< Previous The holiday season is an especially joyful time in Steubenville, Ohio, where nutcrackers, model trains, StoryWalks, and glorious lights have made visiting the city a holiday tradition for many families. Beginning Nov. 26 and extending through the beginning of the new year, the historic downtown is transformed into the Steubenville Nutcracker Village, with over 180 life-sized Nutcrackers that inhabit the sidewalks, parks and storefronts, 24/7. Each unique nutcracker, designed and produced by local artisans at Nelson’s of Steubenville, depicts a character from history, literature, music, popular culture or profession. Meet Rosie the Riveter, Jack Frost and all the Rat Pack personalities while taking memorable selfies to send home. Chief designer Therese Fedoryka says she is enthusiastic for this seventh year of the event. “Our latest addition to the collection, a dazzling Peacock Nutcracker, was designed by Sonya Godfrey for our first nutcracker competition and will be revealed at the start of the season! We’re looking forward to the continuation of many holiday traditions here, such as hayrides, the Children’s Corner and a Nutcracker StoryWalk organized by the Jefferson County Public Library, as well as some new additions to the festival that will be announced soon!” To add to the celebration, on four weekend evenings there will be a light and music show at the Jefferson County Courthouse on Market Street. Historic churches and buildings in town will light up for the season and offer special tours and concerts. Historic Fort Steuben - at 120 S. 3rd Street - also hosts Christmas at the Fort, with colorful walkways of light, music, nutcrackers and fairy tale figures surrounding a spectacular 32-foot Christmas tree in Fort Steuben Park. The Advent Market, open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 26 to Dec. 19, features decorated booths with vendors selling crafts, food and souvenirs with choral groups filling the air with song. The Holly Trolley carries passengers around the town to see the splendid churches and some of the 25 murals for which the city is famous. The reconstructed Fort Steuben is open for tours and the Christmas Shop in the Fort Steuben Visitor Center carries a variety of gifts, books and mementos. The Model Railroad Display, located just a few blocks from the center of town at 248 N. 4th Street, will be open on weekends presenting a massive, detailed exhibit of an industrial Ohio Valley landscape with detailed bridges, factories, creeks, buildings and mountains. O-gauge model trains go “clickety-clacking” through it all. For those who enjoy winter hikes, Beatty Park on Lincoln Avenue has trails through this historic nature preserve. A Christmas at the Park event on Dec. 4 will include a Nativity, community choir, holiday hikes/rides to the old holiday- decorated stone lodge, campfires, and a blacksmith who will be sharing pioneer and historical stories. Earlier that day, the annual Eastern Gateway Community College Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade will bring floats, marching bands, classic cars and dance troupes down Fourth Street. For more information on the Nutcracker Village, go to www.SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com. For Christmas in Steubenville, visit www.VisitSteubenville.com or call (740) 283-4935. Steubenville Nutcracker Village Downtown Steubenville|Nov. 26-Jan. 8 Oglebay Festival of Lights Oglebay Park|Through Jan. 9, nightly at dusk It would be hard to put together a list of light-ups without mentioning the Oglebay Winter Festival of Lights. This annual holiday tradition started in 1985 and is now known as one of the nation’s largest holiday light shows, attracting more than one million visitors each year. The display covers 300 acres over a six- mile drive and includes 90 lighted attractions. Admission is free, though a donation of $25 per vehicle is suggested. That also gets you a “pass” for the rest of the season. Oglebay offers a variety of overnight holiday packages to those who wish to make a full weekend of the Christmas activities. The display is located at Oglebay Park at 465 Lodge Drive in Wheeling, West Virginia. For more information, call (877) 436- 1797 or visit oglebay.com/lights. Day Trip Light-Ups Hop in the car and make a day of checking out these light-ups. Life-sized nutcrackers stand at attention throughout downtown Steubenville, Ohio during the holidays, starting Nov. 26. 