< Previous20 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2020 The Cornell Tech Squad has gone virtual Greenhouse groundbreaking New Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program begins The Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor2.0 Program with Cornell High School has officially kicked off! Students have are now being matched with volunteer mentors in the local community. Mentors are supportive, caring adults who will help students navigate the challenges of their teenage years while supporting their efforts to create realistic, attainable plans for their futures. Whether attending college or a trade/vocational school, joining the military, or entering the workforce, each student will gain the critical knowledge, skills, and confidence to chase their dream and become a successful, productive member of society. BBBS would like to give a special shout out and thanks to ninth grade Cornell High School teachers Jennifer Kosek and Andy Erwin, as well as Superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas, for making this partnership happen! The Cornell Tech Squad has decided not to let these challenging times prevent them from continuing their activities. Instead, they’ve chosen to turn this year’s group into a “Virtual Tech Squad.” The Tech Squad’s current goal is to help students maintain a sense of connection to each other and Cornell; build student capacity to help others with their technology needs; and to have fun while learning. Fun is particularly important this year! Tech Squad students now convene as a group using Google Meet while they are at home. AM students meet in the afternoon from home while PM students meet in the morning from home. This structure also allows Cornell’s fully remote students to participate and stay connected. During virtual meetings, students take part in live, friendly competitions that work to build their knowledge of technology while also introducing them to new tech tools. These tools can either potentially be used in classes or help to inform teachers. Additionally, Tech Squad meetings serve as a time to share announcements and hold group discussions about activities. Students have just begun the Virtual Tech Squad Challenge called “Adventures in Cyberspace,” in which students can complete online challenges at their own pace to help them learn while having fun. Students are able to earn prizes and rewards as they progress in the game. One thing that is very exciting for the group this year is that May Jue, head of the Google Certified Trainer Program, has taken a special interest in the Cornell Tech Squad! She will be attending one of their meetings this year from across the country and has sent students some fun Google-branded items. The group’s sponsor, Rachel McVeagh, has been invited to share information about the Tech Squad with the Google Certified Trainer Program to inspire other trainers in this dynamic global organization to get student tech groups started in their schools. The Tech Squad is open to all students in grades 8 through 12. Specifically, the group is seeking eighth-graders who may want to join. In the second semester, the club will also open up to all interested seventh grade students. Interested students should see Rachel McVeagh or ask one of their teachers for more information! One of the original goals of the Ohio River Heritage Project, an experiential learning project that was funded by two AIU3 Catalyst STEAM Grants, was to install a greenhouse so students could grow a variety of produce. Students at Cornell High School decided they wanted to extend the growing season as long as possible without burning fossil fuels. They found that by facing the greenhouse southward, attaching it to the school building and insulating the perimeter, they could maximize sun exposure and minimize heat loss during colder months. Students then examined greenhouse designs and even customized the pitch of the roof to ensure the efficiency of the structure. Students even evaluated using geothermal energy, but because of the proximity of the greenhouse to the school building the plan was abandoned and replaced with a strategy of using radiant heat. Volunteers from Williams Company, who have been working with Cornell for the past three years as part of the United Way’s Adopt-a- School program, learned about the project and were eager to help. They reached out to PJ Dick Corporation, which volunteered to assist with the project and prepare the ground. PJ Dick Corporation also poured the footer and prepped the floor to accept radiant heat. Volunteers from Williams and PJ Dick have been committed to helping install the greenhouse this winter so that it will be ready for students in the spring. Initially, students were planning to work with volunteers on the construction phase. However, because of safety protocols put in place due to COVID, volunteers will work with district personnel to get the job done. Once the greenhouse is built, the next steps are to start growing produce and develop a way to heat the greenhouse during the colder months. With the floor already prepared to accept radiant heat, environmental science students will be working with their science teacher, Tavis Bogue, to prototype a solar water heater. They will also be getting the advice and support of engineers from Williams Company and PJ Dick. Cornell High School recently applied for a grant from the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools to support this part of the project. Mentors in the Cornell community are working with Cornell High School students through the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor2.0 Program.Winter 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 21 Cornell partners with CCAC and Verizon on dual-enrollment program CCAC is extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to partner with the Verizon Foundation to expand access and awareness to STEAM-related fields and careers via this unique dual enrollment initiative. Due to the COVID-19 challenges that