< PreviousSummer Fun Guide Your guide to summer happenings in and around the area All events subject to change. Check the contact information listed for the latest details. Fairs and Festivals Coraopolis Second Saturdays Street Festivals, second Saturday of each month: July 8, Aug. 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Mill Street in downtown Coraopolis, live music, food vendors, activities, more, coraopolisfoundation.org/events. McDonald LIONS Club Rib Cookouts, McDonald Trail Station parking lot, June 24, July 29, Aug. 26, call a day or two ahead to order, pickup starting at 9:15 a.m., LIONS Brooms and Garbage Bag sale coincides, (724) 926-8823. Janoski’s 10th Wine Festival, July 8, 3-8 p.m., featuring Pennsylvania wineries, sampling, all-you-can-eat farm- fresh buffet, live entertainment, vendors, more, $55/person in advance, $65 at the gate, janoskis.com/wine-festival. McSummerfest, July 29-Aug. 5, 6-11 p.m. nightly, Heritage Park in McDonald, live music each night at 7:30 p.m., fair food, vendors, carnival rides, fireworks on July 29 and Aug. 4 (make- up Aug. 5), www.mcdonaldfire.com. Crafton-Ingram Rotary Rib Festival and Llama Plop, Aug. 3, 4-7 p.m., Crafton Borough Park, dinners include fixings, choice of either baby back ribs or barbeque chicken, raffles, auctions, door prizes, llama plop, food tickets available at door, visit @cirotary on Facebook for more and to purchase llama plop tickets. Archangel Gabriel School Festival, Aug. 3-5, 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, Archangel Gabriel Parish in Robinson Township, rides, games, casino, food trucks, home-cooked meals, live entertainment, bingo, white elephant sale, more, benefits Archangel Gabriel School, archangelgabrielpgh.org. North Fayette Community Days, Aug. 5, 2-10 p.m., Donaldson Park, food vendors, inflatables, pony rides, petting zoo, games, entertainment throughout the day, fireworks display, north-fayette.com/335/ Parks-Recreation. Oakdale Street Fair, Aug. 14-19, starts 6 p.m. nightly, live entertainment starts 7 p.m., downtown Oakdale, carnival games, live music, food vendors, parade on Aug. 18, Facebook: Oakdale Hose Company. Moon Township Rotary Corn Roast, Aug. 15, 5-8 p.m., Moon Park Rotary Pavilion, live music, polka, beer, cookout fare, benefits Moon Township Rotary, call (724) 695-1134 to purchase tickets or purchase at event. Kennedy Township Community Days, Aug.16-19, Fairhaven Park in Kennedy Township, rides, live entertainment, fireworks, details TBA. Findlay’s Fair in the Woodlands, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. start; Clinton Park, live bands, inflatables, vendors, kids’ activities, more, Aug. 19, parade on Route 30 at 10:30 a.m., fair starts after, www.findlaytwp.org/184/ Parks-Recreation. Robinson Township Autumn Festival, Sept. 16, 12-9 p.m., Burkett Park, rides, games, food vendors, live music by Dancing Queen, www. townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. Findlay’s Rhythm and Ribs BBQ, Sept. 17, 3-9 p.m., Clinton Park, live music and BBQ, featuring music by Alt Rocks and two other bands, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks- Recreation. Findlay’s Independence Day Celebration, July 3, gates open 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:45 p.m., Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake, 800 US-30 in Findlay Township, rain date: July 7, www. findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. Robinson Township Fourth of July Fireworks, July 4, Burkett Park, festivities begin at dusk, www.townshipofrobinson.com/special-events. Crafton Fireworks in the Park, July 4, starts 7:30, 9:30 p.m. fireworks, Crafton Borough Park, food trucks, mini golf, live music, www.craftonborough.com/parks-recreation. Independence Day Festivities Archangel Gabriel Festival Kennedy Township Community Days 30 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023 30 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023Summer Fun Guide Oakdale Concert Series, every Thursday through July 27, 7-9 p.m., Helicon Brewing in Oakdale, outdoor concerts featuring different bands each week, family friendly. Black Dog Wine Company Live Music, Saturdays and Sundays, 2-5 p.m., 7425 Steubenville Pike, blackdogwinecompany.com. Robin Hill Lunchtime Concerts, third Wednesdays through September, Robin Hill Park in Moon Township, 12-1 p.m., www.moonparks.org/events/calendar. asp#: July 19: The Spirit of New Orleans Dixieland Band (jazz) Aug. 16: Michael Christopher (country) Sept. 20: Doo Wop Doctors (swing) Moon Market and Music, second and fourth Wednesdays, June- September, 5-9 p.m., music 7-9 p.m. (6-8 p.m. in September), Moon Park, produce market, food trucks, craft beers and wine, kid-friendly activities, live music, www. moonparks.org/events/calendar.asp# June 28: Black Dog Hollow (party) July 12: Identity Crisis July 26: Blues Attack (blues) Aug. 9: Smells like the 90s (90s) Aug. 23: Change of Heart (Tom Petty) Sept. 13: Cello Fury (cello rock) Sept. 27: Shady Mugs (southern/classic) Summer Concert Series at South Park, 7-10 p.m., South Park Amphitheater, alleghenycounty.us/parks, visit website to also see a concert schedule for Hartwood Acres. June 23: Honky Tonk Jukebox ft Bindley Hardware Co. July 1: Pittsburgh Symphony July 7: Summer of Love July 14: Tyler Braden July 21: The Dazz Band July 28: Fastball Aug. 4: Richie Goods & Chien Chien Aug. 11: JD McPherson Aug. 18: Edwin McCain Aug. 25: Tamburitzans Sept. 1: Punchline Live Music All events and programs subject to change. Check the contact information listed for the latest details. Outdoor Movies Moon Park Movies Movies start at dusk at the Moon Park Amphitheater: www.moonparks.org. “Minions: The Rise of Gru,” July 21 “Lightyear,” Aug. 18 “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” Sept. 9 “The Mummy (1999),” Oct. 6 Allegheny Co. Parks Movies Movies start at dusk: alleghenycounty.us/special-events/summer-movies.aspx. “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” July 6, Boyce Park, Four Seasons Activity Center “DC League of Super Pets,” July 13, Round Hill Park, Visitors Center “Minions: The Rise of Gru, ” July 20, Settlers Cabin Park, Moccasin Shelter “Turning Red,” July 27, White Oak Park, Redwood Shelter “Strange World,” Aug. 3, Deer Lakes Park, Carp Field “The Bad Guys,” Aug. 10, Harrison Hills Park, Yakaon Shelter “Space Jam: A New Legacy,” Aug. 17, North Park, TBD. Robinson Township Summer Concert Series, Burkett Park, 6:30- 8:30 p.m., www.townshipofrobinson.com/ special-events. July 15: The Kuffs Aug. 12: Spirit of Dixie Band West Hills Symphonic Band Concerts, featuring band arrangements of classic tunes, whsb.org: July 13: Clever Park in Robinson Township, time TBD Aug. 3: Leopold Lake Park in Findlay Township (800 Route 30), time TBD Robinson Township Summer Concert Series, Burkett Park, 6:30- 8:30 p.m., www.townshipofrobinson.com/ special-events. July 15: The Kuffs Aug. 12: Spirit of Dixie Band West Hills Symphonic Band Concerts, featuring band arrangements of classic tunes, whsb.org: July 13: Clever Park in Robinson Township, time TBD Aug. 3: Leopold Lake Park in Findlay Township (800 Route 30), time TBD Bands return to the stage at the South Park Amphitheater this year. WACL Garage Sale, Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Western Allegheny Community Library, see page 37. Findlay Outdoor Flea Market, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Clinton Park, $5 to sell, FREE to attend, (724) 695-0500. Flea Markets See Fairs and Festivals on page 30 for more live music. 32 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023June/July 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 33Summer Fun Guide Gerry Dulac Golf Outing, July 10, Sewickley Heights Golf Club, 9 a.m. registration and breakfast, contests, 11 a.m. start, scramble format, 4:30 p.m. cocktail hour and cookout with live music, awards, auctions, prizes, benefits Parkway West Rotary charities, register online: parkwaywestrotary.square.site. PALS Golf Outing, Aug. 26, 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. shotgun start, Quicksilver Golf Club, light breakfast, lunch, award ceremony, contests, raffles, prizes, gift auction, benefits recreational opportunities for children with special needs, $140/ golfer, www.north-fayette.com/339/Parks-Recreation-Events. Golf Outings 34 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023 5Ks and Fun Runs Moon Glow 5K Run & Walk, June 30, begins 9 p.m., starts at Moon Township Public Library, glow sticks, neon face paint, music, after-party, $30, $35 race day, register at: runsignup. com. Color Run in Clinton Park, July 28, 7 p.m., enjoy a one-mile fun run through Clinton Park while getting blasted by cornstarch-based colored powders, amays@findlaytwp.org. North Fayette 5K and Family Fun Walk, Aug. 6, 7:30 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race start, begins at North Fayette Community Center, prizes, t-shirts, one-mile kids run and family fun walk coincide, $15 for 5K, $5 for kids’ run or family fun walk, register at: www.north-fayette.com/335/Parks-Recreation. Findlay 5K and 1-Mile Fun Walk, Aug. 18, 7 p.m. start, hilly course through Clinton Park, registration required, www.findlaytwp.org/184/Parks-Recreation. The Findlay 5K and Fun Walk marks the start of the township’s Fair in the Woodlands. Robinson Farmers Market, Mondays, 3-7 p.m., upper parking lot at Archangel Gabriel Catholic Parish, Facebook: Robinson Farmers Market at Holy Trinity. Moon Market and Music, second and fourth Wednesdays, June-September, 5-9 p.m., Moon Park, produce market, food trucks, craft beers and wine, kid-friendly activities, live music (see page 32 for schedule), www.moonparks.org/events/ calendar.asp# The Original Farmers’ Market, 5:30 p.m., Fridays only in May; Monday, Wednesday and Friday June-September; Monday and Friday October-November; Bridgeville area; take left on Route 50 off Bridgeville I-79 South Exit; 151 Parks Road, McDonald; www.theoriginalfarmersmarket.net. Farmers Markets Kids Findlay’s Ice Cream Social, July 14, 6-8 p.m., registration required, Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake, 800 US-30 in Findlay Township, www.findlaytwp.org/184/ Parks-Recreation. Outdoor Movie: Minions: “The Rise of Gru,” July 20, starts at dusk, Settlers Cabin Park, alleghenycounty.us/ special-events. 2023 Moon Wizarding Festival, Sept. 9, 2-7:30 p.m., Moon Park, www.moonparks.org. Allegheny County Parks Youth Programs and Camps, alleghenycounty.us/parkprograms, soccer shots, dek hockey, tennis, flag football, more, see page 33. North Fayette Kids Camps Email foxs@north-fayette.com or scan the QR code for more. Little Med School, July 10-14, ages 6-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Youth Volleyball Camp, July 17-20, ages 9-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 13-16, 2-5 p.m. North Fayette Summer Camps Email kreutzmann@northfayettepa.gov for more. Summer Camp Program (first-eighth grade), through Aug. 18, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., structured playtime, field trips, swimming days, more. Kits Camp (ages 4-5), through Aug. 11, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., structured playtime and activities. All events and programs subject to change. Check the contact information listed for the latest details and to register. Racing Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Saturday nights through Sept. 30, 170 Kelso Road, Imperial, half-mile dirt track, wingless sprints, hobby stocks, young guns, pro stocks, more, schedule and tickets available at ppms.com, see story on page 13. Car Cruises SNPJ Car Cruises, 12-4 p.m., SNPJ Lodge 106 in Imperial, bands start 1 p.m., food available from RG’s Smokeshack BBQ, www. snpjimperialpa.com, July 9: Ruff Creek, 50/50, Aug. 13: Cool Change, Sept. 17: Shades of Time. Steel Town Corvette Club 42nd Annual All- Chevy Show, July 30, Bridgeville VFD, 370 Commercial Dr., registration starts 9 a.m., judging, 50/50, dash plaques, Chinese auction, prizes, register by July 23, email: contact@ steeltowncorvetteclub.com. North Fayette Police Car Cruise, Aug. 6, 12-4 p.m., Donaldson Park, benefits North Fayette Police Department youth programs, dash plaques for first 100 cars registered, entertainment, 50/50, awards, www.north-fayette. com/335/Parks-Recreation. Moon Township VFD Car Cruise, Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Moon Park, DJs, raffles, benefits fire department, moontwpfire.com/car-cruise. Robinson Township Car Cruise, Oct. 7, 12-4 p.m., Robinson Town Centre, Oldies Music with DJ Dan, dash plaques for first 100 cars, vendors and cars register by emailing jtallon@ townshipofrobinson.com, cars send photo before Sept. 1 with “Car Cruise” in subject line, $5/car donation requested. Allegheny County Parks Car Cruises alleghenycounty.us/special-events/car-cruises.aspx Hartwood Acres Father’s Day Car Cruise, June 18, 2-7 p.m., Hartwood Acres at the Amphitheater, live music by The Jaggerz at 7:30 p.m., food vendors. Deer Lakes Labor Day Car Cruise, Sept. 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Deer Lakes Park at Carp Shelter, food vendors, appearance by Rescue Dogs. Settlers Cabin Summer Send-Off Cruise, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Wave Pool Parking Lot, food vendors. Car cruises return to SNPJ Lodge 106 this year. The North Fayette Police Car Cruise will be back at Donaldson Park this August. June/July 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 35P Parks and Rec North Fayette Parks and Rec. Visit www.north-fayette.com to register and view programs. Call (724) 307-3725 for more information. Direct questions regarding sports to: foxs@northfayettepa.gov. Super Kids T-Ball, Mondays, June 19-July 31, ages 3-5, 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Super Kids T-Ball, Tuesdays, June 20-Aug. 1, ages 3-5, 5:30 p.m. Super Kids Soccer, Thursdays, May 25-June 29, ages 3-5, 5:30 p.m. Girls Indoor Flag Football, Thursdays, May 25-June 29, ages 6-8, 6:30 p.m., ages 9-11, 7:30 p.m. Coach Pitch Baseball, Tuesdays, June 20-Aug. 1, ages 6-8, 5:30 p.m. Summer Tennis, begins in June, ages 8-12 and 13-17, times TBA. Play TGA Golf, Thursdays, July 13-Aug. 10, ages 5-12, 6-7:30 p.m. Youth Sports Little Med School Camp, July 10-14, ages 6-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Youth Volleyball Camp, July 17-20, ages 9-12, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., ages 13-16, 2-5 p.m. Youth Summer Camps, see page 34. Camps See the Summer Fun Guide starting on page 30 for upcoming North Fayette Township community events. Findlay Township Parks and Rec. Programs take place at the Findlay Township Activity Center in Imperial, unless otherwise indicated. Call (724) 695-0500 or visit www.findlaytwp. org/184/Parks-Recreation for more and to register. Imperial VFD Bingo Night, Mondays: July 31, Aug. 28, doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., no children please, $10/packet, additional packets $5, coverall jackpots $1, dabbers available for purchase, see page 35. Senior Yoga and Qi Gong, Mondays, 2 p.m., Thursdays, 11:30 a.m., free to seniors, (724) 695-1976, Info@idtsd.net. Tang Soo Do Karate School, ages youth through adult, Monday and Wednesday evenings, call for times and availability, (724) 695-1976. Chess Club, Tuesdays, June 27, July 11, 18, 25, 3-4:30 p.m., Findlay Activity Center, ages 10-15, play a friendly game of chess against new opponents, players must be proficient to join, bring chessboard if possible. Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., June 29, July 6 , 20, 27, create blankets for local hospitals, senior facilities, more. Glass Recycling, June 17-22, sunrise to sunset at the Findlay Township Public Works facility. Findlay Senior Citizens End of Year Picnic, June 21, 11 a.m., Pavilion at the Recreation and Sports Complex, lunch served at noon, $5, call for more information and to register, (724) 695-0500. Shred Event, June 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Findlay Township Municipal Building. Outdoor Flea Market, Aug. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Clinton Park, $5 to sell, FREE to attend. See the Summer Fun Guide starting on page 30 for upcoming Findlay Township community events. Events subject to change. Reference the contact information listed for the latest information. 36 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023Western Allegheny Community Library Programs Located at 181 Bateman Road, Oakdale, 15071. Call (724) 695-8150 or visit www.WesternAlleghenyLibrary.org. Ongoing Programs Baby Rhyme Time, Wednesdays, 9:30-10 a.m. Littles Storytime, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Story Stroll at Clinton Park, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Story Stroll at Clinton Park, Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Bookworms Book Club, first Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. We Be Book’n Book Club, second Wednesdays, 6-8 p.m. Book-to-Movie Club, fourth Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Summer Reading Returns! Through July 28 Join us in our summer-long celebration with a special “All Together Now” theme. Visit westernalleghenylibrary.org for all the awesome programs we have planned for all ages, plus information on joining the Summer Reading Challenge on Beanstack where you track your reading and summer activities to earn tickets for the chance to win great prizes. We look forward to spending our summer with you! License Plate Replacement Event Saturday, June 24, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Do you have damaged or illegible Pennsylvania license plates? Are they rusted or faded, or is the laminate coating peeling away, making the plates unreadable and therefore illegal? In partnership with North Fayette Police Department, we are offering a free license plate replacement event at the library. Officers will be on site to inspect and sign the proper forms on the spot, which can then be sent in to get your free replacement plates. No need to register; just drop by with your vehicle, driver’s license, and registration information. Dementia Friends Info Session Monday, July 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. You do not need to be an expert, have prior knowledge, or know someone living with dementia to become a Dementia Friend! Join us for a one-hour session led by a Dementia Friends Champion, where you will learn to: describe dementia; know the most common type; understand five key messages; learn ways to effectively communicate. All attendees will receive a workbook, resource packet, and Dementia Friends certificate. Garage Sale Saturday, Aug. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Get rid of some old treasures and find some new ones at our huge Garage Sale to benefit the library! Donated items for the sale may be dropped off during open library hours, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Aug. 8-10. Please Note: We are not accepting donations of clothes, TVs, or computers; no hazardous materials or weapons; small furniture is ok. See our website for details. Résumé Workshop Tuesday, Aug. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Are you new to the workforce and need help creating a résumé? Or are you back for a second career, and need to update your old one? This workshop will demonstrate the basics of using a template to create a résumé from scratch, as well as tips for editing and updating. Further assistance may be requested by appointment. Library Hours Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Want the latest library news? Sign up for our email list at westernalleghenylibrary.org. Scroll down to the sign-up box under “Library News.” Be sure to add westallegheny@westernalleghenylibrary.org to your safe senders. You’ll receive: announcements (like closings), information on new programs and special events, reading ideas, and more. June/July 2023 • www.awmagazine.com • 37 At Your Library At Your Library Back in the 1970s, Diane Stephens was “just a kid” growing up in Clinton. “No matter what time of the year, my mom loved to hang her laundry out on her clothesline to dry. Even in the freezing cold,” Diane recalls. “The bed sheets would freeze on the line.” And, “The clothes always smelled so fresh,” she says. Many times, her mom’s clothespin would fall out of her hand and into the grass. When mom would reach for it, she would find a four-leaf clover. Of course, she would pick the clover and save it. Mom would put each one between the pages of a book. It is heartwarming when Diane opens one of those books now. The four- leaf clover her mom Anna Grace had placed there slides off the page. Diane remembers looking, looking and looking for just one four-leaf clover. She cannot remember finding even one. She does remember picking three-leaf clovers and taking one leaf and trying to add it to the three-leaf clover to make a four-leaf one like her mom had found. But that just did not work. Memories “Ever since my students found out in February our little bundle of joy is arriving this September, I have been asked the gender at least 10 times a day,” says expectant mom Laura (Mink) Grabigel. “This turned into lots of predictions, heated debates, but mostly them begging to do a gender reveal.” A West Allegheny graduate, Laura teaches music and band at Brookville Area School District along with her husband, Kyle. She teaches general music to grades one through three and band to grades four through six. Kyle teaches band to grades seven through 12. Their 2-year-old daughter, Jovie, has a t-shirt that reads, “I’m going to be a Big Sister.” Finally, in May, Laura knew the gender. She told her awaiting students, about 170 of them in grades four through six, that if they wanted to know they should come to the cafeteria at the end of the day. Then they would do the “gender reveal.” “I didn’t think I’d have many show up,” Laura says. She knew many things were happening at that same time at the school. Laura, though, would be amazed. She beams, “Over 300 kids showed up. Kids I taught over the years came, too. Came complete with hand- painted signs like TEAM BOY and TEAM GIRL. Many dressed in blue and pink.” It was time. The kids were cheering and excited. Laura invited them to join in the count down. “Ready! 10...1.” She revealed the color. It was blue. The room erupted in cheers. She was having a boy. The kids were happy and happy tears filled Laura’s eyes. “Everyone cheered, high fived, and made it so special. Many of these students I have had in class for more than half of their lives. Throughout that time, watching them learn, grow and change, students really feel like family,” she says. “Now to see them care about my growing biological family is incredibly heartwarming and humbling. This moment will forever be one of my favorite moments as a teacher and a mom.” The baby is a “Oh, no!” expresses one’s first view. A part of the sanctuary ceiling at Montours Presbyterian Church has fallen onto the pews and floor. The good news is it did not fall during a Sunday morning worship service. Since then, Dr. Rev. James Evans has been leading Sunday worship services in the Lurline Saveikis Memorial Chapel, which sits next to the church. He will continue doing so until the ceiling is repaired. Montours will soon celebrate its 250th anniversary. The first church was built and established in 1778. The second was dedicated in 1832 and the present church building was dedicated in 1924, 99 years ago. The chapel was built on the plot where the first church was built. Architect Charles Kramer designed it in 1978. The window glass rooftop of the chapel forms a 32-foot cross that is a landmark seen by passengers and pilots from planes flying into and out of Pittsburgh International Airport. During Sunday services, morning light shines through the cathedral ceiling and the stained- glass windows. Blues, purples, pinks, greens and soft red hues illuminate the interior. The central point of the chapel is a majestic, 27-foot wooden cross surrounded by stained glass. Another stained-glass window features an ascending angel. Years ago, a couple of young “Christian Critters,” as members of the church’s youth group are known, saw “Jesus’ tears” in the blue, tear-shaped stained glass. Another saw “the blood of Jesus” in the soft red stained glass at the foot of the cross. In the stillness of the service, in the message, the music, the colors and the cross, there is a surrounding peace. Montours Presbyterian Church holds Sunday services at 11 a.m. The church is located at 3151 Montour Church Road, Oakdale. For more, visit www.montourschurch.org or call (412) 787-1050. Sanctuary Dr. Rev. James Evans delivers a sermon in the Lurline Saveikis Memorial Chapel. Penned by Erma is a regular column written by Erma Dodd. Laura (Mink) Grabigel is pictured with her husband, Kyle, and their daughter, Jovie. 38 • Allegheny West Magazine • June/July 2023 VPenned by ErmaPenned by Erma BY ERMA DODDNext >