40 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022 40 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse 315 Coleman Road, McDonald Located just outside of McDonald, Bedner’s is a go-to for many locals’ landscaping, plant and gardening needs. Last year, the garden center stayed open for the first time through the holiday season. This year, Bedner’s is doing the same and offering a variety of crafting workshops on wreath making, centerpiece design, swag crafting and more. Bedner’s has all of their classes listed on their calendar at shopbedners.com. Also check their website for regular business hours and events or call (724) 926-2541. Inches Nursery 1005 Stoops Ferry Road, Moon Township Holiday Party - Dec. 4 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Located at the corner of Flaugherty Run Road and Stoops Ferry Road in Moon Township, Inches Nursery is a longtime area staple. The business got its start in 1964 selling flowers and has grown over time into a full-service nursery and garden center. It’s still a close-knit, family-owned business, however, and one of its annual traditions is its holiday parties. Each year, the nursery welcomes in community members for festive activities, including refreshments and a visit with Santa. It’s a highlight of the year for the Inches family and garden center manager Sharon Pegher. While you’re there, check out their assortment of fresh-cut Christmas trees, handmade wreaths and bows, grave blankets, holiday decor, poinsettias and more. The party is free, but please consider donating an unopened child’s gift, as Inches will be holding a collection for the Crescent Township Police Department’s Santa Cop program to benefit local children in need. Visit www.inchesnursery.com or call (724) 457- 7236 for more information and regular business hours. Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale Robin Hill Center - 949 Thorn Run Road, Moon Township Dec. 4 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop by the Robin Hill Center at Robin Hill Park before the Moon Lights Holiday Festival (see page 38) and check out the Moon Township Garden Club’s Greens and Things Sale. This annual one-day sale features unique, handcrafted holiday decorations, including wreaths, garlands, centerpieces and other items crafted from artificial and fresh greenery. Items sold at the sale are created by garden club members and all of the holiday decorations are one- of-a-kind creations. A gift boutique sale also includes homemade cookies and other unique gifts. Proceeds benefit the club’s various philanthropic efforts. The club will be following COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and the Allegheny County Health Department. Visit the club’s Facebook page and website, moontownshipgardenclub.com, for more. This is a one-day event. Christmas trees, holiday greens, crafts and gifts Need a special gift for a loved one or some seasonal decorations to spruce up the home? How about a tree that you can cut yourself? Then check out these venues and special holiday events. Please visit the websites of the businesses listed for their regular hours outside of the events mentioned. Janoski’s Farm 1714 Route 30 in Clinton Christmas Open House - Dec. 4-5 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visit Janoski’s Farm in Clinton and peruse a large selection of holiday decor, gifts and activities. While you’re there, be sure to pick up a poinsettia and warm up at the hot chocolate bar in the garden center. Then head upstairs to check out their country gift shop, where everything is 10% off and they offer free gift wrapping. There will also be visits with Santa, kids’ crafts, craft vendors and more. Check out some specials in the farm market while you’re there. For more, including regular business hours, visit janoskis.com/upcoming or call (724) 899-3438. Swing by Inches’ Nursery for a visit with Santa during their holiday parties. Cut-your-own Christmas trees Prefer to cut down your own tree? Then check out these venues, where you can fell a fir yourself starting the day after Thanksgiving. Hozak Farms 488 Anderson Hozak Road, Clinton Saws are provided to visitors who can either take a hayride or walk with a tree cart any time between 10 a.m.