have impacted the entire world, the Verizon Achievement Matriculation and Mentorship Program (VAMMP) at CCAC has garnered much interest and enthusiasm from the surrounding Pittsburgh communities. As a result, enrollment has exceeded the program’s original goals for attendance, so CCAC has decided to recruit a new cohort of students to start in the spring of 2021. During the fall semester, Cornell High School students were able to enroll in the VAMMP program, which first met in the late summer. The dual-enrollment program provides students with an opportunity to explore STEAM-related careers. It also gives them an opportunity to transition to the college experience. Students are provided with a number of support services during and after the semester, including 100% paid tuition, a cash stipend upon successful completion of the course, college and career mentoring from a CCAC staff member, CCAC college supports and activities through their student ID, and assistance with the financial aid application. This is a great first step for the CCAC/Cornell partnership, and Cornell is exploring an expansion of dual enrollment courses for students. Freshman and Sophomore Years: • Get involved in sports, clubs and activities • Maintain a record of academic and extracurricular achievements, volunteer work and jobs for future resume or applications Junior Year • Post-secondary planning - start thinking about what you want to do after you graduate • Discuss your plans with your parents • Meet with your counselor to discuss your plan • Begin the college and career exploration process • Visit colleges, virtually or in-person • Review college websites • If you took the PSAT test, results will be distributed in December • Register for the SAT and/or ACT beginning in the winter • Stay involved in clubs, sports and activities • Study! Grades count! Your cumulative GPA at the end of 11th grade will be used for most college applications. Senior Year • Register for the SAT and/or ACT if you haven’t already taken either and if your school of choice is still requiring it • Request letters of recommendation if needed for applications • Submit your applications and check for deadlines! • Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov • Be sure to check your email for important information from colleges • Meet with your counselor to discuss your plan after graduation College Representatives Visiting Cornell High School: Due to the pandemic, many college representatives are offering virtual visits this year instead of in-person visits. A list of dates and times of the visits are listed on the guidance website as well as on the morning announcements. Students can register in the guidance office or can email Mrs. Walter. ACT and SAT Testing: Due to COVID-19, many testing sites had to cancel their testing. Representatives from many colleges are now announcing changes to their admission requirements regarding standardized testing for current seniors. They are changing to test-optional. This means SAT/ACT testing is not required for admission. However, this doesn’t apply to every university, so students are encouraged to check the individual college website for their up- to-date information. If your child wants to test, go to the testing websites for information about testing and open testing sites. • SAT: www.collegeboard.org • ACT: www.act.org Some students may qualify for a fee waiver based on family income. Visit the guidance office to determine eligibility. Financial Aid - What is the FAFSA? FAFSA stands for Free Application Federal Student Aid. Federal student aid provides money for eligible college students and families. The FAFSA is now available and should be completed by any senior planning to attend college. The quickest way to apply is to create an account and follow the instructions at: www.fafsa.ed.gov. Scholarships: All scholarships are posted on the guidance website. The site is updated regularly so be sure to check it weekly. NCAA: If your child is an athlete and considering playing Division I or Division II sports, be sure to visit the NCAA Eligibility Center website www.eligibilitycenter.org. Students should register during their junior year. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify., High School Guidance Updates An important goal of the high school guidance office is post-secondary planning. Cornell counselors want students to graduate from Cornell with an informed decision and plan. Listed below are suggestions for what students can do to help prepare for their future after high school. Parents or guardians who have any questions or who want to schedule an appointment for their child can contact Gina Walter at gwalter@cornellsd.org or 412-264-5010, ext. 106. Contact Mrs. Gina Walter to make an appointment or if you have any questions: gwalter@cornellsd.org | 412-264-5010, ext. 106 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2020 The Challenge Program 2020-2021 Brewer Airport Toyota donates to Raider football program Cornell has added another Advanced Placement class to its high school curriculum. Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles (AP CSP) started in the 2019-2020 school year. Computer science proficiency is a highly sought after skill in today’s marketplace. Today, 58% of all new STEM-related jobs involve some form of computer science. Cornell High School has partnered with Technology Education and Literacy in Schools to help bring real-world experience and knowledge to students. TEALS is a Microsoft Philanthropies program that brings tech-industry volunteers into the classroom to support students of all demographics and backgrounds in computational thinking, problem solving, programming, and computer science concepts that are applicable to any field. Some volunteers come into the classroom and some join virtually every class period to help facilitate discussion and help students with questions. Volunteers at Cornell include Jeff Butler, a partner software engineering manager with Microsoft. Butler is in his second year with Cornell. Anjali Sheahan, a computational biologist at a flagship pioneering startup in Cambridge, Massachusetts, also volunteers, as does Madeleine Robson, a site reliability engineer at Harry’s. Butler holds an MBA with distinction from the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University. He earned a master of science and bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering from CMU. Sheahan was a fellow at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard and Stanford University. She is Australian and completed a BEng/MEng in bioinformatics and biomedical engineering (first class honors), followed by a Ph.D. Robson holds a master of science in civil engineering and a bachelor of science in math and architecture. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Susan and the AP CSP students at Cornell High School,” says Sheahan. “I have been impressed with how engaged they have been in class, especially given the challenges that the short classes and virtual environment has provided.” Cornell High School is proud to offer more access to advanced technology and coursework so that students are prepared to meet the future. AP CSP gives students the opportunity to earn college credit in high school and learn the skills necessary to meet the demands of future employers. TEALS volunteers give students insight into what those careers can be. Cornell School District has been working with The Challenge Program to collaborate with a local business in order to provide experience and education to students. The Challenge Program is a motivational high school program for all students in grades 10, 11 and 12. It helps encourage students to succeed in school and in their future careers. Cornell’s business partner, ARLANXEO, is located in Robinson Township. The company is a world leader in synthetic elastomers. Throughout this school year, ARLANXEO has visited Cornell’s classrooms, held an assembly and hosted students at its facilities. TCP encourages all students, regardless of their GPA, to move forward, progress toward a goal, and find something in their school life that they can improve upon, excel at or change. Part of TCP’s mission is to connect business and education in hopes of preparing students for what lies beyond the classroom. Partnering a business with a school allows for an exchange of information vital to this preparation. In addition to the experience students gain, ARLANXEO is committed to Cornell School District for three years and works with TCP to challenge students to reach high and achieve more in five categories linked to academic and career success. In its first partnership year, ARLANXEO awarded five seniors with $200 each. This year, five students in grades 10 through 12 will be awarded as well. Cornell teachers were asked to rank order and choose the top students in the following categories: attendance - a student with zero absences; STEM - the top student in science, technology, engineering and math classes; community service - students who exhibit outstanding contributions to society; academic improvement - a student who has shown the most improvement academically in the past year; and academic excellence - a student with the highest overall GPA. This year’s winners will be announced during a virtual assembly. Brewer Airport Toyota donated $2,150 to the Cornell Raider football program this fall. Brewer Airport Toyota is committed to supporting local athletics and has made similar donations to area high schools. Cornell would like to thank Cornell alumnus Sam Piccolo for suggesting that Brewer Airport Toyota donate to the Cornell Raider football program. Piccolo is a graduate of Cornell and has a son who is currently a senior at Cornell. He also has a daughter who graduated from Cornell. A special thank you also goes out to Brewer Airport Toyota President Scott Brewer for his generosity and thoughtfulness for the donation. Cornell Athletic Director Bill Sacco and Cornell Raider Football Head Coach Ed Dawson went to Brewer Airport Toyota to receive a check and give a Cornell football helmet to Brewer Airport Toyota as a small token of the district’s appreciation. The football helmet is on display in their showroom. Go Raiders! Cornell offering new AP course in computer science Brewer Airport Toyota President Scott Brewer and general sales manager Sam Piccolo (second from right) present Cornell athletic director Bill Sacco, football coach Ed Dawson and superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas with a check for the Raider football program.Winter 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 Since last school year’s in-person instruction ended abruptly, Cornell Elementary did not have the opportunity to celebrate students who achieved gold level status in the program or those who were top readers within their grade levels at an assembly. Instead, a slide presentation highlighting these readers was included in the morning announcements, which were sent out to all students at the beginning of June. Cornell would like to recognize the top readers of the 2019-2020 school year. The top reader for the entire elementary was Julia Joranger. Julia was in fifth grade last year and earned 727 points. Below are the top readers from the 2019-2020 school year per grade level, including their point totals: Last school year, the Cornell School District received a nice surprise from the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dick’s Sporting Goods. In late January, representatives from both organizations contacted Cornell Superintendent Dr. Aaron Thomas to notify him that Cornell School District was selected for a $20,000 grant aimed at improving the athletic experiences of children and youth. To add to this exciting news, a special pep assembly was scheduled where representatives from Dick’s Sporting Goods and special guests from the Pittsburgh Penguins were on hand to showcase the $20,000 check. Pittsburgh Penguin Zach Aston-Reese, Dom Simon, Jake Guentzel and the Pittsburgh Penguin mascot Iceberg were on hand to visit with elementary students. After the exciting announcement, the visiting Penguins and third- graders then played with the newly purchased equipment. Over the summer months, this money was put to good use when the elementary gymnasium received a facelift. The old basketball baskets were taken down and brand-new adjustable basketball hoops were installed. The gym also received a fresh coat of paint and new light! The swim team received new lane ropes, which were installed this fall and look fantastic! The remaining money will be spent on similar upgrades and youth programming. Dr. Aaron Thomas, superintendent, stated, “This really was perfect timing. We were looking at enhancing the elementary gym to make it usable for all of our basketball teams. They now have true 10-foot hoops they can shoot and practice on and it gives us more flexibility and options for our basketball teams. The swimming ropes were in bad shape, and this purchase really does add an aesthetic upgrade that hopefully gives our students a lift. Many thanks to Dick’s Sporting Goods and to the Pittsburgh Penguins for thinking about Cornell.” Dick’s Sporting Goods grant money in use Cornell Elementary Reading Counts Top Readers Reading Counts has been a part of Cornell Elementary for many years. During the summer of 2019, the program was extended to include a summer session. In the summer of 2020, over 20 students participated in the Summer Reading Program. These students read throughout the summer and took Reading Counts Quizzes online. The following readers were the top readers in their grades: 2020-2021 Grade Level 2 nd - Lorenzo Bush 3 rd - Christopher Rodriguez 4th - Caleb Cook 5th - Clara Joranger 6th - Alexa Perez Congratulations to all the students who participated in the program! Julia Joranger was the elementary school’s top overall reader last year. Cornell elementary students play with a hoop purchased with funds provided through Dick’s Sporting Goods and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Grade 1 1st – Kellen Griffith 294 2nd – Payton Gilmore 291 3rd – Lorenzo Bush 290 Grade 5 1st – Erik Litzinger 234 2nd – Sy’ion Petty 182 3rd – Payton Thomas 150 Grade 6 1st – Nathalia Cannelhas 24 2nd – McKenna Griffith 21 3rd – Aaliyah Turner 19 Grade 2 1st –Matthias Willard 616 2nd – Matthew Stutzman 360 3rd – Jack Joranger 352 Grade 3 1st – Douglas Morse 341 2nd – Mina Code 214 3rd – Connor Roland 207 Grade 4 1st – Clara Joranger 533 2nd – Josiah Frantti 480 3rd – Samantha Melius 195 LEFT AND RIGHT: Students again participated in the Reading Counts summer reading program. 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2020 For as long as anyone at Cornell can remember, elementary school students have been coming home four times a year with a paper report card to show off to their parents. Fast forward to the year 2020. Now, every student and parent will have access to PowerSchool for grades and report cards online. As of this year, Cornell Elementary will be going paperless and the report cards will now be viewed on devices for grades one through six. In the past, report cards were always printed and sent home with students in an envelope. However, parents will no longer be receiving this envelope with a stuffed report card. As technology changes the world, Cornell, too, will adapt and utilize these changes in a positive manner that offers greater efficiency. This district-wide initiative is an effort to stay current with technology, offer easy access, and go green! Halloween is a day that has been enjoyed by children for ages. Unfortunately this year, social distancing changed Halloween celebrations everywhere. Due to these guidelines and safety protocols, Cornell Elementary had to also change how its own annual fall Halloween Parade was held. Students could not wear Halloween costumes or makeup due to health and safety concerns. These required too many touch points by friends and teachers. So, instead, Cornell Elementary asked students to wear fall colors or a special Halloween t-shirt Oct. 29 for festivities. Each class was able to have a fun yet socially distanced event with their classmates while also wearing face masks. Teachers set aside time for their students to celebrate the festive trick- or-treat activities they had planned. Teachers led activities that involved puzzles, crafts and desk games. A small treat was given by each teacher and some classrooms even got to enjoy the streaming of a Halloween-themed cartoon. It was a bit of a disappointment that the annual parade was cancelled but it was extremely hard to social distance 300 students in a parade. Instead of focusing on what was lost, however, Cornell instead looked ahead to what was gained, learned or created. Each teacher submitted photos for the school’s virtual parade and those photos were highlighted on the school website. In this COVID world, adaptation is necessary. Sometimes these adaptations create something new that can still be enjoyed, cherished and even preferred. Cornell Elementary reports go paperless Halloween parade looked a bit different this year Elementary students couldn’t wear Halloween costumes this year, but the school still celebrated the holiday with some fun activities. Families are preparing for a new way of celebrating the holidays this year. For the most part, these observances will be smaller and shorter, but also more intimate, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These smaller family gatherings, which are recommended, may just be the ingredient for a recipe that brings us closer as we close out 2020. While the holidays bring some degree of stress and anxiety, hopefully this holiday season will bring us something different. We need that, after enduring a pandemic and contentious presidential election. Each of us can contribute as we plan our holiday shopping and recognize that the small business owners in our community are an extension of our own families. I, for one, will make sure that our shopping will be done in a manner favoring the small businesses here in the Airport Area. Small Business Saturday is a true American shopping holiday held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. American Express launched the campaign in 2010 to help small businesses gain exposure and inspire customers to shop within their own communities during the holiday season. In very large part, our Chamber members are small businesses and many small business owners are teetering on a very fine line due to the pandemic. Support them. Show our extended family that we care and that we will help them get through 2020 so that all of us can have a prosperous 2021. There are many small businesses in the Cornell community that could use our support right now. This edition of Allegheny West Magazine has many small businesses advertising in it as well. A number of these businesses have special holiday offerings. Please support them and you will have done your part to help during this holiday season. Be safe and may you and your families have a wonderful holiday season. What matters most this holiday season Chris Heck President/CEO, PAACC Winter 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 25Christmas Light-Up Celebration in Clinton, through 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 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 through Jan. 3 from 5 to 10 p.m. nightly, including on holidays. The display is drive-through only and the $10 entry fee is payable in cash at the gate. For more, follow the Christmas Light Up on Facebook at @ ChristmasLightUpCelebration or visit them online at www. christmaslightup.com. 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. 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 that 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 also 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 more information, call 877-436-1797 or visit oglebay.com/lights.. Your guide to day trip ideas, area light ups and other safe things to do this holiday season Holiday Happenings Events subject to change or cancellation. Please check websites listed and our app for the most up-to- date information. Coraopolis Cookie Walk & Christmas Celebration, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mark your calendars for the 8th annual Coraopolis United Methodist Church Cookie Walk. This family-friendly community event organized by the Coraopolis Community Development will offer a bunch of holiday festivities, including free holiday photos, strolling carolers, a business window decorating contest, a “stuff-a-truck” for food donations at the food pantry, and more. Free grab-n-go children’s activity kits will be provided and Santa himself will make an appearance. The event will be held at VFW Post 402 at 5th Avenue and Mulberry Street. CDC guidelines will be followed, including social distancing and face coverings. This event is being held in partnership with the Coraopolis United Methodist Church, Keith-Holmes VFW Post 402, and the Coraopolis Community Development Corporation. Additional activities to be announced. Follow Coraopolis United Methodist Church on Facebook for updates and information. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2020Visits with Santa at The Mall at Robinson, Nov.27-Dec. 24 There will be plenty of fun and magic with Santa at The Mall at Robinson from Nov. 27 through Dec. 24. Enjoy photos with your family in a custom- designed sleigh located in the rotunda lower level Macy’s Wing. Reservations are strongly recommended and masks are required for everyone 2 and up. To plan your visit, check out the holiday hours and review the steps being taken this year based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the local jurisdiction at shoprobinsonmall.com. 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. Visit www. steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com for a schedule of events. The Advent Market will be open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The market will be closed Christmas Day. Through Jan. 9, the nutcrackers will stand at attention throughout the park and town at a safe enough distance for photo opportunities. Use 157 N 4th Street in Steubenville, Ohio, 43952 for directions. Steubenville Nutcracker Village, through Jan. 9 The Steubenville Nutcracker Village consists of over 150 unique life-sized nutcrackers. North Park Holiday Laser Shows, Dec. 10-13, 17-20 Allegheny County Parks is taking the concept of a light-up to a whole new level with its holiday laser shows at North Park this December. The 45-minute shows are synchronized to holiday music and can be enjoyed right from the safety of your vehicle. Multiple shows are being offered each night. Tickets are $15 to $20 per vehicle and must be purchased in advance at alleghenycounty.us/specialevents. Presbyterian Church of Coraopolis Living Nativity, Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. Head over to the Presbyterian Church of Coraopolis at 1201 5th Avenue to view this traditional living nativity with live animals and experience the true meaning of Christmas. Whether you walk or drive by, this is a free event. All events subject to change or cancellation. Please check our app (download at awmagazine. com or scan the QR code) and the websites listed for the most up-to- date information. Winter 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 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. 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. A family wreath decorating session scheduled for Dec. 6 will likely 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 through 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. 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 8 p.m. through 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. 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. Venues for Christmas trees, holiday greens 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. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • Winter 2020Winter 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >