< PreviousMoon Area elementary students created these drawings for our holiday coloring contest. They are (starting at top left): Afsheen Yaseer Arafath, Emma Scalerico, Ivy Marshall, Scarlett Neal, Sophia DeCecco, Wafi Mowry, Rylan Kaufman, Lilian Forbis, Patrick He, Rylan Kaufman, Nora Prosenjak, Arlo Boggs, Eva Shirsikar, Lyra Story, Tessa Pawlaski, Adam Bailey, Afton Nimaltia, Hazel Leahy, Madelyn McMillen, Spruha Phadatare, Adelina Dzhalchinova, Nityashri Sivapoonkuntan, Hunter Leahy and Eloise Moore. Read more on page 4. 20 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 21Moon Area School District News America250PA brought its Keystone Classroom Initiative to J.H. Brooks Elementary School in October. The initiative is a storytelling and visitation program for kindergarten through fourth grade classrooms, children’s hospitals, and youth camps across the Commonwealth. Along with an age- appropriate historical reenactor, storyteller, local celebrity, and/or mascot, America250PA is visiting children across Pennsylvania to educate them about their shared Pennsylvania story, as well as to distribute an originally designed America250PA Coloring Book and other Pennsylvania treats in anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. “America250PA is so excited to continue the Keystone Classroom Initiative today in Allegheny County, to engage our next generation of Pennsylvanians at an age appropriate level,” said Cassandra Coleman, America250PA Executive Director. “This program will allow us to visit with over 50,000 Pennsylvania students all across this Commonwealth by July 4, 2026 when this historic anniversary rolls around.” Several volunteers and guest readers joined America250PA at J.H. Brooks Elementary School, including former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, state Rep. Valerie Gaydos, Venango County Commissioner Chip Abramovic, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the Pennsylvania State Police. Visitors engaged students in grades K through two with classroom readings and grades three through four with an assembly featuring a historic reenactor, in partnership with Historic Philadelphia. In addition, several mascots, including the Pirate Parrot, helped distribute America250PA swag bags to students. The bags included t-shirts, pencils, originally designed Pennsylvania coloring books and other treats from Pennsylvania product sponsors. They include the Pennsylvania DCNR, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pennsylvania Department of the Auditor General, The Hershey Company, Crayola, Utz Quality Foods, Inc., and Natural Food Group. “As the principal of Brooks Elementary, I am genuinely excited our students got to experience the Keystone Classroom Initiative,” said Dr. William McGahee, Principal of J.H. Brooks Elementary School. “This program brought a new dimension of educational enrichment to our school community. By celebrating the role of Pennsylvania in the foundation of America, I believe that the Keystone Classroom Initiative was a valuable addition to our students’ academic experience.” PA 250 Keystone Classroom Initiative Visits Brooks Elementary ABOVE: Former Gov. Tom Corbett (top) talks with students. State Rep. Valerie Gaydos and the Pirate Parrot (middle) take a photo with students who have received their America250PA swag bags. Among the items students received was this original coloring book (bottom). LEFT: Reenactor Richard Allen visited as well, in partnership with Historic Philadelphia. Visit www.moonaef.org or follow @_MAEF on Instagram. Over the Moon Mixer Sunday, Feb. 18, 2024 at Four Twelve Project This is a private tasting event for adults only. Tickets are limited. Moonlit 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run Friday, May 10, 2024 at Tiger Stadium This is a community event with live stage performances by the Moon Area music department, Spirit Spots by Moon Cheer, food trucks, fitness and more! MAEF annually awards scholarships to graduating seniors; funds STEAM programs and annual innovative classroom grants across the district; promotes outdoor classrooms; and enhances lifetime fitness and wellness programs. Want to get involved? Consider attending MAEF events, becoming a business sponsor, contributing through SparkGood with the Walmart RoundUp program, designating annual donations and volunteering at the Moonlit 5K. 22 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 Save the Date: Moon Area Education Foundation EventsFive students earn National Merit Scholarship recognition Five Moon Area High School students have earned distinction through the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Senior Charlie Depner has been named a semifinalist, while Krushna Bhanushali, Ezekiel Brown, Lilly George and Aarav Surapanen have all received commended status. The purpose of the National Merit Scholarship Program is to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage pursuit of academic excellence. To qualify as a semifinalist or earn commended status, students had to earn a top score on the 2022 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The top 50,000 highest test scorers were identified and, of those, approximately 16,000 were designated as semifinalists. The other 34,000 were named commended students. Though commended students will not continue on in the competition, they are being recognized and honored for their exceptional academic performance. “Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” commented a spokesperson for NMSC. “These students represent a valuable national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.” As a semifinalist, Charlie is among the top 1% of the several million U.S. high school seniors who took the test last year. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95% of semifinalists are expected to attain finalist standing. Approximately half of those finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. Charlie is a student section leader and member of the Business Club at Moon Area High School. He is also a member of the varsity basketball team. After graduation, Charlie plans to attend college, where he hopes to study either software engineering or computer science. Charlie Depner (left) has been named a semifinalist in the 69th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program while (at right) Ezekiel Brown, Lilly George, Aarav Surapanen and Krushna Bhanushali have all received commended status. Moon Area stands out at regional marching band championship The Moon Area High School Marching Band earned a pair of 11th place finishes, including a trip to the finals, at the 2023 Bands of America Northwest Ohio Regional Championship in October. At the competition, which was hosted by the University of Toledo in Ohio, Moon Area competed in the preliminary competition and earned 11th place overall with a score of 71.6, which secured it a Division I rating. The performance qualified the band to perform in the finals performance later that evening. There, the top 12 bands in the show competed and Moon Area placed 11th once again, earning another Division I rating in the process. The band’s competitive show this year was titled “From the Deep” and featured “La Mer,” “Beau Soir” and “The Engulfed Cathedral” by Claude Debussy, along with “Head Above Water” by Avril Lavigne. The band performed a different show during halftime of football games throughout the season that included selections voted on by band members, including “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars, “All of the Lights” by Kayne West and “Mr. Brightside” by the Killers. Bands of America Championships are the premier marching band events in the nation. Performances are entertaining, family-friendly events, featuring live music, choreography and competition. This year’s championship featured 22 high school marching bands representing areas of Ohio, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Kentucky in the preliminary competition. Bands were evaluated by a panel of nationally recognized music educators and marching band experts. The Northwest Ohio Regional was one of 28 Bands of America marching band championships held across the country throughout the fall. The Moon Area High School Marching Band performs at the 2023 Bands of America Northwest Ohio Regional Championship in October. Want more good news about Moon Area? Visit moonarea.net. November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 23 For the past 10 years, Paul Belstelring has been helping people across the area with all of their electrical needs. From installing residential recessed lighting to wiring commercial buildings, Belsterling has seen and done it all while working under other contractors. During that time, he enjoyed helping people and seeing the satisfaction his work brought them. Last year, Belstering decided to strike out on his own and start his own electrical contracting company, Belsterling Electric. The business picks right up where Belstering left off when he was working for other companies. He’s taking on both residential and commercial jobs, and can handle everything from changing light bulbs to installing electric panels. Belsterling says he prides himself on being honest. He says he’s seen other contractors using unscrupulous tactics, such as overcharging for items and services that aren’t even needed. “I wanted to bring some honesty and integrity back to the field,” he says. “I enjoy helping people update their homes and businesses and seeing how happy they are with their completed projects. I truly enjoy doing electrical work.” Belsterling comes from a family with a long tradition of service in the trades. His father, grandfather and cousin have all been members of the Pittsburgh Steamfitters Union. Belsterling followed in their footsteps and has worked in the trades his entire professional life. Right out of high school, he enrolled at Western Area Career and Technology Center to study HVAC before going on to work for a custom home builder. He then apprenticed to become an electrician and worked in a variety of settings. He has a large family of five brothers and a sister, all of whom have stayed close to home. Belsterling currently lives in Bulger with his fiancée along with their two dogs and cats. Currently, Belsterling is taking on commercial and residential jobs across the Allegheny County suburbs, Washington County and Beaver County. As a single-owner LLC, he can charge a fair rate because there’s no additional overhead costs to pass on to customers. He also provides free estimates. Just some of the services Belsterling offers include installing subpanels and main panels, or moving panels. He can also install circuit breakers, wire and move outlets, and troubleshoot a variety of electrical issues. He installs ceiling fans, track lighting and recessed lighting, which has become popular among homeowners looking to brighten their homes. He even installs residential electric car charging stations, along with large appliances and electric hot water tanks. Lately, many people have been turning to whole-house generators after severe weather left them without service in the middle of winter. Belsterling installs those, too, along with the requisite transfer switches. For anyone who has an older home, Belsterling can help them as well. He replaces old wiring that can pose a safety risk when used with modern appliances or electronics. Belsterling Electric is licensed and insured. Call him at (724) 809-5764. Visit Belsterling Electric online at belsterlingelectri. wixsite.com/belsterling-electric. Be sure to also check out his reviews on Yelp and find him on Facebook. New local electrical contractor taking on jobs in area CONTENT SUBMITTED Belsterling Electric can perform everything from fan and recessed lighting installs (above), to installing electric panels (below right) and moving meters (below left). % New in Town New in Town 24 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023Trending Trending Growing up, Rick Fish Jr. watched his dad, Rick Fish Sr., and mom, Sharen, build their small construction business, Specialty Window and Door, into the company that it is today. Founded in 1980, the business now has a half dozen administrative staff and a team of installers it works with to service the region. Over the years, the company has made a name for itself by consistently delivering quality work with quality materials. People in the region, including many in the western Allegheny County communities, have welcomed Rick Fish Sr. into their homes to discuss their needs. Those who have met the elder Fish may recall that he never used hard sales tactics or bad mouthed his competition. “I’ve never done business that way,” says Rick Fish Sr. “I use only quality products, including welded frame and sashes, and the most efficient insulated glass options. Our windows have insulated frames along with a limited lifetime warranty backed by our outstanding customer service.” Today, the company is still delivering. While others in the industry are struggling to find workers and bogged down by supply chain issues, Specialty Window and Door has never stopped. Leaning on their expertise, they’re getting most installs done in a day. From the initial time of order to install, it takes about eight weeks. The company is also still utilizing a no-pressure sales approach paired with excellent customer service, including free, in-home estimates. In 2019, they won an Angie’s List Super Service Award. Now, Rick Fish Jr. is taking a larger role in the company as he assists with those efforts. “I learned from the best,” says the junior Rick Fish, who has been around the company his entire life and worked for it for much of his adult life. “Things have changed over the years but the quality we deliver hasn’t. During our in-home visit, we take a consultative approach to find the best product for you and your home. All of our windows and doors are custom built to fit your home. And all of our products are fully customizable.” When considering whether a home needs new windows or doors, Rick Fish Jr. says efficiency is the biggest factor. “Are the current windows fully functioning?” he says. “Do they have a draft or air leaking? Is there any glass condensation or pockets in the glass? These are all things to look for. Older windows won’t only compromise the comfort of the home, they’ll also drive up energy bills. It’s one way that new windows help pay for themselves.” All of their windows are also customizable, with a wide variety of colors, though most homeowners will go with white, brown or black. As far as their doors, Rick Fish Jr. says they provide ProVia products. ProVia doors are high-quality, Amish-built doors. These doors come in fiberglass or heavy-duty steel, with 24 exterior color options. They are also energy efficient, with lower U values and filtration ratings. ProVia doors come with a lifetime factory warranty that includes glass breakage. “It’s a really nice high-quality door,” says Rick Fish Jr. “And for those looking for a traditional wood door look, all of our doors have woodgrain options that look real but offer much better efficiency with the fiberglass or steel materials.” Rick Fish Jr. says you likely need a new exterior door if you can see light coming in through the panel seams or if you can feel cold air around the outside. Older wooden doors will also eventually start to show signs of wear and tear such as rotting. Today, these exterior doors come pre-hung, meaning they are installed on a completely new frame. This ensures the best possible seal with the newest, most advanced materials. During install, the old frame is replaced entirely. And for those with transoms or sidelights, Specialty Window and Door can replace those, too, giving the entrance a completely fresh look. Before any of that, though, all of Specialty Window and Door’s installs start with a free in-home visit and estimate. There, Rick Fish Jr. or one of the company’s salespeople assess the homeowner’s needs and can even show them a mock-up right there on their iPad so they’ll see how their new door or windows will look. Specialty Window and Door services most of western Pennsylvania. For more, visit them online at SpecialtyWindowAndDoor.com or call them at (412) 462-7375. Family-owned window and door company still offering great service to area Specialty Window and Door handles installs of all sizes. The above and below photos show just some of their work. CONTENT SUBMITTED November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 25On the Horizon On the Horizon ; AreaHolidayHappenings All events subject to change. Please reference the contact information provided for the most up-to-date details. Christmas Light Up Celebration in Clinton, Nov. 18-Jan. 7, 5-10 p.m. daily (includes holidays), Clinton Park: 600 Clinton Park Drive in Imperial, vehicle travel only, $10/vehicle (cash only), scenic drive through Clinton Park’s woodlands section featuring hundreds of lighted decorations, all-volunteer effort benefits local charities, Facebook: @ChristmasLightUpCelebration. Dazzling Nights, select dates Nov. 24-Jan 1, 5:30-9 p.m., Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Rd., holiday light-up event with interactive exhibits, walk-through event, purchase tickets ahead of time at: www.dazzlingpittsburgh.com. Hozak Farms Cut-Your-Own Christmas Trees, Nov. 24-Dec. 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekends, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, take a tractor ride and cut your own tree, saws provided, tree shaking and baling, www.hozakfarms.com. Sweetwater Center for the Arts Holiday Market, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, sweetwaterartcenter.org. Robinson’s Christmas Light-Up Night, Dec. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Clever Park, magical evening with holiday lights, visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, fireworks, townshipofrobinson.com/special-events/. Coraopolis 52nd Annual Living Nativity, Dec. 1, 7-9 p.m., Presbyterian Church of Coraopolis, 1201 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis, free event, volunteers dress in character with live animals while carillon plays Christmas music, (412) 264- 0470. Moon Lights Holiday Festival, Dec. 2, 5-7:30 p.m., Moon Park, performances, food trucks, craft vendors, games, visit from Santa at 5:30 p.m., tree lighting, www.moonparks.org. Moon Holiday Lights Drive-Thru, Dec. 2-Jan. 7, Moon Park, enjoy over 20 light displays placed throughout the park, free, www.moonparks. org. Moon Township Garden Club Holiday Greens and Gift Shoppe, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Robin Hill Center, wreaths, garlands, swags, mailbox covers, centerpieces, birdseed wreaths, homemade cookies, handcrafted signs, unique greeting cards, pet items, gift baskets, garden decorations, live plants, benefits garden club philanthropies, coincides with West Hills Art League Cash and Carry Show (see next listing), moontownshipgardenclub. com. West Hills Art League $55 Cash and Carry Show, Dec. 2, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Robin Hill Carriage House, westhillsartleague.com. Crafton Celebration of Lights, Dec. 2, Crafton Park, kids’ crafts, holiday music, pictures with Santa, details TBA, www. craftonborough.com/parks-recreation. Light displays transform the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden during Dazzling Nights. Santa will be back for photos at the Moon Lights Holiday Festival. 26 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023; On the Horizon On the Horizon Christmas in Coraopolis, Dec. 2, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., VFW Post 402, 412 Mulberry Street in Coraopolis, cookie sale, children’s activities, letters to Santa, holiday family photos, visit from Santa, hosted by Coraopolis United Methodist Church, 12 cookies for $10 or 60 for $45, cash or check, preorder at www.coraopolisumc. org through Nov. 18. Janoski’s Christmas Festival Open House, Dec. 2 and 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., visit with Santa, hayrides, animals, cookie decorating, giveaways, home-grown poinsettias, giveaways, fees may apply, janoskis.com. Alina’s Light Christmas Lunch with Santa, Dec. 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Montour High School cafeteria, pictures with Santa, dancing, princesses and superheroes, Santa, gifts, catered pasta lunch, raffle baskets, benefits Alina’s Light, www.alinaslight.com. “The Nutcracker” Performances, two weekends: Dec. 9, 10, 16, 17, Saturdays, 7 p.m., Sundays, 2 p.m.,Carnegie Music Hall in Carnegie, $22/adults, $20/students and children, purchase tickets online or up to one hour prior to performance, www. carnegieperformingartscenter.com. St. Matrona Ladies’ Society Cookie Walk, Dec 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until sold out), Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church Hall in Carnegie, 220 Mansfield Blvd., Eastern European holiday cookies, homemade nut rolls, gluten-free cookies, most sold by pound, smladiessociety@gmail.com. West Hills Symphonic Band Holiday Concert: “Holiday Hearts Aglow,” Dec. 10, 3 p.m., Montour High School, traditional and creative treatments of familiar holiday favorites, pieces include: “Mary’s Little Boy Child,” Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven,” 1940s big-band style piece titled “Hark! Those Jingle Bells are Smokin’,” “Eighth Candle” in honor of Hanukkah, Christmas ‘Pops’ Singalong, “Sleigh Ride,” free concert, donations accepted, www.whsb.org. Christmas in Crafton House Tour, Dec. 10, 1-6 p.m., self-guided tour of Crafton’s beautifully decorated homes and 150-year-old Nativity Church, $25, purchase tickets at Crafton Public Library, Blue Snail Gift Shop, Crafton Administrative Office, www.craftonborough.com/parks-recreation. Moon Area Band Pancake Breakfast and Cookie Walk, Dec. 17, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Moon Area High School Cafeteria, $10 pre-sale/$12 at the door, ages 2 and under free, cookies $12 per container or two for $20, www.moonarea.net. November/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 27 Follow Allegheny West Magazine on Facebook, Instagram and X for event reminders and more.On the Horizon On the Horizon ; All events subject to change. Please reference the contact information provided for the most up-to-date details. 28 • Allegheny West Magazine • November/December 2023 Oglebay Festival of Lights Through Jan. 7 at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia Drive-Through Experience, through Jan. 7, open nightly dusk to midnight (including holidays), six-mile drive- through route featuring over 100 light displays, visit website for trolley tour info, donation of $30/vehicle suggested, oglebay.com/lights-drive. Christmas at Oglebay Good Zoo, Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., view holiday hours online, select animal habitats, Rockin’ Holiday Light Show on outdoor patio, indoor light holiday show, Santa photos 6-8 p.m. nightly, Wish For Snow experience, more, $13.95/adults, $9.95 ages 3-12, ages 2 and under free. Visit oglebay.com for more holiday attractions Nutcracker Village Downtown Steubenville, Ohio Nutcracker Display, Nov. 21-Jan. 6, town-wide display featuring 200 six-foot- tall nutcrackers, open 24 hours. Lantern Parade, Dec. 3, 7 p.m., starts at First Westminster Presbyterian Church (235 N. 4th St.), follow St. Nicholas while singing traditional carols and carrying lanterns to the Nativity Creche. German Gluhwein Garden, Nov. 26 - Dec. 30, enjoy a mug of hot mulled wine or cider, 156 N. 4th Street, Friday-Sunday until 8 p.m.,start times vary. Advent Markets, Nov. 24-Dec. 23,dates/ time vary, see schedules online, various markets with food/drink/gifts. Visit www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com for more Dickens Victorian Village Downtown Cambridge, Ohio Scenes of Victorian Life, through Dec. 31, Wheeling Avenue from 6th to 11th Streets, display featuring 180 lifelike Victorian figures in 96 scenes depicting life in 1850s England. Dickens Welcome Center and Curiosity Shoppe, through Dec. 30, Monday- Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.,, closed holidays, visit with volunteers in costume and shop for souvenirs, take pictures in Victorian costume. Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show, 801 Wheeling Ave., hour-long light show on courthouse featuring displays set to holiday music, runs continuously. Vist www.dickensvictorianvillage.com or call 740.421.4956 for more Out-of-Town AttractionsNovember/December 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 29Next >