-5 p.m. to fell the fir of their choosing. Hozak’s also offers pre-cut trees, fresh wreaths, white pine roping, and bundles of fresh boughs. While you’re there, check out the giant Christmas Barn, with its dozens of decorated trees, craft and gift items, candles, Santas, Steeler decorations, wine accessories and more. Visitors chilled from a trek to the tree field can warm up with hot cocoa and spiced cider. On weekends, guests can enjoy Hozak’s famous hot dogs and kielbasa. Hozak’s is open most days. Visit www.hozakfarms.com or call (724) 899-2400 for hours and more. Allison’s Christmas Trees 121 Allison Lane, Aliquippa Located in Raccoon Township, Beaver County, Allison’s Christmas Trees 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. Call (724) 495-2680 for more information. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 41 December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 4142 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022 Visits with Santa, cookie walks, concerts and more Moonlight and Cocoa Pittsburgh Botanic Garden Dec. 2, 3, 4 | 5:30-9 p.m. Stroll the gardens and woodlands of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden for a magical winter night. See the lights and colorful displays in the Garden of the Five Senses as you make your way to the Lotus Pond surrounded by 1,000 luminarias. Visit PittsburghBotanicGarden.org or call (412) 444-4464 to pre-purchase your timed tickets for this event. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. Children ages 13 and under are $5. Coraopolis Presbyterian Church Living Nativity 1201 Fifth Ave., Coraopolis Dec. 3 | 7-9 p.m. This year will mark the 51st for the Coraopolis Presbyterian Church’s Living Nativity, which will once again take place on the church’s front lawn along 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis. This particular Nativity even features live animals. Visit coraopolispresbyterian.com for more. Christmas in Coraopolis VFW Post 402 Dec. 4 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Head to Keith-Holmes VFW Post 402 in downtown Coraopolis for the Coraopolis United Methodist Church 9th Annual Cookie Sale on Dec. 4. Fill a to-go with 12 cookies for $10 or 60 cookies for $40 - payable with cash or check. Also be sure to take away a kid’s activity bag. Then head outside to check out the festively decorated shop windows and more fun on Mulberry Street, including caroling, visits with Santa and more. West Hills Symphonic Band Concert Montour High School Dec. 5 | 3 p.m. The West Hills Symphonic Band is comprised of community members, including a number of professional musicians, who perform because they love to play. The band returns to Montour this year for its holiday concert, which is titled “HOPE for the Holidays.” Enjoy some joyous sounds of the season at this holiday show, including beloved carols, holiday classics and secular favorites. It’ll help you rediscover your Christmas spirit. Attendees must wear masks. The concert is free with donations graciously accepted. Visit www.whsb.org for more. The Pittsburgh Botanic Garden lights up at night for Moonlight and Cocoa. Visits with Santa at The Mall at Robinson Select times through Dec. 24 Santa is returning to The Mall at Robinson this holiday season to meet with eager young children and hear what they’ve put on their Christmas wish lists. Santa will be meeting with children in the rotunda on the lower level. Times and dates are listed on the mall’s website, which is listed below, along with a link where visitors can reserve a spot ahead of time to meet with the big man. Due to high demand and Santa’s occasional reindeer breaks, walk-up visits may not be available. It is therefore highly recommended that visitors reserve their spot online ahead of time. Photos will also be available. Visit ww.shoprobinsonmall.com/event/ Santa-Magic/2145554716/ to view times and dates, and to make reservations. Santa is welcoming visitors at his sleigh at The Mall at Robinson this holiday season. December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 43 The West Hills Symphonic Band (left) will perform Dec. 5 at Montour High School. PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOLL Andrew Carnegie Performing Arts welcomes back audiences for its production of “The Nutcracker” (right). Christmas in Crescent 1370 Riverview Rd., Crescent Dec. 11 | 5 p.m. Crescent Township is kicking off a new tradition this year. On Dec. 11, the Crescent Township Parks and Recreation Board and the Crescent VFD will host its First Annual Christmas Night with Santa at the end of Riverview Road, not far from Shouse Park. Festivities start up at 5 p.m. in the township’s brand new gazebo, where jolly old St. Nick will arrive at 6:45 p.m. to greet children and help ring in the holiday season. The Moon Area High School Band will also be on hand to play some holiday favorites. Food and refreshments will be sold until 9 p.m. Luminary kits to be lit on Christmas Eve will be on sale as well (cash only). Have a question? Email: parksandrec@crescenttownship.org Andrew Carnegie Performing Arts Production of “The Nutcracker” Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall Dec. 11, 18 | 8 p.m. Dec. 12, 19 | 2 p.m. The Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall’s presentation of “The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition that started 46 years ago. The production features dancers from many community dance schools. Performers from age 5 to adult round out the cast of swirling snowflakes and candy flowers. Last year, the show went virtual but this year audiences are being welcomed back to view the performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Prices are $20 for adults and $18 for seniors and children. There will also be an option to view the performance afterwards via Vimeo for $30. Visit www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com for more. Dick Tady Orchestra Christmas Polka Dance Dec. 5, 2-6 p.m. Members Only Adult Christmas Party Dec. 18, 4-8 p.m., food, door prizes, DJ 85. New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., champagne toast, pork and kraut at midnight. More SNPJ Events: Bar Bingo first and third Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. early-bird games, 7 p.m. regular games. Breakdown Band Dec. 3, 8-11 p.m., open to the public. SNPJ Lodge 106 Holiday Happenings Stop by the SNPJ Lodge 106 in Imperial this holiday season for these upcoming events. The lodge is located at 255 West Allegheny Road. Visit www.snpjimperialpa.com for more.On the Horizon On the Horizon ; Marketplace Ads North Fayette Parks and Rec. Fitness Classes Programs take place at the North Fayette Community Center at Donaldson Park. Visit www.north-fayette.com or call (724) 307-3725 for more information or to register. Adult fitness classes are drop-in and $8 per class. Discounts for multiple classes with member punch card. Pickle Ball, Monday-Friday, 8-10 a.m. Yoga, Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. Body Weight Plus, Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Power Body Flo, Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Adult Bingo Night, Fridays: Jan. 24, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., see next page. Kids Creative Cooking, Wednesdays: Jan. 19, March 16, May 18, 4-5:15 p.m., grades K-5, see next page. Time for Toddlers, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays and Tuesdays: Dec. 6,7, 20, 21, Jan. 10, 11, 24, 25, Feb. 14, 15, 28, March 1, ages 4 and under with caregiver, $5/session, call or email amays@findlaytwp.org to register. YOGA for Beginners (and Beyond), Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $5/class, Master Julia Harvey, (724) 695-1976 or email Info@idtsd.net. Senior Yoga and Qi Gong, Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.- 12:15 p.m., Master Julia Harvey, (724) 695-1976, Info@idtsd.net. Tang Soo Do Karate School, Mondays and Wednesdays, ages 3+, call for times and availability, (724) 695-1976, Info@idtsd.net. Ageless Fitness, Wednesdays, Jan. 5-Feb. 2, 9:30-10:30 a.m., pilates and strength techniques set to music, no shoes required, all fitness levels, bring mat or towel, $40/5 weeks, $30/ 3 classes, walk-ins $11, Marianne King, www.mkfitness4life.com, (724) 695-2239. Findlay Seniors Monthly Meeting and Luncheon, Dec. 15, Jan. 19, Feb. 16, doors open 11 a.m., lunch served noon, $5, call for more information and to register. Friday Morning Bingo, Fridays: Jan. 28, Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, doors open 9 a.m., bingo starts 10 a.m., $10/packet, $5/additional packets, coverall jackpots $1, dabbers available to purchase. Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Jan. 27, Feb. 24, March 10, 24, April 28, create blankets for local hospitals, Sue Peindl, (724) 695-0500. Findlay Parks and Rec. All events take place at the Findlay Township Activity Center unless otherwise indicated. To register for a program or for more information, call Ashley or Laura 724-695-0500 x 240 or 241. Findlay Holiday Canvas Painting, Dec. 4, 11a.m.- 2 p.m., registration preferred, walk-ins welcome with limited availability. Findlay Holiday Cookie Decorating Class, Dec. 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., ages 10+, $10/person, try your hand at holiday cookie decorating. Findlay Kids Cookie and Craft Time, Dec 8, 6-8 p.m., holiday crafts, decorate cookies for Santa, grades K-8 with caregiver, registration required. Lunar New Year, Feb. 1, 4-5:30 p.m., cook traditional Asian cuisine, crafting, learn about the holiday, $5/participant. Pirate and Princess Party, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ages 8 and under, dress up as a pirate or princess for an enchanted afternoon, $5/child (guardian must stay with child), registration required. Chocolate Fest, Feb. 11, 6-8 p.m., evening of tasting and making chocolate creations, $10/participant, registration required. Pavilion Rental Walk-in Day, Feb. 5, 8-10 a.m., township office at 1271 Rt. 30, for Findlay Township residents, use police entrance, deposit and payment required. 44 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022December 2021/January 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 45BY ERMA DODD The first Christmas gift was laid in a manger - Merry Christmas 46 • Allegheny West Magazine • December 2021/January 2022 VPenned by ErmaPenned by Erma What’s your name, cow? Imagine owning 29 Black Angus cows. Then imagine, just imagine, knowing the names of every one of them. Ginny Strouss has named every cow and, yes, she can tell the differences in every one. One of her cows was given the name “Bella,” after Ginny’s 10-year-old great- great niece. In January of 1909, Ginny’s grandfather, Charles Strouss Sr., purchased land in Clinton. That was 112 years ago. He later purchased two more properties adjoining his farm and it grew to 240 acres on Strouss Road. In 1940, her grandfather purchased the farm’s barn from another farm located at Route 60 and Beaver Grade Road in Robinson Township, where the BP station sits now. The barn was taken down and then raised up on the Strouss Farm. It is now home to Ginny’s cows. Ginny choose to leave her desk job to do “farming.” She says, “My dad and uncle worked very hard carrying it on.” Ginny and her husband, Randy Jedrzejewski, along with daughter, Tiffany, and husband, Andrew, grow the hay and the feed needed for their cows. “I love my babies,” Ginny says. Their names are Bessie, Blue, Dixie, Lysa, Ray, Slim, Stella Rose - and the list goes on. Farm happy. A dove and a penny It’s on the news: drugs. Marijuana laced with fentanyl. It’s fatal. It becomes real when it hits close to home and takes the life of a friend’s 20-year-old son, Anthony, on Dec. 23, 2020. His close-knit family was devastated. They knew he did marijuana but did not expect this. Heather, his mother, has a strong faith. One morning in April, like so many mornings, she was sitting in Anthony’s room, praying, and asking for a sign. Finally, later that morning, the sign came. A dove flew under the canopied roof to a window on her front door. She could see him and hear him singing “hooo hooo.” He stayed awhile - a long while. Her prayer was answered. She felt peace. The dove was a mourning dove, a dove believed to bring a message of hope and encouragement from their loved one. Still, mourning takes time to heal. Heather is asked if she’s ok. “Not really,” she says. “It’s okay. It is. I did and I do.” To get through, she says, “I pray. I talk. I write.” She writes in a journal to Anthony, or about Anthony, or about what happened during her day. She also journals her dreams. In one dream she went into his room. He was under the covers. She could only see his feet. She said, “Anthony.” He answered, “Mom, I don’t want to come home. I like it here. It is what they say, peace, love, and laughs.” In another dream, Anthony says,” I can hear you and hear your thoughts.” Anthony’s piggy bank is another reminder. He has had it since he was a little boy. The bank has “Pennies from Heaven” written on it. Now when mom finds a penny, the penny is put into Anthony’s bank. His mom believes the pennies are “Pennies from Heaven.” Christmas joy Christmas was coming. Our Audrina Maria was 6 years old and visiting her great gramma. It was time to do the dinner dishes. The night was pitch black. There are no streetlights at gramma’s. So, when the kitchen lights were on, and when Audrina watched her reflection in the kitchen window, it was like looking into a mirror. She put on her apron and stood on her stool. The dishwater was extra sudsy. Audrina started to wash the dishes. Soon, she began to sing..... “Christmas Joy,” “Christmas Joy,” “Christmas Joy.” Wishing you Christmas Joy !!!!! Pictured is Heather’s mourning dove. Ginny Strouss’ daughter, Tiffany Burns, is pictured with their cow Blue. PHOTO SUBMITTEDHughey Publications, LLC P.O. Box 220 McDonald, PA 15057 Allegheny West MagazineNext >