7:15- 8:45 p.m., New Orleans-style jazz, bring blanket or lawn chair, www.facebook.com/townshipofrobinson Robin Hill Lunchtime Concert Series, third Wednesdays, 12-1 p.m., May- September, bring lawn chair or blanket, snacks available for purchase, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, www.moonparks.org. Friday Fun Nights at Moon Park, Moon Park Amphitheater, concerts start 7:30 p.m., movies start at dusk, dinks available, free popcorn, www.moonparks.org, schedule: June 14 - West Hills Symphonic Band June 21 - Safety Last and Gumband June 28 - Dan Buben and the Delta Struts/ The Gillie Brothers Band July 12 - Wild World of Animals / “Zoo” July 19 - Windjammer Orchestra July 26 - Community Camp Out / “Lego Movie II” Aug. 2 - Josh & Gabby / “Wonder” Aug. 9 - Jim Kanfousch / “Coco” Aug. 16 - Hip Hop Dancers / “Mary Poppins Returns” Aug. 23 - Whipper Snappers / “Teen Titans go to the Movies” The SNPJ Lodge 106 in Imperial has lots of regular cruises throughout the year. Show off your ride at these cruises, or just show up to drool Whether you restore classic cars, tune imports or just like gawking at custom rides, these car cruises are for you. Awards entitle winners to bragging rights but the real fun is getting up close to these great cars and talking with customizers. Cruises are free to spectators. Many benefit good causes. SNPJ Lodge 106 Car Cruises, noon, 255 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, with live entertainment, food, drinks, 50/50, level paved parking, door prizes, air conditioned clubroom, bikes welcome, dash plaques for first 50 cars; May 19: Cool Change, schedule magnets in place of dash plaques; June 9: Shades of Time; July 21: The HEDGG Band; Aug. 11: Elvis Lives: A Tribute to the King; September: Black and Gold Car Cruise, details TBA, (724) 695-1411. Cruisin’ in the Woodlands, May 31, 5-9 p.m., Clinton Park, food, DJ, 50/50, dash plaques for first 100 cars, (724) 695-0500 x 240. Pep Boys and Cruisin’ Classics Cruise, June 2, 12-4 p.m., Pep Boys in Robinson Township, dash plaques for first 50 cars, door prizes, DJ. Paradise Island Bowl Cruise, 5-9 p.m., Tuesdays, Paradise Island Bowling on Neville Island, oldies music. Kosbar Ranch/Twisted Metal Car Club Car Show, third Saturdays, May-October, noon start, 363 Coraopolis Road, Coraopolis, hot rods, custom cars, bikes, beer and food available. Wheels, Wings and Wishes, June 23, Moon Park, 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., custom and high-end sports cars, classics, concessions, live entertainment, raffles, awards, $5 donation per car, benefits Make-A-Wish Foundation, wheelwingswishes.com. Ultimate Sunday Car Cruise, June 30, July 28, Aug. 11, 4-9 p.m., Kennedy Center in Kennedy Township, 1800 McKees Rocks Road, music, prizes, food available at Rockefeller’s and Rita’s Italian Ice. McKees Rocks Super Cruise, July 18, 4-9 p.m., Kennedy Center in Kennedy Township, 1800 McKees Rocks Road, music, prizes, food available at Rockefeller’s and Rita’s Italian Ice. Catch a show at The Roxian Fourteen years ago, the McKees Rocks Development Corporation began the momentous task of rescuing the deteriorating Roxian Theater on Chartiers Avenue in downtown McKees Rocks. After pulling the property out of bankruptcy and putting some much-needed initial work into the project, the MRCDC entered into a partnership with John Pergal, owner of the Thunderbird Café in Lawrenceville, in 2017. Since then, the theater has gone through a massive renovation. In all, about $9 million total has been invested in the property. At the time of this writing, The Roxian is finally scheduled to reopen at the beginning of May as a two-level concert venue with a 1,470-person capacity. About 20 shows are already planned this year, with acts like Iron and Wine, Toots and the Maytals, The Psychedelic Furs, and more. The historic, vaudeville-era theater with original plaster moldings and reliefs features all new amenities and will make for some memorable concert-going experiences. While you’re downtown, check out some of the newly refurbished bars in the area, like Rocks Landing Bar and Grille across the street and Rudy’s Dive Bar around the corner on Island Avenue, where you can still get the bar’s famous ham sandwich. Or stop by Black Forge Coffee, which is renovating the space at the corner of Chartiers and Thompson avenues in preparation to open in the coming months. Visit www.roxianlive.com for more. 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019Catch a race at “dirt’s monster half mile” Want to see sprint cars reach upwards of 150 miles per hour on a dirt track as they duke it out in a circuit race? Sure you do, so head to Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway in Imperial for those and lots of other races this summer. The racetrack, located at 170 Kelso Road, is open every Saturday night through October. There are also lots of fun, family- friendly events, like a kids’ bike night, $1 hotdog nights, a monster truck night, late model races and more. Check ppms.com for a complete schedule. Sprint cars race around the dirt track at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Oakdale Hose Company Street Carnival Cruise, July 23, downtown Oakdale, coincides wth carnival, food, games, entertainment, (724) 350-6795. North Fayette Police Department Car Cruise, Aug. 4, 12-4 p.m., Donaldson Park, hosted by the North Fayette Police Department, www.north-fayette.com/335/Parks-Recreation. Moon Township VFC Car Cruise, Aug. 25, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Moon Park, www.moontwpfire.com/events/annual.php. Robinson Township Car Cruise, Oct. 5, noon-4 p.m., Robinson Town Centre, $5 donation per car, live entertainment by Gumband and oldies by DJ Dan, benefits Robinson Parks, dash plaques for first 150 cars, register day of event, vendors contact: jtallon@townshipofrobinson.com, enter for chance to be featured on dash plaques by Sept. 1, email with “Car Cruise Contest” in the subject box. The cruise held during the Oakdale Hose Company’s Street Carnival draws lots of custom and classic cars. May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 25Visit the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Head out to Collier Township just outside of Oakdale this summer and stop by the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. This massive project aims to convert upwards of 460 acres of former strip mine into a world-class garden. Currently, visitors can explore 60 acres of the garden, including several miles of paths that meander through a woodlands section, a dogwood meadow, a lotus pond and more. There are also regular tai chi classes offered that take place next to the garden’s lotus pond, educational programs for various ages and volunteer days. Visit pittsburghbotanicgarden.org, then click on explore and event calendar for more. Through Oct. 31, the garden is open Tuesday-Saturday. It opens daily at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m., except on Wednesday and Thursday when it stays open until 7 p.m. Admission is $10 but discounts and memberships are available. The garden is located at 799 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale. Fly with GPARCS Want to see a turbine-powered jet model airplane fly? How about one that uses a gyroscope that reduces the chance of crashing? Then take a drive out to the K. Leroy Irvis Radio Control Model Airport located at 80 Model Airport Road in Burgettstown any Thursday at 5 p.m. (so long as the weather is nice) and meet up with members of the Greater Pittsburgh Aero Radio Control Society. Since the mid- 1970s, model airplane enthusiasts have been flying model airplanes at the airstrip, which is situated in the middle of Hillman State Park. GPARCS members are happy to lend a hand to help prospective members get started in the hobby with a little instruction. The airstrip’s remote location also means there aren’t any overhead power lines, buildings or annoying neighbors to ruin the fun. Visit www.gparcs.org for more information. Get healthier with this local cycling club Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or just looking to improve your skills, consider joining up with the Premier Bicycle Club of Western Pennsylvania. This local club offers regular area rides led by trained ride leaders and offers six special events per year, the largest being its Shenandoah and Skyline Drive Tour through the picturesque hills of Virginia. Founded by chiropractor Dr. Robert Vano of Oakdale and some of his cycling friends, the club encourages members to stay healthy not only through exercise but also by adhering to a diet of whole foods. Annual memberships are $25 per person or $40 per family. Donations help the nonprofit pay operating expenses. For more information, including a calendar of upcoming rides, visit www.PremierBicycleClub.org. Hollow Oak Land Trust’s single-rail trails in the Montour Woods are perfect for mountain biking or a nice nature hike. The Panhandle Trail is paved all the way from the Washington County line to the West Virginia border. Members of the Premier Bicycle Club of Western Pennsylvania pose for a picture during a special trip to Italy. The lotus pond at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Take a trail hike (or bike) Strap on your hiking boots or break out the bike. You can hit these trails with either. Hollow Oak Land Trust trails Take a hike back in the woods or get your mountain bike tires dirty in the Montour Woods on the Hollow Oak Land Trust trails. Trailheads are located off Hassam Road and at 949 Thorn Run Road. Trails range from easy to intermediate. They also connect with Moon Township trails that explore Moon Park. Visit hollowoak.org for maps and more. HOLT organizes a casual evening hike on Tuesdays throughout the summer that meets at the Thorn Run Road trailhead. Cruise on this lengthy paved section of the Panhandle Trail Pump up your bike tires and jump on the Panhandle Trail at the Washington County line and you’ll be able to cruise on a paved surface 17.3 miles all the way to West Virginia. Park for free at the McDonald Trail Station at 110 South McDonald Street. The Tandem Bike shop has a location just across the street for any bike supplies you may need, including the most important one: ice cream. Visit www. mcdonaldtrailstation.com for more. If you want to bike the Allegheny County section of the trail, head right out of the McDonald lot or park along the trail in Oakdale. Then you’ll be able to grab a beer at Helicon Brewery and enjoy their wide selection of craft brews and pinball machines at the finish. Take a long trip on the Montour Trail With 36 continuous miles open for hiking and biking, the combination of day trips on the Montour Trail are endless. The longest dedicated route of course starts at Mile 0 in Coraopolis and ends in either Bethel Park or Clairton but the spur connecting to the Panhandle Trail near Mile 17 opens up even more options - not to mention the spur connecting the trail to the Great Allegheny Passage between Clairton and McKeesport. Visit montourtrail.org for an interactive map and more. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019 “Gardening adds years to your life and life to your years.” That quote would best describe the members of the Moon Township Garden Club. They love to garden and also enjoy sharing the works of others. As such, they will be hosting their annual garden tour Saturday, July 6. The tour will feature an assortment of beautiful and interesting gardens located throughout Moon Township. There will be six gardens on this year’s tour and they can be visited at your leisure from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine! Last year, I had the honor of having my gardens on the tour. Gardening has been a passion of mine for 50 years. My water garden was first on the tour in 2000. It was designed and built by a former student of mine from West Allegheny, where I taught art for 33 years. Loren Byrne, a 1996 graduate, is now an associate professor of biology and environmental science at Rogers Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. He built his first pond at age 14 and, yes, he has a pond at his home. His undergraduate degree was a self-designed major in ecological artistry, which combines biology with the arts. My pond and gardens have matured over the last 19 years and I have added a multitude of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and fountains. Fish, frogs, toads, birds, dragonflies and deer enjoy the pond. Waterlilies, papyrus, water hyacinths and irises will flower soon. A small waterfall cascades down six feet of stone. The garden is populated with statuary of angels, fairies, birdhouses and butterflies. Wind chimes make sweet sounds complementing the sound of the waterfall. Many parts of the garden are sentimental, including living family legacies such as my mother’s rose bush. Rocks and stones that came from a creek in Donegal, where my family owns a cabin, surround the pond and provide a walking path. There is also a fig tree, grapes and honeysuckle. The view from my expansive deck overlooks the yard, pond and valley, which provides a panoramic view and spectacular sunsets. Thirty potted plants and flowers decorate the deck and provide a relaxing and colorful “outdoor living room.” Over the years, my water garden has been featured in the national publication Pond and Garden Magazine, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the Moon Record. Impressionist artist Claude Monet stated, “My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.” That’s how I feel about my canvas of nature. My gardens are expressions of my creativity - a one- woman art show! The goal is to provide a colorful, peaceful, whimsical garden that blooms from April through October. Moon Township Garden Club members host their annual tour and it has drawn hundreds of people. Proceeds from the tour helps support many local charitable causes, including a scholarship for Moon Area students and the Fleur de Lune Garden in Robin Hill. We also support other local groups in our community such as the Mooncrest Community Garden, Hollow Oak Land Trust, the Montour Trail, Friends of the Moon Township Public Library and the Moon Green Team. Donations to the Moon Township Garden Club help it to continue its philanthropic efforts. On the day of the tour, between 9 a.m. and noon, programs and maps for the gardens will be available for pickup at Robin Hill Park at 949 Thorn Run Road in Moon Township. The cost for the tour is $10 if pre- purchased and $15 the day of the tour. Pre-purchase admission is available online at Eventbrite. When picking up the map, you are welcome to visit the new Fleur de Lune Garden at Robin Hill, which features plants, flowers and herbs. The tour is self-guided so you can visit each at your leisure but I suggest starting early so you can experience each garden. The Garden Shop and Plant Sale will also be open during the tour at Fleur de Lune Garden at Robin Hill. Many of the lovely garden items are handcrafted by the club’s 45 members. Hand-painted garden stakes and draped pots will be featured. For more information about the garden tour or the Moon Township Garden Club, call (412) 269-1048 or email emnorthy@comcast.net. Registration forms are available at moontownshipgardenclub.com. Take a tour of area gardens, July 6 Debbie Turici’s garden includes a walking path along a waterfall, some statuary and an arbor. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DEBBIE TURICI Groundwork is a regular column submitted by members of the Moon Township Garden Club. May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 27Golf Outings Get out on the course, play some golf and network while enjoying the weather at one of these outings. Best part is, you’ll be benefitting a good cause. 5K Races Are you a runner? Looking for some motivation to reach your goal? Sign up for these area 5K races for a little friendly competition. Moon Township Glow 5K Run & Walk, July 3, 9:15 p.m. start, begins at Moon Township Public Library, face painting, glow sticks, music, dancing, after party, moonparks.org. North Fayette Township Community Days 5K, Aug. 3, Donaldson Park, awards, $15 entry fee, race starts 9 a.m., one-mile kids’ run and family fun walk coincides, register at community center, (724) 307-3725. Findlay Township Semi-Great Race, Aug. 16, starts and finishes at Clinton Community Park, race starts 7 p.m. in woodlands section, hilly course, $10 entry fee, awards, two-mile fun walk coincides, sstrain@findlaytwp.org, (724) 695-0500 x 240. Heitz of Heaven 5K, Aug. 24, starts 9 a.m., RMU Island Sports Center, level course along river, music, auction, food, drinks, awards, $25, benefits Heitz 61 Memorial Foundation, runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/ HeitzofHeaven5KRunWalk. 43rd Annual Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing, June 7, Quicksilver Golf Club, 7:30 a.m. registration, 7:30-8:15 a.m. driving range, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start with scramble format, 1:30 p.m. cash bar, 2:30 p.m. lunch, prizes, auctions, sponsorships available, register at: www.paacc. com or call (412) 264-6270. Bob Pompeani Charity Golf Classic, June 17, Chartiers Country Club, 9 a.m. registration/brunch, 10 a.m. start, 10:30 a.m. $100,000/$1 million shoot-outs, 10:45 a.m. shotgun start, 4:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 5 p.m. putting contest, 6 p.m. awards program, sponsorships available, (412) 446-0702, pfq. org. 20th Annual Gerry Dulac Charity Golf Classic, July 8, Sewickley Heights Golf Club, 9 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. shotgun start, $210/golfer, includes continental breakfast, dinner, auction, photo, gift, sponsorships available, (724) 947-1234, supports Parkway West Rotary charities (this year Coraopolis Train Station Project), www. parkwaywestrotary.com. Robinson Farmers Market, Mondays, 3-7 p.m., May 13-Oct. 14, upper parking lot at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, live music, children’s programs and more, www. robinsonfarmersmarket. org, @robinsonfarmersmarket on Facebook and Instagram. Moon Township Farmers’ Market, Wednesdays, June-September, 3-6 p.m., Moon Township Municipal Building, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods, hot prepared foods, beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, plants, flowers, antiques, arts, crafts, free coupon for ages 5-12, www.moontwp.com/ farmersmarket.html. The Original Farmers’ Market, starts 5:30 p.m.; Fridays, May-November; Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, June-September; Mondays and Fridays October-November; Bridgeville area; take left on Route 50 off Bridgeville I-79 South Exit; 151 Parks Road, McDonald; www. theoriginalfarmersmarket.net. McDonald Trail Station Farmers’ Market, Saturdays, mid-July-September, 9 a.m.-noon, McDonald Trail Station parking lot in McDonald, 161 South McDonald St., fresh local vegetables, fruits, local honey, home-made baked goods, jams, jellies, fresh farm eggs, preordering of locally raised and butchered beef, specialty animal treats, local crafts, www.mcdonaldtrailstation.com, (724) 926-4617. St. James Farmers’ Market, St. James Catholic Church in Sewickley, 200 Walnut St., Saturdays through November, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., vegetables, organic farm products, meats, honey, pierogies, pasta, more, (412) 741-6650, www.saintjames-church.com. Fresh produce is among some of the many offerings at the Moon Township Farmers’ Market. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY Moon Township’s Glow 5K run lights up the night. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019Parade your pet, June 15 Do you bear an unlikely resemblance to your beloved, four-legged companion? Have an awesome costume for them that you hardly ever get to show off? Then grab your furry friend and head to Settlers Ridge on June 15 for Robinson Township’s annual Pet Parade. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m. and there will be lots of pet- and kid- friendly activities through noon, including a craft corner hosted by the Robinson Township Library. Participants are asked to pledge $10 per pet to benefit the South Hills Pet Rescue. For tickets, visit township- of-robinson.ticketleap.com or email jtallon@ townshipofrobinson.com. Carnegie Performing Arts Dance Recital, June 1-2 “Dance! Dance! Dance!,” the Carnegie Performing Arts Center’s year-end recital, will take place June 1 at 8 p.m. and June 2 at 2 p.m. The Andrew Carnegie Music Hall is located at 300 Beechwood Avenue in Carnegie. Featured will be solos from graduating seniors Miranda Richardson and Audrey Durham. The recital will feature performers ages 3 through 18 performing ballet, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, tap, modern and pre-dance. Tickets are available at the box office and are $18 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For more information, call (412) 279-8887 or visit carnegieperformingartscenter.com. Moon Parks and Rec. Programs take place at Robin Hill unless otherwise noted. For more, and to register, visit moonparks.org or call (412) 262-1703. Summer youth programs Mad Science Camp: Little Green Thumbs (ages 3-5), July 22-26, 9 a.m.-noon, Campers investigate the science of gardening, $125 residents/$140 non- residents. Mad Science Camp: Grossology (ages 6-11), Aug. 19-23, 9 a.m.-noon, focuses on body systems including chemistry and organ function, $125 residents/$140 non-residents Zumbini Mini-Session (ages 0-4 with caregiver), Saturdays, Aug. 3-31, 10-10:45 a.m., Moon Township Municipal Building, $70 per child w/parent, $40 each additional child, five-week session. Bitty Ballet Summer Camp (ages 3.5- 6), Monday-Thursday, June 3-6, July 29-Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., program designed for preschool-aged children as an introduction to dance, $80 residents, $85 non-residents. Teen Drivers Education, dates TBA, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon, Moon Township Municipal Building, certificate awarded accepted by most insurance companies. Youth Flag Football, (ages 4-14), Saturdays, Aug. 17-Sept. 7, Sundays, Sept. 15-Nov. 3, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Hyde Elementary, $45, include t-shirt. Co-Ed Youth Flag Rugby (grades 1-6), Tuesdays and Thursdays, June 11-Aug. 8. 6-7 p.m., Discovery Field, $100, includes jersey Moon Summer Tennis Lessons (ages 5-11), June 10-July 5 (four weeks), July 8-29 (one-week sessions), Aug. 5-23 (single day sessions); Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; Moon Park Tennis Courts, $144 four weeks, $45 one week, $20 day lessons. Moon Youth Free Beginner Tennis Clinics, Saturdays, June 1-Aug. 3, Moon Park Tennis Courts, 10 a.m.-noon, free, registration required. Bicycle Riding Training, (ages 4-8), through Aug. 3, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, noon-6 p.m. hourly, Moon Park Amphitheater parking lot, $80/three hours of training, bikes provided, must wear helmet, $40 private lessons, most children proficient in three hours. Summer Moon Mobile Playground (ages 5-12), Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-noon, mobile trailer visits local neighborhood areas for recreation, Meade and Amhearst (Monday), Broad Hill Farms (Tuesday), Bon Meade (Wednesday), Mooncrest (Thursday), free. Fitness Ages 15+ Yoga: Basics and More (ages 15+), Tuesdays, June 4-25, no classes July or August, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Moon Township Municipal Building. $40 residents, $45 non- residents, four-week session, $12 drop-In. Pilates (ages 15+), Wednesdays, July 10-Aug. 21, Aug. 28-Oct. 2, 8:30-9:30 a.m., $45 residents/$50 non-residents, six- week session, $10 drop-in. Outdoor Workout (ages 15+), details TBA. Cardio Tennis, June 5, 10-11 a.m., Moon Park Tennis Courts, $20. NOW HIRING! Oces located in Robinson Twp. & Monaca 412.494.2000 ExpressPros.com Full-time and part-time job opportunities in a variety of positions: Administrative, Professional, Industrial, Skilled Labor, Skilled Trades, and Skilled Professional. Call to schedule your interview! No Fees! May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >